• Day 1 : Bangalore to Kuching - We are scheduled to depart from the Bengaluru International Airport just after mid night. We are expected to arrive at the Kuala lumpur International Airport at 7:30 AM after which we are transferred to our domestic flight to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak state in Borneo. We are transported to the Bako Jetti in an hour and we take a short Boat ride to Bako. After registration at the head quarters, we follow the Park Guide to explore some of the interesting forest trails to search for wildlife particularly the Long-nosed Proboscis Monkeys and to study some of the exotic plants and insects such as the insects-eating Pitcher Plants, Umbrella Palms, Sundews and Wild Orchids. Accommodation is provided at the Park Lodge with basic facilities and shared bathroom and toilet. Overnight at chalet Bako (1 room - 3person). (D)
• Day 2: Established in 1957, Bako is one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak but probably one of the most interesting. Abundant wildlife, trekking trails, astonishing plant life, jungle streams, waterfalls, secluded beaches and amazing rainforest patches make Bako one of the most sought after destinations in Sarawak. The Proboscis monkeys endemic to Borneo are Bako's most famous residents making it one of the best places to sight and observe these agile and athletic monkeys in various habitats like beach vegetation, cliff vegetation, heath forest, mangrove forest, mixed dipterocarp forest, padang or grasslands vegetation and peat swamp forest. We explore various trails at Bako and also have our share of the beach fun and games over here. We may drive to a place where we would find hardly anyone else.
• Day 3: After a short morning shoot during the low tide, we pack our bags and rush back to the Kuching Airport. We travel for most of that afternoon while we change two domestic flights to land at the Sabah state of Borneo in the Sandakan city. We are accommodated at a resort closer to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.
• Day 4: Sepilok Nature Pick up from Sepilok Nature Resort and transfer to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre for a video show. Trek ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden plank walks to witness the feeding of the Orang Utans at 1000hrs. Watching orangutans up close is not very easy in the wild, hence this might be our realisitic chance of seeing them from close quarters. Continue to Sandakan jetty for 2.5 hours boat journey to the Lodge along Sabah's longest river, Kinabatangan with opportunities to view birds and wildlife in virgin mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitats. Late afternoon take a river cruise using electric motor in search of some of the 10 primate species. Sukau is home to Borneo pygmy elephants, orang utans, proboscis monkeys and all eight species of hornbill in Borneo. Return for candle light dinner overlooking the riverbank and slide show conducted by your guide.
• Day 5: Morning and evening Boat rides in the Kinabatangan exploring the creeks and trying to photograph the 7 species of Hornbills and the Rhinoceros Hornbills being our major targets over here.
• Day 6: We explore more areas of Kinabatangan again on this day in the boat followed by a night boat safari after dinner to catch up with the owls and other nocturnal creatures of the park.
• Day 7: Proceed 27 km overland to Gomantong Caves. Trek 20 minutes through the rainforest to the cave entrance. Your guide will brief you on the cave faunas including bats, swiftlets and crabs among others and their contribution to maintaining a balanced ecology and significance to the local economy. When in season, witness the collecting of birds' nests by the local people using bamboo ladders and poles. Proceed 2 hours overland to Lahad Datu for lunch, Drive 83km through selectively logged forest, cocoa and soft-wood plantations before arriving at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge beside Danum River on the edge of 438 sq. km of undisturbed lowland rainforest. The Lodge is home to the full range of Sabah's lowland fauna, including the rare Sumatran Rhinoceros, Elephants, Clouded Leopards, and Orang Utans. So far some 275 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Explore nature trail and nearby river. In the evening a slide show and if weather permits we go spotlighting to view some of the nocturnal animals. Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. (BLD)
• Day 8: At the Danum Valley - we have no schedules to follow and no Safaris to take. We mostly explore the dense jungles over foot. Though not too much of bird photography is possible here due to the height of the trees, we shall surely spend a lot of time identifying some of Borneo's endemics while we are treated with the resident Orangutans of the area. Wearing Leech Socks - we wade through the leech infested undergrowth hearing constant Gibbons call at the top of the canopy. Macro photography buffs can be treated with a lot of interesting subjects over here. We split in small groups and explore all trails of the Danum valley.
• Day 9: Fit and enthusiastic participants can get up early to hike the small hill overseeing the Borneo Rainforest Lodge where we catch the sunrise followed by a fun session at the natural water pool called the Jacuzzi Pool. The evening is spent tracking the Red-leaf monkeys and the Orangutans. We are encouraged to do night walks over here where we can photograph various night creatures like the Civets and other interesting creatures like the Rhinoceros Beetle. Participants need to understand that we are in a rain forest and rain is inevitable on most days. So be prepared to get wet and wild!
• Day 10: We have a short morning session at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge area after which we are transferred to the tiny Lahad Datu airport from where we fly to Kota Kinabalu, to catch our international flight back to Bangalore.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many participants are expected on this group tour?
  Most of our photography tours are engineered to provide ample attention to the participants. So lesser the number, easier for us to attend to every participant's requirement. You can expect a group of approximately 12 participants on this tour.
• How many participants are expected to share a car?
  We know the amount of equipment each participant can bring along. Hence, every transport car accommodates a maximum of 4 participants providing ample space for equipments and viewing.
• How different are your tours and photo tours?
  Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places sometimes they havent even experienced themselves, Photo Tours are innovative ways to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. Most of our photo tours are fun with a lot of learning and knowledge sharing. Moreover, your group consists of photography enthusiasts only making your experience more focused.
• Refund/Cancellation Policy:
  1. 15% : Between 30-45 days from date of departure
  2. 50% : Between 7-30 days from date of departure
  3. 90% : Between 2-7 days from the date of departure
  4. No Refund within 48 hours from date of departure
  
• Terms & conditions
  
  • 1. Participants who have a medical history of Blood Pressure, Heart related problems or Asthma are advised to seek medical advice before enrolling for this eco-tour.
  • 2. Fitness to complete the eco-tour is the only criterion for participation.
  • 3. We reserve the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any expedition or part thereof and to use the resulting photography for promotional purposes. By booking a reservation with Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt. Ltd, tour members agree to allow their images to be used in such photography. Travelers who prefer that their image not be used are asked to identify themselves to their tour leader at the commencement of their trip.
  • 4. Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. shall not be responsible for injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent's control.
  • 5. All clients traveling with Toehold Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. must complete and sign a reservation form and the "Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk & Arbitration Agreement" form.