Borneo, Australia & Dubai multi-centre holiday

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Kota Kinabalu
• 1 night Sandakan
• 2 nights Kinabatangan
• 2 nights Danum Valley
• 3 nights Gaya Island
• 2 nights Melbourne
• 2 nights Mornington Peninsula
• 2 nights Apollo Bay
• 3 nights Dubai

Day 1: Depart UK

You will depart the UK today from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive in Kota Kinabalu  

Once you land in Kota Kinabalu, you’ll be met by your private driver and taken to your hotel, where you will check in for your 2 night stay. Once you have had time to settle in and find your bearings, your driver and guide will meet you in your hotel lobby and take you on an afternoon tour focussing on traditional living in Borneo.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 3: Kinabalu Park and Rafflesia flowers  

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head off to Kinabalu Park, which is nominated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Mount Kinabalu is located here, which is the highest mountain in Malaysia, and towers majestically at 4095 metres. From the Oak-Chestnut forest, you will proceed to the lowlands forest at Poring. Here you will get to cross a canopy walkway to view the epiphytes (a plant that grows upon another plant!) on the treetops. If time permits, you will then be able to take a dip in the Hot Springs where the sulphuric content of the natural springs are said to have therapeutic value.

You'll also head out to seek the exclusive Rafflesia, the world's largest flower. Your guide will bring you to known flower spots but sightings are not guaranteed. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, hotel 

Day 3: Fly to Sandakan

Today after breakfast you will be picked up and taken to the airport to meet your flight to Sandakan. On the other side, you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel to check in. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, nestled by a lake at the edge of Sepilok Forest. Explore the Plant Discovery Walk where you'll learn about medicinal plants and herbs, as well as the 87m high canopy walkway. It's a great place to look for birds and even spot the occasional wild orangutan.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, hotel

Day 5: Travel to the Kinabatangan River

This morning you'll visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehab Centre, learning about the plight of these beautiful creatures and the ongoing efforts to protect them and their habitat. Walk along the boardwalks to watch the orangutans being fed as they climb through the trees before admiring the young ones in the nursery. After this, you'll visit hte Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, to learn about the world's smallest bear. All the bears here have been rescued from poachers, with large areas of natural forest where they are able to be brough back to health. 

In the afternoon, you'll be taken to the jetty and begin along journey to the Kinabatangan River, spending two hours going past local villages and through lush rainforest on your way to the lodge. In the late afternoon, you'll head out to enjoy a cruise along the water, looking for the famous proboscis monkeys that are endemic to Borneo. Look out for pygmy elephants, hornbills and gibbons in the trees as you learn about the local flora and fauna. Settle into the comfortable lodge for two nights, before heading out for a mid evening stroll along the boardwalks looking for nocturnal animals. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* jungle lodge

Day 6: Kinabatangan River 

Spend a day exploring this river ecosystem where tiny fishing communities live side by side with the unique wildlife. In the morning, you’ll cruise to the oxbow lake before continuing to the local village where the local Orang Sungai people make their home. You can learn about their daily activities before returning to the resort for lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy another cruise through the mangroves, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for monkeys, birds and pygmy elephants. In the evening, you’ll take a night safari where you might even spot a firefly colony, found at certain points along the river.

Day 8: Kinabatangan to Danum Valley

After breakfast, you’ll travel to the Danum Valley, an area of virgin rainforest and one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. Much of the journey is on unsealed roads so it will be bumpy but well worth the effort once you arrive.

On arrival at the lodge, you will check in for two nights before enjoying a late afternoon walk along the trails and the 130-meter high canopy walk, high up in the rainforest. After dinner you’ll drive in one of the open top 4WD vehicles for a night spotlighting tour, where you could spot samba deer, clouded leopards and an array of colourful insects and frogs.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* jungle lodge

Day 9: Danum Valley

A morning chorus of birds, insects and monkeys will wake you early, ready for a morning hike along the View Point Trail to the morbidly fascinating Coffin Cliff - a 200-year-old local burial site where coffins dangle from the edge of the rocks. The end of the trail showcases spectacular views over an ocean of million-year-old jungle – truly one of the best sights in Borneo.

On the way back, you can enjoy a dip in the waterfalls before spending the afternoon at leisure in the lodge. You could head out on one of the optional activities like tubing on the Danum River, or simply relax in the lodge, taking in the fresh air and serenity. In the evening, you’ll take a nature walk in the forest to learn about the plants that thrive in this jungle ecosystem.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* jungle lodge

Day 9: Fly to Kota Kinabalu 

After breakfast you’ll spend your morning at leisure before being transferred to the airport for the short flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to Jessleton Point Jetty where you will catch a boat to your hotel on Gaya Island, checking in for three nights.

Included: Breakfast, internal flights, transfers, ferry, Gaya Island Resort

Days 10 &11: Gaya Island

You’ll have two days of relaxing on the pretty beaches of Gaya Island; swimming, snorkelling or enjoying water sports from the hotel. We’ve included a snorkel tour to the Marine Park – you’ll take a speedboat over to Manukan Island where you can snorkel amongst the hard-coral gardens looking out for spiny sea urchins and colourful clouds of butterflyfish in the turquoise water.

