Trails of Borneo

14 days
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Small Group Tour
The great rainforests of Borneo present a multitude of exciting activities. We journey into ancient equatorial rainforest at Mulu National Park to the largest caves on earth and trek through the jungle. We meet the loveable Orang-utans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and venture to the Kinabatanagan River where indigenous wildlife is frequently seen. Fin...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • 5 nights comfortable hotels, 4 nights standard hotels, all en suite, 4 nights basic lodges/mountain huts, some with shared bath
    • 3 full day walks and shorter excursions
    • Active adventurous itinerary
    • Maximum altitude 4095m Your chance to Climb Mt Kinabalu for sunrise
    • Explore rainforest trails
    • Marvel at indigenous wildlife

What's this trip about?

    The great rainforests of Borneo present a multitude of exciting activities. We journey into ancient equatorial rainforest at Mulu National Park to the largest caves on earth and trek through the jungle. We meet the loveable Orang-utans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and venture to the Kinabatanagan River where indigenous wildlife is frequently seen. Finally we climb Mt Kinabalu (4095m), the highest mountain in South East Asia for sunrise and panoramic views out to the Sulu Sea. We finish our adventure relaxing on the beach.An active exploration of rainforest trails and an ascent of Mt Kinabalu

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMiri
End CityPapar

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Wildlife viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 5

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts
    • 6 lunches
    • 5 dinners
    • All accommodation (see below)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
    • National Park fees

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London

Day 2 Arrive Miri

Miri is a busy and prosperous city, which has benefited from the oil industry off the coast of Sarawak. There is an interesting market and it is the central meeting point of tribes people from the interior, many of whom have migrated to the city. This is the starting ...

Day 3 Fly to Mulu N.P.; jungle walks to Lang's Cave and Deer Cave.

We take a short flight to the World Heritage Site Mulu National Park. Situated deep in the rainforest and protected from logging, Mulu is a beautiful place to spend time and enjoy the astounding natural environment. After checking-in at the park and being introduced t...

Day 4 Morning canopywalkway, free afternoon for self guided trails or visit a local longhouse.

This morning we get the chance to experience the Canopy walkway. This 480-metre skywalk is the longest tropical canopy walkway in the world and takes approx 2 hours to complete. Along the way we may glimpse macaque monkeys, hornbills, flying lizards, squirrels and a v...

Day 5 Boat to Clearwater and Wind caves, trek to camp 5 and the Melinau Gorge.

Leaving the park headquarters we take a boat up the Melinau River, stopping en route at Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. Clearwater is the longest and most extensive cave system in South East Asia at 127km long. A clear underground river flows from the cave mouth into t...

Day 6 Trek the Headhunters Trail; boat and drive to Limbang.

This morning sees us starting to trek the world-renowned Headhunters Trail. At 11.3km it follows the route taken by Kayan headhunting parties. In the past they would have walked this trail and then paddled downstream to launch raids against the people in the Limbang a...

Day 7 Morning public ferry to Labuan; visit the WWII cemetery, public ferry to Kota Kinabalu.

This morning we take the public ferry to Labuan, an important WWII site. There is an allied cemetery that we will visit to learn more about the plight of the soldiers during the Japanese invasion of Borneo. In the early afternoon we will board another public ferry to ...

Day 8 Fly to Sandakan, visit Sepilok Orang-utan Centre; Kinabatanagan River for sunset cruise.

Day 9 Wildlife spotting on the river, and trek to an ox-bow lake.

We are up with the animals for a dawn wildlife cruise followed by a trek out to an ox-bow lake and forest restoration site for tree planting. Here, we learn what is being done to protect this fragile environment. In the afternoon, we will return to the river to spot ...

Day 10 Transfer to Sabah tea plantation via Gomontong caves.

This morning we have a final early morning wildlife cruise, then after breakfast we leave by bus, and make the long drive (5-6 hours) to the cooler altitude of Borneo's largest tea plantation. En-route we stop at the bizarre Gomantong caves. The caves are a major sour...

Day 11 Morning walk; drive to mountain resort and prepare for ascent.

Early risers are rewarded with the breathtaking sunrise over Mt Kinabalu. After breakfast there is a tour of the tea factory followed by a 3 - 4 hour acclimatisation walk through the plantation and rainforest. Weather permitting, lunch will be picnic style by the rive...

Day 12 From Mt Kinabalu Park HQ climb to mountain hut at 3400m, via Mesilau Route.

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South East Asia at 4,101m. It is an impressive mountain with its lower slopes covered in thick vegetation rising up the huge granite walls. Due to its great height, Mount Kinabalu has a number of different climatic zones. It h...

Day 13 Climb to summit of Mt Kinabalu for sunrise; descend and transfer to beach outside Kota Kinabalu.

Awoken around 2am we slowly make our way towards the summit (a good way to warm up!). You will need to carry a torch and the going is slow as the thin air at altitude causes you to work harder to breathe. Gloves, hat, warm layers and waterproofs are also essential. Th...

Day 14 Free day.

This day is free to explore Kota Kinabalu, relax by the pool or have a massage to soothe aching muscles at a nearby spa. Alternatively you can take a short boat journey to one of the nearby islands. There is also the option to hire a kayak or to join a fishing trip.

Day 15 Fly to London

Fly to London.

Land Only

Day 1 Start Miri.

Miri is a busy and prosperous city, which has benefited from the oil industry off the coast of Sarawak. There is an interesting market and it is the central meeting point of tribes people from the interior, many of whom have migrated to the city. This is the starting point for an adventurous trip into the interior. There will be a welcome briefing this evening with dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2 Fly to Mulu N.P.; jungle walks to Lang's Cave and Deer Cave.

We take a short flight to the World Heritage Site Mulu National Park. Situated deep in the rainforest and protected from logging, Mulu is a beautiful place to spend time and enjoy the astounding natural environment. After checking-in at the park and being introduced t...

Day 3 Morning canopywalkway, free afternoon for self guided trails or visit a local longhouse.

This morning we get the chance to experience the Canopy walkway. This 480-metre skywalk is the longest tropical canopy walkway in the world and takes approx 2 hours to complete. Along the way we may glimpse macaque monkeys, hornbills, flying lizards, squirrels and a v...

Day 4 Boat to Clearwater and Wind caves, trek to camp 5 and the Melinau Gorge.

Leaving the park headquarters we take a boat up the Melinau River, stopping en route at Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. Clearwater is the longest and most extensive cave system in South East Asia at 127km long. A clear underground river flows from the cave mouth into t...

Day 5 Trek the Headhunters Trail; boat and drive to Limbang.

This morning sees us starting to trek the world-renowned Headhunters Trail. At 11.3km it follows the route taken by Kayan headhunting parties. In the past they would have walked this trail and then paddled downstream to launch raids against the people in the Limbang a...

Day 6 Morning public ferry to Labuan; visit the WWII cemetery, public ferry to Kota Kinabalu.

This morning we take the public ferry to Labuan, an important WWII site. There is an allied cemetery that we will visit to learn more about the plight of the soldiers during the Japanese invasion of Borneo. In the early afternoon we will board another public ferry to ...

Day 7 Fly to Sandakan, visit Sepilok Orang-utan Centre; Kinabatanagan River for sunset cruise.

Day 8 Wildlife spotting on the river, and trek to an ox-bow lake.

We are up with the animals for a dawn wildlife cruise followed by a trek out to an ox-bow lake and forest restoration site for tree planting. Here, we learn what is being done to protect this fragile environment. In the afternoon, we will return to the river to spot ...

Day 9 Transfer to Sabah tea plantation via Gomontong caves.

This morning we have a final early morning wildlife cruise, then after breakfast we leave by bus, and make the long drive (5-6 hours) to the cooler altitude of Borneo's largest tea plantation. En-route we stop at the bizarre Gomantong caves. The caves are a major sour...

Day 10 Morning walk; drive to mountain resort and prepare for ascent.

Early risers are rewarded with the breathtaking sunrise over Mt Kinabalu. After breakfast there is a tour of the tea factory followed by a 3 - 4 hour acclimatisation walk through the plantation and rainforest. Weather permitting, lunch will be picnic style by the rive...

Day 11 From Mt Kinabalu Park HQ climb to mountain hut at 3400m, via Mesilau Route.

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South East Asia at 4,101m. It is an impressive mountain with its lower slopes covered in thick vegetation rising up the huge granite walls. Due to its great height, Mount Kinabalu has a number of different climatic zones. It h...

Day 12 Climb to summit of Mt Kinabalu for sunrise; descend and transfer to beach outside Kota Kinabalu.

Awoken around 2am we slowly make our way towards the summit (a good way to warm up!). You will need to carry a torch and the going is slow as the thin air at altitude causes you to work harder to breathe. Gloves, hat, warm layers and waterproofs are also essential. Th...

Day 13 Free day.

This day is free to explore Kota Kinabalu, relax by the pool or have a massage to soothe aching muscles at a nearby spa. Alternatively you can take a short boat journey to one of the nearby islands. There is also the option to hire a kayak or to join a fishing trip.

Day 14 End Kota Kinabalu.

End Kota Kinabalu.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,785
Price per day$199
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

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.

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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 from GBP290, 8 nights only)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

5 nights comfortable hotels, 4 nights standard hotels, all en suite, 4 nights basic lodges/mountain huts, some with shared bath 3 full day walks and shorter excursions Active adventurous itinerary Maximum altitude 4095m
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
Dinner: All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners included. You should allow about GBP150-GBP200/USD240-320 for food not included. If you fancy a few drinks then you may want to bring a little more as beer and other alcoholic drinks are expensive and you should expect to pay near western prices. Most meals will be basic, based around rice and noodles, although most accommodation does offer a western breakfast of beans, toast and eggs. In the bigger hotels and cities the full range of western and local foods are available. You can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in Borneo the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent, for example wheat or dairy-free, please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
exodus-AOB

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