10 Day Private Borneo Discovery with Turtle Island

• Private tour, enjoy the comfort and personalised service of private touring
• Private in-depth sightseeing
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Visit endangered orangutans and sun bears in Sepilok, and stay at a turtle hatchery island 
• Fully escorted by an English-speaking tour guide
• 6 nights staying in 4-star accommodation
• 2 nights immersed in nature at a rainforest lodge
• 1 night in a simple chalet on Selingan Turtle Island
• Breakfast daily, 8 lunches including a cooking class, 3 dinners 
• Domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
• Group departure transfer to Sandakan Airport (SDK)
• Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
• In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

• Dinawan Island - Snorkel and Kayak trip
• Kinabalu National Park - National Park Walk
• Kinabalu National Park - Botanical Garden
• Kota Kinabalu - Mari Mari Community Visit
• Kota Kinabalu - Cooking Class
• Selingan Island - Turtle hatching
• Sandakan - Sandakan Memorial Park
• Sandakan - Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple
• Sandakan - Agnes Keith Museum
• Sandakan - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• Sandakan - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center
• Kinabatangan - Gomantong Cave
• Kinabatangan - River Safari

• A highlight of your time in Borneo is witnessing nature is all its beauty at Selingan Turtle Island. Observe turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs and hatchings make their first 'step's into the wild.

• Malaysian cuisine is a treat! Try your hand at a Kiulu cooking class, using produce you have sourced from local suppliers. Of course you will be eating your concoctions as part of lunch.

• Fully immerse yourself into the flora and fauna along the Kinabatangan River at Bilit Rainforest Lodge. The lodge is renowned for its local birdlife and Bornean animals (pygmy elephant, sun bears, proboscis monkeys and more) traversing through the lodge's grounds.

Pre/post accommodation
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 - Kota Kinabalu

• $177.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $177.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation - Sandakan

• $174.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $174.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

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.

Upgrades
Not available 

Airport Transfers
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 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.

Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two/three options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $795.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.

Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. 

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 as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having 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.

Triple Share
Not available

Payment Information
This product requires full payment within 48 hours to secure your booking.

Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.

Cooling Off Period 
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product. 

Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.

Terms and conditions 
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions 

Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary.  Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty. 

Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary.  The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion. 

Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination. 

Arrival Details
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.

Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice. How to book information can be found on our FAQ page or visit: https://wiki.inspiringvacations.com/knowledge/how-to-add-transfers-to-your-booking 

Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.

When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider. 

Welcome Meeting Instructions
At 6.00pm on Day 1, you will meet your tour leader and the rest of your group for a tour briefing, an orientation walk of the surrounding areas and dinner (not included).

In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.

We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.

You also have the option to share details in your online feedback after the tour. However, please keep in mind that it's challenging for us to offer practical assistance once the tour is completed. Therefore, notifying us while still travelling allows us the chance to address the issue in real-time and provide a timely resolution.

For general contact details please visit the Contact Us page on our website.

When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this on arrival during your welcome meeting. 

Tour Pace
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.

Group Size
Minimum: 2 people

Escorted Style
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Community Guidelines
Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.

Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options. 

Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs. Local Guide
While both tour leaders and local guides enrich your travel experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders, who often accompany you for the entire tour, handle logistics, ensure smooth sailing of the itinerary, and act as your point of contact for any concerns. They might provide general information about destinations, but in-depth historical or cultural knowledge often comes from local guides. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

Coach Transportation
The size of your coach will comfortably accommodate your group. There's usually room for some extra seats, ensuring a relaxing journey. Your luggage will be safely stored either underneath the coach or in a dedicated trailer.

While the exact coach style may vary depending on the departure, all our coaches offer comfortable seating. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and charging outlets might not always be available. To stay connected and avoid dead batteries,  we recommend fully charging your devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger.

Roads in Borneo can be quite bumpy, and this can be uncomfortable. For longer journeys, we'll make sure to include ample restroom breaks along the way, so you can freshen up and recharge at your convenience, as facilities are not on-board the coach. 

Itinerary Changes 
Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience. 

This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your tour! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them.

Staying Connected
If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM at the airport is the final option. For a prepaid fee, you can get data by simply swapping your current SIM with your new SIM and depending on which package you purchase, you’ll be able to text and make phone calls, just as you would at home. 

