- Stay at a Kinabatangan jungle lodge with jungle walks and wildlife river cruises
- Visit Kinabalu National Park, trekking and bathing in hot springs
- See the orangutans of Sepilok and proboscis monkeys of Labuk Bay
- Relax on a tropical island with white-sand beaches and spectacular snorkelling
Borneo Wildlife Family Holiday
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12 Days
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13 Days
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Incl. taxes
Excl. flights
Family
Itinerary
Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu
Depart London
Depart London
Start Kota Kinabalu
The adventure starts at our hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Today is a free day but there is a welcome meeting in the evening with your tour leader; details of where and when this will take place will have been left at the hotel reception. Check-in is from 2pm.
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is an intriguing city born between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea. Having recovered from Second World War bombings, KK now possesses a gateway charm only found in frontier towns. If you have enough free time, immerse yourself in local history at the Sabah State Museum or visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village for a fun, interactive learning experience.
Accommodation: Dreamtel Hotel (or similar)
Hike through rubber and fruit plantation; spend the night in a homestay in Tanak Nabalu village
Leaving the city, we head towards Mount Kinabalu. After two hours to 2hr 30min, we arrive at the Dusun village of Tanak Nabalu (please note, the roads to the village are quite bad so we may have to use smaller minibuses for this journey). The Dusun people are the largest ethnic group in Sabah, the province of Borneo where we find ourselves.
In the village, we are separated into different homestays and spend the rest of the day hiking through orchards and rubber plantations, going for a swim in the river, exploring the village and, possibly, if anyone is feeling energetic, playing football on the village pitch.
This evening, we gather for a cultural show, which helps the Dusun people preserve their ancient, traditional dances. As not all families speak English, our tour leader hands out language sheets and assists with communication.
Accommodation: Tanak Nabalu homestay
To Kinabalu National Park, exploring the lower trails and botanical gardens; overnight in local resort lodge
This morning, we visit Mini Mount Kinabalu, a natural rock formation that looks exactly like the summit of Mount Kinabalu. We continue into Kinabalu National Park (approximately 30 minutes). Here we go for a one to two-hour hike along some of the lower trails and the Mountain Botanical Gardens, which has an excellent showcase of the mountain’s diverse plant life.
There is the option to visit the Kundasang War Memorial, which commemorates prisoners of war who died during the infamous death marches of the Second World War. The memorial is formed of four gardens: the Australian, English, Malaysian and the Contemplation Garden that represent the different nationalities.
We then take a short transfer to the Zen Garden Resort, where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Zen Garden Resort (or similar)
Transfer to Sabah Tea Gardens; soak in Poring Hot Springs and take to the trees with a canopy walk
This morning, we transfer (one hour) to the Poring Hot Spring, where we have plenty of time to enjoy the cool pools and hot tubs (into which the steaming hot water is piped) plus the well-maintained, self-guided walking trails to a nearby waterfall. The hot springs can get quite busy, especially during school and public holidays, so you may wish to pay the additional charge to enjoy a private bath if you want a good soak.
We later take to the trees as we head on a canopy walkway, which follows a trail including several suspension bridges hanging from the trees at canopy level, some up to 130ft (40m) above the ground.
There is also a butterfly and orchid garden within the complex. We later take a short transfer to the Sabah Tea Gardens, where we spend the night in a traditional reconstructed longhouse with shared bathrooms.
Accommodation: Sabah Tea Longhouse
Visit tea factory; onto Kinabatangan; enjoy morning and afternoon river cruises; explore the jungle on foot
Waking to spectacular views over the mountain, we start with an early morning visit to the tea plantation, learning about tea production, before driving to Kinabatangan (approximately five to six hours).
The Kinabatangan River is the longest in Sabah and the lower reaches are recognised as one of the best places in Southeast Asia for wildlife viewing. The forests are home to 10 primate species, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys and gibbons, plus hornbills, crocodiles and the elusive pygmy elephants, which drink at the river.
We spend the next day and a half exploring the jungle. We go on river cruises, jungle hikes, a night walk and plant trees.
Accommodation: Bilit Adventure Lodge (or similar)
Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and optional visit to the Rainforest Discovery Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
The next two days are spent in and around Sepilok. The drive to Labuk Bay and the proboscis monkey sanctuary takes about three to four hours. These monkeys, only found in Borneo, are very distinctive with their large noses and can often be seen jumping between trees with tremendous leaps through the air.
After visiting the sanctuary, we continue to Sepilok (about 40 minutes’ away) where we stay in a guesthouse with a pool just five minutes from the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
The Kabili Sepilok Reserve, established in the 1960s, is home to between 60 and 80 rehabilitated orangutans, which roam freely in the forest. Additionally, the rehabilitation centre was established to care for the apes and is home to a further 25 young, orphaned orangutans who live in a nursery. The rehabilitation centre provides medical care for the orphaned and confiscated apes plus various other wild animals.
While the semi-wild orangutans roam free in the reserve and forage for food, their diet is supplemented by milk and banana. There are two feedings a day, at 10am and 3pm, and we have the opportunity to witness both.
There is also the opportunity to visit the nearby Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre. The smallest of all bears, sun bears were once widely found across much of Asia but have drastically decreased in numbers. The centre aims to protect and promote conservation to return these bears to the forest.
The nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre is a centre for environmental education within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Its primary function is to create public awareness and appreciation of the importance of conserving forests, as well as the sustainable use of forest resources. The 482ft (147m) long, 92ft (28m) high steel canopy walkway gives spectacular views of beautiful rainforest giants, such as the mengaris tree, and there are 250 bird species to spot.
Accommodation: Sepilok Jungle Resort (or similar)
Fly back to Kota Kinabalu and transfer to Manukan Island
Leaving early, we head to Sandakan Airport (about 25 minutes) for our flight back to Kota Kinabalu (40 minutes). Please note, there is a 33lb (15kg) restriction on checked baggage for the domestic flight, but it is possible to pay for excess luggage at the airport or your leader can arrange this at the start of the tour.
Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, we travel by boat to Manukan Island, part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Manukan is the second biggest island in the national park and is covered in thick forest with a nice beach and some good corals for snorkelling. There is also a network of easy walking trails.
We spend the next two nights in the lovely Manukan Island Resort, which has Balinese-style villas facing the South China Sea. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the pool and beach.
Accommodation: Manukan Island Resort (or similar)
Spend the day snorkelling in Tunku Abdul Marine Park
Today we explore Tunku Abdul Marine Park on a snorkelling trip to some of the best sites with vibrant coral and colourful fish.
Accommodation: Manukan Island Resort (or similar)
Free day before transferring back to Kota Kinabalu
We have a leisurely morning to enjoy the beach before heading back to Kota Kinabalu. On some departures, the flight schedules may require us to catch the evening flight to Kuala Lumpur connecting to the overnight flight back; in such cases, those on the group flights will be taken to the airport in time for their flight. Otherwise, we have time in Kota Kinabalu for last-minute shopping and our final night in Borneo.
Accommodation: Dreamtel Hotel (or similar)
End Kota Kinabalu
The trip ends after breakfast in Kota Kinabalu. Of course, if you’d like to explore a little longer, speak to your sales representative about booking post-tour nights.
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Trip Experts
Nostalia Jaidul
Expert Leader: Borneo
Reviews
Add your own reviewFabulous family fun
We are traveling as a family of four with our two girls, 13 and 11 years old for four months. This tour was a highlight of our trip so far. We absolutely loved the animals and the jungle as well as being exposed to the culture and people of Sabah. Our tour guide Nostalia was a fountain of knowledge and took such amazing care of us. The people of Sabah are friendly and welcoming and with our guide as a translator we learned so much more than we otherwise would have.
Most Inspirational Moment
Staying on the Kinabatang river at the jungle lodge was such a fantastic part of the trip. We absolutely loved seeing all kinds of monkeys, proboscis, silver leaf, long and pig tailed macaques as well as crocodiles and the absolute highlight was seeing the Pygmy elephants. The jungles of Borneo are spectacular and our guide was fantastic at spotting things in the jungle and the river while our guide was able to name and tell us details about the animals, insects, birds and plants.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nostalia really made the trip for us. Her knowledge and caring nature as well as always letting us know what the plan was and what to expect really helped to make us feel comfortable. The organization was incredible and we were very impressed how smoothly things ran through the entire trip. We felt so much more connected to the people and the culture with her as our guide. We hope that she will come to visit us in Canada so we can show her around.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Definitely come to Borneo! It was so much more than I expected and I have a lifetime worth of memories that I will treasure.
