LED BY THE HEART, GUIDED BY EXPERTS

60 years logo

60 Years Of Touring

Expert Direction & Local Flavours

Thumbs up logo

A Service You Can Count On

Financial Protection sign

Your Money is 100% Protected

The Best of Borneo: Orangutans and Rainforests

From £3,499
Duration 13 Days
Departures from: May 2026 - Sep 2027
Book now
From £3,499
Duration 13 Days
Departures from: May 2026 - Sep 2027

Tour Overview

This unforgettable adventure takes you through the heart of Borneo. You’ll begin your adventure in Kota Kinabalu, where you’ll enjoy local cuisine, experience Sabah's rich culture and venture into the lush countryside to learn more about rural life. Your wildlife encounters truly begin in Sepilok, where you'll witness the orangutans and sun bears. Enjoy a cruise along the Kinabatangan River – keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife here, from proboscis monkeys to pygmy elephants. Explore the mysterious Gomantong Cave and unwind in the luxurious Rasa Ria Nature Reserve, where the rainforest meets the sea. This carefully-crafted itinerary offers the perfect balance of wildlife, cultural immersion, and relaxation, introducing you to the very best of Borneo.

Enlarge map

Your Tour Includes

  • Return flights from London
  • 10 nights in 3 & 4 star hotels and lodges plus 2 nights in flight
  • 22 meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director 
  • Overseas transfers, internal flights, other transportation and porterage

Included Tour Highlights

  • Try local Malaysian Kadaza-Dusun cuisine 
  • Riverside walk in Kiulu Valley
  • Sepilok wildlife spotting jungle walk 
  • Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre 
  • Sun Bear Conservation Centre
  • Cruise on the Sulu Sea and through mangrove forests
  • Wildlife cruise by night to spot fireflies 
  • Pitas Lake cruise
  • Three wildlife cruises from Sukau 
  • Stay at Rasa Ria Nature Reserve  
 

Tour Itinerary

Kinabalu

Day 1 UK -Kota Kinabalu

Today, you’ll join your fellow travellers for your flight to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur. You’ll arrive on day 2 where your tour exploring the very best of Borneo begins.
Next day
Kota Kinabalu

Day 2 Kota Kinabalu

On arrival this morning we'll transfer to our hotel. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the exotic island of Borneo and our base for the next two nights. Tonight, you and your fellow travellers will enjoy a sumptuous Malaysian welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Here you'll be able to try the iconic Kadaza-Dusun cuisine and unique Malaysian foods. After dinner enjoy a lively cultural performance of Sabah dancers. Meals included: D
Next day
Mount Kinabalu

Day 3 Kota Kinabalu

Today we’ll explore the beautiful countryside of Kiulu. We’ll enter a local village via a hanging bridge and take a scenic walk along the trails in this area away from the crowds of the city. We’ll take a break at Native Dusun House in Tombung Village where you’ll be welcomed to the house, and a light refreshment will be served. We’ll visit the farm to learn about the process of rubber tapping and afterwards, we’ll learn about local life as some stories are shared with us and you’ll have the opportunity to try some local delicacies too. Crossing another bridge, our driver will take us to a riverside café where lunch is served. There is a little time to relax or perhaps taking a cool dip in the river. Later today you could choose to join our optional excursion - an evening walking city tour, we’ll depart for Atkinson Clock Tower, the oldest standing structure in the town. We then split into smaller groups to hike up the short but steep Signal Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across the city, the islands and the sea. We’ll continue on to the renowned Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, which at first glance appears to float on water, to admire the beautiful sunset. Its unique design is a blend of traditional and modern Islamic architecture and it has fast become one of the most iconic sights of the city. The tour concludes at Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, where the rest of the evening is free for you to explore at leisure. Why not step into one of the restaurants and savour a delicious dinner? Meals included: B,L
Next day
Sandakan

Day 4 Kota Kinabalu - Sepilok

Today we’re travelling west with a short flight to Sandakan, where on arrival we travel on to our hotel. This evening our wildlife experiences truly begin with an evening jungle walk. Follow your guide into a seemingly secret natural world which comes alive with the sounds of frogs, insects and exotic birds. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of distinct species - we love that there is the chance to see slow lorises and tarsiers in their natural habitat. Meals included: B,D
Next day
Sepilok

