Sandakan Trek Itinerary

Wild Spirit Adventures
 

B =full breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Day 1
Depart home Capital; Arrive in Kota Kinabalu. Overnight at selected hotel

Day 2 (B/L/D)

Early morning flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. From airport we transfer to Sepilok and visit the famous Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, before proceeding to Sandakan Memorial Park, the site of the Sandakan POW Camp. After lunch at a local restaurant, we view the magnificent Windows of Remembrance at St Michael's Church before checking in at Hotel. Dinner at local restaurant.


Day 3 (B/L/D)

Today is a warm-up walk. After an early breakfast, depart by road for Bauto and early lunch. The trek begins with a steep climb above the Labuk River, and a fairly challenging descent through thick rainforest. Overnight accommodation at Forestry Rest House. Trek details, 3 hours' duration; 2 hours. Medium grade.

Day 4 (B/L/D)

A physically challenging trek through primary jungle, with steep ascents and descents. Highlight walkers exit after a picnic lunch if they wish and transfer to the Forestry Rest House, while the Challenge walkers tackle the next mountain. Trek details, 6 hours' duration; 4 hours. Hard grade.

Day 5 (B/L/D)

Today we follow an old vehicular road, then foot and estate tracks to Taviu village, passing through forested and cultivated land with numerous creek crossings, and some open sections. Overnight at Forestry Rest House. Trek details, 8 hours' duration; 4 hours. Medium to hard grade, depending on the heat.

Day 6 (B/L/D)

Our start today is along an old vehicular road, then via foot and estate tracks to Taviu village, passing through forested and cultivated land with numerous creek crossings, and some open sections. Overnight at Forestry Rest House. Trek details 8 hours' duration; 4 hours. Medium to hard grade, depending on the heat. Much of this section is in the open.

Day 7 (B/L/D)

Today we transfer to Nabutan, enjoying a cultural experience along tracks which pass through forested and cultivated land to the village of Nalapak. After lunch, the group proceeds to Muruk, before transfer back to Sabah Tea Estate for overnight stay. Trek details 7 hours' duration; 4 hours'. Easy to moderate grade, with uphill sections.

Day 8 (B/L/D)

Transfer to Muruk village. We begin with a steep ascent up Marakau Hill. We then follow a short steep trek through jungle, before descending and crossing Ranau Plain for lunch and inspect POW Camp sites. Transfer to Kundasang (Mt. Kinabalu), for overnight stay at Hotel. Trek details, 5 hours' duration, moderate to hard grade, with extensive uphill section.

Day 9 (B)

After breakfast we visit the magnificently restored Kundasang War Memorial to participate in a dawn service to remember all those who gave their lives for Australia. We have some time here to watch a video and reflect as we walk through the various memorial gardens.
Following lunch, you can select your option for days 9 and 10. We have three options to choose from. Limited accommodation on Mt Kinabalu may result in options 2 and three not being available.

Option 1:

After lunch, travel to Kinabalu National Park to visit the Pouring Hot Springs where you can fill your own hot tub with the therapeutic waters of Mt Kinabalu and soothe those aching muscles. For those who don’t mind heights, the Canopy Tree walk is a great experience. We then take the drive to KotaKinabalu to our selected hotel.

Day 10 (B/-/-)

Option 1:

Early morning departure by plane for Labuan. A visit to the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, where the remains of Sandakan's POWs are buried, is followed by a tour of the island and lunch at a bay-side restaurant, before departing by air-conditioned ferry for late afternoon arrival in Kota Kinabalu. Walk or take taxi back to hotel

Option 2: Day 9/10( subject to availability; limited accommodation)

Commence climb up Mt Kinabalu with experienced guide. Mt Kinabalu is a challenging but non-technical climb, so suitable for most fit people. We overnight at Laban Rata rest house, which is at 3272m. Early start 2am to climb to the summit 4095 for a spectacular sunrise before descending to our awaiting transport which will take us to our selected hotel in Kota Kinabalu.

Option 3: Day 9/10 (subject to availability; limited accommodation)

Commence climb up Mt Kinabalu with experienced guide. Mt Kinabalu is a challenging but non-technical climb, so suitable for most fit people. We overnight at Laban Rata rest house, which is at 3272m.Early start 2am to climb to the summit 4095 for a spectacular sunrise. We then descend back to Laban Rata Guest house via Asia’s first and the Worlds Highest Via Ferrata before descending down to bottom and transferring to our accommodation in Kota Kinabalu

What is “VIA FERRATA”

The Via Ferrata at 3800m is the Worlds Highest and Asia’s first. A Via Ferrata is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs and cables embracing the rock face, creating a protected pathway that everyone can walk on. It allows access to scenic sections of the mountain normally accessible only to rock climbers and mountaineers.

Day 11 (B/-/-)

Today we are picked up from our Hotel and driven to our Wild water rafting start on the Papan River. The river winds its way through beautiful countryside and is of grade 1-2 standard. There is ample opportunity to have a swim in the warm waters as we paddle approximately 7 kms. After a traditional lunch we are driven back to Kota Kinabalu for a free evening.

Day 12 (B/-/-)

A free day to visit the many markets and roam around Kota Kinabalu to complete any last minute shopping. Enjoy the night markets and the endless small restaurants along the waterfront. You may wish to just relax around the pool or have a game of golf.

Day 13 (B/-/-)

Our tour ends after breakfast. Depart for home.