Sabah North Borneo & Kuala Lumpur

This morning after a leisurely breakfast we head off on a highlights tour of Sandakan to learn about its history, take a stroll through the Sandakan Central Markets, see the stilt houses of the Sim Sim water village and the Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Chinese Temple, which is at 300 meters above sea level, provides wonderful panoramic views of Sandakan Bay. Our next stop is at St Michael’s and All Angels Church – the oldest stone church in Sabah and home of the Windows of Remembrance and The Friendship Windows, which were initiated by a group of POW relatives from Australia. We then enjoy lunch at the English Tea House, a charming former colonial residence perched overlooking the city and bay. We also visit the restored colonial home of the famous American writer – Agnes Keith. During the years between 1934 and 1952, Agnes Keith penned a trilogy – “Land below the Wind”, “Three Came Home” and “White Man Returns”, accounts of her moving experience during her stay in Sandakan. After a wonderful insight into the city, we head back to our hotel to relax for the remainder of the day before dinner.

Overnight Sandakan: Sabah Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast we travel up to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, located in the centre of the mangrove along the coastal land near Samawang Village. From platform B we not only get to see Proboscis Monkeys, we also have a good chance of meeting the Silver Leaf Monkey and Oriental Pie Hornbills. We view these unique primates that are not found elsewhere in the world, providing us with an exhilarating and memorable experience. After lunch at the Sepilok Forest Edge Restaurant, we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre and learn about the rainforest and its exotic flora and fauna. Experience the canopy walkway that gives an incredible view of the treetops and overview of the rainforest as well as its unique flora and fauna. After a freshen up back at the hotel we gather at the bar for a cool drink before dinner.

Overnight Sandakan: Sabah Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We wake to the calls of Long Tail Macaque and birds searching for food. After breakfast we head back up to Sandakan to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Founded in 1964, the centre helps once captive, injured or abandoned Orangutans learn to climb and fend for themselves in the wild, so they may return to the forest. We then proceed to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) founded in Sabah, Malaysia in 2008 as a two-stage effort to provide for the care, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned and captive sun bears, as well as address the lack of knowledge and awareness of this little-known bear both in Malaysia and internationally. Back at the hotel there will be time to relax and prepare for dinner.

Overnight Sandakan: Sabah Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

First up this morning after breakfast and checkout, we visit the Sandakan Memorial Park, once the site of the Japanese Prisoner of War Camp. The Sandakan Memorial Park commemorates a tragedy and atrocity, which struck Sandakan between January and August 1945, that witnessed the death of approximately 2500 Australian and British prisoners of war, all within the sight of Allied victory in the Pacific war. Here we will remember the fallen heroes of the Australian and British Prisoners of War (POW’s) who suffered and perished during the infamous ‘Death Marches’ from Sandakan to Ranau in 1945. Over 2500, Australian and British soldiers were taken to Sandakan to build airstrips. They were tortured, left malnourished and in poor physical condition. The surviving POWs were then forced to carry Japanese supplies on a tortuously trek to Ranau, a distance just over 260km. Only six men survived, managing to escape and were then fed and hidden by the locals. The story of the Sandakan POW Camp and Death March is one of the most tragic of World War II. From the Sandakan Memorial Park, we travel down to Sukau and the mighty Kinabatangan River. On arrival at Bilit Jetty we transfer by boat to Bilit Rainforest Lodge for lunch, check-in, and rest. Late afternoon we venture out for our Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise, spot wildlife like the unique Proboscis Monkey, Hornbills, Kingfishers, and Pygmy Elephants. Return to Bilit Rainforest Lodge to refresh before dinner at the Lodge Restaurant.

Overnight Kinabatangan River: Bilit Rainforest Lodge

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Flight AK6497 Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu 1405/1455

This morning, we can opt to either go for an early morning river cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of more Bornean-endemic wildlife. Mid-morning we depart the Kinabatangan and travel back up to the Sandakan Airport for our afternoon flight across to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival we are transferred to our luxury 5-star hotel, edging the waterfront the Le Meridien Hotel is the perfect location to explore the cities central retail outlets and local markets, while enjoy stunning sea and city views. After settling into our room’s we gather for a drink (own cost) in the Rooftop Bar, while enjoying the panoramic sunset views of the South China Sea before sitting down for dinner.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu: Le Meridien Hotel

