From CAD 2,050
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Travel to Borneo on an 9-day family adventure and discover the curious wildlife and spectacular landscapes of the region. Learn how orphaned orangutans are rehabilitated back into the wild, swim among colourful fish, watch baby green turtles take wobbly steps towards the waterfront and relax on sandy beaches. Along the way you'll make friends, try some delicious cuisine and forge some incredible memories. With all of the essentials included, and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, you and your family will fall in love with the unique animals, lush ecosystem and sandy islands of Borneo.
Highlights
- Take a leisurely walk along the scenic canopy walkway at Poring Hot Springs.
- Stay overnight among the birds and beasts of the jungle, right next to an oxbow lake, at Kinabatangan Eco Camp.
- Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and, if you're lucky, watch baby orangutans learn to swing in a special enclosure.
- Enjoy a special opportunity to watch protected turtle hatchlings scatter across the beach to the water under the cover of night.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2737
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bus,Minibus,Plane
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family
Supplier Code: TMFG
Starts: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Finishes: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (2), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights),Longhouse (1 night),Jungle Camp (2 nights) Chalet (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2050 (CAD 228 /day)
Itinerary
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is an intriguing city located between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea. Having survived WWII bombings, KK (as it's commonly known) has a charm unique to the frontier town. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm at your hotel. Here you will meet your leader and fellow family travellers. Following the meeting, perhaps head out with your fellow families to the waterfront market. Here you’ll find smoky stalls serving up grilled meat and fish and heaps of local delicacies. If you arrive with significant time before the welcome meeting, you can immerse yourself in history at the Sabah State Museum or explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu which are excellent for swimming or snorkelling.
Optional Activities:
- Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee (15 MYR)
- Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village (Entrance) (130 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Dreamtel Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Head to the Poring Hot Springs to enjoy a scenic canopy walk and relaxing swim in the springs themselves, which the kids will love. The entrance to the hot pools themselves is optional as there are a few pools to choose from. Parents and older children may enjoy the hot pools while younger children will prefer the slide pool. You get to choose on the day.
Tonight you will spend the night in a reconstructed longhouse on the tea plantation. Rooms are twin/triple-share and have fans and shared bathrooms.
Included Activities:
- Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk
- Poring Hot Springs - Conservation Fee
Accommodation:
- Sabah Tea Garden or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning we visit a Sabah Tea Factory and learn the process of tea leaves before saying goodbye to the mountain and heading into the jungle. Travel by private bus to Kampung Batu Puteh, a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River (approximately 5 hours). Your hosts for the night are the local community-run conservation organization KOPEL whose aim is to provide villagers with the means of making a sustainable living from the forest. KOPEL are responsible for a reforestation project in which the community are actively involved in growing seedlings and replanting back degraded forested areas. Arrive in the afternoon meet your hosts and learn a little more about KOPELs work, before jumping in a boat and heading upriver to your accommodation in the jungle (approximately 30 minutes). This afternoon, you’ll head out on a sunset cruise up the river in search of wildlife, including macaques, wild orangutan and proboscis monkeys. Be prepared for an adventure! Return to your jungle camp by an oxbow lake, freshen up for dinner and afterwards, let the cicadas sing you to sleep.
Included Activities:
- Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
- Sabah Tea Plantation - Tea factory tour
Accommodation:
- Kinabatangan Eco Camp or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle ready for a busy day. After breakfast you’ll head upriver to the village where you take a walk around the village to learn more about the life of the local people. For lunch, it’s all hands-on deck as you partake in a fun traditional cooking class, eating the fruits of your labour for lunch! The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy some boardgames or keep spotting wildlife, before heading back on the boat for another trip on the river. After dinner tonight, you’ll don headtorches and head out into the jungle for a night walk in search of insects and nocturnal animals. See what happens to the jungle at night, and what creatures come out to play!
