Snapshot of Sabah

After breakfast, you will head over to the towers to take a closer look. Access the skybridge and viewpoint, which give you panoramic views over the city. Later, you will enjoy a privately guided tour of many of Kuala Lumpur's heritage sights before returning to your hotel.

An early start today as you have breakfast before transferring to the airport. You fly to Sandakan to begin your wildlife adventure in Borneo. On arrival, you will be met by a local guide and taken to your accommodation in Sepilok. After settling in, you will have time to try out the resort's inviting pool or relax on your beautiful balcony — your window to the rainforest. This evening, you will enjoy a simple dinner in the main restaurant, followed by the opportunity to spot a resident flying fox soaring from tree to tree. Later, as darkness falls, there is an optional guided night walk through the adjacent forest. The walk is fairly easygoing and gives the chance to see insects or, if lucky, nocturnal wildlife.

After breakfast, you will transfer to Sim Sim jetty, where you will meet your shared boat to Abai Jungle Lodge. En route, you will have your first chance to spot some of the river's abundant wildlife. Upon reaching the lodge, you will check in and enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon river cruise. Your local guide and spotter will search out the best locations to find animals such as orangutans, crocodiles, monkeys and birdlife. Watch the sunset over the Kinabatangan before viewing fireflies at their most active. Return to the lodge for dinner. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to join a guided night walk to the rear of the lodge.

Rise early to witness the river coming to life followed by a trip to the nearby Ox Bow Lake. Here you will see a different side to the area and have time to enjoy a morning cup of tea before heading back to the lodge for breakfast. Early this afternoon, you will cross over to Abai village, where you will enjoy a short tour followed by tree planting. Lunch is served back at the lodge before embarking on a final trip upriver toward the Menanggol tributary. Here, you are sure to see proboscis monkeys in close proximity, as well as a selection of birdlife.

After breakfast, you will leave Abai behind and travel to Sukau in time to meet your road transfer to Lahad Datu. After registering at the lodge headquarters in Lahad Datu, you will set off on the bumpy three-hour transfer to Tabin Wildlife Resort. On arrival, you will be welcomed by the staff and meet your resident nature guide, who will look after you for the duration of your stay. As an introduction to Tabin Reserve, your afternoon includes a guided trail through dipterocarp and mangrove foliage as you spot wildlife and visit a bizarre mud volcano — reputedly excellent for the skin and used by elephants in the area as a mud bath.

This morning, you have the opportunity to explore Tabin's rich collection of flora and fauna, including a hike to visit Lipad's Waterfall. You have the option to take a dip in the refreshing natural pool or keep an eye out for wildlife in the surrounding vegetation. In the afternoon, you could try out the 'Tabin rainforest foot soak' back at the resort or have another chance to venture along other nature trails accompanied by your guide. At dusk, you could go birdwatching in the reserve, and after dinner, head out on another nocturnal expedition on a different route.

Today, you will retrace your steps back to Lahad Datu in time for your afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, you will be met by a local guide and taken to Jesselton Point jetty to meet your onward boat transfer to Gaya Island. You will then have five nights of relaxation and exploration of the island's jungle scenery and marine life.

Today, you have the option to relax and enjoy your surroundings at the resort, whether it's poolside or along the beach. Or, for the active, Gaya Island Resort includes a full schedule of activities, from nature walks with the resident nature guide to water activities, from kayaking to snorkelling or diving options, with PADI lessons available for beginners.

Another day to enjoy your time on the island. We recommend visiting the resort's Marine Conservation Centre which focuses on educating and working on improving local conservation efforts from protecting and rehabilitating turtles to running workshops with local schools on environmental studies.

Spend your time exploring the activities at the resort, whether that's simply relaxing, trying your hand at a cooking class or enjoying a sunset cruise around the island.

Your final full day at the resort and why not include a visit back to Kota Kinabalu city where you can browse the shops for souvenirs. Or if your time falls on a Sunday, then we recommend visiting the Sunday Market where the locals present their handmade crafts and food stalls.

Today you will bid farewell to Gaya Island and Kota Kinabalu and continue with your onward arrangements. Your return flight will arrive the same day.