Best of Borneo image
Operated by G Adventures

Best of Borneo

From
Price on request
Duration
14 days
Countries
Malaysia
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Still wild and mysterious even after all these years, Borneo is one of those places that’s become synonymous with adventure travel. Come see what all the fuss is about on this 14-day journey through the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. There, you’ll encounter wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and other creatures of the rainforest, visit hot springs and waterfalls, and get a better understanding of the local Dayak people by spending the night in a traditional village. Adventure never goes out of style; it just becomes more classic.

At a glance

Duration
14 days
Route
Kota Kinabalu → Kuching
Countries
Malaysia
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, Local Living & Homestays, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Best of Borneo image

Day by day

Aerial view of Cherating's lush landscape and coastline, highlighting natural beauty.
Your journey through

Malaysia

Day 1Arrive any time during the dayThere are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, followed by an included dinner at a local home.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, followed by an included dinner at a local home.
Day 2Drive to Kudat on the northern tip…Kota Kinabalu
Modern architectural building with Malaysian flag and greenery in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.Kota Kinabalu
Drive to Kudat on the northern tip of Borneo to visit a nesting site for turtles (in season). Lounge on secluded white-sand beaches. Opt to participate in a local beach cleanup project.
Map showing Kota Kinabalu
Day 3Enjoy some extra beach time in the morning…Kota KinabaluMt Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Hopefully you'll catch a glimpse of the summit, which is often shrouded in a cloud by the afternoon. We stay at the foot of the mountain, so there's the opportunity to stretch your legs by exploring the trails around the park.
Captivating sunset view over the pier in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.Kota Kinabalu
Mt Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Hopefully you'll catch a glimpse of the summit, which is often shrouded in a cloud by the afternoon. We stay at the foot of the mountain, so there's the opportunity to stretch your legs by exploring the trails around the park.
Map showing Kota Kinabalu
Day 4Head off to conquer Mount KinabaluSet off early to begin the ascent up Mt Kinabalu. It is not an easy walk, but it is incredibly rewarding. Willpower is the main requirement! Spend the night at Laban Rata in basic mountain huts 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level. Turn in early to prepare for the final climb very early in the morning.
Set off early to begin the ascent up Mt Kinabalu. It is not an easy walk, but it is incredibly rewarding. Willpower is the main requirement! Spend the night at Laban Rata in basic mountain huts 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level. Turn in early to prepare for the final climb very early in the morning.
Day 5Summit Mt Kinabalu (3-5hrs) and arrive in time…Arrive to the summit of Mt Kinabalu (3-5 hours) in time for sunrise. Rejoice! Return to Laban Rata for a rest, then to HQ for lunch. After, it's a short drive to Poring to enjoy the hot springs. The springs' hot sulphuric minerals are said to have healing properties and will be a welcome reward after your arduous hike.
Arrive to the summit of Mt Kinabalu (3-5 hours) in time for sunrise. Rejoice! Return to Laban Rata for a rest, then to HQ for lunch. After, it's a short drive to Poring to enjoy the hot springs. The springs' hot sulphuric minerals are said to have healing properties and will be a welcome reward after your arduous hike.
Day 6Enjoy a free day in Poring
Enjoy a free day in Poring. Options include hiking local trails, visiting Lupa Masa (a primary jungle with loads of wildlife), taking a canopy walk, visiting famous Sabah tea plantations, enjoying the hot springs, and visiting a waterfall.
Day 7Drive to the charming town of Weston
Drive to the charming town of Weston. Enjoy the quaint atmosphere and take a boat tour down the river to view wild proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. After dinner, return to the boat for a ride to see fireflies.
Day 8In the morningKota KinabaluReturn to Kota Kinabalu. Opt to spend time in the city wandering the markets or sampling the local food at some restaurants and cafés. Another option is to visit one of the offshore islands. Hop a water taxi and explore what else is in the area.
Modern architectural building with Malaysian flag and greenery in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.Kota Kinabalu
Return to Kota Kinabalu. Opt to spend time in the city wandering the markets or sampling the local food at some restaurants and cafés. Another option is to visit one of the offshore islands. Hop a water taxi and explore what else is in the area.
Map showing Kota Kinabalu
Day 9After a relaxing morning
After a relaxing morning, fly to Mulu. Take a guided walk in the evening to Lang Cave and Deer Cave to watch the flying bats.
Day 10Enjoy a day in the national park
Enjoy a day in the national park. Take a guided longtail boat ride to visit a traditional village and caves. Opt to go swimming. With free time opt to enjoy a night jungle walk, use the walking trails, or take a treetop canopy walk.
Day 11Opt for a morning canopy walk…Kuching
View of the unique monument and Wisma Bapa Malaysia building under dramatic clouds.Kuching
Opt for a morning canopy walk at the top of the longest canopy in the world. Later, fly to Kuching. Take a short orientation walk then opt to dine on some of the excellent seafood.
Map showing Kuching
Day 12Enjoy a homestay in a traditional Iban village
Enjoy a homestay in a traditional Iban village. Enjoy the local food, culture and interacting with the villagers. Explore the area and look for tropical pitcher plants and see if we can spot any wild orangutans.
Day 13Take a morning trek to a waterfall…Kuching
View of the unique monument and Wisma Bapa Malaysia building under dramatic clouds.Kuching
Take a morning trek to a waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch. Later, head to Semenggoh Nature Reserve. Arrive for the afternoon feeding of semi-wild orangutans. Head back to Kuching for a final night out.
Map showing Kuching
Day 14Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Malaysia

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Stunning aerial shot of urban landscape with mountain backdrop under a cloudy sky.
Stunning sunrise through branches in a tropical rainforest, capturing nature's beauty.
Aerial view of bright blue sea water washing sandy coastline with green trees under cloudy sky
Golden hour cityscape view of Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia with coastal background.
From above of small settlement located at roadside near agricultural fields surrounded by green mountains against cloudy sky
Operated by G Adventures

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