Sabah Adventure

11 Days | Explore the wildlife paradise of Sabah in lush Borneo

4.9 out of 5 based on 196 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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EUR €1,598
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Explore a land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on an 11-day Borneo adventure through Sabah. With its collection of unique animals, ancient traditions, hot springs, tribal villages, rescued orangutans and scenic views, Sabah has something for everyone. You’ll experience the very best of this part of Borneo – climbing Mt Kinabalu at sunrise, watching sea turtles lay their eggs with an expert local ranger by your side and sharing laughs with your local village hosts in a remote village. Visit conservation sanctuaries, search for local wildlife at different times of day and night along the Kinabatangan River (including pygmy elephants if you’re lucky) and explore the untouched wilderness of the World Heritage-Listed Kinabalu National Park.

Trip overview

Map of Sabah Adventure including Malaysia
Start
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Finish
Sepilok, Malaysia
Theme
Explorer
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
  • Climb Mt Kinabalu – the literal pinnacle of all treks in South East Asia – with local guides whose families have trekked the mountain for generations. Witness the sunrise at the peak after a morning hike and spot diverse flora and fauna along the way.
  • Spend time getting to know the unique wildlife of Borneo at conservation sanctuaries for orangutans and sun bears.
  • Join a local ranger to witness the life cycle of sea turtles, who come ashore on Turtle Island to lay their eggs on the beach. At night, you’ll watch the hatchlings make a dash down the beach on the way 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!
  • Spend a night in the Dusun village within the hills that sit in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Spend time with the friendly locals, watch a cultural performance and maybe hike through the surrounding fruit and rubber plantations.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Climbing Mt Kinabalu is a challenge that shouldn't be underestimated. The elevation is approximately 4095 m and we rise early to summit in the dark 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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

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 - 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 (Minimum 4 people) - MYR355
  • Kundasang - War Memorial (Entrance Fee) - MYR10
  • 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 - Rainforest Discovery Centre - MYR30
  • 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. If you prefer not to share a room on this trip, you may purchase a single supplement, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (Dusun Village), Days 3 & 4 (Mt Kinabalu), Days 5 & 6 (Poring Hot Springs), and Day 9 (Turtle Island), where you will be in shared accommodation.

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 196 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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Ella · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 14 Sep 2024

Alexandra · Traveled August 2024
I had such a wonderful time on this trip. It was the perfect mix of adventure/nature/with some down time. Mt Kinabalu was definitely a highlight as well as the turtles and all the other animals we were lucky to see. Jeffry was a great guide and his enthusiasm for nature was infectious.
Review submitted 06 Sep 2024

David · Traveled August 2024
Had an excellent time in Borneo seeing it's many amazing sights that can't be found anywhere else
Review submitted 06 Sep 2024

Hannah · Traveled August 2024
The Borneo Sabah 11 day trip was excellent. Our group was such an amazing mixture of awesome people and we were so lucky to see so much amazing wildlife. The hike was challenging but I really enjoyed it.
Review submitted 11 Sep 2024

Sarah · Traveled August 2024
The Sabah Adventure has everything - hiking, amazing animals, beautiful scenery and amazing food. I will remember this trip forever. If you are lucky enough to have Nelson as your guide, you will love it even more!
Review submitted 01 Sep 2024
Sabah Adventure
From
EUR €1,598