Classic Borneo
Tour Description
Day 1: Sandakan
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. Hang out with orangutans in Sepilok, cruise along the Kinabatangan River, unwind on the shores of Manukan Island and get a taste of vibrant city life in Kota Kinabalu. This restorative deep dive into nature will undoubtedly leave you wanting to return again and again.
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2, 2025 | Jul 11, 2025 | $4,930.00 | |
| Jul 5, 2025 | Jul 14, 2025 | $4,510.00 | |
| Jul 9, 2025 | Jul 18, 2025 | $4,930.00 | |
| Jul 12, 2025 | Jul 21, 2025 | $3,778.00 | |
| Jul 16, 2025 | Jul 25, 2025 | $4,329.00 | |
| Jul 19, 2025 | Jul 28, 2025 | $4,510.00 | |
| Jul 23, 2025 | Aug 1, 2025 | $4,930.00 | |
| Jul 26, 2025 | Aug 4, 2025 | $4,930.00 | |
| Jul 30, 2025 | Aug 8, 2025 | $4,437.00 | |
| Aug 2, 2025 | Aug 11, 2025 | $4,640.00 | |
| Aug 6, 2025 | Aug 15, 2025 | $3,923.00 | |
| Aug 9, 2025 | Aug 18, 2025 | $3,787.00 | |
| Aug 13, 2025 | Aug 22, 2025 | $4,570.00 | |
| Aug 16, 2025 | Aug 25, 2025 | $3,978.00 | |
| Aug 20, 2025 | Aug 29, 2025 | $3,608.00 | |
| Aug 23, 2025 | Sep 1, 2025 | $3,834.00 | |
| Aug 27, 2025 | Sep 5, 2025 | $4,445.00 | |
| Aug 30, 2025 | Sep 8, 2025 | $4,340.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2025 | Sep 12, 2025 | $4,930.00 | |
| Sep 6, 2025 | Sep 15, 2025 | $4,565.00 | |
| Sep 8, 2025 | Sep 17, 2025 | $4,675.00 | |
| Sep 10, 2025 | Sep 19, 2025 | $4,930.00 | |
| Sep 13, 2025 | Sep 22, 2025 | $4,690.00 | |
| Sep 15, 2025 | Sep 24, 2025 | $4,680.00 | |
| Sep 17, 2025 | Sep 26, 2025 | $4,775.00 | |
| Sep 20, 2025 | Sep 29, 2025 | $4,770.00 | |
| Sep 24, 2025 | Oct 3, 2025 | $4,920.00 | |
| Sep 27, 2025 | Oct 6, 2025 | $4,920.00 | |
| Oct 1, 2025 | Oct 10, 2025 | $4,570.00 | |
| Oct 4, 2025 | Oct 13, 2025 | $4,240.00 | |
| Oct 8, 2025 | Oct 17, 2025 | $4,920.00 | |
| Oct 11, 2025 | Oct 20, 2025 | $4,240.00 | |
| Oct 18, 2025 | Oct 27, 2025 | $4,730.00 | |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Oct 30, 2025 | $4,245.00 | |
| Oct 22, 2025 | Oct 31, 2025 | $4,090.00 | |
| Oct 29, 2025 | Nov 7, 2025 | $4,170.00 | |
| Nov 8, 2025 | Nov 17, 2025 | $4,205.00 | |
| Nov 12, 2025 | Nov 21, 2025 | $4,005.00 | |
| Nov 22, 2025 | Dec 1, 2025 | $3,825.00 | |
| Dec 13, 2025 | Dec 22, 2025 | $3,825.00 | |
| Dec 20, 2025 | Dec 29, 2025 | $4,170.00 | |
| Dec 27, 2025 | Jan 5, 2026 | $4,170.00 | |
| Dec 31, 2025 | Jan 9, 2026 | $4,170.00 | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | Jan 12, 2026 | $4,725.00 | |
| Jan 17, 2026 | Jan 26, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Jan 24, 2026 | Feb 2, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Jan 31, 2026 | Feb 9, 2026 | $4,690.00 | |
| Feb 7, 2026 | Feb 16, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Feb 14, 2026 | Feb 23, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Feb 21, 2026 | Mar 2, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Feb 28, 2026 | Mar 9, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Mar 4, 2026 | Mar 13, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Mar 7, 2026 | Mar 16, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Mar 11, 2026 | Mar 20, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Mar 14, 2026 | Mar 23, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Mar 21, 2026 | Mar 30, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Apr 3, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Apr 6, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2026 | Apr 10, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Apr 13, 2026 | $4,725.00 | |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Apr 15, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Apr 8, 2026 | Apr 17, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Apr 20, 2026 | $4,945.00 | |
| Apr 15, 2026 | Apr 24, 2026 | $4,725.00 | |
| Apr 18, 2026 | Apr 27, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Apr 29, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Apr 22, 2026 | May 1, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Apr 25, 2026 | May 4, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Apr 29, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| May 2, 2026 | May 11, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| May 6, 2026 | May 15, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| May 9, 2026 | May 18, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| May 13, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| May 16, 2026 | May 25, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| May 20, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| May 23, 2026 | Jun 1, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| May 27, 2026 | Jun 5, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| May 30, 2026 | Jun 8, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Jun 3, 2026 | Jun 12, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Jun 6, 2026 | Jun 15, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Jun 8, 2026 | Jun 17, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Jun 10, 2026 | Jun 19, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Jun 13, 2026 | Jun 22, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Jun 17, 2026 | Jun 26, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Jun 20, 2026 | Jun 29, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Jun 22, 2026 | Jul 1, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Jun 24, 2026 | Jul 3, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Jun 27, 2026 | Jul 6, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Jul 1, 2026 | Jul 10, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Jul 4, 2026 | Jul 13, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Jul 8, 2026 | Jul 17, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Jul 11, 2026 | Jul 20, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Jul 13, 2026 | Jul 22, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Jul 15, 2026 | Jul 24, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Jul 18, 2026 | Jul 27, 2026 | $4,540.00 | |
| Jul 22, 2026 | Jul 31, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Jul 25, 2026 | Aug 3, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Aug 7, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Aug 1, 2026 | Aug 10, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Aug 5, 2026 | Aug 14, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Aug 8, 2026 | Aug 17, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Aug 12, 2026 | Aug 21, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Aug 15, 2026 | Aug 24, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Aug 17, 2026 | Aug 26, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Aug 19, 2026 | Aug 28, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Aug 31, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Aug 26, 2026 | Sep 4, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Aug 29, 2026 | Sep 7, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Sep 2, 2026 | Sep 11, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 14, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Sep 9, 2026 | Sep 18, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 21, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Sep 14, 2026 | Sep 23, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Sep 16, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 28, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Sep 23, 2026 | Oct 2, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 5, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Sep 30, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | $4,290.00 | |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Oct 7, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 19, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 26, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Oct 19, 2026 | Oct 28, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Oct 21, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 2, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 16, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 23, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 7, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 21, 2026 | $4,600.00 | |
