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Wild Borneo

From £4,224
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: Nov 2024 - Oct 2026
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From £4,224
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: Nov 2024 - Oct 2026

Tour Overview

Borneo's natural haven beckons as you venture into lush rainforests, discover remarkable flora and fauna, and cherish the moment of your first glimpse of the rare orangutan.
  • classic touring holiday Classic Touring
  • active holiday Walking
  • meals included tour All Breakfasts
  • flight choices Flight Choices

Your Holiday Includes

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
  • Return flights from London
  • Use of an airport lounge in the UK
  • 9 nights in lodges & 3 and 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
  • 22 included meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners including welcome & farewell drink & dinner
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Experience Kadaza Dusun cuisine in a local restaurant
  • Visit North Borneo
  • Walk alongside the rivers of the Kiulu Valley
  • Nature trek in Kinabalu National Park
  • Poring Hot Springs & tree canopy walk
  • World War II memorial visit
  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre & Sun Bear Conservation Centre
  • Cruise to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary
  • Night-time cruise to see the fireflies
  • Wildlife cruises & Nature Walks
  • Abai village and tree-planting ceremony
  • Sukau, where naturalist Sir David Attenborough has filmed

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - Kota Kinabalu

Today, you fly to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur, arriving on day 2.

Day 2 Kota Kinabalu

On arrival this morning we'll transfer to our hotel. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the exotic island of Borneo and our base for the next three nights. Tonight we gather with your fellow travellers to enjoy a sumptuous Malaysian welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll be able to try the iconic Kadaza-Dusun cuisine and try unique Malaysian foods. After dinner enjoy a lively cultural performance of Sabah dancers.

Meals included: D

Day 3 Kota Kinabalu

Today you will visit the beautiful countryside of Kiulu. Entering a local village via a hanging bridge, we will have a scenic walk along the trails in this countryside area away from the crowds of the city. We will take a break at Native Dusun House in Tombung Village where the friendly host will welcome you to the house, and a light refreshment will be served. Visit the farm to experience rubber tapping and its process, and afterwards share life stories and local delicacies. Crossing another bridge the driver will transfer you to a riverside café. The trip ends and lunch is served before relaxing or having a cool dip in the river. We return this afternoon, where you have the opportunity to join our optional evening sunset by boat excursion. Which will introduce you to the sights of Koto Kinabalu from a different perspective. As the sun sets, Kota Kinabalu's coastline comes alive with dazzling city lights. Meals included: B,L

Day 4 North Borneo

Today our adventure will begin as we head towards the north of Borneo, we will travel past vast oil palm and coconut plantations on our way. Once we arrive we will learn a little of the traditional Rungus menu which is based on pickling, poaching and preserving local food, and sit down to enjoy lunch. Afterwards we take a stroll towards the very tip of Borneo, where we have chance to enjoy the beach and take some photos of the incredible scenery. This evening return back to Kota Kinabalu and if you wish visit the local night market.

Meals included: B,L

Day 5 Kinabalu National Park - Ranau

Kinabalu National Park is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna native to Borneo, including several hundred species that are found only in the park itself. We'll explore on our included guided nature trek along one of the many trails, and also catch a glimpse of Mount Kinabalu, which is South East Asia's highest peak. After a stop at Poring Hot Springs, where we can take a dip in the soothing waters, perhaps take a thrilling walk more than 40 metres up in the canopy of the Menggaris tree – the 'King of the Forest' – for fantastic views.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 6 Ranau - Sandakan

Enjoy scenic views of the Kundasang highlands as we travel by road to Sandakan. We'll stop for lunch in a restaurant before we visit Sandakan Memorial Park. This was built in honour of the Prisoners of War who died in the Sandakan Death Marches during the Second World War.

Meals included: B,L

Day 7 Sandakan - Abai

Borneo is one of two places in the world where the endangered orangutan still lives in the wild, and we'll visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe man's closest relative and enjoy a walk in the tropical lowland forest. We'll also head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see these endearing animals, also known as honey bears, whose numbers are dwindling due to deforestation and poaching.
After lunch, we'll transfer to the jetty in Sandakan, from where we'll cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. This wonderful journey takes us on the Sulu Sea and through magnificent mangrove forests. On arrival in Abai, we'll check in at the Kinabatangan Abai Jungle Lodge where later this afternoon we'll head off on a river cruise to search for wildlife. Watch the sunset whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and at night fall, continue the cruise to witness beautiful fireflies.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 8 Abai

Wake up to the wonderful sounds of the rainforest then cruise to the Pitas lake to observe wildlife. We'll head back to the hotel for breakfast.
Back at the lodge perhaps take time to explore the boardwalk behind the lodge, you may be lucky and spot wild orangutan, silver leaf monkeys and many other types of wildlife. We will round off the day with another cruise to see more wildlife.
Meals included: B,L,D

Day 9 Abai - Sukau

During a free morning at the lodge, perhaps join some of your travelling companions and head off to explore your surroundings; stilted paths up to 800 metres long stretch into the forest, and animals often venture quite close.
After lunch, our wildlife search continues as we cruise up river to our next destination, Sukau, for an overnight stay. Here we'll look out for primates, in particular orangutans, as well as pygmy elephants and exotic birds; some of the world's most spectacular species are resident in Borneo.
After checking in to our lodge, we'll take to the water again to enjoy wonderful views and search for exotic wildlife.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 10 Sukau - Sandakan

Today we depart Sukau and make our way back to Sandakan. This rest of the day is at leisure before meeting with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

Meals included: B,D

Day 11 Sandakan - UK

Spend time at leisure before leaving Sandakan to catch our return flight home.

