Star Clippers Sailing: Borneo & Handpicked Sabah

Board your Star Clippers ship this afternoon in preparation for an evening departure from Singapore. (D)
 

Today you will be free to enjoy the South China Sea and relax and unwind on board the Star Clipper (B, L, D)
 

During your time on board your tall ship cruise, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges and a peaceful library. (B,L,D)

Sailing up the Kuching River, arrive early this morning and take in the views of this tropical city from both sides of the vessel. The one-mile long waterfront promenade follows the Sarawak river. At the end you will find the 19th-century Old Court House which has been converted into a center of culture. Today the various court buildings host exhibitions, theatre, poetry reading and live music. Parallel to the waterfront are numerous coffee shops, street food stalls and shops selling tribal handicrafts. (B,L,D)
 

At leisure to enjoy more of Kuching until mid-afternoon, when we depart Kuching. (B,L,D)

Another day at sea, on the South China Sea. (B,L,D)
 

This morning we sail into Bintulu, and remain in port for the day (B,L,D)
 

This morning we arrive into this thriving Malaysian port town, the second largest city in Sarawak, and the main tourist gateway for numerous wildlife attractions, including Niah National Park with it's fantastic caves and waterfalls. It is also known as a shopper’s paradise and has many noteworthy shopping malls as well as Chinese temples and other cultural sites. (B,L,D)
 

Today we arrive into Brunei’s shining capital, built on the Sultanate’s oil wealth. It is host to the biggest water village in the world as well as Omar Ali Salifuddien Mosque, known as one of the most peaceful and calm mosques in the world. It has a beautiful gleaming gold dome and is surrounded by colourful floral gardens. (B,L,D)
 

Tiga Island is one of a group of small uninhabited islands in Kimanis Bay off the western coast of Sabah, Malaysia. The islands were formed on 21 September 1897, when an earthquake on Mindanao caused a volcanic eruption near Borneo. There’s plenty to see and do here: swimming or snorkeling in its surrounding clear waters or go kayaking. Divers can explore its underwater treasures. (B,L,D)
 

This morning we arrive into Kota Kinabalu, where we disembark and your sailing ends. Transfer to your hotel (Note: early check in is not included, you may use the hotel facilities until your room is ready). Rest of the day at leisure. (B)
 

This morning head out to the cooler climates of Kinabalu Park, home to between 5000-6000 species of plants and 430 different birds and mammals. 
Once you have arrived, take a walk in the Botanical Gardens and learn about the vast array of flora found in this lush park. Admire views of Mt Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak.
 
This afternoon depart Kinabalu Park for Poring. On route a short visit at Kundasang War Memorial, one of the first memorials to commemorate the Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan POW camp during the death marches to Renau. 

Continue to your accommodation at the Organic Sabah Tea Plantation, located 700 meters above sea-level and is one ofthe last two areas of the tea production in Malaysia.

Distances and journey time:

Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Kinabalu Park (90km): 2.5 hours
Kinabalu Park to Poring (38km): 1hour
Poring Hot Springs to Sabah Tea (23km): 30minutes

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the organic tea plantation to witness the process involved in bringing tea to the table.

Later this morning, you will leave Sabah Tea and drive to Sandakan with lunch enroute before a visit to a proboscis monkey sanctuary at Labuk Bay. This is a great chance to see these amazing animals up close. Late afternoon arrival into Sepilok for dinner and evening at leisure. This evening take a walk to the Rainforest Discovery centre for a 2 hour night walk. Overnight and Dinner at Sepilok Nature Resort. (B,L,D)
 
Distances and journey time:
Poring Hot Springs to Sabah Tea Factory(20km) 35 mins
Sabah Tea to Sepilok (188km) 3 hours

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and depart for the Sun Bear Conservation Centre nearby. This centre aims to increase awareness of this endearing, but little-known bear species – named after the crescent shaped patch of fur on their chests that resembles the rising sun. From here walk to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in time for the morning feeding session at 10am
 
Afterwards depart for Sandakan Jetty. From here take a boat 2 hour or slightly longer depending on wildlife spotting to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort. This two-hour journey passes by local villages and lush rainforest. On arrival at the lodge, check in and enjoy lunch. The local guide will conduct a briefing on the upcoming activities and advice on recommended gear. The afternoon will be at leisure.
 
Late in the afternoon, hop on a riverboat for a cruise up the Kinabatangan River in search for wildlife - most notably, the proboscis monkeys which is endemic to Borneo. Other fauna is likely to be spotted in the Lower Kinabatangan Reserve includes elephants, hornbills, gibbons, and many birds. Return to the lodge for dinner before mid-evening take a stroll along the boardwalk on a lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects.
 
Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort . (B,L,D)
 
Distances and journey time:
Sandakan Jetty to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort by boat: 2hrs
Cruise times: PM – 16:00
Cruise duration will depend on wildlife spotting: approx. 2 hour

Rise early in the morning for a cruise to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, a crescent shaped lake that formed when the river’s meander became so wide that it cut itself off. The stillness of the lake and relative protection provides a haven for animals and plants making for an ecosystem that’s completely distinct from that of the river. Continue to visit the local fishing village, Kampung Abai. Interact with local Orang Sungai, river people and observe daily activities in the fishing village.
 
Return to the resort for breakfast and the rest of the day is at leisure before heading out in the late afternoon to watch the river activities of many primate species that become active during this time. The afternoon is a particularly advantageous time to spot wildlife and the light is perfect for photography.
 
Set off late afternoon for another afternoon cruise in search of the mangrove specials, river sceneries, village landscapes and more wildlife. In good weather, there is a possibility to see firefly colonies which are found at certain parts of the river. Cruise back to Kinabatangan Wildlife Resort for dinner, followed by a night river safari on the look out for unique species of wildlife.
 
Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort  (B,L,D)
 
Distances and journey time:
Cruise times: AM – 06:30, PM – 16:00. EVE – 20:00
Cruise duration will depend on wildlife spotting: approx. 2 hours

After breakfast, explore the Gomantong Caves farmed for its edible birds nests before setting off mid-morning to return to Sandakan by boat via the Sandakan War Memorial Park. Upon arrival at Sandakan Jetty, you'll be met and transferred to the airport for  your flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival into Kota Kinabalu transfer to hotel.
 
Overnight Kota Kinabalu. (B)
 
Distances and journey time:
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort to Sandakan Jetty by boat: 1.5hrs
Sandakan Jetty to Airport (26km)
Kota Kinabalu Airport to Kota Kinabalu Hotel (11km) 25min

This morning will be at leisure until your departure for the airport and onward flight. (B)