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Immerse yourself in the ancient rainforests and extraordinary wildlife of Borneo on this 10-day small-group adventure. Navigate the Kinabatangan River by boat, encounter wild orangutans at Sepilok and come face to face with sun bears in their natural habitat. Our team personally leads every departure, keeping groups between 4 and 10 people so the experience stays intimate, flexible and genuinely memorable.
Fly into Sandakan — gateway to Borneo's wildlife. Transfer directly to Sepilok, just 25km from the airport, in time for the afternoon orangutan feeding session at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. From the viewing platform just metres away, watch rehabilitated orangutans swing down through the canopy to collect fruit. One of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the world — and it's how this trip begins. This evening, join your group for a welcome dinner and briefing at your Sepilok lodge.
An early morning return to Sepilok for the morning feeding session, then a visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door — home to the world's smallest bear. Rescued sun bears are given a second chance in large forest enclosures; watch them from elevated walkways and hear from the team about the challenges of bear conservation in Sabah. After lunch, transfer east along the coast to the Kinabatangan River. Arrive in time for an evening boat safari along this extraordinary wildlife corridor.
A full day on the Kinabatangan — one of Southeast Asia's richest wildlife habitats. Begin before sunrise with a dawn boat cruise when proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques and Oriental pied hornbills are most active along the riverbanks. After breakfast, join a guided jungle walk into the riverside forest, looking for footprints, insects and birdlife at ground level. The afternoon brings another boat cruise — your best chance of spotting Borneo pygmy elephants, which occasionally come down to drink from this stretch of the river. An optional night spotting cruise is available for those who want to search for civets, owls and sleeping birds by torchlight.
One final early morning river cruise before transferring west across Sabah — a scenic drive through traditional villages, palm plantations and rolling highland scenery. The first stop is Poring Hot Spring, set within Kinabalu Park's lower forest on the mountain's southeast flank. Walk the treetop canopy walkway strung between massive forest trees, then soak in the natural sulphur hot springs — well earned after two days of riverside adventuring. Continue up to the Kinabalu Park headquarters area for the night, arriving as the mountain emerges from the afternoon cloud.
The mountain reveals itself best at dawn before the cloud rolls in — set your alarm and step outside for views of the 4,095m granite summit, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. After breakfast, explore Kinabalu Park's lower trail network with our guide: cloud forest paths wind through world-class orchid gardens, pitcher plant colonies, rhododendrons and highland birdlife found nowhere else on earth. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most biodiverse places — even a short walk feels extraordinary. Afternoon at leisure to rest, explore the park at your own pace, or simply sit with the mountain.
Drive down from the highlands to Kota Kinabalu — the vibrant capital of Sabah strung along the edge of the South China Sea. Check into your city hotel and spend the afternoon exploring: the Filipino Market is a riot of fresh seafood, handicrafts and local produce, while Gaya Street gives a feel for KK's easy, multicultural character. As the sun drops toward the horizon this evening, find a spot on the waterfront — the sunsets here are among the most spectacular in Southeast Asia.
Today is yours to choose. For those drawn to the water, a short boat from Jesselton Point ferry terminal reaches Manutik Island — one of the quieter islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, with pristine coral reefs, calm clear water and far fewer visitors than its neighbours. Snorkel, swim and relax on the beach before the afternoon return. Prefer to stay in the city? Spend the day exploring at your own pace: the Sabah State Museum covers Borneo's natural history and indigenous cultures in depth, Signal Hill Observatory gives sweeping views across KK and the island-dotted South China Sea, and the Handicraft Market is the best place in Sabah for local batik, beaded jewellery and woven baskets.
A short 15-minute boat ride from Jesselton Point ferry terminal takes you to Manukan Island — the most popular of the five islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in Malaysian Borneo. Snorkel over coral gardens alive with clownfish, sea turtles and reef sharks in some of the clearest water in Sabah. Swim, sunbathe and have a leisurely seafood lunch on the beach before the afternoon boat back to KK. A very different Borneo from the jungle — but just as memorable.
The final full day takes you into the cultural heart of Sabah at Kampung Budaya Mari Mari, a living cultural village set in the rainforest just north of KK. Five indigenous longhouses represent the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut and Rungus peoples — each with its own architecture, traditions and way of life. Watch demonstrations of blowpipe hunting, traditional tattooing, fire-starting and rice wine brewing, and share a traditional meal with your hosts. It's a genuine, respectful encounter with Sabah's extraordinary ethnic diversity — a perfect counterpoint to the natural world you've spent the week exploring. This evening, the group gathers for a farewell dinner in KK to celebrate an extraordinary 10 days in Borneo.
A relaxed final morning in Kota Kinabalu. Pick up last-minute gifts at the Handicraft Market, take a stroll along the waterfront, or simply enjoy a long breakfast before the journey home. Transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (IATA: BKI) for your onward flight. If you'd like to extend your stay — or add a few nights on one of the outer islands — let us know when you enquire and we'll arrange it.
Our team has led small-group adventures across Asia, East Africa, the Caucasus and South America since 2006. We have guided this exact route through Borneo many times and know it inside out.
Never more than 10 people on any Tourio tour. Small groups move differently — you get into places larger groups can't, you spend more time in the moment and less time waiting around, and you actually get to know the people you're travelling with.
You book your own flights, so you have full flexibility over your dates, airline and route. That said, we're always happy to help — if you have any questions about getting to Borneo or need advice on the best connections, just ask when you enquire and we'll point you in the right direction.
No booking engine. Enquire and our team will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss everything personally. We'll also work with you to tailor the trip around your schedule and the experiences that matter most to you — so what you get is exactly what you wanted.
