The Norad Travel Group Blog
ABTA have recently released their 12 best destinations to watch throughout 2020. The list has been compiled by ABTA experts which feature a range of different landscapes, cultures and attractions. We have put together some of the top things to do in each location, so if you’re unsure about where to travel to, this list could be the inspiration you need.
Christmas is already just around the corner, which also means that the stressful Christmas shopping period is nearly here. If you're stuck for gift ideas and you know someone who just loves to travel, this is the perfect list for inspiration. From cheap to pricey and essential to fun, this list covers all areas of what you need to inspire someone to explore somewhere new!
Join us on our Exclusive Small Group Tour to Borneo
Led by our very own Sarah Tichacek
After the success of our previous Norad led tours to Vietnam & India, Join Sarah on our exclusive and fully escorted Norad Travel 'Sights & Sounds of the Borneo Jungle' group tour, packed full of tailor-made wildlife and jungle experiences. From a once in lifetime Orangutan experience in Sandakan, to a traditional lunch cooked by Sukau villagers, this bespoke tour is certainly not one to miss.
Key Details
£2,875 per person
- Departing 2nd October 2020
- Flights from London Heathrow
- 9 nights, exclusive and bespoke Norad guided tour
- Led by Norad Senior Manager, Sarah Tichecek
- Escorted by experienced local Borneo guide
- Packed full of tailor-made wildlife experiences
- Secure your place for just £350 Deposit
Explore the amazing sights of Borneo
The exclusive tour will be led by Norad Travel Senior Manager, Sarah Tichacek and escorted by an experienced local Borneo guide. The Sights & Sounds of Borneo tour will depart on Friday 2nd October and return Monday 12th October, allowing you time to explore the very best Borneo has to offer.
Call our holiday expert and Norad tour leader, Sarah today to find out more on 01730 892298 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Itinerary
Friday 2nd October:
Flight from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur. Overnight on-board flight.
Day 1 - Saturday 3rd October: Sandakan
Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan (13:25 arrival)
- Private transfer from the airport to the hotel with lunch and dinner served at the hotel.
- Flying squirrel platforms to see these incredible animals
- Accommodation: My Nature Resort
Day 2 - Sunday 4th October: Sandakan
- Labuk Bay Monkey Sanctuary
- Rainforest Discovery Centre
- Return to resort for dinner
Accommodation: My Nature Resort
Day 3 - Monday 5th October: Sandakan
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary
Accommodation: Abai Jungle Lodge, includes lunch and dinner
Day 4 - Tuesday 6th October: Sukau
- River trip to Pitas Oxbow Lake to observe wildlife
- Breakfast at Abai Jungle Platform
- Lunch with the villagers at Abai Village which has been specially cooked by them
- River cruise to Sukau village
Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Day 5 - Wednesday 7th October: Sukau
- River trip to experience the longest river of Sabah
- Explore the Gomantong Bird nest caves on Sakau Lodge
- Transfer back to lodge and lunch at Sukau Villager's house or at Sukau Lodge
- Afternoon river cruise
Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Day 6 - Thursday 8th October: Sukau
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport
- After breakfast, a private transfer from the lodge to the airport
- Flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, includes private transfers
Accommodation: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, 3 nights bed & breakfast
Day 6,7,8 - Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
With a private beach, views of the coral islands and just five minutes drive from the centre of Kota Kinabalu and ten minutes drive from the airport, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru offers luxury and relaxation in a great location.
Facilities include an infinity and lap pool, health club, CHI Spa, sauna, Jacuzzi, nine-hole golf course, tennis, bike hire, watersports and choice of bars and restaurants.
Day 9 - Sunday 11th October
Flights from Kota Kinabalu to Kula Lumpur and then onwards to London Heathrow returning Monday 12th October
*Limited to 17 people with a minimum of 10 bookings required for the tour to go ahead.The above price is guaranteed subject to a minimum of 10 people in economy class. Priced at £2,875 per person based on a twin double room and economy flights, business class upgrades and extensions that can be quoted upon request.
To find out more about the Sights and Sounds of Borneo Group Tour, speak to our travel expert Sarah Tichacek.
T: 01730 892298 | E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MINCE PIE DAY
Tuesday 10th December 10am - 12pm
At the Dairy, Brows Farm Business Park.
Please come and join Sarah for some Christmas celebrations on
Tuesday 10th December, between 10.00 - 12.00.
This will be hosted by Sarah as a thank you for your loyal support and any recommendations you have kindly given this year.
We hope you are able to come along, it will be lovely to see you.
We are delighted to announce that Norad Travel Group has achieved Gold Level accreditation against the Investors in People Standard, demonstrating our commitment to realising the potential of our people.
As a top 40 travel company, our business is geared towards delivering an excellent and tailored service to all our customers, together with looking after our staff to maintain our high staff retention record. The Directors continually invest in both technology and our people to ensure we are able to live our values of excellent, integrity & innovation.
Investors in People is the international standard for people management, defining what it takes to lead, support and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results. Underpinning the Standard is the Investors in People framework, reflecting the latest workplace trends, essential skills and effective structures required to outperform in any industry. Working with clients across the globe, Investors in People enables organisations to benchmark against the best in the business on an international scale.
Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Norad Travel Group, Investors in People accreditation is the sign of a great employer, and an organisation committed to achieving success by realising the potential of their people. Norad Travel Group should be extremely proud of their achievement.”
Commenting on the award, Mick Gibbs, Chairman & CEO, said: “Once again the whole of our team from the directorate through to our new starters in our Academy surpass my expectations. The attainment of IIP Gold status is a testament to the collaboration understanding and the basic Human to Human respect we encapsulate within the group. In a world of digital and fake structures and news our spearhead has always been and will continue to be human lead in everything we do for our staff our customers and our industry partners. IIP is the foundation to our ethos in a service industry where People are your true differentiators.”
Sometimes you need to just sit back and take in what our natural world brings us. From the fascinating animal kingdom to phenomena that illuminates our sky, nature is really something to be admired. Unfortunately, these sights are not around all that often, so in order to see them in all their glory, you’ll need to make your visit just at the right time.
