Borneo Family Holiday

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
Borneo Family Holiday
9 Days
From AUD $2495
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Borneo Family Holiday

Borneo Family Holiday

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Travel to Borneo on this nine-day family adventure and discover the curious wildlife and spectacular landscapes of the region.

Highlights

  • Walk along the scenic canopy walkway at Poring Hot Springs, followed by a refreshing dip in the natural waters. Then, spend the night at a tea plantation.
  • Stay among the birds and beasts of the jungle, right next to an oxbow lake, at Kinabatangan Eco Camp and fall asleep to the sounds of cicadas.
  • Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and, if you're lucky, watch baby orangutans learn to swing in a special enclosure.
  • Cruise along Kinabatangan River at sunset, looking out for macaques, wild orangutan and proboscis monkeys.
  • Watch protected turtle hatchlings scatter across the beach to the water under the cover of night – this is a special opportunity to see baby turtles in their natural habitat, but make sure you listen to your guides as this is a sensitive and fragile area!

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

private vehicle, ferry, boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Finishes

Sandakan, Malaysia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins in Kota Kinabalu – the capital of Sabah, located between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 pm at your hotel to meet your leader and fellow family travellers. After, maybe head out to the waterfront market to wander the smoky stalls serving up grilled meat and fish. If you arrive early, you can immerse yourself in history at the Sabah State Museum or explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu, excellent for swimming or snorkelling.

Optional Activities:

  • Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village (Entrance) (130 MYR)

Accommodation:

  • Dreamtel Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Kota Kinabalu
This morning, explore Tanjung Aru Beach on a stand-up paddle board. Paddle at your own pace as you explore hidden coves, soak in the beautiful landscape and learn about the vibrant marine life from your guide. Then, the rest of today is free for you and your family to explore Kota Kinabalu at your own pace. Maybe stroll through the bustling markets or visit the waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.

Included Activities:

  • Kota Kinabalu - Stand up paddle boarding

Accommodation:

  • Dreamtel Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Ranau
After breakfast, travel to the Poring Hot Springs for a scenic canopy walk. As you walk through the rainforest, take in the surrounding views of giant bamboo trees and learn about the hot sulphur spring baths, which were first developed by the Japanese during World War II. When you reach the baths, enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural rock pools, slide down the slippery rockslides (often a favourite for the kids) or soak in the sulphurous water channelled from the hot springs into tiled pools. Tonight, settle into your accommodation – a reconstructed longhouse on the tea plantation.

Included Activities:

  • Ranau - Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk & Conservation Fee

Accommodation:

  • Sabah Tea Longhouse (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Kinabatangan River
Travel by private bus to Kampung Batu Puteh – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Your hosts for the night are the leaders of KOPEL – a local community-run conservation organisation whose aim is to provide villagers with a sustainable living from the forest. Leading a reforestation project, KOPEL and the community are actively involved in growing seedlings and replanting degraded forested areas. Meet your hosts and learn a little more about KOPELs work before jumping in a boat and heading upriver to your accommodation in the jungle. This afternoon, you’ll head out on a sunset cruise up the river in search of wildlife, including macaques, wild orangutan and proboscis monkeys. After, return to your jungle camp by an oxbow lake, have dinner and let the cicadas sing you to sleep.

Included Activities:

  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise

Accommodation:

  • Kinabatangan Eco Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Kinabatangan River
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle this morning. After breakfast, you’ll head upriver to the village to walk around and learn more about the life of the local people. For lunch, it’s all hands-on deck as you partake in a fun traditional cooking class, eating the fruits of your labour for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax, play some boardgames or head out in search of more wildlife, before heading back on the boat for another trip on the river. After dinner tonight, grab your headtorches and head into the jungle for a night walk, looking out for the local nocturnal animals.

Included Activities:

  • Kinabatangan River - Night Jungle Walk
  • Kinabatangan River - Morning Wildlife Cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Cooking class

Optional Activities:

  • Kinabatangan River - Tree Planting (50 MYR)

Accommodation:

  • Kinabatangan Eco Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Sandakan
Today will be a favourite with the kids – time to say hello to the orangutans! Drive by minibus to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre was set up to help re-introduce these gentle creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or after being orphaned. From the viewing platform, you can see these charming creatures as they swing into view and eat a supplementary balanced diet of fruit, vegetables or milk, laid out for them twice a day. You’ll also see a nursery where you can view the young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. Then, make your way to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and see the rescued bears before heading back to your accommodation for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Sepilok - Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Accommodation:

  • Sabah Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Turtle Island
Leave your large bags at the hotel, then board a speedboat bound for Turtle Island. Travel past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, arriving at Turtle Island Marine Park. The rest of the day is free for you to soak up island life. Relax on the beach or dive under the clear water and investigate the underwater world. Later, under the cover of darkness, watch as giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight. Witness the island researchers release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. This amazing experience is bound to be rewarding for you and your family, but please be aware that this is a very delicate environment and you must follow instructions from your leader and the local rangers to ensure minimal impact on the turtles. Spend the night on this beautiful island – even though the accommodation is quite basic, this will be a memorable experience.

Included Activities:

  • Turtle Island - Turtle Night Nesting viewing

Optional Activities:

  • Turtle Island - Turtle Nest Adoption Program (150 MYR)

Accommodation:

  • Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Sandakan
This morning, travel back to the mainland. Once back in Sandakan, the day is free for you to enjoy as you like. Maybe relax by the pool or explore the town and nearby war memorial. Tonight, maybe get the family together and head out for a final dinner with your group – your leader will have the best recommendations!

Optional Activities:

  • Sandakan - War Memorial - Free

Accommodation:

  • Sabah Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Sandakan
With no activities planned for today, you and your family are free to depart the accommodation at any time following check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $2,495
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Travel to Borneo on this nine-day family adventure and discover the curious wildlife and spectacular landscapes of the region.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 10 Jan 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Christie
Traveled, April 2024

04/26/2024

An amazing family holiday with our children age 13 and 10 years old they were the perfect age to experience all that Borneo had to offer. Cruising down the Kinabatangan River wildlife spotting and sleeping in the rainforest were the highlights. Our guide Mark was very knowledgeable and helpful, highly recommend the tour.

5.0
Meagan
Traveled, April 2024

04/28/2024

Our trip to Borneo was a once in a lifetime experience with highlights being the sight of Orangutans in the jungle and releasing baby turtles into the ocean. Master 10 says the Eco Lodge was hard core but worth it for the amazing wildlife and cultural experiences.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989