Untamed Borneo

This trip starts off where the wild things are. We cycle to and spend two nights in the midst of Malaysia’s largest wildlife reserve, where you are sure to sight monkeys and a teeming birdlife. Next it’s on to a boat to cruise through the mangroves of the Kinabatagan River and hopefully sight proboscis monkeys, found only in Borneo. To see proboscis and orang utans up close we’ll go to two different sanctuaries before we switch tracks and cycle off road following part of the Sandakan Death March route. Then, from our position up high with spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu we descend to the stunning coastline and are rewarded for all our efforts with a night at a luxurious resort.

Tour Cost	US$2,150	Single Supplement	US$375
Bike Hire	US$150	Total Cycling Distance	300 kilometres
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	11 days / 10 nights
Number of Cycling Days	8 full days, 1 half day	Tour Meets	Kota Kinabalu
Tour Ends	Kota Kinabalu	Group Size	Minimum 2. Maximum 16.
Minimum age on scheduled departures	18 years old

Day 1

Meet in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the State of Sabah, for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.

Day 2

An early morning flight takes us across Borneo to Lahad Datu where we start our ride on a rolling dirt road to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, looking out for one of the nine species of primates that inhabit the area. After checking into our hotel in the middle of the reserve, we'll take an evening jungle trek to catch the nocturnal life around us.

Day 3

Wake up early to join a morning walk to discover some of Tabin's exotic bird species. After breakfast we'll cycle on dirt roads to active and mineral-rich mud volcanoes that attract wildlife for their mineral intake. It's an ideal place for wildlife observation and bird watching. The afternoon is free to enjoy your balcony or to wander to Lipad Waterfall to take a dip in the natural pool.

Day 4

After being woken up by the sounds of the jungle, we cycle out of the reserve, hoping to catch one last glimpse of an orang utan or a horn bill. We then transfer about two hours to Bilit, arriving early enough to savor a late afternoon boat ride on the Kinabatagan River where you are sure to spot the rambunctious proboscis monkeys in their element.

Day 5

Following breakfast we ride to Gomantong Caves. Here locals come to collect birds' nests, a prized delicacy among the Chinese. After our visit we transfer to the junction with Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and cycle through palm plantations to arrive in time for a feeding and a chance to see these unique monkeys up close.

Day 6

Our morning starts with a visit to the mischievous orangutans at the Sepilok rehabilitation centre. We then take a short drive to start today's off road riding on the track of the infamous World War II Sandakan death marches, though palm plantations have since replaced much of the jungle that the prisoners struggled through.

Day 7

Today's riding will be quite hilly, and definitely off the beaten path. We cross quite a few small streams and will have earned our lunch. We transfer after our meal to the Sabah Tea Garden where it's back on the bikes for some great off road cycling around the tea plantation, taking in great views of Mount Kinabalu. Overnight in a traditional Rungus Longhouse.

Day 8

After a tour of the tea factory it's back on the bikes for an undulating ride that will take us to the countryside of Ranau. Our cycle route will take us to where a POW jungle prison camp once was and we'll visit the memorial. Enjoy the quiet country roads as we ride through orchards and rice fields before ending the ride at our charming home stay.

Day 9

Today's ride is tough, because as soon as we go down it's back up again and all on dirt roads. We ride through small farms beneath the shadow of Mount Kinabalu, which rises to 4,905 meters and dominates the landscape. We overnight at a lodge with spectacular views of the peak.

Day 10

We are now leaving the cool mountain air behind for the heat of the coastal plains. We ride an off road track before lunch at Kota Belud. The last ride of the trip to our luxurious accommodation is flat and on tarmac. We arrive early afternoon so you can enjoy the resort before we meet up for a farewell dinner.

Day 11

Transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport.

• Had a great time and a great team.

  Shona Bailey - July 2011