Comfort
Wildlife
Classic Borneo
10 days • 4.9
5
Excellent
283 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 £1,650(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.
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 (271)
5 stars
250
4 stars
20
3 stars
1
Mandi
May 12, 2025
Had a fantastic time on the Classic Borneo trip. Saw plenty of wildlife, pygmy elephants, sun bears, orangutan plus lots more. Hotels and lodges were comfortable and clean. Met some wonderful people and had the best tour guide possible called Rony. If you are lucky enough to get Rony then you will have the best time.
Stella
May 12, 2025
Classic Borneo was an outstanding trip. I didn’t quite know what to expect from Borneo, but ended up falling in love and being completely blown away by it. Rony is a fantastic guide, you’re in very good hands if you get him as your guide.
Hannah
May 11, 2025
The Classic Borneo trip with Joh was fantastic. Our main reason for the trip was wildlife spotting and it ticked all the boxes. The variation of activities is great and you get to see a really good chunk of Malaysian Borneo and it's wonderful culture and natural habitats.
David
May 09, 2025
An excellent destination for anyone looking to see and gain knowledge of what it’s like in Borneo regarding the people and wildlife. Intrepid Tours were excellent with the itinerary offered and the guide offered great service within our group. Recommend this tour for anyone wanting a great trip without being too physically demanding.
Lyndon
May 05, 2025
The classic Borneo experience tour was fantastic and certainly exceeded expectations managing to see the ‘Big 5’ of Borneo wildlife which was down to our excellent guide Mark Jarvis. Thoroughly recommended.
Sophie
Apr 30, 2025
Aldrin was very knowledgeable and managed to deal with any queries. I enjoyed the visit to everything pineapple and learning about the project.
Samantha
Apr 28, 2025
I went on the Classic Boreno trip in March 2024 and had a wonderful time. Our tour guide Beverly was wonderful and so knowledgeable about all the different animals, birds, the environment and Borneo's diverse history. A highlight was spotting wild orangutans in the jungle and all of the wildlife cruises. All of the accommodation was of a high standard. I would highly recommend this trip.
Carolyn
Apr 25, 2025
This was a great introduction to Borneo. We saw lots of wildlife, stayed in a variety of comfortable accomodations, and learnt about the local culture. Thank you Stephanie for your knowledge of all things Sabah!
Susan
Apr 17, 2025
I think that Intrepud is a great company to use. Thoroughly enjoyed the trips & Leaders chosen well. This is my fourth trip with Intrepid & would definately consider again.
Tina
Apr 10, 2025
Wonderful trip with just the right amount of wildlife and relaxation
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