Borneo Adventure
Discover the varied landscapes, fascinating history and culture, as well as the amazing flora and fauna of the exotic and evocative island of Borneo
A 2-week Borneo tour of Sabah and Sarawak
Borneo Adventure
Our fully escorted, small group tour to Malaysian Borneo – ‘Borneo Adventure’ – includes the awe-inspiring landscapes, incredible flora and fauna and lush rainforest of four of the island’s most spectacular national parks as well as introducing you to the fascinating local culture, history and cuisine.
Beginning in the historic town of Kuching – the former capital of the famous Raja Brooke and now the capital city of Sarawak State – we’ll visit the stunning national parks of Bako and World Heritage Gunung Mulu before heading north to Sabah’s Kota Kinabalu – better known during the colonial period as Jesselton. From here we take a boat trip to explore Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – underwater and above ground – before heading into the interior for a visit to another UNESCO-listed site, Kinabalu National Park. Continuing east provides the opportunity to discover the fabulous wildlife of Kinabatangan with dawn and dusk boat trips along the jungle-lined river, day and night hikes, a stay in an eco-lodge and a visit to the unique Sabah Tea Plantation, plus, of course, the world-famous orangutan sanctuary and rehabilitation centre at Sepilok.
We won’t rush you around try and squeeze everything into a 14-day tour so for those with a few more days to spare, you can optimise your airfare with one of our selection of optional extensions which include a stay at the superb Danum Valley Rainforest Lodge, an exciting 3-day stay in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve or 3 days on picturesque tropical Gaya Island.
Note also that for those looking for a shorter tour, we also offer a 9-day, Sabah only, tour – The Land Below the Wind – starting and finishing in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital and international airport, while for those with more time, there’s a 16-day West Malaysia and Sabah tour.
Includes: Flights: 3 domestic, (all unavoidable). Meals: B x 13, L x 8, D x 8
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 2 - Kuching heritage tour
Leisurely walking tour of some of the sites of the scenic and historic town founded in 1872 by the famous ‘Raja’ Charles Brooke. The heritage tour includes Chinatown, colonial buildings such as Fort Margherita and the excellent Borneo Culture Museum with of course opportunities to sample some of the local specialities and perhaps check out one of the traditional Carpenter Street coffee houses.
Overnight: Kuching Transport: Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 2 - Bako - a visit to Bako National Park
Travel by road and boat to the nearby Bako National Park. This spectacular protected area, located on the Bako Peninsula, displays some of Sarawak’s most diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic proboscis monkeys. Hiking routes through the park will be selected after discussion with your guide, according to time constraints and energy levels.
Overnight: Kuching Transport: Minibus, Boat, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 2 - Mulu National Park - into the interior
Transfer by plane into the island’s interior to visit the awesome UNESCO World Heritage Gunung Mulu National Park, where we’ll stay in well-appointed national park lodges. Afternoon hike to Deer and Lang Caves – two of the Park’s most spectacular, and indeed two of the world’s largest caves. After dinner, there’s an optional night hike for those who’d like to experience the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark.
Overnight: Mulu Transport: Plane, Walk, Meals: B, D,
Day 3 - Mulu - the world's longest cave and a canopy walkway
Morning boat trip up the jungle-lined Clearwater River to visit the famous cave of the same name, which at 107 kms is a contender for the longest in the world. Additional visit to the magnificent Wind Cave before returning to the Park HQ for a tree-top level view of the lush forest and bird life on the canopy walkway – one of the longest in Asia!
Overnight: Mulu Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 5 - Kota Kinabalu - farewell to Sarawak and arrival in Sabah
The morning is free to relax, explore some of the self-guided trails or take in the Park’s visitor centre before a transfer to the small Mulu Airport for our flight to Kota Kinabalu, formerly Jesselton, in Sabah. Afternoon at leisure to explore the town’s vibrant night market or perhaps stroll down to the waterfront for sundowners.
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu Transport: Plane, Walk, Meals: B, D,
Day 7 - Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
An island-hopping boat tour of some of the sites of the nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Discover the underwater flora and fauna on a morning snorkelling tour before lunch and some time to relax and swim on one of the park’s scenic islands. Late afternoon return to Kota Kinabalu with an evening at leisure to perhaps check out the town’s vibrant night market.
