Wildlife & Sea in Malaysia - 5 Days
Highlights
- Search for pygmy elephants and other wildlife on river cruises
- Take a night walk in the jungle to watch for nocturnal wildlife
- Lounge on the paper-white beaches of Lankayan Island
- Go diving for a close encounter with whale sharks
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive to the Kinabatangan Floodplains | Borneo Nature Lodge |
| Day 2 | Kinabatangan River Cruise & Kelenanap Oxbow Lake Hike | Borneo Nature Lodge |
| Day 3 | Boat to Lankayan Island, Relax | Lankayan Island |
| Day 4 | Explore Lankayan Island | Lankayan Island |
| Day 5 | Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive to the Kinabatangan Floodplains
Welcome to Malaysia! Start your first day with a scenic four-hour drive to the village of Sukau, where a boat awaits to transfer you to the remote Borneo Nature Lodge. Check in, get settled, and enjoy a traditional lunch before boarding a riverboat for a wildlife cruise. Return to the lodge just before sunset, enjoy a leisurely dinner, then - if you're still feeling adventurous—head out once more for a night walk or cruise in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 2: Kinabatangan River Cruise & Kelenanap Oxbow Lake Hike
Wake early to the calls of birds, insects, and animals, and join your group for an early morning cruise up the Kinabatangan River and onto Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. Disembark here for a short jungle walk. The area is home to 10 species of primates, so keep an eye (and ear) out for monkeys. You may also spot elephants, rhinos, and Malay sun bears if you're lucky. After your morning cruise, return to the lodge for breakfast and spend some time exploring the lodge itself and the surrounding area before boarding another cruise in the afternoon. A third cruise is available at night, or you can choose to take a nighttime jungle walk.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Boat to Lankayan Island, Relax
After breakfast, it's time to head to Borneo's famous beaches. Make your way to the Pulau Sipadan Resort Jetty and board a boat for tranquil Lankayan Island. Here, you'll have a picturesque private chalet, and the whole rest of the day is yours to explore the endless white-sand beaches, snorkel in the blue-green waters, or simply relax.
Day 4: Explore Lankayan Island
After breakfast at the resort, spend your day taking in everything the island has to offer—from sandy beaches to world-class diving. Stroll around the island (it only takes half an hour), stretch out on a beach chair, or book a dive with whale sharks for a different kind of wildlife encounter.
Day 5: Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, Depart
After an early breakfast, wave goodbye to the paper-white sands of Lankayan and make your way back to the Pulau Sipadan Resort Jetty and then to the airport. En route, stop at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center for a guided tour.
More Great Malaysia Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Malaysia? Check out these other Malaysia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
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