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I’m afraid I cannot help with that request.

Malaysia stands as one of the 17 “megadiverse” nations globally, with Borneo shining as its biodiversity treasure! The third largest island in the world, bordered by a coral reef, draped with a 130-million-year-old rainforest, and brimming with unique species, this site is of monumental scale. Although Borneo Malaysia is divided among two other nations (Indonesia and Brunei), the state’s Sabah situated at the northern tip of the island boasts the most conserved rainforest, the tallest peak, vibrant indigenous culture (38 groups comprising 59% of the population), and a solid tourism framework to explore these natural marvels…making it the ideal choice for a trip to Borneo! We allotted ourselves 12 days (we could have effortlessly spent a month here) to traverse Sabah and are thrilled to unveil the highlights of Malaysian Borneo. Follow our blog as we trek alongside orangutans, dive in the iconic Sipadan, embark on a river safari like David Attenborough, and focus on the top activities in Sabah, Malaysia.

A special thanks to Allianz Travel for backing our content and ensuring our safety throughout this journey…travel insurance is essential for any adventure in Borneo!

Table of Contents

Sabah Travel Itinerary

Route & Timing:
Sepilok (1 day) > Sukau & Kinabatangan River (2 days) > Sipadan Scuba Diving Trip (3 Days if you dive; skip if not) > Danum Valley Conservation Area (2 days) > Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (2 Days) > Kinabalu Park (2 Days) > Transit Days (add 2 days overall)

This 12-14 day Sabah travel itinerary begins in the northeast at Sepilok and follows a clockwise route, culminating in the capital, Kota Kinabalu, by the South China Sea. It presents an exhilarating mix of Borneo’s rivers, rainforests, islands, mountains, indigenous heritage, and urban experiences. This blog features all our favorite activities (including those we didn’t have time for), and if you scroll down to the end of this post, you can find all the logistical information.

Sepilok, Northeast Sabah

Situated just outside the bustling city of Sandakan, the Sepilok region merits an overnight stay for this insightful trio: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center + Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre + Rainforest Discovery Centre…all within walking distance.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Since 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre has been doing remarkable work rehabilitating orphaned and injured orangutans in their 10,611-acre sanctuary. Within this expansive rainforest reserve, 60-80 orangutans live autonomously in the wild, while around 25 orphaned orangutans receive care in the nurseries until they can ideally be released. The best times to visit Sepilok are at 10am or 3pm when they feed the orangutans who still require help.

We trekked for 10 minutes along the forested boardwalk to reach the feeding platform. Four orangutans were gathered in a circle, sharing food, stretching, and looking after an adorably restless baby. Orangutans share 97% of our DNA, which becomes strikingly clear when observing their recognizable behaviors. Then appeared Malim, a 25-year-old flanged male weighing nearly 200 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan, swinging in from the ropes. With prominent cheeks, a defined throat pouch, and long red hair, he is a prime example of a dominant male, and we were incredibly fortunate to see him!

Tip: While the temptation exists to wait for these great apes in their natural habitat, if that doesn’t come to pass, you will be truly grateful you visited and supported the rehabilitation center.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Directly adjacent to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is the inaugural sanctuary for the world’s smallest bear. Their utter cuteness has led to numerous challenges for the sun bear, with a concerning number of individuals keeping them in captivity! Malaysian biologist and now CNN Hero, Wong Siew Te, sought to end this through the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre’s rescue initiative, rehabilitation facility, and public awareness programs. We participated in a tour, discovering fascinating facts, such as sun bears being half the size of a black bear, having 10-inch tongues, and earning their name from the sun-like golden patch on their chest. We witnessed two bears pacing, still coping with the stress from their previous life in captivity, yet we were relieved to know this rehabilitation center is operational and consider it a worthwhile stop to have the chance to see a bear in a tree feasting from a beehive like Winnie the Pooh!

