Jaw-dropping views await you from the peak of Mt Kinabalu
Enjoy the warm tropical waters of Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Arrive by sea kayak to your luxury island hideaway
Discover an exotic playground brimming with lush rainforests and astonishing wildlife
Escape to Borneo and discover an exotic playground brimming with lush rainforests and astonishing wildlife. Experience the spectacular wilderness of Borneo’s ancient forests and take in the extraordinary natural beauty of this island on river safari, from your sea kayak and on your trek to Mount Kinabalu. Indulge in our collection of secluded island hideaways and tranquil retreats.
Rare flowers, ancient rainforests and jaw-dropping views await on your trek towards the peak of Mt Kinabalu. Savour a picture-postcard view as you indulge in a gourmet picnic lunch, then retreat to the stunning and tranquil Shangri-La Kinabalu Club for rest and relaxation.
Uncover tranquil hidden bays and white sandy beaches by kayak as you explore this stunning and ancient land at your own pace. Enjoy all the natural jewels this spectacular island has to offer by day, then unwind and relax in your personal paradise by night - from an island hideaway to an alpine-inspired lodge, every detail is handpicked by us.
Soak up the ambiance and natural beauty of Borneo’s centuries old rainforests, with the sounds and colours of the island’s tropical wildlife for company. Enjoy a canopy walk and take in the breathtaking views of the wilderness below.
Experience the serenity of gliding silently along the banks of the remote Kinabatangan River in your own private boat. Be captivated by the rich ecosystem and marvel as your local guide uncovers some of the wildlife teeming at the banks of the Kinabatangan, from graceful orangutans to a herd of pygmy elephants.
Below you will find the highlights of our suggested itinerary. A place to start your planning and to give you a flavour of the extraordinary natural, cultural and active experiences you can enjoy. All our itineraries are handcrafted together with you to create your personalised and unique private journey. The places you want to see and stay, the experiences you want to enjoy, the time you want to travel.
Enquire now to start the conversation.
Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport where you will be greeted and privately transferred to the stunning and tranquil Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa. Enjoy a swim in the sprawling pool or indulge in a Malay massage in the spa. In the evening enjoy some of the best food in Sabah.
This morning you begin your sea kayak exploration of Abdul Rahman Marine Park, stopping for refreshments and some snorkelling along the way. Your destination is the luxury island hideaway of Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa where you will spend the next two nights.
Enjoy the warm tropical waters some more as you continue to explore the islands of the Marine Park by kayak in search of another sandy beach to land on. After a gourmet lunch, you head to Gayana Eco Resort to visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre, then enjoy some of Sabah’s best seafood at Alu Alu, Gayana’s excellent over-water restaurant.
Today hike in the island’s centuries old virgin rainforest, enjoy a canopy walk and take in the breathtaking views of the waters you have kayaked. Choose your pace as you kayak or take a private boat transfer back to the tropical surrounds of the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.
After transferring to Kinabalu Park headquarters, you’ll prepare to climb the highest peak in South East Asia, majestic Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 metres. Enjoy a wilderness wonderland of ancient rainforests and rare tropical flowers before arriving at Laban Rata mid-afternoon. Soak up the jaw-dropping views then enjoy dinner at Laban Rata’s restaurant.
Rising in the early hours of the morning, you set off for the final ascent to make the summit of Mount Kinabalu for sunrise. Standing on Low’s Peak, lose yourself to the spectacular views across Borneo. After a hearty breakfast and a well-deserved rest, soak up the spectacle on your descent where your private luxury transfer is there to return you to the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.
After breakfast, you take an internal flight to Sandakan. Your first stop is the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, established to return orphaned orangutans back to the wild. Astonishing wildlife awaits as your private boat takes you deep into the forests of the lower Kinabatangan River in search of wild orangutans and colourful hornbills before arriving at your riverside lodge.
Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills then begin your day with a private river safari to the remote Kelenanap ox-bow lake in search of more wildlife and to experience the river’s early morning ambience. Tonight, dine on the banks of the river in the heart of this ancient rainforest.
This morning you cruise by boat back to Sandakan. Experience the vibrant local markets and enjoy lunch in Sandakan before you head back to the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa for one last time.
After breakfast, your private luxury transfer returns you to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for flights home or international connections.
The award-winning Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is a stylish and tranquil retreat located on one of the best beaches in town, Tanjung Aru. Luxuriate in the exclusive surrounds of the Kinabalu Club and enjoy personalised service, all day beverages and a complimentary cocktail hour each evening. After days spent exploring Borneo’s wilderness wonderland, retreat to the perfect tropical getaway.
Enveloped by a tranquil nature reserve on Pantai Dalit Beach, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is as enchanting as it is luxurious. Relax with a sense of tranquility in Malaysian-themed rooms offering spectacular beach or rainforest views from a private balcony. Wake to the the sounds of waves breaking on the shore, then enjoy breakfast as the sun rises over the majestic Mount Kinabalu in the distance.
A secluded island hideaway, Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa is tucked away in a tranquil and hidden bay, with a white sandy beach on one side and centuries old jungle on the other. Stunning private villas are a haven for relaxation and the perfect base for exploring the tropical archipelago of Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
Nestled close to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Laban Rata is a cosy and eco-friendly alpine-inspired lodge. Breath in the crisp mountain air, savour the tranquility and lose yourself to the jaw-dropping views of Borneo and beyond.
On wildlife safari you stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, Sukau. Located in the heart of the action, the lodge provides comfortable accommodation and is the perfect base for exploring the pristine river and surrounding rainforest. The ideal place to relax and unwind after seeking out the spectacular wildlife which inhabit this beautiful area.
Bar & Deck - Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
Coco Joe's - Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
Balcony - Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa
Pavillion - Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
Bedroom - Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
Beach - Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
Sunset - Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
Laban Rata
Laban Rata
Mount Kinabalu
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Wake up to the calls
of gibbons and
hornbills then begin your day with a private river safari to the remote Kelenanap ox-bow lake
in search of more
wildlife.
Head deep into the heart of this remote rainforest searching for wild orang-utans, colourful hornbills and solitary gibbons, then cool off with a refreshing swim in a natural jacuzzi pool.
“…an exhilarating sea kayaking experience with pit-stops and accommodation of remarkable beauty and amenity.”
Dave King
“Seven Skies fills a niche for people who want an exhilarating travel experience – mountain climbing, trekking, jungle safaris… but who also want nice food and wine and 1000-thread count sheets to sleep on.”
Wish - February 2011
