Wildlife, Railways and ANZAC Day in Borneo

Today is all about quiet contemplation, conservation, rehabilitation, and raising awareness of Borneo’s extraordinary wildlife. Following breakfast, we depart for a moving visit to the Sandakan War Memorial, built on the site of a former WWII POW camp. Visiting today allows us to experience this deeply significant site in a quiet and reflective setting, ahead of the coming ANZAC Day dawn service, before the crowds arrive.

From there, we continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. The Malayan sun bears, found only in Southeast Asia, are the world’s smallest bear species. While Borneo is a remaining stronghold for this species, it is seriously threatened and its future is reliant on centres like this one. Learn about the centre’s mission and observe these endearing animals in their semi-wild habitat.

We then enjoy lunch at Forest Edge Restaurant before going to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for a close encounter with the ‘wild man of Borneo.’ The centre’s primary mission is to rehabilitate and provide a safe haven for orphaned and injured orangutans, one of the world’s most endangered primates. As we walk through the rainforest enclosure, watch for the ‘wild man’ swinging through the trees! If you miss them on your walk, you’ll get to see these incredible animals up close at feeding time – and enjoy their antics with the rangers. A special treat is a visit to ‘The Nursery’, where you’ll see younger orangutans playing, marvelling at their ‘humanness’. 

Return to the hotel in the afternoon. The evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Sabah Hotel, Sandakan (B, L)  

Today we’ll explore Sandakan. Beginning at St Michael’s church, the oldest stone church in Sabah and the place where many POWs spent the night before marching to the 8-mile camp. We’ll enjoy lunch at the English Tea House, a former colonial residence perched high above the city in the midst of lush, tropical greenery and cool breezes. You can even play the lawn game of croquet with their resident peacock Harry looking on.

After lunch, we’ll visit the restored colonial home, now a museum, of the celebrated American writer Agnes Keith, the wife of a New Zealand-born British official who had been appointed Conservator of Forests and later promoted to Director of Agriculture and Wildlife. In the years between 1934 and 1952, Agnes Keith penned a trilogy “Land below the Wind”, “Three Came Home” and “White Man Returns “ as an account of the family’s moving experiences during her stay in Sandakan. On the way back to our hotel we’ll visit the Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Chinese temple, offering beautiful views of the city and Sandakan Bay, and experience how the locals live in the floating village of Sim Sim.  

There’ll be time to freshen up this afternoon, before having dinner together this evening.

Overnight: Sabah Hotel, Sandakan (B, L, D)

It’s an early start this morning to attend the Anzac Day dawn service at the Sandakan Memorial Park, once the site of the prisoner of war camp. The story of Sandakan is one of the most tragic of World War 2. In 1942-43, 2,345 allied prisoners of war, captured by the Japanese, were brought to Sandakan to build a military airstrip, and either suffered horrendously and perished at the camp or on one of the infamous death marches from Sandakan to Ranau in 1945. Every year, family members and friends of the POWs who were lost in this saddest of events, travel to Sandakan to reflect and remember. This event also remembers local residents who risked their lives to help the POWs during this tragic period. It’s a special opportunity for anyone in our group to be able to acknowledge a family member who perished at Sandakan to be involved by laying a floral tribute during the service. Afterwards, we’ll stay on for a Gunfire Breakfast hosted by the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs.  

From here, we’ll travel to the Sandakan Yacht Club to board our boat to the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Abai, Kinabatangan. The one-and-a-half-hour boat ride will take us across Sandakan Bay, passing historical Berhala Island and fishing villages – watch closely for any wildlife you might see along the way.  On arrival at our riverside resort, we’ll check in and enjoy a cup of coffee and local banana fritters while we’re briefed about the lodging and activities, after which we’ll have some time to relax, freshen up and explore. 

Situated along a tropical forest-lined stretch of the river, the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is a classic jungle lodge featuring rustic-style but comfortable raised bungalows spread out via a boardwalk in riverside gardens and natural vegetation. Later in the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a private sunset cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife who have come out to feed, such as macaques, orangutans, proboscis monkeys and, if you’re lucky, even Bornean pygmy elephants. If weather permits, we’ll watch the fireflies shimmering as the evening falls before journeying back to our resort for dinner. 

After dinner, the exploration continues for those who are interested. Fitted up with headlamps and torchlights, you can take a guided stroll along the boardwalk to look for interesting insects and other unique wildlife that might turn up after dark. 

Overnight: Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Abai (B, L, D)

Today is a classic safari day, offering multiple opportunities for wildlife spotting along the Kinabatangan River. Early risers can begin with a dawn cruise to the serene Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, where the calm waters provide a haven for a variety of birds and animals. After breakfast at the resort, the morning is yours to relax and enjoy the wildlife-rich grounds—or, for those seeking a deeper connection with local conservation efforts, an enriching optional excursion is available – travel by boat to the Kulamba Field Centre, where you’ll visit a conservation area managed by the native Orang Sungai people. Take part in a tree-planting project, explore the observation tower in search of wild orangutans, silver-leaf monkeys, and exotic birdlife, and enjoy light refreshments prepared by the local community. Depending on the tides and weather, you may also try traditional clamshell digging on nearby sandy beaches. Return by river to the resort in time for lunch.

