Malaysia (Sabah) · 10 days
Borneo: orangutans, jungle & Mount Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, Sepilok, the Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley in 10 days
Best time: March to October (Sabah’s generally drier season)
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Kota Kinabalu
Arrival, waterfront, night market and sunset. Keep the first day relaxed after your flight.
Day 2 · Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands
Boat trip from KK harbour for snorkeling and beaches. Check weather conditions and return times with the operator.
Day 3 · Kinabalu Park
Botanical trails at the foot of Mount Kinabalu and an overnight stay in the highlands. This does not include the summit climb.
Day 4 · Poring and Sandakan
Poring hot springs and canopy walkway, then drive to Sandakan. This is a long transfer day: leave early and confirm that the walkway is open.
Day 5 · Sepilok
Visit the orangutan rehabilitation centre and sun bear conservation centre. Keep your distance and never feed wildlife.
Day 6 · Kinabatangan River
Transfer to your lodge and take a sunset cruise: possible sightings include proboscis monkeys, hornbills and macaques. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Day 7 · Kinabatangan
Dawn river cruise and a guided night walk in the forest with your lodge.
Day 8 · Danum Valley
Transfer into primary rainforest and explore the canopy walkway according to your lodge’s programme. Allow much of the day for travel.
Day 9 · Danum Valley
Guided waterfall hike and wildlife watching, depending on conditions and accessible trails.
Day 10 · Return
Return via Lahad Datu or Sandakan and fly to Kota Kinabalu. Check available flight schedules and leave a buffer before your international departure.
Plan this trip
Budget
Budget separately for Kota Kinabalu nights, jungle lodges (often full board with activities) and domestic flights. Compare inclusions such as meals, cruises, guides, entrance fees and transfers.
Transport
Plan domestic flights between KK and Sandakan / Lahad Datu, plus lodge transfers, which are often booked with accommodation. Confirm pickup times and baggage allowances.
Mistakes to avoid
Book Kinabatangan and Danum lodges well ahead: places are limited. Climbing Kinabalu’s summit requires an advance permit and extra days outside this itinerary. Pack leech protection and a rain jacket.
Where to stay
- Shangri-La Tanjung AruKota Kinabalu, sea views
- Sepilok Nature ResortSepilok, beside the jungle
- Sukau Rainforest LodgeKinabatangan, riverside lodge
- Borneo Rainforest LodgeDanum Valley, primary rainforest
Before you go
Check official Malaysian entry requirements, health advice and your insurance’s hiking exclusions. Rain is possible year-round; confirm activities directly with the lodges.