We also recommend downloading WhatsApp and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour, and of course, after the tour if you’d like to stay in touch. Our tour leaders may also use this as a means of communicating essential tour information with you, as well as if you choose to add-on transfers to your booking, as your driver may use this to confirm arrangements with you.

Getting Around
This tour involves travel by both coach and boat. While Borneo’s roads can be famously bumpy and traffic occasionally challenging, we strive to ensure your journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Sit back, relax, and embrace the adventure of exploring this incredible destination.

Hotel Ratings
Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.

This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests.

Accommodation Details
Accommodations range from 3-4 Star hotels to a jungle lodge. The Kinabantagan River jungle lodge offers a simpler experience than our standard hotels, with generator-powered lights and fans, solar-lit pathways, and variable hot water. Its exceptional location and close encounters with wildlife create a truly unforgettable, nature-immersive stay. 

Selingan Island offers basic accommodations reflective of its remote location, including no hot water. Single supplements are not available while on the island, so solo travellers will share rooms with travellers of the same-gender. Despite the simplicity, witnessing turtles hatch and make their first journey to the sea makes this once-in-a-lifetime experience truly unforgettable.

The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.

Packing Essentials
What you need to pack for your tour will vary according to the tour style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you can carry and lift your luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. 

A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this tour. Many tours will include internal flights which often have luggage weight restrictions, and it is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket, and your essentials while touring during the day.

Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable clothing (moisture-wicking preferred)
• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants (for mosquito protection)
• Quick-dry shorts and t-shirts for warm days
• Waterproof jacket or poncho (essential in the rainforest)
• Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
• Sandals or water shoes for boat rides and wet areas
• Swimsuit and lightweight towel
• Rash vest for snorkelling in Dinawan Island

Accessories

• Wide-brimmed hat or cap (for sun protection)
• Sunglasses (preferably polarised)
• Daypack for hikes and excursions
• Dry bag (to protect belongings during boat rides)
• Travel-size umbrella
• Reusable water bottle (preferably insulated)

Toiletries

• High-SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent with DEET or natural alternatives
• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit
• Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer

Electronics

• Camera or smartphone with extra memory cards and batteries
• Universal travel adapter
• Power bank for charging devices
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting

Climate
Sabah, located in Borneo, enjoys a tropical rainforest climate, offering warm temperatures, high humidity, and occasional rainfall year-round. Here's a breakdown of what travellers can expect:

Temperature

• Daytime: Typically ranges between 28–32°C (82–90°F).
• Nighttime: Cooler, with temperatures around 22–25°C (72–77°F), especially in higher altitudes like Kinabalu Park.

Rainfall

Sabah experiences frequent rain showers, but they’re often short-lived and refreshing.

• Wettest Months: October to January, with heavier and more consistent rainfall.
• Drier Months: February to September, though rain is still possible due to the tropical climate.

Humidity

• High humidity (70–90%) is typical throughout the year, so lightweight, breathable clothing is essential.

Seasonal Variations

• Wet Season (November to March): Expect lush greenery, heavier rains, and cooler evenings. Rainfall may disrupt some activities, so pack waterproof gear.
• Dry Season (April to October): Ideal for outdoor activities like wildlife spotting, hiking, and snorkelling, with more sunshine and less rain.

Regional Variations

• Coastal Areas (Kota Kinabalu, Semporna): Warmer and sunnier with occasional rain.
• Rainforests (Kinabatangan River, Sepilok): Hot and humid with frequent rain.
• Highlands (Kinabalu Park): Cooler and less humid, with temperatures dropping as low as 15°C (59°F) at night.

Sabah’s tropical climate ensures lush landscapes and thriving biodiversity year-round, so be prepared for both sunshine and rain to fully enjoy your adventure!

Currency and ATMs
The currency in Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities, such as Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, and accept most international debit and credit cards. However, cash is essential in rural areas, small villages, and markets where ATMs are scarce, and card payments are rarely accepted. Be sure to carry small denominations for convenience, especially in remote locations. Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and money changers.

