Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: best of borneo wildlife and river safari tour at Singapore

Located in Southeast Asia's Malay Archipelago, the island of Borneo is renowned for its idyllic beaches, biodiverse rainforest, and an abundance of rare and endemic flora and fauna. Experience the exquisite beauty, flavours, and culture of Borneo during this immersive, four-night island getaway. After travelling from Singapore to Sandakan via Kuala Lumpur, explore the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation and Sun Bear Conservation centres, lush, verdant rainforest, and incredibly diverse wildlife and bird species during scenic and relaxing sunrise, day, and evening cruises along the Kinabatangan River. Continuing to Kota Kinabalu, discover the heart of city during visits to the revered City Mosque, Puh Toh Tze Temple, and a bustling handicrafts market. Elegant accommodations, breath-taking panoramic vistas, important historical venues, and sumptuous island cuisine at popular local venues round out your visit to Borneo in grand style. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes at the port of Kota Kinabalu.

FULL DESCRIPTION:

(04MIDSIN-D) The Best of Borneo

Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights

Departs from: Singapore at approximately 7:00 a.m.

Re-join ship: Kota Kinabalu at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Malaysia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR); however, US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and major credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (shopping stops are planned during this programme).

Experience the exquisite beauty, flavours, and culture of Borneo during this immersive, four-night island getaway.

DAY ONE - Saturday, March 23, 2024 - Singapore/Sandakan/ Sepilok

Disembark the ship and transfer to Changi Airport for your scheduled flight to Sandakan (via Kuala Lumpur)

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and transfer to Changi Airport to check-in for your scheduled flight to Kuala Lumpur. The duration of the flight is approximately one-hour and five-minutes; AirAsia Airlines flight (#AK704), departing at approximately 1000 hrs and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at approximately 1105 hrs. After a 2.5 hours layover at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, proceed for your next scheduled flight. The duration of the flight is approximately two-hours and 55-minutes with AirAsia Airlines, flight (#AK5194), departing at 1345hrs and arriving in Sandakan at approximately 1640hrs. (Please be advised that flights may be changed by the local supplier at any time, and without our control, due to operational reasons. The final flights' details will be confirmed once onboard).

Transfer to your resort and check-in

Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, together with your guide, transfer to the Sepilok Nature Resort for check-in and some free time at leisure.   

About the Sepilok Nature Resort

The Sepilok Nature Resort is hidden amongst a veritable treasure trove of tropical plants, grasses, huge trees, and spectacular orchids in bloom, and is within walking distance of the world-famous Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, precious home of the last wild orangutans of northern Borneo.

Dinner at the resort.

Overnight accommodation in a Standard Room at the Sepilok Nature Resort - Sandakan

DAY TWO - Sunday, March 24, 2024 - Sandakan

After breakfast at the resort, transfer to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

After breakfast at the resort and check-out, meet your guide and depart for a short ride to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the oldest orangutan rehabilitation sanctuary in Sepilok. A primary lowland forest, Sepilok is the nearest place to visit the virgin jungle of Borneo, as well as one of the few remaining rainforests in Sabah where you can observe the feeding of orangutans and sun bears in their natural habitat from a platform in the forest.

View a video, take a rainforest stroll, observe the feeding of orangutans, and nursery visit

Upon arrival, view a video about the plight of the orangutans and the ongoing rehabilitation efforts here at the centre. Take a guided stroll along wooden boardwalks through the rainforest to observe the orangutans during feeding time, then head to the newly enclosed nursery for young orangutans.

See other abundant and diverse mammals, birds, wildlife, and plant and tree species

Macaques, leaf monkeys, other mammals, and more than 250 bird species can be found here at the reserve, which also boasts a fascinating diversity of plants and more than 450 species of trees, including century-old lianas and towering dipterocarps.

Visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see the smallest bears in the world!

Next, walk to the adjacent Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see the smallest bears in the world, the sun bears. The sun bear is named after the white or yellowish crescent marking on its chest, which looks like the rising or setting sun. Also known as the 'honey bear', the sun bear is found primarily in the tropical rainforests in south-eastern Asia, north-eastern India, Bangladesh, and southern China. In Sabah, sun bears are totally protected specie, with the same status as the Bornean orangutans and Sumatran rhinoceros.

Enjoy a unique opportunity to observe the care, rehabilitation, and feeding of sun bears

During your guided tour, learn about their habits and habitat, visit the observation platform for a unique opportunity to observe the effort to provide care, rehabilitation, and release of captive sun bears. Visit the indoor viewing nursery to view the sun bears up-close.

Proceed for lunch at the local restaurant

Following your visit, return to the coach and proceed for lunch at the local restaurant.

After lunch, transfer to the Sandakan Jetty for a boat-ride to a lodge along Sabah's longest river

After lunch, re-board your coach and transfer to the Sandakan Jetty. Upon arrival, embark a boat for an approximately 2.5-hour journey to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge situated along Sabah's longest river, the Kinabatangan, with ample opportunities to spot abundant and diverse bird and wildlife species en route.

