4 Sep – Depart USA. You cross the international date line to arrive Sep 6. You get this back at the end of the trip. Air is easy round trip to Malasia. Details coming and trip tips.

6 Sep -  Arrival to capital city Kuala Lumpur

Welcome to Malaysia!!! You will arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and make your own way to the ultra-modern Trader’s Hotel in the heart of the city. The day is yours to either rest after a long flight or get out and explore. There is a wonderful mall adjacent to Traders and it is located in one of the city’s best shopping districts. This capital city dazzles by night, so fel free to take it in before we laugh our own adventures!

Overnight: Traders Hotel (2 nights)

Following breakfast at our hotel, we’ll head out for a half-day tour of the best of Kuala Lumpur. We’ll dip into the city’s abundant multicultural experiences, starting at Masjid Negara, one of the country’s largest and most distinguished mosques. Then, we make our way to the incredible Petronas Twin Towers, where we have an extraordinary panoramic view of the city skyline for Instagramable photos. Other highlights on our visit include the Moorish-style Federal Court, Central Market, the old Railway station, which is a striking piece of Mohammedan architecture; the Tudor-style Cricket Club, as well as the King’s Palace. The tour concludes at Thean Hou Temple situated in Robson Heights. This striking six-tiered shrine is home to the patron Goddess Thean Hou of the Hainanese community and is regarded as one of the biggest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia.

The rest of your afternoon and evening is free.

Overnight: Traders Hotel (2 nights)

After breakfast, we’ll fly midmorning to the island of Sandakan, city in the Malay state of Sabah. We’ll arrive at the wonderful Sepilok Rainforest Resort in the late afternoon. The spectacular eco resort is built to blend in with the rainforest. Settle into our beautiful chalets and explore the stunning grounds or take a dip in the pool.

This evening, we’ll be treated to a wonderful welcome dinner and get to know our fellow travelers.

Overnight: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (one night)

Awaken to the call of birdsong.  After breakfast, we visit the nearby Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Orangutans are man’s closest relatives, and we’ll spend time with several of them who are being rehabilitated to their natural habitat. We even get to feed some of these amazing creatures before taking a walk in Borneo’s tropical lowland dipterocarp forest. We continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which aims to release small, rescued sun bears into the enclosed forest.

At noon, we head to Sandakan Jetty for a 60-minute boat cruise through the mangroves in the Kinabatangan River Sanctuary to reach Abai Jungle Lodge for lunch.  After lunch, we continue to cruise along the river to Sukau Village in search of primates such as wild orangutans as well as birds and pygmy elephants. The lower basin of this river is the largest forest-covered floodplain in Asia, covering 4200 km². This rich rainforest wetland is famed for its biodiversity and is filled with wildlife.

Upon arrival at Sukau, we check in to the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, a lodge known for its location at the river’s edge and a staff that will bend over backward to make us happy. It’s rustic but authentic and our past groups enjoyed it.  It’s also sustainable tourism. The large supports its local community with jobs, tree planting, and wages for fishermen.  We’ll take an afternoon boat cruise to Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan, in search of more wildlife, returning to the lodge for dinner.

Overnight: Hornbill Lodge  (two nights)

 The jungle comes alive in the morning, and we’ll wake to the calls of gibbons and hornbills for an early morning river cruise. Our waterway expedition takes us to Pitas Oxbow Lake to observe Borneo’s wildlife, which might include elephants, nine species of monkeys, monitor lizards, macaques, crocs, otters, and monkeys as we travel on Sabah’s longest river. The most famous attraction is the proboscis, “big nose of Borneo”, monkeys endemic only in Borneo.

We return to the lodge for breakfast and have free time to spend at our leisure whether exploring the area or relaxing on the sundeck while enjoying the river view.

At 4.30 pm, we embark on a Wetland river cruise in search of more wildlife and there is optional trekking so bring hiking shoes, just in case.

Dinner is at the lodge.

