Experience Malaysia and Sabah with your expert guide in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau. Relax as you cruise along and explore the planet’s most biologically diverse ecosystems, such is the diversity of Borneo’s floral, faunal, and cultural ecology. You will explore some seldom visited and very remote islands to take advantage of the marine diversity that exists in the heart of the coral triangle. In addition, visit the key destinations of Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River. Described as Malaysia’s Gift to the Earth, the Kinabatangan is a wildlife mecca and you'll immerse ourselves deep within its beauty with an inclusive overnight stay in the rainforest lodges of Sukau. You have the chance to view wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, Bornean pygmy elephants and countless bird species as you journey along the river. Explore the tragic history of the WWII Sandakan Death Marches, where only 6 survived from the initial 6,000 participants. A visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary offers an insight into the plight, and struggle to save, one of mankind's closest relatives. Available Cruise Departure Dates: Tawau>Kota Kinabalu route - 2012: Jul 25 Kota Kinabalu>Tawau route - 2012: Sep 12

Kota Kinabalu is the current capital of the East Malaysian state of Sabah, and was originally known as Jesselton. It is located in the North-West of the island of Borneo. KK, as it is known locally, is a thriving city which is currently booming, to a large extent due to the investment by the Malaysian government in the region. The city itself is relatively new as the original town was destroyed during world War II.

Transfer between your city hotel and the airport.

Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu embraces the aesthetic and eclectic beauty of Sabah while boasting superb views of the city, Mount Kinabalu, and the South China Sea. Located in downtown Kota Kinabalu, and within easy walking distance of local attractions, the commercial district, and retail and entertainment facilities, Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu provides immediate access to some of Malaysia’s finest beaches and golf courses.

Overnight at Le Meridien.

Borneo still conjures images of mysterious myths and legends, and remains most famous for it's tales and stories about headhunting. Already in early colonial days Borneo gained its reputation as a place where ‘head-hunters roam in wild and untamed jungles.’ These nomadic tribes were also known as animist. At the helm of this millennium, vestiges of these beliefs still remain. This tour visits an ancient burial site that lies within the megalithic belt of the West Coast of Northern Borneo. It is believed that this village existed 200 years ago with the artifacts findings scattered around the nearby area.  Visit the site where the legendary headhunter Monsopiad once dwelled and roamed. This location is renowned for the 42 skulls at the Skull House of Monsopiad Cultural Village. This tour provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the Kadazan communities way of life, and to view some personal artifacts of inherited by Monsopiad descendants for 7 generations.

Overnight at Le Meridien.

Rich in flora and fauna, Borneo is the home to world’s largest bloom – the Rafflesia. Located along the roadside, is the forest edge reserve, known as the Rafflesia Information Centre, implimented for the purposes of the conservation and research of this strange botanical
wonder.  Discovered in 1818 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and Dr Jospeh Arnold, this mysterious and exotic flower is rootless, leafless, has no stem, and contains no chlorophyll. The flower is parasitic, and is found feeding only on the roots of the Tetrasigma Vine, a woody type of tropical grape vine. The Rafflesia can blossom up to 1meter in diameter, and takes about nine months to grow, but only stays bloomed for a few days within the week.  You will also visit the only Butterfly Park that partakes in a joint conservation project with Sabah Wildlife Department to save the endangered species of Birdwing butterflies of Sabah namely the Brook’s and Golden Birdwing. They also have one of the most up to date insectarium with many rare and endemic species, only found in the Crocker Range and world famous insects.

Overnight at Le Meridien.

Cruise along the coastal waters of Borneo, home to the world's oldest tropical rainforests, and the most pure example where the spleandor of biodiversity still prevails, hiding away countless species of flora and fauna, yet to be discovered.

Sleep in this morning and relax at your hotel.

Transfer between your beach resort and the port.

Welcome aboard your cruise vessel!
Meet your fellow passengers, and get settled in.

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilisers. The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tender to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N) - Sabah Cruise.

