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.
Kuching, Borneo
The Ranee is a boutique hotel in Kuching’s old town, offering individually designed rooms, river views, and easy access to cultural sights and markets.
Highlights
Boutique charm,
River views
Best for
Couples,
Families with older children
Kota Kinabalu, Borneo,
Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu offers sleek rooms, sea views, and top dining on the city’s lively waterfront—perfect for exploring Sabah’s capital in comfort.
Highlights
Waterfront location,
City views
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Borneo, Kudat
Hibiscus Villa & Chalets in Kudat, Borneo offers private coastal stays with snorkelling, jungle walks and comfort away from the big beach resorts.
Highlights
Private villa,
Sea views,
Off-grid charm
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Groups
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Borneo,
Gaya Island Resort offers barefoot luxury in Malaysian Borneo with villas, marine adventures, nature trails and ocean views from a protected island setting.
Highlights
Tropical snorkelling,
Jungle trails,
Scenic villas
Best for
Couples,
Families
Danum Valley Conservation Area, Borneo,
Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley offers the most comfortable jungle stay in Malaysia, with expert-led wildlife treks and treetop experiences.
Highlights
Wildlife sightings,
Jungle comfort,
Canopy walkway
Best for
Couples
Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo
Mulu Marriott offers luxury in the heart of Borneo’s rainforest, perfect for exploring Mulu caves and relaxing in comfort after jungle adventures.
Highlights
Rainforest setting,
Cave adventures,
Spa retreat
Best for
Families,
Couples
Kota Kinabalu, Borneo,
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu offers a modern city base with sea views, great dining and easy access to Sabah’s shops and markets.
Highlights
Waterfront,
Modern comfort,
Best for
Families,
Couples
Sepilok, Borneo
Sepilok Nature Resort offers comfortable lodge-style stays in Borneo’s rainforest, with easy access to orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries.
Highlights
Wildlife encounters,
Spacious rooms,
Forest setting
Best for
Couples,
Families
Kinabatangan River, Borneo,
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort offers peaceful wildlife experiences in a remote mangrove setting, ideal for nature lovers in search of Borneo’s rarest species.
Highlights
Eco-friendly,
Immersive nature
Best for
Couples,
Families,
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.
Kinabatangan River, Borneo
The Sungai Kinabatangan, stretching 560 km from Sabah’s mountainous southwest to the Sulu Sea near Sandakan, is Malaysia’s second-largest river and one of Southeast Asia’s richest wildlife habitats. Known as a sanctuary for rare and endangered species, it offers exceptional opportunities to spot iconic animals such as Borneo’s endemic orangutan, pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, crocodiles, and an impressive variety of birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers.
Life along the Kinabatangan revolves around its waterways. With few roads, boat travel is the primary mode of transport and the best way to explore the rainforest’s hidden corners. A river cruise takes you deep into this wild and atmospheric ecosystem, where dense jungle lines the riverbanks and wildlife is often visible at close range.
However, the region also reveals the environmental challenges faced by Borneo. The abrupt borders between pristine rainforest and palm oil plantations serve as a stark reminder of habitat loss and the global demand for resources. Despite these threats, the Kinabatangan remains a stronghold for wildlife, particularly as you travel upstream to the more untouched areas near the tribal village of Abai or further towards Sukau.
To fully appreciate the river’s diversity and to increase your chances of seeing orangutans and other rare animals in the wild, we recommend spending at least two nights exploring different stretches of the Kinabatangan by boat. The experience of seeing these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat is nothing short of unforgettable.
Danum Valley, Borneo
Around 20 years ago, a series of limestone holes were found on a cliff edge deep within Danum Valley’s primary rainforest. It was established that this was an ancient burial site of the local tribespeople, and you can discover their secrets.
Journeying with an expert guide, climb an upward trail to a height giving stunning views of the forest below. The coffins themselves are imbued with local spiritual beliefs: the higher you’re buried, the closer you are to heaven.
You’ll notice wood scattered around the area; this is because tribespeople buried their ancestors with iron wood, parts of which have sometimes fragmented off in the process of carrying them to the high cliff. Incredibly strong, termite proof and denser than water, the act of carrying up these cases is an incredible symbol of commitment and strength – they’re very heavy!
Absorb the spiritual atmosphere and take beautiful photos of the surrounding landscape before trekking onward through the valley.
Sepilok, Borneo
Sepilok’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre allows you to witness the rehabilitation of orphaned and or injured infant Orangutans. A highlight of the visit will include feeding time, the whole group gets together and interacts over their food.
Moving on to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, you will have the opportunity to actually see this species – it is very difficult to spot them in the wild as they are incredibly endangered. Habitat loss and commercial huntings are the two main factors towards their decline and you will learn in more detail about efforts to protect them.
Finally, make your way to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Here you can see efforts to protect plant species and forest areas.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Borneo
The Tabin Wildlife Reserve was created in 1984 to the growing threat to its wildlife and plant species in northeastern Borneo. It covers over 1,225 km² and protects inhabitants from the rapidly expanding agricultural industries nearby.
Whilst the daytime offers good nature trekking conditions, many animals are nocturnal and go out in search of food under cover of darkness. A night trek allows you to see vaious species that would be difficult to spot at other times. This includes the clouded leopard, the largest cat in Borneo with a distinctive cloud-like fur pattern – as the name suggests. Did you know it can climb down trees head-first which is rather unusual for cats of this size? Learn more interesting information on your night trek.
Mount Kinabalu, Borneo
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.
Bako National Park, Borneo
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.
Danum Valley, Borneo
As a centre for conservation and ecological research, Danum Valley is one of the best places for bird-watching in Borneo, if not the whole of Malaysia.
It is one of the largest, most untouched regions of lowland rainforest accessible to visitors.
Try to spot a Whiskered Treeswift, one of the most unusual swifts as it sports moustache like white markings on its face and feeds by hunting from a little perch. Threatened species like the Driard’s Trogon – a beautiful red/amber bird – can also be seen on a lucky day. With expert guides available, you can learn about various bird types and seek out particular species that interest you the most.
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.
