Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, head to the hotel where our Local Insider will greet you at 4pm and help you check in. They will accompany the group throughout the trip. You’ll waste no time immersing yourself in nature: your first stop is the Rainforest Discovery Centre to learn about the variety of flora and fauna in Borneo on a guided evening journey along the canopy walkway. Keep an eye out for flying squirrels and don’t forget to wear insect repellent! Round off your first day with a welcome dinner in the company of your fellow travellers.

Start your morning at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which provides a safe home for young orangutans orphaned due to deforestation or the illegal pet trade. The centre rehabilitates them by providing the essential care they’d receive from their parents, with the goal of re-introducing them to the wild. Afterwards, head next door to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to observe this critically endangered species, under threat from habitat destruction and poaching. Meet the founder, Dr Wong, and get a comprehensive insight into his team’s vital work before returning to Sandakan in the afternoon.

Today you’ll take a boat to the Kinabatangan River, which winds 560km (348mi) from the Witti mountain range to the Sulu Sea. The floodplains surrounding the second-longest river in Malaysia contain some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, from thick rainforests to salty mangrove swamps. Later on, embark on another river cruise, where you’ll have an opportunity to spot Borneo gibbons, proboscis monkeys and plenty more mammals, reptiles and birds in their natural habitat. A guided night walk on the resort boardwalk offers another chance to encounter more of the extraordinary wildlife here. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Morning person? You’ll be pleased to know you’re setting off on a wildlife cruise first thing. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, pig-tailed macaques and rhinoceros hornbills as you float down the river. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Borneo pygmy elephant – the smallest subspecies of elephant in the world, of which only around 1,500 remain in the wild. After lunch and some free time, head out on another wildlife cruise in the late afternoon. And, if you still have the energy, you can enjoy one final wildlife cruise after dinner – or spend the evening relaxing at the resort.

Leave the Kinabatangan River behind and return to Sandakan by boat, where you’ll have the option of visiting the Agnes Keith House – a museum that teaches the history of Borneo under British colonial rule. You’ll then continue west towards the Sabah Tea Garden – an organic tea plantation surrounded by thick jungle in the mountains. Here, you'll have the opportunity to taste eight types of tea – including ginger, cinnamon and lemongrass – and gain a first-hand understanding of the production process. Be sure to get a good night’s rest ahead of an early start tomorrow.

Rise and shine for departure at 5am. Today, you’ll be heading to Maragang Hill, named after the red leaf monkey that inhabits its forested slopes. After a safety briefing, begin your hike at 1,835m (6,020ft), ascending through the montane cloud forest to 2,232m (7,323ft). At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of nearby Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia at 4,095m (13,435ft). Descend to the starting point and enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Pekan Nabalu for souvenir shopping, en route to your hotel on the coast.

Delve deeper into the cultural heritage of Sabah, discovering culinary techniques and flavour combinations in a cooking class by the Kiulu River. You’ll learn about the traditional cuisine of the indigenous Dusun people. Speciality dishes include hinava (mackerel with chilli, ginger, onions and lime juice), pinasakan (braised basung fish with takob-akob fruit, fresh turmeric and lemongrass) and linopot (leaf-wrapped rice cooked with yam or sweet potato) – although the specific menu varies by season. Tuck into the fruits of your labour and cool off with a refreshing dip in the river before returning to the hotel.

Fancy taking it easy? Today is free to spend at leisure. Chill by the pool, make use of the resort tennis courts and 18-hole golf course, head to the beach for water-skiing and sea kayaking, or even treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the spa. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, you have several options: embark on an early morning hike to watch the sunrise over Mount Kinabalu, join a guided jungle trek or venture out on a night walk (led by an experienced forest ranger) with special infrared goggles to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Kick-start your final day in Borneo with a boat ride to Manukan Island, in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, for a guided snorkelling trip. Expect to see coral reefs and shoals of colourful fish in the calm, clear water. You’ll then have free time to explore the island on foot before returning to the mainland. In the evening, wrap up your trip in style with a sunset cruise along the Kota Kinabalu coastline, including a memorable farewell dinner below deck with your fellow travellers.

The time has come to pack your bags and say goodbye to your new friends as your Borneo adventure comes to an end. Check out of the hotel by midday after one final breakfast and head to Kota Kinabalu International Airport to catch your flight home. Alternatively, you could choose to extend your stay in Borneo.