Borneo | Sabah Tour
Jungles, mountains and tropical islands; a varied selection of Borneo's landscape and wildlife highlights on this fabulous tour of Malaysia's Sabah State
'The Land Below the Wind'
Borneo Sabah tour
Presenting our 9-day Borneo Sabah tour – ‘The Land Below the Wind’. The evocative name for this far-flung Malaysian state is derived from its fortuitously sheltered position just south of the Philippines’ typhoon belt. Sabah covers the northern part of Borneo and contains some of the Island’s most spectacular landscapes and most readily accessible flora and fauna.
This varied Borneo small group tour will take you from tranquil, coral-fringed islands in the South China Sea to the steamy rainforests of the interior with their spectacular jungle flora and fauna. Beginning in the state capital Kota Kinabalu (formerly known during colonial times as Jesselton), we’ll spend a day exploring above and under the water in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park; take a nature hike in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinabalu National Park; and visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, rescue and rehabilitation centre. We’ll also stay in cottages on an organic tea plantation and a rainforest eco-lodge where we’ll join dawn and dusk wildlife spotting boat trips up the Kinabatangan River, as well as having an opportunity to join a night hike through the jungle.
For those with a few more days to spare, a slightly longer, 2-week Borneo Adventure takes in both Sarawak and Sabah states. This begins in historic Kuching Town and features Bako National Park and World Heritage Gunung Mulu before arriving in Kota Kinabalu.
Additional add-on options include wildlife lodge in either the fabulous Danum Valley or an exciting 3-day stay in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. More relaxed activities in the form of snorkelling or scuba diving options are on offer with a beach stay on the delightful Gaya Island.
Borneo Sabah Tour: an unforgettable journey!
Includes: Flights: Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu. Meals: B x 8, L x 5, D x 6
(Many thanks to Erica Halvorsen for allowing us to use some of her great photos.)
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu - arrival and time to explore
Our tour begins in Kota Kinabalu, colonial-period Jesselton, today the thriving, state capital of Sabah. Check in to our boutique-style hotel with time to relax before meeting your tour leader and a stroll down to the waterfront for perhaps a sundowner before a local-style, welcome dinner.
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu Transport: Walk, Meals: D,
Day 2 - 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 3 - Mount Kinabalu National Park and plantation cottages
Time to head into the interior with a scenic drive to Kinabalu National Park for a hike along one of the Park’s nature trails. After lunch, continue east with a stop to check out the moving Kundasang Memorial to the Allied POWs who died during WW2’s infamous Sandakan Death Marches. Overnight in cosy cottages at the Sabah Tea Plantation. (Subject to availability.)
Overnight: Tea Plantation Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 4 - 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 5 - Sepilok - the famous Orangutan Sanctuary and Rainforest Discovery Centre
Morning visit to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and rehabilitation project as well as the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Time to relax and escape the midday sun before an afternoon stroll to the fascinating Rainforest Discovery Centre to roam their trails and extensive canopy walkways.
Overnight: Sepilok Transport: Walk, Meals: B,
Day 6 - Gomantong Caves and the Kinabatangan River
Morning departure for the nearby Gomantong Caves, famous for their edible swiftlet nests. Discover the unique ecosystem of the limestone caves and, with luck, spot some of the wild orangutans that inhabit the area. On to Kinabatangan, where we’ll check in to our riverside eco-lodge. A sunset boat trip 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 7 - Kinabatangan - river trip and nature 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 8 - Morning in Kinabatangan and return flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
Some free time in the morning at your resort before an afternoon transfer to nearby Sandakan Airport for a return flight to Kota Kinabalu and our farewell dinner.
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu Transport: Minibus, Plane, Meals: B, D,
Day 9 - Kota Kinabalu - Morning to explore and afternoon departure
The morning is at leisure to explore Kota Kinabalu and perhaps visit one of the town’s museums or markets before either an afternoon departure or transfer to the ferry for a few days on Gaya Island.
Additional nights in Kota Kinabalu are available before or after your tour.
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
Jagged mountain peaks, jungle-lined rivers, mist-shrouded rainforest and rich wildlife make for a memorable tour of this exotic and evocative island
- Check out the spectacular views of Borneo's highest mountain at Mount Kinabalu National Park
- Visit the world famous Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Sun Bear Centre
- Optional extensions to Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Danum Valley or Gaya Island
- Travel up the Kinabatangan River into the interior on wildlife spotting expeditions
- Sample the rich and varied local food in restaurants, markets and street stalls
- Beaches and coral reefs in Tunku National Marine Park
Air Departures (UK) *From
- 14 November 26 2,675 GBP
- 12 December 26 2,775 GBP
- 16 January 27 2,675 GBP
- 21 February 27 2,675 GBP
- 21 March 27 2,625 GBP
- 18 April 27 2,625 GBP
- 15 May 27 2,625 GBP
- 12 June 27 2,625 GBP
- 10 July 27 2,625 GBP
- 14 August 27 2,725 GBP
- 11 September 27 2,625 GBP
- 9 October 27 2,625 GBP
- 13 November 27 2,675 GBP
- 11 December 27 2,675 GBP
Land Departures
- 15 November 26 1,875 GBP
- 13 December 26 1,875 GBP
- 17 January 27 1,875 GBP
- 22 February 27 1,875 GBP
- 22 March 27 1,825 GBP
- 19 April 27 1,825 GBP
- 16 May 27 1,825 GBP
- 13 June 27 1,825 GBP
- 11 July 27 1,825 GBP
- 15 August 27 1,825 GBP
- 12 September 27 1,825 GBP
- 10 October 27 1,825 GBP
- 14 November 27 1,875 GBP
- 12 December 27 1,875 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 Kota Kinabalu.
*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...
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 and departure point for this tour 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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