Danum Valley Bole River (Sabah)
Offbeat Danum Valley River and Overland Adventure
If you ever wish to just get away from it all, exploring into the wilderness might be just right for you. Nestled in the far north east of the third largest island in the world, within the Malaysian state of Sabah, lies an unbelievably pristine equatorial haven unknown to the outside world called Bole river. Situated on the edge of the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Bole river is an ideal place for purest travellers who wants to shy away from tourist crowd and just immerse into the sound of nature. The Bole river is an arm of the main Segama river that connects Danum Valley Conservation Area to Bukit Piton. Segama river is considered to be the second longest river in Sabah after the renowned Kinabatangan river. Covering an area of 2,450 km2, the Segama river flow begins from the Ulu Segama mountains in the east and stream 350km2 towards the Sulu sea. There are about 50 network of tributaries through the Segama river. On the left bank of the Segama river the tributaries are known as Danum river, while on the right side the tributaries are known as Bole river. Since Bole river is only 1 hours drive from the Lahad Datu town, both Bole river and Bukit Piton are absolutely a perfect combination for a nature isolation escapade.
Bole river is a special secluded place that offers amazing sights of wildlife and untouched forest. Hardly visited, the jungle river at Bole river offers one of the cleanest and unpolluted river in Borneo. The cool clear water that has passed through deep mountains creates a spectacular reflection on the surface of the river and definitely cleanses the soul of anyone who sees it. The river jungle is home to many wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, long tailed macaques, orang utan, pygmy elephants, hornbills, kingfishers and many more.
Hidden beyond the vast dense of Danum Valley Conservation Area, Bole river can only be accessible with 4WD vehicle. So, get ready to experience your very own National Geographic adventure, through an unpaved road off the beaten track and ushers you towards the secluded gem where your tour will start. Here you will meet with a small community of Orang Sungai (People of the River) from the Dusun Segamo tribe who has been living in this area over a few decades. This indigenous tribe are well-known as a skilful boatmen and fisherman where most of their economic means derived from the river. Grab your chance to explore the indigenous culture here, experience their daily life and learn how the local catch their fish.
Now, its time for you to fall in love with the river. Take in the beauty and the tranquility of nature, as you cruise along the clear emerald green Bole river, surrounded by dipterocarp trees and curious wildlife peeping among the foliage. Along the way, your guide will point out various species of plants, multitude of Bornean birds and fascinating primates such as orang utan, proboscis monkeys that inhabits the creek. You will also be able to get up close and personal with some of the animals and bring back those incredible pictures where you can’t get elsewhere. After the cruise, follow your guide on an eco adventure walk along the Bole river shallow stream, giving you the opportunity for birdwatching, lookout for orang utan’s nests, chasing insects, observe exotic tropical plants or take a dip in the refreshing clear water of Bole. Treat your senses to the natural wonders, while enjoy an authentic tribal cuisine freshly cook in the bamboo by the guide. Sit back and clear off your mind from the busy world, listen to the orchestra of nature, soak in the beauty of the pristine forest and watch playful fishes swimming in the crystal stream. Therefore, if you are in Sabah be sure to be the few lucky people to experience the remote wilderness of serene Bole river.
Itinerary Bole River Cruise and Bukit Piton Safari
8:00am Pick up from Lahad Datu and transfer by land about 1and half hours drive to Bole River which is located in Ulu Segama. Away from tourist crowd, we will be greeted by the friendly faces of Atuk (Grandpa) Bilau and family. They are the Orang Sungai (people of the river) from the Dusun Segamo tribe and have been living in this area over a few decades. They know this river at the back of their hands.
9:30am Discover this once in a lifetime adventure as the Orang Sungai skilfully manoeuvre the wooden boat (be prepared to get wet feet from the splashes of fresh water into the boat) and experience the true meaning of hidden gem!
Note: The wild is still the wild. Sometimes you get the full program and see lots of wildlife. Sometimes you don’t. So, please set your expectations low in terms of wildlife sightings and/or that intentions to take a selfie with an orangutan/elephant in the background. However, Sungai Bole can guarantee amazing isolated escape into nature!
Be mesmerized by the serenity of Bole River. Canopied by different species of fig trees - during fruiting season this serves as a great food source for hornbills, orangutan and other wildlife. Though the long nose monkeys are commonly found at mangrove areas, we were pleasantly surprised to see a few harems of the proboscis monkeys on our very first recce tour in Feb 2020.
Each trip on this river is never always the same. Not just from the wildlife observation but also the river situation. As such whenever the water level is low, be prepared to assist your boat captain to give the boat a good push.
After about two hours of river cruising, make a stop at the riverbank. You may choose to take a dip in the river. At this point the local culinary home experts prepares a hearty tribal like lunch. The food source and tools are all obtained by what’s available within the jungle. Great news for fish lovers but should you have food restrictions, do let us know in advance so we can prepare humble local vegetarian dish to be enjoyed by the river.
After lunch we cruise back to Atuk Bilau’s home before hoping on the pick-up truck for our late afternoon wildlife safari observation at Bukit Piton.
Please note: Itineraries may be subject to change due to weather, sea conditions, road conditions or any other conditions of an operational nature. As such we reserve the right to alter, and/or cancel any section and/or parts of the itinerary which may result from conditions beyond our control. Every effort will be made to keep to the timetable and the itinerary, but no guarantee will be made that these will be kept.
Disclaimer
The tourist tax is not included in the price and must be paid locally. (RM10.- per room and night). Further, travel insurance, all services not mentioned in the itinerary, tips, soft and alcoholic drinks are not included in the price.
* All prices are subject to change without prior written notice due to changes of Government policies, currency fluctuations and unforeseen circumstances.
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