Classic Borneo

Classic Borneo

1,133 Views
10 Days From

$2544

$2290

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • 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. 

Itinerary

Expand All

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:
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer
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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:
-Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit
-Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre Visit
-Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit
-Sandakan - War Memorial

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:
-Sandakan - Section of the Heritage walk including local tastings
-Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise

Optional Activities:
-Kinabatangan River - Binocular Hire (Two Days)
-Kinabatangan River - Binocular Hire (One Day)
-Kinabatangan River - Night Wildlife Spotting Cruise

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:
-Kinabatangan - River safari Cruise
-Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise
-Kinabatangan River - Second Afternoon Wildlife spotting cruise

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:
-Kinabatangan - Visit to Gomantong Cave

Optional Activities:
-Kundasang - Kundasang War Memorial

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:
-Kampung Kiau - Everything Pineapple community project visit & lunch

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:
-Manukan Island - Manukan Island Visit

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:
-Manukan Island - Boat trip & snorkelling

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:
-Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village (Entrance)

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

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

  • Meals
    8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinners

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

  • Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit

  • Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre Visit

  • Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit

  • Sandakan - War Memorial

  • Sandakan - Section of the Heritage walk including local tastings

  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise

  • Kinabatangan - River safari Cruise

  • Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise

  • Kinabatangan River - Second Afternoon Wildlife spotting cruise

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • 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

  • 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

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍 ...more ...less

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon! ...more ...less

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic. ...more ...less

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong ...more ...less

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X ...more ...less

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure! ...more ...less

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best. ...more ...less

Lisa Hosking (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from Southern...

06-Feb-2025

Just got back from Southern India and I have to say our guide was great! Greeted by Sebi’s lovely smile each morning. His knowledge was great and his interpersonal skills were amazing! Managed the group well and took great care of us all! Thank you!

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Monday

Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 10, 2025
$2815 (USD)

Saturday - Monday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025
$2544 $2290 (USD)

Operator discount: -$254 (USD)

Wednesday - Friday

Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025
$2830 (USD)

Saturday - Monday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025
$2610 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TMKB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $2544 $2290 (USD) Operator discount: -$254

NB: Prices correct on 13-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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