Included Activities:
- Kinabatangan - Night jungle walk
- Kinabatangan - Cooking class
- Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
- Kinabatangan – Cultural Performance
Optional Activities:
- Kinabatangan - Tree Planting (30 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Kinabatangan Eco Camp or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to your Eco Camp and take a drive to Sandakan. On arrival, you will notice the strong Cantonese influence, seen in the lively harborside market, the many Chinese temples and the local cuisine. Here there is free time to catch up on your essentials, like laundry and banking, as well as to explore the city. Otherwise, just spend some time relaxing by the pool!
Accommodation:
- Sabah Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is an exciting day and a favourite with the kids – here come the orangutans! It’s a 45-minute drive by minibus to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre was set up to help re-introduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. From the viewing platform, you can see these charming creatures as they swing into view and eat a supplementary balanced diet of fruit, vegetables or milk, 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, but you are free to snap plenty of photographs. You will also have the privilege of viewing a 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 not to disturb the animals.
Heading back to Sandakan you will have the afternoon free.
Included Activities:
- Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Optional Activities:
- Sepilok - Sun Bear Conservation Centre (50 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Sabah Hotel or similiar (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave your large bags at the hotel and transfer to a nearby jetty, then board a speedboat bound for Turtle Island. Travel past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, arriving at Turtle Island Marine Park after about an hour. The rest of the day is free for you to soak up the island life. Relax on the beach and take a swim or perhaps hire some snorkelling gear and investigate the underwater world. Under the cover of darkness, watch as giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight. Witness the island researchers release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. It's a moving experience that is bound to be rewarding for you and your family, but please be aware that this is a very delicate environment and you must follow instructions from your leader and the local rangers to ensure minimal impact on the turtles. Spend the night on this beautiful island – even though the accommodation is quite basic, this will be a memorable experience.
Included Activities:
- Turtle Island - Turtle Night Nesting viewing
Optional Activities:
- Turtle Island - Turtle Nest Adoption Program (150 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you will transfer back to the mainland. Once back in Sandakan the group will have the opportunity to visit the War Memorial before heading to the airport and for your flight back to Kota Kinabalu (approximately 1 hour). Keep in mind that the luggage allowance for this flight is only 15 kg, and any excess baggage may incur a further charge. Back at your hotel in Kota Kinabalu you will have time to relax before heading out for a last night optional dinner.
Included Activities:
- Sandakan - War Memorial
Accommodation:
- Dreamtel Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you and your family are free to depart the accommodation at any time following check-out.
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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
Christie - Traveled, April 2024
An amazing family holiday with our children age 13 and 10 years old they were the perfect age to experience all that Borneo had to offer. Cruising down the Kinabatangan River wildlife spotting and sleeping in the rainforest were the highlights. Our guide Mark was very knowledgeable and helpful, highly recommend the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2024
Meagan - Traveled, April 2024
Our trip to Borneo was a once in a lifetime experience with highlights being the sight of Orangutans in the jungle and releasing baby turtles into the ocean. Master 10 says the Eco Lodge was hard core but worth it for the amazing wildlife and cultural experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2024
Danielle - Traveled, April 2024
This truly was an incredible trip of a lifetime. The places we visited, the sights we saw, the food we tasted, the culture we experienced, the nature we experienced was exceptional. Our tour Nostalia was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. and made what was a brilliant trip, an experience our family will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Jessica - Traveled, April 2024
This was an exceptional trip that my family will cherish. We had adventures every day with our wonderful guide Nelson and two other lovely families. We and our nearly 6 year old learnt so much and completely enjoyed ourselves!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Andy - Traveled, April 2024
Having never even entertained the idea of going on a guided tour, travelling with a 5 year old swayed us. We heard about Intrepid in the months leading up to our trip to Malaysia and couldn’t have been happier with our tour. We’d definitely consider using Intrepid in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Cathryn - Traveled, April 2024
