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SENSATIONAL SABAH

11 – 27 June 2015

SAB15
DAY TEN
The Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre
SAB15
Waterlilies are abundant in the waterways
SAB15
SAB15
Ginger torch are stunning finds
SAB15
SAB15
The world's largest flower the rafflesia
ITINERARY
Elusive rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, inquisitive orangutans, Proboscis monkeys, abundance of orchids and pitcher plants: Sabah is an extraordinary place. A visit to the Sandakan War Memorial makes this journey even more memorable.

DAY 1
Thursday 11 June 2015
Home – Kuching

Meet your Ross Tour Leader, Libby Cameron at check-in. Depart Sydney for Kuching, capital of Sarawak State, Malaysia.

Accommodation: Hilton Hotel, Kuching

DAY 2
Friday 12 June 2015
Kuching (B/L/D)

Morning city tour of Kuching, once the seat of the White Rajah dynasty where Malay, Chinese, Indian and British created a unique community.

Afternoon visit to Semenggoh Nature Reserve to see orang-utans in their natural environment and their afternoon feed.

Accommodation: Hilton Hotel, Kuching

DAY 3
Saturday 13 June 2015
Sarawak Cultural Village (B/L/D)

Sarawak Cultural village is built on 17 acres on the edge of a beautiful lake. Here we get a good understanding of the major ethnic groups found in Sarawak namely the Bidayuh, Ibans, Orang Ulu, Melanau and Penans. Browse around the village and watch the locals cooking, demonstrating their skills in traditional handicrafts such as pua weaving and bamboo carving and making blow-pipes and other hunting instruments.
After lunch at Bayridge Restaurant we will relax back in our hotel before our evening Sarawak River Cruise (with light refreshments).

Accommodation: Hilton Hotel, Kuching

DAY 4
Sunday 14 June 2015
Kuching – Kota Kinabalu – Kinabalu Park (B/L/D)

A short flight this morning to Kota Kinabalu, capital of Sabah.
After lunch we will travel over the Crocker Range to UNESCO World Heritage Kinabalu Park. Established as a state park in 1964, this botanical paradise emcompasses four climate zones. Stop at the Nabalu hilltop market to buy local fruit and handicrafts.

Accommodation: Kinabalu Pine Resort, Kota Kinabalu

DAY 5
Monday 15 June 2015
Poring (B/L/D)

Back into Kinabalu Park this morning. Mt. Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia at 4095m (13431 feet). Enjoy the cool air as we trek around the foothills to learn about the unique plants of Borneo including the carnivorous Nepenthes, rhododendrons & orchids.

In the lowland dipterocarp forest at Poring we will traverse the rainforest through the tree tops on the Canopy walkway 35m above ground level. We can take a dip in the Poring Hot Springs or we can bathe in the cool river pools. Hopefully we will see the world’s largest flower, the elusive Rafflesia.

Accommodation: Kinabalu Pine Resort, Kota Kinabalu

DAY 6
Tuesday 16 June 2015
Kinabalu Park – Sukau (B/L/D)

Travel through the heart of Sabah today from Kundasang in the mountains to Sukau on the Kinbatangan River. Relax in the tranquil surroundings of our lodge accommodation.
Accommodation: Kinabatangan River Lodge, Sukau

DAY 7
Wednesday 17 June 2015
Sukau (B/L/D)

Dawn and dusk cruises are our treats today as we explore the Kinabantangan River. We will be watching for hornbills, wild monkeys including the remarkable Proboscis monkey and orang-utans in the wild. Our boat will navigate the narrow Menanggul River to enjoy the best bird watching. Bring your binoculars!

Accommodation: Kinabatangan River Lodge, Sukau

DAY 8
Thursday 18 June 2015
Sukai – Abai (B/L/D)

Travel by boat downstream to Abai Village. We will participate in a re-forestation project this afternoon along with the locals.
Settle into our hotel before an evening walk in search of frogs and fireflies.

Accommodation: Abai Village Lodge, Abai

DAY 9
Friday 19 June 2015
Abai – Sandakan (B/L/D)

A morning river cruise to Sandakan. Visit Agnes Keith House Museum, the restored heritage quarters of the British Colonial Government called “Newlands”. Lunch today is a grand affair at the adjacent English Tea House overlooking Sandakan Bay.

Visit Sandakan War Memorial on the original POW camp where thousands of Australian and British POW’s died in WW2.

