Safari Party Adventures, Ltd. - BORNEO 2011
Photo-Eco Tours for the Photographer and Nature Enthusiast
An Overview of the July 2011 Tour with Photos - Enjoy
July 11, 2011: ARRIVAL.
Arrive in Sandakan airport. Meet and transfer to Hotel Sandakan for check in and overnight.
July 12: SEPILOK ORANGUTAN - KINABATANGAN ABAI (B, L, D)
At 08.00 a.m., assemble at Hotel Sandakan's lobby and depart to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where captive orangutans are reintroduced into the wild. You will be able to observe them at their feeding stations in the rainforest and see a video presentation on the Orangutan's rehabilitation program.(or at Abai). Then transfer back to the jetty in Sandakan for a boat excursion which brings you to the pristine mangrove forests along the lower Kinabatangan River delta in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and reptiles. Lunch is provided in the Abai Jungle Restaurant. Explore the surrounding area on the nature boardwalk before cruising up the Kinabatangan River in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Sometimes the rare Borneo Pygmy Elephants are spotted in this region. After dinner, depart for a night cruise and witness the glittering of Fireflies on the mangrove trees. Overnight at the Abai Jungle Lodge
I miss Borneo! ... It is like I left part of me there ...
Lynn B. July 2011
An Orang Mom and her baby at Seplok Orang Center in Sabah.
Friendly Abai VIllagers across the river from our Lodge. We had lunch with these gracious people that was a true taste of Borneo.
July 13: PITAS LAKE - ABAI VILLAGE - SUKAU (B, L, D)
Depart on another boat trip for birdwatching and viewing wildlife at the Pitas Lake nearby and then return to the lodge for breakfast. Visit the nearby Abai village and observe & participate in the tree planting project. Lunch will be served together with one of the families. Depart by boat to Sukau and after check-in go on a river cruise up Kinabatangan River to Menanggul River in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.
July 14: SUKAU - TABIN WILDLIFE RESERVE. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer overland in order to reach Lahad Datu at 09.00 a.m. at which time you change vehicle and continue to Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
The transfer from Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on gravel road will take about one hour. Our staff will register you and provide a briefing. Thereafter you will pack the necessary items needed for your night out at Lipad mud volcano. Lunch followed by a short break. You can enjoy the serene environment at the Cafe and observe birds, small mammals and insects that are active in the vicinity. Embark on your journey to the mud volcano. After trekking through the jungle for twenty minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano. Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints belonging to different wildlife. Walk up the observation tower and admire the contrasting landscape of the bare area and its surrounding thick forest where birds are commonly sighted. Our guides will set up camp for the night at the observation tower. Stay quiet in order not to disturb wildlife that are more active in the evening and early morning. Stay alert during the night to observe any visits by wildlife to drink water at the mud volcano.
Sucou was adorned with loads of flowers and a draw for many butterflies
Pigmy Elephants at the Mud Volcano. There is nothing "pigmy" about these animals.
July 15: TABIN WILDLIFE RESERVE. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, pack and return to Tabin wildlife Resort when you will check into its charming Borneon timber bungalow which comes complete with a private balcony and hot water shower, a real luxury after your night out in the jungle. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or stroll in the resort's vicinity to enjoy nature at its best. After dinner, enjoy a slide presentation on Tabin's uniqueness, followed by a trip to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. Remember to look up at the clear, dark sky of Tabin, identify the constellation above you, and make a wish or two. (B, L, D)
July 16: TABIN WILDLIFE RESERVE. (B, L, D)
You may opt to take up a dawn drive to look out for wildlife that are active at this time of the day (not included in package). Join the morning bird walk as Tabin has a rich collection of about 300 bird species. After breakfast, trek through the lush green jungle known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species to visit Lipad's Waterfall. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy the refreshing splash coming down from the waterfall. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or just relax. In the afternoon you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with an exotic blend of herbal plants, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. (B,L,D)
Swimming in the pool by Lipad Waterfall. Quite refreshing after the hike through the jungle.