10-Day Borneo Discovery Tour
10 Days Starting in Sandakan, Malaysia and ending in Kuching, Malaysia
Visiting: Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan River, Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park, Kuching
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TW41279K
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
35-70
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 10-day Borneo Discovery Tour, where you'll immerse yourself in the natural wonders and cultural richness of this enchanting island. Begin your adventure at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, getting up close with orangutans and sun bears. Experience the thrill of staying in a jungle lodge, waking to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. Cruise along the Kinabatangan River, exploring mangroves and oxbow lakes teeming with wildlife. Discover the vibrant culture and cuisine of Kota Kinabalu, and enjoy the sophisticated charm of Kuching, with its Chinese temples and artisan shops. This tour offers a perfect blend of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and luxurious accommodations, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Borneo's diverse landscapes. With first-class service, including local guides and small group sizes, you'll enjoy a seamless and enriching travel experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Sandakan Arrival (D)
Location: Sandakan
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Dinner
On your arrival at Sandakan Airport, your local English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your flight arrival, the afternoon is at leisure.
Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Sandakan.
Day 2 : Sandakan - Sepilok (B,L,D)
Location: Sepilok
Accommodation Name: Deluxe Eco-Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pick up from the hotel at 8.00 am and depart for approximately 30 minutes drive to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. At this Centre, observe man's closest relative, "the Orang Utan", being rehabilitated to become wild in their natural habitat and experience a walk in the Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo. Witness the feeding of Orang Utan at 10.00am at the feeding platform and proceed to the Orang Utan Nursery.Â
Later, continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. The Centre has managed to improve the living condition of the rescued sun bears and encouraged their natural behaviours in the 2.5ha enclosed forest. After lunch, check in to the resort, located at one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world.
Overnight in Sepilok.
Day 3 : Sukau - Kinabatangan River (B,L,D)
Location: Kinabatangan River
Accommodation Name: Deluxe Eco-Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At 11.00am, proceed to Sandakan jetty, to join your river boat for an hour boat ride cruising up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. This is a wonderful journey of discovery which starts from the waters of Sulu Sea of Sandakan Town through a magnificent scenery of the mangrove forest. Enjoy your lunch at Abai Jungle Restaurant.
After lunch, cruise up river to Sukau village in search of primates especially the Endemic Proboscis Monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Arrive Sukau, check in at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.
Late afternoon, take a river cruise to Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan.Return to the lodge after dinner.
Overnight in Sukau.
Day 4 : Sukau - Kinabatangan River (B,L,D)
Location: Kinabatangan River
Accommodation Name: Deluxe Eco-Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up this morning with the calls of gibbons and hornbills. In the early morning, take a river trip to the Ox Bow Lake to observe wildlife and experience the early morning river ambiance. Return to the lodge for breakfast then be free at your leisure.
After lunch, walk around; relax at the sun deck while reading your favorite book from the mini library and enjoying the river view. In the late afternoon, proceed to another river cruise to search for more wildlife.
Overnight in Sukau.
Day 5 : Sukau - Sandakan - Kota Kinablu (B,L)
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, transfer by boat back to Sandakan. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at the local restaurant then proceed to the airport for your flight departure to Kota Kinabalu. You will be met by our local guide and driver on arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport. Transfer to and check-in to, the hotel. Rest and relax in the afternoon.
Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
Day 6 : Kota Kinabalu Park Discovery Tour (B,L)
Location: Kinabalu Park
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast served at resort. 0830hrs meet at hotel lobby and proceed for KINABALU PARK DISCOVERY (approx. 8.5 hours).
The road leading to the Kinabalu Park is dotted with rustic villages and carefree people selling fresh farm produce, handmade products or home cooked delicacies. Our first stop will give you an opportunity to mingle with the Dusun natives at Kg. Kiau Kundasang and experience a different way of life and perspective. Take a short village walk and then a short trek up to a viewing point.
Enjoy a local lunch and experience the coffee.Â
After lunch travel to a pineapple farm run by ladies. All 49 women are committed to the production process which is divided into four products: pineapple juice, pineapple jam, sweet chutney and anchovy chutney.
Day 7 : Kota Kinabalu City Tour & Mari Mari Cultural Village (B.L)
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, meet at the hotel lobby and proceed for Mari Mari Cultural Village for a tour. Enjoy a delectable fusion of cuisines for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will visit the landmarks and must-see sights of Kota Kinabalu.Â
Transfer back to hotel for overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
Day 8 : Kota Kinabalu - Kuching - Kuching City Tour (B,L)
Location: Kuching
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Check-out from hotel and transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for departure flight to Kuching.
Upon arrival at Kuching Airport, meet and greet by local representative then enjoy a Kuching City Tour.Â
Overnight in Kuching.
Day 9 : Kuching - Sarawak Cultural Village (B, -, D)
Location: Kuching
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast meet at hotel lobby and proceed to Sarawak Cultural Village for a tour.
Transfer back to hotel after tour.
The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.
In the evening enjoy your Farewell Dinner.
Overnight in Kuching.
Day 10 : Kuching Departure (B)
Location: Kuching
Meals Included: Breakfast
Check-out from hotel and transfer to Kuching Airport for departure flight home.
