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8 Day Borneo Cultural Discovery Small Group Tour

from

$1,999
Per Person

Typically $2,499
Explore the rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty of Borneo on this unforgettable 8-day guided adventure.

the tour

Experience the spirit of Sabah on this unforgettable Borneo cultural tour. Begin in Kota Kinabalu with a warm welcome dinner. Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village and learn about Sabah’s traditional tribal customs. Later, explore Kota Kinabalu’s landmarks, including the mosque, clock tower and Sabah Museum. Travel to the highlands and stop at Tamparuli Bridge for a Kadazan dance. Shop for handicrafts and tropical fruit at Nabalu Market. Explore Kinabalu Park’s Botanical Garden and visit Kundasang War Memorial and vegetable market.

The journey continues through Ranau with a visit to a local WWII site. Relax with a fish spa at Marakau. At Sabah Tea Garden, tour the factory and pluck tea in traditional costume. After lunch, travel to Bilit by the Kinabatangan River. Settle into Bilit Adventure Lodge and explore the rainforest by night. Enjoy a morning cruise spotting proboscis monkeys and hornbills. Paint batik, plant trees, and take a second wildlife cruise at sunset.

Return to Sandakan and visit Labuk Bay to see proboscis monkeys feeding. Enjoy lunch at the English Tea House. Cruise the mangroves and witness magical fireflies at dusk. Visit Sepilok to see orangutans and sun bears up close. Explore the canopy walkways at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. End your Borneo cultural tour with a special farewell dinner. This journey blends nature, tradition, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. It’s the perfect Borneo cultural tour for those seeking depth, connection, and discovery.

INCLUSIONS

This 8 day Cultural Borneo tour includes 7 nights accommodation and all meals. An English speaking guide is provided, along with and all entrance fees. We operate small groups to enhance your cultural experience. We have travel dates available between October 2025 and December 2026, plus an optional extension to Turtle Island. With a maximum of 10 people, secure your trip to Borneo from just a *25% deposit (Term’s and Conditions apply). Book online or Contact us for more details. See tabs below for a full list of inclusions.

 

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, where you’ll be met and greeted by our local representative. From there, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel. After check-in, settle in and freshen up before joining the group for a welcoming dinner in the evening.

MEALS: Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Grandis Hotel

Day 2: Kota Kinabalu – Mari Mari Cultural Village & City Tour

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, where you’ll experience traditional Sabah customs and enjoy a local lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue with a city sightseeing tour of Kota Kinabalu. Highlights include a drive past the iconic Tun Mustapha Building (Yayasan Sabah), the city mosque, Atkinson Clock Tower, and a visit to the Sabah Museum.

Return to the hotel for some rest and relaxation. In the evening, enjoy a special dinner at Kampung Nelayan, accompanied by vibrant cultural performances.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Grandis Hotel

Day 3: Kota Kinabalu ~ Kinabalu Park ~ Kundasang

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin our journey to the cool highlands of Kinabalu Park.

Along the way, we stop at Tamparuli Bridge to enjoy a traditional Kadazan dance performance and take a walk across the iconic hanging bridge. Next, we visit the Nabalu Native Market — a great place to browse for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and tropical fruits.

Upon arrival at Kinabalu Park, enjoy a guided walk through the Botanical Garden, home to unique mountain flora. A late lunch is served en route.

In the afternoon, we visit the Kundasang War Memorial Park, followed by a stop at the Kundasang Vegetable Market to explore the local produce.

Check in to your hotel in Kundasang and enjoy dinner surrounded by mountain views.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Kundasang Mount Perkasa Hotel

Day 4: Kundasang ~ Ranau ~ Bilit

After breakfast, we continue our journey to Ranau Town with a visit to a local WWII historical site. Then, enjoy a relaxing fish spa experience at Marakau.

Next, we head to the scenic Sabah Tea Garden for a guided tour of the tea factory, followed by a fun tea plucking activity while dressed in traditional costume. Enjoy lunch surrounded by the lush tea plantation.

