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Days
10
Price from
1955GBP
Map of Borneo Adventure including Malaysia

Discover Borneo, one of the wildest places on the planet

With its dense rainforests, tropical coastal islands and mysterious jungle valleys, Borneo is a rare destination these days. It’s a place where you can still encounter nature in its truest form, with a rich variety of colourful and endangered wildlife amidst amazing natural scenery. This trip to the Malaysian state of Sabah and Sarawak takes you face to face with many unique species, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys and hornbills.

Start
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Finish
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Destination
Malaysia
Style
Peregrine
Theme
Wildlife
Code
PABA
Physical rating
Trip rating
18 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • One of the last remaining wild places on earth, Borneo offers a rare treat for the nature lover. It's one of the world's last two remaining homes to the orangutan

  • Among our favourite Borneo destinations is Mulu National Park. Here you can hike through spectacular untouched jungle and visit Asia's longest cave

  • The Kinabatangan River is a bird-lover's paradise. All eight of Borneo's hornbill varieties are commonly spotted here as well as a variety of other fascinating wildlife such as pygmy elephants

  • As well visiting the beautiful endangered orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, meet another of the region's most vulnerable species - the Malaysian sun bear

  • With internal flights, spend less time travelling and more time taking in the wildlife and natural beauty of your destinations

  • Your two night feature stay on the Kinabatangan River is in an eco-resort that doesn't sacrifice the environment or comfort and allows you to wake to the sounds of the jungle

Is this trip right for you?

  • Travelling light is essential, as the included domestic flights have a strict 15kg maximum for check in luggage. 

  • The accommodation varies from hotels to a jungle lodge. The jungle lodge may be a little more basic than our standard hotels. The unique location and close proximity to wildlife is what makes the jungle lodge special.

  • In gorgeous Mulu National Park you explore the jungle by low rise long tail boat. These can be slightly difficult to get on and off, so be sure to take care when you do so.

  • There will be a few walks included on this trip on forested paths that can get wet and slippery. Shoes with a good grip are highly recommended.

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Borneo group on river

Itinerary
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Welcome to Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. An arrival airport transfer is included. Please advise your flight details at time of booking so as we can book this transfer for you. There is an important welcome meeting at 6 pm today, which you can find details about at the hotel’s reception. If you have any free time beforehand, perhaps explore this intriguing city that was born between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea. Modern-day 'KK' is a lively modern metropolis, having recovered from World War II bombings. The Sabah State Museum is a great place to immerse yourself in its backstory.
Accommodation
  • Horizon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee - MYR15
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel. .

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Mulu (approximately 1 hour). In the late afternoon, visit Deer Cave and Lang Cave, which are reached by following a scenic jungle walk that follows a three-kilometre plank walk (in each direction) which passes through peat swamp, alluvial flats and limestone outcrops. At sunset you will watch the millions of bats fly out of Deer Cave and see the large ring shaped formations they make as they circle higher and higher up the cliff face before moving out across the rain forest in spiraling ribbons. You will want to have your camera handy for this magnificent sight.
Accommodation
  • Mulu Marriot Resort & Spa or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mulu National Park - Deer & Lang Caves guided walk
  • Mulu National Park - Sunset bat experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today you will be walking up to 2.5 hours along forested paths and some steep steps. Shoes with a good grip are recommended.

Spend the day exploring the stalagmites and columns of Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave. Located along the Melinau River, Wind Cave is named for the cool breeze that blows through it - make sure you pack a jacket. Later, explore the caverns and crags of Clearwater Cave, one of the longest caves in Asia. For lunch, enjoy a simple picnic with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
  • Mulu Marriot Resort & Spa or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mulu National Park - Wind & Clearwater Caves guided walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Please note you will travel on low rise, long tail boats today. These boats can be difficult to get in and out of so a good level of balance is required. Today you will also be walking up to 2.5 hours along forested paths and some steep steps. Shoes with a good grip are recommended.

