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Product Code: MT-1848
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Discover the wonders of Borneo, Malaysia's enchanting rainforest paradise on a small group tour with included flights, accommodation, expert tour leader and unique experiences.
Book By 30 September 2024
Select Dates June 2025 - November 2025
Discover the wonders of Borneo, Malaysia's enchanting rainforest paradise on a small group tour with included flights, accommodation, expert tour leader and unique experiences.
Discover the wonders of Borneo, Malaysia’s enchanting rainforest paradise, on a journey that blends breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural experiences. From exploring the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu to embarking on thrilling river safaris at the award-winning Sakau Rainforest Lodge, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure. Marvel at the rare and endangered wildlife, including the playful Orangutans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, and the elusive Pygmy Elephants along the Kinabatangan River. Dive into crystal-clear waters off Gaya Island, walk through the misty foothills of Mount Kinabalu, and immerse yourself in the traditions of the Mari Mari cultural village. Whether you’re spotting Borneo’s Big 5 or savouring Malaysia’s fusion cuisine, every moment of this journey is designed to captivate your senses and leave you with memories to cherish. This once-in-a-lifetime wild journey includes return international flights, internal flights hand-selected accommodations, daily breakfast, select delicious meals, an expert English-speaking guide, and a meticulously planned itinerary.
Tour Inclusions
Tour Sightseeing & Highlights
International flights to Kota Kinabalu, returning from Sandakan
Internal flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
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Welcome to Borneo, Malaysia! After arriving at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, you will be greeted by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel where check-in commences from 3:00pm. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Note: Due to flight times and schedules, some customers may be required to depart the day prior on an overnight flight from Australia.
Meals included: none
This morning, we embark on an exploration of Kota Kinabalu, a city brimming with charm and culture. Our journey begins at Tanjung Lipat, where sweeping views of Gaya Island, the South China Sea, and the striking Tun Mustapha Tower await. Next, we visit the iconic Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, a marvel of Islamic architecture that appears to float gracefully on the water. Our tour continues to the vibrant Puh Toh Tze Buddhist temple, a sanctuary of vivid colours and peaceful serenity. Finally, we delve into the rich history of Borneo at the Sabah Museum, uncovering the stories that have shaped this remarkable region.
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you’ll set off for the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, a short 25-minute drive from the city. At Mari-Mari, immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Sabah’s cultural diversity as you explore the traditional homes of various local communities. Each house, crafted by the descendants of the tribes it represents, offers an authentic glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural brilliance and cultural richness of Sabah’s heritage.
As you journey through the village, you’ll be welcomed into these homes and invited to experience the simple yet intricate lives of the tribes. The village is alive with demonstrations of ancient practices—from crafting blowpipes and starting fires with bamboo to traditional tattoo-making and more. Alongside the main houses, demonstration huts bring the daily activities of bygone eras to life.
This visit to Mari-Mari is more than just a tour; it’s an unforgettable encounter with the soul of Sabah. And to complete your experience, a delicious lunch is provided at the village.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Begin your day early to make the most of the sun, sea, and sand on a breathtaking coral island getaway. Spend the day exploring Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a magnificent marine sanctuary just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. This haven is made up of a cluster of islands with pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical forest and offers endless opportunities for adventure. Dive into the vibrant coral reefs for a snorkelling experience, take a refreshing swim, or simply unwind and soak in the picturesque surroundings. We’ll island-hop between two of the marine park’s most beautiful spots, capped off with a delicious tropical lunch on the serene shores of Gaya Island.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Today we head to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu which stands proud at 5000ft. We’ll make a brief stop at roadside stalls at Nabalu market where we’ll savour some local fruits in season and take panorama photos of Mount Kinabalu before continuing our journey on towards Poring Hot Springs. Upon your arrival, you’ll be briefed by your guide with two options, either accompany the guide on a nature walk up to the canopy walkway or decide to have a dip in the Hot sulphur spring baths. Due to the limited time, you’ll have to choose between the two. Lunch is served before we depart to Kinabalu Park. There, we’ll visit the Kinabalu Geopark Gallery and Mountain Garden. Learn about the wonderful flora of Kinabalu Park as your guide shares the many hidden delights you’ll probably miss if you had come on your own. We will then head back to Kota Kinabalu for a final night in the city.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Today, we bid farewell to the vibrant streets of Kota Kinabalu and board a flight bound for Sandakan, the gateway to Borneo’s wild and wondrous east coast. Take a look out the plane window and watch the landscape below transition from the azure waters of the South China Sea to the lush, green tapestry of Borneo’s dense rainforests. Sandakan, a city rich in history and natural beauty, awaits us with its promise of unique adventures, from exploring wildlife sanctuaries to discovering its colonial past.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Today’s adventure begins at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned and displaced orangutans. Start with an insightful video that sheds light on the challenges these gentle giants face and the tireless efforts of the centre. Then, take a walk through the lush rainforest, along wooden boardwalks, to witness the morning feeding session of the orangutans at 10:00 AM. Following this, we explore the newly completed enclosed nursery, where you’ll see the playful antics of young orangutans as they adapt to life in the wild.
Our journey continues at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you’ll learn about the conservation of the world’s smallest bear species. After a delicious lunch, we head to Sandakan jetty for a 2½-hour boat journey along Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan, towards the award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. As we cruise the river, keep your eyes peeled for the rich array of birdlife and wildlife that inhabit this vibrant ecosystem. Later, embark on an afternoon river cruise using a hybrid-powered boat that glides silently through the waters, enhancing your chances of spotting wildlife undisturbed by noise. End the day with a delicious dinner overlooking the riverbank, followed by an engaging slide presentation by a knowledgeable naturalist. Overnight, you’ll rest at the acclaimed Sukau Rainforest Lodge, surrounded by the serene sounds of the rainforest.
Note about camera use at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre:
For any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. For any camera (fixed-lens – 400mm and above) or any film-making equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit. Mode of payment is cash only.
Note about the river cruise to Sukau Rainforest Lodge:
Scheduled boat transfer from Sandakan will be at 13:30pm. Any departure earlier of later than 13:30pm will be strictly on an overland basis.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today we have an early start to increase the chances of spotting wildlife along the river banks. We start with a serene morning river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, a waterway renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife. Journey to the tranquil Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, where you can spot a variety of birds and other fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. This region is famed for its ‘Big 5’ of Borneo: pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, rhinoceros hornbills, and estuarine crocodiles. After breakfast, embark on an educational tour along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk, guided by the in-house naturalist, where you’ll gain insight into the rich biodiversity of the area. Post-lunch, engage in an Orangutan Talk that delves into the lives of these incredible primates. Later in the afternoon, return to the river for another cruise, offering further opportunities to encounter Borneo’s remarkable wildlife.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today is our final day in the rainforest so we start with an early morning river cruise along the Menanggol River, where you’ll have the chance to spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. In the late afternoon, embark on a 27 km overland journey towards Gomantong Cave. A 15-minute boardwalk trail through the lush rainforest leads to the cave entrance, where you might catch a glimpse of the elusive “Man of the Jungle.” As evening falls, witness the spectacular sight of over two million bats emerging from the cave, accompanied by the soaring raptors. Return to Sukau Rainforest Lodge for your final night in the jungle and a well-deserved dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today we say farewell to the rainforest and after breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat journey. At the appropriate time, a transfer will take you back to the airport in Penang for your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: The scheduled boat transfer from Sukau is at 09:00am. No flight earlier than 14:00pm can be booked.
Price based on travelling:
Price based on departing from Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
Itinerary
Our multi-stop Borneo tour is carefully designed to give a real insight into the highlights, culture and natural beauty of the region. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore or take a breather as you wish.
Pace
The pace of this tour is medium paced. The tour covers several areas of Borneo and can involve some early starts and long travel days – see the itinerary for an indication of the distances travelled by the coach. The on-the-go nature of tours rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities. One to two nights at each destination is standard.
Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own baggage to and from hotels, terminals and stations. Airport transfer services may not arrive directly at the hotel reception and a short walk between the station and hotel may be required. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring a wheelchair, walking frames, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. Other small walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move about unassisted at the required pace. Please note that there will be a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain on tour and some locations will have stairs. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Wildlife
The goal of this tour is to showcase the diverse natural wonders of Borneo, with the hope that each group has the chance to spot the Big 5—pygmy elephants, orangutans, crocodiles, rhinoceros hornbills, and proboscis monkeys. However, as wildlife is unpredictable, there are no guarantees of what you’ll encounter. By spending extended time on the Kinabatangan River, we aim to maximize your chances of seeing these remarkable animals in their pristine, natural environment.
Transfers
Arrival and departure group tour airport transfers are included providing you are arriving on the first and last day of the tour. Transfers are not included for early arrival into Kota Kinabalu, or extending your stay in Sandakan. Airport transfers may operate at designated times and may be group or independent services using private or public transportation. A short walk to the hotel carrying your own luggage may be required from the drop-off point.