Accommodation: Sepilok Nature Resort, Sandakan

DAY 10
Saturday 20 June 2015
Sandakan – Kota Kinabalu (B/L)

Morning visit to the famous Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre to watch them feed and learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned orang-utans.

After lunch we transfer to Sandakan airport for a flight back to Kota Kinabalu.

Accommodation: Hotel Le Meridien, Kota Kinabalu

DAY 11
Sunday 21 June 2015
Kota Kinabalu (B/L)

Start the day at the Sunday Gaya Street Fair then an orientation of historic landmarks including the State & City Mosque, University grounds and Kingfisher residential area.
Another treat this afternoon in a beautiful private garden. Wander the waterfront this evening to sample food in the various stalls and cafes.

Accommodation: Hotel Le Meridien, Kota Kinabalu

DAY 12
Monday 22 June 2015
Kota Kinabalu – Keningau (B/L/D)

Head south this morning over the Crocker Range into the beautiful Tambunan Valley. This is farming country with rugged mountain backdrop. Stop at the Tambunan Rafflesia Centre. Check into our hotel with dinner then wander through the night markets.

Accommodation: Hotel Juta, Keningau

DAY 13
Tuesday 23 June 2015
Tenom (B/D)

Tenom Agricultural park is a paradise for plant lovers filled with all the heliconias, gingers, bouganvilleas and tropical shrubs you could dream about.There are 21 gardens including a ‘living crop’ museum, an evolution garden, orchid houses and pitcher plants.

Accommodation: Hotel Juta, Keningau

DAY 14
Wednesday 24 June 2015
Keningau – Kota Kinabalu (B/D)

Travel back to Kota Kinabalu via Tambunan with a stop at Kipandi Butterfly Farm to see an exquisite collection of orchids, pitcher plants and hoyas, insects and butterflies.

Accommodation: Shangrila Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu

DAY 15
Thursday 25 June 2015
Kota Kinabalu (B/D)

Free day for optional tours or just relax in our resort hotel. Farewell dinner tonight at Shangrila Tanjung Aru Resort.

Accommodation: Shangrila Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu

DAY 16
Friday 26 June 2015
Kota Kinabalu – Home (B)

Mid morning transfer to airport for return flight to Singapore and connecting with overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 17
Saturday 27 June 2015
Home

Arrive home today.

HOW TO BOOK

To secure your booking and make your deposit, please complete our online booking form. You will be contacted by a Ross Tours Travel Manager to confirm your details and preferred method of payment.

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations received 180-120 days prior to departure will incur loss of deposit.
Cancellations received between 119-60 days prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellations received between 59-30 days prior to departure will incur a 75% cancellation fee plus any non-recoverable costs incurred.
Cancellations received within 30 days prior to departure will incur 100% cancellation fee.

Cancellations must be sent in writing.
Cancellation fee is based upon the total amounts paid including tours, airfares and all other travel arrangements.
Please refer to the Ross Garden Tours standard terms and conditions

TOUR INCLUSIONS
TOUR ESCORTED BY
LIBBY CAMERON
  • Return group airfare & taxes Sydney / Kuching / Sandakan / Kota Kinablu /Sydney with Singapore & Malaysian Airlines
  • Air-conditioned motorcoach throughout tour
  • Breakfast daily, 13 lunches and 11 dinners
  • Sukau River Cruise
  • Entrance fees to Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs, Canopy Walkway & Kundasang War Memorial, Sepilok Nature Reserve, Tambunan Raffesia Centre, Agnes Keith House Museum, Tenom Agricultural Park, Sarawk Cultural Village, Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Sepilok Nature Reserve, Rainforest Discovery Centre
  • See Carnivorous Nepenthes, Rhododenrons & Orchids, Orang Utans, Proboscis monkeys, tropical birds
  • Visit the Sandakan Australian War Memorial
  • Fully escorted by Libby Cameron with local guides
  • Ross Tours travel wallet & bag
TOUR PRICE

Twin Share land only $5,795.00 per person.
Twin Share including air $6,995.00 per person.
Single Supplement $1,050.00.

All prices in Australian Dollars.
Prices based on minimum 12 passengers.
Price is based on departure ex Sydney.

DISCOUNTS

Book and pay in full by 6/2/15 to receive the Early Bird Discount of $200.00 per person off the final instalment.
Previous Traveller Discount $100.00
Garden Clinic Member Discount $50.00

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POSTCARDS

Read what our tour leaders have written about Sabah here.

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