Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

455 Views
10 Days From

$2096

$1886

Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

10 Days Starting and ending in Kota Kinabalu

Visiting: Kota Kinabalu , Dusun Village, Kinabatangan River, Sepilok, Dinawan Island

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TMFK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $2096 $1886 Operator discount: -$210

NB: Prices correct on 25-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Pack up the troupe and head into Borneo's lush jungles on a family adventure. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys on a scenic cruise down the Kinabatangan River, or watch intelligent orangutangs on a visit to one of Borneo's best 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.

Highlights

  • 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

  • Grab a snorkel or soak up the relaxed beach vibe on glorious Dinawan Island

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Kota Kinabalu

Location: Kota Kinabalu

Accommodation: Horizon Hotel

Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 5pm.

If you arrive early, you can immerse yourself in history of this intriguing city between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea at the Sabah State Museum. You can also visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village, or perhaps explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu, excellent for swimming and snorkelling.


Included Activities:
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:
-Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee

Day 2: Dusun Village

Location: Dusun Village

Accommodation: Sabah Tea

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Leaving Kota Kinabalu behind, head for the hills and the unspoilt wilderness of the World Heritage-listed Kinabalu National Park. Stop off en route at a local home in a Dusun village. The Dusun people are wonderfully welcoming, and here you'll have the chance to learn about their culture as you sample local dishes at a home cooked lunch. If you are lucky, you may get to sample linopot, a tasty snack featuring rice tightly wrapped inside a leaf. Join a guided half day village walk that includes a visit to the local bee farm and see coffee being produced at a local factory. You’ll also meet the women from Everything Pineapple, a business that's known for its delicious pineapple products. This NGO empowers local women to reach new heights socially and financially and has some of the best jam you’ll ever taste. In the afternoon, travel by private bus to Sabah Tea Plantation where you will spend the night in a beautiful cottage nestled among the grounds of a lush tea garden

Included Activities:
-Dusun Village - Guided village walk

Day 3: Kinabatangan River

Location: Kinabatangan River

Accommodation: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

After breakfast, drive to Kinabatangan River in a private vehicle where you will arrive at your jungle lodge, located 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.

Included Activities:
-Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise

Day 4: Kinabatangan River

Location: Kinabatangan River

Accommodation: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Be woken by the the call of a Bornean gibbon, or perhaps a 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 will make a special visit to our Intrepid Foundation partner, RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT) to learn about the important work they are doing and help plant some grass for the Borneo pygmy elephants. In the evening you get your last chance to take as many photos as you can on a final river cruise before the final night in your lovely accommodation right in the heart of the jungle.

Included Activities:
-Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise
-Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
-Kinabatangan River - Night wildlife Spotting cruise
-Kinabatangan River - RESPECT (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit & elephant grass planting

Day 5: Sepilok

Location: Sepilok

Accommodation: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, travel to Sepilok where you will spend the next two nights in a beautiful rainforest resort. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy how you would like. You may choose to take a nature walk in the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre, swim in the resort pool or visit Sandakan, once the capital of British North Borneo (additional cost for transport applies). The Sandakan War Memorial was originally a Japanese Prisoner of War Campy and also marks the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, of which 2,400 POWs were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo. Of this number, only 6 survived, owing to courageous escapes.

Optional Activities:
-Sandakan - War Memorial - Free

Day 6: Sepilok

Location: Sepilok

Accommodation: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast

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. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential that you follow the instructions of the park, as directed by your leader, at all times. 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 perhaps head into town for a spot of shopping.

Included Activities:
-Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Optional Activities:
-Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Day 7: Dinawan Island

Location: Dinawan Island

Accommodation: Ara Dinawan Island Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning head to Sandakan Airport for a short flight to Kota Kinabalu. After touching down we will take a private transfer south to the jetty before boarding a boat out to the beautiful Dinawan Island. After checking into your villa tents, you will have time to explore the island, relax or enjoy one of the many activities offered by the resort.


Day 8: Dinawan Island

Location: Dinawan Island

Accommodation: Ara Dinawan Island Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast you and your family will learn more about the Marine Ecosystem on the island with a programme which will give you insight into the importance of the coral to marine biodiversity. First up will be an informative talk about the coral reef ecosystem and the importance of the reef to marine life. Then we swap the indoor classroom to the outdoor classroom 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 damages and healings, observing and identifying marine life with your specialist. A fun way for the entire family to explore this beautiful part of the world. Heading back to shore the afternoon will be free to enjoy at your own pace.
Perhaps soak up the turquoise vistas for another few hours or if you are keen you can take out kayaks (free) for some more fun on the water. 


Included Activities:
-Dinawan Island - Marine Ecosystem Program

Day 9: Kota Kinabalu

Location: Kota Kinabalu

Accommodation: Horizon Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Hit the water again this morning with a local guide for another snorkelling trip.. Then after lunch, it's time to say goodbye to this piece of paradise and head back to Kota Kinabalu. After checking into the hotel you will have time to relax before the option of a final group dinner to celebrate your incredible Borneo adventure.

Included Activities:
-Dinawan Island - Snorkeling Trip

Day 10: Kota Kinabalu

Location: Kota Kinabalu

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your Borneo family adventure comes to an end after breakfast today and you are free to leave anytime.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4-star Hotel (2 nights), Cottage (1 night), Resort (4 nights), Tented Villa (2 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

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Mt Kinabalu National Park - Lower trails guided walk
  • Kinabatangan River - Wildlife spotting cruise
  • Sabah Tea Plantation - Tea factory tour
  • Kinabatangan River - Wildlife spotting cruise
  • Sepilok - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
  • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Dinawan Island - Snorkeling Trip
  • Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Cultural Village

Transport

  • We believe that the vehicles you use pay an important part in your holiday so where possible we include a wide variety of vehicles from local remorks or tuk tuks in Asia to feluccas on the Nile as well as the ubiquitous air conditioned minibus.

Accommodation

  • GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
  • Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room.
  • Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room.
  • Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.

Important Information

  • 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 to have your own room. 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

Mode of Transport

  • We believe that the vehicles you use pay an important part in your holiday so where possible we include a wide variety of vehicles from local remorks or tuk tuks in Asia to feluccas on the Nile as well as the ubiquitous air conditioned minibus.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

    Borneo is renowned for it's beautiful nature and we aim to immerse you in the experience as much as possible. As a result some of the accommodations will be in remote locations with limited access to restaurants and shops.

    Travelling light is highly recommended as there is a 15 kg maximum luggage limit due to the internal flight. Excess luggage may incur extra fees.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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Operator discount: -$337

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Operator discount: -$210

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Operator discount: -$210

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Operator discount: -$210

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Operator discount: -$210

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Prices last published on 24-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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