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Explore Borneo's wildlife paradise – Sabah

Explore a mystical land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on this 12-day Sabah Adventure. With its collection of unique animals, ancient traditions, hot springs, tribal villages, loveable orangutans and incredible views, Sabah has something for everyone. Experience the very best of this part of Borneo – climbing Mt Kinabalu, watching sea turtles lay their eggs and sharing laughs with your local village hosts. Each moment of this incredible small group adventure will give you a fascinating insight into the wild life of Borneo.

Start
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Finish
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Destination
Malaysia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer, Walking & Trekking, Wildlife
Code
TMSC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the natural and historical beauty of northern section of Borneo in the Malaysian state of Sabah, and understand why this one of the original and best-selling Intrepid adventures.

  • Climb Mt Kinabalu – the literal pinnacle of all treks in South East Asia – with local guides whose families have trekked the mountain for generations, witnessing a stunning sunrise after a morning hike.

  • Spend time getting to know the unique wildlife of Borneo at conservation sanctuaries for orangutans, proboscis monkeys and sun bears.

  • Witness the special life cycle of sea turtles coming ashore on Turtle Island to lay their eggs on the beach, with the hatchlings making a dash down the beach to their new life.

  • Cruise down the Kinabatangan River and search for wildlife in this rich and unique jungle ecosystem – if you’re lucky, you may spot wild pygmy elephants!

Is this trip right for you?

  • Climbing Mt Kinabalu is a challenge that shouldn't be underestimated. Elevation is above 2800 m and we rise early to summit in the dark in order to be able to witness the sunrise. It's an unforgettable climb for sure, but you'll need to have an excellent level of fitness to complete it. Read our blog here for everything you need to know about climbing Mt Kinabalu: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/guide-to-climbing-mt-kinabalu-...

  • There are strict luggage limits of maximum 7 kg for carry on and 15 kg for check in luggage on our internal flight. Excess luggage will incur extra fees payable to the airline. Packing light is recommended anyway – it means less to carry on and off transport and accommodation.

  • You'll need to pack some specific items for this trip – check the ‘Packing List’ in the Essential Trip Information for more details so you are prepared.

  • You will get to experience a wide range of accommodation types on this trip – shared dormitory rooms in hostels, a homestay, resort, jungle lodge and hotels. Some may be a little more basic than our standard hotels, but their unique locations and close proximity to nature is what makes them special.

  • This trip has a focus on nature and wildlife – definitely one for those who enjoy being outdoors. If you are looking for a trip to Borneo with a bit more comfort and without climbing Mt Kinabalu, check out Intrepid’s Classic Borneo adventure – search trip code TMKB on our website for more information.

  • You may also want to check out our Best of Borneo at https://www.intrepidtravel.com/malaysia/best-borneo-127150 if you have longer time to explore in Borneo.

Map of Sabah Adventure including Malaysia
Spot a proboscus monkey amongst the trees
Watch the sunset in the Sepilok rainforest
Orangutan family in the Sepilok Orangutan Reserve
Intrepid travellers at the top of Mt Kinabalu, Borneo
sun bear in the forests of Sabah Borneo
Hiking up to Mt Kinabalu in Borneo
Poring Hot Springs

Itinerary
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Selamat datang! Welcome to Borneo, Malaysia. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, why not 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee - MYR15
  • Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul National Marine Park Snorkeling Trip from Jesselton Jetty - MYR155
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
This trip visits places that are at high elevation, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more important details on this.

Today, travel by minivan to a Dusun village, nestled amid picturesque hills in the shadow of imposing Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea (approximately 2 hours). The Dusun people, the ethnic group of our guides on Mt Kinabalu, are wonderfully warm and friendly people, and while here you'll have the opportunity to learn about their way of life and spend a night in a village. Depending on the weather, you will take a hike through the surrounding fruit and rubber plantations. Your leader can point you in the direction of the river for a great way to cool off afterwards! To ensure your share the business around the community, you will split up to stay in a couple of different family homes. All the homes are in waking distance from each other and you will usually have other group members with you at each home. Enjoy a cultural performance in the village tonight after dinner.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dusun Village - Guided village walk
  • Dusun Village - Cultural performance
Optional Activities
  • Tanak Nabalu - Dusun Museum - MYR5
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning say goodbye to your new friends from the village and travel into the unspoiled wilderness of the World Heritage-Listed Kinabalu National Park (approximately 1 hour). Take some time to enjoy the surroundings and prepare for the climb. There are nature trails through the lowland tropical forest and a Botanic Garden to explore. Otherwise, just relax this afternoon and take in the cooler climate. Your leader will provide a safety briefing about the climb and assist with any last minute questions. Stay overnight at Kinabalu Park in a lodge with shared bathrooms. Nestled among the lowland forests, this is the perfect place to chill-out before the climb
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kundasang - War Memorial - MYR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
We consider the Mt Kinabalu trek to be a huge highlight of the trip. Porters are also available (at an extra cost) and are recommended. If you decide the trek is just not for you, we can provide alternative arrangements if advised at time of booking. For more information on the trekking alternative please see the 'Itinerary Disclaimer' section in the Essential Trip Information.

