Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Experience Overview
Pack up the troupe and head into Borneo's lush jungles on a family adventure. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys on a scenic cruise down the Kinabatangan River or see baby orangutans learn to climb on a visit to one of Borneo's best animal sanctuaries. Learn about marine conservation efforts as you snorkel with a marine biologist on Dinawan Island, plant elephant grass for the pygmy elephants with RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust and take in beautiful views of Mt Kinabalu from your accommodation in Kundasang. Everywhere you look, this island is brimming with unforgettable memories for you and your family.
Highlights
- Visit our closest redheaded relatives at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and watch these gentle giants as they go about their day.
- Cruise through protected forest reserve down the Kinabatangan River and look for local wildlife like crocodiles, macaques, proboscis monkeys and kingfishers.
- Explore the beautiful shorelines of Dinawan Island. Snorkel among the rich marine life like sea turtles or simply kick back on the warm sands and lap up the sun.
- Learn about traditional Bornean culture through hands-on activities and performances from local indigenous groups at the Borneo Cultural Village.
- Spend a night in the hills of Kundasang and take in the views of Mount Kinabalu from your cosy wooden cabin.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2739
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private Minivan,Boat,Plane
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TMFK
Starts: Sandakan to Sepilok, Malaysia
Finishes: Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (4), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Resort (7 nights),Hotel (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,385 ($265 /day)
Itinerary
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. When you arrive in Sepilok, you’ll be collected from Sandakan Airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight to meet your local leader and group members. If you arrive early, maybe explore the historical and cultural sites of Sandakan Heritage Trail or visit the Puu Jih Shih Temple to see beautiful architecture and panoramic views. After your meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and try some local dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice) or laksa (noodle soup).
Accommodation:
- Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a highlight for many, visiting the region's prized residents at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In the nursery you can view young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit the newly opened Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here rescued Sun Bears that have spent many years being mistreated and locked away in cages are cared for, with hopes of rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy by the pool or exploring the local area.
Included Activities:
- Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit
- Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Accommodation:
- Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, drive to Kinabatangan River to your jungle lodge beside the river, ideal for taking in the lush surrounds. The Kinabatangan River is a protected forest reserve, containing some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. In the afternoon, board a river cruise, hopefully spotting some of the more exotic local creatures. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and kingfishers are more easily seen. After this short adventure, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner.
Included Activities:
- Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise
Accommodation:
- Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Be woken by the call of a Bornean gibbon or hornbill before a morning cruise down the river. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, Borneo gibbons, long tail macaques and pig tail macaques and see if you can spot the differences between each species. This afternoon, you’ll visit our Intrepid Foundation partner, RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT) to learn about the important work they’re doing and help plant some grass for the pygmy elephants. In the evening, head out on a river cruise before the final night in your jungle accommodation.
Included Activities:
- Kinabatangan River - Night wildlife Spotting cruise
- Kinabatangan River - RESPECT (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit & elephant grass planting
Accommodation:
- Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel to Kundasang – a little town that sits in the shadow of Mount Kinabalu. This is a long drive, so have your favourite book or travel games ready. When you arrive in Kundasang (if the weather’s right), have your camera ready to capture the views of Mt Kinabalu. From here, maybe visit the Kundasang War Memorial to learn about the Sandakan Death Marches or walk through the memorial gardens. Tonight, settle into your wooden cabin and take in the views of Mount Kinabalu from your doorstep.
Accommodation:
- Kinabalu Pine Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, travel by boat to the beautiful Dinawan Island. Surrounded by reefs and sandbanks, the island is known for rich its marine life, popular snorkelling spots and commitment to eco-tourism. After checking into your villa tents, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the island. Maybe go paddle boarding and explore the island’s shoreline or simply relax and enjoy one of the many activities offered by the resort.
Accommodation:
- Ara Dinawan Island Resort (or Beringgis Beach Resort) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you and your family will learn more about the marine ecosystem on the island and the importance of the coral to marine biodiversity. Then, swap the indoor classroom for an outdoor one on a one-hour snorkelling trip with a marine biologist. Take a boat out to the nearby house reef to have a closer look at the types of corals, the habitat, signs of damage and healing and observe and identify different types of marine life with your specialist. This is a fun way for the entire family to explore this beautiful part of the world and your kids are bound to love it! Head back to the shore in the afternoon for some free time to enjoy at your own pace. Maybe soak up the beauty of the coast for another few hours or take out a couple of kayaks for some more fun on the water.
