Sabah Adventure
Sabah Adventure
Sabah Adventure
11 Days Starting in Kota Kinabalu and ending in Sandakan
Visiting: Kota Kinabalu, Dusun Village, Mt Kinabalu National Park, Kinabatangan River, Sepilok, Turtle Island, Sandakan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TMSC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Get to know a land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on this Borneo adventure through Sabah. With its collection of unique animals, ancient traditions, tribal villages, rescued orangutans and scenic views, Sabah has something for everyone. You’ll experience it all over 11 days in Borneo – climbing Mt Kinabalu at sunrise, watching sea turtles lay their eggs with an expert local ranger by your side and sharing laughs with your local hosts in a remote village. Visit conservation sanctuaries, search for local wildlife at different times of day and night along the Kinabatangan River (including pygmy elephants if you’re lucky) and explore the untouched wilderness of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinabalu National Park.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Selamat datang! Welcome to Borneo, Malaysia. Your adventure begins in Kota Kinabalu with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, immerse yourself in the history of the city at the Sabah State Museum. You can also visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village or explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu – excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Tonight, perhaps head out with your group for a welcome dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations for local food and drinks.
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 2: Dusun Village
Location: Dusun Village
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Travel by minivan to a Dusun village that sits in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea – and enjoy a welcome lunch in your homestay with your host before visiting a local vegetable farm. Learn about planting and harvesting seasonal produce and then take some of these fresh vegetables home for dinner – a proper farm-to-table experience. After, head out to the local village for a special cultural performance.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 3: Dusun Village
Location: Dusun Village
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: breaksfast
Start your day by walking to the local vegetable market in Kundasang with your leader. Located in the heart of the community, this market showcases an array of freshly harvested produce, from locally grown vegetables to unique regional seasonal fruits like tarap and rambutan. You'll also find local snacks, wild honey and traditional Borneo crafts. Take the opportunity to chat with vendors to learn about the local produce and how it’s used in traditional Sabah cuisine. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure – perhaps visit Poring Hot Springs to relax in the open-air baths before heading back to your homestay.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 4: Mt Kinabalu National Park
Location: Mt Kinabalu National Park
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Eat a good breakfast this morning and say goodbye to your friends in the village as it’s time to drive to Timpohon Gate to begin your trek up Mt Kinabalu. It’s no small feat – prepare for an uphill trail made of steep steps that vary considerably in size – but along the way you can take in the remarkable variety of plant life, including about 1000 species of orchid and the carnivorous pitcher plant (yes, really). After covering 6 km (approximately 4 to 6 hours), spend the night at a rest house near Laban Rata, located at 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level. Rest up for the final ascent early tomorrow morning.
Included Activities:
-
Day 5: Mt Kinabalu National Park
Location: Mt Kinabalu National Park
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Rise at around 2 am this morning to continue your trek – it’s tough, but the sunrise at the summit will be well worth it. At the top, take in the jungles of Borneo in one direction and the South China Sea in the other. After a well-deserved rest and plenty of pictures, return to Laban Rata for breakfast. Then, get started on the descent which can take between 3 - 6 hours. This evening, enjoy your overnight stay within Kinabalu National Park.