Overnight at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge is a charming eco-lodge located along the banks of the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it offers an immersive experience in nature, with opportunities to observe wildlife such as orangutans, pygmy elephants, and exotic bird species. The lodge is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring rustic accommodations that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Guests can enjoy guided river cruises and jungle treks, making it a perfect base for exploring the rich biodiversity of the region.

Make the most of your last morning and rise ahead of dawn to watch the world spring to life. We can then enjoy a hearty breakfast surrounded by nature before we take a 7.30 am scheduled boat to Sandakan. Once there, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the city a bit before lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we make our way to the Sandakan International Airport for a short flight to the island of Kota Kinabalu.

We return to civilization upon landing, we’re taken to the stunning Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort. Set on 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this is a place to be pampered. Once settled in, feel free to explore or enjoy the resort’s 6 restaurants and numerous amenities during your free evening. There are six restaurants and bars to explore on this island resort.

Overnight: Shangri-la Tanjung Aru (3 nights)

Gear up a for a full day of fun on the water at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park on Manukan Island.

Switch onto island time at this park known for its crystal-clear waters and colorful marine life. It’s just a 15-minute ferry ride from our hotel to one of the five stunning islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The boomerang shaped Manukan Island is the second largest island within the park, with excellent stretches of beaches and a good trail system around the island. The whole day is free to spend at our leisure; picnicking, snorkeling, exploring the island, or just relaxing on the beach. We enjoy a sumptuous lunch on the beach and at 3 pm we board the boat from the island jetty back to Sabah and transfer back to the hotel for an evening of exploration or relaxation.

Overnight: Shangri-la Tanjung Aru 

Today is a day of leisure to enjoy this 5-star resort. The Shangri-La Tanjung Aru is home to the private STAR Marina, a water play area and the Sunset Bar, renowned as one of the world’s top seven places to watch the sunset. Time for snorkeling, sea kayaks, parasailing and more.  You can also take advantage of the many unique treatments at the Chi Spa located in a unique standalone spa village sitting on an island connected to the hotel by a private causeway.

Or, you may choose to escape out of the city and journey into nature at the sister resort of Shangr-la’s Rasa Ria, about 45 minutes away.  This is where the sea meets the rainforest and at a 400-acre beach resort with a 3 km private beach. In the city of KK, you can visit the handicraft market or tour or the stilt villages, river rafting or Poring hot springs.

If you want to continue exploring nature, you can arrange to visit the acclaimed Kinabalu National Park and the 13,400-foot Mount Kinabula, Malaysia's tallest peak, a mecca for climbers. Ninety miles away, thrilling jungle trekking and camping await in the Crocker Range National Park.

Overnight: Shangri-la Tanjung Aru 

14 Sep- Departure             B

There will be an early Breakfast at the hotel before we transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for our flight to Kuala Lumpur, from there we connect individually for you flights back to the U.S.

NOTE:  All updates will be posted HERE

The trip tips are posted online in their own tab on the itineraries page. If you're looking at the itinerary from a mobile device you'll need to scroll down below the itineraries there you'll see a label called essential trip tips.  

Important Trip Information - Please Read Carefully

Prepare to be thrilled by an extraordinary journey into Earth's last wild frontiers, where ancient rainforests pulse with life and rare creatures swing through emerald canopies. This 10-day expedition through Untamed Borneo and magical Malaysia isn't just a vacation – it's your passport to one of the planet's most diverse and mysterious ecosystems.

What makes this adventure extraordinary? Imagine yourself cruising along serpentine rivers through pristine jungles, coming face-to-face with endangered orangutans, and discovering the world's smallest bears in their natural habitat. As one of the few visitors to explore these remote paradises, you'll venture into regions where nature still reigns supreme, from the vibrant metropolis of Kuala Lumpur to the untouched wilderness of Sandakan and Sepilok. Your wildlife encounters will be nothing short of magical. At the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Sun Bear Conservation Center, you'll do more than just observe – you'll participate in hands-on experiences, feeding these remarkable creatures and learning about crucial conservation efforts. These intimate moments with some of Earth's rarest species create memories that will last a lifetime.