| Dec 19, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | $4,130.00 | |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | $4,130.00 | |
| Dec 30, 2026 | Jan 8, 2027 | $4,130.00 | |
| Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 11, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jan 16, 2027 | Jan 25, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jan 30, 2027 | Feb 8, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 15, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Feb 13, 2027 | Feb 22, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Feb 20, 2027 | Mar 1, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Feb 27, 2027 | Mar 8, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Mar 3, 2027 | Mar 12, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Mar 6, 2027 | Mar 15, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Mar 10, 2027 | Mar 19, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Mar 13, 2027 | Mar 22, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Mar 29, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Mar 24, 2027 | Apr 2, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Mar 27, 2027 | Apr 5, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Mar 31, 2027 | Apr 9, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Apr 12, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2027 | Apr 13, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Apr 7, 2027 | Apr 16, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 19, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Apr 23, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Apr 17, 2027 | Apr 26, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Apr 18, 2027 | Apr 27, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Apr 21, 2027 | Apr 30, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Apr 24, 2027 | May 3, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Apr 28, 2027 | May 7, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| May 1, 2027 | May 10, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| May 5, 2027 | May 14, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| May 8, 2027 | May 17, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| May 12, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| May 15, 2027 | May 24, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| May 19, 2027 | May 28, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| May 22, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| May 26, 2027 | Jun 4, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| May 29, 2027 | Jun 7, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 2, 2027 | Jun 11, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 5, 2027 | Jun 14, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 6, 2027 | Jun 15, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 9, 2027 | Jun 18, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 12, 2027 | Jun 21, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 16, 2027 | Jun 25, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 20, 2027 | Jun 29, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 23, 2027 | Jul 2, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 26, 2027 | Jul 5, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jun 30, 2027 | Jul 9, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jul 3, 2027 | Jul 12, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jul 7, 2027 | Jul 16, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jul 10, 2027 | Jul 19, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jul 11, 2027 | Jul 20, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jul 14, 2027 | Jul 23, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jul 17, 2027 | Jul 26, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jul 21, 2027 | Jul 30, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jul 24, 2027 | Aug 2, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jul 28, 2027 | Aug 6, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Jul 31, 2027 | Aug 9, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Aug 4, 2027 | Aug 13, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Aug 7, 2027 | Aug 16, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Aug 11, 2027 | Aug 20, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Aug 14, 2027 | Aug 23, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Aug 15, 2027 | Aug 24, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Aug 18, 2027 | Aug 27, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Aug 21, 2027 | Aug 30, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Aug 25, 2027 | Sep 3, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Aug 28, 2027 | Sep 6, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Sep 1, 2027 | Sep 10, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Sep 4, 2027 | Sep 13, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Sep 8, 2027 | Sep 17, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Sep 11, 2027 | Sep 20, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Sep 12, 2027 | Sep 21, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Sep 15, 2027 | Sep 24, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Sep 18, 2027 | Sep 27, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Sep 22, 2027 | Oct 1, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2027 | Oct 4, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Sep 29, 2027 | Oct 8, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Oct 2, 2027 | Oct 11, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Oct 6, 2027 | Oct 15, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Oct 9, 2027 | Oct 18, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Oct 13, 2027 | Oct 22, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Oct 16, 2027 | Oct 25, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Oct 17, 2027 | Oct 26, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Oct 20, 2027 | Oct 29, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Oct 23, 2027 | Nov 1, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Oct 30, 2027 | Nov 8, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Nov 3, 2027 | Nov 12, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Nov 6, 2027 | Nov 15, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Nov 13, 2027 | Nov 22, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Nov 20, 2027 | Nov 29, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Nov 27, 2027 | Dec 6, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Dec 11, 2027 | Dec 20, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Dec 18, 2027 | Dec 27, 2027 | $4,390.00 | |
| Dec 25, 2027 | Jan 3, 2028 | $4,390.00 | |
| Dec 29, 2027 | Jan 7, 2028 | $4,390.00 |