tours from kuala lumpur to borneo

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How to Travel From Kuala Lumpur to Borneo

Borneo has one of the oldest rainforests in the world, not to mention orangutans and an abundance of other natural attractions. Here’s how to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo, with helpful tips and suggestions for how to get around, as well as information on paperwork and safety tips.

You can visit Borneo in the company of our Local Insider and a small group of culturally curious travellers on the Culture Trip specially curated 10-day Borneo adventure .

Why you should visit Borneo

Borneo is among the most biodiverse regions on the planet. The dense rainforest is home to thousands of animal and plant species, providing the ultimate jungle experience. By travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo, you can explore rainforest ecosystems and tropical islands, and even see orangutans. Other natural attractions include the Sarawak caves, some of the best diving spots in the world and the tallest mountain in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu. Compared to Kuala Lumpur, Borneo is a paradise for nature lovers.

What you need to know

Borneo is enormous. Three countries share the third-largest island in the world. The Indonesian section, known as Kalimantan, covers the biggest area. The Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah occupy the northern third. Tiny Brunei sits within Sarawak. Jungle covers most of the interior, with many parts uninhabited and inaccessible.

Visa requirements

Because three countries share the vast area of Borneo, travelling around the island needs careful planning. A Malaysian visa is required for Sabah, Sarawak and the island of Labuan off the mainland coast. If you want to visit Brunei or Kalimantan, check the specific visa requirements for your country beforehand. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival when entering the Sultanate of Brunei, while to visit Kalimantan you would usually need to get a visa in advance.

Getting around

Dense jungle, mountain ranges and rivers fill the interior. Most settlements sit around the long coast, with few roads passing through the middle. Compared to Kuala Lumpur and West Malaysia, getting around Borneo on land will be more cumbersome and time-consuming. Roads are at risk of flooding during the monsoon season, further obstructing transport.

Travelling around Borneo

Each of the three countries in Borneo has different customs and laws and offers a different travel experience. Sabah and Sarawak have more liberal policies, while Indonesia and Brunei practise conservative Islam. Alcohol is freely available in Malaysian Borneo, but it can be difficult to find in Kalimantan and is banned under Sharia law in Brunei. This and other strict Islamic laws also apply to non-Muslims.

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Since 2013, safety warnings have been issued along the Sabah coastline, from the northern tip of Borneo in Kudat to Tawau in Sabah, near the border with Kalimantan. Malaysian authorities implement curfews in this section, referred to as the Eastern Sabah Security Zone. The region is at risk of illegal landings from insurgents from nearby islands in the Philippines, and while this is unlikely to cause any problems for tourists, it’s always a good idea to check the latest security advice from your home government.

Forms of transport

The only way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo is by air. You can fly direct into Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Kuching in Sarawak and or Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. All trips to Indonesian Kalimantan have a stopover somewhere in Indonesia (most likely Jakarta). Travelling to Borneo by ferry is time-consuming, costly and inconvenient.

Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah and Sarawak

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo depart from either KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) or KLIA2 (Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2). Domestic carriers connect the capital to towns and cities in both Sabah and Sarawak. You can fly with Malindo Air, Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia.

Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Brunei

Several flights connect Kuala Lumpur to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei. AirAsia often offers the cheapest option, while Royal Brunei Airlines provide a more comfortable journey at about twice the price. Because of Sharia law, alcohol is banned in the country. Foreign tourists have a liberal duty-free allowance for alcohol, but need to fill in a customs form when they arrive in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kalimantan

There are no direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kalimantan. All travellers will need to make a connection in Indonesia before flying to the state capital, Balikpapan. Expect the journey to take approximately seven hours, including the connection.

Getting around Borneo

When you arrive in Borneo, the easiest way to get around is by flying. Buses connect towns and cities throughout the island, too, though choosing this way of getting around can mean a long and uncomfortable journey. You could rent a car for more flexibility. Apart from a scenic railway in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo doesn’t have any trains.

Guides & Tips

The borneo sun bear: where to find the world's smallest bear.

Places to Stay

The best hotels in sarawak, malaysia, for every traveller.

The Best Hotels in Batu Ferringhi, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels to Book in Ipoh, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels to Book in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels in Miri, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels to Book in Sandakan, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

What Are the Best Resorts in Malaysia?

See & Do

Visiting the borneo rainforest: all you need to know.

The Best Hotels in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels to Book in Sabah, Malaysia

Food & Drink

Borneo food: top dishes to try when you visit.

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• OUR EXPEDITIONS

Malaysian Borneo Adventure Tour

• Visit the Sandakan War Memorial and Agnes Keith House
• Experience the incredible Rainforest Discovery Centre within the Kabili Forest Reserve
• Stopover at Gomantong Cave to experience the bat exodus and search for orangutans along the boardwalk
• Cruise along the mangrove and riverine forests of Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in search of species adapted to this unique waterworld 
• Trek deep within the primary tropical rainforest of the Danum Valley Conservation Area where most Bornean biodiversity resides
• Visit a local village to experience the local culture, including traditional food, crafts and music
• Explore one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world within UNESCO World Heritage listed Mulu National Park and experience the unique culture of the remote Penan tribe
• Enjoy Mari Mari Cultural Village that is home to 5 ethnic tribes
• And more....

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

This tour will take you on the ultimate discovery of the natural wonders of Malaysian Borneo. Traverse across Sabah’s east coastline as you explore Malaysia’s second-longest river, the mighty Kinabatangan Floodplain in search of pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys, witness a bat exodus at a unique limestone formed cave and trek throughout the Danum Valley Conservation Area, a treasury of biological diversity amid a canopy of the tallest tropical trees in the world as you search for the iconic tropical wildlife including the orangutan, tarsier, red leaf monkey, gibbon and clouded leopard.

Your journey will continue west to explore one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world within Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area and an astounding geological marvel of Borneo, whilst experiencing unique culture of the remote Penan tribes and over five ethnic groups that call this island home. Join us for this adventurous expedition to step off the beaten track and unearth Borneo’s unwavering diversity. 

If it's a real-life adventure you are looking for then this is the trip for you.

EXPEDITION GOALS

Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild tropical biodiversity in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe many endemic, rare and unique species of wildlife throughout Borneo. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in so that you are fully informed of your surroundings prior, during and following your expedition. 

Furthermore, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered up with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in Borneo - so travelling with us you are directly supporting their orangutan conservation efforts and environmental programs. And finally by supporting ethical and eco-tourism you are helping support the locals and the environment. 

Note: Tour can start on dates to suit our guests requirements.

Day 1: Arrival Kuala Lumpur Today arrive in Kuala Lumpur. Your arrival transfers and overnight accommodation arranged by the client. Note:OO can quote for these services upon request.

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur - Sandakan Morning flight from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Sandakan (SDK). Pick up from Sandakan Airport (SDK) at 8:55 am from flight AK5198. Visit Sandakan War Memorial and Agnes Keith House before enjoying lunch at the English Tea House. After lunch, check into the Four Points by Sheraton and if time permits, go for an afternoon walk at Rainforest Discovery centre before returning to Sandakan in the evening. Join your guide for an evening meal on the Sandakan waterfront and overnight at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.  Meals: L,D.   Note: KL Airport transfers arranged by the client.

Day 3: Sandakan - Kinabatangan River Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning before check-out from Four Points by Sheraton. Be met by your driver at 9:30 am and transfer south to Sukau the entrance point to the Kinabatangan River for your stay at the Borneo Nature Lodge. Arrive for lunch and enjoy an afternoon river cruise (share-in basis), return for dinner at the lodge and enjoy an optional night cruise to see nocturnal wildlife (additional charge to be paid directly to the lodge). Overnight at Borneo Nature Lodge. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 4: Kinabatangan River Early morning river cruise to Kelenanap Ox-bow Lake and then embark on a short jungle walk (weather permitting) back to the lodge for breakfast. Free for the day to visit the nearby village or explore the boardwalk surrounding the lodge. At 4:00 pm embark on another river cruise. Return for dinner at the lodge and enjoy an optional night cruise. Overnight at Borneo Nature Lodge. Meals: B, L, D. Note: River cruise locations will depend on current wildlife sightings, this can be discussed with your guide

Day 5: Kinabatangan - Danum Valley After breakfast, check out from Borneo Nature Lodge and begin the journey south to  Danum Valley. Along the way, you will have your first stop at Gomantong Caves, a short boardwalk to the cave's entrance where you can see the traditional way of harvesting birds nests and also a good chance of spotting orangutans and bat hawks. Next stop will be lunch in Lahad Datu, the last town before heading into the Danum Valley Conservation Area. You will arrive at the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) by mid-afternoon, in time for a short walk around the centre and an introduction to the lowland tropical rainforest of Borneo. The area surrounding the centre teems with wildlife and is connected with an extensive trail network to explore. Return to the centre before sundown and enjoy dinner at 7:00 pm. After dinner, go on an included night drive to spot giant flying squirrels, civets, leopard cat, ungulates + more. Overnight at DVFC.  Meals: B, L, D.

Day 6: Danum Valley Wake up early for an early morning nature walk nearby DVFC to experience the forest come to life. Return to the centre for breakfast and embark on a trail in the area before returning for lunch. After lunch, take a dip at the Ulu Segama River before heading off for another trek – there are various types of trails, and your guide can discuss the options with you. Return to the centre in the late afternoon, in time to watch as the sky changes colour and the sunsets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide. Overnight at DVFC. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 7: Danum Valley Awake for an early morning 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur for a breathtaking sunrise experience atop a canopy of the tallest tropical trees in the world. Back for breakfast and then spend another full day with your guide exploring the forest with more chances to spot wildlife by some short walks or possibly embarking on one of the longer trails – our guide will have to determine your fitness level before taking you on longer hikes. Overnight at DVFC. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 8: Danum Valley - Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu Wake up early for an early walk and more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to the dining hall for breakfast, and spend the rest of your morning at leisure until check out time at 11:00 am. Arrive around 1:00pm - 1:30pm at Lahad Datu for flight MH3017 @ 16:10hrs. While waiting for the flight your driver and/or guide can take you across the road for lunch in Lahad Datu. 5:00 pm touch down in Kota Kinabalu and be met by your driver and transfer to Jesselton Hotel for check-in, dinner in town and overnight at the hotel. Meals: B, L. Note: Dinner at guest’s own arrangements and costs

Day 9: Kota Kinabalu - Mulu Check out from Jesselton hotel after breakfast and be met by your driver and transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) for flight to Mulu (MZV) via MH3251 departing at 13:55hrs. Once arriving at Mulu Airport meet and greet by our friendly representative and transfer to Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa hotel for check-in. Afternoon, 14:00hrs / 14:30hrs - proceed on plank walk for 3 kilometres to reach Deer Cave & Lang Cave. After exploring the caves, proceed to the bat's observatory to witness bat exodus out of caves entrance in the early evening (depending on weather). Return journey on the same plank walk to park headquarters and transfer back to the hotel. Overnight at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. Meals: B, D. Note: Lunch will be in the form of mid-afternoon tea prior to Deer & Lang Cave tour

Day 10: Mulu Breakfast at the hotel and transfer by longboat and proceed to Batu Bungan - Penan Settlement, to observe the tribe lifestyle and to select handicrafts on display for sale at Penan Settlement. Continue journey by longboat to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. Picnic lunch at Clearwater summer huts and later on you can enjoy swimming at Clearwater spring. After lunch, return by longboat to the hotel. Overnight at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 11: Mulu - Kota Kinabalu Enjoy breakfast at the resort and enjoy free time at your own leisure until transferring back to Mulu Airport (MZV) for departure flight back to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) via MH3252. Upon arrival, transfer back to Jesselton Hotel for an afternoon and evening spent free at leisure. Overnight at Jesselton Hotel. Meals:B. Note: Lunch & Dinner at guest’s own arrangements and cost

Day 12: Kota Kinabalu Pick up from Jesselton hotel around 9:10 am and transfer to Mari Mari Cultural village around 30 - 40 minutes outside of Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed to the different homes of 5 ethnic tribes of Sabah. Each home was built by descendants of the tribes they represent and the village portrays the fascinating differences in architecture, costumes and traditions of the different tribes and you will witness demonstrations of ancient activities coming to life such as the making of blowpipes, starting a fire from bamboo and tattoo-making. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and overnight at Jesselton Hotel. Meals: B, L.

