Borneo Adventure : Aug 15th to 23rd' 2026
Travel to Borneo and leave urban life behind. Head into Borneo’s lush jungles to embark on a magical journey to explore the natural wonders of tropical Sabah. Travel down scenic rivers, into thick jungles and through the vibrant villages of beautiful Borneo making friends with local villagers and trying delicious cuisine. Swim among colorful fish and spot unique wildlife in Borneo’s steamy jungles, found only in this part of the world like the Borneo Pygmy Elephants, Proboscis Monkeys and Orangutans among other animals and birds, see the iconic Mount Kinabalu and walk through the trails in the Kinabalu National Park. Last but not the least, explore the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of multi-cultural and vibrant Kota Kinabalu. There’s no doubt that this adventure in Borneo will find its way into your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Essential Info
Cost: Rs 67500/-
Country: Malaysia
Start: Kota Kinabalu
End: Sandakan
Start Date: 15th Aug’ 2026
End Date: 23rd Aug’ 2026
Duration: 9 Days
Group Size : Min 5 / Max 15
Theme: Culture, Adventure, Wildlife, Experience
Highlights
– Explore the markets and food scene in multi-cultural Kota Kinabalu.
– Visit Kinabalu National Park and stay at Kundasang village with panoramic views of Kinabalu Peak.
– Go on boat safaris on the Kinabatangan River searching for Borneo Pygmy Elephants, Proboscis Monkeys and Orangutans among other animals
and birds.
– Visit Manukan and Sapi islands and go snorkeling to see the beautiful marine life.
– Experience rural life in Kinabatangan and Kundasang
– See Rafflesia flowers ( the largest flowers in the world ) as its the blooming season.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Aug 15th : Kota Kinabalu
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and transfer to the hotel. Rest and later explore the town walking through the streets and taking a food tour. Kota Kinabalu is a melting pot of cuisines and it’s no surprise since there are a lot of nationalities and cultures mixing. We can visit the Night Markets (Pasar Malam), which are famed for their Malaysian and Chinese eats, and the Sunday market at Gaya Street (Old Town). Overnight at Kota Kinabalu.
Day 2 : Aug 16th : Manukan island and Sapi island
After breakfast, a short 20-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu brings you to Manukan Island. Manukan Island and Sapi Island are located in the famous Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in Sabah, and are great for exploring the islands and beaches and snorkelling. An array of coral and brightly colored marine life reveals itself. Soak up the turquoise vistas for another few hours as you stroll or swim. After lunch, relax on the beach, and later, by late afternoon, we return to Kota Kinabalu. Evening is free to relax or you can explore the Puh Toh Tze Buddhist temple, the Sabah Mosque, or the Filipino market. You can also opt to go on a sunset cruise in the South China Sea. Overnight at Kota Kinabalu.
Day 3 : Aug 17th : Kota Kinabalu – Tanjung Aru Beach – Kundasang ( 120 Kms / 3 hrs )
After breakfast, we visit the Tanjung Aru beach and spend some time there before leaving for Kundasang in the central highlandsands near the Kinabalu National Park. On the way, we stop at Poring Hot Springs, soak in the hot springs, and explore some of the nature trails around it. After lunch, we visit the Sosodikon Hills viewpoint for Panoramic views of the Kundasang Valley and Mount Kinabalu. Evening is free to relax or explore the small mountain town. Overnight at Kundasang.
Day 4 : Aug 18th : Kundasang – Kinabalu National Park
After breakfast, visit the Ladang Tensu Desa Cattle farm. It’s a famous dairy farm with rolling green pastures against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu. Try fresh milk, yogurt, gelato, and feed calves. Great for photos too. Later leave for Kinabalu National Park. There are many nature trails for walking, from which you can birdwatch and sometimes spot animals. The Mountain Botanic Garden is an excellent showcase of the park’s diverse plant life, as flora from across the park has been replanted here. Back to Kundasang for Lunch and afternoon free to explore on your own. Overnight at Kundasang.
Day 5 : Aug 19th : Ranau to Kinabatangan – Sukau ( 250 Kms / 5 hrs )
After breakfast, we head to the Kinabatangan River. Your jungle homestay near the river is ideal for taking in the lush surroundings. At 560 kilometres, the Kinabatangan River is the second-longest river in Malaysia. It’s also a protected forest reserve, containing some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. Later in the afternoon, you have the option to take a river cruise, hopefully spotting some of the more exotic local creatures. Borneo pygmy elephants ( the smallest species of elephants in the world ), crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, kingfishers, and bird life are seen. After this short adventure, you’ll head back to the lodge to enjoy dinner. Overnight at Kinabatangan homestay.