 Our travel family is complete with 24 amazing adventurers, and I know you're going to be such a fun bunch! I've had the pleasure of getting to know each of you, and I can already tell we're in for an unforgettable journey together. Let's kick things off by connecting on our private Facebook group, where you can start getting to know your fellow travelers and share in the pre-trip excitement. Once all final payments are in, we'll send out more detailed trip information to get you fully prepared for our adventure. And here's a nice bonus - we've upgraded our accommodations for September 9 and 10 (check out the sweet changes in the itinerary). I can already feel the amazing energy of this group, and I just know we're going to create some incredible memories together!

Your trip's success starts right here. Our Trip Tips contain essential information that could make or break your travel experience. We've had travelers miss their trips entirely because they skipped over crucial details about visas, flights, and medical requirements. So do yourself a favor: bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates.

Payment Schedule

Mark these date in your calendar:

• May 2, 2025: Final payment deadline

How to Pay

We've made paying as simple and cost-effective as possible:

Option 1: Electronic Check (Preferred)
Pay through our partner Wetravel with zero processing fees. It's secure, simple, and saves you money.

Option 2: The Smart Check Hack
Skip the mailbox! Just:

1. Write a check to AFS and include BORNEO in memo
2. Snap a photo
3. Text it to 770-432-8225
   We'll process it right away at no extra cost.

Option 3: Credit Card
Available through Wetravel, but includes a processing fee.

Think of this page as your travel bible - it's got everything you need to know for a smooth journey. We're constantly updating it with fresh information, so pop back occasionally to stay in the loop. Your dream trip is too important to leave to chance.

 Your Trip Leader – As your Gracious Trip Leader (GTL), I’ll be your liaison between our guides and the group, ensuring a smooth experience.  

Meet Janice, your Gracious Trip Leader (GTL). She'll be your liaison between the licensed local guides and the group, making sure everything runs smoothly during your journey.

A bit about Janice: She's been traveling with AFS almost since day one and has explored 96 countries and all 7 continents, both personally and as a writer and ABCX News producer. Her impressive career includes 20 years at CNN and ABC News (with 6 Emmys to show for it!), 17 published books, and two Antarctic expeditions - one with Jacques Cousteau and another with Prince Albert of Monaco! Through her company, J-Mac Productions, and her work with Suzy's solo travel tours, Janice brings both professional expertise and endless enthusiasm to every journey. She's a pro at turning unexpected moments into memorable adventures.

Getting Ready for Your Trip

Before You Go:
First things first - if you're new to AFS, read through our updated "Heading Abroad with AFS" guide.

Passport Must-Knows:

• Check that your passport won't expire until at least 6 months after we return
• Make sure you have two blank VISA pages (not the extra pages at the back!)
• Smart tip: Take a photo of your passport and save it to your phone or cloud. US embassies now accept digital copies if you lose the real thing

Making Travel Smoother:

• Download the Mobile Passport app to zip through US Customs faster
• Tell your bank and credit card companies when and where you're traveling (nobody wants their card blocked in Borneo!)
• Always check your flight details before heading to the airport
• Each airline has its own rules - take a few minutes to read yours on their website

About Your Visa:
Good news - you'll get this when you arrive in Indonesia. Here's what you need:

• About $35 in clean, crisp US dollars (fee might change)
• Your passport (valid for 6+ months after entry)
• Your return ticket
• Something showing you have enough money for your stay

Keep these details handy - they'll make your journey much smoother!

=======================================================

Fitness Level - This adventure requires moderate physical fitness, including daily 20-minute walks covering one mile and navigation of uneven terrain and climbing into river canoes. If you have physical concerns, consult your GTL and consider your limitations carefully. While AFS offers moderate-activity soft adventures, those seeking a less strenuous option may want to explore Eldertreks, which caters to older travelers. Select a trip matching your abilities to ensure everyone's enjoyment.

