Head into the jungles and rivers that make Borneo so varied and beautiful! Explore the waterways of the Kinabatangan and get involved in a tree-planting project, then enjoy exciting adventures in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, from jungle walks and ziplining to cycling and rafting.
- Zipline through the rainforest
- White-water raft on the Kiulu River
- Cycle the countryside trails of Mount Kinabalu
- Learn jungle survival skills
- Watch orangutan and sun bear
- Help with a tree planting project near Abai village
Based entirely in the region of Sabah, this itinerary starts on the eastern side of the island viewing the wildlife of Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River, spending time with rural communities and sharing their traditions. Riverboat tours, nature treks and night walks reveal the very best that the wildlife offers including pygmy elephant, orangutan, proboscis monkey and countless birds, while painting classes, cookery lessons and tree-planting conservation efforts will bring us closer to the local villagers who live in the area.
After flying to the western side of the island, there's time to relax and settle into our hotel or take to the turquoise waters on an optional snorkelling excursion in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
We explore the countryside villages and scenic trails around Mount Kinabalu by bicycle then get off-the-beaten-track on a jungle trek, learning basic survival techniques and gaining an insight into the skills needed to navigate and thrive in the rainforest. Adventures continue as we take to the treetops on a thrilling zipline before tackling the rapids of the Kiulu River on an exhilarating white-water rafting experience.
For inspiration, read the Walker family's client story for a first-hand account of their Active Borneo adventure.
Typical Itinerary
-
Day 1: Overnight flight to Borneo
-
Day 2: Arrive Borneo, transfer to Sepilok
You are met on arrival and transferred to Sepilok Lodge in the Sepilok Forest Reserve and Orangutan Sanctuary.
-
Day 3: Visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Rainforest Discovery Centre
We spend the morning at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Sun Bear Conservation Centre. The afternoon will be spent learning more about the rainforest ecosystem at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, on a guided canopy walkway to spot birds and other wildlife.
-
Day 4: Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary & Kinabatangan River
On the way to the Kinabatangan River, we stop at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, which offers a safe haven for all indigenous wildlife in the area, before driving to the Kinabatangan - Sabah’s longest river and one of the most biodiverse regions in South East Asia – where we take an afternoon river cruise and rainforest night walk.
-
Day 5: Wildlife Watching on the Kinabatangan River & Tree Planting Project
We take an early morning river cruise before breakfast searching for wildlife, then visit Abai village for a local-style lunch before we take part in a local tree planting project, helping to support the restoration and protection of the rainforest.
-
Day 6: Fly to Kota Kinabalu
There may be time for another morning river cruise before transferring to Sandakan for our flight to Kota Kinabalu, where you will have the rest of the afternoon to relax at the hotel or explore the city’s markets.
-
Day 7: Day at Leisure or Snorkelling in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Today you can choose to relax at the hotel pool, explore the city at your own pace or join a snorkelling trip to a national marine park in search of the abundant marine life found on the local reefs.
-
Day 8: Jungle Survival Experience & Zipline
Enjoy a fun 5 kilometre trek along the jungle trails in the Kiulu Valley to learn more about the use of local plants and traditional hunting and gathering techniques, before zipwiring back across the river!
-
Day 9: Countryside Cycling Tour
Heading into the foothills below Mount Kinabalu, we cycle 20 kilometres of rural trails, passing riverside villages, across hanging bridges and through jungle plantations.
-
Day 10: White-water Rafting on the Kiulu River
The final day’s activity will be a wet one - white-water rafting on the Kiulu River - following a 15-kilometre section of Grade I-II rapids!
-
Day 11: Depart Borneo
Flights depart from Kota Kinabalu airport and return to the UK via Kuala Lumpur.
-
Day 12: Arrive UK
-
Days 11-13 : OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS: Gaya Island or Kuala Lumpur
Spend a few days on the beach with your family before heading home with a stay on Gaya Island for relaxation, snorkelling and further wildlife viewing opportunities. Alternatively, talk to one of our travel consultants for a city stopover in Kuala Lumpur.
Please note: A moderate level of fitness is required for cycling, walking, wildlife watching and snorkelling. The current itinerary differs in October 2026 - please speak with our friendly team for the full 2026 itinerary.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 10+
- Itinerary Type: Small Group Holiday Tailor-made can be arranged
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
-
Summer
-
Oct
What’s Included
-
Activities
- Boat trip
- Canopy walk
- Cycling
- Nature walk
- Rafting
- Rainforest canopy tour
- River cruise
- Tree planting
- Village visit
- Wildlife watching
- Ziplining
-
Accommodation
Hotel x 5 nights, lodges x 4 nights -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 4 dinners
Tailored for You
A private departure or tailor-made holiday can also be arranged to suit your requirements. Contact our experts today.
Next Steps
Departures
Choose your preferred departure date from the 6 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
Our small group holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate. Most of our holidays are also available on a private basis or can be tailored to meet your requirements.
| Itinerary Dates
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Inc. Flights) |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Starts | Ends | Duration | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Duration | Adult price, including flights, from | Child price, including flights, from | Holiday Status | Options |
| 2026 | 25 Oct | 3 Nov | 10 days | £2,295 | £1,595 | 12 days | £3,295 | £2,295 | Guaranteed* | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 28 Mar | 6 Apr | 10 days | £2,295 | £1,695 | 12 days | £3,275 | £2,395 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 25 Jul | 3 Aug | 10 days | £2,395 | £1,795 | 12 days | £3,575 | £2,695 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 8 Aug | 17 Aug | 10 days | £2,395 | £1,745 | 12 days | £3,575 | £2,645 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 22 Aug | 31 Aug | 10 days | £2,395 | £1,745 | 12 days | £3,545 | £2,645 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 24 Oct | 2 Nov | 10 days | £2,295 | £1,695 | 12 days | £3,375 | £2,495 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| * Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and has reached a minimum number of participants, so is guaranteed to run. ** On Request: we may be able to offer places on this holiday, please contact us for further information. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details. | ||||||||||
For alternative dates, please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to tailor a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
Kindly note that we prepare our prices several months ahead of travel dates, and our flight-inclusive prices are provided as a general indication, based upon flight costs at the time of publication. Your quotation may vary, based upon the prices of flights (and the availability) at the time of your enquiry.