Today's activities will focus on Labuan's history during WWII. The tour today will take you to visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery housing the graves of many Australian, Indian and other Commonwealth forces killed during the retaking of Labuan and other parts of the Borneo campaign. You will also visit the memorial peace park and "surrender point", the location where Japanese forces surrended to the Commonwealth forces at the end of the war. You will also visit the Labuan Chimney, situated on a rise at Tanjung Kubong this famous ‘Chimney’, is a high red brick stack believed to be possibly linked to the coal mining days of Labuan. The Chimney was made from more than 23,000 pieces of red bricks imported from England. The bricks layering and works are typical of British style. The ‘Chimney’ is still very much a mystery until today. Various hypothesis has been put forward to its purpose. Some say it is an unfinished mansion. While others say it was a light house beaconing passing ships.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N) - Sabah Cruise.

There will be no landings today but still an amazing opportunity to explore the wetlands and spot wildlife from the fleet of Zodiacs. A variety of primates should present themselves today and the birdlife is significant as well, including herrons and hornbills.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N) - Sabah Cruise.

You will enjoy the picturesque Mantanani Islands for the day, with ample opportunity for swimming and snorkelling. If you're lucky, you may catch sight of the dugongs (sea cows) that frequent the waters around the island. The sheltered bays around the Mantanani Islands seem to provide the ideal habitats for dugongs. Sea grass beds are found on shallow sandy areas within the encircling fringing reef of the islands. The island boasts miles and miles of incredibly white sand beaches and crystal clear blue water. A small human population has caused minimal pollution and there is very little boat traffic. A beach BBQ will take place today to round out the day on the beach. All going to plan, you may also receive a cultural performance from the local fishing village during the day.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N) - Sabah Cruise.

Today you'll visit a Rungus Longhouse inland from Kudat. Considered one of the most traditional ethnic groups in Sabah, many Rungus still live in longhouses, with each family having its own separate quarters off a common hall. At the edge of the communal hall, a well-ventilated platform of split bamboo with outward sloping walls provides a place for socialising and communal work. The Rungus longhouse is quite different from others in the region that are often perched on high stilts. The Rungus houses are usually only three to five feet above ground. The roof is low, and the walls are outward sloped. In times gone by, longhouses of over 75 doors are said to have been common, yet now, they rarely exceed 10 doors.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N) - Sabah Cruise.

Your day today will be spent on the beach, with swimming and snorkelling available all day. The expedition team will run guided snorkel expeditions through out the day. The fauna that inhabit the waters of the island include scads, yellow tail barracudas, jacks, blacktip sharks, giant clams, claw anemone fish, decorator and spider crabs, coral shrimps, nudibranchs, prawn gobies, seahorses, ghost pipefish, flying gurnards, parrotfishes, rays and guitarfish.

Optional:
An option is available here for certified SCUBA divers to undertake a dive with a local dive operator. Exact location on the day depends on local conditions and number and capability of participants.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N) - Sabah Cruise.

Included today is a visit to the Sandakan Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony. This memorial commemorates all those who lost their lives in the camps and the infamous Sandakan death march of WWII. You will also visit the Sepilok wildlife rehabilitation centre which will include an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the centre. The centre is acclaimed for its work in rehabilitating orangutans and sun bears back into the wild. A shuttle bus will be available today for those who wish to explore the city on their own time.

Optional:
You can undertake a guided city tour today as an option that will take in all the highlights of the city. The tour includes a visit to St Michaels Church where the stained glass windows were donated by Australian ex-servicemen. This tour will also visit China Town and a Buddhist Temple. Finally this tour will also visit Agnes Keith House, with its sprawling green lawns and colonial-style wooden walls, the residence has been restored by the Sabah Museum, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Museums and Antiquities.

Alternately, in the centre of the mangrove forests of Semawang is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see Borneo's indigenous proboscis monkeys. This privately-owned sanctuary located within an oil palm estate gives you the chance to observe these animals up close and personal. The remarkable males sport big dangling noses, reddish flat-top hairstyles, white tails and markings, and pot bellies. The females on the other hand, are much smaller and have up-turned noses.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N) - Sabah Cruise.

Sandakan is the second-largest city in Sabah, East Malaysia, on the north-eastern coast of Borneo. It is located on the east coast of the island and is known as the gateway for ecotourism destinations in Sabah, such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Turtle Islands Park, Kinabatangan River and Gomantong Caves. The area is also infamous as the site of a World War II Japanese airfield, built by the forced labour of 6,000 Javanese civilians and Allied prisoners of war. In 1945 the surviving prisoners were sent on the Sandakan Death Marches; only 6 of them survived the war.