Day 13: Kota Kinabalu Departure - Kuala Lumpur Be met by your driver at 7:00 am for a morning flight back to Kuala Lumpur via AK5111 departing at 08:40hrs. Note: All arrangements on arrival in KL by the client. Tour ends.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

• Private guide for 9 days from arrival Day 2 excluding Mulu NP component
• All transfers as per itinerary
• All meals as per itinerary. Meals include water, tea and coffee.
• Entrance fees for locations and activities mentioned in the itinerary
• 2 x 4X4 activities at Danum Valley
• 3 river cruises on the Kinabatangan River
• 1x flight on AK5192 Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Sandakan (SDK) 
• 1x flight on AK5111 Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Kuala Lumpur (KUL) 
• 1x flight on MH3017 from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu 
• 2 x flight on MH3251 & MH3252 Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Mulu (MVZ) (return) 
• 6 bottles drinking water per day per person
• International Airfares 
• Visas and visa fees
• Travel Insurance (Mandatory) 
• All transfers, accommodation and arrangements in KL.
• Soft drinks/alcoholic beverages,
• Tourism tax (RM10/night to be paid directly at the accommodations),
• Tips (optional),
• Meals and activities not mentioned

ACCOMMODATIONS BORNEO

• Four Points by Sheraton: Deluxe twin room x 2 / 1 night
• Borneo Nature Lodge: Twin room x 2 / 2 nights
• DVFC: Air-conditioned resthouse room x 2 / 3 nights 
• Jesselton Hotel: Superior room x2 / 3 nights
• Mulu National Park Headquarters: Chalet x 2 / 2 nights

ex Kuala Lumpur (twin share accommodation) *Minimum 2 persons

Single traveller supplement

• Orangutan & tropical wildlife viewing
• Experience local culture and remote tribes
• Jungle Trekking and River Cruises
• Wildlife spotting via 4x4 drives and Rainforest Discovery Centre
• Explore one of the largest cave systems in the world
• And much more....

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The perfect Borneo itinerary for 2 weeks

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: March 11, 2023

What’s the best Borneo itinerary for first-time visitors?

Borneo is the world’s third-largest island and is shared by three countries. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

We traveled for 2 weeks through Malaysia and The Malaysian part of Borneo and discovered beautiful nature, a mix of religions and cultures, and very friendly people.

In this Borneo travel blog post, we share a complete Borneo itinerary with the main attractions and highlights of our trip. Perfect for first-time Borneo visitors.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

A Borneo itinerary for 2 weeks

Day 1-2 kuala lumpur (kl).

We started our Borneo 2-week itinerary in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and an interesting city to spend a few days.

Although this city is not located in Borneo, it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to discover this city before we continued our journey to Borneo.

How to get from the airport to Kuala Lumpur city center

There are several ways to get from the airport to Kuala Lumpur (and vice versa).

The quickest way probably is the  KLIA Express,   this train brings you in 28 minutes from the airport to Kuala Lumpur central train station ( KL Sentral ).

From KL Sentral you can continue your journey to your hotel by metro, bus or taxi. The taxi rates at this station are fixed and you arrange your taxi at the counter.

To get a quote you need to give the name of your hotel and the preferred model of the taxi.

Beware that small cabs have small trunks and your bags may not fit.

The difference in the different taxi models is normally shown at the counter.

They will give you a ticket at the counter.  This ticket also contains the address where you’re going so you just need to show it to the taxi driver and you’ll be taken to your destination.

Another option to get from the airport to Kuala Lumpur is by taxi. It is the most comfortable way to get from the city center to the airport and back as it takes you directly door to door.

Depending on the number of passengers the taxi can be cheaper than the train.

The taxi will take approximately 45 minutes to get to the city.  It all depends on traffic and where your hotel is located.

The taxis use the same ticket system at the airport so you will also need to get a ticket at the ticket counter before you head to the taxi line.

The Cheapest way to travel between the airport and Kuala Lumpur city center is to board one of the buses that drive between the airport and KL Sentral.

Airport Coach is one of them.

They charge around RM18 to bring you to KLIA.

Places of interest in Kuala Lumpur

You can see the western influence very clearly throughout the city. You might as well be in Singapore or Hong Kong.

You can explore the highlights of this city in three days.

The main highlights are of course the Petronas Tower and Kuala Lumpur Tower – the two landmarks of this city. At 452 meters, the Petronas Towers are still the highest twin towers in the world.

You have a fantastic panoramic view of the city from here.

An absolute must-do when you’re in Kuala Lumpur.

Skip the line and buy your tickets here: Tickets Petronas Tower

This, however, is the modern Kuala Lumpur.

For a more authentic experience, have a wander around the typical Indian and Chinese areas.

And be sure to have a bite to eat in Jalan Alor, the top destination for tasty street food.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

Many of Kuala Lumpur’s major attractions are located in a relatively compact part of the city.

That’s why the hotels we share are all located near the city center of Kuala Lumpur. 

Luxury hotel: JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur

The JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur lies very central, close to all the main tourist attractions. The hotel is a wonderful oasis for those looking for a place to relax in luxury after exploring Kuala Lumpur during the day. Very welcoming staff and excellent service.

Click here for reviews and the latest prices:

Booking.com

Premium Comfortable hotel : Impiana KLCC Hotel

The Impiana KLCC Hotel is a very comfortable location for sightseeing. Spacious and well-designed rooms. Very friendly staff. You can see the twin towers while swimming in the pool.

Comfortable hotel: Holiday Express Kuala Lumpur City Center

The Holiday Inn is a good hotel right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur close to the towers. Clean and well-kept rooms. Good value for the price.

They have several room types. Choose The big one with a sofa bed, even if you don’t need the sofa, because the room is much better.

Day 3-4 Kuching

Our first stop in our two weeks Borneo itinerary was Kuching.

Kuching itself is not one of the highlights of Borneo, there is not much to do in the city, but the many side attractions we can do from Kuching will keep us busy for these 2 days.

Points of interest to do in Kuching

We stopped here mainly to visit   Bako National Park .

We contemplated spending the night in the park but didn’t in the end as we found too many negative reviews about the accommodation.

It didn’t look too bad once we were there, but it was too late by then.

We had a beautiful hike and our day flew by.

Purchase here your organized day tour to Bako National Park: Bako Day Tour

The buildings in the park are beautiful, but we didn’t get a lot of information about them. The staff simply didn’t have enough knowledge of English, and that was a pity.

The cultural show, on the other hand, was definitely worth it.

As animal lovers, one of the highlights was, of course, our visit to the Semenggoh orangutan rehabilitation center .

They tell you about the animals, and you can observe them at a (relatively) close distance when they are fed.

Where to stay in Kuching

There are plenty of options to stay in Kuching. Here we share three of the best hotels.

Luxury hotel : Hilton Kuching hotel

Hilton Kuching is a very centrally located hotel with a beautiful view over the Sarawak river. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the morning. After a busy day, you can relax at the wonderful pool.

Check prices and availability: Booking.com

Premium Comfortable hotel : Imperial Hotel Kuching

The Imperial hotel is a modern hotel with very comfortable rooms and a big bathroom. The staff are super friendly and speak very well English.

It’s a bit out of the center of Kuching, however, it is barely a 10 rm ($3) roundtrip fee for a Grabcar ride and there are always cars available.

Comfortable hotel : Harbour View Hotel

The Harbour View Hotel is newly renovated and located in the middle of town. Spacious and clean rooms. Comfortable beds. Very helpful and friendly staff.

Book a high floor room that’s facing the Waterfront.

Day 5-7 Mulu

From Kuching, we continued our two weeks in Borneo to Mulu.

We chose to fly, which is the quickest, and surest option.

Sometimes you can take a boat down the river, but that is not an option if the water is too low.

We flew MASwings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines. They offered 3 direct flights a week straight from Kuching to Mulu a few years ago but seem to offer daily direct flights at this point.

Check available flights here: MASwings

Things to do in Mulu

The reason for us, like many other tourists, to visit Mulu was the Mulu National Park . Historically, the area was very popular for hunting, so a lot of animals can unfortunately no longer be spotted here as they were killed, or have fled.

But there are lots of insects like dragonflies and butterflies, and the real stars of the park are the bats.

A visit to the caves in the park is absolutely worthwhile, and you can watch the bats take flight at dusk.

This was the ultimate highlight of our trip around Borneo.

Read our detailed post about Mulu here

Where to stay in Mulu

Accommodation in Mulu is very limited.  You basically have three choices.

Accommodation outside the park in rather basic hotels or homestays.  (dorms or very basic rooms with cold showers or no showers at all and electricity available 2 to 4 hours/day) : +/- 20-35MYR/pp

The Mulu national park accommodation  is more expensive at 200-250 MYR/night.  The hotel rooms in the park are more luxurious. They offer electricity all day, hot showers and comfortable beds.  We loved our room!

Mulu Marriott

Mulu Marriott  is a good option if you are looking for a luxurious treat and want to spoil yourself. The hotel has a swimming pool and a spa. Breakfast and dinner are served buffet style. The hotel is 10 minutes outside the park but has a free shuttle that takes you to the entrance. If we would go back,  Mulu Mariott  would be our first choice.

Check prices and availability: MARRIOTT

Day 8-10 Kota Kinabalu

We continued our Malaysian Borneo itinerary in Kota Kinabalu.

We were looking forward to snorkeling in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park .

This is a collection of five islands, mainly visited for their beautiful underwater world.

We were really looking forward to this after numerous fantastic snorkeling trips in Thailand, but it was very disappointing.

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

During our 2 weeks in Borneo, we visited two islands In Tunku Abdul Rahman Park , Sapi, and Mamutik. On the way there we already sailed through a lot of rubbish (bottles, life jackets…) and the islands were full of rubbish too. A terrible shame really.

The water is shallow, and so a lot of the coral is broken because people damage it while snorkeling.

And because there are so many people, you bump into each other or you don’t see anything because of all the splashing.

The Rafflesia , a giant carnivorous flower with a diameter of up to 106cm, is the symbol of Sabah, the state of which Kota Kinabalu is the capital. Pictures of the flower looked amazing so we decided we had to see this flower while we were here.

I would suggest, however, that you go view it elsewhere if possible.

The flower is nice, but the trip we took into the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve was quite expensive and felt like a rip-off.

You can also see it in the Gunung Gading National Park or during a climb of Mount Kinabalu, but we couldn’t fit either of those into our itinerary.

Read our detailed Kota Kinabalu post here.

Would you like to discover the exotic flora and fauna of the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malaysia, and relax afterward in a nice hot water spring? Book this trip to the Kinabalu National Park, and don’t forget your swimwear. Booking.com

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Luxury hotel : le meridien kota kinabalu.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu lies right opposite the markets and just a short walk away from the riverside promenade. Spacious and Comfortable rooms. Beautiful pool.

Watch the sunset from the pool area.

Premium Comfortable hotel: Mercure Kota Kinabalu city centre

The Mercure Kota Kinabalu lies in a great location close to the Baywalk area with lots of stores and restaurants. Small but comfortable rooms. The hotel has a small swimming pool on the roof, with a great city and sea view. You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset from here.

Comfortable hotel: The Klagan Hotel

The Klagan hotel lies in a wonderful location. There are lots of restaurants and shopping within walking distance. Modern and comfortable rooms.Good buffet breakfast.  You can enjoy the sea view while having breakfast.

Day 11-14 Kinabatangan

From Kuching, we flew to Sandakan. This flight was once more with Air Asia.

Our Kinabatangan river cruise

The Kinabatangan river is an area with tropical lowland rainforest vegetation and unique ecosystems.

We booked a stay in the Borneo Nature lodge including an extra tour on the way to the lodge, and once again when leaving the lodge.

Our guide was waiting for us at the airport and brought us to the hotel with a stop at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre .

Compared to Semenggoh, the information was better and more plentiful, so if you only want to visit one center, I would suggest you choose Sepilok.

We took boat trips twice a day, leaving our lodge early in the mornings and again at four in the afternoon.

