Family Borneo Highlights
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

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. 

- Internal flights

- Private guided transfers and tour

- Hotels and meals where stated

- ABTA or ATOL bonding

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.