Our trip to Borneo with our grandson was phenomenal! Aldrin made every day a highlight with his expertise and enthusiasm. From exploring vibrant rainforests to encountering unique wildlife, every moment was unforgettable. Borneo's natural beauty and Aldrin's guidance created cherished memories we'll always treasure. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Rocco - Traveled, April 2024
I’d recommend it to anyone. It was good because it was active and we got to see the wildlife and learn more about Sabah. R, age 14.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
Louise - Traveled, April 2024
Thank you for a wonderful tour of Sabah. The Family Borneo trip exceeded our expectations and the nature and wildlife was incredible. Highly recommend this trip for families with older children (8-16).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
wendy - Traveled, March 2024
A very well organised, balanced yet jampacked adventure through Sabah - very enjoyable for the whole family. Hirzan was absolutely brilliant and the reason the trip was such a success. His knowledge about the local area, his childhood stories, his wildlife expertise, and his sense of humour will make the trip one we will talk about for many years to come. We were lucky enough to see lots of wildlife incl crocodiles, macaques, proboscis monkeys, and an orangutan whilst cruising up the river. Don't forget your binoculars! Waking up to the sounds of the jungle was truly wonderful. I also shared a few moments snorkelling alongside a hawksbill turtle on turtle island. A trip we will never forget!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2024
Katie - Traveled, March 2024
If you want life changing experiences for your kids then this is a trip for you. We saw wild orangutans, danced with local villagers, snorkelled in crystal clear water and our daughter released turtle hatchling to the sea. Perfect!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Debra - Traveled, March 2024
My family and I would highly recommend the Borneo trip. It visits the amazing island and the people are warm and welcoming. It visits the main sites and addresses the current environmental issues at large. It encourages us to reflect and change our ways, so we can make sure that this island is here for a long time for everyone to enjoy!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Lani - Traveled, March 2024
My family and I loved this tour of Sabah. Our guide Nusri was extremely knowledgeable, approachable and made us feel supported and safe. We would definitely recommend the tour and our guide to anyone looking at a family adventure holiday in Borneo. The tour provided ample activities as well as well needed downtime in between to connect as a family. Thank you to our guide, Nusri for making this time so special for us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
David - Traveled, September 2023
Amazing family holiday. Worked very well with a 6 and 8 year old.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Mark - Traveled, September 2023
If you’re lucky enough to get Ben your guarantee to have an experience of a life time. Bring a personal fan, umbrella, tropical bug spray, brimmed hat, binoculars, a decent camera with long lens, top notch cold water bottle and a great attitude.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Anne-Maree - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was an adventure . We enjoyed seeing all the animals. My favourites were The Proboscus monkeys, Orangutans and the turtles. It was a once in a lifetime trip to Turtle Island to see the baby turtles hatch. Amazing. There is some long days travelling in the beginning so be prepared for that. Ben was a great guide and so couldn’t fault him. So helpful , fun for the kids and enthusiastic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
emma - Traveled, June 2023
A great family trip. Our kids loved the stay in the longhouse and in the jungle at the Eco Camp. They also enjoyed the boat trips along the Kinabatangan River, especially when we saw juvenile proboscis monkeys. Our guide Phillis was very kind, knowledgeable and helpful. The guides at the KOPAL jungle Eco Camp were also great and introduced the kids to a great board game with dice. Turtle Island was amazing as was the Sepilok Orangutan Rehab Centre.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Kathleen - Traveled, August 2023
We really enjoyed this trip despite the early starts and having to pack/un-pack many times! Staying in the longhouse and the jungle eco camp jungle were highlights with good guides and good quality local food. Take plenty of cash and an umbrella - less hot and sticky than raincoats.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2023
Marina - Traveled, August 2023
Fantastic family trip with a varied itinerary and an excellent guide - would recommend to anyone with a taste for adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/21/2023
Mark - Traveled, August 2023
This was the holiday of a lifetime thanks to a well prepared friendly guide always happy to help. I cannot thank intrepid and Aswat the guide enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Michael - Traveled, August 2023
Intrepid family tour of Borneo was outstanding. Eco Lodge in jungle was once in a lifetime. Orangutans, monkeys, wildlife, culture… great tour leader… our trip had it all. Thank you Intrepid and Stephanie Kam.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/13/2023
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