Wild Borneo

Wild Borneo

676 Views

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:

Just You

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:
English
Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

This tour is no longer available

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

  • Experience Kadaza Dusun cuisine in a local restaurant

  • Nature trek in Kinabalu National Park

  • Poring Hot Springs & tree canopy walk

  • World War II memorial visit

  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre & Sun Bear Conservation Centre

  • Cruise to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary

  • Night-time cruise to see the fireflies

  • Wildlife cruises & Nature Walks

  • Abai village and tree-planting ceremony

  • Sukau, where naturalist Sir David Attenborough has filmed

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Itinerary

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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

Jenny Elliott  

Fabulous Holiday with Just You

28-Oct-2021

Fabulous holiday with Just You - well organised, excellent accommodation and our tour leader absolutely made the trip! Would highly recommend.

Featured on Trustpilot
Russell Kerfoot  

Travels 2013 -2019

21/06/2021

Have taken about 15 tours with JY, mainly long haul, and found the experience exhilarating. Apart from the company's professionalism and extensive and varied tour options, I have made so many friends for life. Looking forward to resuming my travels in 2022.

Featured on Trustpilot
Jan Clark  

My Go-to tour company!

16-Nov-2021

I’ve travelled many times with Just You and have always experienced 5-star service from them; so much so that they are always my go-to travel company. Realising a life-time’s dream of visiting Petra and touring Jordan with JY was amazing. Every day was a highlight and the tour manager, Jenny, was lovely and so professional. I can even see me doing this tour again next year.

Featured on Trustpilot
Chloe Brown   United Kingdom

Chile - The Atacama to Patagonia with Easter Island Extension

16-Mar-2024

I thoroughly enjoyed every day of this tour. We saw everything from desert, to lakes, to islands, to volcanoes, to mountains, snow and waterfalls. Chile is such a beautiful and unique country. The tour itself is quite challenging with lots of early mornings and 11 flights in 3 weeks (with Easter island extension), but it’s so worth it. Very well put together, we had a dedicated tour director who met us at the UK airport's and accompanied us the whole way. This was great as he made sure that we all knew exactly what we were doing and was on hand to sort out any issues. This was an adventure I’ll never forget!

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

Been on 5 holidays with...

13-Oct-2023

Been on 5 holidays with this company they have generally been good but the prices have risen considerably and i feel do not provide true value for money. In my opinion all the excursions and meals should be included in the total cost as they not worth the extra cost. Also they are very dismissive of any complaints once you have paid for the holiday they are not interested. I think i will try another company next time

Sue Sweeney (Google Reviewer)  

Great holidays for singles. I've been...

28-Jun-2023

Great holidays for singles. I've been on 4 holidays with them. Only issue is the hotel rooms. They generally use 3* hotels and I've booked at the same time and price as my friends but the difference in rooms is unbelievable. I've been lucky, but I've heard horror stories from friends of rooms like a dungeon with one small high window whilst I've had a fabulous sea view.

COLIN BROAD (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a spirit...

08-Apr-2024

I went on a spirit of an India trip with Amritsar add on. It looks good in the brochure, but things aren’t always as they seem. If like me you like a toilet break every two hours (discussed with the company in depth in advance) or have a hidden disability. then this holiday is not for you - use a different holiday company! Their planned toilet stops are every 3.5 hours, so ladies bring your pads and gents be prepared for “natural stops” while all the passengers watch you out the window or bring a bottle and a blanket as a screen. The Taj Mahal in Agra was good, along with the two trips to the Ganges river and the Golden Temple at Amritsar too. Rarely are you in the same spot for more than one night and a 6 hour daily coach or train journey became the norm. It was a shame that there was not an opportunity to enjoy the hotels that we’d obviously paid a lot of money for. If you’re looking for tigers in the game park, don’t get your hopes up. 99% unlikely. It is also a disappointment that there is little opportunity to explore the areas in the major cities that we’d traveled too If you are lucky enough to find some companionship from the opposite sex and wish to be bring them “home” this is frowned upon by the company - even if you have paid extra due double occupancy as required by the hotel I received a letter on holiday basically saying that the two hourly toilet stops required (and discussed in advance) due to diabetes was a disruption to the schedule. That photos sent to me by a girlfriend were “illicit”. Photo uploaded - make your own mind up” Also that managing to get lucky a couple of times and bringing them back to the hotel was an issue - very strange due a so called singles holiday

Maureen May (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from St Lucia....

29-Feb-2024

Just returned from St Lucia. Hotel dreadfully shabby. Breakfasts very limited with very little fresh fruit. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk in 29C or a free bus on the hour to the beach and sister hotel. Location good for nearby local shopping and restaurants. The sunset cruise was brilliant as was the whale watching, but surf and safari trip was a disaster. We travelled in two open topped trucks with a two and a half hour drive to the surfing destination. During the trip smoke started from the gear box and we had to abandon the vehicle until the situation was rectified, which, to their credit, was sorted very quickly. Unfortunately the sea was too rough for the boat so we had to return back in the trucks. Extremely uncomfortable on side bench seats, hanging on in the rain. So, all in all we don’t over 6 hours on the trucks - not good. The tour guide left before the 5 day extension period without a handover to the local tour operators. No Information was given except by the hotel. I had already booked to go the Athens with Just You in May, now I wish I hadn’t.

Lynda Martin (Google Reviewer)  

Don't go to the Mercure...

10-Feb-2024

Don't go to the Mercure Hotel in Brighton for a Christmas holiday. Dingy rooms, small tables so you are encouraged to sit on your own when you have expected to be able to chat. But this is nothing compared to the Christmas lunch. Reconstituted white meat that could have been anything, no roasties, no stuffing, no cranberry sauce, you couldn't cut the sprouts because the knife wasn't sharp enough. I had pre ordered prawn cocktail as my starter but on the day when we all turned up together, there was no prawn cocktail for me they had run out, so all I had was soup. No dancing, no music. The carpets were stained and it was a very sorry affair. I paid £1348 for 4 nights of this very shabby standard. Sorry Just You, butbit is the last holiday I will have with you. This year, whether I go to Aldi or Waitrose, I will buy the whole shebang and cook it myself, and then I will be sure to enjoy it.

eamonn young (Google Reviewer)  

Great holiday but then no...

21-Sep-2023

Great holiday but then no response to email concerning an important point concerning incorrect information in documentation. Turkish Airlines do have online check in..saves being put on standby. Documentation says you can't check in online..you can. Just wanted to save other travellers having the same problem about being put on stand by. Just You don't seem to care.

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    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.

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