Jul 28 to Aug 6, 2025
Join us on our world-first one-week ocean open water swimming adventure around the captivating islands of Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia. Within the heart of the Coral Triangle, this tropical paradise boasts pristine waters, vibrant coral reefs, and unique marine life, offering an unparalleled backdrop for an immersive open water swimming safari.
This trip is perfect for those seeking an adventurous week filled with swimming, delicious food, and relaxation. Swim distances range from 2km to 5km, with flexibility to swim as much or as little as desired. Explore rarely visited and mostly undisturbed regional areas, creating a swimmer's paradise. Engage with local communities, ecology, environment, and delve into the rich culture and history of these remote areas.
We believe that open water swimming is not just a sport, but a way of life. We are passionate about exploring the world's most beautiful swimming destinations and sharing them with our swimming network. Our team of adventure design experts, coaches and swimming enthusiasts have years of experience in creating, organizing and delivering swimming adventures that offer the perfect balance of adventure, local experiences and refresh with new like minded friends. We understand that every swimmer is unique, and that's why we work closely with our clients to ensure the itinerary they book suits their needs and preferences. Join us on a swimming adventure and discover the wonders of the open water & world!
Trip Highlights:
Explore the vibrant coral gardens of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Swim around Lankayan Island and explore the unique ecosystem
Relax at a tranquil island resort
Encouter sea turtles during morning swims on Selingan Turtle Island
Visit the turtle conservation center and witness nesting or hatching activities
Boat along Kinabatangan River in Sepilok Rainforest
Trip Overview
9 days / 8 nights
Twin share accommodation - 4 star level resorts
All meals included
Maximum group size 14
As soon as you book, our experts will engage with you in the development of your individualized and targeted training program. You'll provide some background information to us on your current training and goals, and then we will be in touch to ensure we craft your training program to suit your personal situation.
This particular program will target bike endurance, kayak-specific movement, hiking capacity, and ensure you are strong enough to drag your kayak over the rocky sections in Katherine Gorge.
Your journey starts now!
Expert swim leaders and safety personnel
All swimming activities - two swims per day (and snorkeling/ocean play time) - and all in country travel transport involved in the swimming and ocean activities
Accommodations at a range of 4 star local resorts and dive locations
All meals, including local delicacies and catered picnic lunches
Boat transfers for island swims and land transport between regions
Travel to and from start hotel
Any alcohol purchases
Wetsuit hire / wetsuit
Upon your arrival in Sabah, you will be transferred to the beachfront resort, where you will be staying throughout your trip.
A reusable water bottle or two for warmer days
Multiple pairs of swimsuits and two towels
Optional wetsuit
A small backpack Essential items: medication, insect repellent, camera, sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.
Your own snorkeling gear (rental available)
Extra goggles (one clear and one tinted if possible) and any swimming equipment (fins, pull buoy, watches, etc.)
Compact daypack for personal belongings during the day
Appropriate activewear for the weather, including warm clothing (fleece, etc.) for pre and post-swim, as temperatures on the boat can be cool
Sandals, aqua shoes, or flip-flops for water activities
Travel insurance details
Optional: trainers/sports gear for fitness classes, group sessions, and daily yoga included in our sports retreat accommodation package
As a guest on our swimming adventure, it is essential to have adequate travel insurance that covers all activities included in your trip. It's your responsibility to ensure you have sufficient coverage for these activities.
Please remember to bring a copy of your current Certificate of Insurance to the safety briefing at the beginning of your holiday. Your swim guides will need to record your insurer, policy number, and emergency claim contact number.
If you're in search of a travel insurance policy, there are many options available. Please reach out to us for help finding suitable coverage.
Note that some insurance providers may have age restrictions. If you require insurance and fall into a category that may not be covered, please reach out to us, and we can assist you in finding alternative providers.
