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



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

- 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
- 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
- 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
Inclusions
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Private Minivan, Boat, Plane
Tented Villa (2 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Resort (2 nights), Hotel (4 nights)
- Complimentary Airport 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 - Night jungle walk
- Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
- Sepilok - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
- Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Dinawan Island - Marine Ecosystem Program
- Dinawan Island - Snorkeling Trip
- Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee - MYR15
- Sandakan - War Memorial - Free
- Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre - MYR50
Dates and availability
Important notes
FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
AGE: Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.
DISCOUNT: A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
ARRIVAL TRANSFER: 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.
WEATHER: Borneo is a tropical country so rain can be excepted 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.
HOTEL LOCATIONS: 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.
FOOD: 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.
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