Spend the early afternoon at leisure, where wildlife encounters continue right at your doorstep, look out for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, civet cats, and more.

Later in the afternoon, embark on another wildlife cruise as the riverbanks come alive with activity. As dusk falls, enjoy dinner at the resort before setting off on an evening river safari, offering the chance to spot elusive nocturnal species under the stars.

Overnight: Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Abai (B, L, D)  

We’ll say farewell to our resort after breakfast this morning and travel back to Sandakan the same way we came – by boat, before embarking on the scenic journey by private coach to the unspoiled wilderness of the World Heritage-Listed Kinabalu National Park, stopping at a popular local restaurant for lunch. 

Home to Mount Kinabalu, which at 4,095 metres is the highest mountain on the island of Borneo and the highest between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea, Kinabalu Park was established in 1964 as Malaysia’s first national park, and is Malaysia’s first World Heritage site. Designated by UNESCO in 2000 for its “outstanding universal values” and its role as one of the most important biological sites in the world, the park is home to more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna, including 326 bird and 100 mammal species. 

Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our cosy lodge, freshen up and re-group for dinner at a local restaurant.    

Overnight: Nepenthes Lodge, Kinabalu Park (B, L, D)

Today offers a chance to enjoy the fresh air and cooler climate of Kinabalu National Park, surrounded by lush forest and mountain scenery. After a relaxed morning to take in the peaceful surroundings, perhaps with a walk or quiet time at the lodge, with lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the park’s botanical gardens with a local guide who will introduce us to the extraordinary variety of plant life found here, including orchids, ferns, and medicinal plants unique to the region. For those who don’t wish to join the nature walk, you can simply relax in your lodge. 

Tonight, we regroup in the evening for dinner at the resort restaurant.

Overnight: Nepenthes Lodge, Kinabalu Park (B, L, D)

This morning, there will be another opportunity to go for a walk in the national park, or simply relax in your lodge. 

Later, you’ll visit the unique Kundasang War Memorial, dedicated to the British and Australian soldiers who died in the Sandakan POW camp and the death marches, and the suffering and sacrifice of the native population of Sabah. The memorial is uniquely divided into four interconnecting areas –  the Australian Garden, the English Rose Garden, the Borneo Garden (with wildflowers of Mount Kinabalu) representing the home countries of the victims, and the Contemplation Garden. 

We’ll enjoy some lunch here before continuing on to the bustling centre of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, and our final destination for today. After checking into our centrally located hotel, there’ll be time to relax and freshen up before gathering for a spectacular dinner together at the hotel’s restaurant.    

Overnight: Hyatt Centric Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu (B, L, D)  

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village to learn about the captivating traditions and customs of North East Borneo’s five main ethnic tribes. From the skilled farmers and traders of Dusun and Rungus to the resourceful hunters and fishermen of Lundayeh, the adventurous cowboys and sea gypsies of Bajau, and the legendary warrior tribe of Murut, each group contributes to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Sabah. You’ll get to explore the different types of housing, foods, social customs and warcraft, and enjoy a cultural performance to close out our visit. 

Back in Kota Kinabalu, you’ll visit the State Mosque with its gold motif domes and the waterfront area bursting with markets, restaurants, and fleets of fishing boats. 

Later in the afternoon there is the possibility of visiting the open exhibits at the Sabah State Museum, which currently showcases an Islamic Civilization Museum, a collection of rail-related rolling stock and artefacts from the North Borneo Chartered Company and a Heritage Village. Here you can Learn about the railway services in Sabah which were introduced by the British North Borneo Chartered Company. The construction of the railway track in Sabah, which was then known as North Borneo, started in 1896 and was spurred by the production of tobacco and rubber in the 1880s throughout the early 1890s.

This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. 

Overnight: Hyatt Centric Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu (B, L)  

This morning after check out, we’ll travel to the airport for the short late early-morning flight to Labuan. 

On arrival we’ll visit the Chimney Museum to learn about Labuan’s glorious period as Borneo’s largest coal producer, including the development of a railway transport system believed to be among the earliest in Malaysia. We’ll then spend time at Surrender Point where, on the 9th September 1945, World War 2 came to an end in Borneo, when the 37th Japanese Southern Army surrendered to the 9th Division Australian Imperial Forces. 

