From CAD 2,656 Was CAD 3,125
Guarantee
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Get to know a land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on this Borneo adventure through Sabah. With its collection of unique animals, ancient traditions, tribal villages, rescued orangutans and scenic views, Sabah has something for everyone. You’ll experience it all over 11 days in Borneo – climbing Mt Kinabalu at sunrise, watching sea turtles lay their eggs with an expert local ranger by your side and sharing laughs with your local hosts in a remote village. Visit conservation sanctuaries, search for local wildlife at different times of day and night along the Kinabatangan River (including pygmy elephants if you’re lucky) and explore the untouched wilderness of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinabalu National Park.
Highlights
- Climb Mt Kinabalu – the literal pinnacle of all treks in South East Asia – with local guides whose families have trekked the mountain for generations. Watch the sunrise at the peak after a morning hike and spot diverse flora and fauna along the way.
- Spend time getting to know the unique wildlife of Borneo at conservation sanctuaries for orangutans and sun bears.
- 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 their 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 see wild pygmy elephants!
- Spend two nights in a Dusun village in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Spend time with your friendly hosts, explore a local vegetable farm and watch a cultural performance.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2744
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private mini van,River Boat
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TMSC
Starts: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Finishes: Sandakan, Malaysia
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (5), Dinner (6)Accommodation: Chalet (1 night),Resort (1 nights),Homestay (2 night),Hostel (2 nights),Hotel (2 nights),Lodge (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2656 (CAD 241 /day)
Itinerary
Selamat datang! Welcome to Borneo, Malaysia. Your adventure begins in Kota Kinabalu with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, immerse yourself in the history of the city at the Sabah State Museum. You can also visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village or explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu – excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Tonight, perhaps head out with your group for a welcome dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations for local food and drinks.
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
Jude - Traveled, April 2024
An adventure packed holiday with many highlights both physical and cultural made enjoyable by the excellent leadership of Nelson, our guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2024
Danielle - Traveled, April 2024
My Sabah adventure was full of nature and wildlife and I absolutely loved every day!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Gillian - Traveled, April 2024
An amazing adventure, well supported. A snapshot of beautiful Sabah, Borneo. Such friendly people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Susan - Traveled, March 2024
(I did Best of Borneo) Nowhere in the world can you do and see everything we did in Borneo in 20 days. One of the world’s biggest caves, bats, canopy walks, wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, crocodiles, jungle treks, longboat journey, river swims, local tribe home-stay, mountain climb, jungle cruise, hot springs, sea turtles laying eggs -baby turtles, snorkeling, sun bear sanctuary. Life changing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Erika - Traveled, March 2024
Sabah adventure was a great experience. Climbing the mountain was really hard, but great achievement and experience of a lifetime. The whole trip was very well organized and perfectly managed by our leader Nusri and co-leader Hirzan. The leaders were extremely knowledgeable and passed on a lot of information and interesting facts. We had great time, saw a lot of wildlife, admired beauty of local flora and tasted great local food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Adam - Traveled, March 2024
An all round awesome trip! Thus was amplified by our tour guide Nastalia. A well organised and oiled machine which enabled us to efficiently see so much.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Sabrina - Traveled, April 2024
Trip outline and leader were great. Group was lovely too, but unfortunately, we had a sick person on the trip, and everyone came down with a cold and flu. Very disappointing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024
Hemi - Traveled, March 2024
Loved the Borneo Trip Mt Kinabalu was an epic part of the tour but built bond's among the tour group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Jo-Anne - Traveled, March 2024
An amazing adventure in Sabah Borneo led by excellent guide Nostalia and assistant ChiChi. Mt Kinabalu was definitely very challenging but we all made it! It’s a short hike but extremely demanding! The wildlife is unbelievable and several species endemic to Sabah. The home stay was unique and welcoming. Loved Turtle Island Marine Park & the Orangutan & Sun Bear Sanctuaries at Sepilok. If you are looking for adventure and fun book this trip. You will not regret it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Timothy - Traveled, March 2024
