Borneo Group Tour Itinerary (12 Days) – Hosted Small Group Travel

Borneo conjures up images of jungle and wildlife and a slower pace of life – all alluring features that pull me in – and I’ve created this group tour so that you can join me!

I have had a small taste of Borneo when I visited Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia during our gap year with the sole purpose of climbing Mt Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Borneo and in Malaysia, and the tallest easily climbable mountain anywhere in South East Asia.

It’s one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most satisfying and something I will remember forever.

But don’t worry, climbing Mt Kinabalu is not part of this itinerary. Instead the focus is on the culture, nature and wildlife, both in Malaysia and in Brunei Darussalam too.

Over 12 days we’ll travel through rainforests, explore some of the largest cave systems in the world, visit remote villages and spend time searching for wildlife along one of Borneo’s most famous rivers.

There will be orangutans, proboscis monkeys and hopefully even pygmy elephants. There will be boat rides through jungle waterways, walks through tropical forests and plenty of moments where you stop and realise just how wild and beautiful this part of the world really is.

Along the way we’ll also experience the human side of Borneo. We’ll visit traditional communities, learn about the indigenous cultures of Sabah, spend a night in a village near Mt Kinabalu and explore Brunei’s fascinating capital.

This itinerary mixes some of Borneo’s most famous highlights with places that are a little more off the main tourist trail, all while travelling in comfort with experienced local guides.

If Borneo has ever been on your bucket list, this is a wonderful way to experience it.

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Borneo Group Tour – Trip at a Glance

Dates: 22 April – 3 May 2027
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Countries visited:
Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah) and Brunei

Tour host:
Hosted by Josie Wanders in partnership with KB 4 Travel & Cruise

Group size:
Small group tour (numbers are limited)

Style of travel:
Comfortable small-group adventure travel.
We travel by private air-conditioned vehicle with local English-speaking guides, stay in a mix of well-located hotels, rainforest resorts and a village homestay, and include many meals and guided experiences along the way.

Major experiences include:

• Exploring Brunei’s beautiful mosques and water villages
• Visiting Gunung Mulu National Park and its incredible cave systems
• Learning about Sabah’s indigenous cultures at Mari Mari Cultural Village
• Island hopping and snorkelling in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
• A village stay in the foothills of Mt Kinabalu
• Visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• Seeing the world’s smallest bear at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre
• Wildlife river cruises on the Kinabatangan River
• Exploring Sandakan’s history and cultural sites

Price:
$6,480 per person twin share

Single supplement:
$2,000

Deposit:
$2,000 non-refundable deposit to secure your place

Included:

• Fully hosted trip with Josie Wanders and KB 4 Travel & Cruise
• Accommodation in twin/double rooms
• Daily breakfast and most meals as listed in the itinerary
• Private transfers and touring
• English-speaking local guides
• Internal flights within Borneo (subject to availability)
• Airport assistance
• 24-hour local support

Not included:

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees (required in Brunei)
• Personal expenses such as drinks, tips and optional activities

Who This Trip Is For

This trip is ideal for travellers who love nature, wildlife and culture, and who enjoy being active without needing to be extreme adventurers.

You should be comfortable with some walking, boat trips and time spent in tropical environments, but there are no major physical challenges in the itinerary.

It’s perfect for travellers who:

• Have always wanted to see orangutans and Borneo wildlife in the wild
• Enjoy exploring rainforests, caves and national parks
• Like learning about local cultures and communities
• Prefer the ease and security of travelling with a small group and experienced guides

And of course, if you enjoy travelling with like-minded people and having someone else take care of the logistics, this trip is designed for exactly that.