During your group trip with us, our dedicated leaders take on multifaceted responsibilities to ensure a well-rounded and enriching experience. Serving as itinerary navigators, they assist with travel logistics during the trip. In the water, their guidance is tailored to the group's skill level, leading swims that range from exploring swim trails to discovering coastal landscapes. Safety remains a top priority, with leaders implementing vigilant measures and protocols for a secure and enjoyable swim. Beyond logistics and safety, our leaders are instrumental in building a sense of community and fostering connections among participants and locals that extend beyond the trip. In essence, our leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for each day's adventure, transforming your swim journey into a comprehensive and unforgettable swim trip experience.
When you arrive in Sabah you're transfer will take you to the beachfront resort that we'll call home for the trip.
PM: Sapi Island
Once you're settled in we'll meet for an afternoon briefing and swim at the nearby coral reef.
This is time well spent decompressing after a long flight!
We'll also enjoy watching tropical fish on a second swim at Sapi Island.
AM: Swim at Gaya
Rise and shine for our morning swim at Gaya Isand inside Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park This area is well known for it's excellent snorkeling!
PM: Swim at Mamutik
We'll have our afternoon swim at the colorful reefs of Mamutik Island.
AM:
Our boat sets our early for Mantanani Island, well known for it's white sandy beaches and diverse marine life.
This area is said to be great for diving, but it's even better for swimming!
We'll dive right in for our morning swim!
PM:
We'll have an afternoon swim following lunch to cap off a great day!
AM: Selingan Turtle Island
Today's adventure will be a real treat as we set out across Borneo to experience Selingan Turtle Island!
Here we'll swim alongside sea turtles and visit the conservation center.
If we're lucky and our timing is just right we may be able to witness the turtles nesting or hatching.
We take a boat through one of the rainforest rivers and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
PM: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
In the afternoon we take a boat along one of the rainforest rivers and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
AM: Swim at Lankayan
With an early start to the day we'll set out for Lankayan, a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers.
This island is secluded and the underwater views are out of this world.
PM: Second Swim
The area is so remarkable that we will take our second swim here as well to soak in the views as long as possible.
AM: Return to Lankayan
Our group will enjoy a second day of adventuring at Lankayan Island to soak in the warm sun and explore the vibrant corals.
PM: Relaxing Swim
Take your time in the evening as we take a relaxing swim in this secluded tropical paradise.
AM: Swim at Sipadan Island
Today we'll journey to another remarkable, remote destination and enjoy a swim at Sipadan Island. This area is well known for its stunning underwater scenery and abundant marine biodiversity.
We'll also be swimming at Kapalai Island today! Another coral haven where we'll explore some underwater photography during our swim.
We travel again to another remote and stunning area and enjoy swimming at Sipadan Island, known for its stunning underwater scenery and abundant marine biodiversity. Kapalai Island, famous for its splendid coral reefs and underwater macro photography is part of our swimming this morning.
Later afternoon swim at Mabul Island, where you can explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter turtles and tropical fish. We spend time at Lobster Wall for breathtaking scenery this underwater wall presents.
PM: Swim at Mabul Island
In the late afternoon we'll go for a swim at Mabul Island where we'll explore lush coral gardens and encounter turtles and tropical fish. Here we'll visit the iconic dive site at Lobster Wall and observe the breath taking scenery.
AM: Coral Reef Exploring
The morning dawns bright and we head out for a swim in the remote and beautiful coral reefs of Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
We'll take time for an island trek as well to take in the scenic views over the area where we just swam.
PM: Bohey Island Swim
Our group will then journey to Bohey Island for an afternoon swim amidst dramatic limestone formations and diverse marine species.
AM: Final Swim
On departure day we'll take one one final swim nearby before breakfast and farewells.
You will be required to pay deposit per person for the booking to be confirmed.
A deposit will secure your booking/room.
The final balance is due no later than 60 days prior to the confirmed tour and/or cruise commencement date but can be paid instead of a deposit.
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Last updated: November 02, 2023
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