After lunch, we travel overland to Bilit, located by the Kinabatangan River. We expect to arrive around 6:00pm. Upon arrival, transfer to and check in at Bilit Adventure Lodge.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge before setting out on a guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife in the surrounding rainforest. Then it’s time for an early rest to prepare for the next day’s adventures.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Bilit Adventure Lodge

Day 5: Bilit – River Cruise

Start the day early with a 6:00am morning river cruise along the Kinabatangan River. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and other unique wildlife. After the one-hour cruise, return to Bilit Adventure Lodge for a hearty breakfast.

Later in the morning, take part in a hands-on batik painting activity, followed by a tree planting session in the nearby forest — a small but meaningful contribution to local conservation efforts.

Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy some rest time. At 3:30pm, we gather for afternoon tea with a local treat — fried banana fritters.

At 4:00pm, we set out again on a second river cruise to explore another side of the Kinabatangan and spot more wildlife as the sun begins to set.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Bilit Adventure Lodge

Day 6: Bilit ~ Sandakan – Proboscis Monkeys & Fireflies Cruise

After breakfast, we check out of Bilit Adventure Lodge and begin our journey back to Sandakan. Along the way, we stop at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to witness the 11:30am feeding session — a great chance to see these unique monkeys up close in their natural habitat.

We then enjoy lunch at the charming English Tea House, set on a hilltop with lovely views of Sandakan town.

After lunch, transfer to your hotel for check-in and some time to relax.

By 4:00pm, we depart for a visit to a local fishing village. Enjoy a peaceful mangrove river cruise, followed by a magical firefly-watching experience as dusk falls.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Sabah Hotel

Day 7: Sandakan – Wildlife Encounters

Today is a full-day excursion dedicated to Borneo’s incredible wildlife and conservation efforts. After breakfast, we visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you’ll witness both the morning and afternoon feeding sessions, offering a chance to observe these amazing primates in their natural environment.

We also visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bear species, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can explore botanical gardens, canopy walkways, and learn more about Borneo’s rich rainforest ecosystem.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon to freshen up. This evening, we come together for a farewell dinner to celebrate an unforgettable journey through Borneo.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Sabah Hotel

Day 8: End of Tour ~ Depart Sandakan

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some free time to relax or explore at your leisure. When ready, transfer to Sandakan Airport (SDK) for your onward journey.

MEALS: Breakfast

***TURTLE ISLAND EXTENSION*** [Subject to availability]

Day 8: Sandakan ~ Turtle Island

After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred Sabah Park Jetty in Sandakan where you will take a 1-hour boat ride to Selingan Turtle Island. Located only 40 kilometres from North Sandakan, you will have the opportunity to see the main nesting areas of the Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles.

Upon arrival, lunch will be served.

Check in to your basic but clean accommodation. The rest of the day you are free to stretch out by the beach or jump right into the sea for a snorkel round the nearby reefs. Dinner will be served on the Island. After dinner, a Park Ranger will inform you on the right time to encounter turtle laying their eggs along the beach. Get the chance to witness the collecting of eggs from the nestling site and into a safe hatchery and watch baby turtles scrambling out into the open sea upon their release on shore. An adorable sight not to be missed!

It’s time to hit the hay and rest up with an overnight stay at your Selingan Turtle Island Chalet.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Selingan Island Chalet

Day 9: Turtle Island ~ Sandakan

After breakfast and check out say goodbye to the little turtles and head back to Sabah Parks Jetty via boat. Upon arrival transfer to the Sabah hotel for your final afternoon and night in Sandakan.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Sabah Hotel, Sandakan

Day 10: End of Tour ~ Depart Sandakan

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some free time to relax or explore at your leisure. When ready, transfer to Sandakan Airport (SDK) for your onward journey.

MEALS: Breakfast

Description

Experience the spirit of Sabah on this unforgettable Borneo cultural tour. Begin in Kota Kinabalu with a warm welcome dinner. Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village and learn about Sabah’s traditional tribal customs. Later, explore Kota Kinabalu’s landmarks, including the mosque, clock tower and Sabah Museum. Travel to the highlands and stop at Tamparuli Bridge for a Kadazan dance. Shop for handicrafts and tropical fruit at Nabalu Market. Explore Kinabalu Park’s Botanical Garden and visit Kundasang War Memorial and vegetable market.

