Can you tell us about the group size? Nationalities, ages, man/woman ratio etc?

As of now, we have 08 confirmed passengers. Travelers are in their 20s and 30s, majority of them are female travelers. As per our privacy policy, we are unable to share nationality information prior to trip starts.

Is it possible to book this tour and have two people (myself and my friend) sharing accommodation together? As in, for the hotels stays, to have just him and I in a room together?

If you and your friend book under the same booking, you would automatically be roomed together on a twin-share basis (except for any dormitory accommodation nights). If the bookings are made separately, we would just need your friend to confirm that they're happy with the request as well.

Can you please clarify where the trip starts, i.e. Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan. How would I get to the starting point from the airport?

This trip starts in Sandakan, where you will meet your group and tour leader on Day 1 at 6 pm. We can also arrange an arrival transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport, at an additional cost, if you would like assistance getting to your accommodation before the trip begins.

Does this trip include transfers from the airport or can you assist in organising a transfer please?

This trip does not include transfers to and from the airport but can arrange these at additional cost.

What should I do in case of an emergency during the tour?

In case of an emergency, please refer to the Essential Trip Information for contact details of local service providers or reach out to us via the provided emergency contacts.

How long is the trek each day? is it too much hiking? Do we have to carry our luggage while trekking?

On Day 2, the trekking time will be approximately 3 hours, and on Day 3, it will be around 4 hours. The trek is manageable, but it is a good amount of hiking. Throughout the trip, we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible, and you may not be able to check in immediately upon arrival. In such cases, we can store your luggage, and you'll have the chance to explore the new destination before your room is ready.

What type of transport is available from Kota Kinabalu Airport to the hotel?

We can arrange transfer services for you from Kota Kinabalu Airport to your designated hotel. Kindly reach out to us for detailed arrangements and prices.

Are there any specific packing recommendations for this tour?

For the Essential Borneo tour, packing light with an emphasis on hiking essentials like sturdy boots, a hat, sunglasses, and a durable backpack is advised.

Is there a group discount available for the Essential Borneo tour?

Group discounts may be available depending on the size of your group. Please contact us directly for more information on applicable discounts.

Are there any age restrictions for the Essential Borneo tour?

Yes, typically, this tour has an age limit of 18 to 35 years. However, we do offer other itineraries that cater to a broader age range.

From

US $1,090 per person

18 to 35s Real Borneo

10 days

•

From Crieff to Kota Kinabalu

4.3 (15 reviews)

View all
The trip was made amazing by our leader Manuel, who's passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm for his home country was the highlight of my trip.
Matthew B•traveled in September4.2
View all

From

US $1,090 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $55

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Intrepid Travel
Nature & Wildlife: Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 16
Ages 18-35

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Sandakan
Sandakan
Optional Activities
- Explore Sandakan's Heritage Trail
- Visit Sandakan War Memorial
- Visit Agnes Keith House
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Landmarks
Sandakan War Memorial
Agnes Keith House
Day 2
Sandakan
Sandakan
Included Activities
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre visit
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre visit
Optional Activities
- Visit Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre with 620 m canopy walkway
Landmarks
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 3
Sandakan to Kinabatangan River
Sandakan to Kinabatangan River
Included Activities
- Afternoon Wildlife Cruise on Kinabatangan River
Landmarks
Kinabatangan River
Day 4
Kinabatangan River
Kinabatangan River
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner at the lodge)
Included Activities
- Morning Wildlife Cruise on Kinabatangan River
- Afternoon Wildlife Cruise on Kinabatangan River
- Night Jungle Walk
Landmarks
Kinabatangan River
Day 5
Kinabatangan River to Kundasang
Kinabatangan River to Kundasang
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Kundasang War Memorial (MYR15)
Landmarks
Mount Kinabalu
Kundasang War Memorial
Day 6
Kiulu Village Trek
Kiulu Village Trek
Meals
Dinner (Local food prepared during cooking class)
Included Activities
- Kiulu Village Trek (2 days / 1 night)
- Cultural Activities in Ratau Village
- Cooking Class
Landmarks
Ratau Village (Kampung Ratau)
Day 7
Kiulu Village Trek - Kinarut
Kiulu Village Trek - Kinarut
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast in the village), Lunch (Traditional lunch with cultural dance and martial art show)
Included Activities
- Dusun Martial Art Show
- Trek through Kiulu Valley
Landmarks
Lokub
Day 8
Kinarut
Kinarut
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Dinawan Island)
Included Activities
- Dinawan Island Snorkelling Excursion
Optional Activities
- Kayaking at Dinawan Island
- Group dinner at a restaurant in Kinarut
Landmarks
Dinawan Island
Day 9
Kinarut to Kota Kinabalu
Kinarut to Kota Kinabalu
Optional Activities
- Visit Koisaan Cultural Village (MYR45)
Landmarks
Koisaan Cultural Village
Day 10
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu

Landmarks
Sandakan War Memorial
Agnes Keith House

Landmarks
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre

Landmarks
Kinabatangan River

Landmarks
Kinabatangan River

Landmarks
Mount Kinabalu
Kundasang War Memorial

Landmarks
Ratau Village (Kampung Ratau)

Landmarks
Lokub

Landmarks
Dinawan Island

Landmarks
Koisaan Cultural Village

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What's Included

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Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.5 (12,158 reviews)
Response time: 7 hours
Response rate: 96%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.3

Overall rating based on 15 Reviews

Transport
4.4
Guide
4.7
Accommodation
4.2
Food
4.3
Tour Operator
4.5

Rachael5.0•June 2026
So much fun! Amazing wildlife
Traveled in June 2026
Reply from: Intrepid Travel
Thanks so much for your review, Rachael! We're so pleased to hear you had such a fun time on our Real Borneo trip and enjoyed the incredible wildlife. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure with us soon!
Show more
Verena3.0•September 2024
Automatically translated. View in Original Language Rate this translation
Automatic translation available in English. View in English
There were basically only 7 real travel days, for two 18 year olds the other travel companions were quite old....
Show more
Traveled in September 2024
Reply from: Intrepid Travel
Hi Verena, thank you for your review. We are surprised there were not more people who were similar in age, but there is always someone/some people who will be the youngest. We do hope you managed to connect with some of the other travellers during your tour. The included meals are outlined in the online itinerary, please reach out to your booking agent if there were any that were missed and we will be happy to take a look. We are pleased to know that you enjoyed your trim with the elephants and while at the village- we do hope you made some wonderful memories of Borneo!
Show more
Rachel4.8•September 2019
I have done a number of group tours in the past, however this was my first intrepid tour. I did not know what to...
Show more
Traveled in February 2019
Piper4.8•September 2019
Well managed, a fantastic guide (thanks Hasif!!) and a great way to get around Borneo without feeling too much like a...
Show more
Traveled in February 2019
Michael4.0•September 2019
Great itinerary and awesome guide. Hasif shared a lot of his knowledge about Sabah. The mountain climb was stunning.
Traveled in February 2019
Flynn4.8•September 2019
Had great fun on this trip, saw lots of wildlife and met great people! Our tour guide Hasif was a major reason for...
Show more
Traveled in February 2019
Michael3.8•September 2019
The trip was very good with many experiences included.
Traveled in February 2019
William4.5•September 2019
Manuiel Gidiun was an excellent guide with exceptional knowledge about the wildlife, culture, history and geography...
Show more
Traveled in December 2018
Matthew4.2•September 2019
The trip was made amazing by our leader Manuel, who's passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm for his home country was the...
Show more
Traveled in December 2018
Georgia4.2•September 2019
Whilst we experienced some itinerary changes and weather concerns, our guide was very good in adapting to the changes...
Whilst we experienced some itinerary changes and weather concerns, our guide was very good in adapting to the changes well and ensuring our time and money were well spent. Our guide was full of knowledge regarding both the sites we visited and additional questions asked about a very wide range of topics. The tour was well adapted to the age group, although free time could be more carefully allocated as some locations did not have enough activities available to fill the time. Despite this, I would highly recommend the tour and Manuiel. He was exceptional!Show more
Traveled in December 2018

Dates & Prices

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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From Sunday
11 Oct, 2026
To Tuesday
20 Oct, 2026
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1 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
10 Nov, 2026
English
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Departure on request
From:
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Price based on Shared Room
From Sunday
8 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
17 Nov, 2026
English
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Departure on request
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From Sunday
20 Dec, 2026
To Tuesday
29 Dec, 2026
English
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To Tuesday
26 Jan, 2027
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From Sunday
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To Tuesday
23 Feb, 2027
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From Sunday
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To Tuesday
2 Mar, 2027
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Price based on Shared Room
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From Sunday
7 Mar, 2027
To Tuesday
16 Mar, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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From:
US$1,415 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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From Sunday
14 Mar, 2027
To Tuesday
23 Mar, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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From:
US$1,385 per person
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Price based on Shared Room

