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 watch intelligent orangutangs on a visit to one of Borneo's best animal sanctuaries. Learn about a bygone era with an eye-opening visit to a Dusun village and wander through vast tea plantations in Ranau. Stop off at the idyllic Dinawan Island and see the colourful fish living beneath its shimmering waters. Everywhere you look, this island is brimming with unforgettable memories.
Highlights
- Watch young orangutans learning to climb for the first time at the Sepilok Sanctuary
- Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife on a cruise down the Kinabatangan River
- Grab a snorkel or soak up the relaxed beach vibe on glorious Dinawan Island
- Experience the hospitality of the Dusun people while enjoying lunch in a rural village
- Look over rolling green hills of tea with a night at a tea plantation, including a sampling of delicious local varieties
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: Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia
Finishes: Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (4), Dinner (4)Accommodation: 4-star Hotel (2 nights),Cottage (1 night),Resort (4 nights),Tented Villa (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,520 ($252 /day)
Itinerary
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 5pm.
If you arrive early, you can immerse yourself in history of this intriguing city between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea at the Sabah State Museum. You can also visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village, or perhaps explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu, excellent for swimming and snorkelling.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities:
- Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee (15 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Horizon Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leaving Kota Kinabalu behind, head for the hills and the unspoilt wilderness of the World Heritage-listed Kinabalu National Park. Stop off en route at a local home in a Dusun village. The Dusun people are wonderfully welcoming, and here you'll have the chance to learn about their culture as you sample local dishes at a home cooked lunch. If you are lucky, you may get to sample linopot, a tasty snack featuring rice tightly wrapped inside a leaf. Join a guided half day village walk that includes a visit to the local bee farm and see coffee being produced at a local factory. You’ll also meet the women from Everything Pineapple, a business that's known for its delicious pineapple products. This NGO empowers local women to reach new heights socially and financially and has some of the best jam you’ll ever taste. In the afternoon, travel by private bus to Sabah Tea Plantation where you will spend the night in a beautiful cottage nestled among the grounds of a lush tea garden
Included Activities:
- Dusun Village - Guided village walk
Accommodation:
- Sabah Tea (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, drive to Kinabatangan River in a private vehicle where you will arrive at your jungle lodge, located 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 the call of a Bornean gibbon, or perhaps a 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 will make a special visit to our Intrepid Foundation partner, RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT) to learn about the important work they are doing and help plant some grass for the Borneo pygmy elephants. In the evening you get your last chance to take as many photos as you can on a final river cruise before the final night in your lovely accommodation right in the heart of the jungle.
Included Activities:
- Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise
- Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
- 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)
This morning, travel to Sepilok where you will spend the next two nights in a beautiful rainforest resort. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy how you would like. You may choose to take a nature walk in the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre, swim in the resort pool or visit Sandakan, once the capital of British North Borneo (additional cost for transport applies). The Sandakan War Memorial was originally a Japanese Prisoner of War Campy and also marks the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, of which 2,400 POWs were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo. Of this number, only 6 survived, owing to courageous escapes.
Optional Activities:
- Sandakan - War Memorial - Free
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. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential that you follow the instructions of the park, as directed by your leader, at all times. 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 perhaps head into town for a spot of shopping.
Included Activities:
- Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Optional Activities:
- Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (50 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning head to Sandakan Airport for a short flight to Kota Kinabalu. After touching down we will take a private transfer south to the jetty before boarding a boat out to the beautiful Dinawan Island. After checking into your villa tents, you will have time to explore the island, relax or enjoy one of the many activities offered by the resort.
Accommodation:
- Ara Dinawan Island Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast you and your family will learn more about the Marine Ecosystem on the island with a programme which will give you insight into the importance of the coral to marine biodiversity. First up will be an informative talk about the coral reef ecosystem and the importance of the reef to marine life. Then we swap the indoor classroom to the outdoor classroom 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 damages and healings, observing and identifying marine life with your specialist. A fun way for the entire family to explore this beautiful part of the world. Heading back to shore the afternoon will be free to enjoy at your own pace.
Perhaps soak up the turquoise vistas for another few hours or if you are keen you can take out kayaks (free) for some more fun on the water.
Included Activities:
- Dinawan Island - Marine Ecosystem Program
Accommodation:
- Ara Dinawan Island Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Hit the water again this morning with a local guide for another snorkelling trip.. Then after lunch, it's time to say goodbye to this piece of paradise and head back to Kota Kinabalu. After checking into the hotel you will have time to relax before the option of a final group dinner to celebrate your incredible Borneo adventure.
Included Activities:
- Dinawan Island - Snorkeling Trip
Accommodation:
- Horizon Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your Borneo family adventure comes to an end after breakfast today and you are free to leave anytime.
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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