The flexibility to enjoy lazy days relaxing by the pool or active days following nature trails. The choice is yours at Gaya Island
ETG Make Beach Holidays Better
- Peace without the package holiday. Borneo’s beaches are low-key, quiet and characterful. A world away from the usual resort scene.
- Wildlife and white sand in one trip. Combine jungle adventure with coastal calm, for a holiday that’s both enriching and restorative.
- Beach hotels with personality. From boutique hideaways to barefoot luxury resorts, we only work with places that feel special and welcoming.
- Space to slow down. We pace your journey so you arrive at the beach ready to relax, not frazzled from too many transfers.
- Holidays that linger. Whether it’s a morning snorkel, a seafood BBQ or simply watching the sun dip into the sea, these are the moments that make it all feel worth it.
What’s included:
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:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
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:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Beach Holiday Ideas in Borneo
There’s something especially rewarding about ending a jungle adventure on a quiet beach. And in Borneo, the beaches are still a bit of a secret. No high-rise hotels, no crowds, just a few carefully chosen places to switch off and breathe.
These are just a few of the holidays that include a beach element. If you’re looking for more sea and less safari, we can build your trip accordingly.
Explore Full Itinerary
Borneo
Slow Paced Borneo
If you want to immerse yourself in the incredible wildlife and beaches of Borneo but don’t fancy too much road travel or rushing around, then a holiday like this one could be ideal.
Highlights
Kinabatangan River
Drift down the Kinabatangan River, keeping watch for pygmy elephants, rare bird species and primates
Wildlife spotting
Wonder at the incredible rainforest teeming with wildlife in the company of your expert nature guide
Gaya Island
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Explore Full Itinerary
Indonesia
Java, Borneo & Beach: Orangutans, Temples & Castaway Islands
Encounter Borneo’s amazing wildlife, journey through Java’s volcanic landscapes visiting impressive temples, and finish with an idyllic stay on an exclusive tropical island.
Highlights
Kalimantan
Staying in the Borneo rainforest to see orangutans and other wildlife
Java
Exploring the countryside and the magical temples of Indonesia’s cultural heartland
The Karimunjawa Islands
Living the dream at an exclusive, tropical island hideaway
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Meet Our Experts
“Head to the Kinabatangan River for an early morning wildlife cruise. The mist rising over the water, the calls of proboscis monkeys in the trees, and the chance to see wild pygmy elephants make it an incredible way to start the day.”
Chione Armstrong
Travel Expert
The Best Times to Go on a Holiday in Borneo
March to October is the best time for a beach holiday in Borneo. The west coast enjoys dry, sunny days and calm waters between April and July, with great visibility for snorkelling and diving.
If you’re visiting for both wildlife and the coast, May or September offers the ideal blend. Clear skies, fewer visitors and excellent wildlife sightings. The rainy season runs from November to February, so we tend to avoid beach-heavy itineraries at that time unless paired with other parts of Southeast Asia.
The Finest Beach Hotels in Borneo
Finding the right beach hotel in Borneo is less about flashy frills and more about feel. We look for places with atmosphere, great service, and a sense of where you are. Whether that’s a villa shaded by jungle palms, a boutique retreat with open sea views, or a peaceful resort near a fishing village.
They’re the sort of places where you check in and instantly exhale.
Borneo Holidays
In Our Traveller’s Words
ETG look outside the box
They always come up with things that no one else seems to, that's why they are so good. They are original and trying their best to show you the real country and people and not the facade. Great listeners, always a smile and a good banter... exceptional service and insight.
With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places
... stayed in wondrous hotels, met fascinating everyday people, listened to varied opinions, and learned much about places far away. I couldn't do that on my own.
Experience Travel Group live up to their name
A holiday away from "normal" life that comes with many experiences. A three week combined rest and adventure discovering different areas of Laos... Never far away from the fascinating Mekong River, we felt privileged to spend time with the beautiful people of Laos, (even if they did eat everything!).
Meaningful Beach Experiences in Borneo
It’s not just about the view (though that’s pretty good too). Our beach experiences help you connect with the place, whether it’s exploring nearby islands with a marine biologist, learning to cook with coastal flavours, or watching turtle hatchlings shuffle their way to the ocean.
We work with hotels and guides who protect what makes this place special: its reefs, its quiet, its culture – and who know the joy of doing nothing is sometimes the best experience of all.
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Mount Kinabalu, Borneo
Climb Mount Kinabalu
Climb Mount Kinabalu, the tallest peak in Malaysia, set within the spectacular Kinabalu Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique biodiversity and breathtaking scenery. Rising to 4,095 metres, this iconic mountain is a must-visit for adventurers, though reaching the summit is not the only way to experience its beauty.
There are a variety of trekking routes around the mountain, each offering a different perspective of the park’s lush landscapes, from tropical rainforest trails to alpine meadows. These routes are ideal for those who prefer a moderate hike, allowing you to soak in the views without committing to the full summit climb.
For those determined to stand on the roof of Borneo, expert mountain guides ensure a safe and rewarding ascent, typically completed over two days. Along the way, you’ll witness dramatic changes in terrain and climate, as well as panoramic views that make the effort worthwhile. Whether you choose a gentle trek or the challenging summit route, Mount Kinabalu promises a memorable adventure in the heart of Borneo.
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Bako National Park, Borneo
Bako National Park Birdwatching
Sarawak’s Bako National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering a rich variety of species and landscapes. While the park is renowned for its 53 species that are endemic to the island of Borneo, over 150 species of birds have been recorded here, making it one of the most diverse birdwatching destinations in Borneo.
The park’s unique mix of habitats – from dense mangrove forests and sweeping beaches to rocky cliffs and heathland – provides an ideal environment for spotting birds in their natural settings. Birdwatching highlights often include sightings of the colourful Stork-billed Kingfisher, the majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle, and the rare Black-and-red Broadbill. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to observe these birds as they feed, nest, or glide gracefully overhead.
For keen birders, local guides can help identify elusive species and explain the intricate ecosystems that sustain them. Alongside the park’s famous proboscis monkeys and rich wildlife, birdwatching at Bako National Park offers a rewarding and immersive nature experience.
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Important FAQs about Holidays in Borneo
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been designing immersive Asia holidays since 2004. Our Borneo trips are curated with insight, responsibility and a genuine desire to connect you with this extraordinary island in a way that few travellers experience. We’ll take you far beyond the tourist trail, combining comfort with authentic encounters, always backed by seamless logistics and 24/7 in-country support.
Borneo’s dry season runs from March to October, which is generally the best time for wildlife viewing, jungle trekking and beach stays. July and August are great for summer holidays, while April and September offer fewer crowds. November to February brings more rain, but also quieter travel and rich green scenery.
Every ETG holiday is designed to be seamless, immersive and worry-free. You’ll typically get international flights (if needed), all accommodation, private chauffeur-guides and drivers, immersive experiences, and regional transfers. Our travel experts handle everything, while you focus on discovery.
They really are. You’ll find soft sand, clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. The best part is how uncrowded and unspoilt they feel, especially compared to more famous beach destinations.
Yes, especially on the west coast during the dry season. We’ll advise you on the safest and calmest spots based on your travel dates.
Most journeys involve a short domestic flight or road transfer, but we plan everything so it flows smoothly. Our team will help you avoid awkward connections or long travel days.
Not unless you want to. We prefer smaller, characterful beach properties with charm and good service. No huge chains or package-tour vibes here.
You can, although most people enjoy combining both. That’s where our value shines. If you want a mostly coastal holiday with a few light experiences, we’ll happily shape the trip around that.
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to Borneo
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