Day 6 : Aug 20th : Kinabatangan Rainforest ( Sukau )
Today is full of jungle and activities. Rise early for the morning cruise along the river to spot more wildlife. Later, back for breakfast. After breakfast, we go for a 2-hour jungle trek. After lunch, relax, and in the evening you can go for another river safari if interested, or walk and explore the riverside and villages. Overnight at Kinabatangan.
( 1 River safari and 1 jungle trek included in the tour. If you are interested, you have the option of taking more river safaris. Overnight at Kinabatangan.
Day 7 : Aug 21st : Sukau – Sandakan ( 120 Kms / 2.5 Hours )
After breakfast, we leave for Sandakan, stopping on the way at the Gomantong Cave to see the nests of the swift bird. Its nest is made of solidified saliva and is used to make bird’s nest soup, which is sought after and prized in many parts of Asia. Reach Sandakan by late afternoon. After lunch, rest and in the evening go for a Sandakan Heritage walk. On the walk, we stop at William B. Pryer Monument, WWII Memorial, Sandakan Memorial Park, Sandakan Heritage Museum, Central Market, Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple, and Agnes Keith’s House, and finally have tea at an old English Tea House. Overnight at Sandakan.
Day 8 : Aug 22nd : Sandakan ( Free Day )
Day free to explore Sandakan and its surroundings. You can visit the Sepliok Orangutan Sanctuary. The center was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. You can also visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can watch the amazing bachelor proboscis lazing and feeding. There are a few other places in Sandakan to explore, like the Sandakan Memorial Park, Central Market, Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple, and Agnes Keith’s House. Overnight at Sandakan.
Day 9 : Aug 23rd : Sandakan – Departure
After breakfast, end of tour, and drop off at Sandakan airpor
Trip Info
Kota Kinabalu
Renau
Kinabalu National Park
Kinabatangan
Sandakan
INCLUSIONS
– 2 Night stay in Kota Kinabalu, 2 Nights stay in Kundasang, 2 Nights stay in Kinabatangan, 2 Night stay in Sandakan ( Double / Twin sharing )
– Breakfast on all days
– Private Car / Van for the mentioned internal travels
– Airport transfer’s and city sightseeing by private car / van
– Kinabalu National Park, Gomantong Caves and Poring Hot Spring visit
– One Kinabatangan River Safari and One trek / Jungle walk ( Easy to Medium level )
– Munakan & Sapi Island tour
– Service charges
– Taxes
EXCLUSIONS
– India to Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan to India ( we can advise you which flights to book )
– Lunch & Dinner
– Any extra excursions and tours other than those mentioned
– Day 8 activities ( Free day )
– Entry tickets and camera charges at sightseeing points ( wherever not mentioned )
Day 1 : Aug 15th – Kota Kinabalu
Hotel : Sky Hotel / Gaya Centre Hotel or similar
Included Activities : Market & Town walk
Included Transport : Airport pickup
Meal : None
Day 2 : Aug 16th – Manukan island and Sapi island
Hotel : Sky Hotel / Gaya Centre Hotel or Similar
Included Tour : Munakan Island & Sapi Island visit
Optional Activities ( Excluded ): Snorkeling, Sunset Cruise
Included Transport: Boat to Munakan & Sapi Island
Included Entry tickets: Munakan & Sapi Island
Meal : Breakfast
Day 3 : Aug 17th – Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang
Hotel : Bayu Senja Lodge / Amazing Grace Lodge or Similar
Included Activities : Tanjung Aru beach, Poring Hot Springs
Included Transport : Full day tour
Included Entry tickets : None
Meal : Breakfast
Distance : 120 kms | 4 hours | By car or van
Day 4 : Aug 18th – Kundasang
Hotel : Bayu Senja Lodge / Amazing Grace Lodge or Similar
Included Activities : Kinabalu National Park, Cattle Farm
Included Transport : Half day tour
Included Entry tickets : None
Meal : Breakfast
Distance : 30 kms | 1 hour | By car or van
Day 5 : Aug 19th – Kundasang to Kinabatangan
Hotel : Sukau Backpackers B&B / Greenview or similar
Included Activities: None
Optional Activities: Kinabatangan evening river cruise.
