Itinerary

  1. Day 1 Arrival – Kota Kinabalu

    Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport where you will be greeted and transferred to the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa and the exclusive Kinabalu Club for a private check-in. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. In the evening the group enjoys a welcome dinner.

    Dinner ... Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa – Kinabalu Club Room

  2. Day 2 Sea kayaking – Kota Kinabalu / Gaya Island

    This morning we begin our sea kayak exploration of Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Following an introduction to kayaking, we set out for Mamutik Island. We stop for refreshments on a sandy island beach, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling. We continue paddling to luxury island hideaway Bunga Raya Island Resort and Spa where we will spend the next two nights. Tonight we unwind around the bar and enjoy dinner at the resort's elegant restaurant, Koi.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ... Bunga Raya Island Resort and Spa – Superior Villa

  3. Day 3 Sea kayaking – Gaya Island

    Back in our kayaks, we continue to explore the islands of the Marine Park in search of another beach to land on and another coral garden to snorkel. We break for lunch overlooking stunning Police Beach and then depending on the group's energy levels either paddle or transfer by boat to Gayana Eco Resort where we will visit the resort's Marine Ecology Research Centre – home to seven of the eight giant clams of the world – to learn about the centre's research. Tonight we dine at Alu Alu, Gayana Eco Resort's over-water restaurant, and enjoy a sumptuous meal of some of the best seafood in Sabah.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ... Bunga Raya Island Resort and Spa – Superior Villa

  4. Day 4 Sea kayaking – Gaya Island / Kota Kinabalu

    After breakfast overlooking the South China Sea, we hike in the island's virgin rainforest and take in the breathtaking views of the waters we have paddled. Depending on the group's energy levels, we either paddle or take a boat transfer back to Kota Kinabalu. This evening you are free to enjoy dinner on your own.

    Breakfast ... Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa – Kinabalu Club Room

  5. Day 5 Climbing – Kota Kinabalu / Mount Kinabalu

    This morning we transfer to Kinabalu Park headquarters where we prepare to climb the highest peak in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu (4095m). After registering and collecting our permits for the climb, we take a short mini-bus ride to the official start – the Timpohon Gate (1866m). Today we hike for between 4 – 6 hours, observing the changes in vegetation as we ascend through one of the most biologically rich areas in Borneo. With regular breaks along the way, we arrive at Laban Rata mid-afternoon, rest our legs and enjoy a shower. Dinner tonight will be at Laban Rata's restaurant, with an opportunity to share stories of our day.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ... Laban Rata

  6. Day 6 Climbing – Mount Kinabalu / Kota Kinabalu

    Rising early (2am), we sip a hot drink before setting off for the final ascent to make the summit of Mount Kinabalu (4095m), Low's Peak, for sunrise. Standing on Low's Peak, we take in views that on clear days sweep across Borneo and into the Philippines. We pause mountainside to enjoy spectacular views in this grown-up's playground, before returning to Laban Rata for a hearty breakfast and a well-deserved rest. After breakfast, we continue our descent back to Kinabalu Park headquarters. Our private transfer is a welcome site and soon has us back in the luxurious surrounds of the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa and the exclusive Kinabalu Club. After enjoying a massage at the spa or relaxing around the pool, you are free tonight to enjoy dinner on your own.

    Breakfast ... Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa – Kinabalu Club Room

  7. Day 7 River safari – Kota Kinabalu / Kinabatangan River

    After breakfast, we transfer to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport and take an internal flight to Sandakan. Our first stop is the Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary. Set in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the sanctuary was established to return orphaned orang-utans back to the wild and today offers us the opportunity for a close encounter with these endangered apes. We transfer to Sandakan jetty and take a boat cruise in the Sulu Sea, and into the mangrove forests of the lower Kinabatangan River, where lunch will be enjoyed at the Abai Jungle Restaurant. After lunch, we continue by boat along the Kinabatangan River in search of primates, birds, and other wildlife. Arriving at Sukau, we check into the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. As dusk approaches, we explore by boat the Menanggul River, a tributary of the Kinabatangan, and experience more incredible wildlife. Tonight we enjoy dinner at the lodge's Orang Utan Corner Restaurant.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ... Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge – Rainforest Room