Borneo Itinerary Overview

Day 1– Bandar Seri Begawan Arrival. Included Meal- Dinner

Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan 

Day 2- Bandar Seri Begawan- Miri. Included Meals- Breakfast and Lunch

Pullman Miri Waterfront, Miri 

Day 3– Miri- Mulu. Included Meal, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa 

Day 4– Mulu. Included Meal, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5– Mulu- Kota Kinabalu. Included Meals- Breakfast and Lunch

Hilton Kota Kinabalu 

Day 6/ 7– Kota Kinabalu, Included Meals- Breakfast and Lunch Day 6, Breakfast Day 7

Day 8– Kota Kinabalu- Ranau. Included Meal, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Kiau Village, Mt. Kinabalu 

Day 9- Ranau- Sandakan. Included Meals- Breakfast and Lunch

Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort, Sepilok 

Day 10– Sandakan- Bilit. Included Meal, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Bilit Adventure Lodge, Kampung Bilit 

Day 11- Bilit. Included Meal, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12- Bilit-Sandakan-Onward Destination. Included Meal, Breakfast & Lunch

Borneo Group Tour – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Bandar Seri Begawan Arrival

Upon arrival at Brunei International Airport, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in. 

In the evening, enjoy a Brunei by Night Tour, offering a wonderful introduction to the charm of the capital.

Begin with a local dinner, followed by a guided exploration of Bandar Seri Begawan as the city comes alive after dark. 

Stop for photos at the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque and the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, beautifully illuminated in the evening.

Conclude the tour with a visit to a local night market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample traditional Bruneian street food. 

Overnight: Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam

Day 2: Bandar Seri Begawan-Miri 

Discover the highlights of Bandar Seri Begawan on a half-day tour that showcases royal landmarks, religious architecture, and the Sultan of Brunei’s treasures.

Begin at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, an elegant example of modern Islamic design with Mughal and Italian influences, then visit the Royal Regalia Museum to see royal artifacts including weapons, headdresses, and a grand royal chariot. 

Continue to Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Brunei’s largest mosque featuring local architectural styles, before viewing the world’s largest residential palace of the Sultan, set amid lush hills and a winding river.

Conclude the tour at Kampong Ayer, the world’s largest stilted water village. 

After lunch, enjoy an overland transfer to Miri, approximately 2½ hours.

Overnight: Pullman Miri Waterfront

Day 3: Miri-Mulu 

Discover Mulu National Park’s Deer Cave and Lang Cave which are two distinctly different caves situated in the park’s southern hill area.

Upon arrival at Mulu Airport, we are welcomed by our guide and transferred to Mulu National Park.

In the afternoon, we start our adventure with the Deer and Lang Cave tour.

We are required to arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the daily tours departing from the Park headquarters at 2pm or 2.30 pm, before trekking to Lang Cave.

Despite being the smallest out of the four other show caves in the park, Lang Cave has a spectacular array of stalactites, stalagmites and rim stone pools.

In contrast, overwhelming Deer Cave is the biggest show cave at Mulu and one of the largest cave passages in the world.

A powerful underground river once flowed through this area dissolving and eroding the limestone to form a stream passage cave and our tour is timed to coincide with the bat exodus.

Afterwards we return to our hotel. 

Enjoy a delicious dining experience at our restaurant, serving local and international cuisines, relax by our river bar with a cocktail, cool off in our outdoor pool or treat yourself to a spa treatment at Mandara Spa. 

Overnight: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 4: Mulu

Explore Wind Cave, famed for its impressive caverns and unusual limestone formations with its ‘King’s Room’ filled with stalagmites and stalactites that look like polished chandeliers and candlesticks, before proceeding to Clearwater Cave where the river beneath travels a subterranean route over a huge distance.

Daily tours leave from the park headquarters at 8.45 am and 9.15 am and we cruise up the Melinau River in a longboat and visit the Penan Longhouse Market on the way.

After experiencing the cool air that travels down Wind Cave, we take a short walk along the river to Clearwater Cave past giant logs thrown high on the banks – evidence of this mighty underground river.

Swimming is not permitted in the cave, however, we can enjoy a dip in the crystal clear waters outside the cave where the river emerges from the cliff face.

We enjoy a packed lunch at the Clearwater rest hut before returning to the park in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 5: Mulu – Kota Kinabalu 

After breakfast at the hotel, we have free time to spend at our leisure until we depart for Mulu Airport for our departure flight.

You will be met at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, meet your local guide to Mari Mari Cultural Village.

Savour the soul of Sabah with a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, home to different ethnic minorities who welcome us into their homes. We transfer 25 minutes to the village, travelling on roads surrounded by greenery.

Upon arrival we visit different homes which were each built by tribal descendants and these represent each indigenous group through different architectural styles.

We acquaint ourselves with each tribe as they let us into their dwellings to observe their simple yet traditional lives and as we explore the village, we stop at demonstration huts where daily activities of generational activities come to life such as blow piping, igniting a fire with a bamboo tree and tattooing.

At the end of the journey into the past, we will have been given the chance to see, hear, taste and feel the uniqueness of what Sabah truly is. 

Overnight: Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Day 6: Kota Kinabalu 

Get up close to the nature at Pulau Gaya, the largest of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park’s five islands which is known to have some of the best lowland forests.

Transferring from our hotel to the jetty, we board a 15-minute ferry cruise to Pulau Gaya where upon arrival, we trek for 90 minutes through coastal vegetation, mangrove swamp and lowland dipterocarp forest.

On the way our guide will give us an insight into the flora and fauna and after we have trekked through this primary forest, we board a boat to transfer to nearby Sapi Island, the smallest among the five islands that is well-known for snorkelling and its colourful marine life.

Here we spend the day at leisure, whether that is swimming, snorkelling, or relaxing on the beach and short and simple trails are available for those feeling adventurous.

A barbecue lunch is served on the beach and at 3 pm we board a boat from the island jetty to Jesselton jetty and transfer back to our hotel.

 Overnight: Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Day 7: Kota Kinabalu 

Enjoy a free day in Kota Kinabalu at your own leisure. 

Take time to relax at the hotel or explore the city’s coastal charm and local lifestyle independently.

You may choose to visit nearby islands, stroll along the waterfront, or enjoy local cafés and shopping areas.

This day offers flexibility to experience Kota Kinabalu at a pace that suits your personal interests.

 Overnight: Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Day 8: Kota Kinabalu-Ranau 

You will be picked up at approximately 6:30am from your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu to begin a scenic drive to Kiau Village, located in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu.

If the weather is favourable, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Mount Kinabalu along the way.

Upon arrival at Kiau Village, you will meet your local guide and start a two-hour hike to the summit of Nuluh Lingion.

During the walk, you will pass through local farms where you may see and even taste seasonal produce such as pineapple, jackfruit, wild ginger, bananas, and more.

The trail continues through primary forest up to a scenic viewpoint. Weather permitting, you will enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu and its waterfalls.

After a well-deserved rest at the summit of Nuluh Lingion (1,420 metres), you will descend back to Kiau Village for lunch.

You will have the opportunity to sample local Dusun cuisine at a homestay, meet your host family, and check in to your accommodation for the night. 

Overnight: Kiau Village homestay

Day 9: Ranau-Sandakan 

After an early start, in keeping with village life, and a relaxed breakfast with your host family, you will have the rest of the morning free to explore the surrounding area and take advantage of the typically pleasant morning weather.

Afterwards, we will continue to Sandakan with enroute Kinabalu Park. 

Upon arrival at Kinabalu Park, we enjoy the refreshing and cooling air on a walk along the nature trails in the Botanical Garden and on a clear day we may be able to spot Mount Kinabalu.

Afterwards we transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.

After lunch, we will continue to Sandakan.

Overnight: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort

Day 10- Sandakan – Bilit

You will be picked up and transferred to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you’ll witness one of nature’s most endangered species – the Orangutan, known locally as the “Man of the Jungle” – swinging from tree to tree on their way to the forest feeding platform.

Next, visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see the world’s smallest bear in its natural habitat. Enjoy lunch en route.

After lunch, continue your journey overland to Bilit, Kinabatangan River, which takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Upon arrival at Bilit Jetty, check in to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea with local snacks.

