Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

10 Days | Hang out with orangutans and snorkel in pristine waters on this unforgettable family escape

4.9 out of 5 based on 14 reviews submitted.
Family
Wildlife
From
USD $1,605
View dates and book

Pack up the troupe and head into Borneo's lush jungles on a family adventure. Keep an eye out for cheeky monkeys on a scenic cruise down the Kinabatangan River, or let the monkeys come to you on a visit to one of Borneo's famous animal sanctuaries. Learn about a bygone era with an eye-opening visit to a Dusun village and wander through vast tea plantations in Ranau. Stop off at the idyllic Dinawan Island and see the colourful fish living beneath its shimmering waters. Everywhere you look, this island is brimming with unforgettable memories. 

Trip overview

Map of Borneo Family Holiday Comfort including Malaysia
Start
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Finish
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Theme
Family, Wildlife
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
Comfort
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 2 - Max 16
Trip code
TMFK
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Watch young orangutans learning to climb for the first time at the Sepilok Sanctuary
  • Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife on a cruise down the Kinabatangan River
  • Soak up the relaxed beach vibe on glorious Dinawan Island
  • Experience the hospitality of the Dusun people while enjoying lunch in a rural village
  • Explore the unspoilt wilderness of the Kinabalu National Park
  • Look over rolling green hills of tea with a night at a tea plantation, including a sampling of delicious local varieties

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip covers a lot of distance, so be prepared for some long drives of up to 5 hours. Wherever possible, you'll make stops in interesting locations to break up the trip.
  • The accommodation varies, from hotels to unique chalets to jungle lodges. The latter two may be a little more basic than our standard hotels. Their unique location and close proximity to wildlife is what makes them special.
  • This trip visits Kinabalu National Park, however we do not climb the mountain.
  • Travelling light is essential, as there is a strict 15 kg maximum luggage limit due to the internal flight. Excess luggage will incur extra fees.

Itinerary

Map of Borneo Family Holiday Comfort including Malaysia

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private Minivan, Boat, Plane

Accommodation

Tented Villa (2 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Resort (2 nights), Hotel (4 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden
  • Dusun Village - Guided village walk
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise
  • Sabah Tea Plantation - Tea factory tour
  • Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Night wildlife Spotting cruise
  • Sepilok - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
  • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Dinawan Island - Marine Ecosystem Program
  • Dinawan Island - Snorkeling Trip
Add on activities
  • Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee - MYR15
  • Sandakan - War Memorial - Free
  • Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre - MYR50

Dates and availability

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Important notes

01. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
02. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.
03. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
04. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
05. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
06. Borneo is a tropical country so rain can be expected at any time. The wet period in Borneo runs from November to February. Temperatures remain fairly constant year round with averages of 27-32°C/80-89°F and relative humidity of around 80%. Consider bringing a portable small neck fan with you to keep you and your family cool.
07. Many hotels outside of the big cities of Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan have been built so travellers can enjoy the countryside, forest/mountain views, where people can wake up to nature sounds not cars. Many of the hotels we use are in such locations and can be quite remote. So access to restaurants are limited.
08. Borneo’s food is known for being fairly mild, with high reliance on fresh fruit and vegetables.
The cuisine is a mix of  Chinese, Malay and Indian. Cuisine staples include grilled fish, barbecued prawns, fried rice, noodles, and local vegetables seasoned with garlic, ginger, and rich sauces. Fish and chicken based soups with noodles cooked in a hot clay pot are very traditional.
09. 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 14 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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Michael · Traveled December 2023
Our Family Borneo Trip was amazing from start to finish without guide Edwin making it so. His enthusiasm, knowledge and organisation throughout was second to none. Keeping the Tour to a maximum of 15 meant a very personal experience.
Review submitted 07 Jan 2024

Narmatha · Traveled December 2023
I absolutely highly recommend this trip for families with Intrepid. Wholesome and fantastic way to experience Borneo wildlife. I cant wait to join another Intrepid tour
Review submitted 30 Dec 2023

Stephen · Traveled December 2023
Great option for a family holiday where all the hard work is done for you, a good way to explore the roads less travlled and immers yourself in the local culture
Review submitted 30 Dec 2023

Erin · Traveled September 2023
Excellent guide and trip - very well organised and good range of activities and down time. Definitely recommend to others.
Review submitted 16 Oct 2023

Clare · Traveled August 2023
Our tour of Borneo was always going to be special but it far exceeded that due to the care and attention our group leader showed as well as the friendships that were forged amongst the group. An incredible experience for the whole family.
Review submitted 14 Aug 2023
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
From
USD $1,605