Summary
Spending four days in the new university research facility, Danau Girang Field Centre, in the middle of Borneo’s jungle, living alongside and learning from researching scientists in this unique jungle 'retreat'. This is a unique chance to learn from, and even exchange information with, experienced ecologists; Dr Benoit Goossens and other researching scientists will be available to introduce to you (and your family) the world of tropical ecology. As well as this the other attractions here are river cruises, jungle walks, a library and wonderful food. Also including a visit to the Orang-utan Sanctuary, an overnight jungle trek and a day of coral reef snorkelling or diving.
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Departures and Pricing
excl flights |
2009 |
Date |
Double |
Single |
Child |
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£1500 |
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Itinerary |
Day 1 – Kota Kinabalu
A single Pick-up from the airport, otherwise participants make there way to the meeting
point in central Kota Kinabalu themselves (a 15 minute taxi ride).
Document collection: Passport photocopies (x2), Travel Insurance Certificate copies (x2),
health and diet questionnaire, emergency contacts
Accommodation is included in a clean and spacious hostel with access to good quality western
shower and toilet facilities. |
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Day 2 – Kota Kinabalu
You have the whole day to have a look around this incredibly diverse, colourful and compact
city. Try the variety of cuisine from all over Southeast Asia in the seemingly endless coffee
shops, cafes and outdoor markets. |
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Day 3 – Kota Kinabalu to Batu Puteh
Approximately a 6-hour road journey on good quality sealed road, cutting right across the
state of Sabah, a great introduction to Borneo.
Accommodation is in a local homestay with a host family, part of a community ecotourism
project. This is a fantastic way of spending quality time with the incredibly hospitable locals
of Borneo, and has been the unexpected highlight of many holidays here. |
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Day 4 to Day 8 – Danau Girang Field Centre
In the morning of the day 4, we will be taken by boat to the Danau Girang Field Centre, which
will take about 40 minutes (lifejackets provided).
Danau Girang Field Centre is situated within the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary;
home to eight species of primate, including the orang-utan, which often nest close to the
field centre, over 200 species of bird including all eight of Borneo’s hornbill species, and a
rich diversity of reptiles (including the salt water crocodile) and amphibians.
This university facility works closely with other core organisations in Borneo on research and
conservation of orang-utans within the sanctuary; it is also much focussed on research into
the conservation of the Bornean elephant which again populate this biodiversity hotspot.
There is no better place to enjoy, in complete comfort, with highly motivated and fascinating
people, the middle of the tropical rainforest. The field centre has an excellent library
focussed on the ecology and history of Borneo. There are river cruises, leisurely jungle walks
and interpretive walks on offer every day.
A perfect retreat with nature in abundance all around. |
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Day 8 – Jungle Trek
Today we make our way back to Batu Puteh, a 40-minute boat ride, for our overnight jungle
trek – an experience of a lifetime! Trekking time will be on average 1-2 hours.
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Day 9 – Jungle Trek to Sepilok.
We make our way out of the jungle in the morning, wash and then make our way to the orangutan
sanctuary.
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Day 10 – Sepilok
A wonderful opportunity to visit the
Orang-utan Sanctuary, where orang-utans
that have suffered ultimately from habitat
loss or poachers are looked after in a semiwild
sanctuary before they are reintroduced
into the wild.
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Day 9 - Semporna and the islands off the east coast of Sabah
There's an excellent choice of islands to visit by boat, where you can just relax, snorkel or even do some diving...enjoy! If you'd like to try diving then one of the highlights is the near-vertical 'wall' off the east coast of Sipadan island, where colourful tropical fish swim near the surface and huge groupers and wrasse nose about in the murky depths below. There is a limit to the number of people that can go to Sipadan island each day because of its conservation status (and is more expensive) so do let us know soon if you intend on visiting this island. Of course there are many other islands with excellent reef and it should be noted that snorkelling is very good off many of the islands too with clear waters and coral abound. Tonight you can stay a second night in the floating hotel, or you may want to have a change and stay in another local homestay, the choice is yours.
Sepilok is also home to the Rainforest Centre, a scientific establishment set in a beautiful
rainforest location close to the sanctuary, which open their doors to tourists and have some
very informative nature walks and a wonderful canopy walk. It’s also possible to do a 6-7
hour return walk to the mangrove forest which spreads in land from the coastline.
Accommodation is included in the same clean and spacious hostel with access to good quality
western-style shower and toilet facilities.
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Day 10 - Semporna and the islands off the east coast of Sabah
Your second day enjoying life in the tropics with beaches, coral reef, tiny tropical islands and more marine life you could imagine!
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Day 11 – Sepilok to Semporna
This is approximately a 5 - 6 hour journey by good sealed road, right down the eastern side
of Sabah. We’ll start this journey as soon as possible in the morning. Mornings are a /
fantastic time of day in Borneo, so often the sun is out with clear blue skies and a cool,
refreshing temperature.
For the rest of the day you can take a stroll around the fishing town of Semporna, trying the
local cuisine and most likely chatting to the friendly locals. You’ll plan your day in the coral reef tomorrow.
Accommodation is in a quality, floating hotel situated just off land in Semporna and is a
chance to enjoy some luxury as we draw to the end of the expedition.
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Day 12 – Semporna and surrounding islands
If you’ve never experienced coral reef snorkelling or diving before, then this quite simply will
be a day you’ll remember forever as the day in which you saw another world. The
overwhelming biodiversity here is just awe-inspiring – do make sure you have about £25
spare for a snorkelling day trip and about £45 for a day of diving (both including all
equipment hire). All trips are out to the surrounding stunning tropical islands and beaches,
which are an experience to visit in themselves. |
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Day 13 – Semporna to Tawau airport
Today we transfer to Tawau airport and part company; from here you can fly to Kuala Lumpur
to make the journey home or Kota Kinabalu perhaps for more travelling. |
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Includes
All accommodation
Most food costs
All in-country transport
Essential camping equipment
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Excludes
Optional extras such snorkelling, diving and extra river cruises.
Some food costs requiring an extra 40-60 British Pounds. |