Rainforest Discovery Centre

Next on our brief introduction to Borneo biodiversity…The Rainforest Discovery Centre! Stroll through their impressive sky

Some locations captivate you as soon as you step foot in them—and Italy is undoubtedly among those. It’s not merely about the history, cuisine, or breathtaking scenery; it’s an indescribable feeling. Picture yourself relaxing in a snug wine bar in Florence, strolling beside serene canals in Venice under the night sky, or enjoying a meal in Rome that excites your palate long after you’ve finished. These experiences render travel here truly memorable, and we present a 7-day Italy itinerary to bring your dreams to fruition!

We just returned from seven days exploring Italy, and every moment felt vibrant. One instant, we were perched on a clifftop in Positano, gazing at the rolling waves; the next, we found ourselves in a quaint family-operated trattoria, enjoying wine while an elderly Italian couple swung to the music of a live accordionist. Some destinations are picturesque in photographs, but Italy is something you need to experience in person to truly grasp.

What enhanced this trip even further? The delightful surprises. The boutique hotel in Rome had more character than any luxury resort could offer. A small café in Florence where a local chef whipped up the best plant-based pasta we’ve ever tasted. A secluded beach in Capri where the only ambiance was the gentle lapping of water against the cliffs.

For travelers eager to experience Italy authentically, we’ve compiled an extensive itinerary featuring the finest accommodations, exquisite restaurants, and must-try activities. If you’re sketching plans for your own adventure, Reliabletraveler is an excellent resource for expert suggestions, firsthand travel narratives, and insider advice to enhance your journey. Italy is dreamy, effortless, and utterly unforgettable. In this week-long escapade, we’ll guide you on how to experience it to the utmost.

The moment we disembarked the plane in Rome, we sensed that the city pulsates with its unique rhythm. One moment, you are strolling past ruins that have stood for millennia; the next, you’re wedged into a snug café where locals casually savor espresso as if they possess all the time in the world. Rome moves at its own rhythm—swift yet leisurely, frantic yet serene—acting harmoniously all at once.

Day 1: Arrival, Trevi Fountain & Rome’s Vibrant Piazzas

I kick off my first afternoon in Rome at the Trevi Fountain. Admittedly, it’s a magnet for tourists, yet there’s a rationale behind it. The white stone carvings, the sound of flowing water—it’s a location that compels you to pause and absorb. We toss a coin over our shoulder (because, why not, tradition) and watch it vanish into the azure water before continuing our journey.

From there, we venture toward Piazza Navona, one of the most animated squares in Rome. Artists display their artwork, vendors offer paintings of the Colosseum, and the atmosphere is alive with chatter and the occasional clamor of dishes from the restaurants lining the square. We snag a quick coffee at Caffè Sant’Eustachio, a quaint café that has been refining its brew since the 1930s. It’s robust, smooth, and precisely what we require before plunging into the next adventure.

Day 2: Strolling Through History – The Colosseum & Roman Forum

On my second day in Rome, we kick things off at one of the city’s iconic landmarks—the Colosseum. Witnessing it up close, the immense scale is breathtaking. We opt for a small group tour (highly advisable) and enter, traversing the underground passages where gladiators once waited for their turn in the arena. The guide shares tales about how this venue once accommodated over 50,000 enthusiastic spectators, and for a fleeting moment, you can nearly hear the whispers of history.

After that, we set our sights on the Roman Forum, the ancient core of Rome. It’s a blend of towering columns, partially standing temples, and weathered cobblestone paths that lead to the tales of emperors, deities, and everyday life from bygone eras. Unlike a museum, where the past is encased behind glass, this is an environment you walk through, touch, and immerse yourself in directly.

For lunch, we discovered a charming spot at Ginger Sapori e Salute, a sustainable eatery that specializes in organic Italian cuisine. Fresh salads, homemade pasta, and cold-pressed juices—light yet packed with flavor, just what we needed for a midday refresh.

The afternoon unfolds as we meander through Trastevere, one of Rome’s most enchanting neighborhoods. With its cobblestone lanes, vibrant homes, and lively squares, it’s clear why this area is beloved by both locals and tourists alike. We drop by Giselda, a café known for serving some of the finest vegan pastries we’ve encountered, before concluding the day at a rooftop bar, marveling at the sunset across the skyline.

Day 3: Vatican City & Sunset Views

On my last day in Rome, we traversed the Tiber River to visit