Classic Borneo

10 Days | Dive into an exciting journey through the heart of Borneo

4.9 out of 5 based on 235 reviews submitted.
Wildlife
From
CHF  1,713

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.

Trip overview

Map of Classic Borneo including Malaysia
Start
Sandakan, Malaysia
Finish
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Theme
Wildlife
Destinations
Malaysia
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
TMKB
This trip generates 63 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • 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. 

Is this trip right for you?
  • As you travel across Borneo, you’ll stay in a variety of accommodation, from standard hotels to jungle lodges. Some accommodation may have less amenities than a standard hotel, but the unique locations and proximity to nature makes them worth it.
  • This trip doesn't include climbing Mt Kinabalu. If this is something that interests you, check out our Sabah Adventure (TMSC).
  • This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group, where space may be limited and conditions may feel a bit snug. It's all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. There are a few long days of travel as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the Itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Classic Borneo including Malaysia

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Boat, Plane, Private mini van

Accommodation

Lodge (3 night), Hotel (4 nights), Resort (2 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit
  • Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre Visit
  • Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit
  • Sandakan - War Memorial
  • Sandakan - Heritage walk including local tastings
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise
  • Kinanbatang - River safari Cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Second Afternoon Wildlife spotting cruise
  • Kinabatangan - Visit to Gomantong Cave
  • Kampung Kiau - Everything Pineapple community project visit & lunch
  • Manukan Island - Manukan Island Visit
  • Manukan Island - Boat trip & snorkelling
Optional activities
  • Kinabatangan River - Binocular Hire (Two Days) - MYR40
  • Kinabatangan River - Binocular Hire (One Day) - MYR30
  • Kinabatangan River - Night Wildlife Spotting Cruise - MYR130
  • Kundasang - Kundasang War Memorial - MYR15
  • Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village (Entrance) - MYR130

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information
3. This trip includes a domestic flight. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. Excess luggage will incur additional fees payable at check in to the airline.
4. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Eastern Sabah before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. Further information can be found in our "Safety" section of the Essential Trip Information. You can find links to prominent government travel advisories our Travel Alerts page https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 235 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Sheelagh · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 31 Oct 2024

Stephanie · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 27 Oct 2024

Regina · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 30 Oct 2024

Andy · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 14 Oct 2024

ASHLEY · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 11 Oct 2024
Classic Borneo
From
CHF  1,713