This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip, making it one of the best Intrepid ones I've been on. The biggest highlight was the climb up Mt Kinabalu. It was physically very challenging, especially with a little AMS thrown in over 3,000m and scrambling over granite using ropes in the cold of the night. The sunrise at the summit was spectacular and made it so worthwhile. My hiking poles made a big difference, especially on the descent. The nature was fabulous - Turtle Islands (note the boat trip can be rough), Kinabatangan River cruises and the various Sepilok centres. The RDC night walk was a real bonus, seeing some of the night creatures including the giant red flying squirrels, tarsiers and slow lorises. I spent a few extra days in Kota Kinabalu where I really enjoyed snorkelling at the marine park and the night seafood markets. A big shout out to our guide Talia - she was excellent and helped make this trip very memorable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2024
Emma - Traveled, February 2024
Great trip! Fast paced and you will pack a lot in a short amount of time but it's a great way to see what sabah has to offer, don't underestimate the hike. Turtle Island is fantastic and the homestay was really special. Jeffrey was a great leader and Sam was great to book with. Value was good too which so much included. Accomodation is clean and comfortable. Highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Ronald - Traveled, February 2024
Sabah Borneo. Exotic. Remote. Completely doable in comfort with Intrepid. An opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will treasure and never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, February 2024
Straight away we were immersed in culture at night markets in Kota Kinabalu. Every place was so special, and our tour was so lucky to see the big 5. The pigmy elephants up close and playing in the river and the orangutan at our window were highlights. Johmin our guide was so friendly, funny and full of knowledge. This trip is unique, takes you out of your comfort zone and makes you feel alive again! I feel especially lucky because I won this trip with flight centre Australia in their intrepid competition. ?? ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
David - Traveled, February 2024
This trip exceeded my wildest expectations. The itinerary is excellent, our leader was superb, and we had the best luck in terms of weather and a great group of travelers from many different ages and backgrounds. Definitely physically challenging climbing Mount Kinabalu, but that’s part of what made it great. The animals and nature were exceptional. First rate trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Jemma-Lee - Traveled, May 2024
This trip was a complete emotional, mental and physical reset allowing us to push outside our comfort zones, open our hearts and minds to everything borneo has to offer. Hiking mount Kinabalu was physically and mentally challenging but an unbelievable achievement. The culture, history and environmental insights were so special to carry away with us too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Ronald - Traveled, February 2024
When you think about Borneo/Sabah, you might think Hot, Humid, Remote, and Exotic. This tour makes it doable. You will learn about another part of the world, its issues and challenges. During our tour, led by Johmin, a very knowledgeable and capable tour leader, we had experiences that left us in awe. An amazing experience you will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2024
David - Traveled, February 2024
This trip was exceptional! The Mount Kinabalu climb was challenging but super rewarding. The animals and nature on the Kinabatangan River and Turtle Island were awesome and exceeded my high expectations. Our Leader, Johmin, was first rate and balanced individual needs with the group needs. I can't recommend this trip more highly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
Justine - Traveled, December 2023
This is an excellent trip to get to know the highlights of Borneo. A country with so much to offer in terms of adventure, animals and outdoors. This trip offers the physical challenge of climbing Mt Kinabalu, the wonder of watching baby turtles head out to the water for the first time through to a river cruise in the jungle looking for monkeys, elephants and orang-utans in the wild. There is so much to see and do you will be busy most days with a new adventure around every corner. Borneo is a country with wonderful people, animals and landscape. You won't be sorry to make this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2023
Ryan - Traveled, December 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Ursula - Traveled, December 2023
Absolutely amazing trip that I would highly recommend. This trip has everything... Wildlife, hikes, river cruises, beach and rainforest (Mount Kinabalu was very tough but spectacular at the top!)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
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