dwatsonbirder
Well-known member
Copied from the information wanted forum:
We're looking at returning to Sabah next June for our honeymoon.
Our previous visit was in December 2016, and we have decided to do a similar route, but are also hoping to get some information for alternative options.
At present we have the following itinerary:
Singapore (4 days) > Sepilok 3 (day) > Kinabatangan (4 days) > Mt Kinabalu (1 day) > Manukan 3 days > Singapore
Ideally, we'd like to add a new location into the trip, but due to timing and logistics, we don't want to throw another flight and a night in Lahad Datu into the mix, and so have pretty much ruled out Danum/Tabin/Tawau.
We are thinking about swapping out 3 days (Sepilok, Kinabalu and Kinabatangan) in order to visit Deramakot, but it isn't clear what the situation is for independent travellers. I've found some old trip reports where people have turned up in a hired 4x4, but it appears that due to the limited accommodation options (a few cabins and a dorm) this is no longer possible, as accommodation is given first refusal to tour operators.
I've requested a few quotes, but so far the cheapest (!) has come back with £700 p/p for 3D/2N. I know that the reserve is apparently incredible (we are most likely going to target mammals if we make it), but this price seems very steep - almost as expensive as Danum.
Does anyone have any tips for making the trip (if possible about £500 p/p for 3D/2N) or recommend a decent tour provider at the more budget end of the market please?
We also wanted to spend some time on the beach, with some snorkling (incidental birding is fine) so picked out Manukan, but are there any better options? We've looked at the Turtle islands, but unsure of the situation re. Abu Sayyaf, and also Lankayan Island (£500 per night - too expensive!). What about Pulau Mantanai Besar, Mengalum or perhaps somewhere on the mainland with decent beaches and snorkling?
Thanks in advance for any help offered!
We're looking at returning to Sabah next June for our honeymoon.
Our previous visit was in December 2016, and we have decided to do a similar route, but are also hoping to get some information for alternative options.
At present we have the following itinerary:
Singapore (4 days) > Sepilok 3 (day) > Kinabatangan (4 days) > Mt Kinabalu (1 day) > Manukan 3 days > Singapore
Ideally, we'd like to add a new location into the trip, but due to timing and logistics, we don't want to throw another flight and a night in Lahad Datu into the mix, and so have pretty much ruled out Danum/Tabin/Tawau.
We are thinking about swapping out 3 days (Sepilok, Kinabalu and Kinabatangan) in order to visit Deramakot, but it isn't clear what the situation is for independent travellers. I've found some old trip reports where people have turned up in a hired 4x4, but it appears that due to the limited accommodation options (a few cabins and a dorm) this is no longer possible, as accommodation is given first refusal to tour operators.
I've requested a few quotes, but so far the cheapest (!) has come back with £700 p/p for 3D/2N. I know that the reserve is apparently incredible (we are most likely going to target mammals if we make it), but this price seems very steep - almost as expensive as Danum.
Does anyone have any tips for making the trip (if possible about £500 p/p for 3D/2N) or recommend a decent tour provider at the more budget end of the market please?
We also wanted to spend some time on the beach, with some snorkling (incidental birding is fine) so picked out Manukan, but are there any better options? We've looked at the Turtle islands, but unsure of the situation re. Abu Sayyaf, and also Lankayan Island (£500 per night - too expensive!). What about Pulau Mantanai Besar, Mengalum or perhaps somewhere on the mainland with decent beaches and snorkling?
Thanks in advance for any help offered!