Greeting and orientation at the multi award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Upon arrival at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, enjoy a brief orientation about this multi-award-winning lodge before check-in and some free time to freshen-up.

Take a private river-cruise in search of the abundant bird and wildlife species of Borneo

This afternoon, meet your guide and embark a boat for a private river-cruise in search of abundant bird and wildlife species of Borneo. Following your cruise, return to the lodge for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Enjoy dinner overlooking the riverbank, and a slide-show presentation by a naturalist guide

Dinner overlooking the riverbank is served at the lodge, followed by a slide-show presentation and interpretation by a naturalist guide.

Overnight accommodation in the Borneo Villa at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan

DAY THREE - Monday, March 25, 2024 - Sandakan

Take an early-morning cruise along the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake

An early-morning wake-up call, to start your day. Meet your guide and embark on an early-morning river-cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. Here, relax with a cup of coffee or tea whilst enjoying the beauty and serenity of your surrounds just before sunrise, and look for more birds and wildlife. Return to the lodge to freshen-up before breakfast.

After breakfast, take a boat-ride to the RASIG project site in search of pygmy elephants

After breakfast at the lodge, meet your guide and embark a boat for a short ride along the Kinabatangan River to the RASIG project site, a community-based eco-tourism initiative to promote nature conservation through eco-tourism. Along the way, observe bird and wildlife species, and experience the tranquillity of the rainforest at its best. Guided by a RASIG naturalist, trek on the migration path of Borneo's pygmy elephants.

Plant a tree, and learn about the habitat and biodiversity conservation of the Kinabatangan River

This natural environment constitutes a safe haven for these big mammals. The forest also offers amazing plant life and a wide variety of insects. Before returning to the lodge, contribute to Mother Earth by planting a tree, and take the opportunity to learn about the habitat and biodiversity conservation of the Kinabatangan.

Enjoy lunch and an optional, in-house orangutan discussion

Following your visit, transfer back to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, please feel free to join our optional, in-house orangutan discussion. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Dinner at the lodge, meet with your guide and embark on a night-cruise in search of wildlife

Dinner will be served at the lodge. After dinner, meet your guide and embark on a unique experience; a night-cruise in search of wildlife. Armed with a torch, try to spot nocturnal species such as tarsiers, possums, squirrels, and, of course, the glowing eyes of crocodiles, if you are lucky. Following your night-cruise, return to the lodge.

Overnight accommodation in the Borneo Villa at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan

DAY FOUR - Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - Sandakan/Kota Kinabalu

Breakfast at the lodge and check-out, transfer to Sandakan via boat

Breakfast at the lodge and check-out, meet with your guide and embark a boat ride from the jetty to Sandakan. The journey will be 2.5 hours, if you are lucky you may spot crocodiles at the river banks, proboscis monkeys and birds along the way.

Join for a guided tour of the historical Agnes Keith House

Upon arrival at the Sandakan Jetty, transfer to the Agnes Keith House for a guided tour of this historic home This historic house-turned-museum is the former home of famous American author Agnes Newton Keith, who penned the book, 'Land Below the Wind', and is renowned for her three autobiographical accounts of life in British North Borneo.

Enjoy lunch at the English Tea House & Restaurant, perched on a hill overlooking the sea and bay

Following your tour, proceed on-foot for lunch at the nearby English Tea House & Restaurant. This colonial-style property is perched on a little hill overlooking the Sulu Sea off the Sandakan Bay.

Transfer to the airport for check-in and your scheduled flight to Kota Kinabalu

After lunch, re-board your coach and transfer to Sandakan Airport for check-in for your scheduled 50-minutes flight by AirAsia Airlines flight (#AK6495), departing at approximately 1500hrs and arriving in Kota Kinabalu at approximately 1550 hrs. (Please be advised that flights may be changed by the local supplier at any time, and without our control, due to operational reasons. The final flights' details will be confirmed once onboard).

Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, re-board the coach and transfer to the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort

Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, meet with the guide for your coach transfer to the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort. Located on the beautiful Tanjung Aru Beach, this resort is a favourite spot where locals and overseas travellers enjoy a wonderful view of the sunset whilst walking on the sandy beach.

Take in a beautiful sunset scenery at Coco Joe's Bar & Grill

Check-in and have some free time to freshen-up, the guide will be meeting you at the lobby. Enjoy a refreshing sundowner and amazing sunset scenery at Coco Joe's Bar & Grill at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Beach Resort.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Oitom restaurant

Next, proceed for a farewell dinner at the Oitom Restaurant. At Oitom, which means 'black' in the local Kadazan language, the chef and his team celebrate Sabah's flavours and ingredients in the preparation of their dishes.

Complete your dinner and transfer back to the hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Overnight accommodations in a Tanjung Seaview Room at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort - Kota Kinabalu

DAY FIVE - Wednesday, March 27, 2024 - Kota Kinabalu

Breakfast and check-out, browse a local handicraft market for souvenirs

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for a shopping stop at a local handicraft market. Popular with locals and visitors alike, these handicraft markets offer ample opportunities to browse a vast array of handicrafts, souvenirs, inexpensive and high-quality small jewellery, gadgets, key rings, beaded necklaces, bracelets, bookmarks, and dazzling sarongs and shawls.

Visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, recognised as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. The City Mosque is the second major mosque built in the city of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia after the State Mosque. Opened in 2000 following the declaration of Kota Kinabalu as a city, this mosque has the characteristics of the Prophet's Mosque, with almost 70 percent of the mosque's area surrounded by water.

Marvel at traditional carvings and sculptures at the Puh Toh Tze Temple

Your last stop is at the Puh Toh Tze Temple. Located in the central city of Kota Kinabalu, the Puh Toh Tze Temple is amongst the most popular Buddhist temples of this country. During your visit, marvel at the traditional carvings and sculptures of the local deities that adorn this temple.

Transfer to the pier and ship

Following your visit, re-board your coach and drive to the port of Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 5 miles (about 8.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, bumpy, rocky, grassy, slippery, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, board/deboard the airplane, and embark/disembark the boat, and many steps at the sites visited; lifts are available at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Kota Kinabalu Airport, and Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort.

This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests who suffer from vertigo, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair.

Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable, long cotton clothing with leech-proofed socks and flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking shoes, sneakers and slippers, and bring sun protection, a light, weatherproof jacket, raingear, an extra change of clothing (in case you get caught in the rain), a towel, swimwear, biodegradable insect repellent (citronella), toiletries, a flashlight or headlamp, knapsack, waist pouch, trekking/hiking pole, plastic bags, camera, first-aid kit, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship.

Please dress conservatively when going ashore. As a rule, women should never wear anything remotely revealing (miniskirts, shorts, capris, beachwear, and sleeveless or low-cut tops), and men should always wear shirts and trousers in public. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests are required to wear a coverall provided by the City Mosque. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the City Mosque; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be very hot. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages.

Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. For any camera with zoom lens from 100mm-400mm, video camera, or other video recording equipment for personal use are charged at a rate of RM10 per unit. Any camera with a fixed lens from 400mm and above, or any film-making equipment, are charged at a rate of RM1,000 per unit. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Photography/videography may not be permitted inside some areas of the museums.

Expect hot, humid weather. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice, and airline alterations to the flight schedules may affect the tour itinerary, tour sequence and/or programme content. Please be advised that flights may be changed by the local supplier at any time, and without our control, due to operational reasons. As a result, we suggest our guests do not make any private arrangements on the same day of the overland's departure and return to/from the ship. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• One-night stay in a Standard Room at the Sepilok Nature Resort - Sandakan
• Two-nights stay in a Borneo Villa Room at the Sukau Rainforest Resort - Sandakan
• One-night stay in a Tanjung Seaview Room at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa - Kota Kinabalu
• Scheduled flights: Singapore/Kuala Lumpur/Sandakan/Kota Kinabalu (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating

AirAsia Airlines limit baggage allowance to approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms) per person + one carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 17 pounds (about eight kilograms), and a maximum size of 9x15x21 inches (about 23x40x55 centimetres). Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter. Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter. Passengers with more than approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms) of excess luggage must check-in at least two hours prior to departure.

• Four breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners, with specified drinks included
• Video, rainforest-stroll, care and feeding of orangutans, and nursery visit - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - Sandakan
• Observe the care, rehabilitation, and feeding of sun bears - Sun Bear Conservation Centre - Sandakan
• Lunch at the Sabah Hotel - Sandakan
• Boat-ride to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan
• Afternoon cruise along the Kinabatangan River with bird species and wildlife-spotting opportunities - Sandakan
• Greeting, welcome drink, and orientation at the multi-award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan
• Private river-cruise in search of the abundant bird and wildlife species of Borneo - Sandakan
• Dinner overlooking the riverbank, and a slide-show presentation by a naturalist guide at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan
• Early-morning cruise along the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake - Sandakan
• Boat-ride to the RASIG project site in search of pygmy elephants - Sandakan
• Tree-planting activities, and habitat and biodiversity conservation of the Kinabatangan River - Sandakan
• Optional, in-house orangutang discussion - Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan
• Nocturnal wildlife cruise - Kinabatangan River - Sandakan
• Boat-transfer to Sandakan
• Visit to the Agnes Keith House - Sandakan
• Lunch at the English Tea House & Restaurant - Sandakan
• Sundowner at Coco Joe's Bar & Grill - Kota Kinabalu
• Dinner at the Oitom restaurant - Kota Kinabalu
• Shopping stop at a local handicraft market - Kota Kinabalu
• Visit inside the City Mosque - Kota Kinabalu
• Traditional carvings and sculptures at the Puh Toh Tze Temple - Kota Kinabalu

• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.