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

Our journey this morning takes us up through breath taking scenery towards Mount Kinabalu. Along the way we stop at Nabalu Village Markets to savour the local fruits and to bargain for the handicrafts which the villagers sell. On arrival at the sprawling Sabah Tea Plantation and Processing Plant we enjoy a stroll through the factory before sitting down to lunch and admiring the view across the tea plantation. The Renau War Memorial marks the site of the final POW Camp, where the survivors of the Death Marches where held. The memorial stones talk about the history of the death marches and show the names of the 83 prisoners of war from this camp. It must be remembered that after arriving at the camp, just 6 weeks later only 32 remained alive, of them 17 were murdered on the 1 August with the remaining 15 slaughtered on the 27 August, twelve days after the Japanese had surrendered and the war had ended. Our last stop for today is the Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens, established in 1962, this was one of the first memorials to commemorate the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died while in the Sandakan POW Camp and during the infamous “Death Marches”. Later in the day we return to Kota Kinabalu to relax before dinner.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu: Le Meridien Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning, we transfer to the Mari-Mari Cultural Village passing by the historic Atkinson Clock Tower, Tun Mustapha building formerly known as Sabah Foundation Building, the Phu Thou Se Chinese Buddhist Temple and the magnificent Moorish Likas Bandaraya Mosque “Floating Mosque”. We then discover the captivating traditions and customs of Northeast Borneo’s 5 main tribes and uncover the rich heritage of Sabah’s cultural tapestry at Mari Mari Cultural Village. Experience the essence of “As It Was... As It Is...”, as we delve into the vibrant mosaic of Sabah’s culture. From the skilled farmers and traders of Dusun and Rungus to the resourceful hunters and fishermen of Lundayeh, the adventurous cowboys and sea gypsies of Bajau, and the legendary warrior tribe of Murut, each group contributes to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Sabah. Afterwards we pay a visit to the Sabah State Museum before returning to the hotel. After a relaxing afternoon strolling the waterfront markets and city shops for those last-minute gifts to take home, we gather back at the hotel for dinner.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu: Le Meridien Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning we enjoy a unique experience, as we take a rail journey on the Cultural and Historical Papar Train. Upon arrival at Tanjung Aru Train Station, we hop aboard our carriage to experience Borneo’s historical grandeur while being served light refreshments throughout our train journey. Our train departs and winds its way through scenic landscapes on the only railway track in Sabah since 1896. This 134 km line stretches south from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom (Pangi Station). Originally used to transport tobacco to the coast, today it serves as a vital public transport for locals. Mid-morning we arrive in Papar, where we can mingle with the locals at the wet market and the vintage shophouses that lace the charming small town. Feel free to explore exciting spots around town as we complete the mission book for our treasure hunt activity. Then its back on the train to enjoy a delicious lunch on-board as we relax for our return journey to Tanjung Aru Station. Take part in the henna tattoo-making activity while indulging in the afternoon tea selections served onboard. Our adventure concludes as we arrive back at Tanjung Aru Station at approx 1.00pm, before transferring back to our hotel for a relaxing afternoon or taking a stroll along the waterfront market stalls across the road. After a rest back at the hotel we board our farewell Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise, which takes us past the island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and the famous city waterfront all in the warm glow of golden hour.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu: Le Meridien Hotel

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning after breakfast and checkout, we transfer to the Kota Kinabalu Airport for check in and late morning flight to Kuala Lumpur. On arrival our English speaking guide will be there to welcome and assist us with the coach transfer and check in at the hotel. After settling into our rooms we gather for dinner on-site. Flight MH2621 Kota Kinabalu - Kuala Lumpur 1130/1410 Overnight Kuala Lumpur: CAPRI by Fraser Hotel Residence Bukit Bintang

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning, after breakfast, we visit the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre and Pewter Factory. Malaysian pewter is acclaimed internationally for its exquisite craftsmanship. Royal Selangor is the world’s largest pewter company, renowned for its innovative design and craftsmanship to create objects of desire in precious pewter. We have the chance to make our own treasure pewter at the school of hard knocks workshop. We then stop by the Central Market which houses more than 350 shops retailing traditional goods, art collectibles, local handicrafts, and more. The three zones, Lorong Melayu, Lorong Cina and Lorong India, feature stalls that highlight the three main races in Malaysia. For the remainder of the day, we can visit some of the prime shopping precincts such as The Pavillion, Mid Valley Megamall or Nu Sentral to name a few. This evening, we head to Saloma Theatre Restaurant where we enjoy Malaysian and international cuisine along with a cultural show with upbeat traditional and cultural performances. The 18-member Saloma Dancers will present a selection of Asia’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary and cultural performances.

Overnight Kuala Lumpur: CAPRI by Fraser Hotel Residence Bukit Bintang

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning, we embark on a guided coach tour of Kuala Lumpur, the federal capital of Malaysia and a relatively young city, having its origins as a trading post and frontier town in the 1850s. Today it represents the modern face of Malaysia, epitomised by the iconic Petronas Towers which provide an unmissable photo opportunity. Starting from the confluence of the two rivers from where this city began and onto the splendour of the King’s Palace. Visit the National Monument at the Lake Gardens and we will not fail to notice the abundant greenery in the city. Proceed to the beautiful National Mosque and Royal Palace. Drive past the Railway Station and make a stop at Independence Square. We then enjoy a buffet lunch at the Kuala Lumpur Communication Tower. Early afternoon we return to our hotel to pack and freshen up before our late checkout and transfer to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport for our check in and flight back home to Australia.

Flight MH149 Kuala Lumpur - Melbourne 2050/0745 + 1 Day

Flight MH251 Kuala Lumpur - Sydney 2030/0755 + 1 Day

Flights Melbourne to Adelaide & Sydney to Brisbane TBA (Brisbane & Adelaide passengers)

Daily: Breakfast & Dinner

We arrive back in Australia this morning, where we clear customs and immigration before returning to our homes after an amazing adventure up in Sabah North Borneo and Kuala Lumpur with Trade Travel.