Classic Borneo

Trip Type: Wildlife

Malaysia | 10 Days | 1 - 12 People

Starts From:

NZD 3,649.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

Immerse yourself in natural wonders and abundant wildlife unique to Borneo on this 10-day adventure. Journey through lush rainforests, navigate sce...

Classic Borneo

Immerse yourself in natural wonders and abundant wildlife unique to Borneo on this 10-day adventure. Journey through lush rainforests, navigate scenic rivers and explore the traditional villages of this beautiful region. Hang out with orangutans in Sepilok, cruise along the Kinabatangan River, unwind on the shores of Manukan Island and get a taste of vibrant city life in Kota Kinabalu. This restorative deep dive into nature will undoubtedly leave you wanting to return again and again.

Itinerary

Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive before then, feel free to start your Sandakan exploration earlier. This city is celebrated for its seafood so, after your meeting, be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up the freshest catch. Maybe head out to dinner with your group so you can get to know each other.

Start the day with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. Established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From the viewing platform, watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view to eat the supplementary diet of fruits that laid out for them twice daily. Next, head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here, rescued sun bears, many of whom have endured years of mistreatment, are given a second chance at life. Learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild. You’ll also explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can roam the treetop walkways while you learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo.Last, but not least, learn about the city's past as you stand on the same ground as the former Japanese Prisoners of War camp at the Sandakan War Memorial. 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.Return to Sandakan for the evening.

Get a sense of Sandakan’s diverse cultural traditions completing a section of the Heritage walk together with your local leader and taste traditional cuisine like roti (flat bread) and teh tarik (hot milk tea). Later, travel to Kinabatangan River in a private transport. Arrive at your jungle lodge beside the river – ideal for taking in your wild surroundings. The Kinabatangan River is a protected forest reserve, containing some of Borneo's highest concentrations of wildlife. In the afternoon, board a river cruise and look out for the more elusive creatures. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, wild orangutans and kingfishers are more easily seen. Tonight, return to the lodge for dinner.

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 wildlife cruise. This final cruise will be your last chance to snap some photos of the animals along the river. Enjoy another night in the heart of the jungle.

Before heading to Kundasang this morning, stop at the Gomantong Cave – the most extensive limestone formation in the Lower Kinabatangan region. Home to a thriving community of bats and swiftlets, this cave boasts fascinating biodiversity. In the afternoon, drive to Kundasang Spend the rest of the day getting your bearings.

Head west this morning and travel to the rural village of Kampung Kiau. Here, you’ll have the chance to experience a slice of local life by visiting a coffee production house, where you’ll learn about how the beans are cultivated in the region. After, visit Everything Pineapple – a sustainable community-based project that was formed in the aftermath of the 2015 Sabah earthquake to empower local women, socially and economically. Pick up some delicious handmade pineapple jam, chutney or juice. Sit down to a lunch of these dishes in a shady spot shared by the community, then hit the road and drive on to Kota Kinabalu for the night. Perhaps pop into Nabalu Market for a handmade souvenir or a local snack on the way to 'KK'.

Embark on a short boat ride this morning to Manukan Island – one of the larger islands found in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park. A paradise of white sand beaches and clear waters, this island is the perfect place for swimming, snorkelling and walking. You can also sit back and unwind with a cocktail on the beach.

See beneath the surface of Manukan’s waters today 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 lucky, you might even bump into a sea turtle while you’re down there! Pull up on the beach for lunch and some time in the sun. After snorkelling, the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Maybe jump straight back in the water or head out for a walk.

Head back to Kota Kinabalu today by boat and minivan. 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 wander around Chinatown at Gaya Street. Or you may prefer to check out the Sabah Museum to learn about Sabah’s past and do some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Anjung Kinabalu. Perhaps round your group up for a final dinner tonight to celebrate all you’ve seen and done on your adventure through Borneo.

With no activities planned for today, your adventure will come to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Inclusions

Meals
9 Breakfast(s), 4 Lunch(s), 2 Dinner(s)

Transport
Boat , Private mini van

Accommodation
Lodge (2 night), Hotel (5 nights), Resort (2 nights)

Included Activities

Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit
Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre Visit
Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit
Sandakan - War Memorial
Sandakan - Section of the Heritage walk including local tastings
Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise
Kinabatangan - River safari Cruise
Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise
Kinabatangan River - Second Afternoon Wildlife spotting cruise
Kinabatangan - Visit to Gomantong Cave
Kampung Kiau - Everything Pineapple community project visit & lunch
Manukan Island - Manukan Island Visit
Manukan Island - Boat trip & snorkelling

Trip Highlights

Visit endangered orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – a facility that provides care for orphaned and confiscated primates and other local wildlife.
Learn about a social enterprise that empowers women in the mountainous village of Kampung Kiau and enjoy a traditional lunch of regional favourites.
Soak up the calm beach vibes with two relaxing days on Manukan Island where you’ll get up close to diverse marine life on a snorkelling trip.
Search for pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys as you cruise the Kinabatangan River on a water safari.
Savour local cuisine, like roti canai and teh tarik, during food tastings on a heritage walk in Sandakan.

Trip Notes

As you travel across Borneo, you’ll stay in a variety of accommodation, from standard hotels to jungle lodges. Some accommodation may have less amenities than a standard hotel, but the unique locations and proximity to nature makes them worth it. This trip doesn't include climbing Mt Kinabalu. If this is something that interests you, check out our Sabah Adventure (TMSC). This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group, where space may be limited and conditions may feel a bit snug. It's all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. There are a few long days of travel as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the Itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

Dates & Availability

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Finishing

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NZD 4,225.00 NZD 3,803.00

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Provided by

Intrepid Travel

Reference Code:
TMKB

Trip Location

Trip Starts:
Sandakan, Malaysia

Trip Finishes:
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Countries Visited:
Malaysia

Booking Enquiry

Destination Details

Malaysia | 10 Days | 1 - 12 People

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Featured Continents

Experience Categories

Classic Borneo

NZD 3,649.00 /Person

Classic Borneo

Day 1 : Sandakan

Day 2 : Sandakan

Day 3 : Sandakan / Kinabatangan River

Day 4 : Kinabatangan River

Day 5 : Gomantong Cave/ Kundasang

Day 6 : Kiau Village / Kota Kinabalu

Day 7 : Manukan Island

Day 8 : Manukan Island

Day 9 : Kota Kinabalu

Day 10 : Kota Kinabalu

09 Aug 2025 18 Aug 2025 Available

20 Dec 2025 29 Dec 2025 Available

27 Dec 2025 05 Jan 2026 Available

31 Dec 2025 09 Jan 2026 Available

18 Jun 2025 27 Jun 2025 Available

09 Jul 2025 18 Jul 2025 Not Available

16 Aug 2025 25 Aug 2025 Available

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30 Aug 2025 08 Sep 2025 Available

03 Sep 2025 12 Sep 2025 Not Available

04 Oct 2025 13 Oct 2025 Available

18 Oct 2025 27 Oct 2025 Not Available

21 Oct 2025 30 Oct 2025 Available

25 Oct 2025 03 Nov 2025 Available

29 Oct 2025 07 Nov 2025 Available

12 Nov 2025 21 Nov 2025 Available

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22 Nov 2025 01 Dec 2025 Available

29 Nov 2025 08 Dec 2025 Available

13 Dec 2025 22 Dec 2025 Available

17 Jan 2026 26 Jan 2026 Available

07 Feb 2026 16 Feb 2026 Available

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28 Feb 2026 09 Mar 2026 Available

04 Mar 2026 13 Mar 2026 Available

07 Mar 2026 16 Mar 2026 Available

11 Mar 2026 20 Mar 2026 Available

25 Mar 2026 03 Apr 2026 Available

28 Mar 2026 06 Apr 2026 Available

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22 Apr 2026 01 May 2026 Available

25 Apr 2026 04 May 2026 Available

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22 Jul 2026 31 Jul 2026 Available

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12 Aug 2026 21 Aug 2026 Available