Hike old-growth rainforest, eyes open for clouded leopards, sun bears, proboscis monkeys and the Bornean orangutan
Wind down the wild Kinabatangan River, swim beneath waterfalls and snorkel amidst coral reefs and technicolour marine life
Bunk down in river-side eco camps, rainforest resorts, cultural homestays, beachside bungalows and wooden cabins beneath Mt Kinabalu
Day 1
Touch down in Sandakan, meet your host and be whisked over to the Sepilok Nature Resort, located beside the world-renowned Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Take a stroll around the grounds before meeting your guide in the early evening to chat through the adventure and get to know your fellow adventurers over a welcome dinner.
Day 2
As the forest wakes, take a canopy walk before returning to fuel up on breakfast. Skip over to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where captive orangutans are reintroduced into the wild. Head out for an afternoon hike in the Sepilok Forest Reserve and continue to the canopy walk at dusk to see giant red flying squirrels emerge from their nests and glide between the trees. The wildlife continues after dinner with a nighttime stroll in search of nocturnal wildlife before hitting the hay.
Day 3
After breakfast, you'll jump into the van for your overland transfer to the Danum Valley. On arrival at the Danum Valley Field Centre, you’ll have time to sit back, relax and enjoy your new surroundings. In the afternoon you’ll hike one of the best remaining examples of Borneo's old-growth forests, with a thick tropical canopy and a variety of wildlife. Following dinner, it's time to lace up the boots again in search of nocturnal creatures.
Day 4
Rise before dawn and head out for a sunrise session to see the wildlife, often most active first thing in the morning. After breakfast you'll hike through forests that are frequented by gibbons and orangutans. Your guide will lead the group through the forests, pointing out signs of orangutans and other wildlife in the Danum Valley. After dinner you'll set out into the twilight for an evening walk to listen to the sounds of the forest.
Day 5
Another early start as you sip a pre-dawn coffee and head out to glimpse more iconic Borneo wildlife. Spend the morning around the centre and take a dip in the Ulu Segama River to cool off. In the afternoon you’ll spend more time on the trails trying to track wildlife, before returning to the centre in the late afternoon, in time to watch the sunset. After another full day in the forest, you’ll enjoy a well-earned meal and then fall asleep, serenaded by the trilling hum of the forest one last time.
Day 6
Wave goodbye to the Danum Valley as you jump back in the van and head for Batu Puteh, Kinabatangan. You'll then board a boat and start making your way down the Kinabatangan River until you reach your camp. Once settled into camp, you'll hop back into the boat for a wildlife river cruise where dense trees blanket the riverbanks and birds flutter overhead. After dinner, embark on a night walk within the camp area for chances of spotting nocturnal wildlife such as the tarsier, slow loris and sleeping birds.
Day 7
It's another early morning as you hit the boardwalk surrounding camp for some birdwatching. After a yummy breakfast, it's time to give back. You'll jump into the boat and head over to the local forest restoration project site and participate in tree planting. Here you'll learn about the community effort in their forest restoration project. Spend the afternoon relaxing or join the locals in some fishing before taking to the river for another wildlife cruise. Tonight set out on a torchlight hike, in search of yet more nocturnal wildlife.
Day 8
Rise and shine for one last wildlife cruise to hopefully get a final glimpse of orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and the pygmy elephant. After breakfast take a boat ride to meet up with the van to make the journey to Kinabalu Park. In the afternoon you are free to enjoy some well-earned downtime.
Day 9
It's time to lace up those boots and spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Kinabalu. Wander around the trails and see the endemic birds, orchids and beautiful landscapes of the mountain. Enjoy a delicious dinner before calling it a night.
Day 10
After breakfast it's time to make the journey to Sayap Village, which sits at the foot of Mount Kinabalu. On arrival you'll be welcomed to the village and introduced to your host family. After lunch, your guide will introduce you to the local culture in a Dusun village. The Dusuns are the biggest ethnic group in Sabah, most living subsistence lifestyles. Explore the village farmlands and learn how to cook a local dish, before sitting down and enjoying a traditional Dusun dinner with your host family before calling it a night.
Day 11
Grab an early breakfast before heading out for a hike within Aura Montoria, considered one of the hidden wonders of Sayap village. The trail will wind through giant trees, hidden waterfalls and caves, you'll continue towards Prayer Hill for stunning views of the valley below and the perfect spot for lunch. Cool off with a swim in the clear rock pools before returning to the homestay for dinner.
Day 12
After breakfast and a hot coffee to start the day, you'll say your goodbyes to your host family and make your way to a quiet slice of paradise off the coast of Kota Belud. Settle into your tranquil hideaway and take a refreshing dip in the calm waters of Mengkabar Bay, or take a stroll along the sandy beach before watching the sunset.
Day 13
With the ocean on one side and thick jungle on the other, you'll get to explore both worlds today. Snorkel amidst the colourful coral reef and tropical fish, eyes open for pods of dolphins or a sea turtle or two. Once back on land explore some of the nearby trails or simply relax in one of the many hammocks dotted around. End your day with a delicious local Malaysian dinner.
For travellers looking to scuba dive, an optional diving package can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
Day 14
Enjoy your breakfast while taking in the fantastic panoramic views of the ocean before transferring to the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu on the South China Sea. In the afternoon you are free to enjoy some well-earned downtime or explore the city. You'll share a final evening together with your group, sharing memories, adventure stories and probably the odd photo of an orangutan from your time in Borneo.
Day 15
Your adventure ends today as you enjoy a final breakfast before transferring to the Kota Kinabalu airport in time for your onward journey.
Expert, local, English speaking guides
4 nights in a chalet, 3 in a guesthouse, 4 in a cabin, 2 in a homestay and 1 in a hotel
All meals throughout the adventure
To and from the start and everything in-between
All your snorkelling gear
The Malaysian part of Borneo is an ethnic melting pot of Chinese, Malaysian, and indigenous peoples who have coexisted on the island for centuries. The result is a spectacular variety of spices and flavours that influence the local cuisine. Borneo st…
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For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
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Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: $10 USD per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
The tap water in Borneo is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven't been in Malaysia for a while. There is purified water in each accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two.
You will need to take everything with you as the tour starts and ends in different cities, however, you do not need to carry it all with you whilst you hike.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
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Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
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