Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
9 Days
From AUD $2660
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Pack up the troupe and head into Borneo's lush jungles on a family adventure. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys on a scenic cruise down the Kinabatangan River or see baby orangutans learn to climb on a visit to one of Borneo's best animal sanctuaries.

Highlights

  • Visit our closest redheaded relatives at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and watch these gentle giants as they go about their day.
  • Cruise through protected forest reserve down the Kinabatangan River and look for local wildlife like crocodiles, macaques, proboscis monkeys and kingfishers.
  • Explore the beautiful shorelines of Dinawan Island. Snorkel among the rich marine life like sea turtles or simply kick back on the warm sands and lap up the sun.
  • Learn about traditional Bornean culture through hands-on activities and performances from local indigenous groups at the Borneo Cultural Village.
  • Spend a night in the hills of Kundasang and take in the views of Mount Kinabalu from your cosy wooden cabin.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

private vehicle,boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Sandakan to Sepilok, Malaysia

Finishes

Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Family

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Sandakan to Sepilok
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. When you arrive in Sepilok, you’ll be collected from Sandakan Airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight to meet your local leader and group members. If you arrive early, maybe explore the historical and cultural sites of Sandakan Heritage Trail or visit the Puu Jih Shih Temple to see beautiful architecture and panoramic views. After your meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and try some local dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice) or laksa (noodle soup).

Accommodation:

  • Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Sepilok
Today is a highlight for many, visiting the region's prized residents at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In the nursery you can view young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit the newly opened Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here rescued Sun Bears that have spent many years being mistreated and locked away in cages are cared for, with hopes of rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy by the pool or exploring the local area.

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Kinabatangan River
After breakfast, drive to Kinabatangan River to your jungle lodge beside the river, ideal for taking in the lush surrounds. The Kinabatangan River is a protected forest reserve, containing some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. In the afternoon, board a river cruise, hopefully spotting some of the more exotic local creatures. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and kingfishers are more easily seen. After this short adventure, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise

Accommodation:

  • Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Kinabatangan River
Be woken by the call of a Bornean gibbon or hornbill before a morning cruise down the river. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, Borneo gibbons, long tail macaques and pig tail macaques and see if you can spot the differences between each species. This afternoon, you’ll visit our Intrepid Foundation partner, RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT) to learn about the important work they’re doing and help plant some grass for the pygmy elephants. In the evening, head out on a river cruise before the final night in your jungle accommodation.

Included Activities:

  • Kinabatangan River - Night wildlife Spotting cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - RESPECT (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit & elephant grass planting

Accommodation:

  • Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Kundasang
After breakfast, travel to Kundasang – a little town that sits in the shadow of Mount Kinabalu. This is a long drive, so have your favourite book or travel games ready. When you arrive in Kundasang (if the weather’s right), have your camera ready to capture the views of Mt Kinabalu. From here, maybe visit the Kundasang War Memorial to learn about the Sandakan Death Marches or walk through the memorial gardens. Tonight, settle into your wooden cabin and take in the views of Mount Kinabalu from your doorstep.

Accommodation:

  • Kinabalu Pine Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Dinawan Island
This morning, travel by boat to the beautiful Dinawan Island. Surrounded by reefs and sandbanks, the island is known for rich its marine life, popular snorkelling spots and commitment to eco-tourism. After checking into your villa tents, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the island. Maybe go paddle boarding and explore the island’s shoreline or simply relax and enjoy one of the many activities offered by the resort.

Accommodation:

  • Ara Dinawan Island Resort (or Beringgis Beach Resort) (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Dinawan Island
After breakfast, you and your family will learn more about the marine ecosystem on the island and the importance of the coral to marine biodiversity. Then, swap the indoor classroom for an outdoor one on a one-hour snorkelling trip with a marine biologist. Take a boat out to the nearby house reef to have a closer look at the types of corals, the habitat, signs of damage and healing and observe and identify different types of marine life with your specialist. This is a fun way for the entire family to explore this beautiful part of the world and your kids are bound to love it! Head back to the shore in the afternoon for some free time to enjoy at your own pace. Maybe soak up the beauty of the coast for another few hours or take out a couple of kayaks for some more fun on the water.

Included Activities:

  • Dinawan Island - Marine Ecosystem Program

Accommodation:

  • Ara Dinawan Island Resort (or Beringgis Beach Resort) (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Kota Kinabalu
This morning, it's time to say goodbye to this piece of paradise and head back to Kota Kinabalu. When you arrive back to the mainland, step back in time and experience the rich heritage of Borneo on your visit to the cultural village. Watch traditional dance performances, learn how to start a fire with just bamboo and try your hand at playing some musical instruments at the Bajau House. After lunch and a day filled with hands-on activities, check-in to your hotel and maybe head out to dinner with your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

  • Kota Kinabalu - Borneo Cultural Village

Accommodation:

  • Horizon Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Kota Kinabalu
Your family adventure comes to an end after breakfast today and you’re free to leave anytime. If you’d like to stay longer, just talk to 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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $2,660
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Pack up the troupe and head into Borneo's lush jungles on a family adventure. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys on a scenic cruise down the Kinabatangan River or see baby orangutans learn to climb on a visit to one of Borneo's best animal sanctuaries.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Apr 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
Peter
Traveled, April 2024

04/23/2024

Chi chi was our guide and we had the most fantastic experience. My family enjoyed it so w

4.5
Veronica
Traveled, March 2024

04/10/2024

A family holiday for everyone, great balance of education and activities for all. Easy pace but plenty to do, we loved it

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