Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
$1749
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Borneo – East Sabah Adventure" and immerse yourself in the vibrant wildlife and rich culture of Malaysia. This small group tour offers a unique blend of adventure and cultural experiences, starting in Kota Kinabalu. Discover the local way of life with a homestay in Kota Belud, where you'll gather fresh ingredients for a cooking demonstration. Cruise the Kinabatangan River, keeping an eye out for proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and a sun bear conservation centre. On Libaran Island, explore a turtle hatchery and engage with the local community. With a mix of hotels, homestays, and jungle lodges, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Borneo. Enjoy private vehicle, plane, and boat transport, with meals included on select days. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic Malaysian experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel Shangri-La
Accommodation Name: Hotel Shangri-La
Arrive at any time.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud
Accommodation: D'Danau Homestay
Accommodation Name: D'Danau Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Kota Kinabalu, travel to Tambatuon village and meet the local community. Walk to a nearby river, exploring the landscape surrounding the village along the way. Visit a local farm and gather fresh ingredients for an included dinner. Learn how to cook some local recipes with the host.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Visit a farm and learn of their contrasting techniques while picking fresh vegetables, later used when learning to cook local recipes with the villagers. First visit Kundasang Aquafarm, a community-led farm that uses fish waste instead of chemical fertilizer for a hydroponic system. Then you are off to Onis farm that practices more traditional farming.
ACTIVITY: D’danau’ Homestay is a beautiful homestay located in Kota Belud Sabah, Malaysia. It provides job opportunities for locals offering great experiences to travellers like hiking, water tubing, cooking classes and other activities. The income generated from tourism allows the community to collect fees that are invested in the nature conservation and development of the village. Visitors can also learn about the lives of the Borneo people, and enjoy the cool climate and peaceful atmosphere. D’danau’s mission is to promote their culture and way of life, protect the environment and enhance their livelihood.
Day 3: Kota Belud to Sungai Kinabatangan
Location: Sungai Kinabatangan
Accommodation: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
Accommodation Name: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel towards Sandakan and continue to the immersive jungle lodge on Kinabatangan River, Sabah's longest. After settling in, head out on a river cruise to experience the serenity of evening river life (keep your eyes peeled for birds and monkeys and crocodiles, oh my!). Enjoy dinner then opt for a guided night walk through the jungle.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Cruise through the crocodile-infested waters with an expert boatman. While wildlife-spotting can't be guaranteed there's a good chance you will spot some monkeys, birds and the occasional saltwater crocodiles.
Day 4: Sungai Kinabatangan
Location: Sungai Kinabatangan
Accommodation: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
Accommodation Name: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a river safari to witness the morning wildlife activity. After breakfast, visit the nearby oxbow lake with a professional guide and seek out proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, macaques, and gibbons. Enjoy another river cruise for a second chance to spot more wildlife (you never know what you may see) before returning to the lodge for dinner.
ACTIVITY: Jump into a boat and explore the muddy river; keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, birds, and crocodiles.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a guided trek along the lake and seek out proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, macaques, and gibbons.
Day 5: Sungai Kinabatangan/Sepilok
Location: Sepilok
Accommodation: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort
Accommodation Name: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart in the morning and travel to Sepilok - a wildlife haven. Enjoy a visit to the orangutan rehabilitation centre and the adjacent sun bear conservation centre.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: The orangutans at the centre were either rescued as orphans or from illegal domestication. Once rehabilitated, they are set free to live in the wild. Watch these creatures being fed or roaming the grounds along with other animals such as macaque monkeys.
ACTIVITY: Visit the conservation centre and see the world’s smallest bear. Learn more about the sun bears and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.
Day 6: Sepilok/Pulau Libaran
Location: Sandakan, Pulau Libaran
Accommodation: Walai Penyu Resort
Accommodation Name: Walai Penyu Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Sandakan and continue by boat to Libaran Island, also known as Turtle Island because thousands of sea turtles return to nest each year. Take a guided tour of the island's turtle hatchery and learn about the turtle conservation program. Later, visit the local village and experience what life is like on the island. Opt to go snorkelling or kayaking with some free time.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
ACTIVITY: Accompany Island rangers to learn more about these amazing creatures and the threats to their existence. Depending on the time of year, observe turtles laying their eggs on the beach, follow the park rangers as they transfer the eggs to the hatchery, or stand on the shore and witness the release of baby turtles to the open sea.
ACTIVITY: Visit the friendly village of Libaran Island, part of a Planeterra Foundation community development project. View demonstrations by villagers who make flower souvenirs from plastic bottles, master Pandanous weaving, and meticulously knit fishing nets. Also see how local snacks are prepared and enjoy the delicacies.
