Sabah’s Jungles, Cities & Island Hideaway
Experience the highlights of Malaysian Borneo on a 13-day journey through vibrant cities, rainforests, and tropical beaches. The journey will kick off in Kuala Lumpur and you will discover the dichotomy where modern skyscrapers stand beside an assortment of colonial buildings and street hawker food stalls. Then you will fly to Sabah. Sabah offers the world-famous Kinabatangan River and the remote Tabin Wildlife Reserve, teeming with wildlife, such as the endangered orangutans, pygmy elephants, and tropical birds. After a few nights in the laid-back coastal environment of Kota Kinabalu and its colorful markets, you will have a relaxing few days on Gaya Island. After your wild adventure in Borneo, Gaya Island is welcoming as it is covered in jungle and coral reefs to enjoy a restful escape.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Kuala Lumpur’s culture, cuisine, and unique architecture.
- Cruise the Kinabatangan River in search of Borneo’s iconic wildlife.
- Explore Tabin Wildlife Reserve’s rainforest trails and mud volcanoes.
- Visit Kota Kinabalu, a coastal city known for sunsets and great food.
- Unwind on Gaya Island, surrounded by jungle and sea views.
What’s included
What’s not included
Itinerary ideas
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1
You’ll be greeted at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free to relax. The Petronas Towers are just a short walk away.
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Start your day with a visit to the Petronas Towers for great city views. Then enjoy a guided tour of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural and historic highlights.
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After an early flight, arrive in Sandakan and transfer to a peaceful rainforest lodge in Sepilok. Relax by the pool or take an optional night walk to spot wildlife.
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Transfer by boat to Abai Jungle Lodge. After lunch, go on a river cruise to spot monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, and birds. Later, see glowing fireflies and take a night walk.
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Start the day with a river safari and visit to Ox Bow Lake. In the afternoon, tour a nearby village and help plant trees. Enjoy your final wildlife cruise at sunset.
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Leave Abai and travel to Tabin Wildlife Resort. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the forest and visit a mud volcano known for its healing properties.
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Hike to a jungle waterfall and enjoy a swim. In the afternoon, explore more trails, relax with a rainforest foot soak, or join an evening wildlife walk.
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Travel back to Lahad Datu and fly to Kota Kinabalu. Then take a short boat ride to Gaya Island. Settle in and relax for the next five nights.
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Enjoy the beach or pool, or try activities like snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or guided nature walks.
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Visit the island’s Marine Centre to learn about sea turtle rescue and local conservation efforts.
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Join a cooking class, go hiking, or take a sunset cruise around the island.
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Relax at the resort or take a trip back to the city. On Sundays, don’t miss the local craft and food market.
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Say goodbye to Gaya Island and transfer back to Kota Kinabalu for your onward journey.
Accommodation options
Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos
Multi-Country Private Journeys, Vietnam, Vietnam & Cambodia Journeys, Vietnam & Laos Journeys, Vietnam & Thailand
18 DAYS
What our clients say about us
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Steve Taylor
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6 May 2026 ★★★★★This was our second journey with Vietnam Luxury Escapes, and once again everything was perfectly arranged. Wonderful guides, seamless travel, excellent service, and great flexibility made this an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.
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