This is a journey through Sabah’s rich tapestry of traditions and culture; you will visit a longhouse, stay with a local family, dance and drink wine with tribal villagers. You’ll also explore natural treasures; walk a waterfall trail in the shadow of Mount Kinabalu, and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the South China Sea. See the real Borneo.
Enriching tailormade journeys – for you
This bespoke journey features some of our favourite spots in Borneo. You can choose to take our destination experts’ recommendations and travel just as you see the itinerary here, or contact us to add your own special touches; maybe an overnight stay in a longhouse or a few nights on an idyllic island at the end of your holiday. We’re here to design your perfect holiday. Call us on 0844 875 1897.
Details may vary depending on departure date. Please choose
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu. The modern capital of Sabah state, Kota Kinabulu is often lovingly referred to by locals as KK. The city’s unusual blend of Malay, Chinese and European influences are visible in the mix of new architecture, religious culture and ancient traditions. This afternoon is free to explore.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Promenade Hotel
Promenade Hotel
Promenade Hotel benefits from a fantastic location in the heart of Kota Kinabalu close to the waterfront. The hotel has a restaurant and lobby lounge, deli, bar, swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated.
Day 3:
Sepilok
Fly to Sandakan and drive to Sepilok. See the orang-utans being fed in one of the world’s largest rehabilitation centres. Covering over 4,000 hectares of forest, the centre was established in 1964 to rehabilitate captured, injured or abandoned apes. The animals are taught how to make nests and how to survive in their natural habitat.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Sepilok Nature Resort Included meals: Breakfast
Sepilok Nature Resort
Set on the water’s edge, among a garden of beautiful tropical plants, the Sepilok Nature Resort offers a welcome, peaceful retreat for its guests. Rooms are simple yet comfortable; timber chalets offering picturesque views. There’s also a restaurant, lounge and sundeck.
Day 4:
Sukau
Drive to Sukau and take a sunset river trip through the freshwater swamp forest. The freshwater swamp forest around Sukau is home to myriad wildlife such as tree snakes, and birds such as frogmouth, bulbul and hornbill.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Sepilok Nature Resort Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sepilok Nature Resort
Set on the water’s edge, among a garden of beautiful tropical plants, the Sepilok Nature Resort offers a welcome, peaceful retreat for its guests. Rooms are simple yet comfortable; timber chalets offering picturesque views. There’s also a restaurant, lounge and sundeck.
Day 5:
Cruise on the Kinabatangan River
Cruise through the oxbow lakes of the Kinabatangan River. On your cruise this morning, you may see crocodiles warming themselves in the morning sun and some of the other birdlife such as egret, storm’s stork, oriental darter and oriole. Later in the afternoon, there’s a second boat cruise - as the sun starts to go down, you could spot long-nosed proboscis monkeys which converge on treetops by the river banks to settle for the night.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Sepilok Nature Resort Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sepilok Nature Resort
Set on the water’s edge, among a garden of beautiful tropical plants, the Sepilok Nature Resort offers a welcome, peaceful retreat for its guests. Rooms are simple yet comfortable; timber chalets offering picturesque views. There’s also a restaurant, lounge and sundeck.
Day 6:
Kg Kiau village
Take a dip at the famous Poring Hot Springs. At 450m, you are in tropical lowland forest, dense with vegetation and thick bamboo. You can cross a tree top walkway 60m above the forest floor or perhaps you prefer to take a relaxing soak in a hot spring bath. After your visit, transfer to Kg Kiau village in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. You’ll be staying with a local family tonight; spend time getting to know them and enjoy a traditional dinner and cultural performance.
Overnight Village House (H)
in Homestay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Homestay
Stay with a local family in a traditional and basic home. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience another culture and learn more about the Borneo way of life. Dinner will be prepared for you by your host, and there maybe an evening of traditional dance.
Day 7:
Mount Kinabalu
Wake-up and start your trek along an ancient walking trail in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. You’ll cross river gorges, see waterfalls and pass remote villages. This is an alternative trail, once a holy grail trodden by Sir Hugh Low on the first documented ascent of South East Asia’s highest peak.
Overnight Village House (H)
in Homestay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Homestay
Stay with a local family in a traditional and basic home. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience another culture and learn more about the Borneo way of life. Dinner will be prepared for you by your host, and there maybe an evening of traditional dance.
Day 8:
Kinabalu National Park
Say goodbye to your host family and visit Kinabalu National Park. The park was one of Malaysia's first national parks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to South East Asia's highest mountain, Mt. Kinabalu, and has a great biological diversity.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Promenade Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Promenade Hotel
Promenade Hotel benefits from a fantastic location in the heart of Kota Kinabalu close to the waterfront. The hotel has a restaurant and lobby lounge, deli, bar, swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated.
Day 9:
Snorkelling trip
Take a speedboat ride to Gaya Island, where you will trek through mangrove forest and continue to Sapi Island. Enjoy a BBQ lunch, plus time for swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear waters.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Promenade Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Promenade Hotel
Promenade Hotel benefits from a fantastic location in the heart of Kota Kinabalu close to the waterfront. The hotel has a restaurant and lobby lounge, deli, bar, swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated.
Day 10:
Traditions and culture
Today is a day exploring the traditions and culture of Borneo. Visit a gong making village, which are the main musical instruments for the Rungus tribe and see how honey is made. Then, continue to a longhouse, where you will have lunch, and maybe dance, with the Rungus natives, who are famous for their beads and basket-weaving. End your day with a glass of wine at the northern tip of Borneo, overlooking the South China Sea, and in the company of Sabah’s most traditional tribal group.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Promenade Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Promenade Hotel
Promenade Hotel benefits from a fantastic location in the heart of Kota Kinabalu close to the waterfront. The hotel has a restaurant and lobby lounge, deli, bar, swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated.
