
Wildlife, Railways and ANZAC Day in Borneo
• SANDAKAN • KINABATANGAN • KINABALU PARK •
• KOTA KINABALU • LABUAN • KUCHING •
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Departure
- Overview
- Highlights
- Map & Itinerary
- Trip Inclusions
- Transport & Accommodation
- Reviews
- FAQs

Meet your Tour Leader
Barbara Wass
Barbara has a solid background in travel, tourism and hospitality, having spent time in wholesale and retail travel, and as an events coordinator in a 5-star hotel, before living and working in Japan for 2 years as a conversational English…

Meet your Tour Leader
Duncan Wass
DUNCAN grew up in South Australia. He switched from studying Road Design to Theatre at the University of Queensland and in 1982 he met Scott, when they co-starred in a production of The Tempest for Queensland Theatre Company. Duncan went…
This very special adventure explores the extraordinary beauty, wildlife and tragic history of North Borneo. Highlights include a visit to Sepilok, the region’s premier Orangutan and Sun Bear rehabilitation and conservation centre; being special guests at the very moving ANZAC Day dawn service in Sandakan; a stay at the unique Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, complete with wildlife river safaris; the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinabalu National Park; riding the North Borneo Railway; and a visit to the beautifully kept Commonwealth War Cemetery at Labuan. All capped off with a side trip to Sarawak and the fascinating, historic city of Kuching.
Departure dates
Per person twin share: $7185
Single Supplement: $1345
Some highlights of your tour
- Be special guests at the official ANZAC Day Welcome Reception dinner with Malaysian and Australian political dignitaries and the ANZAC Day dawn service the next morning
- Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok
- Stay in the tranquil Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort and discover its unique flora and fauna
- Marvel at the spectacular Mount Kinabalu and explore the beautiful Kinabalu National Park, including a visit to the Kundasung war memorial gardens
- Enjoy a steam train journey from Kota Kinabalu to Papar and back
- Explore the historic main island of the Federal Territory of Labuan and visit the Commonwealth War Graves site
- Explore the historic city of Kuching, the capital of the state of Sarawak
- Enjoy the knowledge and insights of expert English-speaking guides throughout
Your Journey
Upon arrival in Sandakan, you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel to check in for the next three nights. Enjoy some free time to freshen up before regrouping for our Welcome Dinner.
Sandakan, located in North Borneo (now part of the Malaysian state of Sabah), is a vibrant and historic town with a rich cultural tapestry. Originally established by the British North Borneo Company in the late 19th century, it quickly grew into a vital trading hub, known for its timber and other natural resources. During World War II, Sandakan was the site of a brutal Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, and the tragic Sandakan Death Marches remain a somber chapter in its history. Today, Sandakan is renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity, serving as a gateway to numerous eco-tourism destinations, including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the nearby pristine rainforests.
It’s our usual pattern to meet at 6pm for drinks before going on to dinner, usually booked for 7pm, so we encourage you to ensure your flight arrives in time to be part of the fun and meet your fellow travellers.
Overnight: Sabah Hotel, Sandakan (D)
Today is all about conservation, rehabilitation and creating awareness. After breakfast, we take a short drive 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’.
We’ll then move on to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door. 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.
We’ll enjoy lunch at the nearby Forest Edge Restaurant, after which we’ll transfer to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where, while walking along a network of self-guided trails in the forest, you’ll be amazed at the biodiversity of this region. Make sure you don’t miss the 150m-long canopy walkway that takes you up 25 metres above ground level for a spectacular view of the lush rainforest of Sepilok.
Return to your hotel late in the afternoon for an evening 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.
In the early evening we’ll enjoy an ANZAC Day Welcome Reception dinner at our hotel hosted by the Sandakan Municipal Council and attended by Malaysian and Australian political dignitaries, local and foreign guests, plus our tour group. This is an opportunity for local MPS to welcome visitors to Sandakan, showcase local cultures and for everyone to meet before the Dawn Service.
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’ itinerary, with early morning, late afternoon, and evening wildlife spotting cruises and relaxing in between. Early risers can enjoy an early morning wildlife cruise to observe more of nature’s wonders as they come out to feed before returning to the lodge for breakfast.
Lunch will be at your resort, followed by some free time. Wildlife is abundant right up to the resort itself, and you may see Bornean specialities simply walking the resort walkways and trails – including several species of langur monkeys, Proboscis Monkey, civet cat, squirrel, otter, kingfishers, hornbills, eagles and even orangutans have been spotted!
In the late afternoon, set off for another river adventure, cruising in search of more wildlife along small tributaries. Return to the resort to enjoy dinner, before setting off again for a night cruise in search of nocturnal wildlife.
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 Seri Melati 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 the Balsam Restaurant.
Overnight: Nepenthes Lodge, Kinabalu Park (B, L, D)
This morning, with your expert nature guide, you will explore the stunning natural environment of the Kinabalu National Park – a lovely cool oasis where you can really get away from it all. During your nature walk through the Botanical Gardens, you’ll get to admire the rare flora of the area and learn about how this region has one of the richest collections of plant species in the world. For those who don’t wish to join the nature walk, you can 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 buffet dinner together at the hotel’s restaurant.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu (B, L, D)
This morning after breakfast, 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.
We’ll enjoy lunch at Mari Mari Cultural Village before returning to our hotel in the mid afternoon where the rest of your day is at leisure.
