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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. DISCOUNT: A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
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
$2,735
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
Today will be a favourite with the kids – 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 for the night.
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. Once back in Sandakan, the day is free for you to enjoy as you like. Maybe relax by the pool or explore the town and nearby war memorial. Tonight, maybe get the family together and head out for a final dinner with your group – your leader will have the best recommendations!
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.
  • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
  • Sepilok - Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
  • Turtle Island - Turtle Night Nesting viewing.
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 1 $3,420
10 Jan 2026 18 Jan 2026 12 $2,735
26 Mar 2026 03 Apr 2026 7 $2,820
28 Mar 2026 05 Apr 2026 16 $2,820
30 Mar 2026 07 Apr 2026 9 $2,960
02 Apr 2026 10 Apr 2026 5 $2,975
04 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026 5 $3,170
06 Apr 2026 14 Apr 2026 1 $3,420
08 Apr 2026 16 Apr 2026 9 $2,960
10 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026 13 $2,735
12 Apr 2026 20 Apr 2026 16 $2,735
14 Apr 2026 22 Apr 2026 16 $2,735
16 Apr 2026 24 Apr 2026 16 $2,735
18 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026 13 $2,840
21 May 2026 29 May 2026 14 $2,735
25 Jun 2026 03 Jul 2026 12 $2,735
27 Jun 2026 05 Jul 2026 9 $2,960
29 Jun 2026 07 Jul 2026 16 $2,735
01 Jul 2026 09 Jul 2026 16 $2,735
03 Jul 2026 11 Jul 2026 13 $2,735
05 Jul 2026 13 Jul 2026 16 $2,735
07 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 10 $2,770
09 Jul 2026 17 Jul 2026 12 $2,735
11 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 16 $2,735
13 Jul 2026 21 Jul 2026 16 $2,735
15 Jul 2026 23 Jul 2026 16 $2,735
17 Jul 2026 25 Jul 2026 16 $2,735
19 Jul 2026 27 Jul 2026 16 $2,735
21 Jul 2026 29 Jul 2026 11 $2,735
23 Jul 2026 31 Jul 2026 16 $2,735
25 Jul 2026 02 Aug 2026 16 $2,765
27 Jul 2026 04 Aug 2026 16 $2,735
29 Jul 2026 06 Aug 2026 16 $2,735
01 Aug 2026 09 Aug 2026 8 $3,075
03 Aug 2026 11 Aug 2026 12 $2,760
05 Aug 2026 13 Aug 2026 9 $2,895
07 Aug 2026 15 Aug 2026 16 $2,735
09 Aug 2026 17 Aug 2026 16 $2,735
11 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 16 $2,760
13 Aug 2026 21 Aug 2026 16 $2,735
15 Aug 2026 23 Aug 2026 16 $2,735
17 Aug 2026 25 Aug 2026 16 $2,735
19 Aug 2026 27 Aug 2026 16 $2,735
21 Aug 2026 29 Aug 2026 16 $2,735
17 Sep 2026 25 Sep 2026 16 $2,845
19 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 16 $2,845
21 Sep 2026 29 Sep 2026 16 $2,845
23 Sep 2026 01 Oct 2026 16 $2,845
25 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 16 $2,845
27 Sep 2026 05 Oct 2026 12 $2,940
29 Sep 2026 07 Oct 2026 16 $2,735
01 Oct 2026 09 Oct 2026 16 $2,735
03 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026 16 $2,735
05 Oct 2026 13 Oct 2026 16 $2,735
25 Oct 2026 02 Nov 2026 16 $2,735
19 Dec 2026 27 Dec 2026 16 $2,735
21 Dec 2026 29 Dec 2026 16 $2,735
24 Dec 2026 01 Jan 2027 16 $2,735
26 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 16 $2,735
28 Dec 2026 05 Jan 2027 16 $2,735
02 Jan 2027 10 Jan 2027 16 $2,870
06 Jan 2027 14 Jan 2027 13 $2,870
09 Jan 2027 17 Jan 2027 16 $2,870
25 Mar 2027 02 Apr 2027 5 $3,250
27 Mar 2027 04 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
29 Mar 2027 06 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
01 Apr 2027 09 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
03 Apr 2027 11 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
05 Apr 2027 13 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
07 Apr 2027 15 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
09 Apr 2027 17 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
11 Apr 2027 19 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
13 Apr 2027 21 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
15 Apr 2027 23 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
17 Apr 2027 25 Apr 2027 16 $2,870
29 May 2027 06 Jun 2027 16 $2,870
20 Jun 2027 28 Jun 2027 16 $2,870
24 Jun 2027 02 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
26 Jun 2027 04 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
28 Jun 2027 06 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
30 Jun 2027 08 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
02 Jul 2027 10 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
04 Jul 2027 12 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
06 Jul 2027 14 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
08 Jul 2027 16 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
10 Jul 2027 18 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
12 Jul 2027 20 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
14 Jul 2027 22 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
16 Jul 2027 24 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
18 Jul 2027 26 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
20 Jul 2027 28 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
22 Jul 2027 30 Jul 2027 16 $2,870
24 Jul 2027 01 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
26 Jul 2027 03 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
28 Jul 2027 05 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
31 Jul 2027 08 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
02 Aug 2027 10 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
04 Aug 2027 12 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
06 Aug 2027 14 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
08 Aug 2027 16 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
10 Aug 2027 18 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
12 Aug 2027 20 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
14 Aug 2027 22 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
16 Aug 2027 24 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
18 Aug 2027 26 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
20 Aug 2027 28 Aug 2027 16 $2,870
16 Sep 2027 24 Sep 2027 16 $2,985
18 Sep 2027 26 Sep 2027 16 $2,985
20 Sep 2027 28 Sep 2027 16 $2,985
22 Sep 2027 30 Sep 2027 16 $2,985
24 Sep 2027 02 Oct 2027 16 $2,985
26 Sep 2027 04 Oct 2027 16 $2,985
28 Sep 2027 06 Oct 2027 16 $2,985
30 Sep 2027 08 Oct 2027 16 $2,985
02 Oct 2027 10 Oct 2027 16 $2,870
04 Oct 2027 12 Oct 2027 16 $2,870
23 Oct 2027 31 Oct 2027 16 $2,870
18 Dec 2027 26 Dec 2027 16 $2,870
27 Dec 2027 04 Jan 2028 16 $2,870
30 Dec 2027 07 Jan 2028 16 $2,870