Young orangutan in soft release programme in Lamandau, Indonesian Borneo, Orangutan Foundation

Best of Malaysian Borneo

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

14 Days

Prices Start from

£4,545pp (ex. flights)

This two-week holiday to Malaysian Borneo explores the state of Sabah from Danum Valley to Sepilok and Kota Kinabalu, including wildlife encounters, tropical jungles, mountains and idyllic beaches.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Canopy walk in the primary rainforest, Danum Valley, Malaysia 1

Danum Valley

Explore pristine rainforest from the canopy walkways of Danum Valley.

Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia 2

Mount Kinabalu

Climb Mount Kinabalu, and watch the sunrise from the highest peak in South East Asia.

Proboscis Monkey, Kinabatangan River, Malaysia 3

Kinabatangan River

Cruise the Kinabatangan River in search of pygmy elephant, orangutan and proboscis monkey.

Beach 4

Secluded beaches

Swim, ride or relax on a secluded stretch of beach.

Why we like it

This holiday works brilliantly for both couples and families. We have included the best areas for wildlife encounters, giving you the greatest chance to see orangutan in the wild as well as a wealth of other wildlife. Rainforest and river exploration combines with mountain conquering and the holiday culminates with time to chill out on the beach – the perfect combination of action and relaxation.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    Kota Kinabalu

  • Day 2

    Kota Kinabalu - Lahad Datu - Danum Valley

  • Day 3 - 4

    Danum Valley

  • Day 5

    Danum Valley - Kinabatangan River

  • Day 6

    Kinabatangan River

  • Day 7

    Kinabatangan River - Sepilok

  • Day 8

    Sepilok - Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu - Kinabalu Park

  • Day 9

    Kinabalu Park

  • Day 10

    Kinabalu Park - Kota Kinabalu

  • Day 11 - 13

    Kota Kinabalu

  • Day 14

    Kota Kinabalu

Day 1

Kota Kinabalu

Day 2

Kota Kinabalu - Lahad Datu - Danum Valley

Day 3 - 4

Danum Valley

Canopy walk in the primary rainforest, Danum Valley, Malaysia

Explore pristine rainforest from the canopy walkways of Danum Valley.

Day 5

Danum Valley - Kinabatangan River

Day 6

Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River, Malaysia

Cruise the Kinabatangan River in search of pygmy elephant, orangutan and proboscis monkey.

Day 7

Kinabatangan River - Sepilok

Orangutan in the jungle of Borneo, Malaysia

Come face to face with orangutan at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre.

Day 8

Sepilok - Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu - Kinabalu Park

Orangutan in the jungle of Borneo, Malaysia

Come face to face with orangutan at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre.

Day 9

Kinabalu Park

Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

Climb Mount Kinabalu, and watch the sunrise from the highest peak in South East Asia.

Day 10

Kinabalu Park - Kota Kinabalu

Day 11 - 13

Kota Kinabalu

Beach

Swim, ride or relax on a secluded stretch of beach.

Day 14

Kota Kinabalu

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Orangutan, Danum Valley, Borneo
Orangutan

Orangutans And Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre

If orangutans have eluded you in the wild, Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre offers a wonderful chance to see these primates as they are on their journey through rehabilitation and back into the wild. A 43 kilometre squared reserve of lowland primary rainforest and mangrove, Sepilok was made into an orangutan protection zone in 1964. Fruit is placed on platforms in the rainforest twice daily and released orangutans can return to feed in order to supplement what they cannot find in the wild.

 

Danum Valley, Malaysia
Danum Valley, Borneo
Red Leaf Monkey, Danum Valley, Malaysia
Red leaf monkey, Malaysia

Pristine Rainforest

Danum Valley is home to some of Malaysian Borneo’s most pristine rainforest. Spend three days staying at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, exploring the jungle, trekking to lookout points, waterfalls and through the tree tops on canopy walkways. This is one of the best areas to see orangutan in the wild as well as a multitude of other wildlife from proboscis monkeys, to pygmy elephants and wonderful bird and insect life.

View from top of mountain towards sharp summit peak above clouds.
Mount Kinabalu summit, Borneo

Climb Mount Kinabalu

At 4,095 metres high, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in South East Asia. Although not an easy climb she can be conquered by most and offers a chance to see a variety of flora and fauna. The trek itself is less than 10 kilometres in length but involves climbing over 3,000 metres. Due to this rapid ascent it is split over two days with the ‘Trail Climb’ on the first day, and the ‘Summit Climb’ early the following morning.

After staying overnight on the mountain in simple accommodation rise early for your summit bid – a short distance of barely 800 metres but which can take up to four hours. Upon reaching the summit in time for sunrise, and with luck a clear view, there is plenty of time for photographs before beginning your descent.

 

Read More
Kinabatangan River, Malaysia
Kinabatangan River, Borneo
Pygmy Elephants, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia
Pygmy elephant

River Wildlife

The Kinabatangan River is another haven for wildlife which allows the chance to see and feel the rainforest from a different perspective, on the river. Cruise in the early morning light and at dusk when wildlife is at its most active and fireflies light up the night.

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £4,545 Per person

When to travel

The best time to visit Malaysian Borneo is between April and October when the weather is relatively dry, and the seas are at their calmest. Borneo is the perfect family destination during school summer holidays.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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