After a short safety and orientation briefing by your nature guide, embark on an afternoon river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe wildlife directly from the boat.

End the day with dinner. 

Overnight: Bilit Adventure Lodge

Day 11: Bilit 

Start your day early with a sunrise river cruise at 06:00, offering a chance to spot early-rising wildlife along the Kinabatangan River.

After an hour on the water, return to Bilit Lodge for a hearty breakfast.

Later in the morning, set out on a guided jungle walk to explore the lush riverine forest and learn more about the local ecosystem.

After the trek, head back to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy lunch.

Take some time to rest or nap before enjoying an afternoon tea break at a local village house, offering a glimpse into the local lifestyle.

By 16:00, get ready for your second river cruise, this time exploring a different section of the Kinabatangan River in search of more wildlife sightings.

In between, you are free to explore the nature board walk around the lodge area, make sure you bring along your binoculars, and look for any tree moving!! There may be wild orangutan, silver leaf monkeys, birds and many others! 

Overnight: Bilit Adventure Lodge

Day 12: Bilit-Sandakan-Onward Destination 

After breakfast, depart Bilit and begin the journey back to Sandakan. 

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in town before setting off on the Sandakan Nature City Tour.

Visit the Sandakan Memorial Park, a peaceful tribute to WWII history, followed by the Puu Jih Shih Temple, an ornate hilltop sanctuary with stunning panoramic views.

Explore St. Michael’s Church, a century-old stone building rich in colonial heritage, then head to the Central Market to experience the vibrant local culture and traditional trade.

Continue to the Agnes Keith House to step into the life of the famed American author and explore colonial history.

Lunch at the English Tea House, a charming colonial venue surrounded by beautiful gardens and scenic views.

The tour concludes with a transfer to Sandakan Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Bornean escape. 

Frequently Asked Qusestions

This might help you answer any questions you may have. If they don’t, you can contact myself by emailing josie@josiewanders.com or Kylie who is co-hosting this trip at kylie@kb4travel.com.au

Do I need to be very fit for this trip?

No. This is an active trip with some walks and nature activities, but nothing extreme. You should be comfortable walking on uneven paths, climbing some steps in caves and getting in and out of boats, but you don’t need a high level of fitness.

Is Mt Kinabalu included in the itinerary?

No. I climbed Mt Kinabalu on a previous trip and it’s an incredible experience, but it’s also physically demanding and requires permits and additional days. This tour focuses on wildlife, culture and nature instead.

Will we see orangutans?

We will visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which is one of the best places in the world to see orangutans up close. Later in the trip, along the Kinabatangan River, we also have a chance of spotting wild orangutans, along with proboscis monkeys, hornbills and possibly pygmy elephants.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

Accommodation is comfortable throughout the trip. We stay in a mix of well-located hotels, rainforest resorts and one village homestay near Mt Kinabalu for a more immersive cultural experience.

Is this a large tour group?

No. This is a small group tour, which allows for a more personal experience and easier access to nature areas and wildlife viewing.

Can I join if I’m travelling solo?

Yes. Many people join group tours solo. You can choose to pay the single supplement or request to share a room with another traveller of the same gender (subject to availability).

Are international flights included?

No. International flights to Borneo are not included. At the end, a flight to Kuala Lumpur is included. Once the group numbers are confirmed, we will help coordinate suitable flights for those travelling from Australia if required.

What wildlife might we see?

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but Borneo is one of the best places in Southeast Asia for rainforest wildlife. Possible sightings include:

• Orangutans
• Proboscis monkeys
• Silver leaf monkeys
• Hornbills
• Sun bears
• Crocodiles
• Pygmy elephants (if we are very lucky)

Is travel insurance required?

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers and should be arranged before departure.

How do I secure a place on the tour?

A $2,000 non-refundable deposit (unless minimum numbers aren’t met) is required to secure your place. Numbers are limited, so early booking is recommended.

To book contact: kylie@kb4travel.com.au