Included Transport: Kinabalu National Park to Kinabatangan
Included Entry tickets: None
Meal : Breakfast
Distance : 250 kms | 5 hours | By car or van
Day 6 : Aug 20th – Kinabatangan
Hotel : Sukau Backpackers B&B / Greenview or similar
Included Activities : River cruise safari, Jungle Trek
Included Transport : Boat for river cruise
Meal : Breakfast
Day 7 : Aug 21st – Kinabatangan to Sandakan
Hotel : Elopura Hotel / Hotel Sandakan or similar
Included Activities : Gomantong Cave, Sandakan Walk
Included Transport : Kinabatangan to Sandakan
Included Entry tickets : None
Meal : Breakfast
Distance : 130 kms | 3 hours | By car or van
Day 8 : Aug 22nd – Sandakan
Hotel : Elopura Hotel / Hotel Sandakan or similar
Included Activities : None
Optional Activities : Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, Sun Bear Rehabilitation Center, Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Included Transport : None
Included Entry tickets : None
Meal : Breakfast
Day 9 : Aug 23rd – Departure
Included Transport : Drop to airport
Meal : Breakfast
- Rs 2500/- Discount ( For repeat travellers )
- Rs 2000/- Discount ( For 3 or more people booking together )
- Stay will be in Standard category hotels and Bed n Breakfast places with good reviews on double/twin sharing basis.
- Asian, Western and Malay food is available at all places. Some places also have few Indian restaurants
- Breakfast ( Included ) will be mostly Malay and western breakfast at most places
- Private car/van for Airport transfers
- Private car/ van for Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu National Park and Kinabatangan
- Group mini van for Kinabatangan to Sandakan
- Malaysia is free visa for Indians till Dec 31st’ 2026
For this trip
This trip is for the wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers and experience hunters, to experience the culture life style of Borneo and witness the flora and fauna of the last remaining wildernesses in Asia.
For all our trips
Our small group tours also allow enough time for yourself ( mostly in the evenings ) and the group leaders will assist you too if you need to do your own thing.
Stay and food is a big part of the travel and we make sure you are made comfortable and therefore we choose some of the best-reviewed places to stay and eat.
We try to incorporate more local experiences on our tours with the help of our experienced tour leader and local guides to make your experience even more memorable.
Our tours are not standard sightseeing package tours, it’s more experience-oriented so as to give a real travel value to the guests.
Who are we?
Exotic Expeditions is an experiential based travel company founded in 2010. We are based out of Bangalore and Mumbai and we create uniquely designed tours that have high travel value. We include activities, local interactions, and offbeat destinations so that the guests go back with experiences to remember for a long time.
What are all included in our tours?
A comprehensive list of inclusions and exclusions is mentioned on the respective trip page, but across all our trips, we have these in common: exclusive private transfers, breakfast on most days, good accommodation, unique experiences, expert guides and an experienced trip leader who’s there to assist you around the clock.
Are flights & visas included in your costs?
No.We don’t include flights and visa costs in our prices unless specified. We, however, will help you with booking flights and getting the visa done.
What is the typical group size?
We believe that a small group is can enjoy the journey better and have closer interactions with the group members, therefore, we restrict our group size to a maximum of 15. Group size typically between 5 and 15. Our travelers are friendly, open-minded, well traveled and we have a good gender mix on our tours.
Who can join this trip?
Anyone above 18 years of age can join our trips. Participants below the age of 18 must be accompanied by an elder.
Which cities do travelers come from?
Our travelers come from all over India. Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Calcutta are the cities where most of our travelers come from.
What are the payment options?
You can make payments through credit and debit cards, net-banking, cash or cheque. Installment options are also available.
Can solo travelers join one of the tours?
Yes. On most of our tours, we have a high turnout of solo travelers seeking a different travel experience. Many of them even end up becoming friends after the tour.
How safe is it to travel with you?
Your safety is our number one priority and we design our travel journeys keeping this in mind.
What do our guests say about our tours?
Please check out the reviews on our facebook page to know what our guests think about our tours.
- You can contact us at contact@exoticexpeditions.org / exoticexpeditions@gmail.com
- Call / whatsapp us at 9986450370
- Bookings can be done by online bank transfer / cash/ cheque or credit / debit card
- Installment options are also available