Food and Allergies
While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing, as well as experience the vast array of local cuisines. While many meals will be eaten together with your group, not all meals are included in your tour which gives you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure. Your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will also be able to give suggestions on which restaurants to try during your tour. 

Borneo offers a vibrant culinary scene reflecting its rich cultural diversity. Expect flavorful dishes like nasi lemak (coconut rice with spicy sambal), laksa (a spicy noodle soup), and fresh seafood. The local cuisine combines Malay, Chinese, and indigenous influences, featuring tropical fruits, aromatic spices, and rich coconut flavours.

Vegetarians and vegans may find fewer dedicated options in rural areas but can enjoy staples like stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and rice-based meals. In urban centers, restaurants often accommodate dietary needs, and many Indian eateries offer a variety of plant-based dishes. For allergies, it’s crucial to communicate clearly—using translation cards can help, especially for nut, shellfish, or gluten allergies. When dining at local markets or rural establishments, it’s best to ask about ingredients as dishes may include hidden fish sauce or shrimp paste.

Local Customs
Borneo’s rich cultural diversity is reflected in its customs, blending Malay, Chinese, and indigenous traditions. Respect for elders and community is deeply ingrained, so polite greetings and gestures, such as a slight bow or handshake, are appreciated. Modesty is valued, particularly in rural or religious areas, so dress conservatively when visiting villages, temples, or mosques. Removing shoes before entering someone’s home or a place of worship is customary. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in indigenous communities, as some may find it intrusive. By respecting these customs, you’ll experience the warm hospitality and traditions of Borneo’s people.

Dress Code
Borneo’s tropical climate calls for lightweight, breathable clothing, but dressing respectfully is important, especially in rural or religious areas. Loose-fitting shirts, shorts, or trousers are ideal for the heat, but pack long-sleeved tops and long trousers for temple visits. In urban areas like Kota Kinabalu, casual attire is acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. When exploring forests or jungles, sturdy shoes and quick-dry fabrics are recommended. Swimsuits are fine for beaches and resorts but should be covered with a sarong or shirt in public areas. Dressing modestly ensures comfort and shows respect for local customs.

Responsible Dining
Dining responsibly in Borneo means embracing local flavours while supporting sustainable and ethical practices. Opt for restaurants or markets that source ingredients locally, ensuring your meals benefit the community and reduce environmental impact. Be mindful of seafood choices, as overfishing affects marine ecosystems—look for sustainable options or ask your tour leader for guidance. Avoid contributing to food waste by ordering only what you can finish, and bring a reusable bottle for drinks to reduce single-use plastic

Tipping Your Leader
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.

We operate a group tipping system, often referred to as a "tipping kitty," which is approximately 100 MYR per person. It will be up to you or one of your travel partners to manage this fund, distributing tips where appropriate. Your tour leader will provide more details at the start of the trip. While tipping the tour leader is optional, a contribution of 125–150 MYR is considered a generous and appreciated gesture.

Peak Travel Times
Borneo’s peak travel periods align with its dry season, typically from March to October, when weather conditions are ideal for outdoor activities like wildlife spotting, jungle treks, and diving. July and August are particularly popular due to school holidays, so attractions may be busier. Shoulder months like February and November offer fewer crowds while still providing good weather for exploration. 

Safety and Security
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your own government's advice for the most up-to-date travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your tour. 

Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities listed on the itinerary, however, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. While your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will assist you as best they can with your requests and the options available outside your itinerary, please note Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running the activity. Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. 

Please also note that your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

Apps to Download
Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, the lens function is especially useful when wanting to read product labels, signs, and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without being reliant on wifi.

Grab is a widely used app in Borneo for convenient taxi services, offering a user-friendly experience similar to Uber. It's particularly helpful for travellers needing a reliable ride from Kota Kinabalu Airport to the city centre and for getting around town efficiently.

Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability. 

Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth tour survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your tour has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved. 

Finishing Point 
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking. 

Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly. 

Departure Details 
On the final day of your tour,  say farewell to Borneo as you are transferred to Sandakan Airport (SDK), arriving at approximately 11am, in time for your departure flight.

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. 

Travelling from Kinabantangan to Sandakan can get quite hot, so we recommend that you pre-book an additional night post tour accommodation in Sandakan, so you have time to freshen up and relax before your flight.

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. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.