Best of Borneo

20 days
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Small Group Tour
If you're looking for an adventure somewhere spiritual, wild, and full of natural beauty, this 19-day adventure through Borneo might just be for you. Trek through the steamy jungles of Nugong Mulu National Park, relax on the shores of Turtle Island and see the cheeky orangutans in Sepilok reserve. Meet locals from the small villages that sit in the shadow of ...
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$4,844
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • See wild orangutans at the Semenggoh sanctuary and look for proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park. One of the last truly wild places on earth, Borneo offers rare treats for nature lovers.
    • Explore labyrinthian cave systems, some of the largest in the world, and watch as millions of bats emerge from their depths at sunset, darkening the sky like a plume of black smoke.
    • Climb Mt Kinabalu – the literal pinnacle of all treks in South East Asia – with local guides whose families have trekked the mountain for generations. Witness the sunrise at the peak after a morning hike and spot diverse flora and fauna along the way.
    • Join a local ranger to witness the life cycle of sea turtles, who come ashore on Turtle Island to lay their eggs on the beach. At night, you’ll watch the hatchlings make a dash down the beach on the way to their new life.
    • Cruise down the Kinabatangan River and search for wildlife in this rich and unique jungle ecosystem – if you’re lucky, you may spot wild pygmy elephants!

What's this trip about?

    If you're looking for an adventure somewhere spiritual, wild, and full of natural beauty, this 19-day adventure through Borneo might just be for you. Trek through the steamy jungles of Nugong Mulu National Park, relax on the shores of Turtle Island and see the cheeky orangutans in Sepilok reserve. Meet locals from the small villages that sit in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu and look out for the abundant wildlife on your trails, boat journeys and in the jungles you'll spend a night or two in. This is Borneo.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityKuching
End CitySepilok

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Malaysia

Attractions

  • Borneo
  • Kota Kinabalu

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Bako National Park - Wildlife Trail Trek
    • Kuching - Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary
    • Mulu National Park - Deer & Lang Caves
    • Mulu National Park - Wind & Clearwater Caves
    • Mulu National Park - Picnic Lunch
    • Mulu National Park - Local Dinner
    • Mulu National Park - Guided trek along Headhunters' Trails
    • Mulu National Park - Longboat ride along the Melinau & Terikan Rivers
    • Labuan Island - Sunset cocktail drink
    • Dusun Village - Guided village walk
    • Dusun Village - Cultural performance
    • Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb
    • Poring Hot Springs - Poring Conservation Fee
    • Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
    • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
    • Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
    • Sandakan - War Memorial
    • Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
    • Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit
    • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Kuching

Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Kuching, meaning 'cat' in Malay, is the capital and most populous city in the state of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. It was home to the infamous White Rajah of Sarawak, whose mysterious rule in this remote corner of the world sparke...

Day 2 Bako National Park - Kuching

Hop in a private van to the fishing village of Kampung Bako, then a local boat up the coast to Bako National Park. Bako is the oldest national park in Sarawak and features rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, diverse plant life, secluded beaches ...

Day 3 Kuching

Head to the Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary – a government-funded rehabilitation centre set in lush surrounds. The centre was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. Head into the jun...

Day 4 Mulu National Park

Fly to Mulu today, sending your large bag on to Limbang and packing a day bag with the essentials for the next four days. When you arrive in Mulu, head into the heart of one of the most spectacular national parks in Asia – Gunong Mulu National Park. Transfer the short...

Day 5 Mulu National Park

Today, you have a free morning to explore or have a sleep in. Spend the afternoon strolling the walkways of this 180-million-year-old rainforest, and then catch the sunset flight of the bats at Deer Cave. This UNESCO World Heritage site has the world’s largest known s...

Day 6 Mulu National Park

Leave Park HQ behind and head into the jungle. Take a boat upriver to the Clearwater and Wind Caves, which contain Asia’s longest underwater river. The Clearwater Cave system runs for more than 200 km, over 100 of which have been explored. Wind Cave draws a cooling br...

Day 7 Headhunters Trail - Limbang

Today, you’ll tackle the infamous Headhunter’s Trail. Located in an isolated area of the Bornean jungle, the trail used to be the route used by warring parties between the Tutoh and Limbang Rivers. Cross streams by rope bridges, wooden walkways and logs, surrounded by...

Day 8 Labuan Island

After breakfast this morning, take a short walk to the ferry terminal for a boat to Labuan Island. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening at a beach resort. Relax and recover after yesterday’s trek, chilling out with a cold drink and a good book. Maybe head to Layang Layang Beach for a swim and get together for a sunset cocktail by the end of the day.

Day 9 Kota Kinabalu

Enjoy some more free time on the island before catching a ferry and express bus to Kota Kinabalu – the capital of Sabah and a modern metropolis that rebounded from multiple bombings during WWII. Tonight, maybe head out for a final meal with your group to celebrate your Borneo adventure – the night market is filled with fresh grilled seafood.

Day 10 Kota Kinabalu

Poring Hot Springs is an ideal place to kick back for a day to recuperate after the mountain climb. These pools were developed by the Japanese during World War II, where warm sulphur water – believed to have healing properties for the skin – is piped into several man ...

Day 11 Dusun Village

Today, travel by minivan to a Dusun village that sits within the gorgeous hills in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Our guides on Mt Kinabalu are local Dusun people, known for being wonderfully warm and friendly. W...

Day 12 Mt Kinabalu National Park

This morning, say goodbye to your new friends from the village and travel into the unspoiled wilderness of the World Heritage-Listed Kinabalu National Park. Take some time to enjoy the surroundings and prepare for the climb ahead. There are nature trails through the l...

