This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
Immerse yourself in Borneo with visits to Bako village and Dinawan Island, encounter endangered orangutans and sun bears, and enjoy safari cruises along the Kinabatangan River, where you'll spot diverse wildlife and unique bird species.
Selamat Datang, welcome to Borneo!
On arrival, please make your own way from the airport to your hotel.
Your journey through this captivating land of contrasts starts in Kuching, the charming capital city of Sarawak. With its colonial-era architecture and hints of its history as the Land of the White Rajahs, Kuching exudes old-world allure. Wander through its historical landmarks, explore narrow streets brimming with antique and craft shops, visit fascinating museums, and enjoy the lively waterfront where sampans glide along the Sarawak River. This evening, meet your tour leader and embark on an exploration of the city.
Special Information:
If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 2pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings.
Please meet in the hotel lobby for your welcome meeting at 6:00 pm to discuss tour logistics and to give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, we’ll set off on a scenic 45-minute drive to Bako village, where we’ll then embark on a 30-minute boat ride across the river to Bako National Park. As the oldest national park in Sarawak, Bako is celebrated for its breathtaking limestone and sandstone formations, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife. You may encounter Borneo's renowned proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, wild boars, and a variety of reptiles including snakes and monitor lizards. The park features a network of trails, each offering different levels of difficulty and highlighting various aspects of its natural beauty. Along the coastline, you’ll find a series of enchanting bays, hidden coves, and pristine beaches perfect for exploration. We will conclude our adventure and return to Kuching in the mid-afternoon, wrapping up a day filled with natural splendour.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. Please note that the schedule may change depending on the tide.
In the morning, you’ll have free time to explore Kuching at your leisure. After checking out, we’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Your flight will be unescorted, but you will be escorted to the airport. Upon arrival, your Sabah tour leader will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Kota Kinabalu, a vibrant waterfront city surrounded by natural beauty—including coral islands, lush hills, scenic rivers, and the majestic Mt. Kinabalu—awaits your discovery. Check in and enjoy some relaxation time before our evening activities including a sunset cocktail and a visit to the vibrant local night market.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
For your flight today, any tickets that are required will be provided for you on tour by your tour leader.
Please meet in the hotel lobby at 5:30pm for your evening’s activities
Your travel time today will be approximately a 1.5 hour flight, plus travel time.
Today, embark on a 40-minute boat trip from Kota Kinabalu to Dinawan Island, a hidden gem known for its secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters. Dinawan Island, or Ara Dinawan, stands out for its untouched and pristine beauty, making it one of Sabah's most breathtaking islands.
Upon arrival, your boat will dock near the vibrant coral reefs where an experienced snorkelling guide will lead you to the best spots to discover the underwater wonders. For those who prefer a different perspective, kayaks are available for a serene paddle through the transparent waters. This island offers a perfect escape for the day, providing a tranquil setting to unwind and rejuvenate.
After a day of exploration and relaxation, return by boat to Kota Kinabalu and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
After breakfast we’ll take a scenic two-hour drive to Kinabalu Park. Standing at 4,095 metres, Mt. Kinabalu is the highest peak on Borneo and one of the youngest non-volcanic mountains, still growing at a rate of 5 millilitres per year. En route, you will stop at Pekan Nabalu town market for a break, local snacks, and souvenirs before continuing to the park.
Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans 754 square kilometres and boasts a rich array of wildlife, including over 800 species of orchids, 600 species of ferns, 326 bird species, and the diverse Nepenthes pitcher plants. We’ll take a leisurely walk to admire the stunning mountain views and search for birds and snakes, followed by a visit to the Botanical Garden.
Next, we’ll head to the Kundasang War Memorial, dedicated to those who perished during the Japanese occupation in WWII, especially during the Sandakan Death March. The memorial features beautiful gardens and a small visitor centre. Afterward, explore the charming town of Kundasang, known for its fresh vegetable produce, before heading to your accommodation for the night.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
After breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to our next adventure, the Kinabatangan River. Stretching 560 kilometres, this river meanders through a lush floodplain rich with diverse wildlife, including large mammals, primates, birds, reptiles, and insects. Enjoy a riverboat cruise for easy wildlife spotting and bird watching, or venture deeper into the riverine forest on foot to seek out more elusive species. Upon arrival, a short 10-minute boat ride will take us to our lodge. Upon arrival at the rainforest lodge, check into your accommodation before going for an evening river cruise in search of wildlife.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Today, immerse yourself in Borneo's natural wonders with early morning and afternoon river safaris.
Begin your day with an early river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, where you may spot rare wildlife such as the Bornean gibbon, pygmy elephant, orangutan, and proboscis monkey, alongside an array of captivating bird species. After returning to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, venture out for an invigorating jungle walk.
In the afternoon, join another river cruise to further explore the diverse ecosystem. For an optional adventure, consider another night cruise or a nocturnal walk around the resort to discover the intriguing creatures that come alive after dark.
Inspiring Highlights
Start your day with breakfast while taking in the stunning morning views of the Kinabatangan River. Afterward, we'll head back to Sandakan town and visit the Sandakan War Memorial to pay tribute to its historical significance. Following the visit, you'll be dropped off at your Sandakan hotel.
Sandakan, a picturesque coastal town in Sabah, seamlessly blends historical charm with natural beauty. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. You might choose to immerse yourself in local culture at the Central Market, where you can shop for fresh produce, handicrafts, and regional delicacies. Alternatively, unwind with a serene sunset at Sandakan Harbour.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
After breakfast we’ll visit one of the most popular locations in Malaysia - The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre was set up to help re-introduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned.
From one animal to another, The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is within walking distance. This visit offers a unique opportunity to see the world's smallest bear species in their natural habitat. Explore the centre’s educational exhibits and viewing platforms to observe sun bears up close as they play, forage, and interact. Learn about ongoing conservation efforts dedicated to protecting these endangered bears and their rainforest home, gaining insight into the challenges they face and the critical work being done to ensure their survival.
Return to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is free.
Inspiring Highlights
Today marks the end of your spectacular journey through Borneo.
At the appropriate time please make your own way to the airport for your flight home or embark on your own independent onward journey.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information:
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
This product requires full payment upfront to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”
3 - Balanced
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $645.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip.
Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after the tour.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum group size: 20
Maximum group size: 26
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
