Plan the perfect two-week trip to Sabah, Borneo

In northern Borneo lies the Malaysian state of Sabah, a veritable paradise for nature and adventure lovers. Whether travellers are seeking beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, cultural immersion or thrilling escapades, Sabah has it all. 

And with opportunities to spot elusive and rare wildlife, hike through some of the world’s most complex ecosystems, swim in pristine waters and stay in award-winning eco-lodges, two weeks is the perfect length of stay for a Sabah exploration.

Start your trip with three days in Kinabatangan, on a safari that’s anything but typical. Take part in a unique wildlife experience along the eponymous river – the longest in Sabah – with a river cruise on which you’ll spot creatures like proboscis monkeys, macaques, endangered Bornean pygmy elephants, silver leaf monkeys, hornbills, eagles and snakes. You might even encounter orangutans; this area is one of only two known places in the world where 10 species of primates can be found. Sightseers can also visit local villages to learn about sustainable development and conservation initiatives.

Sabah is a prime location for rare wildlife sightings and your next stop to see beautiful but threatened creatures is Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the adjacent Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, about a 40-minute drive from Sandakan City Centre. Spend two days learning about the sun bear, a species on which little is known but that the conservation centre endeavours to study through animal welfare activities, rehabilitation, research and education. Next door, travellers can view rehabilitated orphaned orangutans during feeding times (though sightings are not guaranteed) and find out more about the threats they face from deforestation, commercial hunting, exploitation and the pet trade.

Next up on the itinerary is three days of exploration in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, one of the world’s most complex ecosystems, which is home to a 130-million-year-old rainforest. A Class 1 (Protection) Forest Reserve, it’s one of the best-preserved lowland rainforests in south-east Asia. A stay at the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge along the Danum River sets the stage for this adventure, with premium villas and chalets set among the jungle’s natural wonders.

This magical valley, located around 80km from Lahad Datu, contains more than 15,000 species of plants, 100 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and thousands of insects – making it an excellent spot for guided hikes, birdwatching and night safaris. Here, guests might see fauna such as banteng, clouded leopards, orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants, slow lorises and proboscis monkeys, and flora like yellow meranti (Shorea faguetiana), the world’s tallest tropical tree. Recorded at heights of up to 100m, this giant tree species can grow nearly as tall as the iconic Tun Mustapha Tower in Kota Kinabalu. 

Tourists can also stop by Danum Valley Field Centre, one of the top tropical biodiversity research centres in the world, as well as visit three ancient burial sites that feature belian (hardwood) coffins and ceramic spirit jars.

Then, it’s time for an idyllic island getaway. Spend two or three days scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and sunning on Mantanani Island, some 80km north of Kota Kinabalu and a 60-minute speedboat ride from the mainland. Pristine white beaches, clear turquoise waters, and three small islands comprise the area, which features eight dive sites and stunning overnight accommodation such as Sutera at Mantanani Island Resort and Spa.

End your getaway with a two-day trek on Bohey Dulang Island, a 30-minute boat ride from Semporna mainland. Climb 700m up the newly established one-way route, which includes some staircases – sturdy, covered footwear is required and can be rented for a small fee. It’s a challenging hike up to the 353m peak, but adventurers are rewarded with picture-perfect views of Sabah’s sparkling cerulean waters and lush green hills.