Ultimate Borneo

Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River & Gaya Island
11 nights private tour from GBP £4,300 Per person

A journey through the heart of Malaysian Borneo showcasing the very best this diverse country has to offer. Discover metropolitan Kuala Lumpur before exploring the dense Borneo Rainforest. See pygmy elephants and orangutans in the pristine Kinabatangan Wetlands area before enjoying some respite on one of Sabah's beautiful outer islands, Gaya Island.

Ultimate Borneo
Journey highlights
  • The perfect introduction to Borneo and its highlights, combining incredible wildlife with the stunning beaches

  • Enjoy a night or two in Kuala Lumpur to get over the long flight and adjust to the time zone before beginning your adventures in Borneo's Sabah state

  • Stay at a traditional rainforest lodge deep within the Danuum Valley - a truly special experience 

  • The itinerary can easily be extended or tweaked to include other parts of Borneo

  • Ultimate itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Ultimate Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

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Like the rest of Malaysia, Sabah’s climate is hot and humid. Expect temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s throughout the lowlands. The state’s rainfall averages about 300cm annually and though it rains throughout the year, the heaviest rainfall generally occurs between October and January.

Itinerary

Day 1-3

Kuala Lumpur

Begin your adventure in the diverse capital city Kuala Lumpur. A melting pot of ancient traditions and modern city living, Kuala Lumpur offers the ideal starting point for your exploration of Malaysia. Ascend the renowned Petronas Towers for sensational views across the city or wander the many markets and boutique shopping outlets. We have included within this itineary a guided excursion to the nearby Batu Caves where you will get to explore the may temples and shrines that line the entrance to this sacred site.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur ( 2 nights )
Day 3-4

Sandakan and Sepilok

Continue to Borneo’s east coast and wildlife drenched region of Sepilok. Spending the evening in a jungle-based lodge, here you will visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where majestic apes roam semi-wild. Learn about the plight of their forest habitat and see them up close as the rangers feed them. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Sun Bear Sanctuary which is home to world's smallest bear, the Bornean Sun Bear. Both experiences are included in the cost of this itinerary. 

Accommodation: MY Nature Resort ( 1 night )
Day 4-6

Kinabatangan River

Continue further inland to the Kinabatangan wetlands area which will be your base for the next two nights. Witness the comical proboscis monkeys patrol the treetops along the banks of the Kinabatangan River and look out for pygmy elephants making their way to the water to drink and bathe. Explore the oxbow lakes, walk through the jungle and take boat trips along the river with eagle-eyed guides who will spot all manner of incredible wildlife before it slinks back off into the vegetation (experiences included).

Accommodation: Abai Jungle Lodge ( 2 nights )
Day 6-8

Danum Valley and Tabin

Your next destination is the unique and spectacular Danum Valley Conservation Area. Walk through the treetops on the suspended canopy walkways looking out for hornbills and if you are very lucky, wild orangutans lounging in the branches. Walk through the jungle on special trails, passing waterfalls and hot springs and enjoying the cacophony of exotic bird calls.

Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge ( 2 nights )
Day 8-12

Islands and Beaches

End your Borneo adventure with a few nights at an idyllic island hideaway, framed by a pristine white sandy beach, turquoise waters and steamy verdant rainforest. Your flight arrives in the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, and after a short boat ride you’ll be relaxing with a refreshing fruit punch and cool lemongrass scented face towel in no time. 
 
Bunga Raya Island Resort consists of raised wooden villas, mimicking Borneo’s traditional architectural style, albeit with luxurious modern touches, looking out over the jungle and scluded bay. The plunge pool villas, right on the beach, are particularly popular with honeymooners, whilst the treehouse villas, accessed via their own jungle walkway offer the most privacy. The resort has a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views, best enjoyed with a tropical-inspired drink, in a tall glass over plenty of ice, from the gorgeous infinity pool. There’s an excellent spa and the eager to please staff can arrange special dining experiences for a truly romantic experience under the stars.

If you want to burn off some energy there are plenty of hiking trails and suspended canopy walkways up into the jungle where you’re likely to encounter roaming wildlife or take out a kayak or paddleboard to explore the hidden coves and bays. Grab a snorkel and mask to discover the underwater marine world, or the resort’s PADI accredited centre can arrange diving as well. For adrenaline junkies there are a series of exhilarating zip-lines behind the property.

Accommodation: Bunga Raya Island Resort ( 4 nights )
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 020 3918 3595 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: (Per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)

Departing Price from*
  • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
  • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
  • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
Deposit from * Enquire
March 2024 GBP £4,500 GBP £700 plan your trip
April 2024 GBP £4,300 GBP £600 plan your trip
May 2024 GBP £4,300 GBP £600 plan your trip
June 2024 GBP £4,500 GBP £700 plan your trip
July 2024 GBP £4,700 GBP £700 plan your trip
August 2024 GBP £4,700 GBP £700 plan your trip
September 2024 GBP £4,500 GBP £700 plan your trip
October 2024 GBP £4,300 GBP £600 plan your trip
November 2024 GBP £4,300 GBP £600 plan your trip
December 2024 GBP £4,700 GBP £700 plan your trip
January 2025 GBP £4,700 GBP £700 plan your trip
February 2025 GBP £4,300 GBP £600 plan your trip
  • March 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,500
    Deposit from*
    GBP £700
  • April 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,300
    Deposit from*
    GBP £600
  • May 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,300
    Deposit from*
    GBP £600
  • June 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,500
    Deposit from*
    GBP £700
  • July 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,700
    Deposit from*
    GBP £700
  • August 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,700
    Deposit from*
    GBP £700
  • September 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,500
    Deposit from*
    GBP £700
  • October 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,300
    Deposit from*
    GBP £600
  • November 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,300
    Deposit from*
    GBP £600
  • December 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,700
    Deposit from*
    GBP £700
  • January 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,700
    Deposit from*
    GBP £700
  • February 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
    GBP £4,300
    Deposit from*
    GBP £600
  • plan your trip

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