Original
Explorer
Wildlife
Best of Borneo
20 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
24 reviews
20 days
Start
Kuching, Malaysia
Finish
Sandakan, Malaysia
Trip Code
TMSXC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
18 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Transport
4x4, Ferry, Longtail boat, Plane, Taxi, Mini van, River boat, Speed boat
Accommodation
Cabin (multishare) (2 nights), Dormitory (1 night), Hotel (7 nights), Chalet (1 night), Resort (2 nights), Homestay (2 nights), Hostel (2 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
From £2,852(20 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
See wild orangutans at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre 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.
Follow in the infamous footsteps of tribal warriors on a trek through wild, dense jungle on the Headhunter’s Trail – rich with wildlife like hornbills and monkeys.
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 even spot wild pygmy elephants!
Is this trip right for you?
You'll need to pack some specific items for this trip – check the ‘Packing List’ in the Essential Trip Information for more details so you are prepared.
When staying in the National Park, accommodation is multishare and can be basic. The unique atmosphere and wonderful location more than make up for this though.
Climbing Mt Kinabalu is a challenge that shouldn't be underestimated. The elevation is approximately 4095 m and we rise early to summit in the dark to witness the sunrise. It's an unforgettable climb for sure, but you'll need an excellent fitness level to complete it. Read our blog here for everything you need to know about climbing Mt Kinabalu: https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/guide-to-climbing-mt-kinabalu-borneo/ https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/guide-to-climbing-mt-kinabalu-borneo/ (https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/guide-to-climbing-mt-kinabalu-borneo/)
You will get to experience a wide range of accommodation types on this trip – shared dormitory rooms in hostels, a homestay, resort, jungle cabins and hotels. Some may be a little more basic than our standard hotels, but their unique locations and close proximity to nature is what makes them special.
Itinerary
Travel through the wild untamed lands of beautiful Borneo
If you're looking for an adventure somewhere spiritual, wild and full of natural beauty, this 20-day trip through Borneo might just be for you. Trek through the steamy jungles of Gunung 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 spend a night or two in. This is Borneo!
Inclusions
Meals
18 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Transport
4x4, Ferry, Longtail boat, Plane, Taxi, Mini van, River boat, Speed boat
Accommodation
Cabin (multishare) (2 nights), Dormitory (1 night), Hotel (7 nights), Chalet (1 night), Resort (2 nights), Homestay (2 nights), Hostel (2 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
Included activities
Bako National Park - Wildlife Trail Trek
Kuching - Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Mulu National Park - Berawan people family visit and home-cooked dinner
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
Dusun Village - Guided village walk
Dusun Village - Cultural performance
Dusun Village – Local Vegetable Farm Visit
Kundasang - Market Visit
Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb
Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
Kinabatangan River - Fish Trap Making & Story Telling
Kinabatangan River - Dawn Wildlife Cruise
Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit
Optional activities
Kuching - Sarawak Cultural Village - MYR95
Sarawak River cruise - MYR65
Kuching - Borneo Cultures Museum - MYR50
Mulu National Park - Canopy Walk - MYR50
Labuan - Historical tour (Minimum 2 People) - MYR177
Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee - MYR15
Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul National Marine Park Snorkeling Trip (min. 2 - without transport) per person - MYR345
Kundasang - War Memorial (Entrance Fee) - MYR15
Poring Hot Springs - Hot Springs (Open Bath Tub) - (3 hours) - MYR10
Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk - MYR10
Poring Hotspring (Entrance Fee) - MYR50
Poring Hot Spring (Slide Pool) - MYR5
Poring Hot Spring (Entrance) - MYR50
Walai Tokou Day Trip Package (Min 2 people) - MYR260
Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre - MYR30
Sepilok - Sun Bear Conservation Centre - MYR50
Sandakan - Agnes Keith House - MYR15
Sandakan - St Michaels and All Angels Church - MYR10
Sandakan - Puu Jih Shih Chinese Temple - Free
Sandakan - War Memorial - Free
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Important notes
1. Please provide passport details at the time of booking, as these are essential for booking services on this trip.
2. Strict luggage limits apply for this trip. See the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
3. If you prefer not to share a room on this trip, you may purchase a single supplement, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. The single supplement excludes Days 4 - 6 (Mulu National Park), Day 11 & 12 (Dusun Village), Day 13 & 14 (Mt Kinabalu), and Day 18 (Turtle Island) , where you will be in shared accommodation.
4. Some governments may have increased travel advice levels in place for parts of Eastern Sabah, including Sandakan and Turtle Island. Ensure you check your government’s foreign travel advice for the most up to date information before you travel. If you have any questions about whether the current advice level affects your travel insurance coverage, please contact your insurance provider. Travel insurance is compulsory for all Tuuur traveller and must cover all destinations and activities on the itinerary. In addition to the increased security presence in the region, we have additional safety measures in place on our trips to comply with local regulations, including not travelling by boat at night and only travelling on approved routes and vessels.
Reviews (24)
5 stars
21
4 stars
2
1 star
1
Justin
May 06, 2025
Amazing trip showcasing the diversity of wildlife, culture, and history in Sarawak and Sabah. We had excellent guides (Rody and Chichi) which enhanced the otherwise stellar experience. We can’t wait to return to Borneo. Thank you!
Hannah
Jan 29, 2025
Nik the leader for Wild Sarawak was the most incredible. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat just for her. Otherwise I would avoid. Poor customer service before leaving, I was not informed of needing an outbound flight from Borneo and had a shock when I got to Malaysia and forced to pay for a ticket. I tried so often to get help in preparation for the trip but constantly sent to different offices who couldn't help because I was needing the UK office. I told them I needed help as I am autistic and disabled and thus require help understanding the requirements of countries and they told me minimal information and did not respect my disability.
Katrina
Nov 09, 2024
lyn
Oct 02, 2024
This trip was everything we had hoped for. You need to love trekking and some enthusiasm. My sister and I are mature aged- late 60s and 70 and we managed well. The itinerary went exactly as it was written. The small size of the group was fantastic. We have traveled a couple of times with Intrepid and have been very happy. The mountain was demanding but we managed in terrible weather.
Carolyn
Aug 31, 2024
An amazing tour that covered a huge area of Borneo taking in lots of sights and sounds. I especially loved seeing the wild animals especially on the river tour and would love to go back. The guides, especially Nostalia, were amazing and went out of their way to make sure you were having a good time.
Inês
Jul 09, 2024
This is a great trip if you want to have a good idea of what Borneo, kinabatangan is one of the highlights of the trip for sure. Joanna and Nostalia, our two tour guides were great and always available with suggestions and support.
Kelly
May 17, 2024
This trip through Borneo was absolutely amazing. I enjoyed every minute of this trip, I highly recommend it. The treks were tough, but rewarding.
Hollie
Apr 07, 2024
I cannot recommend this trip enough, it has everything - adventure, wildlife, culture and some relaxation. But do not underestimate the physical challenge of Mount Kinabalu. It was tough but worth it!
Denzil
Apr 05, 2024
This itinerary is planned and executed in fine detail and I felt more confident each day.
Carolineybierallen@gmail.com
Mar 21, 2024
Borneo is an amazing destination that really didn’t disappoint . Beautiful and full of nature it is peaceful, relaxing and generally amazing. Wildlife, rainforest, lovely cities and the most welcoming people I’ve ever encountered. I can only recommend this trip to this incredible part of the world .
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