Family Borneo Highlights Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

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Borneo is a fantastic family destination: the wildlife, marine life, indigenous culture 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; it will please all ages with a combination of fun and interactive activities, wildlife spotting and beach fun. Accommodation is family friendly and the pace has been set to avoid too many flights and long journeys.

Highlights include

Get an introduction to indigenous life in a countryside homestay.
Spot birds and butterflies in World Heritage-listed Kinabalu Park.
Interact with rescued orangutans in Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve.
Look out for elephants, proboscis monkeys, orangutans and more as you sail along the Kinabatangan River.
Enjoy a gentle white-water rafting adventure on the Kiulu River.
The choice between relaxation and adventure on Gaya Island. Great resort facilties, brilliant snorkelling and interesting jungle trails around a tropical island.

DAY 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kota Kinabalu.

Day 2-4 Kota Kinabalu

On arrival your driver will meet you for the transfer to your hotel; there will then be time to acclimatise and relax whilst getting a light introduction to Borneo.

With your guide you will explore the foothills of Mount Kinabalu and take in the sights of the city. On a trip to the Mari Mari Cultural Village you will learn a little about the indigenous people of Borneo and some of their traditions and dances.

The hotel included is in the city but your holiday could be tailored to include a beach hotel nearby such as The Shangri La Rasa Ria. Whilst there is then a little more travelling from the coast for some of the excursions, you may prefer the activities and facilities available on the beach. Call our expert consultants on 020 7924 7133 to discuss.

DAY 5 Sepilok

Today you’ll begin your adventure into the rainforest – it’s a 45-minute flight to Sandakan and on arrival you’ll head to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. The sanctuary is an interesting and educational experience where there is a chance to meet 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.

Day 6 & 7 Kinabatangan

Today you begin your journey to the Kinabatangan River, a journey takes you through beautiful mangroves, wetlands, and lush rainforests with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting including orangutans and pygmy elephants if you are lucky. You’ll check in at your accommodation which has boardwalks right into the jungle, enabling you to immerse yourselves in jungle life and watch for wildlife with ease. 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!

Day 8 & 9 Kiulu Homestay

Today you depart for Sandakan Airport to catch the short flight back to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival you’ll head north to a picturesque farming village called Kiulu. A stay here is a unique experience – a fantastic way to learn about the way of life of the indigenous Dusan community.

Take part in some rural activities such as birdwatching, traditional arts and crafts, harvesting, hiking or perhaps some grasshopper catching with the local children. A two to three-hour gentle (grade II) white-water rafting trip on the Kiulu River wanders through rural villages and under the numerous bridges that link them; a great way to explore the area.

In the evenings you can join in with dinner preparation or simply sit back and enjoy the hospitality and the traditional dinner.

Day 10 – 14 Gaya Island Resort

Besides its incredible nature and wildlife and its fascinating indigenous culture, Borneo’s other attraction is its beautiful tropical islands and exotic marine life. Today you’ll transfer just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu to Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park for your final adventure in Borneo. Check into the luxurious surrounds of Gaya Island Resort and spend the next few days at your leisure: explore the islands jungle trails, snorkel fish, dive, spot wildlife, or never leave the pool! The Canopy villas (hillside) and Kinabalu (sea view) villas offer interconnecting rooms for families or you could opt for the spacious two-bedroom Suria Suite.

Day 15 Fly Home

Today you fly home, alternatively you could choose to stop over in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £2,500 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,300. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

Fill in our Quote Request form to get your quick, no-obligations proposal.

As every holiday is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 for an inclusive, personalised quotation for your preferred dates or use the quote request form below...

Inclusions

- Internal flights

- Private guided transfers and tour

- Hotels and meals where stated

- ABTA or ATOL bonding

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Abai Jungle Lodge, Kinabatangan River

A fantastic jungle experience. Stay in wooden chalets on stilts and experience wildlife aside the Kinabatangan River. Just 1.5 hours from Sandakan.

Gaya Island Resort, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Luxurious and relaxing beach spot on the stunning shores of Pulau Gaya, off Kota Kinabalu.

Hyatt Regency , Kota Kinabalu

Great quality accommodation with an enviable position on Kota Kinabalu's waterfront.

Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, Kinabatangan River

Simple, sustainable accommodation perfectly located as a base for exploring the wildlife of the Kinabatangan.

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat, Sepilok

Paganakan Dii offers a tranquil escape from bustling cosmopolitan life in Borneo's lush rainforest.

Shangri La Rasa Ria , Kota Kinabalu

Deluxe beach hotel with excellent facilities, located north of Kota Kinabalu.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Island Exploration: Gaya and Sapi, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Set in a national park a short journey from Kota Kinabalu, the islands of Gaya and Sapi offer incredible sun, sea and sand.

Kinabalu Park , Kota Kinabalu

Visit Kinabalu Park - Malaysia's first World Heritage Site.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari, Kinabatangan River

One of South East Asia's best wildlife viewing locations, a great place to see Orangutans in the wild.

Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu

Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village - a museum trying to conserve the ethnic diversity of Sabah sharing history, culture and tradition.

Orang Utan and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok

See Orang Utans and Sun Bears close up at Sepilok's rehabilitation and conservation centre.

Pitas Oxbow Lake, Kinabatangan River

Journey through the Pitas Oxbow Lake and absorb Borneo's natural wealth by boat.

Sea Walking Adventure, Kota Kinabalu

Literally walk under the sea with a specially designed helmet allowing you to get incredibly close to coral and marine life.

Adventurous families with older children may like to take up the challenge of climbing Mount Kinabalu. Call your travel expert on 020 7924 7133 to find out how this can be incorporated into your holiday.

Climb Mount Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu

Climb the largest mountain in Malaysia with an expert guide and see Kinabalu Park, one of Borneo's most famous World Heritage Sites.

If you have a little more time to spare Borneo's Danum Valley Conservation Area or Tabin Wildlife Reserve are worth visiting to see more incredible wildlife in its natural habitat.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley Conservation Area

Located in one of the country's most bio diverse and unique areas with its own canopy walkway.

Customer Feedback

We were so impressed at the ease with which we travelled, not a hitch, and the guides and drivers were so diligent. (Double checking every flight and pick up) What wonderful countries and lovely people. We have so much to remember and talk about.

- Dee

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Customer Protection

The air holiday packages shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 9324. Please see our booking conditions for more information.

Borneo Holiday Ideas