Day 1 - Arrival

Welcome to Kota Kinabalu - commonly called KK! We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, where you can rest before going out to explore the shops, restaurants and views on the waterfront.

Day 2 - Orchids - L

Your discovery of the unique flowers and plants of Sabah starts at Orchid de Villa and its 4 acres of native and hybrid orchids. You have the opportunity to talk to an expert about these quintessentially Asian flowers, as you stroll at a leisurely pace through the gardens. The work of artists and photographers in Sabah is often inspired by the natural world here, as you will see when you visit a cooperative batik workshop and a photography studio this afternoon. You may even want to colour a batik orchid for yourself!

Day 3 - Endemic flora - L

Today's tour starts at 8.00 am, so that you can reach Mt Kinabalu National Park in time for guided nature walks through the rainforest and the Mountain Garden. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the flora that is endemic to Sabah, for example, the pitcher plant, and to wander through the rainforest. In the afternoon, you see a short movie about Mt Kinabalu before leaving for KK. You get back to KK at about 5.00 pm.

Day 4 - Artists and their work - L

Following further the work of local artists, you go to the Sabah Art Gallery to see the current exhibition and hear a talk about the art work and the artists involved. You also make an Art Spots Tour, starting at harbour-side Jessleton Point and finding where local artists hang out - and display their work.

Day 5 - Gardens - L

A trip through the timeless countryside is planned for today. You go to Sabah Agriculture Park and enjoy its many themed gardens. You can follow a variety of trails that include hoya, hibiscus, fruit trees and native orchids. We leave at 8.00am and get back to KK by about 6.00pm.

Day 6 - Healing - L

You start the day the animal way with a visit to a wildlife park where you see orangutans and other animals and birds of Sabah and Asia! Plants are integral to the work done by traditional healers in Sabah. You visit a traditional healing garden today and learn about some of the uses of the plants, as well as having lunch at the village. To end the day - and your tour - you visit a spa in which you will be introduced to traditional forms of massage practised in Sabah and the plants used in the oils and powders. You then have the opportunity of experiencing one of the treatments yourself.

Day 7 - Departure

This is the day on which you leave KK - or you may decide to stay longer! We take you to the airport for your onward flight. Safe journey!

*Details of this tour may change, although the same general areas will always be included.

Dates and Availability: Please contact us.

Note that if you have a group of two or more, you can plan your own tour with us!

Included in your tour:

Airport transfers	Cooking class
Accommodation	Travel included in the itinerary
English-speaking guide	Meals where indicated
Tips

Bring: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals; mosquito repellent, a sunhat, a fold-up plastic raincoat, a light heart and a sense of fun!

Useful websites:

1. www.sabah.org.my/bi/know_sabah/ - general introduction to Sabah
2. www.orchid-de-villa.com.my
3. www.borneoimages.com - a fine print gallery for a group of five photographers
4. www.nhpborneo.com - Borneo book publisher
5. www.sabahparks.org.my - Kinabalu National Park
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnivorous_plant - about pitcher plants
7. http://www.sabah.gov.my/artgallery/default.htm - Sabah Art Gallery - includes bios of local artists and examples of their work
8. www.sabah.net.my/agripark - Sabah Agriculture Park (Taman Pertanian Sabah)
9. http://www.sabah.gov.my/pd.tnm/tnmdoc/orcid.html - Tenom Orchid Centre
10. www.sabah.net.my/PACOS/ - PACOS - Partners of Community Organisations
11. www.flyingdusun.com - very interesting articles about the Kadazandusun
12. www.sabahtourism.com - interesting government tourism site
13. http://www.travellersworldwide.com/11-malaysia/11-malaysia-wildlife.htm - about a Care for Animals Project at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
14. www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk/