Malaysia

Adventures in Malaysia

Tour operator: Intrepid Travel

Explore Borneo's wildlife paradise - Sabah

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Duration

11 days / 9 nights

Age range

18+

Guide speaks

Group size

2-16 people

Departures from:27 December

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Nature:
Natural oases, active volcanoes, tropical forests, and more.

Nature

90%

Urban:
Historical centers, street mazes, and all the comforts of the city.

Urban

10%

Adventure:
Trekking, canyoning, snorkeling, and many other activities.

Adventure

60%

Culture:
Museums, art galleries, historical buildings, and monuments.

Culture

30%

Relax:
In the pool, at the spa, or on a Caribbean beach.

Relax

30%

Intensity:
Required physical effort and pace of the journey.

Intensity

60%

What you'll visit

sunset on the Kinabatangan river — Kinabatangan River

Itinerary

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More information regarding the schedule and meeting point of the first/last day will be provided after booking.

day 1

KOTA KINABALU

Welcome! Welcome to Borneo, in Malaysia. Our adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 18:00 this evening. If you arrive early, why not delve into the history of this intriguing city between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea at the Sabah State Museum. You can also visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village, or perhaps explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu, which are excellent for swimming and snorkeling!

There are no meals included on this day. During this trip, you will visit high-altitude locations and, as a result, some people may suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Optional activities not included.

day 2

DUSUN VILLAGE

Our journey in Malaysia continues by minivan to a Dusun village, nestled among picturesque hills in the shadow of the imposing Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea (about 2 hours). The Dusun, the ethnic group of our guides on Mount Kinabalu, are wonderfully friendly and hospitable people, and while here you will have the opportunity to learn about their way of life and spend a night in a village. Depending on the weather, you will take a hike through the surrounding fruit and rubber plantations. The tour leader can point you in the direction of the river for a great way to cool off afterwards! To ensure you share business with the community, you will split up to stay in a couple of different family homes.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Transfers included. Activities included: Dusun Village - Guided village walk, Dusun Village - Cultural show.

day 3

MOUNT KINABALU NATIONAL PARK

This morning we say goodbye to our new friends from the village and travel into the pristine nature of the Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (about 1 hour). Take some time to enjoy the surroundings and prepare for the climb. There are nature trails through the lowland rainforest and a botanical garden to explore. Otherwise, relax this afternoon and enjoy the cooler weather. The tour leader will provide a safety briefing on the climb and assist with any last-minute questions. Overnight at the Kinabalu Park in a lodge with shared bathrooms. Nestled among the lowland forests, this is the perfect place to relax before the ascent.

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch is not included. Transfers included. Optional activities not included. We consider the trek on Mount Kinabalu a significant part of the trip. Porters are also available (at an additional cost) and are recommended. If you decide that trekking is not for you, we can provide alternative solutions if advised at the time of booking.

day 4

MOUNT KINABALU NATIONAL PARK

We get up early and take a short car ride to Timpohon Gate to start our ascent of Mount Kinabalu. It's not an easy hike as it's all uphill and you need to be prepared to tackle a trail made of steep steps of varying sizes. You might get very hot, but remember that the mountain summit can be deceptively cold. There's no rush, so take your time and enjoy the pristine environment: this is an area that boasts a remarkable variety of plant life, including about 1000 species of orchids and the extraordinary carnivorous pitcher plant. You will cover 6 kilometers on the first day (about 4-6 hours) and stop at a rest point near Laban Rata (3272 meters) for the night.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Activities included: Mount Kinabalu National Park - Mount Kinabalu Climb. Please note that during this trek, the altitude can affect you regardless of your fitness level, so everyone will hike at their own pace. It's important that you educate yourself about the dangers of altitude sickness and its symptoms before the climb, so you know what to look out for. Make sure to have warm layers, waterproof gloves, a hat, a headlamp, a waterproof jacket, and good walking shoes/boots. The resthouses offer very basic multi-share bunk rooms, mixed gender. Extra blankets can be rented from the park office if you get cold and earplugs are recommended for light sleepers. Tonight's dinner is hearty, though relatively simple. Vegetarian options will be vegetables, eggs, rice, and noodles.

day 5

MOUNT KINABALU – PORING HOT SPRINGS

We get up around 2 in the morning to admire the sunrise on the summit of Mount Kinabalu (4095 meters). The view from the top is incredible: the jungles of Borneo in one direction, the South China Sea in the other, making every inch of the climb noteworthy. However, be aware that the temperature can change very quickly in the mountains, so bring clothes for all weather conditions. The climb from Laban Rata to the summit takes 2-4 hours and, due to the altitude, can be tough even for the fittest. The first section from Laban Rata is along artificial steps that pass through the vegetation. Once past the treeline, you will climb a series of wooden steps to the final checkpoint at Sayat Sayat. After witnessing the early morning sunrise, return to Laban Rata for a well-deserved breakfast, then descend the mountain (about 3-6 hours) to enjoy a rewarding lunch. Once everyone has descended from the mountain, you will continue to Poring Hot Springs by bus (about 1 hour). Tonight you will stay in a hostel located right inside the springs complex, with a bright and airy lounge to relax in. The hostel is multi-share and mixed with shared facilities. Some rooms have bunk beds.

Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner on your own. Transfers included. The window to ascend the trail to the summit is quite narrow, so climbers must reach the Sayat Sayat checkpoint by 5:30 am to continue and must listen to the instructions of the mountain guide and leader to proceed. The mountain guide's decision is final when it comes to safety on the mountain. After Sayat Sayat, there is a rope marking the trail to the top. Waterproof gloves are recommended to protect the hands from rope burns (as well as to keep them warm).

day 6

PORING HOT SPRINGS

Poring Hot Springs is your perfect day-off retreat to rejuvenate after a mountain hike. These pools, developed by the Japanese during World War II, channel warm sulphurous water, believed to have skin healing properties, into various man-made outdoor hot tubs. It's a popular spot with locals, especially during school and public holidays. Depending on the time of year, you might even spot a Rafflesia flower nearby. These are the world's largest flowers, growing up to a meter! Today, there's also a range of optional activities to choose from. There are graded trails leading through a lush lowland forest to mountain rivers, waterfalls, and bat caves, with birds and other wildlife often seen along the path.

There are no meals included on this day. Included activities: Poring Hot Springs. Optional activities not included.

day 7

KINABATANGAN RIVER

Today, I travel by private bus through the steamy rainforest to Bilit, a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River (about 5 hours). Take a short boat ride to the comfortable jungle lodge where you will spend the night. The lodge is right on the riverbank and is a good spot for wildlife spotting. In the early evening, as the sun sets, head out on a motorboat to look for wildlife such as macaques, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and, if you're lucky, even pygmy elephants! In the evening, go for a night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife. Rubber boots and socks are available for rent. The lodge tonight is comfortable with private bathrooms.

Breakfast not included. Lunch and dinner included. Transfers included. Activities included: Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk, Kinabatangan River - Afternoon wildlife cruise.

day 8

SANDAKAN

This morning, we're going on another early boat safari in search of wildlife: different species come out at different times of the day, so keep your eyes peeled. After breakfast, bid farewell to your jungle lodge and set off in a private minivan towards the coastal town of Sandakan (about 3 hours). Visit the Sandakan War Memorial and get a sense of Sandakan's past at its War Memorial, built on the site of a Japanese prisoner of war camp. This site also marks the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, during which 2400 prisoners of war were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo. At the end of the march, only six Australians survived, and only because they had escaped.

Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner not provided. Transfers included. Included activities: Kinabatangan River - Sunrise nature cruise, Sandakan - War Memorial. Optional activities not included.

day 9

TURTLE ISLAND

This morning, leave your large luggage at the hotel and walk for 15 minutes to a nearby pier. Travel by speedboat, passing small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, to the Turtle Island Marine Park (about 1 hour), where green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs every night of the year. In the afternoon, there's time to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach of this tropical island. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent. In the evening, join a select group of visitors and a local expert ranger and be moved by the sight of the giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs by moonlight. Watch the Rangers as they release hatchlings in their frantic dash to the ocean. It's a touching experience that might inspire you to join the turtle nest adoption program, with an adoption certificate and updates on the development of your nest. Be aware that this is a very delicate environment and you must follow the instructions of your tour leader and local rangers to ensure minimal impact on the turtles. You will spend the night on the island.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Transfers included. Included activities: Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park, Turtle Island - Visit to the turtle nursery. Optional activities not included.

day 10

SEPILOK

After breakfast, return to the mainland (about 1 hour), luggage collection and continuation by minibus to a guesthouse located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center (about 45 minutes). The center was established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned. From the observation platform, you can watch and photograph these fascinating creatures as they come onto the stage and eat the supplementary diet of fruit that is prepared for them twice a day. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it is essential that you follow the park's instructions, as indicated by your tour leader. Also included is a new nursery where you can see the young orangutans learning to climb on a specially built jungle gym. The observation area is behind one-way glass so as not to disturb the animals. To see other creatures of Borneo, there is the option to visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. A 30-minute walk from your guesthouse is the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which also has a 620-meter-long, 28-meter-high canopy walkway offering spectacular views of the rainforest giants. Your accommodation is located about 10 minutes on foot from the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. There is also the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary where you can closely observe the incredible proboscis monkey as it relaxes and feeds, an experience that can only be found in Borneo.

Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner not included. Transfers included. Activities included: Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Optional activities not included.

day 11

SEPILOK

Our adventure in Malaysia ends today. There are no scheduled activities and you can leave the accommodation at any time. If you wish to stay longer in Sepilok, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability). Flights depart nearly every day from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur.

Breakfast included.

What's included

10 overnight stays (1 night in a chalet - 1 night in a resort - 1 night in a homestay - 3 nights in a hostel - 2 nights in a hotel - 2 nights in a lodge)
8 breakfasts - 5 lunches - 5 dinners
Transportation (minivan - boat)
English-speaking guide
The following activities:
Dusun Village - Guided village walk
Dusun Village - Cultural Show
Mount Kinabalu National Park - Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Poring Hot Springs - Thermal Springs
Kinabatangan River - Nighttime jungle walk
Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
Kinabatangan River - Dawn nature cruise
Sandakan - War Memorial
Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
Turtle Island - Visit to the turtle nursery
Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Medical/baggage insurance

Download full documentation

Not included

International flight
Drinks and meals not indicated in the itinerary
Additional staff and tips
Everything not specifically mentioned under the section “What’s included”

Important things to know

Trip features

Journey open to travelers with no age restrictions.

You will travel with travelers from other agencies: the larger the group, the more fun it is!

The trip is organized by tour operators and local guides, selected by Tramundi for you.

General trip information

Remember to bring a valid passport with an expiration date not less than 6 months at the time of entry into the country.

We ask you to report any allergies and/or food intolerances immediately after booking.

The itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the trip.

The tour is recommended for people with a good spirit of adaptability and in good physical shape

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a challenge that should not be underestimated. The altitude is over 2800 meters and we ascend early to the summit in the dark to witness the sunrise. It is certainly an unforgettable climb, but to complete it, one must be in excellent physical condition.

You will need to pack some specific items for this trip: check the "Packing List" in the Essential Travel Information for more details so you can be prepared.

On this journey, you will experience a wide range of accommodation types: shared dormitories in hostels, homestays, resorts, jungle lodges, and hotels. Some may be a bit more basic than our standard hotels, but their unique location and proximity to nature are what make them special.

Please provide passport details at the time of booking, as they are essential for the reservation of the services of this trip, including the Mount Kinabalu permit.

A single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room during this trip. The single supplement excludes days 2 (Dusun Village), days 3 and 4 (Mt Kinabalu), days 5-6 (Poring Hot Springs), and day 9 (Turtle Island), where you will stay in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak with your booking agent for more information.

We advise you to check your government's advice for the latest travel information on Eastern Sabah before departure and to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary.

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Vaccinations

The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for all travelers who have even just transited for more than 12 hours in the airport of a country at risk of transmitting the disease.

These directions are for informational purposes only; to confirm the necessity of any vaccinations, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

Documents and visas

A passport is required, with a remaining validity of at least 6 months upon entry into the country. A tourist visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days.

Emergency numbers

Emergency services: 999 Police: 999

Electrical outlets

Type G

Explore a mystical land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on this 11-day Sabah adventure. With its collection of unique animals, ancient traditions, hot springs, tribal villages, adorable orangutans, and incredible views, Sabah has something for every traveler!

Travel without worries

Medical and luggage insurance and covid coverage always included, extended medical insurance, cancellation insurance and refund options available.

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Malaysia

Adventures in Malaysia

What you'll visit