Meals included: B

Day 12 UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.

Additional Information

Please note - Due to the incredible natural surroundings of Borneo, the hotels we have selected are basic and remote. However, the hotels we have picked are optimised for the itinerary. On the evening of day 6 in Sandakan, all guests will need to pack a small backpack with essential items for the next 4 days. Your main piece of luggage will be kept in the hotel luggage store in Sandakan. This is due to large luggage not being allowed on the boat from Sandakan to Abai In 2025 we will not be offering the optional excursion 'Sunset Dinner Cruise'.
  1. Memorable Moment

    Seeing Orangutans swing through the trees at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Horizon Hotel

This hotel is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Sabah State and the international gateway to East Malasia.

This hotel is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Sabah State and the international gateway to East Malasia.

Kinabalu Pines Resort

All of Kinabalu Pine Resort’s wooden cabins are fully built using the exclusive Selangan Batu hardwood. There are standard or deluxe cabins with blocks S & N at the resort’s crest. All rooms come with Wi-Fi internet access, satellite television channels, intercom facility, en-suite bathroom, hairdryer and coffee & tea-making facilities.

All of Kinabalu Pine Resort’s wooden cabins are fully built using the exclusive Selangan Batu hardwood. There are standard or deluxe cabins with blocks S & N at the resort’s crest. All rooms come with Wi-Fi internet access, satellite television channels, intercom facility, en-suite bathroom, hairdryer and coffee & tea-making facilities.

The Sabah Hotel

The deluxe 4-star Sabah Hotel is nestled in one of the worlds beautiful rainforests. Hotel facilities include outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Bedrooms include private facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.

The deluxe 4-star Sabah Hotel is nestled in one of the worlds beautiful rainforests. Hotel facilities include outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Bedrooms include private facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.

Abai Jungle Lodge

Situated on Borneo's famous Kinabatangan River, Abai Jungle Lodge is in the perfect position only one hour boat journey from Sandakan and the Sukau village further upriver. It is built entirely on stilts and can only be accessed by boat. The lodge facilities include a restaurant, bar and rooms have private facilities.

Situated on Borneo's famous Kinabatangan River, Abai Jungle Lodge is in the perfect position only one hour boat journey from Sandakan and the Sukau village further upriver. It is built entirely on stilts and can only be accessed by boat. The lodge facilities include a restaurant, bar and rooms have private facilities.

Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge

Located on the Kinabatangan River, the Sabah's longest river, the Riverside Lodge was set up in 1994, working with and hiring local people. At the back of the lodge is a jungle trail where birds, red leaf monkey and wild orantugan are often spotted. The lodge has just 33 rooms in total, all with private shower room and ceiling fan.

Located on the Kinabatangan River, the Sabah's longest river, the Riverside Lodge was set up in 1994, working with and hiring local people. At the back of the lodge is a jungle trail where birds, red leaf monkey and wild orantugan are often spotted. The lodge has just 33 rooms in total, all with private shower room and ceiling fan.

The Sabah Hotel

The deluxe 4-star Sabah Hotel is nestled in one of the worlds beautiful rainforests. Hotel facilities include outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Bedrooms include private facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.

The deluxe 4-star Sabah Hotel is nestled in one of the worlds beautiful rainforests. Hotel facilities include outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Bedrooms include private facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional excursions to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour.

Borneo - Kota Kinabalu - Sunset dinner cruise of the South China Sea

Borneo - Kota Kinabalu - Sunset dinner cruise of the South China Sea

Your late afternoon excursion begins at Sutera Marina Jetty where you will become acquainted with the charms of Kota Kinabalu from a different angle. You will sail to just outside the harbour where the captain will release the anchor and you can see views back to land where as the sun sets, the city lights up. Dinner is included and there is often local entertainment and games.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO CAPACITY THIS EXCURSION MUST BE PREBOOKED IN ADVANCE, AND SPACES ARE LIMITED*
Sunset excursion - Minimal walking
Your late afternoon excursion begins at Sutera Marina Jetty where you will become acquainted with the charms of Kota Kinabalu from a different angle. You will sail to just outside ...

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Personalise your trip

Choose to extend your stay with an organised add-on. 

Wild Borneo with Kuala Lumpur Add-on

Wild Borneo with Kuala Lumpur Add-on

Borneo is a paradise for nature-lovers, and this adventure takes you into tropical rainforests to discover incredible flora and fauna, including the endangered orangutan. Before travelling home spend an extra 3 nights in the city of Kuala Lumpur to discover the vibrant spirit of Malaysia.

Borneo is a paradise for nature-lovers, and this adventure takes you into tropical rainforests to discover incredible flora and fauna, including the endangered orangutan. Before...

Read less

Read more

Further Information

Average group size of our tours

Our holiday group sizes do vary from tour to tour - but we have an average group size of 26. Big or small, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to socialise with your fellow travellers. So, whether you fancy making friends at mealtimes or feel like being friendly by the pool, you’re guaranteed a great time whatever size your group is.

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • UK Holidays - £150 per person
  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel requirement & Visa Service.

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

 

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