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SHORTLIST

Borneo Family Holiday

Travel to Borneo on this nine-day family adventure and discover the curious wildlife and spectacular landscapes of the region. Learn how orphaned orangutans are rehabilitated back into the wild, have a go at stand-up paddleboarding and watch baby green turtles take wobbly steps towards the waterfront. Along the way, you'll make friends, try some delicious cuisine and forge some incredible memories. With all the essentials included and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, you and your family will fall in love with the unique animals, lush ecosystem and sandy islands of Borneo.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. CHILD AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old. Most children travelling on Intrepid Family trips are between 10 and 14 years old.
3. CHILD PRICE: From 30 October 2025, children aged 17 years and under at time of travel on this trip, are eligible to receive 20% off the full adult price, for all departures commencing on or after 1 January 2026.
4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (Sabah Tea Garden) , Days 4 & 5 (Jungle Camp) and Day 7 (Turtle Island), and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
5. ACCOMMODATION: For some departures throughout the year we will only spend 1 night in the Eco Camp and 1 night in the Village in accommodation with attached bathrooms due to availability.
6. WEATHER: November to February is monsoon season for Selingan (Turtle Island) so if travelling during this time you may experience big waves and choppy seas. In cases of extreme weather, the trip to Selingan may be cancelled and alternative arrangements made. 
7. Some governments may have increased travel advice levels in place for parts of Eastern Sabah, including Sandakan and Turtle Island. Check your government’s travel advice before departure. Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover all destinations and activities on the Itinerary. If you are unsure about your level of coverage, please contact your insurer. In addition to the increased security presence in the region, we comply with local regulations, including avoiding night boat travel and using approved routes and vessels. More details can be found in the Safety section of the Essential Trip Information.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$2,516
Number of Days
9
Start Location
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
End Location
Sandakan, Malaysia
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
2 to 16
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Adventure, Family
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins in Kota Kinabalu – the capital of Sabah, located between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 pm at your hotel to meet your leader and fellow family travellers. After, maybe head out to the waterfront market to wander the smoky stalls serving up grilled meat and fish. If you arrive early, you can immerse yourself in history at the Sabah State Museum or explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu, excellent for swimming or snorkelling.
Day 2: Kota Kinabalu
This morning, explore Tanjung Aru Beach on a stand-up paddle board. Paddle at your own pace as you explore hidden coves, soak in the beautiful landscape and learn about the vibrant marine life from your guide. Then, the rest of today is free for you and your family to explore Kota Kinabalu at your own pace. Maybe stroll through the bustling markets or visit the waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.
Day 3: Ranau
After breakfast, travel to the Poring Hot Springs for a scenic canopy walk. As you walk through the rainforest, take in the surrounding views of giant bamboo trees and learn about the hot sulphur spring baths, which were first developed by the Japanese during World War II. When you reach the baths, enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural rock pools, slide down the slippery rockslides (often a favourite for the kids) or soak in the sulphurous water channelled from the hot springs into tiled pools. Tonight, settle into your accommodation – a reconstructed longhouse on the tea plantation.
Day 4: Kinabatangan River
Travel by private bus to Kampung Batu Puteh – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Your hosts for the night are the leaders of KOPEL – a local community-run conservation organisation whose aim is to provide villagers with a sustainable living from the forest. Leading a reforestation project, KOPEL and the community are actively involved in growing seedlings and replanting degraded forested areas. Meet your hosts and learn a little more about KOPELs work before jumping in a boat and heading upriver to your accommodation in the jungle. This afternoon, you’ll head out on a sunset cruise up the river in search of wildlife, including macaques, wild orangutan and proboscis monkeys. After, return to your jungle camp by an oxbow lake, have dinner and let the cicadas sing you to sleep.
Day 5: Kinabatangan River
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle this morning. After breakfast, you’ll head upriver to the village to walk around and learn more about the life of the local people. For lunch, it’s all hands-on deck as you partake in a fun traditional cooking class, eating the fruits of your labour for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax, play some boardgames or head out in search of more wildlife, before heading back on the boat for another trip on the river. After dinner tonight, grab your headtorches and head into the jungle for a night walk, looking out for the local nocturnal animals.
