Extension from £289pp
Tour + Extension from £1988pp
or call us on 0800 781 4893
Nestled between the spectacular Crocker range and the inviting waters of the South China Sea, the bustling metropolis and tranquil resorts which surround the city offer visitors a warm climate with a wealth of activities to suite your pace.
Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Sandakan Airport.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Sandakan to explore at leisure. Overlooking the majestic Sulu Sea, this bustling coastal town enjoys a wealth of seafood specialities to sample including delicious fish mee noodles. Explore the town's fascinating wartime history at the serene Memorial Park - a moving tribute to prisoners of war - and discover the house of author Agnes Keith, now a quaint museum displaying remnants of the Japanese occupation, followed by high tea at the neighbouring English Tea House.
This morning meet Borneo's most famous residents at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where these endangered creatures are rescued and returned to the ancient lowland forest. Wander wooden walkways to observe these cerebral primates glide between trees and feast on pungent durian fruits. Visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to meet the world's smallest bears, before reaching the Rainforest Discovery Centre; exhibiting native flora and fauna, its highlight is undoubtedly a spectacular 80ft canopy walkway allowing a unique perspective of Borneo's diverse avian inhabitants.
Begin today exploring the limestone Gomantong Caves, the fascinating domain of over a million wrinkle-lipped bats suspended from the 130ft limestone ceiling. Sharing this unique shelter are the swiftlets who dart overhead to construct the key ingredient for bird's nest soup, a valuable delicacy within China. Travel to your lodge in the remote village of Sukau before a relaxing late afternoon motorboat cruise to witness the drooped nose proboscis monkeys, leaping from great heights into the Menanggul River with an amusing belly flop.
Awake to the atmospheric melody of the surrounding jungle for a motorboat journey along Malaysia's second longest river and centrepiece for Bornean wildlife, the Kinabatangan. Spot prehistoric monitor lizards, wandering pygmy elephants and leopard-like civet cats before reaching the tranquil Kelenanap river bend to spot Rhinoceros Hornbill, extraordinary birds famed for their peculiar beaks. Explore the jungle by foot in search of enchanting wildlife under the watch of macaque colonies. Spend the afternoon at leisure within the sleepy village of Sukau before heading back out onto the river for another chance to observe Borneo's biodiversity.
Travel back to Sandakan and visit the spectacular Puu Jih Shih Temple, a Buddhist place of worship with a striking Oriental design. Situated within the town's mountainous surroundings, it boasts stunning panoramic views of Sandakan bay; illuminated by an explosion of red and gold, the temple's magnificent collection of opulent Buddha statues are surrounded by towering pillars and ornate Chinese dragons. After lunch fly to Kota Kinabalu, a bustling city whose Chinese, Kadazan and Malaysian influences are displayed through its architecture and tasted in its night markets.
Journey to Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia's highest mountain. Enjoy a guided nature trek to spot Borneo's dynamic bio-diversity including tiny mouse-deer, playful gibbon troops and the unusual Nepenthes rajah, a carnivorous plant that attracts birds and small mammals into its deadly urn shaped trap. Continue to the nearby Poring Hot Springs to relax in the warm baths before traversing a 134ft Menggaris tree canopy walkway, which provides a breathtaking view across one of the oldest rainforests in the world.
This morning, discover the home of five tribes at the Mari Mari Cultural Village to gain a fascinating insight into Borneo's indigenous people. Witness the sculpting of blowpipes, learn traditional bamboo cooking, sample the curiously shaped Jala 'net' cake and encounter the Murut people who were the last tribe to renounce headhunting. Following lunch explore Kota Kinabalu at leisure; study the captivating exhibits of Sabah Museum, wander aromatic night markets to enjoy delicious street eats or head to the grand Imago Mall for a unique South East Asian shopping experience. Travel back to Kota Kinabalu for your final evening in Borneo.
Transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your flight back to the UK.
Transfer to your chosen beach hotel on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu.
Relax at leisure at your chosen beach hotel.
Transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your flight back to the UK.