Day 6: Kinabatangan River
Location: Kinabatangan River
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Journey by private bus into the steamy rainforest to Bilit – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River – and then take a short boat ride to the comfortable jungle lodge where you’ll spend the night. Located on the riverbanks, the lodge is a brilliant place to spot wildlife. For an even better place, head out on a sunset boat ride and look out for macaques, orangutan, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. End your day by searching for nocturnal wildlife like civets, owls and the rare slow loris on a night walk.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 7: Kinabatangan River
Location: Kinabatangan River
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Embark on another boat safari early this morning – different species come out at different times, so keep your eyes peeled! After breakfast, join the in-house guide for an insightful journey into the historical Kinabatangan community, which thrived long before tourism developed in the area. Explore traditional practices and craftsmanship and actively engage in the crafting of traditional fish traps. This hands-on experience provides a profound understanding of the local culture and heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for their sustainable way of life. Then, head back on the boat for another river excursion in the afternoon.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 8: Sepilok
Location: Sepilok
Accommodation: Jungle Resort
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to your jungle lodge after breakfast and hit the road in a private minivan to a guesthouse located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From the viewing platform, watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view to eat the bananas and milk laid out for them. Observe young orangutans as they learn how to climb a specially constructed jungle gym in a new nursery. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here, rescued sun bears, many of whom have endured years of mistreatment, are given a second chance at life. Learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild. You can also opt to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can roam the treetop walkways while you learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 9: Turtle Island
Location: Turtle Island
Accommodation: Chalet
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, transfer to Sandakan to leave your large bags at the hotel and walk with your overnight bag to a nearby jetty. Travel by speedboat, past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, to Turtle Island Marine Park. In the afternoon, there will be some time for swimming, snorkelling or lazing about on the beach. Snorkelling gear is available for hire. In the evening, you’ll join an expert local ranger and a select group of visitors to watch giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight. Watch the rangers as they release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. This is a moving experience that could inspire you to join the turtle nest adoption program, with a certificate of adoption and updates on the development of your nest.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 10: Sandakan
Location: Sandakan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, return to the mainland and walk back to your hotel. Today is free to explore Sandakan as you wish – perhaps you’ll call into Agnes Keith House, the restored home of an American writer best known for her accounts of life in Borneo during WW1. Or you could visit Sandakan War Memorial, built on the site of a Japanese Prisoners of War camp. Learn about the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, when 2400 prisoners of war were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo and only six survived. Another great option is St Michaels & All Angels Church, a rare stone building in Sabah that managed to avoid major damage in the war.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 11: Sandakan
Location: Sandakan
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your adventure ends after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Borneo - just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Chalet (1 night), Resort (1 nights), Homestay (2 night), Hostel (2 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Lodge (2 nights) -
Dusun Village - Guided village walk
-
Dusun Village - Cultural performance
-
Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb
-
Poring Hot Springs - Poring Conservation Fee
-
Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
-
Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
-
Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
-
Sandakan - War Memorial
-
Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
-
Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
Included Activities
- Dusun Village - Guided village walk
- Dusun Village - Cultural performance
- Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb
- Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
- Kinabatangan River - Afternoon wildlife cruise
- Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
- Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
- Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit
- Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Sandakan - War Memorial
Transport
- Private mini van , River Boat
Accommodation
- Please note some of the multishare/dormitory accommodation can be mixed gender.
Important Information
- 1. Please provide passport details at the time of booking, as these are essential for booking services on this trip, including your Mt Kinabalu permit.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2 and 3 (Dusun Village), 4 and 5 (Mt Kinabalu), and 9 (Turtle Island), where you will be in shared accommodation. It is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Eastern Sabah before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. Further information can be found in our "Safety" section of the Essential Trip Information. You can find links to prominent government travel advisories on our Travel Alerts page https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
Mode of Transport
- Private mini van , River Boat
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
Summiting Mt. Kinabalu is an exhilarating challenge that should not be underestimated. On the second day of the trek, we begin our ascent at 2 AM to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the summit. Standing at approximately 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) above sea level, it promises an unforgettable experience but requires an excellent level of fitness to complete successfully.
Read our blog here for everything you need to know about climbing Mt Kinabalu: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/guide-to-climbing-mt-kinabalu-borneo/
You'll need to pack some specific items for this trip. Check the ‘Packing List’ in the Essential Trip Information for more details so you are prepared.
On this trip, you will experience a wide range of accommodation types: shared dormitory rooms in hostels, a homestay, a resort, a jungle lodge, and hotels. Some may be a little more basic than our standard hotels, but their unique locations and close proximity to nature are what make them special. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026
Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 26, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 14, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 18, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 06, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 03, 2025 - May 13, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 10, 2025 - May 20, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 17, 2025 - May 27, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 24, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 22, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Dec 25, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 06, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 13, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 20, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 03, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 03, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 17, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 21, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Apr 16, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 25, 2026 - May 05, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
May 02, 2026 - May 12, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
May 09, 2026 - May 19, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
May 16, 2026 - May 26, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
May 23, 2026 - Jun 02, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
May 30, 2026 - Jun 09, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jun 04, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 16, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jun 11, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 23, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 30, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jun 25, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 07, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 09, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 21, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 28, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 23, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 04, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Jul 30, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 11, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 18, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 25, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Aug 20, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 01, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 08, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 03, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 29, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 24, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 06, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 13, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 20, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 03, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 17, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 24, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 21, 2026 - Dec 01, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 08, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 22, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 29, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Dec 26, 2026 - Jan 05, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions