Family Adventure in Borneo | Inspiring Travel

Itinerary Highlights

See orphaned and injured orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Go snorkelling at one of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park’s tropical islands
Embark on a brilliant mangrove kayaking tour, paddling through the lush forestry
Visit Poring Hot Springs and experience the thrilling 43m-tall canopy walkway

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Private Transfers
Breakfast
Domestic Flights
International Flights

10 nights from £3,200 per person

Kelsey

Travel Specialist

01244 722 137

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Asia holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

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Discover the wonders of Borneo on this exciting ten-night family adventure that encompasses Sandakan, Kinabatangan and Kota Kinabalu. From seeing proboscis monkeys in lush mangrove forests to hiking up the highest hill in Malaysia, you’ll enjoy a packed itinerary from start to finish.

Start in Sandakan, visit an orangutan rehabilitation centre in Sepilok to see the primates in their natural habitat. You’ll also get to explore a 400-acre mangrove sanctuary home to diverse wildlife.

Next up is Kinabatangan, where you spend quality time with your loved ones cruising along the local river and heading out on a night walk to spot diverse nocturnal creatures. There’s even a visit to a local fishing village, where you observe the daily life of a resident river tribe going about their day.

End your family adventure in Kota Kinabalu. During this part of your journey, there are plenty of exhilarating activities to enjoy. Paddle through lush mangroves to the hidden gem of Panandawan Water Village on a kayaking tour and hike to the summit of Maragang Hill, which has a phenomenal view of Mount Kinabalu. Finally, experience a unique catamaran funboat ride to one of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Fly UK to Sandakan

Depart the UK on your flight to Sandakan, Borneo. After arriving at the airport, transfer to your hotel in the rainforest, where you’ll relax at leisure for the evening. Overnight at Sabah Hotel Sandakan.

Day 2 | Sandakan

Sandakan

Today, visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you have the opportunity to observe some of the orphaned and injured orangutans in their habitat – before they’re returned to the wild. Then drive to Labuk Bay, a 400-acre mangrove sanctuary home to the largest isolated population of proboscis monkeys on the Borneo islands in addition to diverse wildlife, including silvered leaf monkeys, otters, slow lorises and hornbills to name a few. Overnight at Sabah Hotel Sandakan.

Day 3 | Kinabatangan

Kinabatangan

Transfer to a jetty for a cruise to Kinabatangan’s biodiverse mangrove forest. Following lunch, head out on an open-air boat cruise along the peaceful Kinabatangan River, spotting everything from orangutans to pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. Dinner is then served back at your resort prior to a night walk. Nocturnal animals to be on the lookout for include big cats like Bornean clouded leopard and primates such as tarsier. Overnight at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

Day 4 | Kinabatangan

Kinabatangan

Rise and shine before the sun comes up for a thrilling cruise to a nearby oxbow lake. The serene landscape surrounds you along with the sound of birds chirping and diurnal animals just waking up. Continue to a local fishing village, where you observe the daily life of a resident river tribe before cruising back for breakfast. From here, the rest of the day is at leisure. There’s a hilly walking trail behind the lodge, where you may see more wildlife. Overnight at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

Day 5 | Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

Take a speedboat to Sandakan. Then depart on a short domestic flight to Kota Kinabalu – a beautiful gateway into the natural splendours of Borneo. After landing, transfer to your hotel and relax for the remainder of the day, perhaps opting to take a dip in the swimming pool or enjoying other facilities. You’re also just ten minutes away from amazing tropical coral islands and the city centre, making it the ideal place to spend quality time with your family. Overnight at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru.

Staying at

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu

Day 6 | Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

Embark on an hours’ drive to the Kiulu countryside, watching as the scenery transitions from bustling big city to quaint village life. While here, you get to experience a cycling tour through the local areas, stopping at Native Dusan House in Tombung Village. With your friendly host, visit the surrounding farms and learn about the fascinating rubber tapping processes before having lunch at Kiulu River, where you can cool off in the flowing waters. Overnight at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru.

Staying at

Day 7 | Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

Journey to the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu for a kayaking trip. As you paddle through the lush mangrove forest to the hidden gem of Panandawan Water Village, take in the lush scenery around you, home to various primates, marine animals and bird life. Then continue to the river mouth and stop at Sunset Beach – a stunning place that’s great for swimming thanks to its tranquil waters. Following your time here, paddle back and return to the hotel. Overnight at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru.

Day 8 | Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

Wake up early for a drive to Kundasang and three-to-four-hour hike to the summit of Maragang Hill. This is a popular trail for birding as well, so keep an eye and ear out while walking. If the sky is clear, your reward is a breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia. Next, visit Poring Hot Spring for a much-needed soak in the hot sulphur spring bath. You can also opt to explore the breathtaking treetop walk on the 43m-tall canopy walkway. Overnight at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru.

Day 9 | Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

Experience a unique catamaran funboat ride to one of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan or Mamutik. As well as relaxing on the sandy shores in the glorious sunshine, you can snorkel with a guide. Witness spectacular coral reefs and marine life, including butterflyfish, groupers, parrotfish and several species of anemonefish. From there, savour a delicious lunch on the tropical island to finish your incredible family adventure. Overnight at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru.

Day 10 | Flight Home

Enjoy some time at leisure before your departure transfer to the airport and your flight back home. Speak to our specialists about extending your stay and exploring other parts of Borneo or Malaysia.