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 7 - Mount Kinabalu - the National Park and Sabah Tea
Into the interior with a scenic drive through the Crocker Range to Kinabalu National Park – another UNESCO-listed site – for a hike along one of the nature trails. Continue to the Sabah Tea Plantation for our overnight stay in cosy plantation cottages with a stop on the way at the Kundasang War Memorial to the Allied POWs who died during the infamous Sandakan Death Marches.
Overnight: Sabah Tea Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 8 - The Plantation and east to Sepilok
Admire the stupendous early morning views over Mount Kinabalu from the plantation’s perfectly placed restaurant, followed by some tasting opportunities and the chance to learn about the plantation’s organic tea production. From here we drive to Sepilok for a 2-night stay at a well-situated eco-lodge. Afternoon arrival and free time to explore the area or just kick back on your balcony.
Overnight: Sepilok Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 9 - Sepilok - the famous orangutan sanctuary
Discover some of Sepilok’s sites with morning visits to the world-famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre as well as the nearby Borneo Sun Bear Sanctuary. Time at leisure to escape the midday sun with a late afternoon stroll to explore the nature trails and canopy walkways of the fascinating Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Overnight: Sepilok Transport: Walk, Meals: B,
Day 11 - Gomantong caves and the Kinabatangan River
Departure for the spectacular Gomantong Caves, famous for their edible bird nests. Explore the limestone features and their unique ecosystem and, with luck, spot some of the wild orangutans that inhabit this area. Continue to Kinabatangan where we’ll check in to our riverside eco-lodge. A sunset boat cruise on the jungle-lined Kinabatangan River and an optional night trek to discover the nocturnal wildlife complete our day’s activities.
Overnight: Kinabatangan Transport: Minibus, Boat, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 10 - Kinabatangan - river cruise and jungle hike
Today’s programme includes a dawn river cruise and a morning jungle hike or village tour. Proboscis monkeys, langurs, orangutans, crocodiles and pygmy elephants are just a few of the possible wildlife sightings you may make on your boat trip, whilst rare bird species found here include the lesser adjutant, Storm’s stork, pitas, broadbills and several species of hornbill.
Overnight: Kinabatangan Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 12 - Morning in Kinabatangan and flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
A morning at leisure – explore some nature trails or check out the river action from the resort’s well-situated terrace before an afternoon transfer to Sandakan for a return flight to Kota Kinabalu. Alternatively, a transfer to Lahad Datu and on by 4WD is provided for those opting for the Danum Valley extension.
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu Transport: Minibus, Plane, Meals: B, D,
Day 13 - Kota Kinabalu and end of tour
The morning is at leisure to explore Kota Kinabalu, and perhaps check out one of the town’s museums or markets before either your departure to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your departure or on to Gaya Island for a few days beach, snorkelling or diving time on this delightful tropical island.
Extra nights in Kota Kinabalu are also available on request
Transport: Walk, Meals: B,
Details
Further details, background info and answers to your burning questions.
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Highlights
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Map
Departures
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Hotels
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Visa Info & Notes
Just a few of the many highlights
Jungle hikes, canopy walks, night treks, tropical islands and river expeditions are all on our Borneo menu as well as cave exploration, a visit to an orangutan rehabilitation centre and an overnight stay at a tea plantation.
