Wild Borneo
Wild Borneo
Wild Borneo
12 Days Starting and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: United Kingdom, Kota Kinabalu, North Borneo Cruises, Kinabalu National Park, Ranau, Sandakan, Abai Jungle Restaurant & Lodge (wholly owned and managed by S.I.Tours Sdn Bhd), Abaí, Sukau
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SLBOR
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 25
Physical rating:
Medium, Classic Touring/Active
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Borneo's natural haven beckons as you venture into lush rainforests, discover remarkable flora and fauna, and cherish the moment of your first glimpse of the rare orangutan.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Uk - Kota Kinabalu
Location: United Kingdom, Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Flight to Kota Kinabalu
Meals Included: No Meals
Today, you fly to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur, arriving on day 2.
Day 2 : Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Horizon Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner, D
On arrival this morning we'll transfer to our hotel. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the exotic island of Borneo and our base for the next three nights. Tonight we gather with your fellow travellers to enjoy a sumptuous Malaysian welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll be able to try the iconic Kadaza-Dusun cuisine and try unique Malaysian foods. After dinner enjoy a lively cultural performance of Sabah dancers.
Day 3 : Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Horizon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, BL
Today you will visit the beautiful countryside of Kiulu. Entering a local village via a hanging bridge, we will have a scenic walk along the trails in this countryside area away from the crowds of the city. We will take a break at Native Dusun House in Tombung Village where the friendly host will welcome you to the house, and a light refreshment will be served. Visit the farm to experience rubber tapping and its process, and afterwards share life stories and local delicacies. Crossing another bridge the driver will transfer you to a riverside café. The trip ends and lunch is served before relaxing or having a cool dip in the river. We return this afternoon, where you have the opportunity to join our optional evening sunset by boat excursion. Which will introduce you to the sights of Koto Kinabalu from a different perspective. As the sun sets, Kota Kinabalu's coastline comes alive with dazzling city lights.
Day 4 : North Borneo
Location: North Borneo Cruises
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Horizon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, BL
Today our adventure will begin as we head towards the north of Borneo, we will travel past vast oil palm and coconut plantations on our way. Once we arrive we will learn a little of the traditional Rungus menu which is based on pickling, poaching and preserving local food, and sit down to enjoy lunch. Afterwards we take a stroll towards the very tip of Borneo, where we have chance to enjoy the beach and take some photos of the incredible scenery. This evening return back to Kota Kinabalu and if you wish visit the local night market.
Day 5 : Kinabalu National Park - Ranau
Location: Kinabalu National Park, Ranau
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kinabalu Pines Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD
Kinabalu National Park is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna native to Borneo, including several hundred species that are found only in the park itself. We'll explore on our included guided nature trek along one of the many trails, and also catch a glimpse of Mount Kinabalu, which is South East Asia's highest peak. After a stop at Poring Hot Springs, where we can take a dip in the soothing waters, perhaps take a thrilling walk more than 40 metres up in the canopy of the Menggaris tree – the 'King of the Forest' – for fantastic views.
Day 6 : Ranau - Sandakan
Location: Ranau, Sandakan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Sabah Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, BL
Enjoy scenic views of the Kundasang highlands as we travel by road to Sandakan. We'll stop for lunch in a restaurant before we visit Sandakan Memorial Park. This was built in honour of the Prisoners of War who died in the Sandakan Death Marches during the Second World War.
Day 7 : Sandakan - Abai
Location: Sandakan, Abai Jungle Restaurant & Lodge (wholly owned and managed by S.I.Tours Sdn Bhd)
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Abai Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD
Borneo is one of two places in the world where the endangered orangutan still lives in the wild, and we'll visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe man's closest relative and enjoy a walk in the tropical lowland forest. We'll also head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see these endearing animals, also known as honey bears, whose numbers are dwindling due to deforestation and poaching.
After lunch, we'll transfer to the jetty in Sandakan, from where we'll cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. This wonderful journey takes us on the Sulu Sea and through magnificent mangrove forests. On arrival in Abai, we'll check in at the Kinabatangan Abai Jungle Lodge where later this afternoon we'll head off on a river cruise to search for wildlife. Watch the sunset whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and at night fall, continue the cruise to witness beautiful fireflies. A further treat comes tonight after dinner, when we take another cruise to discover the jungle at night with an expert nature guide.