Essential Travel Information: USA to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Key Dates:
• Arrive in KUL: September 4 or earlier
• Tour starts: September 6
• Depart KUL: September 16

Time Zone Note: Plan to depart the US two days before your desired KUL arrival due to the international date line.

Flight Booking:

• Book your own flights (no group bookings available)
• Current economy rates from Los Angeles to KUL start at $889 round-trip
• East Coast travelers: Consider using airline miles to reach LA, then booking onward flights

Suggested Airlines:

• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• United Airlines
• JAL
• EVA Air
• Philippine Airlines

Business Class Options:
Contact Ali (business-class.com) or Alen (skylux.com) for potential discounts. Reference Suzy's recommendation.

Travel Tips:

• Download your airline's app for updates
• Keep your boarding pass accessible (printed or mobile)
• Monitor airline communications for any changes
• Arrive at KUL airport on September 14 for group departure flight arrangements

Internal Flights & Transportation

Internal Flights: 
• 3 flights within Indonesia
• Estimated cost: $480-550
• Final price will be added to your invoice
• Schedule subject to local airline timing

Booking International Flights:
• Recommended: Book directly through Google Flights or airline websites
• Avoid third-party booking sites for easier problem resolution
• Need assistance? Contact Delhi at flights@diversedestination.com
• Include: Travel dates, destination, full name, and birthdate

Airport Transfers:
• Group arrival transfer available with 10+ people arriving at similar times.  We will send out a form after final payments are in to determine everyone's arrival and departure details.  With this information, we can group arrivals.  
• Individual arrivals: Take taxi/Uber to Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

• Cost: $23-28
• Duration: 45 minutes
  • Departure transfer included for all participants
  • Flight details form will be sent in August

Baggage Guidelines:
• Limit: One carry-on plus one checked bag (max 45 lbs)
• Pack light - multiple hotel changes and internal flights
• Recommended: Apple AirTags for tracking
• Label bags inside and out
• Leave room for souvenirs

Packing Essentials: Read Packing 101 in Heading Abroad with AFS
• Weather: Expect 80°F, dry season
• Clothing: 

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics
• Moisture-wicking shirts
• Long pants
• Swimwear
• Comfortable hiking shoes/sturdy sandals
• Flip-flops

• Essential Items:

• Wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Daypack
• Travel umbrella
• Basic first aid supplies
• Personal medications

Electronics:
• Bring portable charger and cords
• Adapter plug needed (no voltage converter required) See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com
• Check power requirements: power-plugs-sockets.com
• Hairdryers available at all properties

Group Meeting:
September 6 - Hotel briefing (exact time TBA in departure letter)

Money Matters:

• Bring $300 in cash for tips, meals, and shopping.
• Exchange currency at airports, banks, or hotel ATMs. Avoid independent ATMs due to skimming risks.
• Use newer bills (2016 or later) as some countries reject older ones.
• Credit cards (MasterCard/Visa) are safer than debit cards. Amex is rarely accepted.
• Many cards offer no foreign transaction fees.
• USD to Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Quick Reference Chart

$1 = Rp 16,312
$5 = Rp 81,560
$10 = Rp 163,120
$20 = Rp 326,240
$50 = Rp 815,600
$100 = Rp 1,631,200

💡 Travel Tip: When looking at prices in Indonesia, remember:

• Rp 100,000 is about $6
• Most small meals cost between Rp 25,000-50,000 ($1.50-3)
• If you see "K" after a number, it means thousand (e.g., 50K = Rp 50,000)

Note: Exchange rates fluctuate daily. This chart uses the rate as of January 21, 2025.

Gratuities:

• A $100 gratuity is included in your final invoice for group tips (guides, drivers, etc.).
• Feel free to tip more directly for exceptional service.
• For group meals, leave $2 for waitstaff.

