Borneo Encompassed
An in-depth, expertly guided three-week tour taking in a wide variety of Borneo’s many natural wonders.
Put simply, the island of Borneo is an extraordinary place for a holiday. It is home to the world’s oldest rainforest, with the richest biodiversity in Asia and countless incredible species. However, with Borneo’s unique forest environment increasingly under threat, we believe that low impact, responsible tourism is vital. That’s why we design Borneo holidays with sustainability at their core - which actually makes a better experience for you, too.
BORNEOWITH ETG
To travel to Borneo is to be transported worlds away from the everyday. We all know the island for its iconic orangutan, but there are innumerable exotic creatures to discover: proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants, sun bears and Sunda leopards, hornbills and the world’s largest flower, to name just a few. Beyond the wildlife, you’ll find vibrant culture, staggering landscapes, and beautiful beaches (some of the most underrated in Asia, we reckon).
We’ve put a lot of thought into how we can enable you to experience the best that Borneo has to offer, while having a positive impact on the environments and communities you visit. One of the key ways we do this is by working with private nature guides who are genuine experts in their field. They have the skills to ensure you get the best possible wildlife sightings and the knowledge to educate travellers on the challenges this magical island faces.
Popular holidays in Borneo
Your luxury Borneo holiday will be bespoke. All our itineraries are built from scratch and go deeper than standard package holidays. For Borneo family holidays and for first-time visitors, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak offer an irresistible ‘pick n mix’ of tropical islands, rainforests, charming cities and gobsmacking geological features. With formidable mountains and the world’s largest caving system, Borneo adventure holidays are fantastic for the whole family, and we have plenty of unique experiences to free your intrepid side. The island is also edged by beautiful beaches, so you can still find that balance between discovery and relaxation.
Off The Beaten Track in Borneo
Away from the crowds with some unusual experiences on this in-depth tour of Malaysian Borneo.
Slow Paced Borneo
Borneo's wonderful wildlife and beaches at a slower pace with less overland travel and our specialist guides.
Most of our holidays focus on Malaysian Borneo, the most accessible part of the island which comprises the states of Sarawak and Sabah. However, more intrepid travellers may wish to explore Kalimantan, or Indonesian Borneo, where we can organise fantastic experiences too. We usually recommend an itinerary of 14 days or more for an in-depth exploration of the island.
We won’t give away all our secrets now: part of the fun of an ETG holiday is the element of surprise. Have a look at our sample itineraries for inspiration, or get in touch for a personalised holiday suggestion. Our friendly travel team is always happy to help curious travellers get to the heart of this beguiling island.
Witnessing an orangutan in the wild must be on every nature-lover's bucket list.
We design experiences that help protect Borneo's majestic wildlife as you encounter it.
Popular hotels in Borneo
To get a full and dynamic experience, we recommend travellers stay in various accommodation for different parts of your trip. For example, you could stay in a characterful boutique hotel while in the city and a rustic lodge while in the jungle. Some of the best luxury hotels in Borneo are beach resorts, many around the popular Kota Kinabalu, so you may wish to indulge in something high-end during the seaside segment of your trip. We’re committed to finding hotels in Borneo that are perfect for you.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley Conservation Area
Located in one of the country's most biodiverse and unique areas with its own canopy walkway.
Gaya Island Resort, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Luxurious and relaxing beach spot on the stunning shores of Pulau Gaya, off Kota Kinabalu.
Hibiscus, Kudat
A little different from the big resorts, enjoy this private beach villa close to the northern tip of Borneo.
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Kinabatangan River
This tranquil off-the-beaten-track resort is wonderful for wildlife spotting and relaxing.
Nanga Sumpa Lodge, Batang Ai National Park
A simple lodge where you can experience the culture and lifestyle of the local Iban community.
The Marian , Kuching
Restored colonial-style hotel with 40 rooms in the heart of the city.
Once in a lifetime experiences in Borneo
The majority of visitors to Borneo have one main experience in mind: spotting orangutans. Borneo orangutan holidays are magical, yet there are countless more wildlife (and non-wildlife) based activities that the island has to offer. In the otherworldly Baku National Park, endemic proboscis monkeys swing through the trees. Pygmy elephants, snakes and hornbills frequent the banks of the Kinabatangan River. And, away from the flora and fauna, Borneo has a rich cultural heritage and amazing landscapes, such as Mount Kinabalu.
Danum Valley Birdwatching
Being a centre for conservation and ecological research, Danum Valley is one of the best places for bird-watching in Malaysian Borneo.
Danum Valley Trekking
Explore the 130 million year old virgin rainforest of Danum Valley, spot an array of wildlife and absorb the natural surroundings.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Sarawaks largest national park with excellent wildlife and geology.
Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari
One of South East Asia's best wildlife viewing locations, a great place to see Orangutans in the wild.
Kuching City Tour
A chance to explore the highlights of Sarawak state's capital city: the Sarawak Museum, and colonial icons of the British occupation.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve Day Trek
See, track and photograph the animals of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, one of the largest of its kind in Borneo.
More Travel Information for Borneo Holidays
Tourism - done fairly and responsibly - can play a huge role in protecting the Bornean rainforest and help prevent further destruction for palm oil and logging. That’s why conservation and care are at the heart of our Borneo holidays.
It is important that all our travellers have complete peace of mind before booking a trip. Please rest assured that we are a member of both ABTA and the ATOL scheme, which means that you are 100% financially protected from the moment you book. Take a look at this web page for more information about financial protection. Please also note that we’ve partnered up with Campbell Irvine to offer the best travel insurance policy on the market.
For advice on staying safe and healthy throughout your trip, a member of our friendly team will be on hand to help 24 hours a day before, during and after your holiday. We also recommend you consult the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) for the latest travel advice before you travel.
A HOLIDAY WITH EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP
Make it
Count
Exceptional, ethical experiences that impact positively; sustainable, mindful travel is at the heart of all we do. So, you can tread gently, knowing every step of your journey counts.
JOIN OUR TRAVEL COLLECTIVE
Unforgettable journeys where you realise you don't need the same language to laugh, commune and connect. Come join our travel collective and share the extraordinary world we know.
FIND A DIFFERENT STORY
Imaginative, immersive adventures; our individually created holidays are your guaranteed passport to a life less ordinary. Embrace the unexpected; travel curiously; discover a new you.
TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE
Bespoke itineraries designed to suit you, and only you. With full financial protection and 24/7 support; we'll ensure you travel seamlessly, safely and responsibly, too. We're with you all the way.
