This suggested holiday itinerary takes in some of the best highlights of the country and includes an off-the-beaten-track twist. It’s a holiday that will please all ages with a combination of fun and interactive activities, wildlife spotting, beach fun and family-friendly accommodation.
Depart your home country on your flight to Sandakan.
On arrival in Sandakan, your private nature guide will meet you for the short transfer to your Sepilok hotel. The first afternoon is free to relax before spending a day being introduced to Borneo’s wildlife.
Head to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, an educational experience where there is a chance to observe rescued baby orangutans who are rehabilitated here before being released back into the wild.
In the afternoon, have fun exploring jungle trails and learn a little more about your surroundings at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Take the 28 metre-high canopy walkway offering views over the treetops and if you’re lucky you may spot wild orangutans and some of the 250 bird species that live in the forest.
There are more adventures to be had in the evening as you take a guided walk, keeping watch for the nocturnal insects and wildlife.
Today you begin your journey to the Kinabatangan River, a journey which takes you through beautiful mangroves, wetlands and lush rainforests. En route, your nature guide will help you look out for orangutans and pygmy elephants. Your accommodation has boardwalks right into the jungle, enabling you to immerse yourselves in jungle life and watch for wildlife throughout your time here. During your time in the region you’ll also visit Pitas Oxbow Lake where, if you can prise the younger ones out of bed early, you’ll be rewarded with wildlife activity at its best as the birds and monkeys forage for breakfast!
Today you’ll leave the jungle and take a short flight to Kota Kinabalu. Your guide and driver will meet you on arrival for the transfer to your hotel. Spend a day relaxing by the pool or exploring the waterfront. Alternatively, join your guide for a cycle tour weaving through the countryside around the Kiulu River via a network of rope bridges and easy road trails.
On your journey from Kota Kinabalu, by 4-wheel drive and boat, you will venture deep into one of the most remote parts of Sabah state. You’ll travel through the homeland of the Murat people towards Batu Punggul, an 800 ft forest-clad limestone pinnacle that is home to a labyrinth of caves. On the first day, you’ll explore caves via underground streams and sleep overnight under the stars in a comfortable hammock camp.
Day 9 will see you exploring Batu Punggul itself, after which you’ll enjoy an evening of Murut hospitality and spend the night in a longhouse. While accommodation is basic for a couple of nights, the experience and hospitality on offer during these three days are fantastic
Enjoy a morning of light trekking and swimming in multi-levelled waterfalls, before journeying back to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, board the boat for the transfer across to Gaya Island Resort.
Besides its incredible nature and wildlife and its fascinating indigenous culture, Borneo’s other attraction is the beautiful tropical islands and exotic marine life. Spend the next few days appreciating the lovely surrounds of Gaya Island Resort: explore the island’s jungle trails, go snorkelling or diving, spot wildlife, or never leave the pool! The Canopy (hillside) and Kinabalu (sea view) Villas offer interconnecting rooms for families, or you could opt for the spacious two-bedroom Suria Suite.
Today you fly home. Alternatively, you could choose to stopover in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
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With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Chione has a real passion for Borneo’s wild beauty. She knows how to bring its jungles, wildlife, and hidden corners to life, creating holidays that feel both adventurous and effortless.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Borneo is one of the most extraordinary places on earth for wildlife encounters, from orangutans swinging through the treetops to pygmy elephants by the riverside. With ETG, you’ll explore this remarkable region with the insight of expert naturalist guides who know the rainforests intimately. They’ll help you spot rare wildlife, understand the intricate ecosystems, and uncover the cultural heritage of local communities. We focus on meaningful, well-organised experiences that bring you closer to the heart of Borneo, supported by handpicked eco-lodges and 24/7 on-the-ground assistance.
The dry season, March to October, is the best time to experience Borneo’s wildlife and landscapes. Trails are more accessible, and river levels are perfect for boat journeys, giving you the best chance to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills. The wetter months, November to February, bring heavier showers, but this is when the rainforest is at its greenest and most vibrant. For an ideal balance of good weather and fewer visitors, May and September are excellent months to travel.
Every ETG holiday to Borneo is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Borneo in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our Borneo specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
Discover jungles, extraordinary wildlife, beaches and our tips and tricks in a handy 10 minute read.
