Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Sabah, Malaysia, with the "Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu" tour. This journey offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and thrilling exploration. Begin by gathering local ingredients for a cooking demonstration in Kota Belud, then venture into the wild with river safaris along the Kinabatangan River, where you can spot diverse wildlife. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and experience the magic of Turtle Island. The tour culminates with a challenging yet rewarding two-day hike up Mt Kinabalu, where you'll witness a breathtaking sunrise from the summit. With a mix of accommodations, including homestays and jungle lodges, and transport by private vehicle, plane, and boat, this small group adventure promises an authentic and enriching 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: Kinabatangan River
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.
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.
Day 8: Kota Kinabalu/Mount Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu
Accommodation: Mt. Kinabalu Park Hostel
Accommodation Name: Mt. Kinabalu Park Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Mt Kinabalu. Opt to hike the nature trails, or enjoy an excursion to Poring hot springs and a canopy walk with some free time.
Travel to the base of Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea.
In the afternoon, stretch your legs by exploring the trails around the park or check out the visitor centre.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY Opt to enjoy some beautiful nature walks through lowland tropical forest on well marked trails or relax and prepare for the climb ahead.
Day 9: Mount Kinabalu
Location: Mount Kinabalu
Accommodation: Laban Rata Dormitory
Accommodation Name: Laban Rata Dormitory
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head off to conquer Mt Kinabalu. During the first day's climb to Laban Rata, enjoy a packed lunch on the way. The hike can take from 5-7 hrs. Indulge in a buffet-style dinner then rest up for an early start to summit the mountain in the morning.
Set off early to begin the ascent up Mt Kinabalu. It is not an easy walk, but it is incredibly rewarding. Willpower is the main requirement as it's uphill all the way!
Spend the night at Laban Rata in basic mountain huts 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level.
Turn in early to prepare for the final climb very early in the morning.
ACTIVITY: Begin at the Timpohon Gate and head downhill into the rainforest to start, before heading upwards. The well-marked trail is predominantly made up of steep steps that vary considerably in size.
The first section of the hike is fairly moderate, but take it easy and save your energy for the more difficult push higher up on the mountain. During the second half of the day's trek experience a change in scenery and terrain.
Accommodation for the night is near Laban Rata at 3,272m elevation. Accommodation is basic with only cold water, and blankets are provided. Tomorrow's hike commences very early, so get some rest.
Day 10: Mount Kinabalu/Kota Kinabalu
Location: Mount Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel Shangri-La
Accommodation Name: Hotel Shangri-La
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Summit Mt Kinabalu (3-5hrs) and arrive in time for sunrise. Return to Laban Rata for a rest and to the park headquarters for lunch. Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
ACTIVITY: Get an early start to make it to the summit for sunrise. This portion of the hike takes about three to four hours.
Stop in at the mountain huts before continuing to the park headquarters for lunch. Be prepared—the descent can be tough on the knees and takes approximately five to seven hours.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 11: 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 (3 nts), homestay (1 nt, multi-share), jungle lodge (3 nts, twin-share), permanent tented camp (1 nt, twin-share), hostel (1 nt, twin-share), hostel (1 nt, multi-share) -
Meals
10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners -
G for Good Moment
Experience the D'Danau Homestay in Kota Belud and the Libaran Island Village Walk on Pulau Libaran.
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group upon arrival.
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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 river 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 the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
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Turtle Island Stay
Stay on Turtle Island and visit the turtle hatchery.
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Mt Kinabalu Hike
Embark on a 2-day hike of Mt Kinabalu.
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Internal Flight
Includes an internal flight as part of the tour.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
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International Travel
International flights to and from the destination are not included.
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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, a permanent tented camp, and hostels, offering both twin-share and multi-share options, ensuring a unique and immersive stay throughout your adventure.
Meals Included
10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 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 seamlessly with a combination of private vehicles, planes, boats, and walking, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey between destinations and activities.
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 Southeast 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 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.
COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
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 overnight trips (30-35 litres/8-9 gallons). In this you will need to carry a change of clothes, torch/flashlight, toiletries, warm clothes, and any other essentials. While climbing Mt Kinabalu, we leave our main pieces of luggage at park headquarters and return following the trek. ...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 monkeys, birds, and possibly saltwater crocodiles. There is also a chance to spot proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, macaques, and gibbons during the guided trek along the oxbow lake. ...more ...less
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What activities are included during the stay on Libaran Island?
On Libaran Island, you will have a guided tour of the island's turtle hatchery to learn about the turtle conservation program. You can also visit the local village to experience island life and see demonstrations of local crafts. There is also an option to go snorkeling or kayaking during your free time. ...more ...less
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What is the accommodation like during the Mt Kinabalu hike?
During the Mt Kinabalu hike, you will stay at Laban Rata Dormitory, which is basic accommodation located 3,272 meters above sea level. The dormitory provides cold water and blankets, and you will spend the night there before the final ascent to the summit.
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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 have been rescued as orphans or from illegal domestication. The centre rehabilitates them before releasing them back into the wild. Visitors can watch these orangutans being fed or roaming the grounds. ...more ...less
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What is the significance of the D'Danau Homestay in Kota Belud?
The D'Danau Homestay in Kota Belud provides job opportunities for locals and offers experiences such as hiking, water tubing, and cooking classes. The income generated from tourism is invested in nature conservation and village development, promoting the culture and way of life of the Borneo people. ...more ...less
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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
Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
11 Days Starting and ending in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Visiting: Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Kinabatangan River, Sungai Kinabatangan, Sepilok, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran, Mount Kinabalu ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24553
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
