Springs was developed by the Japanese during World War II and now warm sulphur water is piped into several open-air Japanese style baths. The hot springs are said to have curative properties for the skin.

Days 8-9: Kinabatangan

Jungle Camp/ Homestay

From the steam of Poring Hot Springs, we enter the equally steamy jungle. Our program at Kinabatangan is run by MESCOT, a local ecological organization that aims to provide villagers with environmental education and the means of making a living from their forests, without the need for its destruction by chainsaws. After learning about forest rehabilitation, we head by boat into the jungle where we erect our own hammocks and spend the night. This is the best way to experience the true wild Borneo. Wild elephants are rarely seen but we will hopefully find crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutans and freaky-looking proboscis monkeys, while hornbills fly in the skies overhead. Be prepared for an adventure! On day 8 we are invited into the homes of a local traditional Malay village for a night with the locals - practice your Malaysian language and experience the ways and traditions of the locals firsthand. This is an amazing privilege and your leader will explain local

cultural expectations to ensure that we make the most of our stay.

Day 10: Sandakan

Sandakan was once the capital of British North Borneo and traditionally has strong trading ties with Hong Kong. The Cantonese influence here is evident in the lively harbourside market, the many Chinese temples as well as the local cuisine. Head out for a delicious meal at a local kedai kopi (coffee shop) or get some insight into the city’s past at the emotive War Memorial park, built on the sight of a Japanese POW camp.

Day 11: Turtle Island

Travelling by speedboat, we head out to Turtle Island where every night of the year giant green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Throughout the afternoon, there is time for swimming, snorkelling or lazing about on this tropical island where we stay for a night in ‘chalets’. In the evening, we hope to help the researchers as they release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. It is a moving experience.

Day 12: Sepilok Orangutan

Reserve

The soulful eyes of Borneo’s ‘wild men’ will melt hearts on a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The reserve was set up to help re-introduce these wonderful

Tour notes

Included: Return flights (including taxes and fuel surcharges), 13 day tour with 12 nights’ accommodation, return airport transfers Accommodation: Hotels/ guesthouses (6 nts), bed and breakfast (1 nt) national park lodges (2 nts), tribal village (1 nt), homestay (1 nt), camping (1 nt) Transport: Minibus, speedboat, longboat, local bus, walking Group Size: Max 12 Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners Budget: Allow $300 for meals not included Departs: Every Fri and selected Sundays from the UK.

Please note: Most

accommodation has shared bathrooms and cold water.

Intrepid code: BSC

creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. From the viewing platform, visitors may watch and photograph these charming creatures as they swing into view on ropes and vines. We are not permitted to hinder the orangutans as human contact must be kept to a minimum.

To book your holiday call 0844 573 8346

To carbon offset your holiday visit www.myclimate.org/en/offsetting.html

19

Prices from

£1,835

Prices are in £’s per person based on two sharing when travelling between 10 Apr-06 Jul & 07 Aug-11 Dec’10

Day 13: Kota Kinabalu

Fly back to Kota Kinabalu where we conclude the trip in a seaside guest house south of the city. Relax by the pool or explore the surrounding islands on foot or by boat.

Day 14: Kota Kinabalu -

London

Enjoy a morning at leisure, before transferring back to the airport for your Malaysia Airlines flight back to London Heathrow, via Kuala Lumpur.

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