We spotted lots of animals like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and of course many beautiful birds.

If you’re like us and get excited seeing animals in their natural habitat, then this is a place you certainly have to put on your Borneo itinerary.

We also did a night cruise, or technically an after-sunset cruise.

The advantage of such a cruise is that you can take beautiful photographs of the animals as you can get much closer. And it is exciting to go canoeing in the dark too.

Here you can read more about our Kinabatangan river cruise.

On the way back from our lodge we visited the Gomatong Caves. This is where they harvest the edible bird’s nests which are a delicacy in China.

Well, after being here, I don’t think I’ll ever try those as the cave was full of cockroaches, beetles, and other bugs, and in the middle was an enormous mountain of bat poo.

We still shudder thinking about it.

We finished our trip with lunch in the English Tea House, a colonial-style building from where we had beautiful views over the sea and could forget the horrors of the Gomantong Caves.

Kinabatangan riverside lodges

The price of your Kinabatangan river cruise package depends on many elements.  The level of comfort of the accommodation will make a difference but there will also be differences in what’s included in your package.

Some Kinabatangan river lodges offer all-inclusive packages (typically including all meals and 2 daily Kinabatangan River Cruises) but some only include your accommodation.

We advise taking an all-inclusive package. 

You will have nothing to worry about because your tours and your meals will be included.

As you are in the jungle there are no other restaurants around.

If you are just like us a big nature fan, opt for a 4 days/3 nights package so you can enjoy 3 full days in the Malaysian wilderness.

You will have more chances to see the orangutans and pygmy elephants. We saw different animals on each river cruise.

There’re many Kinabatangan river accommodations. Remember that you are in the jungle and that these river accommodations may not offer all the amenities that you are used to.

Here we share 3 comfortable hotels with air conditioning that offer all-inclusive packages.

Borneo nature lodge

We stayed in the  Borneo Nature Lodge one of the more comfortable Kinabatangan riverside lodges. It’s the only lodge in Kinabatangan rated 2 stars.  The manager took really good care of us and we were treated to delicious meals after every river safari.  We comfortably enjoyed the pleasures of the jungle :-).

Nature Lodge Kinabatangan

Click here for reviews and the latest prices: Booking.com

The Nature Lodge Kinabatangan offers basic clean rooms with air conditioning.  Incredibly friendly staff. The tours are good and the group sizes are considerably smaller than other tours.

The Bilit Rainforest Lodge

The  Bilit Rainforest lodge  offers spacious rooms with air conditioning.  They offer a reasonable selection of well-prepared food, Very friendly and helpful staff. The river safaris are excellent and the guides are good at spotting wildlife.

Borneo essentials

Here we answer the most frequent FAQ’s for Borneo.

What’s the best time to visit Borneo

The average temperature in Borneo lies between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Borneo has a fairly humid climate, and it rains regularly.

The best time to visit Borneo is between April and September . The busiest months are from May to September.

We visited Borneo in July, and it was mostly dry, apart from the occasional shower.

Going independent or joining an organized tour

We found it easy and straightforward to create our own travel itinerary.  It was also fairly easy to travel through Borneo independently.

We traveled with our suitcases but Borneo is also a great backpacker’s destination. Here you will find a complete list of the best backpacking gear when you are planning on backpacking in Borneo.

But if you want the company of a group, don’t have the time to create your own itinerary, or just don’t want to go independent, you could also join an organized tour. TourRadar  is a trustworthy company where you can book an organized tour to Japan to make it easy on yourself.

Here you can find all organized tours to Borneo: Organized Tours Borneo

How to get to Borneo

Wondering how to get to Borneo? Since there are almost no international flights directly to Borneo our journey started with a flight to Kuala Lumpur before taking our Air Asia flight to Kuching, a route many other travelers use.

How to find cheap tickets to Kuala Lumpur

If you want to score  cheap flights  to Kuala Lumpur we advise you to have a look at  Momondo  and  Skyscanner. 

Momondo and Skyscanner are both very good at finding good deals, of the two, Momondo is probably the one with the most intuitive user interface.

our full review about 10 booking sites here.

How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo

Air Asia is a low-cost airline, and as with all budget airlines, it means they are very strict when it comes to luggage and you have to pay for all extras.

Those are things I would rather avoid but if we ignore those typical low-cost aspects I must say their service was good and we had an enjoyable flight.

We had an hour’s delay on this flight and were spontaneously handed a discount voucher for a future flight. I still prefer to fly with the major carriers, but would consider Air Asia for another flight.

Air Asia operates 9 flights daily. Their flight to Kuching leaves from the low-cost terminal of KL airport .  (LCCT) Note that the low-cost terminal is far apart from the regular terminal. The low-cost terminal can be reached by taxi.

Another way is by KLIA Transit. There is a stop at Salak Tinggi station where special busses depart to LCCT.

There are also buses that transport passengers between the two terminals; though they are very cheap it also takes quite some time.

If you rather don’t fly with Air Asia you can choose Malaysia airlines. Malaysia Airlines offer more than 10 flights a day.

The flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo is around 1h40 minutes.

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo are often very cheap.  The prices fluctuate depending on seasons but with four entry-point options, you can always get into Borneo somewhere for under $50.

Do I need travel insurance for Borneo?

We do not recommend traveling without travel insurance. Besides medical expenses, it covers lots more.

You can turn to your travel insurance if your camera, notebook, or smartphone gets damaged or stolen. Travel insurance will reimburse you if you can’t leave on your trip because of an emergency at home or if you need to end your trip early.

Drawing up a travel insurance policy may seem expensive at first but it can potentially save you a significant sum, significantly more than the small insurance fee.

Good travel insurance, such as the one from HeyMondo and SafetyWing, covers the things we mentioned above and even more.

Check prices and availability:

We think this is a fairly complete 2-week itinerary for  Borneo.

But as always, you have to make choices, and that’s what we did for this Borneo itinerary.

As nature lovers, we loved Mulu and our Kinabatangan river cruise the most.

This was absolutely the highlight of our Borneo itinerary.

If you have less time and aren’t going to climb Mount Kinabalu, we would suggest skipping Kota Kinabalu.

If you are looking for a 10 days Borneo itinerary and like snorkeling or diving,  we would advise adding Lankayan Island . It’s easy to reach with a private boat transfer from Sandakan. We didn’t do it ourselves because we went to the Perhentians. But we heard from other people that it is an amazing island.

If you are convinced of Borneo but are looking for a tropical destination, our Kerala in India might be something for you.

If you are wondering what to pack for Borneo, check out this Borneo packing list.

If you want to stay online while you are in Malaysia, check out this post about the best Malaysia tourist SIM card. 

Have you visited Malaysian Borneo, what were the highlights for you?  Would you change something in our itinerary?

Tuesday 9th of July 2019

"Well, after being here, I don’t think I’ll ever try those as the cave was full of cockroaches, beetles, and other bugs, and in the middle was an enormous mountain of bat poo."

"If you are just like us a big nature fan"

Clearly ;) Bat poo in the cave, who would've expected...

This was absolutely the most disgusting cave we ever visited. Can you imagine people are staying here for the night...

West Malaysia and Borneo Tour

Combine the rich culture, heritage and cuisine of the Malay Peninsula with the tropical flora, fauna and landscapes of Borneo's Sabah State

A comprehensive 16-day West Malaysia and Borneo tour

A 2-week+ comprehensive Malaysia and Borneo tour combining the wonderful and varied heritage sites of Peninsula (or West) Malaysia’s historic towns with the exotic flora, fauna and awe-inspiring landscapes of the jungles of Borneo.

From the contemporary capital of Kuala Lumpur, with its spectacular mix of old and new and vibrant street life of Chinatown, we’ll travel to the twin, UNESCO-listed, Straights settlements of Melaka (former Malacca) and George Town (capital of Penang Island).

In Malacca, we’ll visit the remains of the 16th-century Portuguese fort A Famosa as well as Dutch-period buildings and the well-preserved shophouses of Jonker Walk, while George Town is famous for its British colonial architecture along with what is certainly the most extensive and best-restored Chinatown in Southeast Asia. We’ll also take a hike through the lush rainforest of Penang Hill and check out the varied cuisine that the island is justifiably renowned for, with both a street food tour and a hands-on Malay cookery class.

From here we take a domestic flight to Kota Kinabalu – the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah State on Borneo Island – and embark on the jungle and wildlife part of our tour. Sites include a marine protection scheme on picturesque Dinawan island, overnight in plantation cottages at Sabah Tea, a hike in World Heritage Kinabalu National Park, a visit to the famous orangutan rehabilitation centre at Sepilok and a stay in a nature lodge on the forest-lined Kinabatangan River.

In addition to heritage walks and street-food tours, activities on our Malaysia and Borneo tour include an exploration of historic Malacca by rickshaw, a ride on Penang Hill’s old funicular railway, guided snorkelling tour of Dinawan’s reefs, birdwatching on the Rainforest Discovery Centre’s canopy walkway and dawn and dusk wildlife spotting boat trips up the Kinabatangan.

Also note that for those with a few more days to spare, we offer extensions to either Borneo’s fabulous Danum Valley or some quality beach time on the South China Sea’s Manukan Island .

Includes: Flights: Penang-Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan-Kota Kinabalu. Meals: B x 15, L x 7, D x 8

Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.

Day 1 - Kuala Lumpur - arrival and orientation tour

Our tour starts with a lunchtime check-in to our small, boutique-style hotel situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. Time to relax after your flight before stretching your legs with a brief orientation tour followed by a local-style welcome dinner.

Airport transfers are included with the flights package

Overnight: Kuala Lumpur Transport: Walk,  Meals: D, 

Day 2 - Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves and city sights

Morning walking tour of some of the city’s famous sites including bustling Little India and the splendid colonial-period architecture of Merdeka Square. In the afternoon we’ll take the local train to the spectacular Batu Caves – a huge and highly prestigious limestone cave temple complex – before an evening food tour of the Kampung Baru district.

Overnight: Kuala Lumpur Transport: Train, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 3 - Malacca - the UNESCO World Heritage Town

Morning departure for the coast and Melaka (Malacca) with an afternoon orientation tour by rickshaw of the historic, UNESCO-listed city. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed town displays Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and we’ll allow you time in the late afternoon and evening to explore at your leisure.

Overnight: Melaka (Malacca) Transport: Minibus, Walk, Tuk Tuk,  Meals: B, 

Day 4 - North by train to Penang

A return drive to Kuala Lumpur to catch the Butterworth express train to northern Malaysia. Late afternoon arrival and transfer by ferry to our heritage-style hotel in UNESCO-listed George Town’s jetty quarter. The evening is free for you to explore the area or perhaps check out one of the town’s famous street food, hawker markets.

Overnight: George Town Transport: Train, Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 5 - Penang - George Town Heritage Walking Tour

Penang’s capital George Town reveals a bewildering mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures; Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu religions. Our walking tour of this well-preserved town takes in exotic temples, Chinese architecture, colourful Little India and impressive British colonial-period buildings. The afternoon is free to explore the fascinating and friendly town at your leisure, check out the local markets or museums while an optional visit to the historic Cheong Fatt Tse ‘blue mansion’ can be arranged.

Overnight: George Town Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 6 - Penang Hill - ride the funicular up and hike down

Our day trip to Penang Hill involves an ascent by way of the old funicular railway with a return on foot through the lush rainforest of the Moon Gate trail, to the island’s Botanic Gardens. Spectacular views guaranteed while fauna includes dusky langurs and over 100 bird species.

Overnight: George Town Transport: Minibus, Train, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 7 - Penang - spice garden tour and cookery class

A food-orientated morning with a visit to the island’s Tropical Spice Garden. An explanation and tour of the garden’s myriad herbs and spices are followed by a hands-on cookery lesson where you’ll prepare your own lunch. Short afternoon hike to unspoilt Monkey Beach in nearby Penang National Park.

Overnight: George Town Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 8 - Flight from Penang to Borneo

Transfer to Penang Airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu, capital of Malaysia’s Sabah State on the island of Borneo. Check in to our centrally located hotel, meet your Borneo tour leader and a late afternoon stroll down to the waterfront for perhaps a sundowner before a local-style, welcome dinner.