Amazing Family Holiday with Expert Guiding
We had such a great holiday which was made even better by having our guide Nostalia show us the way from start to finish. We were fortunate to see some very rare and unusual wildlife including Pygmy Elephants. With our guide’s help we were able to see some things that we would likely have missed otherwise: baby crocodiles, hornbills etc.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing a herd of Wild Pygmy Elephants was a definite highlight. But, there were many amazing parts of the trip. Too many to count.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Nostalia, was brilliant. She was knowledgeable about everything and her enthusiasm for conservation shone through. Don’t underestimate the value of having a good guide on a holiday like this!
Advice for Potential Travellers
The adventure lodge may not have hire boots to fit you if like me you have big feet. Folks in Malaysia tend to be smaller on average so size 12+ boots are a rare breed! Bring shoes that you can hose down. Remember that the accommodation is not supposed to be luxury. If you keep this in mind you won’t be disappointed as all accommodation exceeded our expectations.
Suggestions
A wonderful holiday that we thoroughly enjoyed and would (and have already) recommended to others.
Amazing family wildlife adventure
Memorable trip across Sabah taking in the best the island has to offer – all delivered by a brilliant & knowledgable guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing groups of rare Pygmy elephants in the wild. Seeing orangutans families. Staying with a Bornean family in their home, exploring the foothills of Kinubalu.
Thoughts on Group Leader
10/10. Organised, knowledgeable, friendly and passionate. Nostalia is an exceptional group leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it!
Suggestions
Perfect itinerary ending with some chilled beach time - such a fascinating journey.
Amazing family wildlife adventure
Memorable trip across Sabah taking in the best the island has to offer – all delivered by a brilliant & knowledgable guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing groups of rare Pygmy elephants in the wild. Seeing orangutans families. Staying with a Bornean family in their home, exploring the foothills of Kinubalu.
Thoughts on Group Leader
10/10. Organised, knowledgeable, friendly and passionate. Nostalia is an exceptional group leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it!
Suggestions
Perfect itinerary ending with some chilled beach time - such a fascinating journey.
Amazing family wildlife adventure
Memorable trip across Sabah taking in the best the island has to offer – all delivered by a brilliant & knowledgable guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing groups of rare Pygmy elephants in the wild. Seeing orangutans families. Staying with a Bornean family in their home, exploring the foothills of Kinubalu.
Thoughts on Group Leader
10/10. Organised, knowledgeable, friendly and passionate. Nostalia is an exceptional group leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it!
Suggestions
Perfect itinerary ending with some chilled beach time - such a fascinating journey.
Amazing adventure!
We have just returned from this trip and it was amazing! We travelled as a family of 3 (son aged 16) and there was one other family of five in our group (with three children aged 10-14). We all got on so well, including with our fabulous tour guide, Beverly! Borneo is a beautiful island! The stunning rainforest, Mount Kinabalu, the hornbills, proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards, turquoise waters, incredible sunsets, exotic flowers, sun bears… I could go on and on!
Most Inspirational Moment
You will see some incredible sights - stunning scenery (especially at Sabah Tea), insights into both city and rural life (the homestay was fantastic!), wildlife close-up (we saw an orang utan breastfeeding her baby) and get to experience a variety of accommodations (the longhouse is unlike anything else!). Every single person we met, from drivers, to hotel staff, to other guests were incredibly happy and friendly and this added to the wonderful feel to our holiday. It is impossible to choose just one moment!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Beverly was simply wonderful! She had excellent subject knowledge, kept the group at the right place at the right time and left us without a worry so that we could just enjoy the holiday! She went above and beyond throughout, could spot the smallest bird from a great distance, taught us about environmental issues, tried to teach us some Malay and was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the Death Marches and the local customs. Everywhere we went, she knew someone and was welcomed with open arms! She is an absolute gem!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Shorts and t-shirts are the staple wear. You only really need long trousers for the night walk and if you want to protect your legs from evening bugs. Are there lots of bugs? There are some, but armed with the recommended Skin So Soft and Deet bug spray we only had a few minor bites between us. Is there wifi? Pretty much everywhere and mostly free! It costs 10RM (about £2) at the river lodge. I am vegetarian and whilst I always managed to find something to eat, the choice can be limited in places - especially at the jungle lodge, but you won't starve! Water shoes are good for swimming in the waterfall at Poring Springs as you have to walk across rocks to get in and it is rocky underfoot - you can also use these on the beach on Manukan Island. No need to worry about buying leech socks - you can rent them at the river lodge for just 5RM. Although it says a head torch in the trip notes, take a handheld one as the only time you really need it is for the night walk and you will be told not to wear it on your head as it can be bad for the sleeping birds (yes, birds just sat there on branches looking incredible!). If you are on the group flight, ask to pay to book seats together. We did not know about this and were seated separately. Once you have your booking reference, you can then pay a small amount to book your seats on all of the other flights if you want to sit together. The 15kg weight limit for luggage is very important! You will also be carrying your own bags a lot, so travel light! Of the optional trips, we went to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the War Memorial and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. All were excellent and I would recommend saying "yes" to them all!
