Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
$2544
Tour 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. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Sandakan
Location: Sandakan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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:
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Day 2: Sandakan
Location: Sandakan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. 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.Last, but not least, 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.Return to Sandakan for the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Sandakan / Kinabatangan River
Location: Sandakan / Kinabatangan River
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get a sense of Sandakan’s diverse cultural traditions completing a section of the Heritage walk together with your local leader and taste traditional cuisine like roti (flat bread) and teh tarik (hot milk tea). 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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Kinabatangan River
Location: Kinabatangan River
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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:
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Day 5: Gomantong Cave/ Kundasang
Location: Gomantong Cave/ Kundasang
Accommodation: Cottage/Resort
Accommodation Name: Cottage/Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Spend the rest of the day getting your bearings.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Kiau Village / Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kiau Village / Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 Kota Kinabalu for the night. Perhaps pop into Nabalu Market for a handmade souvenir or a local snack on the way to 'KK'.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Manukan
Location: Manukan
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Day 8: Manukan
Location: Manukan
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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:
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Day 9: Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 at Gaya Street. 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 Anjung Kinabalu. 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:
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Day 10: Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Lodge (3 night), Hotel (4 nights), Resort (2 nights) -
Meals
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinners -
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
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Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit
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Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre Visit
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Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit
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Sandakan - War Memorial
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Sandakan - Section of the Heritage walk including local tastings
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Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise
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Kinabatangan - River safari Cruise
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Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise
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Kinabatangan River - Second Afternoon Wildlife spotting cruise
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Mt Kinabalu National Park - Lower trails guided walk
- Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden
- Dusun Village - Home-cooked lunch
- Kinabatangan River - Wildlife spotting cruise
- Kinabatangan River - Wildlife spotting cruise
- Kinabatangan River - Orang Sungei guided village walk
- Sandakan - War Memorial
- Sukau - Gomantong Caves
- Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Sepilok - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
- Tunku Abdul National Marine Park - Boat trip & snorkelling
Transport
- Boat , Plane , Private mini van
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 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. Some nationalities may have increased government travel warnings in place for Eastern Sabah. Please check your government’s travel advice and that your travel insurance covers you for travel to Eastern Sabah.
- 4. Sandakan can be reached via flight from Kuala Lumpur on airlines like Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air and AirAsia.
Mode of Transport
- Boat , Private mini van
Check out our Q&As
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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. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Classic Borneo
10 Days Starting in Sandakan and ending in Kota Kinabalu
Visiting: Sandakan, Sandakan / Kinabatangan River, Kinabatangan River, Gomantong Cave/ Kundasang , Kiau Village / Kota Kinabalu, Manukan, Kota Kinabalu ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TMKB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99