Borneo Wildlife Discoverer

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Borneo is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful wildlife in Southeast Asia. This adventure covers many natural wonders, including majestic Mount Kinabalu and the Danum Valley, one of the trip highlights, for a jungle trek in search of the elusive orangutan. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, whose beauty and wildlife are equalled only by Bako and Mulu n...
26%
$7,695
From$5,700
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Spot orangutans and proboscis monkeys
    • Visit Mulu National Park, home to the impressive Deer Cave bat exodus
    • Enjoy a river cruise in Kinabatangan
    • Stay at a luxury jungle lodge in Danum Valley

What's this trip about?

    Borneo is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful wildlife in Southeast Asia. This adventure covers many natural wonders, including majestic Mount Kinabalu and the Danum Valley, one of the trip highlights, for a jungle trek in search of the elusive orangutan. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, whose beauty and wildlife are equalled only by Bako and Mulu national parks, which we also explore. We come face to face with more orangutans in Sepilok, stay at a bamboo longhouse in Sabah, and finish the trip in the historic port town of Sandakan.Discover the best of Borneo – wildlife, rainforests and tropical beaches

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityKuching
End CitySandakan

Travel Themes

  • Birding
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Malaysia

Attractions

  • Borneo
  • Mount Kinabalu

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Wildlife viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • 14 breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Free group arrival and departure transfers available

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Kuching

Kuching, capital of the Sarawak state, is a vibrant riverside city full of different ethnic groups who migrated here from the surrounding forests. With a great museum and a well-preserved colonial centre there is much to do in this cultural hot spot. You can arrive a...

Day 2 Day trip to Bako National Park to see proboscis monkeys

We enjoy our first foray into the amazing nature of Borneo as we head to nearby Bako National Park, home to proboscis monkeys. Here, the rainforest meets the sea and the only way to get to the park is by boat (after a one-hour drive out of the city). It has abundant w...

Day 3 Fly to Mulu National Park; sunset walk to Deer Cave for bat exodus

We leave the city and fly to Mulu National Park (schedules vary). After checking in at the park HQ, we meet the park guides and head through the forest to Deer Cave, the largest cave passage in the world and home to millions of bats and swifts. The floor has a raised ...

Day 4 Full day exploring Mulu National Park

Today we explore Mulu with a local guide. In the morning, we visit two of the show caves, including Clearwater, where we can enjoy a picnic lunch (not included) in the gorgeous riverside location. The park has some incredible statistics: it has more than 3,500 plant s...

Day 5 Early rise for dawn chorus in Mulu; fly to Kota Kinabalu

This morning we bid farewell to Sarawak and our local Sarawak tour leader and aim to catch the morning flight out of Mulu and onto Kota Kinabalu in the state on Sabah, though delays are not uncommon. Depending on what time we fly out of Mulu, there may be time to walk...

Day 6 Free day; optional snorkelling and island trip, wetland birdwatching or cultural village

Today you are free to enjoy some of the many activities Kota Kinabalu has to offer. A popular option is to visit one of the tropical islands in the marine park, a 15-minute boat journey from the city and with excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. You can nev...

Day 7 To Kinabalu National Park; visit Sabah Tea Plantation

Today we transfer (about two hours) and explore Mount Kinabalu National Park. It’s a Unesco World Heritage site and home to the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, which stands at (4,095m) tall. This impressive granite peak can be viewed from the Crock...

Day 8 Visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary en route to Sepilok

We visit the tea factory before we leave the plantation behind and continue our journey to eastern Sabah. Our destination is Sepilok, home to a well-known orangutan rehabilitation centre. The journey is about five hours and we stop at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sa...

Day 9 Visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary; optional visit to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Up early, there will be the option to enjoy an early morning walk near our resort for more birdlife and wildlife viewing before breakfast. We then visit Sepilok Orangutan Centre, the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world. Here rehabilitated orphans and captured ora...

Day 10 Travel to Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary; afternoon river cruise

Day 11 Wildlife cruises on Kinabatangan River and forest walks

We are up with the animals for a dawn wildlife cruise followed by a trek. In the afternoon, we once again take a river cruise to spot wildlife and, if we are lucky, a crocodile or two. Accommodation: Nature Lodge Kinabatangan (or similar)

Day 12 To Danum Valley Conservation Centre; jungle walk and nocturnal safari

We drive to Lahad Datu (approximately two to three hours) where we change vehicles and drive off-road into Danum Valley conservation area (approximately three hours), one of the last remaining pockets of primary lowland rainforest in Asia. Danum Valley is at the fore...

