City, Jungle and Mountain

Malaysia Adventure

DAY 1 Flight to Kuala Lumpur

Hop on a direct overnight flight from the UK to the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. With a relaxing journey time of 12 to 13 hours, you'll have time to catch up on any movies you may have missed lately or indulge in that gripping novel you've been dying to read.

DAY 2 Borneo Jungle Adventure

After a private transfer to the airport, board your direct flight to Sandakan in Malaysian Borneo, arriving just under three hours later. You'll be greeted and driven to the Sepilok Nature Reserve 30 minutes out of town, where charming timber chalets overlook a tranquil lake, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. Within easy walking distance of your accommodation is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a wonderful place to see how young orphaned orangutans are taught the skills they need to survive in the wild. Go at feeding time to see them at their most adorable. It's also well worth visiting the Sun Bear Sanctuary adjacent to the resort to see tiny rescued sun bears. Then relax on your chalet balcony with views over the lake and rainforest before you're treated to a private two-hour guided night walk to discover the many nocturnal animals that inhabit this glorious ecosystem.

DAY 3 Arrive at Kinabalu Park

Today you'll leave the wetlands behind and take the boat back to Sandakan in time for a short domestic flight (50 minutes) to Kota Kinabalu. You'll be met on arrival for a two-hour private transfer into the World Heritage Listed Kinabalu Park, almost 300 square miles of incredibly diverse ecosystems, with the mighty Mount Kinabalu at its heart.

With your spacious accommodation located at the foot of the mountain, it's a good opportunity to relax, have dinner and get an early night in preparation for the coming days' activities.

Days 4 TO 6 Island Relaxation

Luxurious and jaw-droppingly beautiful Gaya Island Resort not only provides an incredible setting to round off your adventure with some wonderful R&R, its eco-credentials are a draw in themselves. Located on a stunning, mangrove-fringed island within a protected marine reserve and with Mount Kinabalu still visible in the distance, the resort is also home to a marine centre caring for injured turtles and coral reef conservation, not to mention harems of proboscis monkeys and dozens of other native species.

Accommodation is in elegant hillside villas overlooking the bay, with traditional Sabahan features in a contemporary setting. A magnificent pool, soul-soothing spa and top notch restaurants provide all you need for a rejuvenating stay. Activities on offer include deep-sea fishing trips looking for tuna, barracuda and wahoo; snorkelling and diving on local coral reefs; complimentary yoga sessions to rebalance body and soul; guided nature walks through the forest, and kayaking trips through the mangroves.

DAY 7 Homeward Bound

Depart from the resort late in the afternoon by speedboat back to the mainland (20 minutes) and on by car to the airport (30 minutes). Your flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur (roughly two and a half hours) will connect with an onward 14-hour overnight flight to London, arriving early the following morning.