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Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

Sale!

Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

Was From $ 3,070 AUD
Now From $ 2,610 AUD
Sale!

Description

Pack up the troupe and head into Borneo’s lush jungles on a family adventure. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys on a scenic cruise down the Kinabatangan River, or watch intelligent orangutangs on a visit to one of Borneo’s best animal sanctuaries. Learn about a bygone era with an eye-opening visit to a Dusun village and wander through vast tea plantations in Ranau. Stop off at the idyllic Dinawan Island and see the colourful fish living beneath its shimmering waters. Everywhere you look, this island is brimming with unforgettable memories.

Trip Name
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
10
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Watch young orangutans learning to climb for the first time at the Sepilok Sanctuary
  • Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife on a cruise down the Kinabatangan River
  • Grab a snorkel or soak up the relaxed beach vibe on glorious Dinawan Island
  • Experience the hospitality of the Dusun people while enjoying lunch in a rural village
  • Look over rolling green hills of tea with a night at a tea plantation, including a sampling of delicious local varieties

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 5pm. If you arrive early, you can immerse yourself in history of this intriguing city between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea at the Sabah State Museum. You can also visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village, or perhaps explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu, excellent for swimming and snorkelling.
Day 2 - Dusun Village
Leaving Kota Kinabalu behind, head for the hills and the unspoilt wilderness of the World Heritage-listed Kinabalu National Park. Stop off en route at a local home in a Dusun village. The Dusun people are wonderfully welcoming, and here you'll have the chance to learn about their culture as you sample local dishes at a home cooked lunch. If you are lucky, you may get to sample linopot, a tasty snack featuring rice tightly wrapped inside a leaf. Join a guided half day village walk that includes a visit to the local bee farm and see coffee being produced at a local factory. You’ll also meet the women from Everything Pineapple, a business that's known for its delicious pineapple products. This NGO empowers local women to reach new heights socially and financially and has some of the best jam you’ll ever taste. In the afternoon, travel by private bus to Sabah Tea Plantation where you will spend the night in a beautiful cottage nestled among the grounds of a lush tea garden
Day 3 - Kinabatangan River
After breakfast, drive to Kinabatangan River in a private vehicle where you will arrive at your jungle lodge, located beside the river, ideal for taking in the lush surrounds. The Kinabatangan River is a protected forest reserve, containing some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. In the afternoon, board a river cruise, hopefully spotting some of the more exotic local creatures. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and kingfishers are more easily seen. After this short adventure, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner.
Day 4 - Kinabatangan River
Be woken by the the call of a Bornean gibbon, or perhaps a hornbill, before a morning cruise down the river. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, Borneo gibbons, long tail macaques and pig tail macaques and see if you can spot the differences between each species. This afternoon you will make a special visit to our Intrepid Foundation partner, RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT) to learn about the important work they are doing and help plant some grass for the Borneo pygmy elephants. In the evening you get your last chance to take as many photos as you can on a final river cruise before the final night in your lovely accommodation right in the heart of the jungle.
Day 5 - Sepilok
This morning, travel to Sepilok where you will spend the next two nights in a beautiful rainforest resort. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy how you would like. You may choose to take a nature walk in the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre, swim in the resort pool or visit Sandakan, once the capital of British North Borneo (additional cost for transport applies). The Sandakan War Memorial was originally a Japanese Prisoner of War Campy and also marks the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, of which 2,400 POWs were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo. Of this number, only 6 survived, owing to courageous escapes.
Day 6 - Sepilok
Today is a highlight for many, visiting the region's prized residents at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In the nursery you can view young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential that you follow the instructions of the park, as directed by your leader, at all times. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit the newly opened Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here rescued Sun Bears that have spent many years being mistreated and locked away in cages are cared for, with hopes of rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy by the pool or perhaps head into town for a spot of shopping.
Day 7 - Dinawan Island
This morning head to Sandakan Airport for a short flight to Kota Kinabalu. After touching down we will take a private transfer south to the jetty before boarding a boat out to the beautiful Dinawan Island. After checking into your villa tents, you will have time to explore the island, relax or enjoy one of the many activities offered by the resort.
Day 8 - Dinawan Island
After breakfast you and your family will learn more about the Marine Ecosystem on the island with a programme which will give you insight into the importance of the coral to marine biodiversity. First up will be an informative talk about the coral reef ecosystem and the importance of the reef to marine life. Then we swap the indoor classroom to the outdoor classroom a one hour snorkelling trip with a marine biologist. Take a boat out to the nearby house reef to have a closer look at the types of corals, the habitat, signs of damages and healings, observing and identifying marine life with your specialist. A fun way for the entire family to explore this beautiful part of the world. Heading back to shore the afternoon will be free to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps soak up the turquoise vistas for another few hours or if you are keen you can take out kayaks (free) for some more fun on the water. 
Day 9 - Kota Kinabalu
Hit the water again this morning with a local guide for another snorkelling trip.. Then after lunch, it's time to say goodbye to this piece of paradise and head back to Kota Kinabalu. After checking into the hotel you will have time to relax before the option of a final group dinner to celebrate your incredible Borneo adventure.
Day 10 - Kota Kinabalu
Your Borneo family adventure comes to an end after breakfast today and you are free to leave anytime.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-12-202429-12-2024AUD $ 2,610-
30-12-202408-01-2025AUD $ 3,350-
05-04-202514-04-2025AUD $ 2,845-
10-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 3,015-
13-04-202522-04-2025AUD $ 2,930-
01-07-202510-07-2025AUD $ 2,895-
05-07-202514-07-2025AUD $ 2,895-
11-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 2,895-
26-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 3,260-
02-08-202511-08-2025AUD $ 2,790-
09-08-202518-08-2025AUD $ 2,790-
12-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 2,790-
16-08-202525-08-2025AUD $ 2,790-
21-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 2,790-
30-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 2,790-
20-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 2,790-
27-12-202505-01-2026AUD $ 2,790-
30-12-202508-01-2026AUD $ 2,790-
03-01-202612-01-2026AUD $ 2,930-
29-03-202607-04-2026AUD $ 2,930-
02-04-202611-04-2026AUD $ 2,930-
05-04-202614-04-2026AUD $ 2,930-
08-04-202617-04-2026AUD $ 2,930-
28-06-202607-07-2026AUD $ 2,930-
02-07-202611-07-2026AUD $ 3,040-
09-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 3,040-
24-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 3,040-
31-07-202609-08-2026AUD $ 3,040-
05-08-202614-08-2026AUD $ 2,930-
07-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 2,930-
19-08-202628-08-2026AUD $ 2,930-
21-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 2,930-
19-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 2,930-
22-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 2,930-
25-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 2,930-
01-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 2,930-
19-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 2,930-
24-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 2,930-
26-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 2,930-

Accommodation

4-star Hotel (2 nights),Cottage (1 night),Resort (4 nights),Tented Villa (2 nights)

Transport

Private Minivan,Boat,Plane

Map