From CAD 2,376 Was CAD 2,970
Guarantee
Small Group
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 Code: 2740
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Boat,Plane,Private mini van
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TMKB
Starts: Sandakan, Malaysia
Finishes: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical 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 2376 (CAD 238 /day)
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.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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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