Communication:

• Internet is available, but may be spotty in smaller locations.
• Use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger over Wi-Fi to avoid charges.
• Consider using a SIM card for data if your phone is unlocked.

Safety:

• AFS prioritizes traveler safety and receives real-time updates.
• Use a VPN for secure internet access and change passwords frequently.

Health:

• Drink bottled water; avoid tap water and street food.
• Bring sunscreen and anti-diarrhea medicine.
• Meals are safe and water is filtered.

Photography:

• Ask permission before photographing locals.
• Share photos on the AFS Private Facebook Group Page.
• Be aware of restrictions in religious sites.

Travel Resources:

• Check websites like Visitborneo.com for trip planning.
• Indonesian cuisine is diverse; try dishes like Nasi Goreng and Satay.

Accommodations:

• Hotel links are in the itinerary; changes are rare.
• Roomshare to save; single supplements are costly.

Leisure Time:

• Ask local guides for suggestions during free time.
• Use Google Maps for exploring.

Tour Amendments:

• Extend your stay post-tour if desired, but AFS isn't responsible for arrangements.

Private Facebook Group:

• Connect with fellow travelers and share photos.
• Important updates are emailed and posted in Trip Tips.

Emergency Contact:

• Reach AFS at 770-432-8225 or through the contact form on their website. https://afstravelers.com/contact-us/

Cancellation Policy:

• Deposits vary by tour. Cancelling with a replacement incurs a $100 fee if it is made within 45 days before the final payment date.
• You're responsible for finding a suitable replacement.

Ready for Your Next Adventure? Let's Talk Travel Insurance!

Hey there, fellow wanderer! Before you pack those bags and jet off to amazing places, let's chat about something super important - keeping your adventure protected. Think of travel insurance as your safety net for when life throws those unexpected curveballs (and trust me, it loves to throw them!).

Protecting Your Journey
Look, we know talking about insurance isn't as exciting as planning your itinerary, but here's the deal: a good travel insurance policy is like having a best friend who's got your back. Head over to insuremytrip.com to check out your options. Pro tip: that CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) coverage? It's like an insurance policy on steroids - costs a bit more but covers almost everything except "I'm too scared to go."

Quick Insurance Tips:
• Got any health stuff going on? Grab your insurance within 15 days of putting down your trip deposit - they'll cover pre-existing conditions no questions asked
• You can always add more coverage later (like when you book those flights)
• Sure, you can buy insurance anytime, but early birds get the best coverage
• Trusted names in the game: TravelSafe, Allianz, and Seven Corners

The Art of Group Travel

Now, let's talk about making friends and having a blast on your group adventure! Here's our fun little guide to being the traveler everyone loves:

The 10 Golden Rules of Happy Travels

1. Different is good! You're leaving home to find new and exciting things
2. Keep it light and breezy - stress is not invited on this vacation
3. Practice your zen when others are driving you nuts (we're all in this together!)
4. Be a stellar ambassador for your home country - kindness is contagious
5. Let your trip leader do the worrying - that's literally their job
6. Keep your passport closer than your phone (seriously)
7. Learn to say "thanks" everywhere you go - it's magic!
8. When in Rome... you know the rest
9. Don't let one grumpy local spoil your view of an entire country
10. Remember you're a guest - act like one and you'll be treated like royalty

One More Thing...
We're all about keeping things drama-free, so we stick to what brings us together - our love for exploring this amazing world. Leave the heavy politics at home and pack extra TOK instead (that's Tolerance, Open-mindedness, and Kindness, our favorite travel accessories!).

Plans might wiggle and shake a bit - that's just how travel rolls these days. But don't worry! We'll make sure you get every awesome experience we promised. Got questions? We're here to help!

Now go on, get that insurance sorted (click here to purchase online), and let's get you ready for the adventure of a lifetime! The world is waiting, and trust us - it's worth the wait! 🌍✈️