Day 5 Sandakan /Sepilok- Abai

After breakfast this morning, we’ll visit Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned and injured Orang-Utan are brought to be rehabilitated with the aim of returning them to the wild. Sepilok, is a primary lowland forest and a fine showcase of Borneo’s remaining rainforest. Witness the feeding of the Orang-Utan from a platform in the forest. We also visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a shelter for the World’s smallest bear. Named for the distinctive sun-shaped markings on their chest, these tree-dwelling bears spend most of their time lounging in the canopies of the trees. After lunch, we'll transfer to the jetty in Sandakan, from where we'll cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. This wonderful journey takes us on the Sulu Sea and through magnificent mangrove forests. On arrival in Abai, we'll check in at the Kinabatangan Abai Jungle Lodge. Later this afternoon we’ll take a river cruise to go in search of even more wildlife. Watch the sun slowly set whilst enjoying a cup of coffee, and at night fall, we’ll continue the cruise. Look out for small sparks of soft yellowish green light appearing in the air as fireflies create a natural light display. Meals included: B,L,D
Next day
Orangutans

Day 6 Abai

This morning, wake up to the wonderful sounds of the rainforest. To get the best chance of spotting wildlife, we’ll have an early start and begin our explorations with a cruise on Pitas Oxbow Lake - look towards the shore where you might see pygmy elephants bathing in the water. We’ll head back to the hotel in time for breakfast. Back at the lodge perhaps take time to explore the boardwalk behind the lodge, you may be lucky and spot wild orangutan, silver leaf monkeys and many other types of wildlife. We will round off the day with a wildlife spotting cruise. Meals included: B,L,D
Next day
Rainforest

Day 7 Sukau

We’ve left this morning free for you enjoy the lodge and its surroundings. Stilted paths, up to 800 metres long, stretch into the forest, and animals often venture quite close. After lunch, our search for wildlife continues as we cruise upriver to our next destination, Sukau, for a two night stay. Along the way we'll look out for primates, in particular orangutans, as well as pygmy elephants and exotic birds. Some of the world's most spectacular species are resident in Borneo including kingfishers, hornbills and broadbills to name a few. After checking in to our lodge, we'll take to the water again to enjoy more wonderful views and search for exotic wildlife. Meals included: B,L,D
Next day
Pygmy elephants

Day 8 Sukau

This morning we will head out in search of wildlife on a morning cruise, it’s another chance to spot some of the amazing creatures that call this area home. This afternoon has been left free for you - spend some time relaxing at the lodge or why not join our optional excursion to the Gomantong Cave to explore even more. Located in the Gomantong Forest Reserve, this incredible limestone structure rises from the surrounding rainforest. As we walk towards the cave, we may be lucky enough to see Orang-Utans and Leaf Monkeys. Inside, a unique ecosystem exists with thousands of bats roosting on the ceiling and swiftlets building nests and a variety of insects. This evening we enjoy our final wildlife cruise. Meals included: B,L,D
Next day
Sukau - Sandakan

Day 9 Sukau - Sandakan

Today we will travel by boat back towards Sandakan giving us more opportunity to spot the local wildlife. On arrival we have some free time to explore this buzzing little city with views over the Bay of Sandakan. Why not explore the Sandakan Heritage Trail which incorporates the Memorial Park, Agnes Keith House and St Michael’s and All Angels Church. If you’re feeling peckish, head to the waterfront where restaurants serve fresh seafood. Meals included: B
Next day
Sandakan - Rasa Ria Nature Reserve

Day 10 Sandakan - Rasa Ria Nature Reserve

Today, we’ll fly back to Kota Kinabalu where on arrival, we’ll journey out of the city and back into nature at the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve where the rainforest meets the sea. Our resort is set in the 64 acre forest reserve and with its own private beach. There are a range of experiences possible here, from nature walking at sunset or sunrise to bird-spotting guided hikes, cultural bicycle tours and horse-riding. If you’d prefer to take it easy, there is also a spa, pool and five different restaurants to enjoy. Meals included: B
Next day
RASA RIA NATURE RESERVE