Overnight: Kota Kinabalu Transport: Taxi, Plane,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 9 - Pulau Dinawan - an eco-project on a tropical island

A short boat trip takes us to the tropical island Pulau Dinawan where we’ll visit a conservation project involved in protecting the unspoilt island as well as its surrounding coral reefs. A guided snorkelling tour, nature hike around the island and barbecue lunch are on the menu with a late afternoon return to KK.

Overnight: Kota KInabalu Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 10 - Kinabalu - the National Park and Tea Plantation

Time to head into the interior where our first stop will be World Heritage Kinabalu National Park for a hike through the forest at the foot of the 4,000m mountain. Continuing east we’ll stop at the moving Kundasang Memorial in remembrance of Allied POWs who died during WW2’s infamous Sandakan Death March and, blooming permitting, the island’s celebrated Rafflesia flowers. Overnight in cottages at the Sabah Tea Plantation.

Overnight: Sabah Tea Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 11 - East to Sepilok and a scenic lakeside lodge

A chance to admire the stupendous views over Mount Kinabalu from the perfectly placed restaurant before a brief tour of the organic tea plantation itself. From here we continue to Sepilok for a stay at a scenic lodge. Afternoon arrival and free time to explore the resort’s very own botanical gardens or perhaps relax on their well-situated terrace.

Overnight: Sepilok Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 12 - Sepilok - the famous Orangutan Sanctuary and Rainforest Discovery Centre

Morning visit to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary Rehabilitation Centre and the adjacent Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Project . After some time to relax and escape the midday heat, we’ll visit the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre to explore the forest trails and extensive canopy walkways.

Overnight: Sepilok Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 13 - Gomantong Caves and the Kinabatangan River

Departure for the nearby Gomantong Caves* where we’ll discover the unique ecosystem of the limestone caves including the edible swiftlet nests and, with luck, spot some of the wild orangutans that inhabit the area. On to the Kinabatangan Wildlife Corridor for a stay at a beautifully located, riverside eco-lodge. A sunset boat trip on the jungle-lined river and a night trek to spot some of the nocturnal wildlife complete our day’s activities. *(Please note at the time of writing the actual caves were closed due to walkway repairs although, as the entrance area affords good wildlife possibilities, we will continue to include the site as a stop.)

Overnight: Kinabatangan Transport: Minibus, Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 14 - Kinabatangan - river trip and nature hike

Today’s itinerary features a sunrise river cruise and morning jungle hike with some time at leisure to explore the area or sit back and admire the views from your balcony. Proboscis monkeys, langurs, crocodiles, Borneo pygmy elephants and of course orangutans, are just a few of the potential wildlife sightings, whilst rare bird species include Storm’s stork, pitas, broadbills, the lesser adjutant and several species of hornbill.

Overnight: KInabatangan Transport: Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 15 - Morning in Kinabatangan and return flight from Sandakan

Some time at leisure at Kinabatangan before a transfer to Sandakan Airport (depending upon airline schedules) for a short return flight across the island to Kota Kinabalu. Evening farewell dinner. (Note, anyone wishing to take up our Danum Valley extension would depart by road in the morning.)

Overnight: Kota Kinabalu Transport: Minibus, Plane,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 16 - Kota Kinabalu - departure or island extension

Morning is at leisure to explore Kota Kinabalu and perhaps visit one of its museums or markets before either a transfer to KK Airport (depending upon your departure time) or, for those with a few days to spare, a transfer to the ferry for a few days on Manukan Island .

Overnight: Departure Transport: Taxi,  Meals: B, 

The nitty-gritty, the things you need to know, the answers to your burning questions.

Visa Info & Notes

Just a few of the many highlights

Combine the rich and varied cultural, historical heritage and vibrant street life and celebrated cuisine of West Malaysia with Borneo's natural heritage, spectacular landscapes and unique wildlife

• Explore fascinating KL and the World Heritage Straights settllements of Malacca and Penang's George Town
• Varied destinations include Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Dinawan Island, an organic tea plantation and Penang's Chinatown
• Sample some of the best and most varied cuisine Asia has to offer with guided food tours, street markets and a Malay cookery class
• Discover Borneo's unique flora and fauna in UNESCO-listed Kinabalu National Park, Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River
• Travel by local train, funicular railway, by boat on the Malacca River and dawn and on dusk wildlife boat trips on the KInabatangan
• Optional extensions includea rainforest lodge in the Danum Valley, an ascent of Mt Kinabalu or a few days R and R on a tropical island

Air Departures (UK) *From

• 24 August 24 3,850 GBP
• 21 September 24 3,850 GBP
• 19 October 24 3,890 GBP
• 23 November 24 3,890 GBP
• 14 December 24 3,990 GBP
• 11 January 25 3,895 GBP
• 8 February 25 3,895 GBP
• 8 March 25 3,895 GBP
• 29 March 25 3,945 GBP
• 3 May 25 3,945 GBP
• 31 May 25 3,945 GBP
• 28 June 25 3,945 GBP
• 2 August 25 3,945 GBP
• 5 September 25 3,945 GBP
• 4 October 25 3,945 GBP
• 31 October 25 3,945 GBP
• 5 December 25 3,945 GBP

Land Departures

• 25 August 24 2,750 GBP
• 22 September 24 2,750 GBP
• 20 October 24 2,790 GBP
• 24 November 24 2,790 GBP
• 15 December 24 2,790 GBP
• 12 January 25 2,835 GBP
• 9 February 25 2,835 GBP
• 9 March 25 2,835 GBP
• 30 March 25 2,885 GBP
• 4 May 25 2,885 GBP
• 1 June 25 2,885 GBP
• 29 June 25 2,885 GBP
• 3 August 25 2,885 GBP
• 6 September 25 2,885 GBP
• 5 October 25 2,885 GBP
• 1 November 25 2,885 GBP
• 6 December 25 2,885 GBP

Guaranteed Places Left Special Price Solo Traveller Closed

*As fares are fluctuating wildly at present all ‘with flight’ prices are approximate.

* Air departures are from the UK. Land departures start from Kuala Lumpur .

*Land departure dates correspond to the FIRST day of the itinerary.

We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...

Tiang Jing Kuala Lumpur view

• Lovingly-designed, boutique-style, heritage hotel
• Great location in the heart of KL's Chinatown
• In-house cafe/coffee shop and restaurant

Rosa Malacca view

• Carefully-designed and decorated boutique-style hotel
• Well appointed rooms and particularly helpful staff
• Quiet location a short walk from the historic centre

Royale Chulan, Penang view

• Great location in the heart of World Heritage George Town
• Well-appointed with in-house bar, restaurant, spa and pool
• Comfy 4* rooms with modern amenties and heritage-style decor

Jesselton Hotel Kota Kinabalu view

• Small, boutique-style accommodation in central Kota Kinabalu
• Stay in a beautifully restored colonial period building
• Welcoming friendly hotel with in-house bar, cafe, restaurant

Malaysia Sabah Tea view

• Overnight stay in an organic tea plantation
• Magificent views over the Crocker Ranges and Mt Kinabalu
• Accommodation in cozy plantation cottages

Nature Lodge Sepilok view

• Chalet-style accommodation in a garden setting
• Short walk to the Rainforest Discovery Centre
• In-house restaurant and bar

Bilit Adventure Lodge view

• The river on one side - the jungle on the other
• Isolated location but good in-house bar and restaurant
• Individual, chalet-style accommodation

*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.

Please note that the Malaysian government has seen fit to introduce a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card , (MDAC), system as of 1st January 2024. This form needs to be submitted online at least 3 days prior to arrival. (We would expect a few possible teething problems so we’d say it’s best to save proof of submission such as a photo or screenshot of the submitted form just in case.)

We apologise for the inconvenience incurred but will bite our tongues and refrain from further comment.

Finally, also note that you may come across references to a daily ‘tourism tax’ of 10 RM, payable by visitors to Malaysia, but this has already been included in the cost of your tour and will be paid by your tour leader.

Visas: No visa in advance is required. A free 60-day visa is issued on arrival at any international airport. As usual, a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of arrival and at least 1 blank page in your passport is required.

The standard arrival point for this tour is Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the departure port is Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Meals: Breakfasts are generally hotel buffets with lunch and dinners based on local food. Your tour leader will usually order a selection of dishes, local-style, while a number of meals are not included, which allows you to ‘do your own thing’ or take a break if you’re feeling ‘riced out’.

With its kaleidoscopic population, Malaysian cuisine is one of the most varied and richest anywhere on the planet and includes all the various, regional Indian and Chinese dishes, the unique Chinese/Malay Nonya cuisine as well as traditional Malay food alongside Thai and Indonesian influences. Dishes are generally mild with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on offer.

Accommodation: all choices fall into the comfortable 3* range and are en-suite and air-conditioned. We have posted a selection of sample accommodation on the lefthand hotel tab but please note that as we try and avoid the larger hotels, availability, in high season particularly, means we use several options in each destination.  

Activities: note that no activities are compulsory and that any, including trekking, can be tailored for any fitness level or alternatives suggested.  

You deserve a holiday ?

Holidays should never end, stay a little longer. These extensions go well with this tour...

Manukan Island

Danum Valley

Mount Kinabalu

Here is what out guest have to say about their experience on this tour...

Dave and Lesley

" The whole holiday was excellent. A brilliant mix of urban, rural and wildlife. Seeing the orangutans at Sepilok and boat trips on the Kinabatangan River seeing wildlife were highlights. The opportunity to see them in a natural setting, yet very close was memorable. The guides were very knowledgeable and eager to expose us to as many local experiences as possible. They were both excellent. The holiday contained many included activities such as a cookery class and an island visit for snorkelling and relaxing on the beach. We highly recommend booking this trip. "

Eleri and Gavin

" Just to say that we have arrived home from the most wonderful experience from All Points East. It was more than I ever hoped for. Sheila was an absolute star....giving us all the most amazing time. All the team were great, especially our driver at Sepilok Captain Dave (Sully) and Kolo our guide on the river. I will forever treasure my memory of the wildlife of Borneo. "

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Borneo & Malaysia Highlights with Orangutan Experience & Rainforest River Cruise

Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Sandakan, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sukau, Kota Kinabalu District

Be captivated by the natural beauty of Borneo and experience Malaysia’s vibrant mosaic of culture on this nine-day small-group tour. Get up close and personal with treasured wildlife at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, plus observe Malaysian Proboscis Monkey families in their natural habitat at Labuk Bay. Stay among the rich green rainforest in Sukau, taking in the natural scenery during a river cruise. Wander hidden alleys, taste the multitude of Kuala Lumpur flavours and revel in the sights of Malacca, including ancient Chinese temples and the bustling Jonker Street.

From picturesque scenes in Borneo to Malaysia’s diverse cities, you’ll enjoy unique, handpicked accommodation, private tour-group transport, internal flights, roundtrip airport transfers and naturalist guides to help you make the most of each destination. Whether you’re travelling solo or with family, immerse yourself in the multi-faceted Malaysia and the biodiverse forests of Borneo.

Destinations: Kota Kinabalu District, Sukau, Sandakan, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Labuk Bay Proboscis Mo... +1 more

Destinations: Penang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Ipoh

Selamat Datang: welcome to Kuala Lumpur! Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), you will be met by your driver and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur (or KL, as it’s commonly known). As the capital of Malaysia, the colourful cultural hub is the largest city in the country, with dizzying high-rise buildings, glitzy shopping malls and a multitude of local and international cuisines. The city is defined by its 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world, and home to the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, the Sri Mahamariamman.

Later this afternoon, set off on a walking tour of Kuala Lumpur, before sitting down for a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Today, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before travelling to Malacca, a former colonial outpost and a true melting pot of cultures and influences. Spend a full day exploring the city’s remarkable history and its most significant buildings. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the ruins of St. Paul’s Church and A Famosa, the remains of a Portuguese fortress and the earliest surviving example of European architecture in Asia. Learn about the Chinese influences here with a visit to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, dedicated to the Buddhist deity of mercy, Guan Yin. Not far from the temple is Jonker Street, brimming with antique shops that recall more than 300 years of Malacca’s fusion of influences.

After returning to KL, the rest of the evening is spent at your leisure.