Suggestions
If you are considering this trip, just go for it! It is a fantastic adventure and for children, it will open their eyes to a completely different world!
Life Changing Experience
Just back and can’t quite believe what we saw and experienced on this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
We were lucky enough to see a wild pigmy elephant, crossing the river right in front of our boat. Lucky for us, we were alone on the river. Sunrise at the Wildlife Discovery Centre in Sepilok had us up close with a somewhat angry wild orang-utan, which was definitely an experience! At the Sun Bear Sanctuary we met Poppa Bear (Wong) who, if you've seen the ITV Borneo show with Judi Dench, you will know instantly. He, like every other Bornean, was extremely friendly, and happy to chat at length about about the gorgeous Sun Bears. Visiting Labuk Bay and the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary was a special place, my favourite being the Silver Leaf Monkeys and one baby. And snorkelling off of Manukan Island was top notch, and accommodation there was lush! Could have used a few more days. Be sure to order a kopi tarik at the take away cafe toward the pool. They open at 7.30 am.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Manuel, our tour leader, was amazing. We were such a lucky group and could have not asked for a better leader to gel our Exodus Team! He was knowledgable, compassionate, and a pleasure to be around. I'm looking forward to another Manuel Exodus tour in the future, as he really bonded with every member of our tour and we were all sad to say our goodbyes.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Luggage - You have to carry your own nearly everywhere, so pack as light as possible, in a soft pack. Leech socks - I was very worried about finding these here before we left, but we found some in the Centre Pointe Mall on the ground level. They were also available to rent at the Bilit Adventure Lodge along with wellington boots! Sleep - Our entire group had problems sleeping on various parts of our tour. No way to combat it, but be ready. Bug spray - Take it with you an top up regularly, especially in the rainforest areas. Plasters - Take these too as you may have blisters. Roti cannai - Try this in the Centre Point basement Islamic Center restaurant. It doesn't look like much, but we were there every day were were in KK. You'll see red plastic chairs and know you're in the right place. 1x roti cannai costs 1.50RM, so like 30p, and it's the best we found on the whole tour. Noodles and rice dishes were great too. Laundry - Forget about it. Know by the end you're going to stink. So will all your travel companions. Use laundry services where they're available; we found the Sabah Tea Longhouse laundry to be a reprieve from the stink! The last hotels on the trip will happily take any clothes you don't want to take home with you and distribute to those in need. A good idea (stolen from travel mates) is to buy clothes at the charity shop and leave them with you. Best thing to wear would be lightweight long sleeved shirts! If you put any effort into this tour, you'll be handsomely rewarded - early morning treks provided us with a personal encounter with a pigmy elephant as well as an orang-utan. It was special!
Suggestions
Don't hesitate. I'm experiencing massive post-holiday blues as this holiday was particularly life changing for me. Amazing. Enjoy.