Day 7: Pulau Libaran/Kota Kinabalu
Location: Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel Shangri-La
Accommodation Name: Hotel Shangri-La
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart Libaran Island and travel back to the Sandakan jetty. From the jetty, transfer to Sandakan airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to walk and shop at Jesselton Point, a waterfront district lined with shops and street food. Opt to visit the famous Filipino market.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage of your free time to stroll and shop along the waterfront.
Day 8: Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (2 nts), homestay (1 nt, multi-share), jungle lodge (3 nts, twin-share), permanent tented camp (1 nt, twin-share) -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners -
G for Good Moment: D'Danau Homestay
Experience a G for Good Moment at D'Danau Homestay in Kota Belud.
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G for Good Moment: Libaran Island Village Walk
Enjoy a G for Good Moment with a village walk on Libaran Island.
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group during the Welcome Moment.
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Foodie Moment
Participate in a local farms and cooking demonstration at Tambatuon Homestay.
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Kinabatangan River Safaris
Enjoy morning and evening safaris on the Kinabatangan River.
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Guided Oxbow Lake Visit
Take a guided visit to the oxbow lake for wildlife spotting in Kinabatangan.
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Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit
Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
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Turtle Hatchery Visit
Visit a turtle hatchery on Libaran Island.
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Internal Flight
An internal flight is included in the tour.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
Transport
Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking.
Accommodation
Experience a diverse range of accommodations including hotels, a homestay, a jungle lodge, and a permanent tented camp, offering a mix of twin-share and multi-share options for a unique and immersive stay.
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Group Size
Max 15
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with a combination of private vehicles, planes, boats, and walking, ensuring seamless transitions between destinations and activities throughout your adventure.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Local Dress
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not acceptable. One piece bathing suits are recommended and topless sun bathing is unacceptable. ...more ...less
Important Notes
ACCOMMODATION
It should be stressed that the nature of the accommodation when compared with other areas of SE Asia, is sometimes of a lower standard than normally provided on G Adventures trips. This is often due to the location and type of activities involved (ie high on a mountain and in remote jungle areas). Accommodation is always clean and usually makes up in character and location, what it might not provide in glamour and additional services.
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between sundown on Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025, and Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.
TRAVEL WARNINGS TO EASTERN SABAH
Various nationalities have a travel warning for Eastern Sabah. Please visit your government website and check with your insurance that any warnings will not affect your insurance coverage, as travel insurance that covers the entire itinerary is mandatory on our tours. The safety of our travellers is our number one priority at G Adventures. We will continuously monitor the region and will continue to run itineraries to areas that we believe to be safe. Below are some shortcuts:
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade - https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
US Department of State - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - https://smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
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Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO) throughout. The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
A variety of styles of hotels/guesthouses are used in Malaysia. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home. In some areas we stay in simple local guesthouses in stunning locations - rooms are small and basic and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers. Service and efficiency can also vary. ...more ...less
What to Take
You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (under 10 kg/22lb). It is to your advantage as you are expected to carry your own luggage, though distances are never great. We do not allow the use of video cameras when staying in the villages as it can be perceived by the local people as highly obtrusive. Most travellers carry their luggage in a pack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Suitcases are not appropriate for this particular trip! You need to bring your main piece of luggage as well as a small to medium backpack for any overnight trips (30-35 litres/8-9 gallons). ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the river safaris on the Kinabatangan River?
During the river safaris on the Kinabatangan River, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, macaques, gibbons, birds, and possibly saltwater crocodiles.
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What activities are included on Libaran Island?
On Libaran Island, you will have a guided tour of the turtle hatchery to learn about the turtle conservation program. You can also visit the local village to experience island life, and there is an option to go snorkeling or kayaking during your free time.
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What is the purpose of the visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre?
The visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is to see orangutans that were rescued as orphans or from illegal domestication. The centre rehabilitates them to be set free in the wild, and you can watch them being fed or roaming the grounds.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The accommodation during the tour includes hotels, a homestay, a jungle lodge, and a permanent tented camp. The accommodations are clean and often located in stunning areas, though they may be more basic compared to other regions.
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What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on this tour?
The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) accompanies the group throughout the tour to take the hassle out of travel and help you have the best trip possible. They provide information on the places visited, suggest activities, recommend local eateries, and introduce you to local friends. They are not traditional guides but have broad knowledge of the countries visited. ...more ...less
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Are there any cultural considerations I should be aware of when packing for this tour?
Yes, dress standards are conservative in Malaysia, which is predominantly Muslim. It is recommended to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight clothing is advised, and singlets, tank tops, and short shorts are not acceptable. One-piece bathing suits are recommended, and topless sunbathing is unacceptable.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
8 Days Starting and ending in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Visiting: Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Sungai Kinabatangan, Sepilok, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24511
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans