Family Borneo Wildlife Adventure 2026 - 9 Days

Our tour starts today in Kota Kinabalu. The capital of Malaysian Borneo's Sabah is a cultural tapestry - its inhabitants are a mix of Chinese, Indonesian, Filipino, Indian and of course Malay. This blend of influences makes KK a foodie's dream, with fusion restaurants popping up all over town and street-food stalls serving classics like Nasi Goreng (fried rice with spices) and satay alongside curries and kimchi.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), which is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will catch you up over breakfast on day 2.

The first three days of the itinerary are quite long and full on so if you'd like to start your holiday early and recharge before the tour starts, please get in touch with us to book additional nights' accommodation.

After breakfast, we'll set off on a scenic drive into the Crocker Mountain Range - a journey of around two and a half hours. This area is home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia.

Our destination is the small village of Tanak Nabalu, where we'll be welcomed by members of the local Dusun tribe and enjoy lunch together. Many of the villagers now work as guides and porters for those climbing Mount Kinabalu, and we'll have the chance to learn about their ancient customs and traditions over a hearty local meal.

We'll try Hinava, a traditional raw fish dish from the Kadazan-Dusun tribes of Sabah. Similar to Peruvian ceviche, Hinava is typically made with mackerel marinated in lime juice, then mixed with red chilli, ginger, shallots, prawns, and the tangy seeds of the wild Bambangan fruit. After lunch, we'll enjoy a relaxing walk through the nearby Botanical Gardens to see a fascinating variety of exotic flora, including slipper orchids, pitcher plants, and yellow rhododendrons. This is a family-friendly stroll on well-maintained trails that are mostly shaded by the montane forest, offering relief from the sun. While the gentle terrain and wooden boardwalks make for an easy walk, please note that the high humidity may still make it feel quite warm. The walk will take up to one hour and covers approximately 1 mile/1.6 kilometres.

Finally, we'll continue on to Ranau, where we'll spend the night.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning at the cottages before taking the road for our longest drive - approx. four to five ours. There will be stops along the way to stretch our legs and to have lunch and we aim to reach Sepilok by mid-afternoon.

On arrival we'll begin with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, one of Borneo's most important sanctuaries. Our visit starts with a short video presentation where we'll learn about the plight of the orangutans and the Centre's ongoing rehabilitation efforts. We'll then take a short walk along wooden boardwalks through the rainforest to the feeding platform, where we'll witness the orangutans being fed. Afterwards, we'll head to the nursery area to observe the younger orangutans as they play and learn essential survival skills.

Overnight in Sepilok.

Today we'll begin the day with a second visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This is an excellent opportunity to see more of Borneo's iconic mammal.

Next, we'll visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to over 30 rescued sun bears - the world's smallest bear species. Here, we'll learn about the threats they face, and the Centre's efforts to protect and rehabilitate them.

In the afternoon, we'll continue to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, one of the best places to see Borneo's most iconic - and unique-looking - primate: the proboscis monkey. The males are instantly recognisable by their large, pendulous noses, reddish flat-top hair, pot bellies, and long white tails. The females, in contrast, are smaller with upturned noses. Locals affectionately call them Orang Belanda - meaning Dutch people - a cheeky nod to early Dutch colonisers, who were said to bear an amusing resemblance! These monkeys live in small groups and mainly feed on fruit and leaves. While we wait for them to arrive at the feeding platform, we might also spot other wildlife such as silver leaf monkeys, squirrels, and oriental pied hornbills.

Second and final night in Sepilok.

We'll begin the day with a visit to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, a fantastic educational hub located by a tranquil lake at the edge of the Sepilok Forest Reserve.

Next up we go on the Plant Discovery Walk, which highlights the traditional and medicinal uses of various herbs and leaves. One of the main highlights is the impressive canopy walkway, stretching 347 metres long and reaching 87 metres high. Suspended among the treetops, it offers an excellent vantage point for birdwatching - with up to 250-300 bird species recorded in the area - and if we're lucky, we might even spot a wild orangutan. It's the perfect outdoor classroom to experience the incredible biodiversity of Borneo's rainforest. We'll then continue our journey overland with a scenic two and a half hour drive to Bilit Jetty. On arrival, we'll take a short boat ride across the Kinabatangan River to reach our riverside lodge.

We'll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and a short briefing before sitting down to enjoy lunch at the lodge's restaurant. There will be some free time to settle in before a mid-afternoon light tea, then we'll get ready for one of the highlights of the day setting out on a late afternoon river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, one of the best places in Borneo for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, rare bird species, hornbills, gibbons, and with a bit of luck, even the elusive pygmy elephants.