This morning, explore the hidden alleys and shops of Kuala Lumpur, trying traditional street food along the way. Walk the old streets of KL, exploring beyond the tall buildings with their luxe exteriors, and get to know the Malaysian way of life and the city’s history from a local perspective. Return to your hotel to freshen up, before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Sandakan in Borneo.

Welcome to Sandakan, the gateway to Borneo’s wildlife. The city was once the capital of British-administered North Borneo and today is a busy port on the east coast of Sabah, East Malaysia. This port city is also a culinary paradise with amazing seafood and local delicacies unique to the cultural mix of people who have settled here over the centuries.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure as you settle into your hotel.

After breakfast, set off to enjoy a full day among nature. Venture to the centre of the Labuk Bay mangrove forest situated on the coast of Sandakan, and get up close and personal with some unique primates. The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is home to three families of the endangered species, who live harmoniously with other species such as the silver leaf monkey, pig-tailed macaque, otters and kingfishers.

After lunch, visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre and learn about the native flora and fauna. Take a stroll over the suspension bridge and finish with the only Canopy Walk (147 metres long) in Sandakan. Your guide will highlight the varied birdlife and the vast diversity of flora that is endemic to this region. Then, return to your hotel for a restful sleep.

Today, the first stop is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC). Get up close and witness these playful creatures in their natural habitat as your naturalist guide gives you an understanding of the plight of orangutans in today’s world, and the initiatives the rehabilitation centre has in place to ensure their ongoing survival and successful release back into the wild.

Afterwards, take a short walk to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). Founded in 2008, this wildlife conservation centre and research facility aims to improve the welfare and rehabilitation of the Malayan sun bear, a reclusive bear species standing just 70 centimetres tall. It also works to educate about the plight of sun bears and the importance of working to conserve this highly endangered species.

Take a two-hour journey to Sukau for lunch and check-in at the Bilit Rainforest Lodge. Embark on an afternoon river cruise to Menanggul River in search of wildlife and birds, before retiring to your accommodation.

Rise early to the calls of gibbons and hornbills before embarking on an unforgettable morning cruise to observe the area’s wildlife while watching the sun rise. Cruise to the nearby Pitas Oxbow Lake to explore the area and admire the natural surroundings. Return to the lodge for breakfast where you will spend the rest of the morning.

After lunch, you will be free to enjoy an afternoon at your leisure relaxing on the sun deck, exploring the area or enjoying the view, before meeting early evening for another river cruise along the Kinabatangan River. Return to the lodge for dinner.

After enjoying your breakfast, return to Sandakan to be transferred to the airport for the flight to Kota Kinabalu. This bustling waterfront city is surrounded by off-shore coral islands, forest-covered hills, scenic rivers and, of course, Mt. Kinabalu – the highest peak in Southeast Asia.

Settle into your room, and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure before indulging in a buffet dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy a full day at your leisure in beautiful Kota Kinabalu. Wander a short distance from your hotel and explore parklands, take a stroll along the relaxing waterfront, or shop at one of the many nearby shopping malls. Marvel at the ornate mosque or immerse yourself in Sabahan culture at the Muzium Sabah, full of pottery and natural history.

Reconvene for a sumptuous afternoon tea at the hotel’s Deco Cafe.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the beautiful Kota Kinabalu and reminisce on the time spent in Malaysia and Borneo. Your private transfer will bring you to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) for your flight home.

Witness the remarkable journey of the critically endangered orangutans being cared for at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In the vast expanse of lush, protected rainforest, around 70 orangutans live independently, while 25 orphaned orangutans are housed in nurseries until they are well enough to be released. Learn about the efforts of the centre and the plights of these extraordinary primates in an unforgettable visit.

• Eight nights of handpicked accommodation
• Two internal economy-class flights
• 17 meals included – eight breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners
• A visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• Wander the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
• A boat cruise on the Lower Kinabatangan River, spotting wildlife along the way
• A full day in historical Malacca, learning about the ancient spice trade and visiting mosques and temples
• Private roundtrip airport transfers and private transportation throughout the tour
• Expert English-speaking naturalist guides
• Insider experiences, sightseeing and entrance fees throughout the tour
• Drinking water and cold towels provided during sightseeing

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.

• Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
• Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 60 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
• If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
• Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
• Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes’ Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise if the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
• Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected], who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
• For tours that allow children, the child must be 12 years or over and must share a room with an adult.
• Children are the same price as adults.

7-Day Change of ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:

• Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings and flights which are subject to the cancellation terms of the relevant supplier) may be cancelled with a full refund if cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 90 days prior to the departure date.
• All booking Deposits are non-refundable.
• After final payment is received, bookings are non-refundable unless otherwise provided for in our refund policy. Cancellations outside of the 7-Day Change of Mind Guarantee period will not be provided, except as required by Australian Consumer Law, your local law or as otherwise provided for in the Fine Print.
• Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, a service fee of A$300 per person will apply.
• For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

• Any changes or cancellations made within the 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee, where applicable, will not incur any fees unless otherwise restricted to the product Fine Print. Booking changes may include, but are not limited to, name changes or name corrections.
• For date changes made after the 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee, the cost of your new tour must be of equal or greater value than your current tour.
• If the request is a change from a tour of higher value to a tour of lesser value, any difference in the tour prices will not be refunded.
• Changes are not permitted once the final payment has been collected.
• Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

• Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees in respect of flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
• You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).
• After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
• Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be related to currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs, or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions .

Update [4 July, 2024, 9.57AM AEST]: Itinerary for Days 3 & 4 accommodation updated to include Hotel Cura. Itinerary for Days 8, 9 & 10 accommodation updated to include Melekler Evi.

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

• You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your My Escapes.

Please note:

• Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
• Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request. Subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
• Maximum room capacity (Twin Share) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.
• All special requests, such as those regarding bedding preferences, are subject to availability and can only be confirmed upon check-in. Room assignments and bedding configurations may vary based on the destination and hotel policies, and are handled directly by the hotel staff.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] for further information.

• Roundtrip international flights
• Single supplement
• Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
• Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
• Travel insurance (required)
• Transfer surcharge from A$120 per car, for two people maximum incurred for arrival or departure flight between 10pm and 8am
• Tips and gratuities
• Camera/photography fee of MYR10 for lens greater than 100mm at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice

Baggage Restrictions

• Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 20kg on tour.
• Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller hand-piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 7kg on tour.
• Arrival and departure transfers are available on the first and last day of your tour only.
• If you have booked your pre- and post-tour accommodation through Luxury Escapes, transfers may be available for select tours (not available for Trusted Partner operated tours).
• If you have booked pre- or post-tour accommodation outside of Luxury Escapes, you will forfeit your complimentary airport transfers.
• Please note ‘Private Transfers’ refers to transfers that are exclusive for your tour group and may be shared among other members of your group if arriving on the same flight or another flight arriving within a 30-minute window.
• Flight information must be provided to Luxury Escapes 60 days prior to departure in order to book transfers. Please see Destination information for airport pick-up and drop-off information.

Optional experiences

• Optional experiences may be cancelled if minimum numbers to operate are not met. Final confirmation of your optional excursions and activities will be provided while on tour.
• Optional experiences can only be booked up to either 60, 90 or 120 days prior to departure depending on each departure.
• Optional experiences may be updated prior to departure to accommodate changes in weather, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• Optional experiences are non-refundable within 60 days of departure, unless cancelled due minimum numbers on tour not being met or unforeseen circumstances on tour.
• Optional experiences can be organised in advance by contacting our dedicated Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .

Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email  [email protected] .

Passports & Visas

• A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
• You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Traveller Details

• Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller. This information can be added directly to your ’My Escapes’ account.
• Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
• We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact [email protected] so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
• Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
• Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
• If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
• Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .
• Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
• Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
• Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.

Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.

Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

• Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour.
• There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
• Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Your tour begins at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and ends at Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI), with roundtrip airport transfers. The extended tour ends at Kuala Lumpur Aiport (KUL).

Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately.  If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.

Please book your flights to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 11am on Day 1 and depart from Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) after 10am on Day 9. For the extended tour, depart from Kuala Lumpur Aiport (KUL) after 10am on Day 14.

Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only, unless you have booked your pre- and post-accommodation with Luxury Escapes. If you have booked your pre- or post-accommodation with us, please advise our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] to arrange your transfer.

You must complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct , to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here  to visit the website.

Need flights?  Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact [email protected] .

Important Destination Information:

Time zone: GMT+8

Telephone: +60-8

Currency: Malaysian ringgit (RM)

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.

Language: Bahasa Malaysia

Climate: Straddling the equator, Borneo is subject to an intense tropical climate. In the lowlands, temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C, while at higher elevations things can get a lot cooler. Borneo has 2 monsoon seasons: the ‘dry’ monsoon (May–October) and the ‘wet’ monsoon (November–April).

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2 WEEKS IN BORNEO ITINERARY: THE PERFECT GUIDE FOR ADVENTURE, WILDLIFE & RELAXATION IN SABAH BORNEO! (2024)

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE 2 WEEKS IN BORNEO?

Check out our blog post below to discover how to spend an unforgettable 2 weeks in Borneo (with short stops at Kuala Lumpur and Singapore) this year!

This is the travel itinerary we personally created and followed when we visited Borneo on our Honeymoon, and have since tweaked and now perfected it for you to use too!

We detail clearly how to get between destinations (flights and recommended airlines), when to use the best Borneo tour agency vs when to self-book, all accommodation and much more. What are we waiting for, let’s get going!

2 WEEKS IN BORNEO: THE ULTIMATE ITINERARY!

For our 2 weeks in Borneo itinerary, we first stop at the dazzling city of Kuala Lumpur before heading to the ancient rainforests Sabah, North Borneo and relax on the glorious Gaya Island. We then explore Singapore for a few days before heading home.

ARRIVE INTO KUALA LUMPUR (LATE DAY / NIGHT BEFORE)

ARRIVE INTO KUALA LUMPUR AIRPORT The best way to get to Kuala Lumpur is by flying directly into its main airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Check SkyScanner for the best deals .

From here, you can jump into one of many taxi’s waiting outside KLIA airport, or jump onto the extremely convenient KLIA Ekspres train into the city centre .

Good To Know : Kuala Lumpur International Airport is very big, and is split into two separate terminals: KLIA and KLIA2 . You can travel between the two by shuttle. KLIA is the main terminal for all International flights, whereas KLIA2 is reserved for internal Malaysian flights. Make sure you check where you will be arriving / departing from on your flight confirmation.

SETTLE INTO YOUR KUALA LUMPUR ACCOMMODATION After a long flight to Kuala Lumpur and travelling an additional hour (either by taxi or train) into Kuala Lumpur city centre, finally settle into your accommodation, maybe go out for dinner and relax for the evening.

Our Kuala Lumpur accommodation top picks:

Budget (Below £60 per night):

• 💰 Expressionz Suites by V&C

Mid-range (£60-£99 per night):

• 🤝🏻 E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur

High-end (£100+ per night):

• 💎 Mandarin Oriental

DAY 1: KUALA LUMPUR BATU CAVES, TEMPLES & CULTURE TOUR & PETRONAS TOWERS

HALF DAY: BATU CAVES, TEMPLES & CULTURE TOUR We recommend booking this private Batu Caves, Temples and Culture tour to tick off the key sights of Kuala Lumpur, including Batu Caves, the National Mosque, a Sikh temple and Thean Hou Temple in approximately just 4 hours!

AFTERNOON: VISIT THE ICONIC PETRONAS TOWERS Head into Kuala Lumpur’s city centre to witness the infamous Petronas Towers! By day, get your ticket for the dual SkyBridge and Observation deck experience at the top! Book your E-Ticket in advance to avoid the long queues.

By night, head to the Simfoni Lake below Suria KLCC mall, the best spot to see the Petronas Towers lit up at night! There are also organised light shows on the Lake every evening at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm to enjoy.

EVENING: DINNER & COCKTAILS AT HELI LOUNGE Not ready to head back just yet? Why not visit one of Kuala Lumpur’s most unique rooftop bars – the Helipad Lounge , located on the 36th floor rooftop of an office building!

