
11 Days | Orangutans, jungle adventures and an epic mountain climb in Borneo.





Travel across Borneo’s biodiverse Sabah region, immersing yourself in nature and learning about the island’s Indigenous cultures. From orangutan encounters and traditional village homestays to soaking in natural hot springs after summiting the mighty Mount Kinabalu in time for sunrise, this 11-day adventure through Borneo is anything but boring. Where else can you spot pygmy elephants on a riverbank one day and see proboscis monkeys the next (not to mention slow lorises, flying foxes and rescued sun bears)? Wildlife lovers, you are in for a treat on this unforgettable trip.
Trip overview

- Start
- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Finish
- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Theme
- 18 to 29s
- Destinations
- Malaysia
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 18 - Max 29
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- TMYS
Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
You book, we donate to help support local communities
- This is one of very few places in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild – observe these gentle giants living their best jungle life in the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre.
- Keep your eyes on the shoreline and the forest canopy to spot troops of monkeys, abundant birdlife and – if you’re lucky – pygmy elephants as you cruise along the Kinabatangan River.
- Tackle a challenging but scenic trail to reach the summit of the mighty Mt Kinabalu in time to catch a spectacular sunrise.
- Spend a night at a family homestay in a village along the Kinabatangan River to experience what local life is really like.
- Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the Bornean rainforest and spot tropical birds from your treehouse-style hut at a small community-run eco camp.
- Check out our guide to trekking Mt Kinabalu: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/guide-to-climbing-mt-kinabalu-borneo/
- You’ll get the chance to stay in a variety of accommodation on this trip, from guesthouses and homestays, to hostels, a hotel and an eco-camp. It can be basic, but it’s always comfortable.
- A single supplement is only available on the hotel nights in Kota Kinabalu on this trip. All other nights will be based on twin or dormitory accommodation.
- The Mt Kinabalu trek is definitely challenging, including an altitude of more than 2800 metres and an early morning summit in the dark. We recommend a good level of fitness to be able to enjoy this unforgettable climb.
Itinerary
Inclusions
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Boat, Private vehicle, Plane
Jungle Lodge (3 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hostel (3 nights), Hotel (2 night), Eco Camp (1 night)
- Kinabatangan - Cultural Show
- Sandakan - War Memorial
- Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
- Kinabatangan River - Morning River Cruise
- Kinabatangan River - Cooking lesson
- Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Mt Kinabalu - 2 Day Climb
- Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee - MYR15
- Kinabatangan - Batu Tulug Caves - MYR15
- Kinabatangan River - Tree Planting - MYR50
- Kinabatangan River - Boat Cruise - MYR50
- Sepilok - Night Walk at Rainforest Discovery Centre - MYR50
- Sepilok - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary - MYR120
- Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre - MYR50
- Kundasang - War Memorial - MYR15
- Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk - MYR10
- Poring Hot Springs - Orchid Conservation Centre - Free
- Poring Hot Springs - Butterfly Farm - Free
- Poring Hot Springs - Hot Springs (Open Bath Tub) - (3 hours) - MYR10
- Poring Hot Springs - Rafflesia Blooming Observation - MYR30
- Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul Marine Park Scuba diving 3 dives - MYR400
- Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul National Marine Park - Snorkeling Trip - MYR260
- Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village (Entrance) - MYR100
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 & 9 where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. The maximum luggage allowance on the internal flight flight is 15kg. Any additional baggage will be at your own expense, payable to the airline directly.
3. Please provide passport details at time of booking at at least 35 days prior to your trip in order for us to book your internal flight and Mt Kinabalu climbing permits.
4. Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness.
5.Please note that a rapid antigen test is required for climbing Mt Kinabalu. This can easily be organized locally at a cost about 2 USD per test, or you may bring one from home.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL WARNINGS FOR EASTERN SABAH
Please note for various nationalities in particular Australian, UK, Irish, New Zealand and United States, different increased Government travel warnings are currently in place for Eastern Sabah. We ask all of our travellers to familiarise themselves with their own Government Travel Advisories and to check that these Government warnings do not affect the level of coverage that is offered to them by their Travel Insurance provider. Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and your insurance must cover you for all activities and areas visited as part of this tour. Please contact your Travel Insurance provider to ensure you have adequate cover for travel to Eastern Sabah.
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.
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