What's Included
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MEALS
Welcome DinnerA Unique & Varied DiningFull Breakfast Daily (B=9)Lunches (L=7) and Dinners (D=5) per Itinerary
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SIGHTSEEING
Entrance fees at monumentsAll local government fees & taxesCruising excursionsWildlife safari on Kinabatangan River Localhost experienceVisit Sandakan Memorial Park to pay tribute to the fallen Allied soldiers during World War 2Â Â Comprehensive sightseeing as per itinerary
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ACCOMMODATION
Stay at excellent hand-selected high-quality 4-star accommodation in central location or adjacent to monuments or strategically at the edge of a wilderness.Â
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TRANSPORTATION
Arrival and departure airport transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles All touring in air-conditioned vehiclesA sit-in-coach transfer from Sandakan pier to the airportLocally based professional driversÂ
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FIRST-CLASS SERVICE
24/7 local assistance and travel guidanceAirport Meet-and-Greet welcome service with the local tour guideGuaranteed departures with Just Two GuestsSmall group with a maximum of 16 guestsA unique "local-host" experience exclusively offered by Tweet World TravelComplimentary one-way Chauffeur-drive from your home to the airport within a 35 km radius*
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TOUR GUIDE & TOUR LEADER
English-speaking local tour guides who live and breathe the destination – they will bring your itinerary to lifeFor a group of more than 10 people, on top of local tour guides, we will provide an experienced tour director. He or she will oversee your entire journey, accompany you every day and connect you to the people, places and encounters in a way you’ll never forget.
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Flights
Domestic Flights within Tour With Full Service AirlineFlight: Sandakan to Kota KinabaluFlight: Kota Kinabalu to KuchingAll flights in Economy Class with 20kg Luggage Allowance
What's Not Included
The tour does not explicitly list exclusions, but typically, personal expenses, travel insurance, and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with internal flights in the economy cabin, private air-conditioned airport transfers, and all touring in air-conditioned vehicles, including a sit-in-coach transfer from Sandakan pier to the airport.
Accommodation
Stay at excellent hand-selected high-quality 4-star accommodations in central locations or adjacent to monuments, and enjoy a deluxe eco-lodge experience in the heart of Borneo's wilderness.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including Orang Utans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, Sun Bears at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and Proboscis Monkeys along the Kinabatangan River. You may also encounter gibbons, hornbills, and other wildlife during river cruises and visits to the Ox Bow Lake.
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What unique experiences are included in the Borneo Discovery Tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as observing Orang Utans being rehabilitated, visiting the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, cruising on the Kinabatangan River to spot wildlife, and experiencing local culture at the Mari Mari Cultural Village and Sarawak Cultural Village.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in excellent hand-selected high-quality 4-star hotels in central locations or adjacent to monuments, as well as stays at deluxe eco-lodges in the wilderness.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes a welcome and farewell dinner, a unique and varied dining experience, full breakfast daily, and selected lunches and dinners.
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Is there a tour guide provided throughout the journey?
Yes, English-speaking local tour guides are provided who are knowledgeable about the destination. For groups of more than 10 people, an experienced tour director will also accompany the group to oversee the journey.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The tour operates with a small group size, with a maximum of 16 guests.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Founded in 2012, the Tweet World Travel Group is an Australian-owned corporation and one of the country's leading wholesalers for Worldwide River Cruises, Tour Operators, and Travel Technology Providers. With headquarters in Adelaide, South Australia, the company has a wide reach, with local operational offices throughout Asia.
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Are there any health requirements or vaccinations needed for the tour?
Ensuring your health and well-being during your tour is of utmost importance to us. Many destinations may have specific health requirements or recommended vaccinations to help protect both you and the local population from potential health risks. To determine the health requirements or vaccinations needed for your chosen tour destination, we strongly advise consulting with a medical professional or a travel health clinic. They have access to the latest information about health risks in different regions and can provide personalized recommendations based on your medical history and the specific areas you plan to visit. Additionally, some countries may require proof of certain vaccinations, such as yellow fever, before granting entry. It's essential to research and adhere to these requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. If you have any concerns or questions about health requirements for your upcoming tour, feel free to reach out to our team. While we can offer general guidance, we always recommend consulting with a medical professional for personalized health advice tailored to your needs and travel plans. Your health and safety are paramount, and we want to ensure that you're well-prepared and informed before embarking on your journey.
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How can I provide feedback or reviews about the tour experience?
We highly value your feedback and reviews about your tour experience. Your insights help us continuously improve our services and create exceptional travel experiences for our clients. Here are a couple of ways you can provide feedback: 1- Tweet Trip App: If you've downloaded our Tweet Trip App, you can often find a section dedicated to providing feedback or reviews. This streamlined approach ensures that your thoughts are directly communicated to us for consideration. 2- Online Form: We may send you an online feedback form via email after your tour concludes. This allows you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and comments about your experience conveniently. 3- Hard Copy: If you prefer a more traditional approach, some tours may provide a hard copy feedback form that you can fill out and hand over to your tour guide or agency representative. When providing feedback, consider sharing both positive aspects that you enjoyed and constructive criticism that can help us enhance our services. Here are some points to consider: Your overall satisfaction with the tour. The quality of accommodations, transportation, and activities. The professionalism and knowledge of your tour guide. Any challenges or issues you encountered. Suggestions for improvement. Any standout moments or experiences. Your feedback is instrumental in our commitment to deliver exceptional travel experiences. We appreciate your time and honesty in sharing your thoughts with us. Whether you choose to provide feedback through the Tweet Trip App, an online form, or a hard copy, rest assured that your input will be carefully considered to continually elevate the quality of our services.
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Low Deposit
Tweet World Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 65 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tweet world travel charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 55% of booking price.
At 39 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.