Sabah Adventure

11 Days | Explore Borneo's wildlife paradise – Sabah

4.9 out of 5 based on 136 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Walking & Trekking
From
CAD $2,763
View dates and book

Explore a mystical land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on this 11-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 with an expert local ranger by your side and sharing laughs with your local village hosts. Each moment of this incredible small group adventure will give you a fascinating insight into the wildlife of Borneo.

Trip overview

Map of Sabah Adventure including Malaysia
Start
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Finish
Sepilok, Malaysia
Theme
Explorer, Walking & Trekking
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
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
TMSC
This trip generates 41 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

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.
  • Join a local ranger and 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. The elevation is approximately 4095 metres, and we rise early to summit in the dark in order to witness the sunrise. It's an unforgettable climb for sure, but you'll need an excellent fitness level 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-borneo/
  • 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.

Itinerary

Map of Sabah Adventure including Malaysia

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private mini van, River Boat

Accommodation

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

Activities
  • Dusun Village - Guided village walk
  • Dusun Village - Cultural performance
  • Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb
  • Poring Hot Springs - Poring Conservation Fee
  • Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
  • Sandakan - War Memorial
  • Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
  • Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit
  • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Add on activities
  • Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee - MYR15
  • Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul National Marine Park Snorkeling Trip (Min 4) - MYR315
  • Kundasang - War Memorial - MYR15
  • Poring Hot Springs - Butterfly Farm - Free
  • Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk - MYR10
  • Poring Hot Springs - Orchid Conservation Centre - Free
  • Poring Hot Springs - Rafflesia Blooming Observation - MYR30
  • Poring Hot Springs - Hot Springs (Open Bath Tub) - (3 hours) - MYR10
  • Sandakan - Agnes Keith House - MYR15
  • Sandakan - St Micheals and All Angels Church - MYR10
  • Sandakan - Puu Jih Shih Chinese Temple - Free
  • Turtle Island - snorkel hire - MYR35
  • Sepilok - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary - MYR120
  • Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre - MYR20
  • Sepilok - Sun Bear Conservation Centre - MYR50

Dates and availability

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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. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2 (Dusun Village), Day 3 and 4 (Mt Kinabalu), Days 5-6 (Poring Hot Springs), Day 9 (Turtle Island), where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

3. 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. Further information can be found in our "Safety" section of the Essential Trip Information. You can find links to prominent government travel advisories our Travel Alerts page https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 136 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Emma · Traveled February 2024
Great trip! Fast paced and you will pack a lot in a short amount of time but it's a great way to see what sabah has to offer, don't underestimate the hike. Turtle Island is fantastic and the homestay was really special. Jeffrey was a great leader and Sam was great to book with. Value was good too which so much included. Accomodation is clean and comfortable. Highly recommend this trip!
Review submitted 24 Feb 2024

Ronald · Traveled February 2024
When you think about Borneo/Sabah, you might think Hot, Humid, Remote, and Exotic. This tour makes it doable. You will learn about another part of the world, its issues and challenges. During our tour, led by Johmin, a very knowledgeable and capable tour leader, we had experiences that left us in awe. An amazing experience you will never forget.
Review submitted 19 Feb 2024

David · Traveled February 2024
This trip was exceptional! The Mount Kinabalu climb was challenging but super rewarding. The animals and nature on the Kinabatangan River and Turtle Island were awesome and exceeded my high expectations. Our Leader, Johmin, was first rate and balanced individual needs with the group needs. I can't recommend this trip more highly.
Review submitted 17 Feb 2024

Jennifer · Traveled February 2024
Straight away we were immersed in culture at night markets in Kota Kinabalu. Every place was so special, and our tour was so lucky to see the big 5. The pigmy elephants up close and playing in the river and the orangutan at our window were highlights. Johmin our guide was so friendly, funny and full of knowledge. This trip is unique, takes you out of your comfort zone and makes you feel alive again! I feel especially lucky because I won this trip with flight centre Australia in their intrepid competition. 🦧 🍀
Review submitted 16 Feb 2024

Ronald · Traveled February 2024
Sabah Borneo. Exotic. Remote. Completely doable in comfort with Intrepid. An opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will treasure and never forget.
Review submitted 13 Feb 2024
Sabah Adventure
From
CAD $2,763