Borneo Wildlife
This was an absolutely fabulous holiday. It had been very well thought out to give us as much exposure as possible to as many aspects as possible of the wildlife of Borneo. The accommodation was good and we saw an amazing variety of animals, birds, plants and insects. The local guides were excellent at spotting things of interest and Sheila, our leader, was one of the best I have ever had, all done with a lovely sense of humour. I’d thoroughly recommend it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Probably seeing the giant flying squirrels as I wasn't expecting them. The orang-utans in the sanctuary and in the wild were just lovely.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent! A grand sense of humour, always patient, interested in us all personally, very knowledgable and very good at spotting the wildlife
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are interested in wildlife, go for it
FIB: Borneo Wildlife Adventure
A fantastic trip featuring an incredible amount of wildlife, some stunning scenery, and many once-in-a-lifetime experiences!!
Most Inspirational Moment
For me I think it was seeing Pygmy Elephants crossing the Kinabatangan river. We had overheard that there were elephants in the area, but I don't think any of us truly believed that we would see a herd of at least fifty swimming across the river right in front of us!! We also loved seeing the flying squirrel in Sepilok, and we managed to catch two flying lizards at the Sun Bear sanctuary! I also loved the truly magical sunsets encountered on this trip - I think the Sabah Tea Gardens Longhouse was a highlight, with the mighty Mount Kinabalu in the distance.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Manuel was absolutely brilliant. His knowledge of the wildlife and of Borneo is encyclopedic, and he is truly passionate about his country and conserving the natural resources. We all learnt so much and I think Manuel's enthusiasm was shared by each and every member of the group. I especially enjoyed the various food recommendations (Asam fish - delicious!!)
Advice for Potential Travellers
It is super hot! Bring quick dry clothing (especially t-shirts) as anything too thick or heavy will struggle to dry. Bring an individual water bottle so you can refill from the main bottle daily, rather than buying smaller bottles. Leech socks can be hired at Kinabatangan along with wellington boots, which were really necessary because of the mud! Take plenty of insect repellent (not that it stops the mozzies). A camera with a good zoom and/or binoculars is a really good thing to take - especially for your time at Kinabatangan.
Suggestions
We thought that the 2 nights spend on Manukan Island at the end of the trip were absolutely perfect - we fell in love with our hillside villa (so luxurious!) and it was a real struggle to leave the island!
Borneo Family Adventure
This is a great trip if you want to experience Sabah, Borneo. It is well organised and you see a lot, the orangutans are amazing. It is a good mixture of wildlife and culture and my son thoroughly enjoyed the trip at age 8. The people in Borneo are really friendly and it feels a safe place.
Most Inspirational Moment
The orangutans
Thoughts on Group Leader
The tour leader Roxanne was great with the children teaching them the language and imparting her knowledge at the right level for them, She is fun so the kids really take to her. She does the majority of the family trips .
Advice for Potential Travellers
My son had a great time on this trip at age 8 , personally I think the trip would be hard for a lot of 5 year olds as there are as few early morning starts and the trip is busy. However, this would depend on the individual child. My son is a seasoned traveller and would have managed it well at age 5. My son and I travel a lot independently but this trip was good for him as he was able to make friends with the other children on the trip. The kids on the trip got on well and it was great for him to travel with children from other countries. Try and give yourself a couple of days before or after the trip so you can take the short boat trip across to one or two of the islands off Kota Kinabalu.
Suggestions
I would not hesitate in recommending this trip to anyone it is great. My son and I also went to the Kuching, Sarawak on our own after the trip and then hired a Klotok in Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia Borneo after. I would also recommend doing both of these if you have the time. Internal flights in the region are cheap find them on skyscanner. Get yourself on this Exodus trip you will have a super time.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Child Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
07 Apr 2024 06 Apr 2024
Thursday Thursday
18 Apr 2024 18 Apr 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 3,545
Child Price From CAD 2,635
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
21 Jul 2024 20 Jul 2024
Thursday Thursday
01 Aug 2024 01 Aug 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,545
Child Price From CAD 2,635
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
28 Jul 2024 27 Jul 2024
Thursday Thursday
08 Aug 2024 08 Aug 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,545
Child Price From CAD 2,635
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
04 Aug 2024 03 Aug 2024
Thursday Thursday
15 Aug 2024 15 Aug 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,545
Child Price From CAD 2,635
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
11 Aug 2024 10 Aug 2024
Thursday Thursday
22 Aug 2024 22 Aug 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 3,545
Child Price From CAD 2,635
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Borneo Wildlife Family Holiday
12 Days
from
13 Days
from
Incl. taxes
Excl. flights