Included Activities:
- Dinawan Island - Marine Ecosystem Program
Accommodation:
- Ara Dinawan Island Resort (or Beringgis Beach Resort) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, it's time to say goodbye to this piece of paradise and head back to Kota Kinabalu. When you arrive back to the mainland, step back in time and experience the rich heritage of Borneo on your visit to the cultural village. Watch traditional dance performances, learn how to start a fire with just bamboo and try your hand at playing some musical instruments at the Bajau House. After lunch and a day filled with hands-on activities, check-in to your hotel and maybe head out to dinner with your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Included Activities:
- Kota Kinabalu - Borneo Cultural Village
Accommodation:
- Horizon Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your family adventure comes to an end after breakfast today and you’re free to leave anytime. If you’d like to stay longer, just talk to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
- Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee (15 MYR)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Peter - Traveled, April 2024
Chi chi was our guide and we had the most fantastic experience. My family enjoyed it so w
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Veronica - Traveled, March 2024
A family holiday for everyone, great balance of education and activities for all. Easy pace but plenty to do, we loved it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Timothy - Traveled, March 2024
Thanks for a great family trip. A good itinerary combining sights, wildlife and culture. Our guide, Chichi, spared no effort to make the trip enjoyable and interesting for our entire group and engaged brilliantly with the kids and adults alike to share culture and local knowledge.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Michael - Traveled, December 2023
Our Family Borneo Trip was amazing from start to finish without guide Edwin making it so. His enthusiasm, knowledge and organisation throughout was second to none. Keeping the Tour to a maximum of 15 meant a very personal experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Narmatha - Traveled, December 2023
I absolutely highly recommend this trip for families with Intrepid. Wholesome and fantastic way to experience Borneo wildlife. I cant wait to join another Intrepid tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Stephen - Traveled, December 2023
Great option for a family holiday where all the hard work is done for you, a good way to explore the roads less travlled and immers yourself in the local culture
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Erin - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent guide and trip - very well organised and good range of activities and down time. Definitely recommend to others.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Clare - Traveled, August 2023
Our tour of Borneo was always going to be special but it far exceeded that due to the care and attention our group leader showed as well as the friendships that were forged amongst the group. An incredible experience for the whole family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Lucy - Traveled, August 2023
This trip was alot of fun and had a really diverse itinerary so I felt like i experienced alot of Borneo
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2023
Molly - Traveled, August 2023
Really enjoyed this trip, found everyone very welcoming
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2023
Michaela - Traveled, July 2023
This was hands down the best holiday we have ever been on! In a safe and family orientated way, we integrated and experienced this beautiful corner of the world. Sheila was absolutely amazing! So caring and fun, she went over and above to ensure we had amazing holiday. It was the best holiday ever!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2023
Silvia - Traveled, July 2023
Our family trip to Borneo was incredible! Sheila, our guide, was exceptional. Her knowledge and enthusiasm made the experience truly memorable. From exploring lush rainforests to spotting diverse wildlife, every moment was filled with wonder. I highly recommend Borneo and Sheila as a guide for an unforgettable adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2023
Wes - Traveled, December 2022
We had such a great group of travellers and guide, it made for a wonderful experience for my kids and I. Nothing was too much trouble for our guide and the interactions with wildlife in Borneo were fantastic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2023
Amanda - Traveled, December 2022
Sheila was a fantastic tour guide, she was very loving, caring and constantly ensured everyone’s safety and comfort on the trip.The tour was perfect with inclusions for our 7 year old. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2023
Rachel - Traveled, December 2022
Our tour was fantastic because of a lovely, caring and knowledgeable guide who took us to beautiful and interesting destinations. Every day was fun and different and we learnt so much about the culture and animals of the area. The variety of accomodation was awesome too. I highly recommend the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2023
Lara - Traveled, July 2022
Great trip to explore varied and exciting wildlife. Tip top accommodation, amazing guide and an opportunity to unwind in hotel pool/very small island.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/04/2022
Joanna - Traveled, July 2022
Absolutely wonderful trip! Our children (aged 5-10) had a wonderful time wildlife spotting and learning about Borneo. Wonderful accommodation and a super guide. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/04/2022
Maya - Traveled, July 2024
It was an extremely fun trip. Our guide leader Sheila was amazing and she made our trip to special. We learnt lots and went to lots of places
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2024
Tricia - Traveled, July 2024
Our Borneo family trip was fabulous. Our tour guide Beverly was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about her country. She ensured we got the absolute most out of our trip and kept the kids engaged. The comfort trip was the right level of adventure for our 13 year old daughters. The wildlife we encountered was amazing and all the people we met so welcoming. Travelling with like minded families really enhanced the experience. Highly recommend!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2024
Sarah - Traveled, July 2024
Our family trip to Borneo was a once in a lifetime experience. We loved experiencing the culture, wildlife and history of Borneo with Beverley (our outstanding guide). Our 2 boys loved this off the beaten track adventure and made new friends along the way. Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2024
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