Day 13 Full-day guided walk in Danum Valley

We spend a full day with our experienced guides. We can explore the trails, canopy walkway and waterfalls searching for wildlife. The trek to a lookout point over the Danum Valley takes approximately 1hr 30min each way. Danum is home to more than 275 bird species, 110...

Day 14 Transfer to Sandakan

Today we journey to Sandakan (approximately five to six hours). En route, we stop at Sandakan War Memorial. Sandakan was once a huge logging centre (it first exported wood in the late 1880s to supply the building of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing) and is home to many...

Day 15 End Sandakan

Our Borneo adventure ends after breakfast. Depending on your flight, you may have time to enjoy the hotel pool or explore Sandakan more before beginning your return journey home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,700
Price per day$380
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
15 Dec 2024
29 Dec 2024
$6,000
$6,660
19 Jan 2025
02 Feb 2025
$6,600
$7,298
21 Feb 2025
07 Mar 2025
$6,600
$7,298
12 Mar 2025
26 Mar 2025
$6,600
$7,298
13 Apr 2025
27 Apr 2025
$6,750
$7,448
11 May 2025
25 May 2025
$6,600
$7,298
08 Jun 2025
22 Jun 2025
$6,600
$7,298
09 Jul 2025
23 Jul 2025
$6,600
$7,298
27 Jul 2025
10 Aug 2025
$6,600
$7,298
10 Aug 2025
24 Aug 2025
$6,600
$7,298

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great trip to Borneo

I've been on plenty of Exodus hiking holidays, but this was my first wildlife trip. I was a bit nervous in case my fellow travellers were a bit serious about both...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Excellent wildlife

A fantastic trip to a beautiful country. My main purpose was to see orang utans in the wild, although I was prepared to be disappointed. However expectations wer...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Awesome adventure

If you want to see the best of Borneo this trip's for you. Beautiful country, great food, lovely friendly people and oh boy did we see wildlife! So many highlights...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wildlife and More

We knew December was the wettest month, but hearts sank when our first wildlife trip had to be abandoned as the river was too high for safety to take us there. Ho...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

It’s a jungle out there!

A very enjoyable two weeks spent in the company of 15 other Exodus travellers who embraced the spirit of adventure and discovery in Malaysian Borneo. Together we j...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

5 nights comfortable hotels, 8 nights standard hotels/lodges all en suite, 1 night basic longhouse with shared facilities Travel by minibus, 4WD and boat Two internal flights Visit remote wild areas
On this Borneo adventure, we spend 13 nights in hotels and lodges, plus one night in a traditional Rungus longhouse. The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are some of the notable places we stay on this trip. Kinabalu National Park: Sabah Tea Gardens Longhouse (night 7) Experience the traditional local life with a stay in a reconstruction of a Rungus longhouse. In a peaceful spot surrounded by forest-cloaked hills, the building is made entirely of bamboo, with rattan walls dividing the rooms. Rooms are simple with mattresses on the ground, mosquito nets and ceiling fans, while bathroom facilities are shared with hot showers. Danum Valley: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (nights 12-13) Experience one of our best-loved places to stay – an award-winning resort in one of the oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests in the world. Each of the 31 chalets here resides within the 130m-year-old rainforest and comes with natural bath amenities. There’s also the Jari Jari Spa, which offers Sabah remedies, while the restaurant serves Asian and Western cuisines with views of the jungle greenery. With a strong focus on sustainability and offering unique wildlife-life viewing opportunities, our two-night stay here is a highlight of the trip. Worth knowing While the resorts we stay at in Borneo (Sepilok and Kinabatangan) are simple, they have been selected due to their proximity to wildlife activities included on the trip in conjunction with reduced accommodation options in the area. Single rooms are available (subject to availability) for a supplement for 10 hotel/lodge nights only (singles are not available in Mulu National Park or the Danum Valley). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners are included. You should allow about 555-850 Malaysian ringgits (US$130-US$200) for food not included. If you fancy a few drinks, you may want to bring a little more as beer and other alcoholic drinks are expensive – expect to pay Western prices. Malaysia is renowned for its culinary excellence; however, food can often be relatively unexciting and limited in the lodges and for hotel breakfasts. Meals are more varied in the cities and seafood is widely available on the coast. In the bigger hotels and cities, a full range of Western and local foods are available. Most meals are basic, based around rice and noodles although most accommodations offer a Western breakfast of beans, toast and eggs. You can generally avoid spicier food if you wish. Vegetarians are well catered for, but may find the food choice limited. Please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent (for example wheat- or dairy-free), please be prepared for this as you may need to bring these from home.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 13 nights in comfortable/standard hotels and lodges, one night in a basic longhouse with shared facilities
  • Travel by minibus, 4×4 and boat
  • Two internal flights
  • Visit remote wild areas
Trip ID
exodus-WOH

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