Borneo
Essential Sabah with Total Holiday Options
Essential Sabah
This 10-day tour offers some of Borneo’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters, including orangutan sightings, scenic river cruises, and immersive rainforest experiences. Designed at a leisurely pace, the itinerary includes ample free time for you to relax and fully absorb the incredible surroundings. Accommodation is generally comfortable, with a few nights spent in rustic jungle lodges—some without air conditioning—for an authentic touch. The program is thoughtfully paced and compact, suitable for travellers with average fitness levels.
Deal Includes:
- 9 nights accommodation
- Assistance and transfers by vehicles and boats
- Meals as specified (drinks are not included)
- English speaking local guides
- Sightseeing as specified
- Entrance fees
- One-way Economy Class airfare between Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan
- Bottled water while travelling
- All current applicable taxes except Malaysian Tourism Tax
- Malaysian Tourism Tax (RM10 per room per night at all accommodation) - payable directly to the hotels is additional
Travel Dates & Pricing
- From $3997 per person share twin. Based on select departure date of 15 Mar 26
- From $4397 per person share twin. Based on select departure dates of 12 Apr, 11 May, 14 Jun, 12 Jul, 16 Aug, 13 Sep, 11 Oct, 15 Nov & 11 Dec 26
- Ask us about Solo Traveller Pricing!
- International flights are additional
Itinerary
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by our Tour executive who will assist you with the transfer & check-in at the hotel.
Stay two nights at Kota Kinabalu.
Depart Kota Kinabalu for the 3-hour drive to Poring Hot Spring for a chance to observe wildlife and the trees from 100 feet above the forest floor. Later proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinabalu Park.
Enjoy a guided nature walk with a park naturalist to see an impressive collection of mountain flora and fauna along with the National Park gallery providing more information on the park’s botanic diversity.
(B, L)
After breakfast, transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport for your flight to Sandakan. Upon arrival in Sandakan, meet and transfer to Resort at Sepilok. Set in 25 acres of rainforest bordering the Sepilok forest reserve, a protected area rich in wildlife. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to relax, swim in the pool or go for a walk on the resort’s own 1,050-metre-long boardwalk. Stay two nights in Sepilok.
(B, D)
This morning will be yours at leisure. After lunch, proceed to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary for the 1430 hours feeding session. Later, proceed to the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), an education centre located within the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. Before dinner, head to the flying squirrel platform to see if the red giant flying squirrels emerge from their nests and fly across the resort.
(B, L, D)
Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where captive orangutans are reintroduced into the wild. Later depart for Sandakan in a boat and arrive at Abai and check-in at the hotel.
Enjoy a guided night walk around the Lodge’s nature boardwalk and search for insects, birds, and other wildlife.
Stay two nights in Jungle Lodge. (non-air conditioned).
(B, L, D)
In the early morning take another boat trip for bird watching and wildlife viewing at the nearby Pitas Lake. After breakfast at the lodge visit the nearby Abai village and participate in a tree planting project. Enjoy a local-style lunch prepared and served by the villagers. Rest and relax before another cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife.
(B, L, D)
After breakfast, check out and then cruise upriver to Sukau, searching for wildlife along the way. Arrive Sukau, check-in and have lunch. Later cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the Menanggul River in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Stay two nights in Sukau.
(B, L, D)
At 0630 hours take a boat trip for bird watching and wildlife viewing at the nearby Ox Bow Lake. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to enjoy your own activities.
(B, L, D)
After early breakfast return to Sandakan by boat. Arrive at Sandakan.
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free at leisure to relax, swim in the pool or go for a walk on the resort’s own 1,050-metre long boardwalk. In the evening meet to enjoy the farewell dinner.
(B, L, D)
After breakfast, the tour finishes with a transfer to the Sandakan airport where you board a flight for your onward journey.
(B)
B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner
Terms & Conditions
Prices are correct as at 27 Oct 25 • Prices are thereafter subject to change without notice until time of confirmation. Deposit of $500 per person required at the time of booking, the price mentioned is for low season and excludes festival dates where a surcharge may apply. The valid price will be provided at the time of quotation/booking. Prices are based on booking at least 60 days prior to commencement of tour. Prices are per person in NZ dollars for cash or cheque purchase only • Full payment is required at least 90 days prior to departure, unless otherwise requested. Malaysian Tourism Tax (RM10) per room per night is payable direct to all hotels. • Valid for travel commenced and completed as specified • Some surcharges and closeouts may apply. Where meals are included, this is food only, beverages are an extra cost. • Tours depart daily with a minimum of two passengers. • Advertised prices are per person share twin based on payment by cash or cheque. Credit card fees will apply • Amendment and cancellation fees apply • Accommodation is subject to availability. Accommodation upgrades are available. • Airfares are not included and are an additional cost • Please ask your House of Travel consultant for full details. Supplier Code: THO