Classic Borneo

Malaysia
Loading...
Experience natural wonders and abundant wildlife you can only find in Borneo on this 10-day adventure. Head into lush rainforests, down scenic rivers and through the traditional villages of this beautiful region. Hang out with orangutans in Sepilok, cruise along the Kinabatangan River, chill out on the stunning Manukan Island and get a taste of city life in Kota Kinabalu. There's no doubt that this adventure in Borneo will find its way into your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Departure dates

From 30/03/2024 to 08/01/2027

What's included

Visit endangered orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a facility that provides care for orphaned and confiscated primates and other local wildlife.
One of the wildest places on earth, Borneo offers rare treats for the nature lover – see sun bears in Sepilok and proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay.
Visit the mountainous village of Kampung Kiau where you’ll meet the locals, learn about a social enterprise that empowers women and enjoy a traditional lunch of regional favourites.
Search for wildlife when you’re cruising the Kinabatangan River on a water safari and while you’re in the depths of the wilderness at your jungle lodge.
During two days on glorious Manukan Island, there's plenty of time to soak up the relaxed beach vibe and to get close to marine life on an included snorkelling trip.
Breakfasts Included: 9.
Lunches Included: 4.
Dinners Included: 2.
Lodge (3 night),Hotel (4 nights),Resort (2 nights).
Boat,Plane,Private mini van.
Age: min 15.
Group Size: 1 - 12.
Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
Kampung Kiau - Coffee production house tour.
Kampung Kiau - Community-based pineapple project.
Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise.
Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise.
Sepilok - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
Sandakan - War Memorial.
Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Sepilok - Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
Manukan Island - Boat trip & snorkelling.
.

Itinerary / more information

  • 1 - Kota Kinabalu Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm. If you have any free time beforehand, why not get out and explore this intriguing city that was born between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea. Modern-day 'KK' is a vibrant modern metropolis, having recovered from World War II bombings. You may like to peruse the local handicraft market on the waterfront or take a wander around Chinatown.
  • 2 - Kundasang Leaving Kota Kinabalu behind, head for the hills and travel to the rural village of Kampung Kiau. Here you'll have the chance to experience a slice of local life, visiting a coffee production house and learning about production in the region. You'll also check out Everything Pineapple, a sustainable and community-based project that was formed in the aftermath of the 2015 Sabah earthquake to socially and economically empower women from Kampung Kiau. Pick up some delicious handmade pineapple jam, chutney or juice. Take a fragrant stroll along a herbal trail, learning how and when specific plants are used in favourite local dishes. Sit down to a lunch of these dishes in a shady spot shared by the community, then hit the road and drive on to Kundasang for the night.
  • 3 - Kinabatangan River After breakfast, travel to Kinabatangan River in private minivan. Arrive at your jungle lodge, located beside the river - ideal for taking in your wild surroundings. The Kinabatangan River is a protected forest reserve, containing some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. In the afternoon, board a river cruise, hopefully spotting some of the more elusive local creatures. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and kingfishers are more easily seen. After this short adventure, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner.
  • 4 - Kinabatangan River Wake up to the calls of Bornean gibbons and hornbills before hopping aboard a morning cruise down the river. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques and pig-tailed macaques - your leader will point out the differences between each species. Enjoy some down time to relax and enjoy your surroundings before another afternoon river cruise to see wildlife along the riverbank. This final cruise will be your last chance to snap some photographs of the incredible wildlife along the river. Spend one more night in your lovely accommodation right in the heart of the jungle.
  • 5 - Sandakan Head off this morning to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, a safe haven for proboscis monkeys for over 20 years. Watch these delightful big-nosed primates from viewing platforms over the mangroves and forested areas of the centre - an experience you can only have in Borneo. Travel onwards to Sandakan and visit the Sandakan War Memorial. Here you will learn about the city's past as you stand on the same ground of the former Japanese Prisoners of War camp. This site also marks the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, on which 2400 POWs were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo. By the end of the march, only 6 Australians survived, and only because they had escaped. The evening is free for you to explore Sandakan. The city is celebrated for its seafood, so be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up the freshest catch!
  • 6 - Sandakan Start the day with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. The centre was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. From the viewing platform, you can watch and photograph these charming creatures as they swing into view and eat the supplementary diet of bananas and milk that is laid out for them twice a day. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential that you follow the instructions of the park, as directed by your leader. Also included is a new nursery where you can view young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. The viewing area is behind one-way glass so as to not disturb the animals. To see more of Borneo's unique wildlife, you'll also visit the newly opened Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here rescued sun bears that have spent many years being mistreated and locked away in cages are cared for, with hopes of rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild. You'll also check out the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can roam about the treetop walkways, learning more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo. Return to Sandakan for the evening.
  • 7 - Manukan Island Say goodbye to Sandakan and fly to Kota Kinabalu this morning. On arrival take a short boat ride to Manukan Island, one of the larger islands found in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park. A picture-perfect paradise of white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, the island is a wonderful place to swim, snorkel, walk or just simply roll out a beach towel, grab a cocktail and chill out on the beach.
  • 8 - Manukan Island See beneath the surface of Manukan's waters today when you set out on a snorkelling trip with a local guide. Cruise out to the coral reefs where your guide will help you spot brightly coloured marine life - if you're really lucky you may even bump into a sea turtle while you're down there. Pull up on the beach for lunch and a chance to discuss the morning's discoveries. After snorkelling, the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Soak up the turquoise views for another few hours as you stroll or swim about in this stunning slice of paradise.
  • 9 - Kota Kinabalu Head back to Kota Kinabalu today by boat and minivan. You may like to stop off for a visit to the intriguing Mari Mari Cultural Village, nestled deep in the countryside. Here you will see how indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo used to live. You may prefer to check out the Sabah Museum to learn about Sabah's past, if you didn't have a chance to do this when you first arrived, or perhaps do some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Filipino market. Tonight, why not join your group for a final dinner to celebrate all you've seen and done on your adventure through Borneo.
  • 10 - Kota Kinabalu With no activities planned for today, your Borneo adventure comes to an end after breakfast.
  • The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
  • Prices quoted valid for sale until 02 April 2024 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
  • All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
  • Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
  • Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
  • Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
  • Components of the total price including local payments, "resort fees", "national park fees", "trip kitties" and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
  • Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
  • Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication.
  • Additional levies, government charges & other applicable fees, including additional taxes, surcharges and visa fees specific to your departure date or flight routing, may apply and are beyond our control.
  • Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
  • Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY.
  • Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details).
  • These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details..

Tell us about your travel plans

Loading...