The flexibility to enjoy lazy days relaxing by the pool or active days following nature trails. The choice is yours at Gaya Island
The Malaysian side of Borneo consists of the two states of Sarawak and Sabah. Sabah is to the north and is Malaysia’s most easterly state.
Historically, Sabah was a remote jungle outpost until European powers gained a foothold in the nineteenth century and since the formation of the Malaysian Federation in 1963, it has increasingly begun to feel part of a wider Malaysia, from a cultural perspective at least.
Whilst some parts of Sabah’s rainforest has been given over to the ubiquitous palm oil industry, large parts of the indigenous jungle are still rich with wildlife and numerous sanctuaries and eco-tourism projects are assisting with the conservation effort. Here, you’ll find orangutans, proboscis monkeys, rare birds and butterflies perhaps even pygmy elephants, rare cats and more.
Beyond the animals, Sabah is also a good base for soft adventure: Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak between New Guinea and the Himalayas and there are a variety of treks from the climb to the summit, to gentler walks and treks in the foothills.
The tropical islands off the coast of Sabah are beautiful too and the logical place to conclude your visit with a beach holiday. Under-water life is abundant so snorkelling and diving here are world-class and a range of superb resorts are available, Gaya Island is one of our favourites spots with fantastic accommodation and white sand beaches.
The major towns of Sabah are Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu, both relatively modern cities, with a friendly, cosmopolitan, laid back vibe.
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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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Borneo
Bucket List Borneo
This is the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime Borneo holiday. It covers everything that makes Borneo special, from its renowned wildlife to its lush rainforests
Highlights
Get off the beaten track
Getting away from modern life as you travel to the most remote part of Sabah
Wildlife spotting
Listen to the call of gibbons and peek through rainforest vines to see orangutans swinging in the trees on an adventure in Danum Valley.
Mount Kinabalu
Climbing 4,098 meters to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
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Borneo
Family Borneo Highlights
Borneo is a fantastic family destination: the wildlife, marine life, and tropical surroundings are the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable holiday together.
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.
Highlights
Wildlife sightings
Spot elephants, proboscis monkeys, orangutans and more as you sail along the Kinabatangan River
Gaya Island
Relax at Gaya Island beach resort where there’s brilliant snorkelling and interesting jungle trails to follow too
Murat
Take a 4-wheel drive adventure away from modern life as you travel to the homeland of the indigenous Murat people
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