Borneo Small Group Tours
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10 best Borneo small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaBorneo travel expert at TourRadar
Real Borneo
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was very good with many experiences included.”
Michael, traveled in February
Borneo awaits 10-20 fellow adventurers, perfect for wildlife observation at Sepilok Orangutan Centre and Kinabatangan River cruises. The group size allows private cultural performances in Kiulu Valley and close encounters during night walks at Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Sepilok, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,050
10% Off- US$945You save $105
Ideal for groups aged 15-99, this Borneo adventure maintains intimate wildlife encounters at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Kinabatangan River cruises. Small numbers ensure quality guide interaction during Gomantong Cave exploration and Manukan Island snorkeling, with comfortable stays at jungle lodges and resorts.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sandakan, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kundasang, Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,355
20% Off- US$1,884You save $471
Duration 4 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, Sapulut Age Range 12 to 60 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
20% Off- US$675+$9 local payments
Duration 10 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Limbang, Labuan Island, Kota Kinabalu Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,895
15% Off- US$1,611You save $284
Duration 7 days Destinations Jakarta, Tanjung Harapan, Tanjung Puting National Park, Kumai, Pangkalan Bun Age Range 15 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $1,449
20% Off- US$1,159You save $290
Duration 6 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kampung Kiau, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Poring, Sandakan, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulau Selangan, Sepilok Age Range up to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
20% Off- US$1,989
Duration 9 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Mount Kinabalu National Park Age Range 3 to 75 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
20% Off- US$1,754
Duration 3 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, Sapulut Age Range 12 to 60 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
20% Off- US$564+$6 local payments
Duration 3 days Destinations Sandakan, Pulau Selangan, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Age Range up to 80 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
20% Off- US$859
Duration 7 days Destinations Kuching, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park Age Range 3 to 75 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
20% Off- US$1,247
Reviews of Small Group tours to Borneo
- Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
Tour itinerary fabulous and we were very lucky as we saw pygmy elephants and orangutans in the wild as well as turtle hatchlings being released and hawksbill turtle laying eggs. I would love to see a female tour leader although this may be difficult in Malaysia as most of the group was female and the guide was somewhat chauvinistic
What our customers ask about Borneo Small Group Tours
What is the ideal duration for a small group tour in Borneo?
The sweet spot for exploring Borneo in a small group falls between 8 and 16 days. East Sabah can be explored well in 8 days while combining both Sarawak and Sabah states needs about 15 days. The Premium Borneo in Depth tour takes 12 days which gives travelers enough time at key spots like Sepilok Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our 12-day small group tour was perfect - enough time to really experience each location without feeling rushed."
What are the accommodation options for small group tours in Borneo?
Borneo's small group tours offer diverse places to stay from comfortable lodges to local homestays. The Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge puts you right where wildlife spotting happens while the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley offers 31 private chalets for a more upscale experience. Some itineraries include nights with local families in traditional longhouses such as in Tambunan Village. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The variety of accommodations really enhanced the experience - from jungle lodges to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort each place offered something special for our small group."
What cultural experiences are available on small group tours in Borneo?
Small groups can get close to local life through homestays in traditional Tambunan longhouses local market visits in Kota Kinabalu and meetings with indigenous communities. The D'Danau Homestay lets visitors cook with locals and join in cultural activities. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The small group size made our cultural experiences more authentic and personal especially during our homestay where we really got to know our host family."
What areas of Borneo are best suited for small group travel?
The most rewarding spots for small groups include the Danum Valley Conservation Area Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and Sepilok. These locations work well with intimate lodges like the Borneo Rainforest Lodge and Nature Lodge Kinabatangan. The Mulu National Park caves are also better explored in smaller numbers. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Our small group could move quietly through Danum Valley allowing us to spot more wildlife than larger groups."
How do small group tours handle transportation in Borneo?
Getting around happens in mini-vans that can reach remote spots like Kinabalu National Park and Sepilok. Smaller boats take groups along the Kinabatangan River making it easier to spot wildlife. Places like Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary are more accessible with smaller vehicles on narrow roads. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The small group size meant we could use more nimble boats on the river getting us closer to wildlife without disturbing them."
How much does a small group tour in Borneo typically cost?
Daily costs run between USD 230 and 558 depending on where you stay and what activities are included. A 10-day Classic Borneo tour costs about USD 2680 covering accommodations guided activities and some meals. TourRadar travelers often mention that "the higher cost of small group tours is justified by the quality of experience and personal attention received."