A visa is not required for your trip to Borneo. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
You must obtain suitable travel insurance prior to departure. Mercury Holidays is partnered with Holiday Extras which offer insurance at the following prices:
| Age in Years | Up to 64 | 65 - 74 | 75 - 85 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 17 days cover | £42 | £79 | £135 |
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £49pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Your flight to Sandakan Airport is with Malaysia Airlines (MH), departing from London Heathrow, Terminal 4. Each passenger is entitled to 30kg of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding 7kg. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. Please note that all flight times are subject to change. Final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning the you will have the services of an English speaking guide throughout ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
The currency in Borneo is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). We recommend that you exchange you currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency. Tipping is at your discretion. Tips are accepted in the local currency, however it is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot be exchanged.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour.
| Depart UK | Arrive UK | Extension Price | Tour Price | Total Price | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 DATES | |||||
| Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort | |||||
| 23 Oct 2019 | 03 Nov 2019 | £489 | £1739 | £2228 | SOLD OUT |
| 13 Nov 2019 | 24 Nov 2019 | £489 | £1859 | £2348 | SOLD OUT |
| 2020 DATES | |||||
| 26 Feb 2020 | 08 Mar 2020 | £499 | £1949 | £2448 | Book Now |
| 11 Mar 2020 | 22 Mar 2020 | £499 | £1979 | £2478 | Book Now |
| 29 Apr 2020 | 10 May 2020 | £519 | £1999 | £2518 | Book Now |
| 20 May 2020 | 31 May 2020 | £519 | £1999 | £2518 | Book Now |
| 10 Jun 2020 | 21 Jun 2020 | £499 | £1949 | £2448 | Book Now |
| 01 Jul 2020 | 12 Jul 2020 | £499 | £1939 | £2438 | Book Now |
| 09 Sep 2020 | 20 Sep 2020 | £499 | £1929 | £2428 | Book Now |
| 30 Sep 2020 | 11 Oct 2020 | £499 | £1829 | £2328 | Book Now |
| 07 Oct 2020 | 18 Oct 2020 | £499 | £1699 | £2198 | Book Now |
| 21 Oct 2020 | 01 Nov 2020 | £499 | £1729 | £2228 | Book Now |
| 11 Nov 2020 | 22 Nov 2020 | £499 | £1869 | £2368 | Book Now |
| 2019 DATES | |||||
| Beringgis Beach Resort and Spa | |||||
| 23 Oct 2019 | 03 Nov 2019 | £289 | £1739 | £2028 | SOLD OUT |
| 13 Nov 2019 | 24 Nov 2019 | £289 | £1859 | £2148 | SOLD OUT |
| 2020 DATES | |||||
| 26 Feb 2020 | 08 Mar 2020 | £299 | £1949 | £2248 | Book Now |
| 11 Mar 2020 | 22 Mar 2020 | £299 | £1979 | £2278 | Book Now |
| 29 Apr 2020 | 10 May 2020 | £299 | £1999 | £2298 | Book Now |
| 20 May 2020 | 31 May 2020 | £299 | £1999 | £2298 | Book Now |
| 10 Jun 2020 | 21 Jun 2020 | £299 | £1949 | £2248 | Book Now |
| 01 Jul 2020 | 12 Jul 2020 | £349 | £1939 | £2288 | Book Now |
| 09 Sep 2020 | 20 Sep 2020 | £299 | £1929 | £2228 | Book Now |
| 30 Sep 2020 | 11 Oct 2020 | £289 | £1829 | £2118 | Book Now |
| 07 Oct 2020 | 18 Oct 2020 | £299 | £1699 | £1998 | Book Now |
| 21 Oct 2020 | 01 Nov 2020 | £289 | £1729 | £2018 | Book Now |
| 11 Nov 2020 | 22 Nov 2020 | £299 | £1869 | £2168 | Book Now |
The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times or sailing conditions. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to the local conditions.
Please note, for this departure date, you will be staying at Bilit Adventure Lodge when staying in Sukau. Please refer to your final documentation for more information.
29 °C / 33 °C
Please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.
Our guide James was excellent, he was very knowledgeable, interesting and kept us informed of our daily activities. Although we booked through a travel agent communication with Mercury could have been better.
Our tour guide James was excellent throughout, his experience and knowledge had shined through and made this holiday more special.
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Situated within Malaysia's mainland, the vibrant capital of Kuala Lumpur's high-rise skyscrapers and Mogul domes overlook a canopy of banyan trees and aromatic food stalls, which infuse the air with the unmistakable scent of Malaysian spices.
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