Day 13 Mt Kinabalu National Park

Rise early and take a quick drive to Timpohon Gate to begin the climb up Mt Kinabalu. It's not an easy trek as it is uphill all the way, and you’ll need to be prepared to tackle a trail made of steep steps that vary considerably in size. You may get quite hot but reme...

Day 14 Mt Kinabalu – Poring Hot Springs

Rise around 2 am this morning to catch the sunrise at the summit of Mt Kinabalu (4095 m). It's difficult walking, but you'll feel a huge sense of achievement when you make it. The view from the summit is incredible – the jungles of Borneo in one direction, the South C...

Day 15 Poring Hot Springs

Poring Hot Springs is an ideal place to kick back for a day to recuperate after the mountain climb. These pools were developed by the Japanese during World War II, where warm sulphur water – believed to have healing properties for the skin – is piped into several man ...

Day 16 Kinabatangan River

Today, you’ll journey by private bus into the steamy rainforest to Bilit – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Take a short boat ride to the comfortable jungle lodge where you’ll spend the night. The lodge is located right on the riverbanks and is ...

Day 17 Sandakan

This morning, take another early boat safari in search of wildlife – different species come out at different times of the day, so keep your eyes peeled! After breakfast, say goodbye to your jungle lodge and hit the road in a private minivan to the coastal city of Sand...

Day 18 Turtle Island

This morning, leave your large bags at the hotel and walk 15 minutes to a nearby jetty. Travel by speedboat, past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, to Turtle Island Marine Park. Here, green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs every night of the year! In ...

Day 19 Sepilok

After breakfast, return to the mainland, collect your bags and continue by minibus to a guesthouse located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestic...

Day 20 Sepilok

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. Flights depart most days from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,588
Price per day$179
Last Updated: 6/4/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
14 Nov 2024
03 Dec 2024
$3,850
28 Nov 2024
17 Dec 2024
$3,812
27 Feb 2025
18 Mar 2025
$4,705
06 Mar 2025
25 Mar 2025
$4,705
13 Mar 2025
01 Apr 2025
$4,705
20 Mar 2025
08 Apr 2025
$4,705
27 Mar 2025
15 Apr 2025
$4,705
03 Apr 2025
22 Apr 2025
$4,705
10 Apr 2025
29 Apr 2025
$4,705
17 Apr 2025
06 May 2025
$4,895

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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Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Cabin (multishare) (2 nights),Dormitory (1 night),Hotel (5 nights),Resort (1 night),Chalet (1 night),Resort (1 nights),Homestay (1 night),Hostel (3 nights),Hotel (2 nights),Lodge (2 nights),

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4x4,Ferry,Longtail boat,Plane,Taxi,Mini van,Private mini van,River Boat,

Transportation & flights

4x4,Ferry,Longtail boat,Plane,Taxi,Mini van,Private mini van,River Boat
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements Please note that both Sarawak and Sabah have their independent immigration checkpoints at the airport even if you are taking a domestic flight within Malaysia. Please make sure that you go through these check points and have your passport properly stamped when travelling between mainland Malaysia (peninsula), Sarawak and Sabah (Borneo). You may be asked to present your return flight ticket as well so it's advised to have it handy.
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines MT KINABALU: Please take time to read the following important notes concerning Mt Kinabalu: It will mainly be hot and humid, whilst the heights of Mt Kinabalu can be freezing. Please be prepared for such conditions and pack accordingly. If you commonly feel discomfort or suffer health issues when experiencing either freezing or extremely hot temperatures, consider if this trip is right for you. On rare occasions weather conditions may prevent us from reaching the summit of the mountain. In this situation, please respect the decision made by your guides and leader. Mt. Kinabalu is a rewarding but difficult climb, please see below the advice given by the Sabah Parks regarding the climbing of Mt. Kinabalu: Travel together in your own group and stay with the mountain guide(s). You should not climb Mount Kinabalu if you have a history of suffering from the following conditions: Heart Disease, Hypertension, Chronic Asthma, Peptic Ulcer, Severe Anaemia, Diabetes, Epileptic fits, Arthritis, Palpitations, Hepatitis, Muscular Cramps, Obesity or any other sickness that may be triggered by severe cold, exertion and high altitude. If you suffer from knee problems and intend to do the climb, please ensure you bring adequate support, i.e. a sports bandage. Please note that porter fees are not included for the climb. Acclimatisation and altitude sickness: Altitude sickness has the potential to affect all trekkers from 2500m and higher. We ascend slowly and give our bodies plenty of time to adjust to the smaller quantities of oxygen in the air. However it is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about: - Periods of sleeplessness - Occasional loss of appetite - Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude - Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night - Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally - Blocked Nose - Dry cough develops - Mild headache If you are feeling nauseous and dizzy be sure to let your group leader or local mountain guide know so that we can monitor your condition. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE FOR EASTERN SABAH Some governments currently have increased foreign travel advice in place for Eastern Sabah. Insurance coverage may be affected by this level of advice. Travel insurance that covers all destinations and activities within your itinerary is compulsory to join this trip. Please check your government’s foreign travel advice before departure and contact your insurance provider to ensure you have the appropriate level of coverage for travel to all destinations and activities within your itinerary.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Sepilok Jungle Resort
  • Jalan Rambutan, Sepilok Mile 14,
  • Sepilok
  • 90723
  • MALAYSIA
  • Phone: +60 89533031
Trip ID
intrepid-TMSXC

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