Classic Borneo

10 Days
From CAD 2,524 Was CAD 2,970
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Experience Overview

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.

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 Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 2740

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Comfortable

TransportTransport: Boat,Plane,Private mini van

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: TMKB

StartStarts: Sandakan, Malaysia

FinishFinishes: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

DurationDuration: 10 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Light

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (3), Dinner (1)
Accommodation: Lodge (3 night),Hotel (4 nights),Resort (2 nights)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2524 (CAD 252 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Sandakan

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.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

2
Day 2: Sandakan

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. Observe young orangutans as they learn how to climb a specially constructed jungle gym in a new nursery. 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. Return to Sandakan for the evening.

Included Activities:

  • Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit
  • Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre Visit
  • Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

3
Day 3: Sandakan / Kinabatangan River

Get a sense of Sandakan’s diverse cultural heritage on a walk with your local leader and try traditional cuisine during a food and heritage walk, tasting things like roti (flat bread) and tai tarik (hot milk tea). After, 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. 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.

Included Activities:

  • Sandakan - War Memorial
  • Sandakan - Heritage walk including local tastings
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise

Optional Activities:

  • Kinabatangan River - Binocular Hire (Two Days) (40 MYR)
  • Kinabatangan River - Binocular Hire (One Day) (30 MYR)
  • Kinabatangan River - Night Wildlife Spotting Cruise (130 MYR)

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

4
Day 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 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.

Included Activities:

  • Kinanbatang - River safari Cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Second Afternoon Wildlife spotting cruise

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

5
Day 5: Gomantong Cave / Kundasang

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 – a mountainous town at the foot of Mt Kinabalu. Spend the rest of the day getting your bearings – perhaps pop into Napula Market for a handmade souvenir or a local snack.

Included Activities:

  • Kinabatangan - Visit to Gomantong Cave

Optional Activities:

  • Kundasang - Kundasang War Memorial (15 MYR)

Accommodation:

  • Cottage/Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

6
Day 6: Kiau Village / Kota Kinabalu

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 Kundasang for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Kampung Kiau - Everything Pineapple community project visit & lunch

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

7
Day 7: Manukan

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.

Included Activities:

  • Manukan Island - Manukan Island Visit

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

8
Day 8: Manukan

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.

Included Activities:

  • Manukan Island - Boat trip & snorkelling

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

9
Day 9: Kota Kinabalu

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. 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 Filipino market. Perhaps round your group up for a final dinner tonight to celebrate all you’ve seen and done on your adventure through Borneo.

Optional Activities:

  • Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village (Entrance) (130 MYR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

10
Day 10: Kota Kinabalu

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.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Reviews

 

Brent   -  Traveled, April 2024

Wonderful experience. We loved every aspect of the trip. Good standard of accommodation and great variety of activities. Ben, our guide was outstanding and we were with a great group. This was our first Intrepid trip but would definitely use them again.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/25/2024

 

Kym   -  Traveled, April 2024

Fabulous itinerary great leader and lovely group of travellers highly recommend

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/25/2024

 

Anand   -  Traveled, April 2024

An excellent trip with amazing wildlife experiences that I will remember for life. Borneo is a terrific destination. We had a wonderful trip leader and the hotels, activities and organisation were excellent. Highly recommended.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/23/2024

 

David   -  Traveled, April 2024

Classic Borneo, excellent 10 day trip to the Sabah region. If you want a brief insight to Borneo this is the trip for you, wildlife, jungle, history and people.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/27/2024

 

nicola   -  Traveled, March 2024

A well run tour and an excellent experience of Borneo.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/08/2024

 

Andy   -  Traveled, April 2024

Great introduction to Borneo, got to sea a diverse range of places, including mountain villages and local people, rainforest and wildlife tour, monkey sanctuary and islands off KK. Would definitely recommend to others.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/25/2024

 

Karyn   -  Traveled, March 2024

This trip has exceeded my expectations. I didn't know a lot about Borneo before I came on the trip other than about some of the animals, which was the main reason for me choosing this destination. There was so much variety, we travelled from the city to the mountains, to the river and jungle to an island and the beach. The small group size was great and the accommodation and transport along the way was very comfortable. The highlights for me were seeing the wild animals of Borneo and the snorkelling. I have had an amazing time and have memories that will stay with me forever.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/08/2024

 

Irina   -  Traveled, March 2024

Classic Borneo is a great travel that includes activities from living in the jungle to staying in the resort island. The local guy was a very responsible, knowledgeable and diligent guy with great sense of humour. I had a great time on this trip seeing rare animals in their habitat and learning a great deal about this part of the world. It was a very stimulating trip physically, mentally and socially.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/07/2024

 

Helen   -  Traveled, March 2024

This trip gave a wonderful taste of Sabah, the people , the wildlife and the amazing scenery . Our group leader , Jeffrey, was so knowledgeable and a fantastic ambassador for his country which is amazing in what it has to offer the curious traveller .

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/08/2024

 

Colin   -  Traveled, March 2024

We had a wonderful trip around Borneo, that provided a wide variety of activities and sights, within the cities, rainforest, beaches and mountains. There was so much wildlife to see and culture to experience, all brought to life by our excellent guide Jeffry.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/09/2024

 

Lynda   -  Traveled, March 2024

Our Trip to Borneo was amazing; our guide enabled us to have a true adventure. His knowledge was second to none, he made everything easy, exciting and fun! A journey worth taking!!!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/01/2024

 

Diane   -  Traveled, March 2024

Our trip to Borneo was enhanced by the knowledge and expertise of our tour leader who made sure things ran smoothly, we were looked after and informed so we could enjoy our time there with new found friends without worry.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/25/2024

 

Adrienn   -  Traveled, March 2024

Overall an amazing trip. The highlight of this trip was definitely the wildlife. In the wild, we saw orangutans, probiscus monkeys (and 6 other kind of monkeys), crocodiles, hornbills, reef sharks, sea turtles and so many more awesome animals. Our guide Stephanie was amazing, very helpful and lovely and our group got along great. I would definitely recommend this trip.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/25/2024

 

Susan   -  Traveled, March 2024

A fantastic fully packed trip, with lots of opportunities to see local wildlife and learn about the culture of Borneo. We had a fantastic leader in Stephanie, who was simply the best. I would highly recommend this trip.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/25/2024

 

Nicola   -  Traveled, March 2024

Fantastic wildlife experiences - Kinabatangan River and Manukan Island were the highlights. Loved learning about the local coffee and pineapple projects in Kampung Kiau. I'm a solo traveller and I love the camaraderie of the group, insights from the local leader, and the logistics being taken care of.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/24/2024

 

Heidi   -  Traveled, March 2024

Fantastic trip, able to see a lot of wildlife and a lot of ground covered. Local leader Awang, made the trip all the better

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/17/2024

 

Wendy   -  Traveled, February 2024

Absolutely great trip. Would thoroughly recommend. Lovely group. Lovely guides. Lovely country. Wonderful sights such as the mother and baby Orangutans.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/04/2024

 

Daniel   -  Traveled, February 2024

Great trip to see some wildlife and explore some beautiful locations

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/27/2027

 

Kathryn (Kate)   -  Traveled, February 2024

The Classic Borneo trip was all I was hoping for. Fantastic small group immersed in the local culture and nature of the areas we visited. A fantastic locally born guide who helped make this trip memorable topped it off.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/21/2024

 

Michelle   -  Traveled, January 2024

Do yourself a favour!!! If you have not been to Malaysia and especially the Borneo/Sabah region go !! An amazing trip that will live with you for a long, long time.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/11/2024

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