Day 6: Sandakan
Say goodbye to your Eco Camp and drive to Sandakan and visit the Sandakan War Memorial. When you arrive, you’ll notice the strong Cantonese influence, seen in the lively harborside market, the many Chinese temples and the local cuisine. You’ll have some free time to catch up on laundry, bank runs, lunch – or just go and explore at your own pace! This afternoon, why not just chill out at the pool?
Day 7: Turtle Island
Leave your large bags at the hotel, then board a speedboat bound for Turtle Island. Travel past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, arriving at Turtle Island Marine Park. The rest of the day is free for you to soak up island life. Relax on the beach or dive under the clear water and investigate the underwater world. Later, under the cover of darkness, watch as giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight. Witness the island researchers release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. This amazing experience is bound to be rewarding for you and your family, but please be aware that this is a very delicate environment and you must follow instructions from your leader and the local rangers to ensure minimal impact on the turtles. Spend the night on this beautiful island – even though the accommodation is quite basic, this will be a memorable experience.
Day 8: Sandakan
This morning travel back to the mainland where it's time to say hello to the orangutans! Drive by minibus to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre was set up to help re-introduce these gentle creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or after being orphaned. From the viewing platform, you can see these charming creatures as they swing into view and eat a supplementary balanced diet of fruit, vegetables or milk, laid out for them twice a day. You’ll also see a nursery where you can view the young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. Then make your way to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and see the rescued bears before heading back to your accommodation.Tonight you might like to get the family together and head out for a final dinner with your group to toast to an amazing adventure!
Day 9: Sandakan
With no activities planned for today, you and your family are free to depart the accommodation at any time following check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.
  • Transport: private vehicle, ferry, boat.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights), Longhouse (1 night), Jungle Camp (2 nights) Chalet (1 night).
  • Kota Kinabalu - Stand up paddle boarding.
  • Ranau - Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk & Conservation Fee.
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise.
  • Kinabatangan River - Night Jungle Walk.
  • Kinabatangan River - Morning Wildlife Cruise.
  • Kinabatangan River - Cooking class.
  • Sandakan - War Memorial.
  • Turtle Island - Turtle Night Nesting viewing.
  • Sepilok - Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
  • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
03 Jan 2026 11 Jan 2026 3 $3,495
10 Jan 2026 18 Jan 2026 8 $2,516
26 Mar 2026 03 Apr 2026 4 $3,130
28 Mar 2026 05 Apr 2026 11 $2,890
30 Mar 2026 07 Apr 2026 6 $3,120
02 Apr 2026 10 Apr 2026 5 $3,260
04 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026 2 $3,260
06 Apr 2026 14 Apr 2026 1 $3,495
10 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026 1 $3,230
12 Apr 2026 20 Apr 2026 8 $2,795
14 Apr 2026 22 Apr 2026 16 $2,795
16 Apr 2026 24 Apr 2026 16 $2,795
18 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026 13 $2,895
21 May 2026 29 May 2026 14 $2,795
25 Jun 2026 03 Jul 2026 10 $2,795
27 Jun 2026 05 Jul 2026 6 $3,030
29 Jun 2026 07 Jul 2026 13 $2,795
01 Jul 2026 09 Jul 2026 12 $2,795
03 Jul 2026 11 Jul 2026 5 $2,950
05 Jul 2026 13 Jul 2026 9 $2,795
09 Jul 2026 17 Jul 2026 12 $2,795
11 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 9 $2,795
13 Jul 2026 21 Jul 2026 9 $2,795
15 Jul 2026 23 Jul 2026 12 $2,795
17 Jul 2026 25 Jul 2026 8 $2,795
19 Jul 2026 27 Jul 2026 12 $2,795
21 Jul 2026 29 Jul 2026 14 $2,795
23 Jul 2026 31 Jul 2026 9 $2,795
25 Jul 2026 02 Aug 2026 16 $2,830
27 Jul 2026 04 Aug 2026 7 $2,970
29 Jul 2026 06 Aug 2026 11 $2,840
01 Aug 2026 09 Aug 2026 8 $3,160
