Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. When you arrive in Sepilok, you’ll be collected from Sandakan Airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight to meet your local leader and group members. If you arrive early, maybe explore the historical and cultural sites of Sandakan Heritage Trail or visit the Puu Jih Shih Temple to see beautiful architecture and panoramic views. After your meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and try some local dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice) or laksa (noodle soup).

Today is a highlight for many, visiting the region's prized residents at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In the nursery you can view young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit the newly opened Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here rescued Sun Bears that have spent many years being mistreated and locked away in cages are cared for, with hopes of rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy by the pool or exploring the local area.

After breakfast, drive to Kinabatangan River to your jungle lodge beside the river, ideal for taking in the lush surrounds. The Kinabatangan River is a protected forest reserve, containing some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. In the afternoon, board a river cruise, hopefully spotting some of the more exotic local creatures. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and kingfishers are more easily seen. After this short adventure, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner.

Be woken by the call of a Bornean gibbon or hornbill before a morning cruise down the river. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, Borneo gibbons, long tail macaques and pig tail macaques and see if you can spot the differences between each species. This afternoon, you’ll visit our Intrepid Foundation partner, RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT) to learn about the important work they’re doing and help plant some grass for the pygmy elephants. In the evening, head out on a river cruise before the final night in your jungle accommodation.

After breakfast, travel to Kundasang – a little town that sits in the shadow of Mount Kinabalu. This is a long drive, so have your favourite book or travel games ready. When you arrive in Kundasang (if the weather’s right), have your camera ready to capture the views of Mt Kinabalu. From here, maybe visit the Kundasang War Memorial to learn about the Sandakan Death Marches or walk through the memorial gardens. Tonight, settle into your wooden cabin and take in the views of Mount Kinabalu from your doorstep.

This morning, travel by boat to the beautiful Dinawan Island. Surrounded by reefs and sandbanks, the island is known for rich its marine life, popular snorkelling spots and commitment to eco-tourism. After checking into your villa tents, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the island. Maybe go paddle boarding and explore the island’s shoreline or simply relax and enjoy one of the many activities offered by the resort.

After breakfast, you and your family will learn more about the marine ecosystem on the island and the importance of the coral to marine biodiversity. Then, swap the indoor classroom for an outdoor one on a one-hour snorkelling trip with a marine biologist. Take a boat out to the nearby house reef to have a closer look at the types of corals, the habitat, signs of damage and healing and observe and identify different types of marine life with your specialist. This is a fun way for the entire family to explore this beautiful part of the world and your kids are bound to love it! Head back to the shore in the afternoon for some free time to enjoy at your own pace. Maybe soak up the beauty of the coast for another few hours or take out a couple of kayaks for some more fun on the water.

This morning, it's time to say goodbye to this piece of paradise and head back to Kota Kinabalu. When you arrive back to the mainland, step back in time and experience the rich heritage of Borneo on your visit to the cultural village. Watch traditional dance performances, learn how to start a fire with just bamboo and try your hand at playing some musical instruments at the Bajau House. After lunch and a day filled with hands-on activities, check-in to your hotel and maybe head out to dinner with your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

Your family adventure comes to an end after breakfast today and you’re free to leave anytime. If you’d like to stay longer, just talk to your booking agent ahead of time.