Day 11 Rasa Ria Nature Reserve

Today is all yours to relax and enjoy the resort’s facilities or explore one of the six walking trails. This evening we’ll come together for a farewell dinner soaking up the Malaysian hospitality and savouring the mouth-watering cuisine. Meals included: B,D
Next day
Singapore

Day 12 Kota Kinabalu - UK

After breakfast this morning, our adventure in Borneo ends as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK. Meals included: B
Next day
UK

Day 13 UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.
Additional Information
Kinabalu

Additional Information

Please note - This tour requires a good degree of physical fitness and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. You will be required to board boats and walk a variety of terrain. Most walks take place on paths and tracks, but some will be slightly more strenuous and may involve moderate slopes, tracks, hills and foot bridges, which may be rough underfoot at times. Sturdy shoes are essential.
 
An overnight bag/backpack suitable for carrying essential items for your stay in the lodges. It is not possible to carry your main luggage on the boat transportation. Ensure to take any essentials for your stay on these days.
 
Due to the incredible natural surroundings of Borneo, some of the hotels we have selected are basic and remote. However, the hotels we have picked are optimised for the itinerary.

  1. Travelsphere Cares projects

    On this tour you'll visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned and injured Orangutan are brought to be rehabilitated with the aim of returning them to the wild.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Horizon Hotel

This hotel is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Sabah State and the international gateway to East Malaysia. Facilities include 4 dining options, an outdoor swimming pool, coffee shop, gym and free wifi. Each room has air conditioning, safe, TV, iron and Tea & Coffee making facilities.

This hotel is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Sabah State and the international gateway to East Malaysia. Facilities include 4 dining options, an outdoor swimming pool, coffee shop, gym and free wifi. Each room has air conditioning, safe, TV, iron and Tea & Coffee making facilities.
Next accommodation

Sepilok Rainforest Resort

Set in nature to make the most of it's rainforest location, the resort also features an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant with bar. Guest rooms are well appointed and benefit from air-conditioning.

Set in nature to make the most of it's rainforest location, the resort also features an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant with bar. Guest rooms are well appointed and benefit from air-conditioning.
Next accommodation

Abai Jungle Lodge

Situated on Borneo's famous Kinabatangan River, Abai Jungle Lodge is in the perfect position only one hour boat journey from Sandakan and the Sukau village further upriver. It is built entirely on stilts and can only be accessed by boat. The lodge facilities include a restaurant, bar and rooms have private facilities.

Situated on Borneo's famous Kinabatangan River, Abai Jungle Lodge is in the perfect position only one hour boat journey from Sandakan and the Sukau village further upriver. It is built entirely on stilts and can only be accessed by boat. The lodge facilities include a restaurant, bar and rooms have private facilities.
Next accommodation

Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge

Located on the Kinabatangan River, the Sabah's longest river, the Riverside Lodge was set up in 1994, working with and hiring local people. At the back of the lodge is a jungle trail where birds, red leaf monkey and wild orantugan are often spotted. The lodge has just 33 rooms in total, all with private shower room and ceiling fan.

Located on the Kinabatangan River, the Sabah's longest river, the Riverside Lodge was set up in 1994, working with and hiring local people. At the back of the lodge is a jungle trail where birds, red leaf monkey and wild orantugan are often spotted. The lodge has just 33 rooms in total, all with private shower room and ceiling fan.
Next accommodation

Sabah Hotel

The deluxe 4-star Sabah Hotel is nestled in one of the worlds beautiful rainforests. Hotel facilities include outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Bedrooms include private facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.

The deluxe 4-star Sabah Hotel is nestled in one of the worlds beautiful rainforests. Hotel facilities include outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Bedrooms include private facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.
Next accommodation

Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Where the sea meets the rainforest, this resort is located within 64 acres of nature reserve alongside 3kms of private beach. There is a range of choice for dining from authentic Malaysian street food to steak and seafood grill or even Chinese and Japanese international specialities. For snacks, lighter bites and drinks, there is the beach bar, coffee terrace, ice cream bar and evening venue. As well as the beach there is a large outdoor pool for time relaxing or a huge range of activities including wildlife nature tours.