Included: Breakfast, snorkel tour, Gaya Island Resort

Day 12: Fly to Melbourne

Enjoy breakfast and some lunch on the island, before your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne. You'll fly overnight, arriving in Australia the next morning.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, ferry, international flights 

Day 13: Arrive Melbourne 

On arrival in Melbourne, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for two nights. 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 14: Melbourne

Spend the day exploring Melbourne. Wander through the Laneways as you hop between coffee shops, tasting the famous flat white. Sample local craft beers, drool over the array of boutique cake shops and head out to dinner to one of Melbourne incredible array of restaurants. Take a ride up the Eureka Sky deck to experience uninterrupted 360-degree views of the skyline, you can even enjoy a cocktail at the top! Explore Chinatown for delicious dim sum and stop into Queen Victoria Market for the iconic hot jam donuts.

Included: 4* hotel 

Day 15: Drive to Mornington Peninsula 

This morning you'll pick up your hire car and head down to the Mornington Peninsula. Why not stop in to enjoy Puffing Billy on your way into Yarra - hop onto this iconic steam train for epic views through the Dadenong Ranges and lush temperate rainforest. On arrival in the Mornington Peninsula, you'll check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 16: Mornington Peninsula 

We've planned a magical morning exploring the area on a Stand Up Paddleboarding and snorkel safari. Start with a peaceful paddle on a secluded lake surrounded by bushland, followed by a tasty lakeside breakfast. Finish with a visit to a hidden beach for an ocean paddle and guided snorkel, looking for dolphins and rays.

The rest of the day is yours to relax in the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Whether you want to chill at the hotel, enjoy long lunches at local vineyards or explore a little further, it's your choice. If you do want to explore, there is so much to do - whether you enjoy a walk along the coast or explore the national parks.

Included: Snorkel and SUP safari, car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 17: Drive to Apollo Bay

Leaving the Mornington Peninsula behind, hop on the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff to start your journey west. Discover the charming Bellarine Peninsula, stopping to admire the art at Geelong Gallery, sip cold white wine at Terindah Estate and taste Portarlington’s famous mussels. Driving south along the Great Ocean Road, you can admire the spectacular coastal views as you head toward Torquay, the surfing capital of Australia. Watch the surfers taken on the waves before carrying on to Apollo Bay, where you'll check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Car hire, ferry, 4* hotel 

Day 18: Great Ocean Road 

From Apollo Bay, you have the whole day to explore the Great Ocean Road. It’s up to you how you time your drive today, the Twelve Apostles are located along the route approximately an hour from Apollo Bay, these iconic rocks are an amazing place to stop and take some pictures - we recommend early morning to avoid the crowds but it's also beautiful at sunset. 

Why not stop in at Bay of Islands Coastal Park for views of the pretty rocks - it's often a lot quieter than the Twelve Apostles. Beach hop along the coast, enjoying the relaxed coastal towns and villages whilst tucking into some fresh seafood for lunch. In the evening you could head out to Wildlife Wonders to enjoy a dusk wildlife spotting tour - looking for potoroos, bandicoots and pademelons as they wake up their day time snoozing. It's a fascinating insight into some of Australia's lesser known but just as adorable wildlife.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 19: Fly to Dubai 

Take your time heading back to Melbourne, dropping your car at the airport before catching your overnight flight to Dubai.

Included: Car hire, international flights

Day 20: Arrive Dubai

On arrival you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel, checking in for three nights. 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Days 21 & 22: Dubai

Relax in the luxury of your hotel. After breakfast each day you have free time to spend as you wish. Squeeze in some shopping at one of the many malls, or if your stay includes a Friday, why not indulge in the famous Dubai brunches at any one of the deluxe hotels? 

If you want to escape the glitz and glamour - head to Dubai Creek, where you can wander amongst small galleries and shops selling beautiful Middle Eastern art, pottery, ceramics and textiles. The low rise traditional buildings are lovely and cool, and there's a museum to dip into if it's culture you're seeking.  Finish with a creek cruise and dinner in the evening (not included).

We’ve included a desert safari with a BBQ dinner for a completely different experience of Dubai. Head out onto the sand dunes on a land cruiser for a rollercoaster ride up and down the sand before visiting a camel farm for a short visit. Once you reach the camp you will experience a traditional Arabian welcome with coffee, tea and dates. Relax in the tent furnished with carpets and cushions or take a camel ride before enjoying a 3 course BBQ meal alongside an exotic belly dancing performance.

Included: Breakfast, desert tour, 4* hotel 

Day 23: Dubai to UK

After breakfast you will be taken by private transfer to the airport for your final flight back to the UK. You'll arrive back the same day after an incredible holiday exploring Borneo, Australia and Dubai.

Included: Breakfast, international flights