Comfort
Wildlife
Classic Borneo
4.9
Excellent
322 reviews
10 days
Start
Sandakan, Malaysia
Finish
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Trip Code
TMKB
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Boat, Private mini van
Accommodation
Lodge (2 night), Hotel (5 nights), Resort (2 nights)
From £1,518(10 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Visit endangered orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – a facility that provides care for orphaned and confiscated primates and other local wildlife.
Learn about a social enterprise that empowers women in the mountainous village of Kampung Kiau and enjoy a traditional lunch of regional favourites.
Soak up the calm beach vibes with two relaxing days on Manukan Island where you’ll get up close to diverse marine life on a snorkelling trip.
Search for pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys as you cruise the Kinabatangan River on a water safari.
Savour local cuisine, like roti canai and teh tarik, during food tastings on a heritage walk in Sandakan.
Is this trip right for you?
As you travel across Borneo, you’ll stay in a variety of accommodation, from standard hotels to jungle lodges. Some accommodation may have less amenities than a standard hotel, but the unique locations and proximity to nature makes them worth it.
This trip doesn't include climbing Mt Kinabalu. If this is something that interests you, check out our Sabah Adventure (TMSC).
This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group, where space may be limited and conditions may feel a bit snug. It's all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. There are a few long days of travel as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the Itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
As you travel across Borneo, you’ll stay in a variety of accommodation, from standard hotels to jungle lodges. Some accommodation may have less amenities than a standard hotel, but the unique locations and proximity to nature makes them worth it.
This trip doesn't include climbing Mt Kinabalu. If this is something that interests you, check out our Sabah Adventure (TMSC).
This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group, where space may be limited and conditions may feel a bit snug. It's all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. There are a few long days of travel as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives. Please read the Itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
Itinerary
Dive into an exciting journey through the heart of Borneo
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.
Inclusions
Meals
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Boat, Private mini van
Accommodation
Lodge (2 night), Hotel (5 nights), Resort (2 nights)
Included activities
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit
Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre Visit
Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit
Sandakan - War Memorial
Sandakan - Section of the Heritage walk including local tastings
Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise
Kinabatangan - River safari Cruise
Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise
Kinabatangan River - Second Afternoon Wildlife spotting cruise
Kinabatangan - Visit to Gomantong Cave
Kampung Kiau - Everything Pineapple community project visit & lunch
Manukan Island - Manukan Island Visit
Manukan Island - Boat trip & snorkelling
Optional activities
Kinabatangan River - Binocular Hire (Two Days) - MYR40
Kinabatangan River - Binocular Hire (One Day) - MYR30
Kinabatangan River - Night Wildlife Spotting Cruise - MYR130
Kundasang - Kundasang War Memorial - MYR15
Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village (Entrance) - MYR130
Dates and availability
Starting
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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. Some nationalities may have increased government travel warnings in place for Eastern Sabah. Please check your government’s travel advice and that your travel insurance covers you for travel to Eastern Sabah.
4. Sandakan can be reached via flight from Kuala Lumpur on airlines like Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air and AirAsia.
Reviews (317)
5 stars
292
4 stars
25
Sarah-Jane
Aug 22, 2025
What a great trip! A balance of activities, great food and great company led by the enthusiastic Johmin. Johmin’s communication was second to none which was truly appreciated. I would definitely recommend this trip!
Paul
Aug 20, 2025
This was my first group tour that my wife and I undertook. It was a fabulous experience and Intrepid did a terrific job. Christopher was a wonderful guide and we would definitely look to Intrepid again for our next trip.
Judith
Aug 19, 2025
The tour leader Mark was excellent . A small group of 8 meant we got to know each other, and could go places where large groups couldn’t go. The itinerary was well paced and despite the heat, was not difficult. There were several optional excursions that were more challenging eg the bat cave, but could be opted out of. I am 75, and not super fit, and was hesitant to take this tour, but I am extremely glad that I did.
Elizabeth
Aug 18, 2025
If you are thinking of going to Borneo, book this trip. We saw the beaches, the jungle and the mountains - perfect for immersing yourself into Sabah life
Katie
Aug 18, 2025
Borneo- a great variety of opportunities and things to see. Excellent mix of wildlife and culture to this trip. Christopher an amazing tour leader- kind, funny and super knowledgeable. Highly recommend this trip if looking for a mix of Borneo wildlife and culture.
Wendy
Aug 11, 2025
A fantastic trip that allowed me to explore and understand Borneo. The wildlife and scenery were incredible. The comfort style was a little slower than I'm used to, but I knew that going in. Take some books and games as a lot of down time to relax, and opportunites for independent exploring limited. I could have done without the extra days before and after as sightseeing limited in the too big towns but that's not Intrepids fault! Our guide Felix was outstanding, and even surprised me for my birthday which made it special. 100% recommend.
Martin
Aug 05, 2025
Intrepid planned and delivered an excellent trip to Borneo. All activities and experiences were superbly organised and made for a fantastic experience. Our guide, Christopher, made our trip even better and always ensured we were getting the best experience possible. I’d recommend Intrepid 100%.
Samantha
Aug 04, 2025
Classic Borneo was an amazing adventure. We were lucky to see the big 5 of the region whilst experiencing some amazing accommodation and travel modes. Rivers beaches and jungles. 100% recommend!
Wendy
Aug 02, 2025
Classic Borneo lived up to and beyond my expectations. The wildlife was spectacular Orangutang and much more in the rain forest. Super interesting cultural activities and I learned about Australian POW history in Borneo, and the tropical island to finish up. Great trip and well organised and live Malaysian food.
Swapna
Aug 01, 2025
This was truly one of the best Intrepid trips I have done. A wonderful itinerary with a mix of culture and wildlife. Great inclusions like jungle cruising and snorkeling. This is a great trip if you're looking to explore Borneo without doing the KK climb. Our guide, Michele, was great! Very detailed and organized. Highly recommend!!
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