To fully appreciate the biodiversity of the region, you will spend two full days exploring the Kinabatabgan River. You and your fellow cruise passengers will leave the ship at anchor, and overnight in the village of Sukau in a comfortable rainforest lodge. Your activities will include morning, afternoon and night-time expeditions through the tributaries and Oxbow lake along the river. You will also each have the opportunity to plant a tree as part of the reforestation project in the area.

Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge is nestled in the backwater village of Sukau, a 2.5 hour boat ride from Sandakan, amidst thick mangrove swamps and lush tropical rainforest. The Lodge offers comfortable lodging in modest twin sharing cabins. Each is tastefully designed in local ethnic splendor, with meals prepared by the warm and friendly staff.

Overnight at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

Cruise along the coastal waters of Borneo, home to the world's oldest tropical rainforests, and the most pure example where the spleandor of biodiversity still prevails, hiding away countless species of flora and fauna, yet to be discovered.

Beginning in the Crocker Range of South West Sabah, the Kinabatangan River meanders 560km to the Sulu Sea in the east and sustains one of the world's richest ecosystems. It is Sabah’s longest river and has been described as Malaysia’s gift to the planet. It is one of the most exciting and easily accessible places to explore the condensed biodiversity of Sabah. From Kampung Abai near the river mouth to the major village of Sukau, the lower Kinabatangan offers an opportunity to see a large range of wildlife. Sightings of proboscis monkeys are common among the mangroves in the late afternoon, long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques are everywhere, and wild orangutans are also often seen, particularly nesting in the trees downstream. There’s a chance of other mammals including deer, giant squirrels and the rare Bornean pygmy elephants. In fact the Kinabatangan River’s surrounding forest is one of only two known places in the world where 10 species of primates are found. All eight species of hornbill found in Borneo also make the area their home.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N) - Sabah Cruise.

Today you will spend the day relaxing, swimming and snorkelling in the waters of Mataking. Take a stroll down the sand bar to visit the larger island and its resort. The marine life is abundant and the snorkelling is some of the best anywhere in the world. Snorkel expeditions further off shore will be conducted by the expedition team today for the more advanced and adventurous snorkellers.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N) - Sabah Cruise.

Today you'll arrive at the port in Tawau, where you will disembark from your ship, and say farewell to your fellow cruisemates.

Strap on those hiking shoes and get ready to explore the untouched forest of Tawau's Bukit Gemok. Situated 10 km from the city centre, Bukit Gemok (Gemok Hill) has recently become a popular spot for avid trekkers and Hash runners who love the challenge of varied terrain. Bukit Gemok is approximately 428 metres above sea level and is part of the Bukit Gemok Forest Reserve, covering 445 hectares.  The hike begins with an easy trail of concrete stairs which eventually ‘disappear' and make way for natural ground. The uphill walk is fairly challenging, particularly for beginners. Watch out for rocks, bulging tree roots and the like. Some parts get steeper and more demanding, but the beautiful natural surroundings make it all worthwhile.  Along the way there is so much to marvel at, such as the giant trees that seem to stretch endlessly to the sky and the elusive creatures that scurry about. There are seven huts along the way for walkers to rest and relax. After hiking for about an hour (depending on your fitness level), you will arrive at the Titian Selara canopy walkway.  At 231 metres long, it is deemed one of the longest canopy walkways in Sabah. Your ‘struggle' to the top will be worthwhile once you get a glimpse of the breathtaking view of Tawau from this high up. The stunning scenery spans the town centre, the picturesque coastline and its surrounding areas. The trek down Bukit Gemok should take a shorter time, but be warned that the trail becomes muddy and slippery during the rainy season, so exercise extra caution.  The forest reserve was developed in the early 1990s and is now equipped with basic facilities such as washrooms and rest huts along the trail. Any land vehicle can be used to get to Bukit Gemok. Just be sure to dress comfortably, drink plenty of fluids and get ready to soak in the majesty of the lush greenery along the trails of Bukit Gemok.

A private vehicle will transfer you to the Tawau Airport.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .