From CAD 5,285
Guarantee
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(17 reviews)
Experience Overview
If you're looking for an adventure somewhere spiritual, wild and full of natural beauty, this 20-day trip through Borneo might just be for you. Trek through the steamy jungles of Gunong Mulu National Park, relax on the shores of Turtle Island and see the cheeky orangutans in Sepilok reserve. Meet locals from the small villages that sit in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu and look out for the abundant wildlife on your trails, boat journeys and in the jungles you spend a night or two in. This is Borneo!
Highlights
- See wild orangutans at the Semenggoh sanctuary and look for proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park. One of the last truly wild places on earth, Borneo offers rare treats for nature lovers.
- Follow in the infamous footsteps of tribal warriors on a trek through wild, dense jungle on the Headhunter’s Trail – rich with wildlife like hornbills and monkeys.
- Climb Mt Kinabalu – the literal pinnacle of all treks in South East Asia – with local guides whose families have trekked the mountain for generations. Witness the sunrise at the peak after a morning hike and spot diverse flora and fauna along the way.
- Join a local ranger to witness the life cycle of sea turtles, who come ashore on Turtle Island to lay their eggs on the beach. At night, you’ll watch the hatchlings make a dash down the beach on the way to their new life.
- Cruise down the Kinabatangan River and search for wildlife in this rich and unique jungle ecosystem – if you’re lucky, you may even spot wild pygmy elephants!
Trip Details
Product Code: 2751
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: 4x4,Ferry,Longtail boat,Plane,Taxi,Mini van,Private mini van,River Boat
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TMSXC
Starts: Kuching, Malaysia
Finishes: Sandakan, Malaysia
Duration: 20 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (16), Lunch (8), Dinner (8)Accommodation: Cabin (multishare) (2 nights),Dormitory (1 night),Hotel (7 nights),Resort (1 night),Chalet (1 night),Resort (1 nights),Homestay (2 night),Hostel (2 nights),Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 5285 (CAD 264 /day)
Itinerary
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Kuching, meaning 'cat' in Malay, is the capital and most populous city in the state of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. It was home to the infamous White Rajah of Sarawak, whose mysterious rule in this remote corner of the world sparked the imagination of many people who dreamt of becoming royalty. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe check out the waterfront, home to local vegetable, spice and fish markets. After the meeting, maybe head out with your new travel companions to try some local dishes like Sarawak Laksa and Kolok mee.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hop in a private van to the fishing village of Kampung Bako, then a local boat up the coast to Bako National Park. Bako is the oldest national park in Sarawak and features rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, diverse plant life, secluded beaches and trekking trails. Millions of years of erosion form a coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands and stretches of white, sandy bays. Waves have carved the cliffs into sea arches and sea-stacks, with coloured patterns formed by iron deposits. When you arrive, you’ll take a leader-led walk through one of the jungle trails, looking out for proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys and the elusive Bornean bearded pigs. Return to Kuching in the late afternoon and spend the evening in relaxing your hotel.
Included Activities:
- Bako National Park - Wildlife Trail Trek
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head to the Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary – a government-funded rehabilitation centre set in lush surrounds. The centre was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. Head into the jungle to a viewing platform where you can watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view, eating bananas and milk that’s laid out for them twice a day. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential you follow your leader's instructions. After, return to Kuching where you can freshen up. Tonight, maybe mosey down to the riverbank and watch tambang ferries glide by, or head out to one of the many Chinese-influenced hawker markets for dinner and experience the range of local seafood.
Included Activities:
- Kuching - Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary
Optional Activities:
- Kuching - Sarawak Cultural Village (95 MYR)
- Sarawak River cruise (65 MYR)
- Kuching - Borneo Cultures Museum (50 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Fly to Mulu today. When you arrive in Mulu, head into the heart of one of the most spectacular national parks in Asia – Gunong Mulu National Park. Transfer the short distance to Mulu HQ where you’ll stay for the next two nights. In your free time, you can take a self-guided trail around the park or head to the treetops on the world’s longest canopy walkway. Or maybe simply kick back with a book and enjoy the sounds of the nearby jungle. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner prepared by the indigenous tribe here - Berawan people, trying the signature jungle dishes like Pansoh (fish or chicken cooked in bamboo) or 'Midin' (sauteed wild fern) and learning about their unique cultural insights while the family sit down and have dinner with you. Later, there’s the chance to take an optional night walk to search for some weird and wonderful insects and reptiles.
Included Activities:
- Mulu National Park - Berawan people family visit and home-cooked dinner
Accommodation:
- Cabin (multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you have a free morning to explore or have a sleep in. Spend the afternoon strolling the walkways of this 180-million-year-old rainforest, and then catch the sunset flight of the bats at Deer Cave. This UNESCO World Heritage site has the world’s largest known system of caves, formed when surface water worked its way through the rock, carving gigantic passages through the bedrock. Deer Cave has one of the single largest cave passages, 2.2 km long and 220 m tall at its highest point. Before it was part of the park, the cave was a well-known hunting ground for deer, who were attracted to the pools of salty water. The millions of bats who call the cave home all emerge at dusk for their nightly feeding, which is a sight to behold.
Included Activities:
- Mulu National Park - Deer & Lang Caves
Optional Activities:
- Mulu National Park - Canopy Walk (50 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Cabin (multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Park HQ behind and head into the jungle. Take a boat upriver to the Clearwater and Wind Caves, which contain Asia’s longest underwater river. The Clearwater Cave system runs for more than 200 km, over 100 of which have been explored. Wind Cave draws a cooling breeze through its lengths and features some of Gunong Mulu’s best cave formations, while Clearwater is covered in a species of bright green plant unique to the park. After exploring, take a longboat downriver before disembarking for a hike through undisturbed jungle to Camp 5, at the end of Melinau Gorge.
Included Activities:
- Mulu National Park - Wind & Clearwater Caves
- Mulu National Park - Picnic Lunch
- Mulu National Park - Local Dinner
Accommodation:
- Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll tackle the infamous Headhunter’s Trail. Located in an isolated area of the Bornean jungle, the trail used to be the route used by warring parties between the Tutoh and Limbang Rivers. Cross streams by rope bridges, wooden walkways and logs, surrounded by the diverse flora, bird-filled trees and the sounds of the forest – a hornbill flying overhead, the cries of monkeys and the pulse of cicadas and crickets. Then, take a boat from Kuala Terikan to Kuala Mendalam. Depending on how much rainfall there’s been, you may be required to help push the boat over shallow parts of the river. Stop at a ranger station for lunch, then travel to Limbang by private vehicle, where you can freshen up and enjoy a good night's rest after two long days of trekking.
Included Activities:
- Mulu National Park - Guided trek along Headhunters' Trails
- Mulu National Park - Longboat ride along the Melinau & Terikan Rivers
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, take a short walk to the ferry terminal for a boat to Labuan Island. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening at a beach resort. Relax and recover after yesterday’s trek, going for a swim, chilling out with a cold drink or reading a good book.
Accommodation:
- Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy some more free time on the island before catching a ferry and express bus to Kota Kinabalu – the capital of Sabah and a modern metropolis that rebounded from multiple bombings during WWII. Tonight, maybe head out for a final meal with your group to celebrate your Borneo adventure – the night market is filled with fresh grilled seafood.
Optional Activities:
- Labuan - Historical tour (Minimum 2 People) (177 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today you have a free day in Kota Kinabalu, until your second group meeting at 6 pm tonight. Maybe immerse yourself in the history of the city at the Sabah State Museum or visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village. You could also explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu – excellent for swimming and snorkelling. There are plenty of ferries heading out each day and every island has a different vibe, many with small hikes, restaurants and resorts. Tonight, perhaps head out with your group for dinner to get to know anyone new joining the crew.
Optional Activities:
- Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee (15 MYR)
- Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul National Marine Park Snorkeling Trip (Minimum 4 people) (355 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by minivan to a Dusun village that sits in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea – and enjoy a welcome lunch in your homestay with your host before visiting a local vegetable farm. Learn about planting and harvesting seasonal produce and then take some of these fresh vegetables home for dinner – a proper farm-to-table experience. After, head out to the local village for a special cultural performance.
Included Activities:
- Dusun Village - Guided village walk
- Dusun Village - Cultural performance
- Dusun Village – Local Vegetable Farm Visit
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your day by walking to the local vegetable market in Kundasang with your leader. Located in the heart of the community, this market showcases an array of freshly harvested produce, from locally grown vegetables to unique regional seasonal fruits like tarap and rambutan. You'll also find local snacks, wild honey and traditional Borneo crafts. Take the opportunity to chat with vendors to learn about the local produce and how it’s used in traditional Sabah cuisine. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure – perhaps visit Poring Hot Springs to relax in the open-air baths before heading back to your homestay.
Included Activities:
- Kundasang - Market Visit
Optional Activities:
- Kundasang - War Memorial (Entrance Fee) (10 MYR)
- Poring Hot Springs - Conservation Fee (15 MYR)
- Poring Hot Springs - Hot Springs (Open Bath Tub) - (3 hours) (10 MYR)
- Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk (10 MYR)
- Poring Hotspring (Slide Pool/Open Bathtub) (10 MYR)
- Poring Hotspring (Entrance Fee) (50 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Eat a good breakfast this morning and say goodbye to your friends in the village as it’s time to drive to Timpohon Gate to begin your trek up Mt Kinabalu. It’s no small feat – prepare for an uphill trail made of steep steps that vary considerably in size – but along the way you can take in the remarkable variety of plant life, including about 1000 species of orchid and the carnivorous pitcher plant (yes, really). After covering 6 km (approximately 4 to 6 hours), spend the night at a rest house near Laban Rata, located at 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level. Rest up for the final ascent early tomorrow morning.
Included Activities:
- Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise at around 2 am this morning to continue your trek – it’s tough, but the sunrise at the summit will be well worth it. At the top, take in the jungles of Borneo in one direction and the South China Sea in the other. After a well-deserved rest and plenty of pictures, return to Laban Rata for breakfast. Then, get started on the descent which can take between 3 - 6 hours. This evening, enjoy your overnight stay within Kinabalu National Park.
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
Journey by private bus into the steamy rainforest to Bilit – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River – and then take a short boat ride to the comfortable jungle lodge where you’ll spend the night. Located on the riverbanks, the lodge is a brilliant place to spot wildlife. For an even better place, head out on a sunset boat ride and look out for macaques, orangutan, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. End your day by searching for nocturnal wildlife like civets, owls and the rare slow loris on a night walk.
Included Activities:
- Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
- Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
Accommodation:
- Jungle Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Embark on another boat safari early this morning – different species come out at different times, so keep your eyes peeled! After breakfast, join the in-house guide for an insightful journey into the historical Kinabatangan community, which thrived long before tourism developed in the area. Explore traditional practices and craftsmanship and actively engage in the crafting of traditional fish traps. This hands-on experience provides a profound understanding of the local culture and heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for their sustainable way of life. Then, head back on the boat for another river excursion in the afternoon.
Included Activities:
- Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
- Kinabatangan River - Fish Trap Making & Story Telling
- Kinabatangan River - Dawn Wildlife Cruise
Accommodation:
- Jungle Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to your jungle lodge after breakfast and hit the road in a private minivan to a guesthouse located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. 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 bananas and milk laid out for them. Observe young orangutans as they learn how to climb a specially constructed jungle gym in a new nursery. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit 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 can also opt to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can roam the treetop walkways while you learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo.
Included Activities:
- Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Optional Activities:
- Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre (30 MYR)
- Sepilok - Sun Bear Conservation Centre (50 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Jungle Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, transfer to Sandakan to leave your large bags at the hotel and walk with your overnight bag to a nearby jetty. Travel by speedboat, past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, to Turtle Island Marine Park. In the afternoon, there will be some time for swimming, snorkelling or lazing about on the beach. Snorkelling gear is available for hire. In the evening, you’ll join an expert local ranger and a select group of visitors to watch giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight. Watch the rangers as they release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. This is a moving experience that could inspire you to join the turtle nest adoption program, with a certificate of adoption and updates on the development of your nest.
Included Activities:
- Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
- Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit
Optional Activities:
- Turtle Island - Snorkel Hire (35 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, return to the mainland and walk back to your hotel. Today is free to explore Sandakan as you wish – perhaps you’ll call into Agnes Keith House, the restored home of an American writer best known for her accounts of life in Borneo during WW1. Or you could visit Sandakan War Memorial, built on the site of a Japanese Prisoners of War camp. Learn about the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, when 2400 prisoners of war were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo and only six survived. Another great option is St Michaels & All Angels Church, a rare stone building in Sabah that managed to avoid major damage in the war.
Optional Activities:
- Sandakan - Agnes Keith House (15 MYR)
- Sandakan - St Micheals and All Angels Church (10 MYR)
- Sandakan - Puu Jih Shih Chinese Temple - Free
- Sandakan - War Memorial - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure ends after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Borneo - 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
Denzil - Traveled, March 2024
This itinerary is planned and executed in fine detail and I felt more confident each day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Hollie - Traveled, March 2024
I cannot recommend this trip enough, it has everything - adventure, wildlife, culture and some relaxation. But do not underestimate the physical challenge of Mount Kinabalu. It was tough but worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Carolineybierallen@gmail.com - Traveled, February 2024
Borneo is an amazing destination that really didn’t disappoint . Beautiful and full of nature it is peaceful, relaxing and generally amazing. Wildlife, rainforest, lovely cities and the most welcoming people I’ve ever encountered. I can only recommend this trip to this incredible part of the world .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
John - Traveled, September 2023
Tough but very rewarding trip. Great guides. Bring good water resistant shoes/boots for mud and downpours. A second dry pair would be good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Olivia - Traveled, September 2023
I cannot recommend the Best of Borneo trip enough for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the wildlife, landscape, culture, food, and history of Borneo. The trip is fast paced and active so best suited to those with good physical fitness and energy. This trip is not just orangutans! For me, the most rewarding and memorable three weeks of my life!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Anna - Traveled, September 2023
Best of Borneo was a brilliant trip! I really feel like I've seen Borneo well, from trekking in the rainforest to climbing Mount Kinabalu. We saw so much wildlife and had a lot of laughs along the way with a brilliant group. As a solo traveller I felt safe and comfortable the whole trip and would really recommend this to experience Borneo!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Maria - Traveled, August 2023
Best of Borneo was everything as we expected. Wildlife, virgin jungles, meeting local people and tasting local food and a great group of people with similar interests lead by a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2023
Alison - Traveled, June 2023
Amazing trip, full of so many different highlights from landscapes, wildlife, meeting like minded people, friendly licals, and to climbing Mt Kinabalu.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2023
Russell - Traveled, May 2023
Fantastic trip. The leader was amazing in every way. We will be use of intrepid again in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2023
David - Traveled, March 2023
Brilliant holiday, fab guides, excellent locations so pleased to have seen what we did but very physical, more so than expected, especially mount Kinabalu
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2023
John - Traveled, September 2022
All I can say is wow, Borneo didn’t disappoint! This trip is tough going with long walks but with a moderate level of fitness it’s doable as trails are mostly flat (excluding the mountain!). Being lucky enough to see a truly wild Orangutan and Green turtles hatch almost underneath someone’s beach towel was an unforgettable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/05/2022
kirsty - Traveled, September 2022
The Best of Borneo trip was an amazing journey and included two excellent guides. It was physically challenging in parts but the sights were worth the effort. I wholeheartedly recommend the trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2022
David - Traveled, August 2022
Borneo is an amazing country. Diversity/culture/wildlife and food is a plenty. The weather is great. The islands of borneo are picturesque and is a fun place in the evenings
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/12/2022
Mohammad - Traveled, May 2022
No regret in booking this trip. Borneo has so much to offer :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2022
Mara - Traveled, March 2024
Malaysian Borneo is a cultural delight, and we had to privilege to visit during Ramadan - this meant amazing markets to break the fast, watching people picnic in the evenings on the riversides and local parks. Sarawak was our favourite area, but the hike up Mount Kinabalu was a physical and mental challenge that I conquered and never need to do again! The history, tribes and local people are fascinating, but really we choose to travel here for the wildlife, and it didn't disappoint - orangutans, macaques, wild boar, silver leaf monkeys, and surprisingly my favourite were the Sun Bears at the conservation centre in Sepilok. I could have watched them all day. Thanks for another great trip Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2024
Kelly - Traveled, April 2024
This trip through Borneo was absolutely amazing. I enjoyed every minute of this trip, I highly recommend it. The treks were tough, but rewarding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2024
Inês - Traveled, May 2024
This is a great trip if you want to have a good idea of what Borneo, kinabatangan is one of the highlights of the trip for sure. Joanna and Nostalia, our two tour guides were great and always available with suggestions and support.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2024
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