Later, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Commonwealth War Cemetery, the final resting place of the remains of 3,908 soldiers transported from across Borneo to rest together for eternity. Many of the personnel buried here, including Indian and Australian troops, were killed during the Japanese invasion of Borneo or the Borneo campaign of 1945. Others were prisoners of war in the region, including a number of those who perished on the infamous Sandakan Death Marches, and many hundreds of Allied POWs (mostly British and Australian) who died during their imprisonment by the Japanese at Batu Lintang camp near Kuching were also reburied here. All bear a plaque, some identified, but so many still listed as ‘Known only to God.’ 

We’ll check in to our hotel in the mid afternoon with free time to refresh and relax before enjoying dinner tonight. 

Overnight: Grand Dorsett Hotel, Labuan (B, L, D)  

Today is devoted to a memorable journey across land, river, and rail, following one of the lesser-travelled sections of the North Borneo Railway. This railway was built in the late 1890s and was originally constructed for the tobacco trade. We begin our morning with a ferry ride from Labuan to Menumbuk and then continue by coach to the town of Beaufort. From here, we’ll board our train and embark on our journey on the North Borneo Railway. Travelling along one of Sabah’s most scenic inland routes, the line winds through dense jungle, alongside the Padas River, and past remote villages that are rarely accessed by road.

On arrival in Tenom, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before rejoining our coach for the return journey to Kota Kinabalu, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Hyatt Centric Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu (B, L) 

This morning, it’s an early breakfast before checking out and heading to the airport for a morning flight to Kuching – the capital of the state of Sarawak and often referred to as the most pleasant city in Malaysian Borneo.

After disembarking in Kuching, we’ll be met by our private coach for an exploration of the city and its history.  Our first stop is Batu Lintang, the site of the former World War II Japanese internment camp. At its peak, this camp housed over 2,000 prisoners including Australians, British and local civilians, under unbelievably harsh and oppressive conditions. 

We’ll then continue with a short city tour of some of Kuching’s key landmarks, including the State Mosque, with its distinctive golden domes set against the skyline; the covered lanes of India Street, a bustling trading hub lined with fabric shops, spice stalls and local eateries; and the city’s quirky Cat Monument, a light-hearted homage to the derivation of the city’s name – Kuching means “cat” in Malay.

Next, we’ll drive the short distance to Fort Margherita, built in 1879 by Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, to guard the river approaches to Kuching. Within the fort, the Brooke Gallery charts the fascinating history of the Brooke dynasty, the so-called ‘White Rajahs’ who ruled Sarawak for over a century.  

After lunch at a nearby café, we’ll continue our exploration of Sarawak’s fascinating history with a visit to the Ranee Museum, located in the Old Courthouse complex.  Here, you’ll get up close with a more personal view of Sarawak’s royal past through the story of Margaret Brooke, the consort of Charles the second Rajah.

We’ll then go to our hotel and check in. After some free time to relax (or continue exploring on your own), we’ll regroup for a sunset cruise on the Sarawak River, taking in views of riverside villages, mosques, the Astana and the golden-domed parliament building as the city begins to glow in the evening light.

The rest of the evening is at leisure, with a wide range of restaurants nearby for those wishing to sample local specialities such as Sarawak Laksa and Kolok Mee.

Overnight: The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching (B, L)

This morning after breakfast, anyone interested in seeing more marvellous Orangutans will enjoy a drive to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, one of the best places in Borneo to observe semi-wild orangutans in their natural forest habitat. Established in 1975, the centre began as a rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned orangutans. Today, it is home to a colony of free-ranging individuals who have been successfully reintroduced into the reserve. During the scheduled feeding time, there is a good chance of seeing these remarkable primates up close as they emerge from the forest canopy.

After returning to the hotel, enjoy lunch at leisure before an afternoon visit to the Borneo Cultures Museum. Opened in 2022, this striking contemporary building is the largest museum in Malaysia and one of the finest in Southeast Asia. Spread across five floors, its exhibits highlight the diverse cultural and ethnic heritage of Sarawak, with interactive displays on traditional rituals, community life, and indigenous art and architecture.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Gather later this evening for dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample more of Sarawak specialities.

Overnight: The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching (B,D)

Today enjoy your morning at leisure before a visit to the Tun Jugah Foundation, an organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Iban people, particularly their renowned pua kumbu weaving tradition. Founded in 1985, the foundation houses a remarkable collection of handwoven textiles, looms, and oral histories, and plays a vital role in sustaining this intricate art form in the face of modernisation. During our visit, we’ll gain insight into the symbolic patterns and techniques that define Iban weaving, and the important role it continues to play in Sarawak’s cultural identity.

Following the visit, we’ll enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant. The afternoon is then yours, with time to relax or explore the city’s shops and galleries at your own pace.

Our celebratory farewell dinner tonight will be on the waterfront, where you’ll have a box seat for the fountain light show that plays out on the river, against the backdrop of the extraordinary parliament building.

Overnight: The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching (B, L, D)   

Our Borneo adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. You’ll be taken to the airport for your flight home or onward to more adventures. 

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