03 Aug 2026 11 Aug 2026 12 $2,830
05 Aug 2026 13 Aug 2026 9 $2,970
07 Aug 2026 15 Aug 2026 16 $2,795
11 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 12 $2,830
13 Aug 2026 21 Aug 2026 12 $2,795
15 Aug 2026 23 Aug 2026 12 $2,795
17 Aug 2026 25 Aug 2026 16 $2,795
19 Aug 2026 27 Aug 2026 16 $2,795
21 Aug 2026 29 Aug 2026 16 $2,795
17 Sep 2026 25 Sep 2026 16 $2,920
19 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 16 $2,920
21 Sep 2026 29 Sep 2026 16 $2,920
23 Sep 2026 01 Oct 2026 16 $2,920
25 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 16 $2,920
27 Sep 2026 05 Oct 2026 12 $2,995
29 Sep 2026 07 Oct 2026 16 $2,795
01 Oct 2026 09 Oct 2026 14 $2,795
03 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026 13 $2,795
05 Oct 2026 13 Oct 2026 16 $2,795
25 Oct 2026 02 Nov 2026 16 $2,795
19 Dec 2026 27 Dec 2026 16 $2,795
21 Dec 2026 29 Dec 2026 16 $2,795
24 Dec 2026 01 Jan 2027 16 $2,795
26 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 16 $2,795
28 Dec 2026 05 Jan 2027 16 $2,795
02 Jan 2027 10 Jan 2027 16 $2,895
06 Jan 2027 14 Jan 2027 13 $2,895
09 Jan 2027 17 Jan 2027 16 $2,895
25 Mar 2027 02 Apr 2027 5 $3,295
27 Mar 2027 04 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
29 Mar 2027 06 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
01 Apr 2027 09 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
03 Apr 2027 11 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
05 Apr 2027 13 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
07 Apr 2027 15 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
09 Apr 2027 17 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
11 Apr 2027 19 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
13 Apr 2027 21 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
15 Apr 2027 23 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
17 Apr 2027 25 Apr 2027 16 $2,895
29 May 2027 06 Jun 2027 16 $2,895
20 Jun 2027 28 Jun 2027 16 $2,895
24 Jun 2027 02 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
26 Jun 2027 04 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
28 Jun 2027 06 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
30 Jun 2027 08 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
02 Jul 2027 10 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
04 Jul 2027 12 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
06 Jul 2027 14 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
08 Jul 2027 16 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
10 Jul 2027 18 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
12 Jul 2027 20 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
14 Jul 2027 22 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
16 Jul 2027 24 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
18 Jul 2027 26 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
20 Jul 2027 28 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
22 Jul 2027 30 Jul 2027 16 $2,895
24 Jul 2027 01 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
26 Jul 2027 03 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
28 Jul 2027 05 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
31 Jul 2027 08 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
02 Aug 2027 10 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
04 Aug 2027 12 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
06 Aug 2027 14 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
08 Aug 2027 16 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
10 Aug 2027 18 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
12 Aug 2027 20 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
14 Aug 2027 22 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
16 Aug 2027 24 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
18 Aug 2027 26 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
20 Aug 2027 28 Aug 2027 16 $2,895
16 Sep 2027 24 Sep 2027 16 $3,030
18 Sep 2027 26 Sep 2027 16 $3,030
20 Sep 2027 28 Sep 2027 16 $3,030
22 Sep 2027 30 Sep 2027 16 $3,030
24 Sep 2027 02 Oct 2027 16 $3,030
26 Sep 2027 04 Oct 2027 16 $3,030
28 Sep 2027 06 Oct 2027 16 $3,030
30 Sep 2027 08 Oct 2027 16 $3,030
02 Oct 2027 10 Oct 2027 16 $2,895
04 Oct 2027 12 Oct 2027 16 $2,895
23 Oct 2027 31 Oct 2027 16 $2,895
18 Dec 2027 26 Dec 2027 16 $2,895
27 Dec 2027 04 Jan 2028 16 $2,895
30 Dec 2027 07 Jan 2028 16 $2,895