Meals
All breakfasts are included as part of the tour. For other meals included in the itinerary, we aim to cater to a wide range of tastes, providing food that is not too spicy or unusual but still represents the delicious local cuisine. Any dietary requests should be specified at the time of booking. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your tour leader whilst on tour. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bag. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Group Size
On a tour you will meet like-minded travellers and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 10 people and a maximum group size of approximately 20 people. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a credit or alternative date.
Refer to Important Info for further details.
Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation sent no later than two weeks prior to departure.
*Please note: Non-Malaysian travellers and foreign passport holders are obligated to pay the Malaysia Tourism Tax (TTx). The TTx is collected by your hotel/lodge upon your arrival and may request to photocopy your identification documents such as your passport. Malaysian Tourism Tax is 10 MYR per night, per room. Approximately $3 AUD. This is a standard practice to ensure compliance with the Tourism Tax regulations.
Important Information
Exclusions
Meals not stated, drinks on meals, optional tours, travel insurance (strongly recommended), visas (if required), Malaysia Tourism Tax (paid to hotels directly), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.
Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.
Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own baggage to and from hotels, terminals and stations. Airport transfer services may not arrive directly at the hotel reception and a short walk between the station and hotel may be required. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring a wheelchair, walking frames, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. Other small walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move about unassisted at the required pace. Please note that there will be a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain on tour and some locations will have stairs. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Pace
The pace of this tour is medium paced. The tour covers several areas of Borneo and can involve some early starts and long travel days – see the itinerary for an indication of the distances travelled by the coach. The on-the-go nature of tours rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities. One to two nights at each destination is standard.
Solo Occupancy
A single supplement from $1100 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy. Please note that sometimes single rooms are typically smaller than twin rooms in Borneo.
Triple Share
Triple share is not available.
Extra Accommodation
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation for this tour is not available.
Child
This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 10 years of age. Children 10 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.
Price
Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Amendment
Each amendment is subject to a fee from $75 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.
Cancellation
Cancellation is subject to a fee from $550 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.
Deviation
Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.
Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.
Visa
A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting Borneo/Malaysia for the purpose of short-term tourism; however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents. Please visit Smartraveller for up-to-date information:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/malaysia
Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
Effective December 2023, all foreigners entering Malaysia will be required to complete the “Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)” at least 3 days prior to their arrival. This applies to all travellers, except for those transiting or transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance, Malaysian permanent residents, and Malaysian Automated Clearance System (MACS) holders. For more information regarding the MDAC, please visit https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended. It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking on your travel. We recommend checking Smarttraveller for further advice: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/malaysia. We also recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it’s essential to check your government’s foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Transfers
Arrival and departure group tour airport transfers are included providing you are arriving on the first and last day of the tour. Transfers are not included for early arrival into Kota Kinabalu, or extending your stay in Sandakan. Airport transfers may operate at designated times and may be group or independent services using private or public transportation. A short walk to the hotel carrying your own luggage may be required from the drop-off point.
Meals
All breakfasts are included as part of the tour. For other meals included in the itinerary, we aim to cater to a wide range of tastes, providing food that is not too spicy or unusual but still represents the delicious local cuisine. Any dietary requests should be specified at the time of booking. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your tour leader whilst on tour. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.
Accommodation
While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. Our accommodation is generally of a quality 3 to 4-star or higher local rating. All bedding requests cannot be guaranteed however all special requests should be made known at time of booking. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. All hotel rooms will be requested as nonsmoking. Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation.
Tourism Tax
Non-Malaysian travellers and foreign passport holders are required to pay the Malaysia Tourism Tax (TTx). The TTx is collected by your hotels/lodges upon check-in and they may request to photocopy your identification documents such as your passport. Malaysian Tourism Tax is 10 MYR per night, per room. Approximately $3 AUD. This is a standard practice to ensure compliance with the Tourism Tax regulations.
Tipping
Tipping for the tour guides as well as the drivers is a customary element of the tourism and strongly recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided. The suggested tipping amount is the equivalent of AUD$5 per person each day is recommended.
Flights
The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flight team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.
Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.
Group Size
You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 10 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 20 passengers. If the tour does not operate, you will be offered a credit. The operation of optional programs is subject to a minimum group size. If the minimum number for optional programs is not reached, you will be refunded.
Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Breakaway
Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.
Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.
Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.
Product Code: MT-1848
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