Original
Explorer
Sabah Adventure
4.9
Excellent
263 reviews
11 days
Start
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Finish
Sandakan, Malaysia
Trip Code
TMSC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport
Private mini van, River boat, Speed boat
Accommodation
Chalet (1 night), Resort (1 nights), Homestay (2 night), Hostel (2 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
From £1,421(11 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Climb Mt Kinabalu – the literal pinnacle of all treks in South East Asia – with local guides whose families have trekked the mountain for generations. Watch the sunrise at the peak after a morning hike and spot diverse flora and fauna along the way.
Spend time getting to know the unique wildlife of Borneo at conservation sanctuaries for orangutans and sun bears.
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 their 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 see wild pygmy elephants!
Spend two nights in a Dusun village in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea. Spend time with your friendly hosts, explore a local vegetable farm and watch a cultural performance.
Is this trip right for you?
Summiting Mt. Kinabalu is an exhilarating challenge that should not be underestimated. On the second day of the trek, we begin our ascent at 2 AM to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the summit. Standing at approximately 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) above sea level, it promises an unforgettable experience but requires an excellent level of fitness to complete successfully.
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'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.
On this trip, you will experience a wide range of accommodation types: shared dormitory rooms in hostels, a homestay, a resort, a jungle lodge, and hotels. Some may be a little more basic than our standard hotels, but their unique locations and close proximity to nature are what make them special.
Summiting Mt. Kinabalu is an exhilarating challenge that should not be underestimated. On the second day of the trek, we begin our ascent at 2 AM to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the summit. Standing at approximately 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) above sea level, it promises an unforgettable experience but requires an excellent level of fitness to complete successfully.
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'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.
On this trip, you will experience a wide range of accommodation types: shared dormitory rooms in hostels, a homestay, a resort, a jungle lodge, and hotels. Some may be a little more basic than our standard hotels, but their unique locations and close proximity to nature are what make them special.
Itinerary
Explore the lush wildlife paradise of Sabah, Borneo
Get to know a land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on this Borneo adventure through Sabah. With its collection of unique animals, ancient traditions, tribal villages, rescued orangutans and scenic views, Sabah has something for everyone. You’ll experience it all over 11 days in Borneo – climbing Mt Kinabalu at sunrise, watching sea turtles lay their eggs with an expert local ranger by your side and sharing laughs with your local hosts in a remote village. Visit conservation sanctuaries, search for local wildlife at different times of day and night along the Kinabatangan River (including pygmy elephants if you’re lucky) and explore the wilderness of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinabalu National Park.
Inclusions
Meals
10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport
Private mini van, River boat, Speed boat
Accommodation
Chalet (1 night), Resort (1 nights), Homestay (2 night), Hostel (2 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
Included activities
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
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
Dates and availability
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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, including your Mt Kinabalu permit.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2 and 3 (Dusun Village), 4 and 5 (Mt Kinabalu), and 9 (Turtle Island), where you will be in shared accommodation. It is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. 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 (254)
5 stars
235
4 stars
15
3 stars
4
David
Aug 20, 2025
I could not fault anything. Accommodation, activities, transport and meals were all wonderful. Chichi our leader was amazing. Organised, knowledgeable, funny, compassionate and endearing. Intrepid should bottle her.
Danielle
Aug 13, 2025
This was an excellent and well organised trip exceeding all expectations. The leader was extremely knowledgeable, professional, organised but also very friendly making it very memorable, highly recommend.
Zoe
Aug 11, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Best Guide You Could Ask For - Jushtice Made This Trip! Climbing Mt. Kinabalu had always been on my bucket list, but I never imagined how much difference having the right guide would make. From day one, Jushtice’s energy, humour, and genuine care for the group set the tone. On the mountain, he was a rock - pacing us perfectly, making sure everyone was safe, and somehow keeping us laughing even when our legs were burning. At 2 a.m., as we began the final push to the summit, he knew exactly when to offer encouragement and when to quietly let us focus. His "one step at a time" advice kept me going, and because of him, I reached Low’s Peak just in time for a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds - a moment I’ll never forget. On the Kinabatangan River, Jushtice’s skill and passion for wildlife were just as impressive. He seemed to have superhuman vision - spotting proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and even a wild pygmy elephant long before anyone else could see them. He knew the river like the back of his hand, taking us to the perfect spots and cutting the engine so we could drift in silence, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. The respect he showed for the animals and environment made the whole experience feel even more special. Jushtice isn’t just a guide - he’s a motivator, a protector, a comedian, and a walking encyclopedia of Sabah’s nature and culture. He went above and beyond every single day, turning an amazing trip into the adventure of a lifetime. If you get Jushtice as your guide, consider yourself very, very lucky.
Sandra
Aug 11, 2025
Borneo amazing! Wild and free if you love wildlife, trekking, and nature trip is a must. If you’re a women bring shorts! It’s says not too but everyone is wearing them. Make sure you have a solid back pack for hiking days and some overnights. Earplugs, and a collapsible 3 liter water bottle. You can thank me later!
Jacqueline
Aug 11, 2025
An unforgettable adventure in Sabah! Stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and rich cultural experiences made every day special. From orangutans, Pygmy Elephants to Mount Kinabalu, every moment was well organised and full of wonder. A trip filled with learning, laughter, and memories I’ll treasure forever.
Vanessa
Aug 11, 2025
This trip is not for the faint hearted! If you want to test your mental and physical capacity and resilience, then definitely hike Mt Kinabalu. It is utterly rewarding. After that epic mountain, enjoy the awesome animal encounters! Adventure awaits you - reach out and grab it!!
Kate
Aug 05, 2025
What an amazing trip we’ve had! From summitting the highest mountain in South East Asia to watching a Pygmy elephant swimming across the river to setting turtle hatchlings off into the sea to start their life. An awesome adventure which my family will remember for the rest of their lives. Thank you Intrepid 😊
Saleem
Aug 04, 2025
An unforgettable trip blending adventure, wildlife, and stunning nature. The highlight was climbing Mount Kinabalu with an amazing group. Our leader, Chi Chi, was exceptional—insightful, caring, and highly organized. Her passion and energy inspired us all. The journey felt truly immersive, with every detail thoughtfully planned for a rich experience.
Andrew
Aug 04, 2025
The itinerary was what made my partner and I book this trip. Our beautiful tour guide, Chichi will be what makes us recommend this trip. Thank you for the forever memories, Chichi.
Lucy
Aug 04, 2025
The Borneo trip is perfect for people looking for adventure and animal sightings. Climbing Mount Kinabalu was challenging mentally and physically but very rewarding. We were super lucky with the animal sightings, seeing elephants cross the river was a true highlight. The turtle island was also incredible to watch. Our group leader, Joh was super helpful and knowledgeable who helped us have a clear plan for each day and learn so much about the country and its people.
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