Borneo Adventure & Luxury Bali
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This suggested holiday itinerary is a dream for nature lovers who want their holiday to take in some remarkable wildlife in its natural habitat followed by beach-time at a beautiful luxury resort.

The holiday brings together the astonishing wildlife of Malaysian Borneo with the glorious beaches and charming culture of Bali. Like Bali itself, a large part of Borneo falls within Indonesia but it is actually easier to combine Bali with Malaysian Borneo as there are direct flights from Kota Kinabalu.

This itinerary takes in The Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley Conservation Area in Borneo where you’ll find a diversity of mammals, birds and reptiles in an exceptionally beautiful natural setting. Explore jungle trails and canopy walkways while keeping watch for elephants, orangutans and maybe even the elusive Clouded Leopard.  You’ll also have time to explore Kota Kinabalu and its national park before flying directly to Bali and the wonderful Belmond Jimbaran Bali resort.  

Highlights include

• Taking a unique guided walk through “KL”. Taste regional street-food like the locals and get a feel for the influences that have shaped this diverse and intriguing city.
• Boating down the Kinabatangan River spotting elephants, orangutans and gibbons.
• Listening to the hum of the jungle in one of Malaysia’s absolute best wildlife spots, Danum Valley Conservation Area.
• Exploring the beautiful and varied flora and fauna in Mount Kinabalu National Park.
• Sampling freshly caught seafood as the sun sets on Jimbaran Bay in Bali. 

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include.

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers 
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy read here.  

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Days 2&3 Kuala Lumpur

There will be plenty of time to rest and acclimatise in KL before your Borneo adventure. Your hotel, The Majestic, has a peaceful orchid conservatory where you can take afternoon tea; it also has a lovely swimming pool and a relaxing spa. Before you leave the city you can take a guided walking tour of its many highlights with chance to a sample some of the famous amazing street food.

Days 4&5 Kinabatangan River

There are several direct flights per day from KL to Sandakan and we recommend an early one so you can get straight to the heart of the rainforest today!  In this region you'll explore the Kinabatangan River where the surrounding jungle is alive with primates and birds. During guided nocturnal treks, from the comfort of your hotel deck and whilst cruising along the river itself there are many opportunities to spot wildlife. We usually recommend splitting your stay in this region between Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge and Abai Jungle Lodge as the orangutans sometime congregate at one rather than the other and this will give you the best chance of seeing them. In addition to the famous Bornean orangutan, you're also likely to see proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants during your stay.

Days 6&7 Danum Valley

You’ll travel onward today to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. This is a dense jungle packed with fascinating wildlife including mammals, reptiles and an array of amazing birds. Explore extensive canopy walkways and jungle trails with your guide via waterfalls and natural Jacuzzi pools, taking in amazing views and listening to the hum of wildlife. In the evening there's an exciting 4WD safari drive to try and spot nocturnal animals such as sambar deer and civet cats as well as insects and frogs.

Days 8 & 9 Kota Kinabalu

It’s just a short 50-minute flight from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu where there will be time to explore the city at your leisure and to take a guided tour of Kinabalu National Park.

Accommodation here is on the waterfront in the city itself, however if you would prefer to stay in one of the luxury beach resorts very close to the city your travel expert will be happy to tailor your itinerary accordingly.

An evening flight on day 9 takes you directly from Kota Kinabalu to Bali. On arrival you’ll transfer to Jimbaran Bay and check in at The Belmond Jimbaran Puri Bali.

Days 10-13 Jimbaran, Bali

Having arrived on the island late on day 9, you now have 4 full days to enjoy the beautiful location, the fine hotel and the great atmosphere that Bali exudes. There are activities on offer if you want to explore the island in-depth, including paddy-field cycle rides, sunset temple tours and Balinese cookery classes but this is also the perfect place to sit on the beach and read, enjoy famously delicious seafood and completely unwind. If time permits we recommend extending your time in Bali and incorporating a stay in cultural Ubud; your travel expert will plan your holiday according to your personal timeframe, style and interests.

Day 14 Fly Home

Depart Bali for your flight back to UK.