Rise early and take a quick drive back to the national park to begin the climb up Mt Kinabalu. It's not an easy trek as it is uphill all the way, and you’ll need to be prepared to tackle a trail made up of steep steps that vary considerably in size. You may get quite hot but remember that the top of the mountain can be deceptively cold. There's no rush, so take your time and enjoy the pristine environment – this is an area that boasts a remarkable variety of plant life, including some 1000 species of orchid and the extraordinary carnivorous pitcher plant. You will cover 6 kilometres on the first day (approximately 4–6 hours) and stop at a resthouse near Laban Rata (3272 metres) for the night. Tonight will be an early night, so you're ready for the final ascent early in the morning.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that, on this trek, altitude can affect you regardless of your fitness level, so everyone will take the trek at their own pace. It's important that you have educated yourself about the dangers of altitude sickness and its symptoms prior to the climb so you know what to look out for. Ensure you have warm layers, waterproof gloves, hat, head torch, waterproof jacket and good walking shoes/boots.

The resthouses have very basic, mixed gender, multishare bunk rooms. Additional blankets can be hired from the park office if you are feeling the chill and ear plugs are recommended for light sleepers. Dinner tonight is filling, however relatively simple. Vegetarian options will be vegetables, eggs, rice and noodles.

Rise around 2 am in order to catch the sunrise at the summit of Mt Kinabalu (4095 metres). It's difficult walking, but you'll feel a huge sense of achievement once you make it. The view from the summit is incredible – the jungles of Borneo in one direction, the South China Sea in the other, making every inch of the climb worthwhile. Be warned though, the temperature can change very quickly up on the mountain, so bring clothes for all weather conditions. The climb from Laban Rata to the summit takes 2-4 hours and, due to the altitude, can be hard going even for the very fit. The first section from Laban Rata is along man made steps passing through vegetation. Once clear of the tree line, you will be walking up a series of wooden steps all the way to the final check point at Sayat Sayat. After witnessing the morning sunrise, return to Laban Rata for a well-earned breakfast, and then descend the mountain (approximately 3-6 hours) to enjoy a rewarding lunch at the bottom. Once everyone is down from the mountain you will continue on to Poring Hot Springs by bus (approximately 1 hour). Tonight you will stay at a hostel located right inside the springs complex itself, with a light and airy lounge room for you to relax in. The hostel has single bunk beds and the bathroom is shared.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
The window for climbing the summit trail is quite narrow so climbers need to reach Sayat Sayat check point by 5:30 am to continue, and must listen to the instructions of the mountain guide and leader about continuing. The mountain guide’s decision is final when it comes to safety on the mountain. After Sayat Sayat, there is a rope marking the trail all the way to the summit. Waterproof gloves are recommended to protect your hands from rope burn (as well as to keep them warm).

Poring Hot Springs is an ideal place to kick back for a day to recuperate after the mountain climb. These pools were developed by the Japanese during World War II, where warm sulphur water – believed to have healing properties for the skin – is piped into several man made open-air hot tubs. During school and public holidays it gets very busy here with local visitors. Depending on the time of year it might be possible to see the Rafflesia flower nearby. Rafflesia’s are the world’s largest flower and can grow up to a metre in size! Today, there are also a number of optional activities to choose from. There are graded paths leading through rich lowland forest to mountain rivers, waterfalls and bat caves, with birds and other wildlife often seen along the trail. A walkway in the tree canopy provides magnificent views or there's also a visit the enchanting butterfly farm. 

Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Poring Hot Springs - Hot Springs
Optional Activities
  • Poring Hot Springs - Butterfly Farm - MYR5
  • Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk - MYR5
  • Poring Hot Springs - Orchid Conservation Centre - MYR15
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today, journey by private bus into the steamy rainforest to Bilit – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River (approximately 5 hours). Take a short boat ride to the comfortable jungle lodge where you’ll spend the night. The lodge is located right on the riverbanks and is a good place to spot wildlife. In the early evening as the sun sets, head out by motorised boat in search of wildlife such as macaques, orangutan, proboscis monkeys and, if you’re lucky, even pygmy elephants! In the evening, take a night walk in search of the western tarsier. Rubber boots and leech socks are available to hire. The lodge tonight is comfortable with private bathrooms.
Accommodation
  • Jungle Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon wildlife cruise
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning, take another early boat safari in search of wildlife – different species come out at different times of the day, so keep your eyes peeled. After breakfast, say goodbye to your jungle lodge and hit the road in a private minivan to the coastal city of Sandakan (approximately 3 hours).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
Optional Activities
  • Sandakan - Agnes Keith House - MYR15
  • Sandakan - St Micheals and All Angels Church - MYR10
  • Sandakan - Puu Jih Shih Chinese Temple - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, leave your large bags at the hotel and walk 15 minutes to a nearby jetty. Travel by speedboat, past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, to Turtle Island Marine Park (approximately 1 hour), where green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs every night of the year. In the afternoon, there's time for swimming, snorkelling or some quality time lazing about on the beach of this tropical island. Snorkelling gear is available for hire. In the evening, be touched by the sight of giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight, and watch the researchers as they release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. It's a moving experience that makes you think more than twice about trying illegally traded turtle egg delicacies. Beware that this is a very delicate environment and you must follow instructions from your leader and the local rangers to ensure minimal impact on the turtles. You will spend the night on the island tonight.
Accommodation
  • Chalet (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
  • Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit
  • Turtle Island - Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Turtle Island - snorkel hire - MYR35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast, return to the mainland (approximately 1 hour), collect your bags, and continue by minibus to a guesthouse located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (approximately 45 minutes). The centre was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. From the viewing platform, you can watch and photograph these charming creatures as they swing into view and eat the supplementary diet of fruit that is laid out for them twice a day. 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. Also included is a new nursery where you can view young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. The viewing area is behind one-way glass so as to not disturb the animals. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here, rescued Sun Bears that have spent many years mistreated and locked away in cages are cared for, with hopes of rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild. There’s also the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary where you can watch up close the amazing proboscis lazing and feeding – an experience that can only be found in Borneo. A 30-minute walk from your guesthouse is the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which also has a 147-metre long, 28-metre high canopy walkway with spectacular views of rainforest giants. Your accommodation is located about 10 minutes’ walk from the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Accommodation
  • Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Optional Activities
  • Sepilok - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary - MYR120
  • Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre - MYR15
  • Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Centre - MYR32
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

In the morning, gain an insight into the Sandakan's past at its War Memorial, built on the site of a Japanese Prisoners Of War camp. This site also marks the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, on which 2400 POWs were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo. By the end of the march, only six Australians survived, and only because they had escaped. Afterwards, you will transfer to Sandakan airport and fly to Kota Kinabalu (approximately 1 hour). The flight usually gets back in the afternoon, so the rest of the day is free for your own activities. Perhaps do some last-minute shopping at the large shopping centres or take a wander down to the night market to pick up something more local. There’s also the chance tonight to get your travel crew together for an optional dinner, making a toast to this Sabah Adventure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sandakan - War Memorial
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The maximum check in luggage allowance for today’s flight is 15 kg. Excess weight will incur an extra cost to the traveller, payable to the airline.

Your Sabah Adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you are staying in Kota Kinabalu longer, then there are some additional activities that your leader can assist with booking. It’s best to pre book these activities with your leader at the beginning of your trip. There’s a scuba diving trip from Manukan Island to see the wonderful underwater world of Borneo, or an optional fun, interactive and educational visit to Mari Mari Cultural Village to see how indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo used to live.
Optional Activities
  • Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village - MYR180
  • Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul Marine Park Scuba diving 3 dives - MYR390
  • Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul National Marine Park Snorkeling Trip from Jesselton Jetty - MYR155
  • Kota Kinabalu - Cycling day trip - Fun & Green (16KM) - MYR350
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please remember most scuba diving companies recommend you don't fly for at least 24 hours after your last dive.

Meals

9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private mini van, River boat, Plane

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night), Hostel (3 nights), Hotel (5 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Dusun Village - Guided village walk
  • Dusun Village - Cultural performance
  • Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb
  • Poring Hot Springs - Hot Springs
  • Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon wildlife cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
  • Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
  • Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit
  • Turtle Island - Dinner
  • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Sandakan - War Memorial

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Important notes

1. Please provide passport details at time of booking, as these are essential for booking services on this trip including your Mt Kinabalu permit.
2. Strict luggage limits of maximum 7kg for carry on and 15 kg for check in luggage apply for the internal flight. Excess luggage will incur extra fees payable to the airline.
3. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip, excluding Day 2 (Dusun Village), Day 3 and 4 (Mt Kinabalu), Days 5-6 (Poring Hot Springs), Day 9 (Turtle Island) where we stay in multi-share accommodation.
4. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Eastern Sabah before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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