The journey continues through Ranau with a visit to a local WWII site. Relax with a fish spa at Marakau. At Sabah Tea Garden, tour the factory and pluck tea in traditional costume. After lunch, travel to Bilit by the Kinabatangan River. Settle into Bilit Adventure Lodge and explore the rainforest by night. Enjoy a morning cruise spotting proboscis monkeys and hornbills. Paint batik, plant trees, and take a second wildlife cruise at sunset.

Return to Sandakan and visit Labuk Bay to see proboscis monkeys feeding. Enjoy lunch at the English Tea House. Cruise the mangroves and witness magical fireflies at dusk. Visit Sepilok to see orangutans and sun bears up close. Explore the canopy walkways at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. End your Borneo cultural tour with a special farewell dinner. This journey blends nature, tradition, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. It’s the perfect Borneo cultural tour for those seeking depth, connection, and discovery.

INCLUSIONS

This 8 day Cultural Borneo tour includes 7 nights accommodation and all meals. An English speaking guide is provided, along with and all entrance fees. We operate small groups to enhance your cultural experience. We have travel dates available between October 2025 and December 2026, plus an optional extension to Turtle Island. With a maximum of 10 people, secure your trip to Borneo from just a *25% deposit (Term’s and Conditions apply). Book online or Contact us for more details. See tabs below for a full list of inclusions.

 

INCLUSIONS

 

8 Day Cultural tour

7 Nights hotel accommodation

7x Breakfasts, 6x Lunches, 7x Dinners

Return airport/hotel transfers

English speaking local guides

AC transportation throughout

Visit to Mari Mari Cultural Village

Kota Kinabalu city tour

Traditional Kadazan dance performance at Tamparuli Bridge

Walk across the iconic Tamparuli hanging bridge

Visit to Nabalu Native Market for local crafts and produce

Guided botanical walk at Kinabalu Park

Visit to Kundasang War Memorial Park

Stop at Kundasang Vegetable Market

Visit to WWII historical site in Ranau

Fish spa experience at Marakau (avoid if taking blood thinning medication)

Guided tour of Sabah Tea Garden and tea factory

Tea plucking activity in traditional costume

Guided night walk in Bilit to spot nocturnal wildlife

Morning wildlife river cruise on the Kinabatangan River

Batik painting cultural activity

Tree planting in the rainforest

Afternoon wildlife river cruise on the Kinabatangan River

Visit to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary (feeding session)

Visit to a local fishing village

Mangrove river cruise and firefly-watching experience

Entrance to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Entrance to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

$2 Donation to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Wildlife Rescue Unit

EXCLUSIONS

 

Return International Flights

Tourism Tax of RM10 (approx. $3) per room/night payable on arrival

Camera fees (Approx. $5 per person per attraction. Mobile phone cameras are free)

Beverages for all meals

Tips for guides and drivers (Recommended $5 per person per day but not mandatory)

Personal expenses

Travel insurance

Optional tours

Other meals not included in itinerary

Anything not mentioned in INCLUSIONS

MAP

Black Friday Travel Deals Borneo Tour

DEPARTURE DATES

 

DEPARTURE DATES 2025:

October: 8, 22

November: 5, 19

December: 3

 

DEPARTURE DATES 2026:

January: 14, 28

February: 11, 25

March: 11, 25

April: 8, 22

May: 6, 20

June: 3, 17

July: *1, *15, *29

August: *12, *26

September: *9, *23

October: 7, 21

November: 4, 18

December: 2

 

Dates marked with a * incurs the following surcharges:

* $200 per person

 

HOTELS

 

3-4 STAR HOTELS:

Kota Kinabalu: Grandis Hotel

Kundasang: Perkasa Hotel Mt. Kinabalu

Kinabatangan: Bilit Adventure Lodge

Sandakan: Sabah Hotel

 

In the unlikely event that the listed hotels are fully booked, alternative hotels of the same standard will be used

Triple Share: Not all hotels offer triple share rooms. If a hotel does offer a triple share room, it may include a rollaway bed.

UPGRADES & OPTIONS

 

UPGRADES:

No upgrades available

 

EXTRA NIGHTS:

Extend your time overseas with pre or post tour accommodation

 

PRE TOUR:

Grandis Hotel, Kota Kinabalu: $200 per room

 

POST TOUR:

Sabah Hotel, Sandakan: $200 per room

 

Priced per room per night, including breakfast and airport transfers.

