Borneo – East Sabah Adventure - 8 Days
Trip Snapshot
Genders
- Female62%
- Male38%
Average age
Start / End
- Kota Kinabalu
- Kota Kinabalu
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 15Meals included
15Highlights
- Immerse yourself in local Bornean culture with a unique homestay experience at Tambatuon village, where you'll forage for fresh ingredients at a local farm and learn to cook authentic regional dishes, culminating in a delightful included dinner.
- Embark on unforgettable morning and evening river safaris along Sabah's longest river, the Kinabatangan. Navigate through lush jungle canopies and keep a keen eye out for an incredible array of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and even crocodiles!
- Journey deep into the jungle to explore the serene Oxbow Lake with a professional guide, offering exceptional opportunities to spot iconic Bornean primates such as the distinctive proboscis monkeys, playful macaques, and agile gibbons.
- Experience heartwarming encounters at Sepilok, visiting the vital Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to learn about the conservation of these magnificent creatures, alongside the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre dedicated to the world's smallest bears.
- Discover the ecological marvel of Libaran Island, affectionately known as 'Turtle Island'. Take a guided tour of the turtle hatchery and gain insight into the crucial conservation efforts protecting thousands of sea turtles that return annually to nest.
- Enjoy the vibrant coastal charm of Kota Kinabalu, with a free afternoon to explore Jesselton Point's bustling waterfront, indulge in some shopping, or wander through the lively Filipino market, soaking in the local atmosphere.
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What's inside the PDF
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Summary
Between its intriguing wildlife, skyscraper-height jungle canopies, and gorgeous coastlines teeming with tropical fish, this magical stretch of Borneo is positively bursting with stuff to see and do. This eight-day adventure promises to keep you busy; time spent marvelling at nature’s glory on Libaran Island, close encounters with orangutans at a rehabilitation centre, prowling the streets of Kota Kinabalu by night, and otherworldly wonders in the jungle. Borneo has it all, and in east Sabah, it’s all close at hand.
Itinerary
Day 1
Kota Kinabalu
Arrive at any time.
Day 2
Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud
From Kota Kinabalu, travel to Tambatuon village and meet the local community. Walk to a nearby river, exploring the landscape surrounding the village along the way. Visit a local farm and gather fresh ingredients for an included dinner. Learn how to cook some local recipes with the host.
Day 3
Kota Belud to Sungai Kinabatangan
Travel towards Sandakan and continue to the immersive jungle lodge on Kinabatangan River, Sabah's longest. After settling in, head out on a river cruise to experience the serenity of evening river life (keep your eyes peeled for birds and monkeys and crocodiles, oh my!). Enjoy dinner then opt for a guided night walk through the jungle.
Day 4
Sungai Kinabatangan
Begin the day with a river safari to witness the morning wildlife activity. After breakfast, visit the nearby Oxbow Lake with a professional guide and seek out proboscis monkeys, macaques, and gibbons. Enjoy another river cruise for a second chance to spot more wildlife (you never know what you may see) before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 5
Sungai Kinabatangan/Sepilok
Depart in the morning and travel to Sepilok - a wildlife haven. Enjoy a visit to the orangutan rehabilitation centre and the adjacent sun bear conservation centre.
Day 6
Sepilok/Pulau Libaran
Transfer to Sandakan and continue by boat to Libaran Island, also known as Turtle Island because thousands of sea turtles return to nest each year. Take a guided tour of the island's turtle hatchery and learn about the turtle conservation program. Later, visit the local village and experience what life is like on the island. Opt to go snorkelling or kayaking with some free time.
Day 7
Pulau Libaran/Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, depart Libaran Island and travel back to the Sandakan jetty. From the jetty, transfer to Sandakan airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to walk and shop at Jesselton Point, a waterfront district lined with shops and street food. Opt to visit the famous Filipino market.
Day 8
Kota Kinabalu
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels (2 nts), homestay (1 nt, multi-share), jungle lodge (3 nts, twin-share), permanent tented camp (1 nt, twinshare).
Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 4
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Jul 2026
from £1,124Aug 2026
from £1,264Sep 2026
from £1,135Oct 2026
from £1,135Nov 2026
from £1,045Dec 2026
from £1,187Jan 2027
from £1,187Feb 2027
from £1,187Mar 2027
from £1,187Apr 2027
from £1,336May 2027
from £1,336Jun 2027
from £1,405Jul 2027
from £1,405Aug 2027
from £1,405Sep 2027
from £1,336Oct 2027
from £1,336Nov 2027
from £1,187Dec 2027
from £1,187Jan 2028
from £1,187Feb 2028
from £1,187Mar 2028
from £1,187Apr 2028
from £1,187May 2028
from £1,187Jun 2028
from £1,187Jul 2028
from £1,187Aug 2028
from £1,187Sep 2028
from £1,187Oct 2028
from £1,187Nov 2028
from £1,187Dec 2028
from £1,187
- Save 11%Friday 6 Nov 2026to Friday 13 Nov 20266+ spaces of 15 leftGuaranteed Departure£1,199£1,068Pay MonthlyBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 11%Sunday 8 Nov 2026to Sunday 15 Nov 20266+ spaces of 15 leftGuaranteed Departure£1,199£1,068Pay MonthlyBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 11%Friday 13 Nov 2026to Friday 20 Nov 20266+ spaces of 15 leftGuaranteed Departure£1,199£1,068Pay MonthlyBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 13%Sunday 15 Nov 2026to Sunday 22 Nov 20266+ spaces of 15 leftGuaranteed Departure£1,199£1,045Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 11%Friday 20 Nov 2026to Friday 27 Nov 20266+ spaces of 15 leftGuaranteed Departure£1,199£1,068Pay MonthlyBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 11%Sunday 29 Nov 2026to Sunday 6 Dec 20266+ spaces of 15 leftGuaranteed Departure£1,199£1,068Pay MonthlyBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
Na Well organised with a knowledgeable and kind guide
Clare Aug, 2025 VerifiedWe had a great group, everyone got along and we had a good time and Ron was an influence on this making sure it was inclusive and that we got the most out of the trip.
Andrew Aug, 2025 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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