call our experts
800-728-2875
business hours
M-F: 8-5 PST
800-728-2875
business hours
M-F: 8-5 PST
asia / pacific: asia
z-Borneo - Secrets of Sabah
price
2012
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy
|
Ctgy |
Type |
Price ($US) |
|
B | Ocean Suite |
$7,335 |
|
A |
Ocean Suite |
$8,550 |
|
AA |
Ocean Suite |
$9,360 |
|
JS |
Junior Suite |
$10,170 |
|
DS |
Deluxe Suite |
$11,700 |
|
BS |
Balcony Suite | $13,230 |
|
PHS |
Penthouse Suite |
$14,760 |
duration
11 daystrip dates
Coming Soon!trip level
highlights
Kota KinabaluPulau Labuan
Klias Wetlands, Sabah
Mantanani Islands
Kudat
Lankayan Island
Sandakan
Mataking Kecil
Tawau, Malaysia
accomm types
Small Ship
Borneo is home to the world's oldest tropical rainforests which, until recently, covered the island. Among the planet's most biologically diverse ecosystems, prepare to feel as though you have just arrived on a zoological paradise, such is the diversity of Borneo’s floral, faunal, and cultural ecology. Relax, sit back and fathom these numbers..15000 plants (400 only recently discovered), 222 species of mammals, 420 resident birds, 100 amphibians, and 394 species of fish. Borneo falls within the “Coral Triangle’, and this implies even more, 500 species of reef building corals, a global epicenter of marine biodiversity, no wonder the WWF has put this region on the top of its list for marine conservation. These forests are home to orangutans, rhinos, hornbills, macaques, gibbons, tarsiers, and slow loris.
Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to Borneo and the place Orion II will embark.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: dinner
Day 2 - Pulau Labuan, Territory of Labuan
Pulau Labuan is a tiny island town off Sabah’s coast that was formerly known as Victoria Town. Today, it is a hub for duty-free goods and boasts some nice cultural touches and landmarks. Because of its proximity to Brunei, Labuan attracts many visitors as well as avid scuba divers for its rich marine life.
Today's activities will focus on the island's history during WWII. Begin with a visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery housing the graves of many Australian, Indian and other Commonwealth forces killed during the retaking of Labuan and other parts of the Borneo campaign. Wander the memorial peace park and "surrender point", the location where Japanese forces surrended to the Commonwealth forces at the end of the war. Followed by a visit the Labuan Chimney, situated on a rise at Tanjung Kubong this famous ‘Chimney’, is a high red brick stack believed to be possibly linked to the coal mining days of Labuan. The Chimney was made from more than 23,000 pieces of red bricks imported from England. The bricks layering and works are typical of British style. The ‘Chimney’ is still very much a mystery until today. Various hypothesis has been put forward to its purpose. Some say it is an unfinished mansion. While others say it was a light house beaconing passing ships.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3 - Klias Wetlands, Sabah
Located about 120 km from Kota Kinabalu on the Klias Peninsula are the Klias Wetlands - a Mangrove Forest Reserve rich with river wildlife and birds. Among the wildlife that can be spotted on a mangrove cruise on the Klias River are proboscis monkeys, long tail macaques, with some luck silver langurs and of course an amazing variety of birds. There will be no landings today but still an amazing opportunity to explore the wetlands and spot wildlife in their natural habitat from our fleet of Zodiacs. A variety of primates and birdlife should present themselves as we make our way through these wetlands.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 - Mantanani Islands, Sabah
The Mantanani Islands are a group of three isolated islands northwest of Kota Belud, 80km north of Kota Kinabalu. It was so isolated in fact that until recently, only a few locals knew the existence of the islands. Enjoy the picturesque islands for the day with ample opportunity for swimming and snorkeling. The famous Orion beach BBQ will take place today to round the day on the beach. All going to plan we may also receive a cultural performance from the local fishing village during the day..
If we are lucky we may catch sight of the dugongs (sea cows) that frequent the waters around the island. The sheltered bays around the Mantanani Islands seem to provide the ideal habitats for dugongs. Sea grass beds are found on shallow sandy areas within the encircling fringing reef of the islands. The island boasts miles and miles of incredibly white sand beaches and crystal clear blue water. A small human population has caused minimal pollution and there is very little boat traffic. The shallow coastline and fringing reef provides ideal snorkelling conditions.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 - Kudat, Sabah (for Rungus Longhouse)
Kudat sits on the northern tip of Borneo having been founded in 1881 by the British North Borneo Company, and today has a population of just under 70,000 people. Many of these people belong to the Rungus people. As with most indigenous ethnic groups in Borneo, their culture revolves around rice; however, coconut and banana groves provide cash income. Women weave cloth on backstrap looms, and make containers from vine or beadwork. Many Rungus now work in town, and have abandoned the communal life of the longhouse for modern Malaysian society. Traditionally animist, with female shamans, most Rungus are now Christian.
Today we will visit a Rungus Longhouse inland from Kudat. Considered one of the most traditional ethnic groups in Sabah, many Rungus still live in longhouses, with each family having its own separate quarters off a common hall. At the edge of the communal hall, a well-ventilated platform of split bamboo with outward sloping walls provides a place for socializing and communal work. The Rungus longhouse is quite different from others in the region that are often perched on high stilts.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 - Lankayan Island, Sabah
Lankayan and nearby Billian Island are small tropical coral islands in the Sulu Sea, northwest of the mainland of Borneo. These jewels in the ocean will provide us with great opportunities to explore the underwater world. Our day will be spent on the beach with swimming and snorkeling available at all times. If interested, our expedition team will run guided snorkel expeditions through out the day.