Dinner will be served back at the lodge after our wildlife adventure on the river. After dinner, we are free to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the rainforest. There is an option to join a night walk, please speak to your tour leader to organise.

Waking to the distant calls of gibbons and hornbills, we'll start the day with a drink and snack before heading out on a sunrise river cruise to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. As the jungle comes alive, we'll cruise upstream in search of wildlife basking in the morning sun along the riverbanks. We will have a proper breakfast upon our return to the lodge after the boat trip. An option to partake in tree

The Kinabatangan River is one of the richest ecosystems in Borneo and is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife. There are 10 species of primates in the area, including proboscis monkeys, langurs, gibbons, and macaques - all commonly seen here. With a bit of luck, we might even spot a wild orangutan! Other rare and fascinating animals in the region include the Bornean pygmy elephant, Malay sun bear, clouded leopard, and saltwater crocodile. The river is also a haven for birdlife, with all eight species of hornbill present, as well as kingfishers, ospreys, storks, and eagles.

Later this morning, we'll head out on a nature jungle walk guided by a lodge guide along with our tour leader to experience the riverine forest, offering us even more opportunities to spot Borneo's incredible wildlife, with insights and guidance from our experienced tour leader.

In the late afternoon, we'll enjoy our final wildlife cruise of the day - one last chance to soak up the beauty of the river and its extraordinary inhabitants.

After breakfast, we'll check out and take a short boat ride across the river to Bilit Jetty, before continuing our overland route to Sandakan - a journey of around three hours.

Along the way, we'll stop at Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, perched on a steep hilltop with panoramic views over Sandakan Bay and the town centre - a peaceful and photogenic spot to pause and reflect.

Next, we'll visit Agnes Keith House, a beautifully restored British colonial-era home once occupied by American writer Agnes Newton Keith. She famously wrote Land Below the Wind (1939), a vivid account of her life in North Borneo. Now a heritage house, it offers a glimpse into colonial life during the era of British North Borneo, complete with period-style furnishings and antiques. Upstairs, a gallery tells the story of Agnes, her family, and her writing - including her other well-known works Three Came Home and White Man Returns. Her husband, Harry Keith, served as the first Conservator of Forests in Sabah, and their lives here form a fascinating chapter in Sabah's history.

We'll then stop for lunch (not included) at the English Tea House, located on the grounds of Agnes Keith House. Surrounded by lush gardens and cool breezes, it's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy sweeping views over the town and bay.

After lunch, we'll transfer to Sandakan Airport for our flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival in the early evening, we'll head straight to the hotel and check in. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

Today, we'll embark on a fun-filled island adventure to Ara Dinawan, a serene eco-island paradise just off the coast of Kinarut. The day begins with a transfer from our hotel to Beringgis Jetty, where we'll board a shared boat for a scenic 20-minute crossing to Ara Dinawan Island.

Upon arrival, we'll be warmly welcomed by the island hosts and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink to kick-start the day. We'll be staying in fixed tented rooms by the beach. Our experience begins with a fascinating introduction to the marine ecosystem, focusing on the vital role coral reefs play in supporting marine biodiversity. This fun and educational session sets the scene for the adventure ahead. Please note this experience may be shared with other guests at the resort.

Next, we'll head out on an exhilarating snorkelling excursion, guided by a marine biologist. We'll explore the underwater world - spotting vibrant coral species, learning about their fragile ecosystem, and observing signs of both damage and recovery. Along the way, we'll identify a variety of marine creatures, making this a fantastic hands-on learning experience for the whole family.

After the snorkelling adventure, lunch will be served at the lodge then the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax on the island's private white-sand beaches, take a kayak out for a paddle, or simply soak up the sun with the sound of the waves in the background.

As evening falls, we'll gather for a sunset dinner on the island. With the setting sun casting a golden glow across the water, it's the perfect way to end a magical day in paradise.

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Ara Dinawan.

There are no activities planned today and the boat back to the mainland departs at 11:00. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Kota Kinabalu international Airport (BKI), which is a 30-minute drive from Beringgis Jetty.

If you'd like to stay on Ara Dinawan island for some extra beach relaxation, you can add extra nights onto your tour. From March to October, the island enjoys the dry season, with mostly sunny days and warm, tropical weather - perfect for beach time, snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the sea. While occasional rain showers may pass through, they are usually brief and refreshing, adding to the island's lush, tropical charm. Please contact us to book additional accommodation.