Day 8 : Abai
Location: Abaí
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Abai Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD
Wake up to the wonderful sounds of the rainforest then cruise to the Pitas lake to observe wildlife. We'll head back to the hotel for breakfast.
Back at the lodge perhaps take time to explore the boardwalk behind the lodge, you may be lucky and spot wild orangutan, silver leaf monkeys and many other types of wildlife. We will round off the day with another cruise to see more wildlife.
Day 9 : Abai - Sukau
Location: Abaí, Sukau
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD
During a free morning at the lodge, perhaps join some of your travelling companions and head off to explore your surroundings; stilted paths up to 800 metres long stretch into the forest, and animals often venture quite close.
After lunch, our wildlife search continues as we cruise up river to our next destination, Sukau, for an overnight stay. Here we'll look out for primates, in particular orangutans, as well as pygmy elephants and exotic birds; some of the world's most spectacular species are resident in Borneo.
After checking in to our lodge, we'll take to the water again to enjoy wonderful views and search for exotic wildlife.
Day 10 : Sukau - Sandakan
Location: Sukau, Sandakan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Sabah Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
Today we depart Sukau by land and make our way back to Sandakan. This rest of the day is at leisure before meeting with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.
Day 11 : Sandakan - Uk
Location: Sandakan, United Kingdom
Accommodation: Flight to UK
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
Spend time at leisure before leaving Sandakan to catch our return flight home.
Day 12 : Uk
Location: United Kingdom
Meals Included: No Meals
You'll arrive back in the UK today.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Lodges and 3 & 4-star hotels -
Return flights from London
-
Use of an airport lounge in the UK
-
A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
-
Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
-
22 included meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners including welcome & farewell drink & dinner
-
9 nights in lodges & 3 and 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
-
Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
What's Not Included
Accommodation
- Horizon Hotel
- This hotel is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Sabah State and the international gateway to East Malasia.
- Kinabalu Pines Resort
- All of Kinabalu Pine Resort’s wooden cabins are fully built using the exclusive Selangan Batu hardwood. There are standard or deluxe cabins with blocks S & N at the resort’s crest. All rooms come with Wi-Fi internet access, satellite television channels, intercom facility, en-suite bathroom, hairdryer and coffee & tea-making facilities.
- Four Points by Sherton Sandakan
- This hotel is situated in the heart of Sandakan Town at the scenic waterfront of Sanakan Bay, connected directly to the Sandakan Harbour Square Mall. Facilities include The Eatery Restaurant, The Best Brew Bar, Wrapped Café and gym.
- Abai Jungle Lodge
- Situated on Borneo''s famous Kinabatangan River, Abai Jungle Lodge is in the perfect position only one hour boat journey from Sandakan and the Sukau village further upriver. It is built entirely on stilts and can only be accessed by boat. The lodge facilities include a restaurant, bar and rooms have private facilities.
- Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
- Located on the Kinabatangan River, the Sabah''s longest river, the Riverside Lodge was set up in 1994, working with and hiring local people. At the back of the lodge is a jungle trail where birds, red leaf monkey and wild orantugan are often spotted. The lodge has just 33 rooms in total, all with private shower room and ceiling fan.
- Four Points by Sherton Sandakan
- This hotel is situated in the heart of Sandakan Town at the scenic waterfront of Sanakan Bay, connected directly to the Sandakan Harbour Square Mall. Facilities include The Eatery Restaurant, The Best Brew Bar, Wrapped Café and gym.
Excursions Included
Farewell Malaysian dinner & dance performance
Kinabalu National Park
Poring Hot Springs & canopy walk
North Borneo with Longhouse visit
Kinabalu National Park
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre & Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Boat cruise to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary
Wildlife cruise
Night-time cruise to see the Fire Flies
Abai village and tree-planting
Steam train ride with tiffin lunch
World War II memorial visit
Check out our Q&As
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
-
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No and your own room is guaranteed!
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
-
Will I eat alone?
We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.
-
Am I guaranteed a room of my own?
Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.
-
What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?
Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Book with Confidence
When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."