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Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

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Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

Was From $ 2,815 AUD
Now From $ 2,111 AUD
Sale!

Description

Pack up the troupe and head into Borneo’s lush jungles on a family adventure. Keep an eye out for cheeky monkeys on a scenic cruise down the Kinabatangan River, or let the monkeys come to you on a visit to one of Borneo’s famous 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
2024-03-12
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
  • Soak up the relaxed beach vibe on glorious Dinawan Island
  • Experience the hospitality of the Dusun people while enjoying lunch in a rural village
  • Explore the unspoilt wilderness of the Kinabalu National Park
  • 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 - Kinabalu National Park
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. Later, soak up the mountain scenery with a leg-stretching stroll through Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden. Late in the afternoon, travel by private bus to Sabah Tea Plantation. Tonight you will stay among the grounds of a lush tea garden
Day 3 - Kinabatangan River
After breakfast take part in a tour of the tea factory. From here, head to Kinabatangan River in a private mini van (approximately 5 hours). Arrive at your jungle lodge, located beside the river, which is 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. In the evening you get your last chance to take as many photos as you can on a final river cruise. Spend one more night in your lovely accommodation right in the heart of the jungle.
Day 5 - Sandakan
This morning, travel to Sandakan (approximately 2.5 hours). On the way you will stop at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can watch up close the amazing bachelor proboscis lazing and feeding – an experience that can only be found in Borneo. In the afternoon, settle down in your home for two nights; Sandakan, once the capital of British North Borneo, the city has traditionally strong ties with Hong Kong. The Cantonese influence is palpable in the lively harbour-side market, the many Chinese temples and the local cuisine. You will have time this afternoon to visit the Sandakan War Memorial (optional - additional cost for transport). The 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 - Sandakan
Today, we head to Sepilok (30 min drive) for a day of monkey business and encounters with some of the region's prized orangutans. Please be mindful that 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. Also included is a new nursery where you can view young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. 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. Back in Sandakan you will have to relax by the pool or head into town to do a spot of shopping.
Day 7 - Dinawan Island
Catch a transfer to Sandakan Airport today for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. Keep in mind that the luggage allowance for this flight is only 15 kg, and any excess baggage may incur a further charge. After touching down we will take a private transfer 25minutes south to the jetty before boarding a boat out to Dinawan Island (10-15mins). Check into your villa tents and explore the island. Note: Accommodation on Dinawan Island is on a twin share basis in a tented villa.  All villas have air conditioning with toilet and shower facilities located inside the tent.
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 another snorkelling trip with a local snorkelling guide. After lunch you will have goodbye this piece of paradise and head back to Kota Kinabalu around noon by boat and minivan (just over 1hour of travelling time). After checking into the hotel you will have time to relax before perhaps heading out for a final meal (optional) with your group to celebrate your Borneo adventure.
Day 10 - Kota Kinabalu
Your Borneo family adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. Spend the final day shopping for memorable trinkets in the city's many markets.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-04-202417-04-2024AUD $ 2,111-
12-04-202421-04-2024AUD $ 2,632-
29-06-202408-07-2024AUD $ 3,095-
07-07-202416-07-2024AUD $ 2,955-
13-07-202422-07-2024AUD $ 2,815-
21-07-202430-07-2024AUD $ 2,985-
03-08-202412-08-2024AUD $ 2,870-
05-08-202414-08-2024AUD $ 2,815-
11-08-202420-08-2024AUD $ 3,150-
20-09-202429-09-2024AUD $ 2,955-
27-09-202406-10-2024AUD $ 2,815-
20-12-202429-12-2024AUD $ 2,815-
27-12-202405-01-2025AUD $ 2,815-
30-12-202408-01-2025AUD $ 2,815-
05-04-202514-04-2025AUD $ 2,955-
10-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 2,955-
13-04-202522-04-2025AUD $ 2,955-
05-07-202514-07-2025AUD $ 2,955-
11-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 2,955-
26-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 2,955-
02-08-202511-08-2025AUD $ 2,955-
09-08-202518-08-2025AUD $ 2,955-
16-08-202525-08-2025AUD $ 2,955-
21-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 2,955-
30-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 2,955-
20-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 2,955-
27-12-202505-01-2026AUD $ 2,955-
02-04-202611-04-2026AUD $ 2,775-
03-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 2,775-
05-04-202614-04-2026AUD $ 2,775-
02-07-202611-07-2026AUD $ 2,775-
03-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 2,775-
24-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 2,775-
01-08-202610-08-2026AUD $ 2,775-
08-08-202617-08-2026AUD $ 2,775-
14-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 2,775-
19-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 2,775-
25-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 2,775-
19-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 2,775-
26-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 2,775-

Accommodation

Tented Villa (2 nights),Guesthouse (1 night),Resort (2 nights),Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Private Minivan,Boat,Plane

Map