The fauna that inhabit the waters of the island include scads, yellow tail barracudas, and jacks. Other fauna include blacktip sharks, giant clams, claw anemone fishes, decorator and spider crabs, coral shrimps, nudibranchs, prawn gobies, seahorses, ghost pipefish, flying gurnards, parrotfishes, rays and guitarfish. The indigenous plants include casuarina trees and pandan screwpine. Green and hawksbill sea turtles make this island a key nesting spot in the Salu Sea.
Optional Expedition
An option is available here for certified SCUBA divers to undertake a dive with a local dive operator. Exact location on the day depends on local conditions and number and capability of participants. Price: To be announced
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7 - Sandakan, Sabah (for WWII History & Sepilok)
Sandakan is the second-largest city in Sabah, on the north-eastern coast of Borneo and was the former capital of British North Borneo. Sandakan provides us with the opportunity to visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. Established in 1964 for rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations, and illegal hunting it is located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. The orphaned orangutans are trained in the essential skills required for them to survive in the wild. The area is also infamous as the site of a World War II Japanese airfield, built by the forced labor of 6,000 Javanese civilians and Allied prisoners of war. We will make a visit to the Sandakan Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony. This memorial commemorates all those who lost their lives in the camps and the infamous Sandakan death march. A shuttle bus will be available today for those who wish to explore the city on their own time.
Optional Expeditions:
SANDAKAN CITY TOUR (Half Day)- You can undertake a guided city tour today as an option that will take in all the highlights of the city. The tour includes a visit to St Michaels Church where the stained glass windows were donated by Australian ex-servicemen. This tour will also visit China Town and a Buddhist Temple. Finally this tour will also visit Agnes Keith House, with its sprawling green lawns and colonial-style wooden walls, the residence has been restored by the Sabah Museum, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Museums and Antiquities.
Or
LABUK BAY PROBOSCIS MONKEY SANCTUARY (Half Day) - In the center of the mangrove forests of Semawang is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see Borneo's indigenous proboscis monkeys. This privately-owned sanctuary located within an oil palm estate gives you the chance to observe these animals up close and personal.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Days 8-9 - Sandakan, Sabah (for Kinabatangan River)
Beginning in the Crocker Range of South West Sabah, the Kinabatangan River meanders 560km to the Sulu Sea in the east and sustains one of the world's richest ecosystems. It is Sabah’s longest river and has been described as Malaysia’s gift to the planet. It is one of the most exciting and easily accessible places to explore the condensed biodiversity of Sabah. From Kampung Abai near the river mouth to the major village of Sukau, the lower Kinabatangan offers an opportunity to see a large range of wildlife. Sightings of proboscis monkeys are common among the mangroves in the late afternoon, long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques are everywhere, and wild orangutans are also often seen, particularly nesting in the trees downstream. There’s a chance of other mammals including deer, giant squirrels and the rare Bornean pygmy elephants. In fact the Kinabatangan River’s surrounding forest is one of only two known places in the world where 10 species of primates are found. All eight species of hornbill found in Borneo also make the area their home.
To fully appreciate the biodiversity of the region we will spend two full days exploring the Kinabatabgan River. Overnight in the village of Sukau in a comfortable rainforest lodge. Our activities will include morning, afternoon and night-time expeditions through the tributaries and oxbow lakes along the river. We will also each have the opportunity to plant a tree as part of Orion's sponsorship of the reforestation project in the area.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 10 - Mataking Kecil
Mataking is in fact two islands connected by a sandbar. Mataking Besar (Big Mataking) has a small resort and a police station, Mataking Kecil (Small Mataking) also known as "offspring island" on the other end of the sand bar is a much smaller than its larger counterpart and has no buildings on it. Here on Mataking we will be in the heart of the coral triangle with some amazing diversity in coral species. Powdery sand, crystal clear turquoise water, enchanting reefs and magical undersea paradise all combine for the makings of a great day.
Spend the day relaxing, swimming and snorkeling in the waters off Mataking. Take a stroll down the sand bar to visit the larger island and its resort. The marine life is abundant and the snorkeling is some of the best anywhere in the world. Snorkel expeditions further off shore will be conducted by the expedition team today for the more advanced and adventurous snorkellers.
Optional Expeditions:
MALAY COOKING CLASS (Half Day)- The nearby resort will be offering a cooking class today for those who wish to learn more about the Malay style of cooking.
MATAKING SCUBA DIVE - For certified SCUBA divers the opportunity exists to purchase a dive through the local dive resort.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 11 - Tawau, Malaysia
Tawau is the third largest town of the state of Sabah. It is a relatively new town in Malaysia, boomed in early 1980s for its lumber and cocoa farming industry. Today Tawau is a bustling town where it is a transit point to the rest of the world and your farewell from this expedition.
Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast
Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.
Single Travelers: Single and triple are available upon request where applicable. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, our Roommate Share Program guarantees double occupancy rates in Majestic, Premium and Classic category cabins.
Land Cost Includes: All taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected. Transportation and shore excursions as indicated on the itinerary and all meals aboard the ship or where indicated.
Not Included: Airfare from your home city or return; passport or visa fees; excess baggage charges; air departure taxes; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind. Fuel surcharges may apply.
Arrival/Departure: The Borneo - Secrets of Sabah cruise begins in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and ends in Tawau. Embarkation time is between 3:00 – 4:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am. Please schedule flights based on these time frames.
Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.
Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.
Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilizing our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved on board and charged to your on board account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.
Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer on board to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring on board sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.
General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions:. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.