 

OPTIONAL TOURS:

Not Applicable

 

TURTLE ISLAND EXTENSION:

3 Day / 2 Night Extension to Selingan (Turtle) Island – $650 per person / Single supplement $140

INCLUDES:

Return Boat transfers to Selingan (turtle) Island

1 Night Accommodation Selingan Island Chalet

1 Night Sandakan Hotel

2 x Breakfasts, 1 x Lunch, 1 x Dinner

Airport Transfers

Subject to availability

*Triple Share NOT available for Turtle Island Extension for people over 11 years of age.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

OFFER:

By purchasing this package, you agree to MyHoliday2’s Terms and Conditions and the specific terms detailed in each information tab of the package.

The package is valid for one person based on twin share.

Bookings are subject to availability.

 

SINGLE TRAVELLERS:

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies.

  • $700 per person

Accommodation for single customers on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, subject to availability.

 

GROUP SIZE:

Minimum of 2 people

Maximum 10 people

If minimum numbers are not met, you will be requested to change to a different date.

Some tours can be guaranteed with fewer participants; however, surcharges will apply.

If you are unable to change dates, a credit or refund will be offered in accordance with MyHoliday2’s Refund Policy.

 

CHILDREN POLICY:

Children under the age of 2 travel free of charge in existing bedding

Children aged 2-10 receive a child discount.

Children aged 11+ are classified as adults.

Child discounts are only applicable if travelling with two full paying adults.

Maximum room capacity is 2 adults and 2 children (1 in existing bedding, 1 in extra bed)

 

AMENDMENTS:

Any amendments are subject to the supplier’s terms and conditions.

Any changes will incur a $100 per person amendment fee PLUS any additional fees applied by the supplier.

All changes must be requested in writing.

No changes can be made within 90 days of departure. The standard cancellation policy will apply.

If unable to select new dates, a credit valid for 12 months may be offered.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations are subject to MyHoliday2’s Terms and Conditions.

Refunds and credits will be offered in accordance with MyHoliday2’s Refund Policy.

 

PAYMENT PLANS:

MyHoliday2 offers a variety of payment plans based on your tour departure date. Refer to our Terms and Conditions for details.

All payment plans incur a 2% surcharge, paid with the deposit.

If the wrong plan is selected, a $25 fee will be charged to manually amend all invoices.

 

TOURS, DRIVERS & GUIDES:

Day tours included may involve joining larger groups.

Drivers do not provide information on tours.

Drivers may assist in organizing expert guides at certain locations.

Refer to INCLUSIONS for the type of guides included in this package.

For more information on guides, refer to the Terms and Conditions.

 

TRANSFERS:

Refer to INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS to determine if a transfer is applicable and the type of transfer included.

If you have booked your own flights, send flight details to booking@myholiday2.com.au to confirm transfers.

Contact details for our local tour operator can be found on your voucher in your online account.

 

Group Transfer

The timing of group transfers will be set to accommodate the majority of arrival and departure flights.

If you arrive early or depart late, you may need to wait or make your own way to the hotel or airport at your own expense.

As you clear immigration, look for a MyHoliday2 sign with your name.

 

Private Transfer:

As you clear immigration, look for a MyHoliday2 sign with your name.

 

OTHER INFORMATION:

A 25% deposit is non-refundable.

Prices are in AUD$.

Travel insurance is highly recommended; MyHoliday2 takes no responsibility for any travel issues that may arise.

MyHoliday2 pricing reflects current market rates which may fluctuate from day to day.

MyHoliday2 is not obliged to refund or match any subsequent price reductions after purchase.

Customers must obtain the correct visa for their destination and cover associated fees. Please check visa and travel requirements via the Smartraveller website.

For any medical-related information, refer to Smartraveller or contact a travel medical specialist.

Customers must ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

MyHoliday2 pricing reflects market rates, so package prices may fluctuate, and refunds to match subsequent price reductions are not guaranteed.

Departures are not guaranteed until confirmation.

If advertised availability is not present post-purchase, another date selection is necessary.

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