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 £1,619(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
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
















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 (320)
5 stars
293
4 stars
26
3 stars
1
John
Aug 29, 2025
The Classic Borneo itinerary was brilliant. Our guide was just so knowledgeable and caring and we could not have enjoyed it more. Thanks Intrepid and Hirzan for a wonderful 10 days!
Tina
Aug 29, 2025
I love intrepid trips. They are well organised. The thing that’s kept me going back is their animal welfare policy
Elizabeth
Aug 29, 2025
Classic Borneo with Hirzan as a guide was an experience beyond my expectations. His understanding of the distinction delivery was exceptional. Communication with the group excellent . Nothing was a problem. Asked a question would provide best outcome for you. Hirzan made our trip experience a memory forever .
James
Aug 29, 2025
The best guided tour I have ever been on. Hirzan our guide was incredible, wildlife and local knowledge was shared with so much excitement. Highly recommend. Great guide great people and a great 20 days.
Rachel
Aug 28, 2025
My trip to Borneo was truly memorable, with the Kinabatangan River’s wildlife and the beauty of Manukan Island as highlights. The experience was greatly enhanced by our guide, Hirzan, whose knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendly nature brought everything to life. He made the journey both educational and unforgettable. Highly recommended!
Heather
Aug 26, 2025
Great trip with an excellent leader. We were lucky enough to see all of the native animals and birds that we were hoping for. There was a strong focus on responsible tourism which we appreciated.We were also lucky to be s part of such a warm and friendly group. I would certainly book again with Intrepid.
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.
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.
Friends and Family Travel is an agent of Intrepid Travel. All Trip content and associated images are copyright of Intrepid Travel.
You are protected
Contact Information
Call us at
0208 058 4003
Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM GMT.
Contact our customer support
contact@friendsandfamily.travel
We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

© 2024 Friends and Family Travel | All rights reserved.