Day 1 - Depart U.K and Welcome to Kota Kinabalu! This bustling waterfront city is surrounded by nature with off-shore coral islands, forest covered hills, scenic rivers and of course, Mt. Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia.
Day 2 - Free at own leisure to join optional tours (Mari Mari culture Village /Snorkelling/City tour), buy your supplies for the next few days or just relax.
Day 3 - Visit to Dinawan Island - Just 20 minutes from Kota Kinabalu is a tiny gem of an island with secluded beaches and clear waters to snorkel or explore on a kayak. You will learn more about the Marine Ecosystem on the island with a programme which will give you the insight into the importance of the coral to marine biodiversity.
Day 4 - Travel to KK Wetland Centre. Take part in handcrafting and wise use of mangrove activity. After lunch in a local restaurant you’ll head to Tuaran to join Tembara sunset kayak. Then it’s time to set up camp and enjoy some dinner.
Days 5-7 - Cultural Trek Kiulu. Hike to Talantang village. Visit to the stingless bee and learn the habit of stringless bee, how to harvest them and taste it. Hike to Ratau Village. Join a traditional cooking class and learn how to prepare rice wraps in the leaves (Linopot), prepare raw fish pickles (Hinava), slow cook freshwater fish in bamboo. After the cooking class, fish netting activities with the locals before we enjoy dinner with a traditional dance performance & Dalai making session.
Day 8 - Pekan Nabalu. Explore the small town. This town is famous for their souvenirs, local snacks and magnificent view of Mt.Kinabalu. Stay in the middle of a pineapple farm – Dallas Pekan Nabalu Farmstay. Learn how the communities make their animal trap, cook the ground peanut using sand and if time permit, orientation walk to visit the local school (after school hrs).
Day 9 - Poring Hot Springs. Your guide will take you on the canopy walk traversing the treetops in search of birdlife. Afterwards we then proceed to Sabah Tea Plantation and stay right on the tea plantation in a purpose built Rungus Longhouse.
Day 10 - We will be woken early for a sunrise walk through the tea plantation for a day of harvesting, withering, steaming and hand rolling tea leaves, with some being packed away for you to take home!
Days 11-15 - Transfer to KOPEL - a local ecological organization focused on providing environmental education and sustainable livelihoods for villagers without harming the forests. They are developing a wildlife and ecotourism centre owned by the villagers themselves. This is where the project work will take place, removing the Salvinia weed from the oxbow lake. Your help in removing this weed and keeping it at bay is very much appreciated by KOPEL and will be very helpful in preserving the biodiversity of the lake.
Day 16 - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. This is a wonderful centre taking care of rescued Sun Bears that have spent many years mistreated and locked away in cages. Next is Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre followed by the Rainforest Discovery Centre where we’ll take to the treetops on a canopy walk and guided trails.
Day 17 - Sandakan Yacht Club. Upon arrival, you can relax and enjoy the sun on the sun deck or take a leisurely walk along the beach. You will then have the chance to visit the turtle hatchery. If there are hatchlings available, you may have the opportunity to participate in releasing baby turtles after dinner.
Day 18 - Check out from the island and transfer to the mainland. Upon arrival, we will proceed for a short city tour. As Sabah’s pre-war capital, Sandakan is rich in historical landmarks and monuments that include the Sandakan Memorial Park, Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, St. Michael’s and All Angels church, and Agnes Keith Museum.
Day 19 - Free at own leisure today. Walk around the city or just enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
Day 20 - Departure back to the U.K.