Fly from Mulu back to Kota Kinabalu, arriving in the late afternoon. Tonight, have a special experience as you enjoy a traditional meal of barbecued meats and local specialities in a local family's home. This is a wonderful way to really immerse yourself in everyday life with a family, visiting their home, asking questions and maybe even lending a hand with the cooking!

Accommodation
  • Horizon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kota Kinabalu - BBQ dinner with a local family
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (approximately 50 minute flight) and on arrival, visit the Sandakan War Memorial. Here you will learn about the city's past as you stand on the same ground of the former Japanese POW camp. This site also marks the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches. Afterwards, travel by private mini bus to the Kinabatangan River (approx 2.5 hour road journey). Your jungle lodge, located beside the river, is ideal for taking in the lush surrounds. At 560 kilometres, the Kinabatangan River is the second longest river in Malaysia. It's also a protected forest reserve, containing some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. Later in the afternoon you take a river cruise, hopefully spotting some of the more exotic local creatures. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and kingfishers are more easily seen. After this short adventure, head back to the lodge to enjoy dinner.
Accommodation
  • Borneo Nature Lodge or similar (feature stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon wildlife spotting cruise
  • Sandakan - War Memorial
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
On occasion, it may be not be possible to confirm our preferred lodge on the Kinabatangan River. In these instances, we will confirm an alternative property of the same standard and in the same area. If you would like to confirm which lodge your trip will be staying at, please contact your booking agent 30 days prior to departure.

You might awake to the call of a Bornean gibbon, or perhaps a hornbill. Enjoy an early morning cruise through the fog as the sun rises, searching for more birds and wildlife. Keep an eye out for long tail macaques and pig tail macaques – ask your leader about the difference. Enjoy coffee, tea and a snack during the cruise, with breakfast served as normal when you return to the lodge. A second river cruise, in the afternoon, will be your last chance to photograph or simply marvel at your surrounds.
Accommodation
  • Borneo Nature Lodge or similar (feature stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon wildlife spotting cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Travel by private mini bus to Sepilok (approx 2 hours). In the afternoon you will visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre where you can discover the rainforest from the tree tops. The Canopy Walkway is about 347 m long with two towers (named Bristlehead and Trogon respectively) and a single-column Sunbird Shelter. There are also nature trails on the ground level for you to explore. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your Sepilok hotel, perhaps unwinding with a drink surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest at night time.
Accommodation
  • Sepilok Forest Edge Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning visit the orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Watch and photograph these charming creatures as they swing into view on ropes and vines. It is important not to interrupt the orangutans, to aid in their successful re-introduction to their natural environment. A popular section at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is the outdoor nursery where young orangutans, born in captivity or orphaned, are cared for. Entry here is included in your admittance. Take the chance to view these young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. You will also visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, seeing the world’s smallest bears in large forest enclosures as they are rehabilitated after being rescued. This afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. You have the option to visit the nearby Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, or you may prefer to take a dip in the hotel pool.
Accommodation
  • Sepilok Forest Edge Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Catch a short flight back to Kota Kinabalu. Travel by private mini bus to visit the intriguing Mari Mari Cultural Village, nestled deep in the countryside. Here you will see how indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo used to live. The trip there should take less than an hour. This is a rare opportunity to see what the culture and lifestyle was like here in a bygone era. Witness first hand how the tribes would cook their meals, ignite flame with bamboo, and use a blowpipe to hunt. It's a fun, interactive and educational experience. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.
Accommodation
  • Horizon Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Say goodbye to your new companions as your trip ends after breakfast today.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Plane, Private vehicle, 4WD vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (5 nights), Feature stay in Kinabatanhan River Jungle Lodge (2 nights), Resort (2 nights)

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Mulu National Park - Deer & Lang Caves guided walk
  • Mulu National Park - Sunset bat experience
  • Mulu National Park - Wind & Clearwater Caves guided walk
  • Kota Kinabalu - BBQ dinner with a local family
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon wildlife spotting cruise
  • Sandakan - War Memorial
  • Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise
  • Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre
  • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
  • Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel.
4. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Eastern Sabah before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. Further information can be found in our "Safety" section of the Essential Trip Information. We also have links to prominent government travel advisories and any updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page http://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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