Still a working Helipad by day, by night it transforms into a quirky open-air bar, offering food and classic drinks such as beers, wine and cocktails. The main draw of this bar is its uninterrupted, jaw-dropping 360° views of Kuala Lumpur!

Top tip: You cannot reserve a table at Heli Lounge, so it is first come first served!

DAY 2: EXPLORE INNER KUALA LUMPUR & CATCH FLIGHT TO SANDAKAN, BORNEO!

MORNING: EXPLORE INNER KUALA LUMPUR Check-out of your hotel before your scheduled flight to Sabah, Borneo today. If you have a few spare hours (i.e. your flight isn’t until the evening), you could explore the KL Forest Eco Park .

If you don’t have much time, or are booked on an afternoon flight, head straight to Kuala Lumpur airport instead.

AFTERNOON: HEAD TO KUALA LUMPUR AIRPORT. CATCH YOUR FLIGHT TO SANDAKAN, BORNEO. Grab your bags and get back to Kuala Lumpur Airport by one of three ways:

1. Public transport: Jump on the subway to get back to KL Sentral station before catching the KLIA Ekspres train back to the airport.

2. Grab: Malaysia’s version of Uber. Set up an account in advance.

3. Private taxi: Arrange a taxi in advance with your Hotel Reception. Book an afternoon flight from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Sandakan (SDK) in Sabah, Borneo. The best direct flight is offered by AirAsia, with a flight time of just under 3 hours!

Top tip: As Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan flights via AirAsia airlines are classed as an internal Malaysian flights, you will need to go to terminal KLIA2 at Kuala Lumpur airport.

EVENING: ARRIVE INTO SANDAKAN, BORNEO On arrival, check into a hotel nearby to Sandakan airport for the evening (we recommend looking at the Livingston hotel ), and get some rest for an early start tomorrow!

Your Borneo adventure tour begins tomorrow with local tour company Sticky Rice Travel , a company we used to fully organise the Borneo mainland portion of this trip and would highly recommend. An alternative company to use is Borneo Eco Tours .

Whichever tour operator you end up using, let them know in advance what hotel to pick you up from in the morning.

DAY 3: SEPILOK ORANGUTAN REHABILITATION CENTRE, SUNBEAR CONSERVATION CENTRE & KINABATANGAN RIVER

MORNING: SEPILOK ORANGUTAN REHABILITATION CENTRE Get picked up early and head to your first destination: the World renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation centre.

Since 1964, the centre has been a pioneering force to rescuing, rehabilitating and eventually releasing orphaned, injured or displaced orangutans.

It attracts 100,000+ visitors a year, the main draw being to watch the orangutans who roam freely here descend to the feeding platforms twice a day.

You will arrive in time for the first feed at 10am, make sure you get a good viewing spot early at the feeding station!

After this, keep your eyes peeled for orangutans, cheeky macaques and other curious creatures along the boardwalk through the sanctuary, until you eventually reach the Orangutan Nursery building.

Here, watch adorable baby orangutans frolic and play, undisturbed and oblivious to you behind the one-way glass!

SUN BEAR CONSERVATION CENTRE Head next door into the Sun Bear Conservation centre and trail the elevated boardwalks to spot the World’s smallest bear species: The Bornean Sun Bear! Discover all about these beautiful endangered creatures as you meander through the forest canopies of the centre.

AFTERNOON: LUNCH & TRANSFER TO KINABATANGAN RIVER After an included lunch stop at a local cafe, drive 2 hours to Kinabatangan River to settle in at the idyllic rainforest haven, Sukau Rainforest Lodge (stay and transfer to Sukau Rainforest Lodge is part of your arranged itinerary).

Once all settled in, head out on your first 2-hour Kinabatangan River cruis e for your first chance of spotting incredible wildlife along this second longest river in Malaysia!

DAY 4: WILDLIFE CRUISES ON KINABATANGAN RIVER

DAY 4: FULL DAY OF WILDLIFE RIVER CRUISES Enjoy a full day of Kinabatangan River cruises at the luxurious Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Day 4 includes an early 6am morning river cruise and another 4pm afternoon river cruise. 

There is also the option for a late night cruise (additional cost), which you can book very last minute at the Lodge. 

During the time in between, take a stroll along the Nature Board walk, immerse yourself in the nature surrounding the Lodge (keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife!) or even just relax and take a plunge in their dip pools!

Enjoy your last evening at the luxurious Sukau Rainforest Lodge before your arranged transfer tomorrow with Sticky Rice Travel.

Spotted Wildlife on the Kinabatangan River:

Of course, it is down to luck and circumstance to what wildlife you will see during your visit. However, one of the best times to visit to see wildlife in Borneo between May to October.

This is when Borneo is at its driest and the trees begin to fruit, tempting Orangutans especially to lower parts of the tree canopies and increasing your chances of spotting them!

The wildlife we saw during our Kinabatangan River cruises were: Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants, Estuarine Crocodiles, Red Leaf Monkeys, Proboscis Monkey, Long-Tailed Macaques, Pig-Tailed Macaques, Hornbills (Pied / Oriental), Storks and countless small, colourful birds!

Did you know ? The Kinabatangan River is the only place where it is possible to see all of the Borneo Big 5 in the wild !

DAY 5: TRANSFER TO BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE, NATURE WALK & NIGHT BUGGY SAFARI

MORNING: TRANSFER TO BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE, DANUM VALLEY Arranged transfer and stay (with your chosen tour operator) from Sukau Rainforest Lodge to the enchanting Borneo Rainforest Lodge, set in the heart of the ancient rainforest of the protected Danum Valley Conservation Area.

First up is a 2 hour drive from Sukau Rainforest Lodge to the small town of Lahad Datu, stopping half-way at Borneo Rainforest Lodge’s main office to officially check in. Enjoy free refreshments here (hot and cold drinks with biscuits) whilst waiting for your next transfer straight to the Lodge.

The remaining 2.5 hour journey is along a gravel road to Borneo Rainforest Lodge , folding deep into the heart of the Danum Valley’s primary rainforest, untouched for 130 million years!

AFTERNOON: HANGING BRIDGES NATURE WALK Embark on a guided afternoon walk with your guide and small group high up in the forest canopies along hanging bridges. Keep your eyes peeled for the plentiful wildlife here, including orangutans, red leaf monkeys, gliding squirrels and more!

EVENING: Head out on a night-time buggy safari around the grounds in search for elusive nocturnal animals and sleeping birds before enjoying a delicious dinner (included in stay) back at the Lodge.

Top tip : We highly recommended booking a Deluxe Chalet with River View at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The unfathomable views of the Danum river and towering rainforests with your morning coffee is something you cannot put into words and is worth every pennt. We stayed in Deluxe Chalet 7, which had a great view!

DAY 6: TREKKING DANUM VALLEY FOREST & NIGHT WILDLIFE WALKING TRAIL

MORNING: WAKE UP TO THE SOUND OF THE RAINFOREST Wake up to the sound of calling Gibbons at around 5/6am, enjoying a slow morning on your terrace listening to the magical morning melodies of the rainforest. Have a delicious breakfast at the Lodge (included).

AFTERNOON: TREK TO A DANUM VALLEY VIEWPOINT Guided day activities today include a deep rainforest trek to the Danum Valley viewpoint before taking a refreshing dip in a natural waterfall lagoon on the way back.

EVENING: GUIDED NIGHT WILDLIFE TRAIL Finish off an epic day with a guided night wildlife trail – when the other half of the forest comes alive with nocturnal creatures, including reptile, insects and amphibians. If you’re lucky, you may even see the elusive Tarsier! Make sure you wear your leech proof socks on this trail, because the leeches will be out in force – especially at night!

DAY 7: FLIGHT TO KOTA KINABALU & TRANSFER TO GAYA ISLAND

MORNING: FLIGHT TO KOTA KINABALU (BKI) Early morning transfer from Borneo Rainforest Lodge to Lahad Datu airport (LDU), which is an approximate 2 hour drive. This tiny domestic airport is the closest to Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Here, you will catch a short domestic flight to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) , Borneo’s main International airport located on the other side of the island.

After this airport transfer, your organised itinerary portion with either Sticky Rice Travel or Borneo Eco Tours has ended, and your trip is now back to being self guided.

There are 3 direct flights every day, with a duration of just 55 minutes. We recommend booking the 13.35pm flight (latest) to allow sufficient time to be transferred to the luxurious Gaya Island Resort on the scheduled 4pm speedboat. Failing that, the last scheduled speedboat is at 6pm.

TRANSFER TO GAYA ISLAND RESORT FROM THE AIRPORT Arrange this transfer with Gaya Island Resort’s parent company YTL Hotels via e-mail , [email protected], contacting them directly prior to arrival for a seamless transfer on the day. You pay for this transfer service in advance, so it’s all sorted beforehand. From Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI), you will be picked up and driven 10 minutes to Jesselton Point ferry terminal, before boarding the next scheduled speedboat to Gaya Island Resort. The speedboat journey is around 10 minutes.

The scheduled speedboat timetable is as follows: From Jesselton Point:  10am  |  12pm  |  2pm  |  4pm  |  6pm From Gaya Island Resort:  11am  |  1pm  |  3pm  |  5pm  |  6.30pm If needed, it is possible to pre-arrange a private boat transfer (outside of the scheduled timetable) though this is much more expensive. To compare, a one-way scheduled transfer for 2 adults was MYR 169.90 (£34) when we visited, whereas a private land and sea transfer for 2 adults was MYR 530 (£106).

We know this as we needed a private transfer back to Kota Kinabalu from Gaya Island Resort to make the early 11.30am flight from Kota Kinabalu to Singapore (Day 12).

AFTERNOON: ARRIVE AT GAYA ISLAND RESORT Be welcomed with a beaming smile, cold flannel and a refreshing mocktail at the luxurious Gaya Island Resort and settle into your accommodation.

We highly recommend you book the Kinabalu Villa accommodation option at Gaya Island Resort. We had originally booked the cheaper ‘Canopy Villa’ option, but ended up changing during our stay as the views just didn’t compare. In fact, the Canopy Villa options basically have no view at all!

Request our Kinabalu Villa #821 (or failing that, Kinabalu Villa #822 above) for what we personally believe is the best view of distant overwater bungalows!

Gaya Island Resort: Our Honest Review

✔    Officially rated as one of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”. ✔    Unimposing and beautifully designed villas set into its ancient rainforest surroundings. ✔    An idyllic on-site spa village. Free daily yoga classes at 8am. Try the Malay massage (additional cost) for one of the best massages you’ll ever have! ✖    The food and drinks here are expensive, particularly the alcohol as it is heavily taxed. This is why we suggest a shorter stay at Gaya Island. ✖    As they are set up on the hilltop, it is at least a 5-minute uphill walk to most rooms, especially to the higher Kinabalu villas (you certainly work for the views!).

Click to reserve your stay at Gaya Island Resort with free cancellation! 🏝🐚🌅🥥

DAY 8 – 11: RELAX AT GAYA ISLAND RESORT

FULL 3 DAYS: For these next few days at Gaya Island Resort , you are welcome to do as much or as little as you would like! Either laze by the pool, or check out the daily activities available (includes but not limited to):

FREE ACTIVITIES:

• Morning yoga classes
• Guided nature walk
• Turtle talk on Tavajun Bay with marine biologist Scott, subject to whether they have any rescued turtles during your stay.
• Boat ride to Kota Kinabalu Sunday market
• Movie under the stars
• 1-hour of free kayaking use per day.
• Free scheduled boats to the resorts private beach, Tavajun Bay (3-minute ride).

ADDITIONAL COST ACTIVITIES:

• Kayaking through the Mangrove forests. *A must-do!
• Borneo craftwork sessions.
• Borneo tasting sessions.
• Sunset cruise.
• Treatments and massages at the Spa Village. *A must-do!

Top tip: Gaya Island is a hotspot for mosquitos! Though the resort provides natural repellent spray in your room, regardless of how much you put on most visitors receive plentiful bites! Just something to be aware of before you travel here.

DAY 12: FLY TO SINGAPORE & GARDENS BY THE BAY

MORNING: FLY TO SINGAPORE AIRPORT Early morning check out from Gaya Island Resort for your transfer back to Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI) for your flight to Singapore Changi airport (SIN) . Arrange this transfer back directly with the hotel.