- Explore the colonial heritage and bustling Chinatown of Sarawak's charming Kuching Town
- Check out the highly varied and still abundant wildlife of Kinabatangan on foot and by boat
- Visit the world famous Sepilok orangutan sanctuary and rehabilitation centre in Sabah State
- Discover the flora fauna and landscapes of Bako and World Heritage Mulu National Parks
- Spend a day exploring the islands and coral reefs of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
- Optional add-ons to Tabin Widlife Reserve, Danum Valley or Gaya island
Air Departures (UK) *From
- 9 November 26 3,495 GBP
- 7 December 26 3,695 GBP
- 11 January 27 3,495 GBP
- 16 February 27 3,495 GBP
- 16 March 27 3,445 GBP
- 13 April 27 3,445 GBP
- 10 May 27 3,445 GBP
- 8 June 27 3,445 GBP
- 5 July 27 3,445 GBP
- 8 August 27 3,545 GBP
- 6 September 27 3,445 GBP
- 4 October 27 3,495 GBP
- 8 November 27 3,495 GBP
- 6 December 27 3,495 GBP
Land Departures
- 10 November 26 2,695 GBP
- 8 December 26 2,695 GBP
- 12 January 27 2,695 GBP
- 17 February 27 2,695 GBP
- 17 March 27 2,645 GBP
- 14 April 27 2,645 GBP
- 11 May 27 2,645 GBP
- 9 June 27 2,645 GBP
- 6 July 27 2,645 GBP
- 10 August 27 2,645 GBP
- 7 September 27 2,645 GBP
- 5 October 27 2,695 GBP
- 9 November 27 2,695 GBP
- 7 December 27 2,695 GBP
Guaranteed Places Left Special Price Contact Us Closed
*As fares are fluctuating wildly at present all ‘with flight’ prices are approximate.
*Air departures are from the UK. Land departures start from Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
*Land departure dates correspond to the FIRST day of the itinerary.
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...
The Lime Tree Kuching view
- Central location in historic Kuching Town near Chinatown
- Well-appointed, comfortable rooms
- Great views from their rooftop bar and restaurant
Mulu National Park Lodge view
- A stay in Sarawak's famous Mulu National Park
- Overnight in park lodges in the heart of the jungle
- Bungalow style accommodation
Jesselton Hotel Kota Kinabalu view
- Small, boutique-style accommodation in central Kota Kinabalu
- Stay in a beautifully restored colonial period building
- Welcoming friendly hotel with in-house bar, cafe, restaurant
Malaysia Sabah Tea view
- Overnight stay in an organic tea plantation
- Magificent views over the Crocker Ranges and Mt Kinabalu
- Accommodation in cozy plantation cottages
Tanini Lodge Sepilok view
- Eco-friendly jungle lodge
- Comfortable, low-key, resort set in a lush tropical garden
- In-house bar and restaurant with evening barbeque area
Bilit Rainforest Lodge view
- Excellent location aside the Kinabatangan River
- Jungle lodge with wooden chalets in a garden setting
- In-house, riverside bar and restaurant area
Tabin Wildlife Resort view
- Stay in a comfortable eco-lodge in Tabin Widlife Reserve
- All inclusive 4-day nature programme
- Excellent in-house restaurant and bar
Gaya Island Resort view
- Tropical Island located in the South China Sea
- Picturesque island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
- Well appointed with pool, bar, restaurant and in-house spa
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
Visa Info & Notes
Please note that the Malaysian government has introduced a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) system as of 1st January 2024. This form needs to be submitted online at least 3 days prior to arrival.
Finally, also note that you may come across references to a daily ‘tourism tax’ of 10 RM, payable by visitors to Malaysia, but this has already been included in the cost of your tour and will be paid by your tour leader.
Visas: No visa in advance is required. A free 60-day visa is issued on arrival at any international airport. As usual, a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the date of arrival and at least 1 blank page in your passport is required.
The standard arrival point for this tour is Kuching International Airport and departure point is Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Meals: Breakfasts are generally hotel buffets with lunch and dinners based on local food. Your tour leader will usually order a selection of dishes, local style, while a number of meals are not included, which allows you to ‘do your own thing’ or take a break if you’re feeling ‘riced out’.
With its kaleidoscopic population, Malaysian cuisine is one of the most varied and richest anywhere on the planet and includes all the various, regional Indian and Chinese dishes, the unique Chinese/Malay Nonya cuisine as well as traditional Malay food alongside Thai and Indonesian influences. Dishes are generally mild with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on offer.
Accommodation: All choices fall into the comfortable 3* range and are en-suite and air-conditioned. We have posted a selection of sample accommodation on the left-hand hotel tab, but please note that as we try and avoid the larger hotels, availability, in high season, particularly, means we use several options in each destination.
Activities: Note that no activities are compulsory and that any, including trekking, can be tailored for any fitness level or alternatives suggested.
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