Explore Borneo, home to the oldest rainforests on Earth, on this exciting family activity holiday. Get close to orangutans, visit a cultural village and go snorkelling on coral reefs.
- Visit the orangutans of Sepilok
- Find Nemo and Dory on a snorkelling trip
- Learn a traditional dance
- Canopy walk in the treetops
- Go on a jungle river cruise
Begin your holiday in Kota Kinabalu where you will be immersed in local culture. Explore Kinabalu National Park and take a private boat trip to a tropical marine park – great for a spot of snorkelling. Experience close encounters with the orangutans at Sepilok and head into the rainforest to watch wildlife on a river cruise. Stay in a comfortable beachside resort in Kota Kinabalu and an traditional lodge (with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms) while in the rainforest.
For those families with more time, it is possible to extend your stay at the beach or rainforest, or perhaps a city break in Kuala Lumpur. Contact us for suggestions.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart UK
Overnight flight to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur.
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Day 2: Arrive Kota Kinabalu
After you arrive, the rest of the day is at leisure to relax beside the swimming pool or on the beach.
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Day 3: Mari Mari cultural experience
Visit the Mari Mari cultural village, where you will be greeted by the village chief and take part in a custom welcome ceremony, before visiting the houses of various tribes to watch local skills and practices. Then watch a fun cultural performance and after lunch return to your beach resort for a free afternoon.
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Day 4: Optional rafting in the Kiulu Valley
Today is free to spend as you wish. There is an option (at an extra cost) to take a white water rafting trip on the Kiulu River.
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Day 5: Snorkelling trip in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Spend the day snorkelling around the tropical coral reefs that fringe the nearby islands. You can expect to see a variety of fish and marine life and there's a chance to ride a zipline between two islands.
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Day 6: Cycling Tour
Explore the local area by bike, cycling through rural countryside, river banks, villages, jungle plantations and across hanging bridges.
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Day 7: Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Rainforest Discovery Centre
See the morning feeding session at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and after lunch, visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre where you will be able to look for wildlife from the canopy walkway.
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Day 8: Labuk Bay & Kinbatangan River
Visit the proboscis monkeys at a local sanctuary before travelling by road to the Kinabatangan River. Visit a local village to learn more about their local customs and traditions before an afternoon river cruise and evening night trek.
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Day 9: Culture & wildlife watching
Take an exciting wildlife watching river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, looking out for proboscis monkeys, macaques and orangutans. Join a guided trek to the Bilit oxbow lake, and in the evening join a local youth group to learn some traditional dancing.
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Day 10: Transfer to Sandakan & fly back to the UK
Enjoy a final early morning wildlife river cruise and then drive back to Sandakan airport for your return flights to the UK, again via Kuala Lumpur.
Alternatively, you may wish to extend your stay in Borneo:
Beach Extension: Fly back to Kota Kinabalu for a few more days relaxing on the beach.
Kuala Lumpur: Break up your flight with a few nights in Kuala Lumpur where you can enjoy a street food tour, city tour, see fireflies or visit the Petronas Towers.
Langkawi: Why not spend a few days at the white-sand beach with turquoise water and surrounding rainforest? Relax, enjoy water sports, go snorkelling or walk the Sky Bridge for 360 degree views.
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Day 11: Arrive UK
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 8+
- Itinerary Type: Tailor-made Holiday
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
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Summer
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Oct
Our Tailor-made Holidays
Our tailor-made trip ideas can be adapted to suit your requirements. Contact our experts for a personalised itinerary.
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Our trip ideas are flexible and can be offered during the school holidays highlighted below or on a date of your choice. To book, make a no obligation booking request with your preferred departure date or enquire to find out more.