We’ll enjoy lunch at Mari Mari Cultural Village before returning to Kota Kinabalu.
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. You will also visit the interesting Sabah State Museum, which showcases much of the history and culture of the area, including a collection of rail-related rolling stock and artefacts. 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.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu (B, L)
This morning after breakfast, we’ll head down to the Tanjung Aru Railway Station in Kota Kinabalu to board the hybrid steam and diesel train for the journey to Papar and back. Along the way, you’ll enjoy captivating tales from expert guides as they bring to life the halcyon days of colonial rail travel as our heritage train glides through picturesque countryside. We’ll have stops along the way where you can chat to local station staff, take photos and explore the villages close to the station. On arrival in Papar, there’ll be time to wander the vibrant market where we’ll try some local specialities for lunch before walking the old streets of Papar before reboarding our train for the journey back to Kota Kinabalu.
Upon arrival back in Kota Kinabalu, travel to the airport for the short late afternoon flight to Labuan.
After landing in Labuan, we’ll settle into our accommodation for the night and enjoy dinner together.
Overnight: Grand Dorsett Hotel, Labuan (B, L, D)
This morning, after breakfast 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 return to our hotel in the mid afternoon with free time to refresh and relax before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Grand Dorsett Hotel, Labuan (B, L, D)
This morning, we enjoy an early breakfast before enjoying a morning flight from Labuan to Kuching, via Miri.
Kuching is the capital of the state of Sarawak and is arguably the most pleasant city in Malaysian Borneo.
Land in Kuching, and transfer to the city centre where you’ll enjoy lunch at the café in the Old Courthouse building. The Old Court House is one of Kuching’s heritage buildings and the Roots restaurant is located within a 150-year old British colonial complex. This complex has a superb collection of buildings with a roof made of Belian aka Ironwood, a colonial-baroque Clock Tower, a Pavilion Building, and a fort. All these come with beautiful detailing inside and out that reflects the arts and culture of Sarawak. Following this, we’ll walk Darul Hana Pedestrian Bridge to explore Fort Margherita, an unmistakable landmark along the Sarawak River, built by Raja Charles Brooke in 1879 to guard Kuching’s river approaches from pirates and rebels.
Later, visit the Borneo Cultures Museum, a modern five-storey building with a distinctive architectural design that reflects Sarawak’s unique traditional crafts and rich cultural heritage, the Chinese History Museum where you can learn about the enormous influence of the Chinese on the region.
Check in to our centrally located hotel before boarding our boat for a sunset cruise on the Sarawak River.
The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore and take advantage of the abundance of restaurants and shops in the vicinity of our hotel where you can try the local dishes like Sarawak Laksa and Kolok Mee.
Overnight: The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching (B, L)
After breakfast this morning, we’ll pay a visit to Batu Lintang, once a Japanese internment camp during WWII. The camp housed both Allied prisoners of war and civilian internees, up to 3,000 souls at its peak. From here we embark on a fully- guided tour of Old Kuching, to see traditional architecture, waterfront houses, curious shops, local vegetable, spice and fish markets, and lots of tributes to cats. Kuching means ‘cat’ in Malay, and the city has fully embraced this moniker, and its streets are full of giant cat statues, spray-painted cat street art and even a cat museum!
Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and tour the Chinese History Museum where you can learn about the enormous influence of the Chinese on the region.
Afterwards, you are free to explore Kuching at your leisure. For those that would like more wildlife, we’ll travel to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, another of the three orangutan rehabilitation centres in Malaysia (and less busy with tourists) where you can see semi-wild orangutans in natural forest. Your visit will coincide with the 3pm feeding sessions to view these majestic animals.
Our celebratory farewell dinner tonight will be on the waterfront, where you’ll have a box seat for the amazing musical 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.
What's included
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12 nights’ accommodation in the highest quality hotels available, mostly 4-5 star
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Breakfast daily, 11 lunches, and 9 dinners
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Drinks included with welcome and farewell dinners
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Privately chartered coach with luggage transport throughout the tour
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English-speaking guides throughout
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Airport transfers on arrival and departure
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All excursions and entrance fees to attractions, as listed in the itinerary
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Internal flights from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan, and Labuan to Kuching as listed in the itinerary, with up to 20 Kilo allowance
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Tipping and gratuities
What's not included
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Travel to and from Borneo
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Meals and services not mentioned in the itinerary
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All other personal expenses, such as drinks, phone calls, laundry services, and camera fees where applicable
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Excursions listed as optional and extra in the itinerary
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Travel Insurance (a condition of travel)
Some ways you’ll travel
The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel, guided walking where suitable, and other appropriate and appealing options to make exploration easy

Private boat
Kinabatangan River
Flight
Borneo
Private coach
BorneoSome places you’ll stay
Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

The Waterfront Hotel
Our track record
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
FAQs
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