  8. Day 8 River safari – Kinabatangan River

    Waking up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills, we begin the day with a cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the Kelenanap ox-bow lake in search of more wildlife and experience the river's early morning ambience. We return to the lodge during the heat of the day to rest and relax, venturing back out in the afternoon for another river cruise to explore further up the Kinabatangan River and experience yet more of the area's incredible wildlife. Tonight provides an opportunity to share stories of our wildlife sightings as we dine on the banks of the river at the lodge's restaurant.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ... Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge – Rainforest Room

  9. Day 9 River safari – Kinabatangan River / Kota Kinabalu

    This morning we cruise by boat back to Sandakan. After a visit to experience the local markets and lunch in Sandakan we head back to the airport for our flight to Kota Kinabalu. We transfer to the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa for the last time, and in the evening celebrate with a farewell dinner.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ... Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa – Kinabalu Club Room

  10. Day 10 Departure – Kota Kinabalu

    After breakfast, the group transfers to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for flights home or international connections.

    Breakfast

Sea kayaking, Gaya Island

Bunga Raya Island Resort and Spa

Mount Kinabalu

Kinabatangan orang-utan

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  • What clients say

    "And what a trip it was! The organisation was faultless. And the experiences were breathtaking."
    Mark Levesley

  • What clients say

    "When the time came for us to head home we left feeling as if we had just experienced one of the best holidays we have had. Nothing was too big or small for Seven Skies. Nathan met our every need as well as those we hadn't even thought of. Outstanding."
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  • What clients say

    "...an exhilarating sea kayaking experience with pit-stops and accommodation of remarkable beauty and amenity."
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    Nancy Aronson

  • What clients say

    "The Seven Skies Borneo adventure lived up to and exceeded my expectations. It certainly delivered on adventure, was enjoyably varying with very high standards of accommodation, food and guiding."
    Ray Williams

  • What clients say

    "There's something rather special about sea kayaking your way up to a plush lodge..."
    Mark Levesley

  • In the press

    "Wedding's speciality is putting ordinary mortals into extraordinary places...who are ready, willing and able to take on some of the most remarkable experiences in the world of travel."
    The Sun Herald - October 2011

  • In the press

    "...being greeted by staff with refreshing ice cold towels and tropical welcome drinks, and then being whisked away by golf buggy up to the resort's restaurant for a gourmet seafood lunch. It's a good example of what the Seven Skies Borneo luxury adventure is all about..."
    Inspire - April 2011

  • In the press

    "Seven Skies fills a niche for people who want an exhilarating travel experience – mountain climbing, trekking, jungle safaris, that sort of thing – but who also want nice food and wine and 1000-thread count sheets to sleep on."
    Wish - February 2011

  • In the press

    "...restored manors, Raj-era bungalows and the luxe Amangalla in Galle. This is our kind of adventure tourism: five star all the way, a bit of a workout and incredible Sri Lankan cuisine."
    Harper's Bazaar - December 2010

  • In the press

    "Glamorous resorts tick many boxes, but your sense of adventure is rarely one of them. For those who like to explore the roads less travelled but are put off by the dearth of espressos and Egyptian cotton, there's Seven Skies."
    Gourmet Traveller - November 2010

  • In the press

    "It was the Asian pygmy elephant that made Nathan Wedding's last trip. That and the 10 different species of primates lurking in the jungle as he guided his well-heeled guests through the wilds of Sabah, in northern Borneo."
    Courier Mail - 27 August 2010

Details

  • 10 days in Borneo
  • 6 nights luxury resorts
  • 1 night mountain rest house
  • 2 nights riverside lodge

Activities

  • 3 days tropical sea kayaking
  • 2 days mountain climb
  • 3 days wildlife river safari
  • Snorkelling, swimming, and jungle walks

Dates

  • 2012

    Choose your own departure date or join a scheduled departure

  • Scheduled departures
  • 10-19 May 2012

Land cost - 2012

  • $6,995
  • $1,795 single supplement
  • Note: Price is in AUD, per person, twin share, and does not include international airfares. Peak season surcharges apply. This journey requires a minimum of 4 guests.

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Email

nathan@sevenskies.com.au

Telephone

T + 61 7 3160 5484
M + 61 488 433 300