You can fly direct with either Scoot Airlines, AirAsia or Singapore Airlines. The flight duration is approx. 2 hours 10 minutes.

SEE THE RAIN VORTEX WATERFALL AT THE JEWEL, T1 Just after clearing customs at Singapore Changi airport, you’ll most likely emerge in Terminal 1 in the new “Jewel” retail area. Make sure you see the World’s tallest indoor waterfall, the “Rain Vortex”, before you leave the airport!

Ride the MRT tram from Singapore airport into the city and bag drop / freshen up at your chosen Singapore hotel.

Top tip : Before you visit Singapore, look on Google Maps which MRT station is the closest to your chosen Singapore hotel. Then, use the MRT Map ( linked here ) to see the MRT route needed to get there from Singapore Changi Airport.

Our Singapore accommodation top picks:

• 🤝🏻 L Hotel at Bugis Ville
• 💎 PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay – Where we stayed and would highly recommend! If you can, select the “Signature Marina Bay King or Twin” room type for Marina Bay Sands views!

• 💎 The Clan Hotel Singapore
• 💎 Marina Bay Sands – An extra special stay!

AFTERNOON: GARDENS BY THE BAY & SUPERTREE GROVE After freshening up, make your way to Singapore’s infamous Gardens By The Bay, a 250-acre nature garden in the city full of paid horticultural attractions, including a Cloud Forest biome, Flower Dome and Floral Fantasy. The closest MRT station is Bayfront.

There is a free Garden Rhapsody light show at the Supertree Grove at 7.45pm and 8.45pm every evening. If you do anything in Singapore, make sure you do this.

We highly recommend trying to time walking along the OCBC Skyway, the yellow metal bridge between two of the Supertrees, at the same time as the Light Show. For us, this made it a truly special, immersive experience that brought Jordie to tears!

Top Tip : It is $8 per adult to walk along the OCBC Skyway.

Top Tip : Join the free WiFi (called GBTB-FreeWifi). Scan the large QR codes on posters directly next to all paid Gardens By The Bay attractions (including OCBC Skyway).

This enables you to buy your E-tickets online there and then for that attraction only. Your tickets will come through instantly on your e-mail, simply show them to the attendants at the entrances.

EVENING: CÉ LA VIE CLUB ROOFTOP LOUNGE AT MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL! For the best panoramic view of Singapore’s dazzling CBD, head to the CÉ LA VI Club rooftop lounge at Marina Bay Sands hotel.

At CÉ LA VI, there is a restaurant (you must book way in advance for this), Observatory and Club Lounge bar. Ask to enter the Club Lounge bar, which is free admission.

If this very popular bar has space (arriving earlier is better), head up the lift to the 57th floor. There will be an attendant standing outside to give you a hand stamp marking your free admission.

Walk in and turn left to ideally sit near the bar and the incredible sight of Marina Bay sands hotel rooftop pool. The atmosphere is electric and must be experienced during your Singapore visit.

They serve light snacks and (obviously) drinks, but be warned it is slightly pricey! It’s crucial to note that no very informal clothing is permitted i.e. sleeveless shirts or sandals.

Top Tip : To get to CÉ LA VI Club Lounge from Supertree Grove, walk over Dragonfly Bridge to exit Gardens By The Bay. Go up the short escalator to cross the busy roads via an overpass bridge. Halfway along this bridge, you’ll see a lift on the right-hand side. Take this lift down and head forward until you see one of the entrances to Marina Bay Sands building. The entrance to the bar is below Tower 3.

DAY 13: EXPLORE SINGAPORE’S INNER CITY

The World is your oyster today, free to explore all of the delights of Singapore. Check out what Singapore paid tours and activities are on offer, or simply wander the inner city.

Make use of the cheap and efficient MRT lines to get between areas if needed. A few quirky areas we recommend to see are:

HAJI LANE: A narrow shopping street bursting with the quirkiest retail shops, bars, cafés all amongst an explosion of colour with its iconic street art murals. The closest MRT station is “Bugis”.

ARAB STREET & GOLDEN MOSQUE A trip to the Arab Quarter, directly adjacent to Haji Lane, is a must. It is like stepping into a scene of Aladdin with the grand golden Sultan mosque, vibrant textiles and authentic Middle Eastern cafés and eateries.

ANN SIANG HILL & PARK Get delightfully lost meandering into the old town of Singapore via the Ann Siang Hill Park and Gardens. Trail its quaint cobbles to cut through to the other side to reach Ann Siang Road.

Here, you will find bold bright colours on the walls, and quirky street art on neighbouring street Mohamed Ali Lane . Cross the main road to head directly into Singapore’s Chinatown.

LONG BAR @ THE RAFFLES HOTEL Head to the stylishly chic Long Bar at the exclusive Raffles hotel, a long-established luxury hotel in Singapore and the birthplace of the infamous cocktail – The Singapore Sling.

Here, try this classic cocktail for yourself (albeit at a small fortune of $35!) while eating Monkey nuts and littering the shells on the floor, a semi-rebellious activity dating back to a deeply rooted tradition from the 1900’s!

It is certainly a unique experience not to be missed.

DAY 14: YOUR 2 WEEKS IN BORNEO, KUALA LUMPUR & SINGAPORE COMES TO AN END!

MORNING: FLY BACK HOME Spend the rest of the time in Singapore before heading back to Singapore Changi airport (SIN) via the MRT for your flight home.

We hope you have the most incredible time, get in touch and let us know your favourite part!

Top tip : As Singapore Changi is a huge airport, be sure to double check your flight information for your required terminal before you arrive at the airport.

BORNEO PACKING LIST

BORNEO RAINFOREST PACKING LIST

• Loose comfortable clothing for hiking which covers your skin i.e. long sleeve tops and leggings.
• Leech proof socks ! * A must buy!
• Lightweight waterproof poncho
• Refillable water bottle .
• Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip.
• DEET based mosquito repellant.
• High factor sun cream
• After sun moisturising cream.
• A medical pouch / first aid kit.
• Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.

GAYA ISLAND RESORT PACKING LIST

• For Gaya Island, loose comfortable clothing, such as tank tops and shorts.
• Additional sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
• Your swimsuit.
• Protective beach shoes .
• A microfibre beach towel (fast drying & lightweight).
• A spare waterproof bag to store your wet towel / swimsuit .

KUALA LUMPUR & SINGAPORE PACKING LIST

• Lightweight comfortable walking shoes (i.e. trainers / converses).

2 WEEKS IN BORNEO: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

What is the best time of year to go to sabah, borneo.

The best months for Sabah in Borneo are between the months of May and September. This is because of two reasons: FOR THE WEATHER: Firstly, Sabah’s northern location in Borneo means it escapes the majority of Borneo’s storms and can indeed be visited all-year round, with its dry season being May – September months. This doesn’t mean it will not receive rainfall, in fact it does still receive 2,000mm rainfall a year due to being surrounded by tropical rainforest. Temperatures in Sabah rarely deviate from 25-32°c throughout the year. FOR THE WILDLIFE: Secondly and most importantly, the native trees in Borneo will be producing fruit in these months. This encourages Orangutans (and other wildlife) to come much closer to the ground, highly increasing your chances of spotting Orangutans in the wild!

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN BORNEO?

Though Borneo has so much to offer that to see everything could take at least a few months, we believe you can see the key hotspots of Sabah in a short amount of time, so roughly 8 to 10 days is enough time to spend in Sabah.

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

Malaysia & Borneo Tours

Malaysia is a southeast Asian melting pot, where cultures and cuisines coalesce in a place like no other. Hopping from temple to mosque, high-rise to jungle is commonplace in a nation as diverse as this. 

A short flight from the capital Kuala Lumpur will bring you to the eco-paradise of Malaysian Borneo – home to a cherished indigenous culture and a haven for endangered wildlife like the orangutan.

For lovers of nature and adventure, a trip to Borneo is a must! The northern state of Sabah in North Borneo is an incredible treasure trove, brimming with rich culture, captivating history, unparalleled natural beauty, and exotic wildlife. 

Malaysia Featured tours

8 day peninsular malaysia discovery premium small group tour, 10 day private borneo discovery with turtle island, 8 day private peninsular malaysia discovery, 15 day private borneo discovery with turtle island & sarawak extension, 17 day peninsular malaysia & borneo discovery premium small group tour, 10 day borneo discovery with turtle island small group tour, 15 day borneo discovery with turtle island & sarawak extension.

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The Borneo Specialist Borneo's Wildlife Safari Experts Creating magical memories since 1991

Kinabatangan River

Utan Wildlife Experience 

This rare gem boasts ancient mangrove forests and uncharted jungles, teeming with diverse wildlife and endemic Bornean birds that are a must-see for birdwatchers.

Kinabalu And Deramakot Wildlife Tour

Selamat Datang ke Malaysia, Borneo

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Utan Wildlife Experience

Spend three days full of adventure exploring a true Bornean rainforest in the hidden gem of Sungai ...

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Embark on a 8-day ultimate Borneo Wildlife experience, blending Kota Kinabalu's urban charm, the ...

ABOUT BORNEO

The Land of the Wild

Borneo is the world’s third largest island in the world, and is made up of 3 different countries: Malaysia (the states of Sabah and Sarawak), Brunei, and Indonesia. Located smack dab in the middle of the Southeast Asian tropics, this giant, rugged island boasts incredible biodiversity, with ancient rainforests that have been around for over a 140 million years, which is home to a myriad of rare and endangered wildlife species.

From the iconic Orangutan and all eight species of Hornbills to the majestic Pygmy Elephants, Borneo is the best destination for wildlife sighting! Our Top Tours for wildlife include the renowned  Sukau Rainforest Lodge  located in Kinabatangan, the newly opened Utan Rainforest Lodge in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge in misty Danum Valley and Selingan Island .

Are you a Nature Lover? Look no further than a relaxing overnight tour to Mount Kinabalu , or go diving at the world-class Sipadan island ! We also feature some of the best tours for Adventure Seekers, including climbing Mount Kinabalu or trekking at Maliau Basin , Deramakot and Crocker Range .

If you’re strapped for time, indulge in our Top-selling Day Tours instead: trips to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu National Park or Sepilok’s Wildlife Sanctuaries and the storied city of Sandakan are sure to leave you in awe.

Kinabalu Park

Danum Valley

Our guests' favourites.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat)

MOST POPULAR TOUR! 3D2N at the award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Sandakan Wildlife Safari

A 4D3N tour itinerary perfect for wildlife lovers where you’ll be able to experience the rare ...

River & Rainforest

Embark on the ultimate 5-day, 4-night adventure that seamlessly combines the allure of both river ...

Orang Utan Search

Spend 4D3N at Sukau Rainforest Lodge in search for Borneo's most beloved Orangutan.

Sabah Wildlife Safari

We've put together the best of Sabah Wildlife. Sandakan, Sukau and Danum Valley to bring you this ...

Borneo Big 5

Enjoy our Best-Selling 6 days 5 nights Borneo Big 5 wildlife tour package, combining our TOP selling ...

Borneo Rainforest Explorer

Spend 3D2N to experience true luxury at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge and explore Sabah's hidden gem.

Wonders of Sandakan

Experience the beauty of Borneo and stay at the newly refurbished Sabah Hotel and award-winning ...

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Wildlife River Safari in Sukau

Diving at Sipadan, rated Top 10 in the world

Watching Turtles nesting at Selingan Island

Birding in Borneo with more than 700 different birds

Stories & adventures.

Impacting the World Together

By choosing Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest Lodge, you embark on more than a Borneo holiday. Your journey actively contributes to funding conservation and community projects through our non-profit organisation, BEST Society, making your travel experience truly impactful.

What started out as a small tour operator of 10 staff back in 1991, has evolved into a huge family of over 160 dedicated team players! With over 25 incredible years of experience under our belt, it’s no wonder Borneo Eco Tours is recognised as the Borneo Specialist™, and we can assure you that our impressive team of Tour Consultants and Specialist Guides are committed to making your holiday in Borneo a truly memorable one.

