Grand tour of Borneo

17 days
From $458/day
$7,780
From: 
$10,503
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
Trip last updated: 10/27/2023
Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Overview

Highlights

    • Try a Sarawak laksa on the riverfront in Kuching.
    • See orangutan close up at both Semenggok and Sepilok.
    • Spend the night with the Iban tribe in a longhouse in the middle of the jungle.
    • Take your binoculars and look out for wildlife in the trees as you explore the Kinabatangan River by boat.
    • Get your boots muddy as you trek through the rainforest of the Danum Valley.
    • Relax on the beach at the Ocean Wing, Shangri-La Rasa Ria.

What's this trip about?

    Rich equatorial rainforest, wild orangutan and the Kinabatangan River... On a tailor-made vacation to Borneo with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Borneo specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. Savor sunrise atop Mount Kinabalu, the island’s highest peak. Be a guest of the Iban tribe with a night in a traditional longhouse. Trek beneath some of the world’s tallest trees, while a symphony of insects click and hum in the background. Leave a positive impact on the island by seeking out its rare leopards and proboscis monkeys responsibly. Snorkel around offshore islands and relax on a stretch of powder-soft sand. The great bat exodus at Gunung Mulu National Park, freshly cooked street food, a rhinoceros hornbill in flight… What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go.
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeOperator does not provide
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityKuching
End CityKota Kinabalu

Travel Themes

Activities

Trip includes

    • In-destination transfers
    • Activities and excursions as detailed
    • All accommodations

Travelers also viewed

Itinerary

Day 1 Kuching

 Kuching

Arriving into Kuching you will be met and taken to your hotel. In the afternoon you will head out to start exploring the town, on a short walking tour. Wander along the waterfront jetty, past colonial architecture and mosques with an experienced guide, you might like to try a few local delicacies at one of the street-food stalls.

Day 2 Kuching

 Kuching

Your guide will take you over to Bako - Sarawak's oldest national park on the northwestern tip of Borneo - for your first introduction to Borneo's flora and fauna. After hiking through jungle, you'll emerge onto untouched beaches and coves. You will have the evening back in Kuching. You might like to visit the night market this evening which has a lively local atmosphere.

Day 3 Lemanak River

 Kuching ,  Lemanak River

You will be met by your driver and guide after breakfast and taken to the Lemanak River by road, stopping at Semenggok Orang-utan Sanctuary for a chance to see orang-utan at feeding time, a traditional market in Serian, a pepper farm a...

Day 4 Kuching

 Lemanak River ,  Kuching

After breakfast your guide will take you on a nature trail in the area surrounding the longhouse. You will also be given a blowpipe demonstration, which you are welcome to try for yourself. Weather permitting, lunch will be served on the riverbank where you also have the chance for a swim. You will then head back to Kuching, with the evening at leisure.

Day 5 Mulu National Park

 Kuching ,  Mulu National Park

You will be taken to the airport for your short flight to Mulu. Once you are checked in to your hotel, your guide will take you in to the rainforest to explore the huge caves that the area is famous for. Deer cave is the largest, ...

Day 6 Mulu National Park

 Mulu National Park

Experience shared a jungle canopy walkway and get a different view of the rainforest, right above the trees. Head back to your hotel for lunch before visiting the remaining show caves on a private basis, and Batu Mulong village by boat in the afternoon. Your specialist can upgrade both experiences to be private if you wish.

Day 7 Kota Kinabalu

 Mulu National Park ,  Kota Kinabalu

You have this morning to spend as you wish at the resort without a guide. If you are still feeling active, perhaps take further walks, cycle rides or kayak through the national park independently. Fly on to Kota Kinabalu for two days of relaxation, exploring the town or visiting the beach.

Day 8 Kota Kinabalu

 Kota Kinabalu

Day at leisure. Today you might like to explore Kota Kinabalu. The Museum of Islamic Architecture is particularly interesting. An ideal city for shopping, you'll find a selection of modern shopping malls and markets selling unique handicrafts.

Day 9 Danum Valley

 Kota Kinabalu ,  Lahad Datu ,  Danum Valley

This morning you will fly early to Lahad Datu, in the heart of Sabah. It is worth struggling through the bumpy journey to Danum Valley so just cling on to the door handle, watch your head on the vehicle roof and look...

Day 10 Danum Valley

 Danum Valley

Why not rise early to see and hear the rainforest come alive. After breakfast you will head back out in to the rainforest for the trek to Coffin Cliff where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lodge and Danum Valley. Stop off at a waterfall on...

Day 11 Kinabatangan River

 Danum Valley ,  Lahad Datu ,  Kinabatangan River

Today you leave the rainforest, heading back to Lahad Datu and on to the Kinabatangan River. In the afternoon you will be out on the water, spending your time spotting a huge array of wildlife. Paddling down tri...

Day 12 Kinabatangan River

 Kinabatangan River

Rise early for a second trip on the river and the chance to visit the nearby ox-bow lake. Breakfast is served back at the lodge. You have free time back at the lodge to catch up on some sleep or for the more energetic take the jungle trail b...

Day 13 Sandakan

 Kinabatangan River ,  Sandakan

This morning you will travel by shared boat to the town of Sandakan, with the afternoon at leisure to explore Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary. If you have time, you might like to visit the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre or Rainforest Discovery Center, all within walking distance.

Day 14 Kota Kinabalu

 Sandakan ,  Kota Kinabalu

Head to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, and on to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria. Here you will have 3 nights to relax in paradise, snorkelling and enjoying time on the beach, in the exclusive Ocean Wing.

Day 15 Kota Kinabalu

 Kota Kinabalu

Full day at leisure. The Shangri-La's Rasa Ria has a large pool to relax around, as well a spa and gym. With 3 km (1.9 miles) of private beach, there is plenty of space to explore.

Day 16 Kota Kinabalu

 Kota Kinabalu

Today is free to explore. The hotel runs a number of excursions including horse riding along the beach, walks into the surrounding jungle and cooking lessons in the hotel's kitchen.

Day 17 Return home

 Kota Kinabalu

A final day at leisure before you head back to the airport for your flight home.

Dates & Availability

Price from
$7,780
Price per day
$458

Grand tour of Borneo Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
3,821
Great
118
Average
33
Disappointing
36
Terrible
83
Write a Review

Tour Operator

Audley Travel

preferred
View Profile

Associations

United States Tour Operators Association

Details

Group size:

Private - your group only

Trip Excludes:

    Similar Tours

    Want a tailor-made trip instead?

    Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

    • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
    • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
    Design custom trip