Classic Borneo

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
Classic Borneo
10 Days
From AUD $3775
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Classic Borneo

Classic Borneo

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Immerse yourself in natural wonders and abundant wildlife unique to Borneo on this 10-day adventure. Journey through lush rainforests, navigate scenic rivers and explore the traditional villages of this beautiful region.

Highlights

  • Visit endangered orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – a facility that provides care for orphaned and confiscated primates and other local wildlife.
  • Learn about a social enterprise that empowers women in the mountainous village of Kampung Kiau and enjoy a traditional lunch of regional favourites.
  • Soak up the calm beach vibes with two relaxing days on Manukan Island where you’ll get up close to diverse marine life on a snorkelling trip.
  • Search for pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys as you cruise the Kinabatangan River on a water safari.
  • Savour local cuisine, like roti canai and teh tarik, during food tastings on a heritage walk in Sandakan. 

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Boat,Private mini van

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Sandakan, Malaysia

Finishes

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Sandakan
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive before then, feel free to start your Sandakan exploration earlier. This city is celebrated for its seafood so, after your meeting, be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up the freshest catch. Maybe head out to dinner with your group so you can get to know each other.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Sandakan
Start the day with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. Established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From the viewing platform, watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view to eat the supplementary diet of fruits that laid out for them twice daily. Next, head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here, rescued sun bears, many of whom have endured years of mistreatment, are given a second chance at life. Learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild. You’ll also explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can roam the treetop walkways while you learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo.Last, but not least, learn about the city's past as you stand on the same ground as the former Japanese Prisoners of War camp at the Sandakan War Memorial. This site also marks the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, on which 2400 POWs were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo.Return to Sandakan for the evening.

Included Activities:

  • Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit
  • Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre Visit
  • Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit
  • Sandakan - War Memorial

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Sandakan / Kinabatangan River
Get a sense of Sandakan’s diverse cultural traditions completing a section of the Heritage walk together with your local leader and taste traditional cuisine like roti (flat bread) and teh tarik (hot milk tea). Later, travel to Kinabatangan River in a private transport. Arrive at your jungle lodge beside the river – ideal for taking in your wild surroundings. The Kinabatangan River is a protected forest reserve, containing some of Borneo's highest concentrations of wildlife. In the afternoon, board a river cruise and look out for the more elusive creatures. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, wild orangutans and kingfishers are more easily seen. Tonight, return to the lodge for dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Sandakan - Section of the Heritage walk including local tastings
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise

Optional Activities:

  • Kinabatangan River - Binocular Hire (Two Days) (40 MYR)
  • Kinabatangan River - Binocular Hire (One Day) (30 MYR)
  • Kinabatangan River - Night Wildlife Spotting Cruise (130 MYR)

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Kinabatangan River
Wake up to the calls of Bornean gibbons and hornbills before hopping aboard a morning cruise down the river. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques and pig-tailed macaques – your leader will point out the differences between each species. Enjoy some down time to relax and enjoy your surroundings before another afternoon river wildlife cruise. This final cruise will be your last chance to snap some photos of the animals along the river. Enjoy another night in the heart of the jungle.

Included Activities:

  • Kinabatangan - River safari Cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Second Afternoon Wildlife spotting cruise

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Gomantong Cave/ Kundasang
Before heading to Kundasang this morning, stop at the Gomantong Cave – the most extensive limestone formation in the Lower Kinabatangan region. Home to a thriving community of bats and swiftlets, this cave boasts fascinating biodiversity. In the afternoon, drive to Kundasang Spend the rest of the day getting your bearings.

Included Activities:

  • Kinabatangan - Visit to Gomantong Cave

Optional Activities:

  • Kundasang - Kundasang War Memorial (15 MYR)

Accommodation:

  • Cottage/Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Kiau Village / Kota Kinabalu
Head west this morning and travel to the rural village of Kampung Kiau. Here, you’ll have the chance to experience a slice of local life by visiting a coffee production house, where you’ll learn about how the beans are cultivated in the region. After, visit Everything Pineapple – a sustainable community-based project that was formed in the aftermath of the 2015 Sabah earthquake to empower local women, socially and economically. Pick up some delicious handmade pineapple jam, chutney or juice. Sit down to a lunch of these dishes in a shady spot shared by the community, then hit the road and drive on to Kota Kinabalu for the night. Perhaps pop into Nabalu Market for a handmade souvenir or a local snack on the way to 'KK'.

Included Activities:

  • Kampung Kiau - Everything Pineapple community project visit & lunch

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Manukan Island
Embark on a short boat ride this morning to Manukan Island – one of the larger islands found in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park. A paradise of white sand beaches and clear waters, this island is the perfect place for swimming, snorkelling and walking. You can also sit back and unwind with a cocktail on the beach.

Included Activities:

  • Manukan Island - Manukan Island Visit

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Manukan Island
See beneath the surface of Manukan’s waters today on a snorkelling trip with a local guide. Cruise out to the coral reefs where your guide will help you spot brightly coloured marine life. If you’re lucky, you might even bump into a sea turtle while you’re down there! Pull up on the beach for lunch and some time in the sun. After snorkelling, the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Maybe jump straight back in the water or head out for a walk.

Included Activities:

  • Manukan Island - Boat trip & snorkelling

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Kota Kinabalu
Head back to Kota Kinabalu today by boat and minivan. Modern-day 'KK' is a vibrant modern metropolis, having recovered from World War II bombings. You may like to peruse the local handicraft market on the waterfront or wander around Chinatown at Gaya Street. Or you may prefer to check out the Sabah Museum to learn about Sabah’s past and do some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Anjung Kinabalu. Perhaps round your group up for a final dinner tonight to celebrate all you’ve seen and done on your adventure through Borneo.

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Kota Kinabalu
With no activities planned for today, your adventure will come to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak 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 $3,775
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Immerse yourself in natural wonders and abundant wildlife unique to Borneo on this 10-day adventure. Journey through lush rainforests, navigate scenic rivers and explore the traditional villages of this beautiful region.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 03 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
5.0
Brent
Traveled, April 2024

04/25/2024

Wonderful experience. We loved every aspect of the trip. Good standard of accommodation and great variety of activities. Ben, our guide was outstanding and we were with a great group. This was our first Intrepid trip but would definitely use them again.

4.5
Kym
Traveled, April 2024

04/25/2024

Fabulous itinerary great leader and lovely group of travellers highly recommend

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