THEIR STORIES

Customer’s Review

Absolutely 5 star service. I did one day trip to the sanctuarys in Sepilok, that Clare manage to organize for me at the last minute. The guide Farhan was fantastic, very knowledgeable and attentive. I had a great day that I will highly recommend.

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Colin Tweddle

Excellent tour - the joy of seeing Orangutans I had a great day seeing Orangutans and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, and learned a lot about Sabah. Rahman was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Borneo Eco Tours was excellent with their communications to organize my tour.

Our family (with two boys) went on the 3D2N tour with Borneo Eco Tours and had the most enjoyable time. Our guide, Jonathan, was friendly and extremely knowledgeable and pointed out all the animals and plants to us up and down the Kinabatanganat River and its tributaries. We spotted the Big 5 minus the elephant and countless other interesting species. The Sukau Lodge itself was nice and the food was plentiful and delicious. We also visited the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Sun Bear Sanctuary and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. We highly recommend this tour.

We had a fantastic experience with Vincent on our 4 day tour! The highlights were Turtle Island and experiencing egg laying and baby turtles being released, and all the amazing wildlife (particularly the Mumma and baby Orang Utan) we saw during the tour. Vincent was very knowledgeable (not in a boring way) and shared lots of fun facts about the flora and fauna of Borneo. Our 22 and 19 year old children enjoyed it just as much as we did. Highly recommend as a wonderful experience and family holiday.

Very professional tour with excellent guide. Highly recommend to anyone looking to explore the city and popular sites.

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How to Travel From Kuala Lumpur to Borneo

Find out how to travel from kuala lumpur to borneo, home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, with tips on what to see and how to get around..

Borneo has one of the oldest rainforests in the world, not to mention orangutans and an abundance of other natural attractions. Here’s how to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo, with helpful tips and suggestions for how to get around, as well as information on paperwork and safety tips.

You can visit Borneo in the company of our Local Insider and a small group of culturally curious travellers on the Culture Trip specially curated 10-day Borneo adventure .

Borneo is among the most biodiverse regions on the planet. The dense rainforest is home to thousands of animal and plant species, providing the ultimate jungle experience. By travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo, you can explore rainforest ecosystems and tropical islands, and even see orangutans. Other natural attractions include the Sarawak caves, some of the best diving spots in the world and the tallest mountain in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu. Compared to Kuala Lumpur, Borneo is a paradise for nature lovers.

Borneo is enormous. Three countries share the third-largest island in the world. The Indonesian section, known as Kalimantan, covers the biggest area. The Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah occupy the northern third. Tiny Brunei sits within Sarawak. Jungle covers most of the interior, with many parts uninhabited and inaccessible.

Because three countries share the vast area of Borneo, travelling around the island needs careful planning. A Malaysian visa is required for Sabah, Sarawak and the island of Labuan off the mainland coast. If you want to visit Brunei or Kalimantan, check the specific visa requirements for your country beforehand. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival when entering the Sultanate of Brunei, while to visit Kalimantan you would usually need to get a visa in advance.

Dense jungle, mountain ranges and rivers fill the interior. Most settlements sit around the long coast, with few roads passing through the middle. Compared to Kuala Lumpur and West Malaysia, getting around Borneo on land will be more cumbersome and time-consuming. Roads are at risk of flooding during the monsoon season, further obstructing transport.

Each of the three countries in Borneo has different customs and laws and offers a different travel experience. Sabah and Sarawak have more liberal policies, while Indonesia and Brunei practise conservative Islam. Alcohol is freely available in Malaysian Borneo, but it can be difficult to find in Kalimantan and is banned under Sharia law in Brunei. This and other strict Islamic laws also apply to non-Muslims.

Since 2013, safety warnings have been issued along the Sabah coastline, from the northern tip of Borneo in Kudat to Tawau in Sabah, near the border with Kalimantan. Malaysian authorities implement curfews in this section, referred to as the Eastern Sabah Security Zone. The region is at risk of illegal landings from insurgents from nearby islands in the Philippines, and while this is unlikely to cause any problems for tourists, it’s always a good idea to check the latest security advice from your home government.

The only way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo is by air. You can fly direct into Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Kuching in Sarawak and or Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. All trips to Indonesian Kalimantan have a stopover somewhere in Indonesia (most likely Jakarta). Travelling to Borneo by ferry is time-consuming, costly and inconvenient.

Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah and Sarawak

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Borneo depart from either KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) or KLIA2 (Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2). Domestic carriers connect the capital to towns and cities in both Sabah and Sarawak. You can fly with Malindo Air, Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia.

Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Brunei

Several flights connect Kuala Lumpur to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei. AirAsia often offers the cheapest option, while Royal Brunei Airlines provide a more comfortable journey at about twice the price. Because of Sharia law, alcohol is banned in the country. Foreign tourists have a liberal duty-free allowance for alcohol, but need to fill in a customs form when they arrive in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kalimantan

There are no direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kalimantan. All travellers will need to make a connection in Indonesia before flying to the state capital, Balikpapan. Expect the journey to take approximately seven hours, including the connection.

Getting around Borneo

When you arrive in Borneo, the easiest way to get around is by flying. Buses connect towns and cities throughout the island, too, though choosing this way of getting around can mean a long and uncomfortable journey. You could rent a car for more flexibility. Apart from a scenic railway in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo doesn’t have any trains.

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Borneo Tours & Trips

• Borneo from Kota Kinabalu
• Borneo Small Group
• Borneo Seniors
• Borneo Singles and Solo

50 Borneo tour packages with 271 reviews

Borneo – East Sabah Adventure

"Variety of activities, good food and a brilliant guide." christine, traveled in October 2023

Sabah Adventure

"Great variation of activities and options." Andy, traveled in December 2018

Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu

"Great trip! Great experience!" André, traveled in August 2022

Classic Borneo (including Sepilok)

Sandakan Orangutan Experience 4D/3N

"What was advertised on tour radar was inaccurate though about the details of the tour." katarina, traveled in May 2023

• 10% deposit on some dates

Premium Borneo in Depth

Sabah Highlights Adventure 7D/6N

"Accommodation was comfortable. The hospitality at Sabah Tea guesthouse could have been better." Ronald, traveled in April 2018

Journeys: Best of Borneo National Geographic Journeys

"Great trip - loads of beautiful nature with like minded people. Great explanations, information and discussion." Rhonda, traveled in October 2019

Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula

"Great sights, great food, and cultural immersion in distinct cities make for an unforgettable experience." Philip, traveled in April 2023

Borneo Wildlife Discoverer

"I saw more wildlife then I had expected which was fantastic! This happened at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge - a great place to be!" Mechthild, traveled in January 1970

What people love about Borneo Tours

If you are looking for a nature holiday, I would most defiantely recommend Borneo. Saw all the wildlife I had hoped for and more. Our CEO with G Adventures, Ricky, was fantastic. Helpful, kind, knowledgable and very calm. Always happy to help and answer any questions regarding the wildlife or history of Borneo. The group was also fantastic, full of laid back, like minded, wildlife lovers, from all over the world. Thank you!!

This trip was amazing and exceeded my expectations. I loved the mix of culture, nature, hiking and relaxing.

Really enjoyed everything about the Borneo trip, the guide, Gobert was fun, helpful and pleasant. I would recommend this tour.

Travel Borneo your way

Explore a wide diversity of group tours through Borneo. We have 44 adventures that vary from 4 days to 20 days. With the greatest number of departures in April, this is also the most popular time of the year.

Fully Guided

Select from our extensive range of 35 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Borneo with our expert guides leading the way.

Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths with over 33 adventures available in Borneo.

Small Group

Uncover new and exciting adventures in Borneo by taking part in our small group tours. Go sightseeing at your own pace surrounded by travellers like you. Provided by top tour operators & travel companies, our small group tours in Borneo will offer you the perfect balance between spending time on your own and group activities. View all small group tours .

More travel styles:

Top operators in Borneo

"The Mt kinabalu climb was amazing. Prior to that we did multiple trips over 7 days.The only disappointment was not seeing the turtle's laying eggs as the itinerary stated.

G Adventures is an expert in:

• Hiking & Trekking

"It was everything I imagine it will be and more. Our guide for the first part of the tour in Sarawak was amazing. The guide for Sabah was newish to guiding and you can tell. But overall great trip!

Intrepid Travel is an expert in:

• In-depth Cultural

"We were really looking forward to this trip , and it didn’t disappoint. From start to finish we had the best time . The orangutans were amazing as well as everything else we saw . Our guide Sevi was so knowledgeable, we enjoyed talking with him. Our guide on the river tour was Leo and again, a lovely guy, friendly and knowledgeable too. Overall we are pleased we did the trips .. Deb and Brett

Bamba Travel is an expert in:

Best time to visit Borneo

• March 2025 16 tours
• April 2025 popular 21 tours
• May 2025 18 tours
• August 2024 popular 22 tours
• September 2024 20 tours
• October 2024 popular 22 tours
• November 2024 17 tours
• December 2024 popular 17 tours

Contact our Borneo travel experts

Expert in Borneo at TourRadar

Isabeau is one of our seasoned Borneo Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Borneo tours answered!

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Borneo Tours starting in:

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Tourists in awe while witnessing the installation of Sultan Ibrahim as 17th King of Malaysia

A group of tourists from China taking a group photo at the gates of Istana Negara today. – Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (July 20): Alongside Malaysians, foreign tourists were equally thrilled to witness the installation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the nation’s 17th King at Istana Negara today, an event held in an atmosphere deeply steeped in Malay royal traditions and customs.

A check by Bernama at the Main Gate of Istana Negara revealed that some visitors had made special preparations to travel to Malaysia specifically to witness this historic event, which occurs every five years.

Mary Shi, 30, from China, shared that she learned about the installation ceremony from her tour guide, who was accompanying her and 10 other friends on a tour of the capital.

“We were informed that the roads had been closed for the ceremony, but we feel incredibly fortunate to witness such a solemn and grand event,” she told Bernama as she watched luxury vehicles carrying dignitaries arrive at the Main Gate of Istana Negara starting at 8.40 this morning.

Her friend, Eagle Xu, 29, noted that witnessing the ceremony evoked a deeper emotional connection to the friendship and bilateral relations between Malaysia and China, particularly as this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Standing near the palace for the first time, I am struck by its elegance and regal atmosphere. I hope that one day, more Malaysians can visit our country, particularly Beijing, China, where you can explore the magnificent Palace Museum,” she said.

Ratmachandra Patgar, 63, from India, who was accompanied by his wife, expressed his admiration for the ceremony, which he observed from the grounds of the royal institution.

“We extend our best wishes to the new King… We are in awe to have witnessed this grand ceremony,” he said.

The installation ceremony was attended by approximately 700 guests, including Malay rulers, governors, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Cabinet ministers, foreign dignitaries, and leaders. The event was broadcast live on national television stations including Bernama TV , as well as across various social media platforms.

The installation of Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia signifies the near completion of the second cycle of rotation among Malaysia’s nine monarchical states, a system that has been in practice since the country’s independence in 1957.

Sultan Ibrahim, who took his oath and signed the instrument of office on Jan 31, will reign for five years starting this year.

His Majesty succeeds Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of Pahang, whose reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong concluded on Jan 30. – Bernama

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Kuala Lumpur

  kuala lumpur & borneo beach  .

Stay a few days at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur to discover the cosmopolitan capital's famous skyscrapers, idyllic parklands and incredible street food scene. Then head to the majestic island resort, Gaya Island Resort for some rest and relaxation and out-of-this-world snorkelling.

Recommended itinerary

Welcome to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia — a place where modern towers sit side-by-side with colonial architecture. During a stay at The Majestic Hotel, you’ll experience the plush surroundings of a 1930s hotel juxtaposed against a forest of skyscrapers. There’s enough time to visit the famous Petronas Towers, get swept up in colourful night markets, and revel in gastronomic delights.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Gaya Island Resort, Borneo

Just off the coast of the East Malaysia, sits a forest-cloaked isle that's home to Gaya Island Resort. The 120 locally inspired villas spill down the hillside to the coast, where clear waters lap the sand, while the tucked-away Spa Village is a haven of wellness. The underwater world surrounding the island hosts a rich ecosystem of corals and colourful marine species making it a popular snorkelling spot.

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