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

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C
Chloe
Asked on June 4th, 2026
Can you tell us about the group size? Nationalities, ages, man/woman ratio etc?
Group size
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written June 2026
  As of now, we have 08 confirmed passengers. Travelers are in their 20s and 30s, majority of them are female travelers. As per our privacy policy, we are unable to share nationality information prior to trip starts.
O
Olivia
Asked on May 10th, 2026
Is it possible to book this tour and have two people (myself and my friend) sharing accommodation together? As in, for the hotels stays, to have just him and I in a room together?
Accommodation
Group size
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written May 2026
  If you and your friend book under the same booking, you would automatically be roomed together on a twin-share basis (except for any dormitory accommodation nights). If the bookings are made separately, we would just need your friend to confirm that they're happy with the request as well.
- O
  Olivia
  Traveler•Written May 2026
  So confirming for all hotel nights, it will just be the two of us in a hotel room?
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written May 2026
  Yes, except for accommodation in Jungle Lodge (dormitory room), where accommodation will be shared.
A
Alex
Asked on September 19th, 2025
Can you please clarify where the trip starts, i.e. Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan. How would I get to the starting point from the airport?
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written September 2025
  This trip starts in Sandakan, where you will meet your group and tour leader on Day 1 at 6 pm. We can also arrange an arrival transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport, at an additional cost, if you would like assistance getting to your accommodation before the trip begins.
S
Sophia
Asked on February 18th, 2025
Does this trip include transfers from the airport or can you assist in organising a transfer please?
Flights / Transfers
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written February 2025
  This trip does not include transfers to and from the airport but can arrange these at additional cost.
- S
  Sophia
  Traveler•Written February 2025
  I have a conference in Thailand between 29 May and 3 June so would need a tour to fit around those dates.
D
Danièle
Asked on February 9th, 2025
What should I do in case of an emergency during the tour?
Travel Support
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written February 2025
  In case of an emergency, please refer to the Essential Trip Information for contact details of local service providers or reach out to us via the provided emergency contacts.
J
Judy
Asked on January 26th, 2025
How long is the trek each day? is it too much hiking? Do we have to carry our luggage while trekking?
Tour Details
Transport
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written January 2025
  On Day 2, the trekking time will be approximately 3 hours, and on Day 3, it will be around 4 hours. The trek is manageable, but it is a good amount of hiking. Throughout the trip, we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible, and you may not be able to check in immediately upon arrival. In such cases, we can store your luggage, and you'll have the chance to explore the new destination before your room is ready.
I
Isabelle
Asked on January 26th, 2025
What type of transport is available from Kota Kinabalu Airport to the hotel?
Transport
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written January 2025
  We can arrange transfer services for you from Kota Kinabalu Airport to your designated hotel. Kindly reach out to us for detailed arrangements and prices.
J
Jan
Asked on November 17th, 2024
Are there any specific packing recommendations for this tour?
Other
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written November 2024
  For the Essential Borneo tour, packing light with an emphasis on hiking essentials like sturdy boots, a hat, sunglasses, and a durable backpack is advised.
M
Magdalena
Asked on November 7th, 2024
Is there a group discount available for the Essential Borneo tour?
Group size
Price / Availability
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written November 2024
  Group discounts may be available depending on the size of your group. Please contact us directly for more information on applicable discounts.
S
Sandra
Asked on September 17th, 2024
Are there any age restrictions for the Essential Borneo tour?
Age Range
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written September 2024
  Yes, typically, this tour has an age limit of 18 to 35 years. However, we do offer other itineraries that cater to a broader age range.

From

US $1,090 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $55

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 16388

Currencies
RM
Malaysian Ringgit
Malaysia
£
Pound Sterling
Scotland
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.
Type G
Malaysia and Scotland
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Malaysia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Malaysia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Cholera - Recommended for Malaysia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Malaysia. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Malaysia. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Malaysia. Ideally 10 days before travel.
- Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Malaysia. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before December 3rd, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after December 3rd, 2026, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
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Insurance
Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.
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Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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18 to 35s Real Borneo

Itinerary

Introduction

Sandakan

Optional Activities

Sandakan

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Sandakan to Kinabatangan River

Included Activities

Kinabatangan River

Included Activities

Kinabatangan River to Kundasang

Optional Activities

Kiulu Village Trek

Included Activities

Kiulu Village Trek - Kinarut

Included Activities

Kinarut

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Kinarut to Kota Kinabalu

Optional Activities

Kota Kinabalu

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18 to 35s Real Borneo

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

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