Where the sea meets the rainforest, this resort is located within 64 acres of nature reserve alongside 3kms of private beach. There is a range of choice for dining from authentic Malaysian street food to steak and seafood grill or even Chinese and Japanese international specialities. For snacks, lighter bites and drinks, there is the beach bar, coffee terrace, ice cream bar and evening venue. As well as the beach there is a large outdoor pool for time relaxing or a huge range of activities including wildlife nature tours.












Experience the Shangri-La Rasa Ria


Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional experiences to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

Evening Walking City Tour

Evening Walking City Tour

In the late afternoon, we depart for Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, also known as the Floating Mosque, to admire its beautiful exterior and the reflection of the mosque on the surrounding pond. We then drive back to the city and stop at Signal Hill to enjoy the gorgeous skyline view from the observation deck. This is followed by an exciting canopy walk overlooking the city from the hill, ending at the Atkinson Clock Tower, one of the city's remaining heritage landmarks. The tour concludes at the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, why not step into one of the restaurants and savour a delicious dinner?
In the late afternoon, we depart for Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, also known as the Floating Mosque, to admire its beautiful exterior and the reflection of the mosque on the sur...

Read less

Read more

From
£50
Add at checkout
Gomantong Cave

Gomantong Cave

We travel to Gomantong Cave, a truly unique natural wonder and a protected wildlife habitat, home to thousands of bats, and it is an incredible sight. As we walk along the elevated walkway outside the cave, we may spot orangutans and leaf monkeys within the protected forest reserve. Upon entering the cave, we are greeted by its vast interior, illuminated by a dramatic beam of light streaming through an opening above.
Please note that non-slip shoes are essential for walking along the elevated walkway throughout the trip, as it can be slippery inside the cave. This is a raw conservation cave with naturally wet and dim conditions, where visitors can also expect the smell of guano inside. Lighting and noise are kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing the bats, swiftlets, and insects that thrive in this ecosystem. Our guides carry powerful torches to help illuminate the remarkable natural formations and the teeming wildlife on the cave floor.
We travel to Gomantong Cave, a truly unique natural wonder and a protected wildlife habitat, home to thousands of bats, and it is an incredible sight. As we walk along the elevated...

Read less

Read more

From
£65
Add at checkout

Personalise your trip

Choose to extend your stay with an organised add-on. 

The Best of Borneo: Orangutans and Rainforests with Singapore add-on

The Best of Borneo: Orangutans and Rainforests with Singapore add-on

Head into the jungle and rainforests of Borneo for the chance to spot orangutans and pygmy elephants in the wild. Before heading homewards spend three nights in Singapore for a city break.

Head into the jungle and rainforests of Borneo for the chance to spot orangutans and pygmy elephants in the wild. Before heading homewards spend three nights in Singapore for a ...

Read less

Read more

Additional price per person from
£1,050
Add at checkout

Further Information

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £400 per person
  • Ocean & River Cruises - £400 per person

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

Guided tour holidays you may also like

  1. Elephant family

    The Best of Borneo: Orangutans and Rainforests with Singapore add-on

    Head into the jungle and rainforests of Borneo for the chance to spot orangutans and pygmy elephants in the wild. Before heading homewards spend three nights in Singapore for a city break.
    16 days from
    £4,598
    Explore
  2. img
    New Dates Added

    Unmissable China & Yangtze Cruise

    Take in the highlights of Shanghai, Xi'an and Beijing and sail along the mighty Yangtze River

    17 days from
    £3,599
    Explore
  3. India Banner 2024

    Taj, Tigers, Temples & Rajasthan's Palaces with Goa add on

    Venture beyond the Golden Triangle to discover the cultural highlights of India’s Rajasthan then relax on the coast of the Arabian Sea,
    19 days from
    £3,948
    was £4,148
    Explore

Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

Reasons to book with Travelsphere

  • Touring Icon 60 years of touring
  • tour director logo Expert direction & local flavours
  • Flag icon Carefully-crafted holidays
  • Blue Thumps up sign A service you can count on
  • Financial Protection icon Book with confidence

Book with Confidence

All Travelsphere holidays are financially protected by ATOL and ABTA. When you book your holiday with us you can have complete peace of mind your money is 100% protected.