Ultimate Borneo
Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River & Gaya IslandA 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.
At a glance
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
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
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
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
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.
Price Guide: (Per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | $6,400 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| October | $6,100 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| November | $6,100 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| December | $6,700 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| January | $6,700 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| February | $6,100 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| March | $6,400 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| April | $6,100 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| May | $6,100 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| June | $6,400 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| July | $6,700 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| August | $6,700 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
-
September
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,400
Deposit from*$1,600
-
October
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,100
Deposit from*$1,500
-
November
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,100
Deposit from*$1,500
-
December
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,700
Deposit from*$1,700
-
January
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,700
Deposit from*$1,700
-
February
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,100
Deposit from*$1,500
-
March
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,400
Deposit from*$1,600
-
April
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,100
Deposit from*$1,500
-
May
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,100
Deposit from*$1,500
-
June
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,400
Deposit from*$1,600
-
July
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,700
Deposit from*$1,700
-
August
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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,700
Deposit from*$1,700
- plan your trip
Itinerary
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.
Borneo
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 Center 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 )
Borneo
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).
Borneo
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.
Borneo
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 center can arrange diving as well. For adrenaline junkies there are a series of exhilarating zip-lines behind the property.
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Experiences included in this itinerary
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![Batu Caves - Batu Caves & Royal Selangor Pewter Tour]()
Read moreBatu Caves & Royal Selangor Pewter Tour
This half day tour will take you to the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, where you will visit Malaysia's most prestigious pewter factory as well as the Batu Caves; one of the country's most iconic and holy sites.
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![Canopy Walk - Borneo Rainforest Lodge Canopy Walk]()
Read moreBorneo Rainforest Lodge - Canopy Walk
An adventure along Borneo Rainforest Lodge's canopy walk is often one of the highlights of a stay here. This suspended walkway is 300 meters long, and reaches 26 meters high at its peak, offering a different perspective into the rainforest.
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![Danum Valley - Night Safari]()
Read moreBorneo Rainforest Lodge - Night Safari
Hop into the back of an open-air truck for a night safari; a great time to see nocturnal primates such as the slow loris, flying red squirrel, samba deer, and civets. Your guide will use a strong torch to search for wildlife as you bump along the track.
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![Suspension Bridge - Rainforest Trek]()
Read moreBorneo Rainforest Lodge - Rainforest Trek
Accompanied by your expert guide, trek through the pristine primary rainforest of the Danum Valley. This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, filled with wonderful wildlife, astonishing plants, tumbling waterfalls and mysterious rock pools.
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![Danum Valley - “Coffin Cliff” Trek]()
Read moreBorneo Rainforest Lodge - “Coffin Cliff” Trek
Trek up to the “Coffin Cliff”, an ancient burial site of the Kadazandusun tribe, passing through picturesque rainforest and past waterfalls. You will also take in the best views of Danum Valley, and enjoy a refreshing dip in a natural Jacuzzi pool.
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![Street Food - Forgotten Trails of Kuala Lumpur City]()
Read moreForgotten Trails of Kuala Lumpur City
Kuala Lumpur is often regarded as very much a contemporary city, with modern streets and towering skyscrapers. This tour aims to go behind the scenes, and explore more of the local life within Malaysia's capital.
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![Kampung Tour - Kuala Lumpur]()
Read moreKampung Tour - Kuala Lumpur
Head out of Kuala Lumpur to gain an insight into Malaysia's rural life. Spend the afternoon visiting a local village before taking a boat trip into a mangrove forest, where there are often thousands of fireflies lighting up the trees on the riverbank.
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![Sunset - Afternoon River Cruise]()
Read moreKinabatangan River - Afternoon River Cruise
In the late afternoon set off by boat to explore the Kinabatangan River. Enjoy the scenery as the sun sets, watching the colors change across the sky. You may be lucky enough to spot the fireflies begin to twinkle along the riverbanks as night falls.
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![Dumplings - Petaling Street Heritage Food Walk]()
Read morePetaling Street Heritage Food Walk
Spend a few hours enjoying the sites, smells and flavors of Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown area. This is a fun but fairly gentle introduction into Asian streetfood. You will also have the opportunity to visit nearby temples.
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![Orangutan - Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Sanctuary]()
Read moreSepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Sanctuary
Visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Here you will have a chance to see successfully rehabilitated orangutans coming to feeding platforms, and perhaps even juvenile orangutans during one of their daily training sessions.
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
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.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your vacation.
Why Scott Dunn?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.
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- Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
- We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
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- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
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