Borneo Adventure
Wildlife, culture, and scuba diving
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01892 527392
Group Size: 20
Trip code: TRBA
Duration: 9 or 12 days
With some of the world’s most wildlife rich rainforests, abundant marine life and indigenous cultures that are still alive and kicking, Borneo is up there with the most exciting travel destinations in the world. Explore the best of this tropical paradise on this epic 9-or-12-day group tour. Take two river safaris, hike through the rainforest, immerse yourself in local culture with some Sabah tribes, swing through the rainforest treetops on a canopy walk, and enjoy the best snorkelling or diving of your life! If you want to go home with more than a killer tan, some new besties, and some great memories, why not choose the 12-day option and take a PADI Open Water qualification too – awesome!
Trip highlights
- Meet baby orangutans and the world’s smallest bear in Sepilok
- Spend the day with Sabah people in Mari Mari, learning all about their traditional culture
- Take not one, but two wildlife cruises on the mighty Kinabatangan River
- Get a bird’s eye view on Mount Kinabalu’s ancient rainforest on a canopy treetop walk
- Take a snorkel safari or try out diving on gorgeous Gaya Island
- Add on a 3-day PADI Open Water course and learn how to dive
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- 100% Financially Secure
- We have provided financial bonds which guarantee that your money is totally safe with Gap 360 Ltd.
- 8 or 11-nights’ accommodation
- 1 breakfast
- Tour guide
- Airport transfer on arrival
- All on-trip transport
- Mari Mari cultural village trip
- Orangutan rehabilitation centre
- Sun bear rehabilitation centre
- Kinabatangan River safari
- Kundasang war memorial
- Langanan waterfall trek
- Hot springs
- Canopy walkway - Mount Kinabalu’s treetops
- Snorkel safari / Try diving
- 3-day Open Water PADI course (option 2 only)
- 24-hour emergency support
- Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Most meals
- Return airport transfer
- Optional activities
Please note: Option 2 adds on an Open Water PADI course to your trip, extending the tour to 12 days.
Day 1: Arrive in Kota Kinabalu. Welcome to Borneo! One of our friendly local team members will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our awesome eco-lodge. Meet your travel fam this evening over a welcome dinner in lively Kota Kinabalu, followed by sundowners on the waterfront.
Day 2: Mari Mari village trip. Head to Mari Mari; the village so good they named it twice! The village is home to the three main tribes of Sabah, and you’ll hear all about the island’s head-hunters, the villagers’ ancestors, and the high priestess of a local tribe known as the Bobohizan.
Day 3: Sun Bears and Rainforest. Travel the picturesque route to Sepilok today, where we’ll visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. After meeting the bears, we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) and walk the longest canopy walkway in Sabah. This evening, hang with your buddies in our epic jungle resort.
Day 4: Orangutans and Kinabatangan River safari. Today is the highlight of the trip for a lot of travellers - we visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to meet some of our favourite primates before checking out Kinabatangan River for an unforgettable wildlife safari.
Day 5: River safari and War memorial. Next on the menu is charming Kundasang where we’ll visit the war memorial and gardens, sample some local rice wines and tuck into some authentic street food at a local market.
Day 6: Waterfall trek and hot springs. Get a bird’s eye view on Mount Kinabalu’s ancient rainforest today on a spectacular canopy treetop walk! Then check out Langanan Waterfall before a scenic jungle trek. After a full day, enjoy the ultimate relaxation sesh in a mineral-rich hot spring – lush!
Day 7: Chill day. After an epic week of fun and adventure, we’re sure you’ll agree that it’s about time to kick back and relax! Hit the local markets, treat yourself to a massage, or do some laid-back souvenir shopping. Tonight, watch that epic KK sunset again with a round of cocktails.
Day 8: Gaya Island. We’re taking a snorkelling and diving expedition (you choose which) on gorgeous Gaya Island today. Hop on our speedboat and hold onto your hats, then spend your day swimming with reef sharks, nemo and maybe even a turtle or two!
Day 9: Trip end or open water diving course (option 2). If you chose option 1, you’re saying your goodbyes today. If you chose option 2, then you’re starting your Open Water PADI course! Start by learning the basics before heading out into the ocean to put the theory into practice.
*Please note, if you chose to go diving on day 8, you won’t be able to fly today. You are required to allow at least 24 hours before flying to comply with PADI guidelines and for your own safety.
Day 10: Open water diving course (option 2). Spend the day exploring the big blue. It’s like being the Little Mermaid for a few days! The marine life here is next level. We’re talking snappers, angelfish, clownfish, reef tip sharks and maybe some turtles – wow!
Day 11: Open water diving course (option 2). We’re rounding off on our PADI course today, enjoying a few more sensational dives and picking up our certificates – go us! Then it’s time for a few beers with the travel fam to celebrate – cheers!
Day 12: Trip end. Borneo, you’ve been a blast, but it’s time to part ways and continue our travels. Best of all, you’re not just going home with a killer tan and some great memories, you’ve got some new besties and a diving qualification – awesome!
*Please note, as you will be diving on the last day of your tour, you are required to allow at least 24 hours before flying to comply with PADI guidelines and for your own safety.
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Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Arrival
Fly into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) where one of our friendly local team will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to our starting accommodation. There are no activities planned for today until a welcome dinner this evening, followed by sunset drinks on the waterfront.
Departure
If you chose option 1, your trip ends on day 9 in Kota Kinabalu. While there are no activities planned for today, you won’t be able to fly if you tried out scuba diving on day 8, as you need to allow 24-hours between diving and flying to comply with PADI guidelines. If you chose the snorkel safari instead on day 8, you’re free to fly home.
If you chose option 2, your trip ends on day 12 in Kota Kinabalu. You won’t be able to fly home today as you need to leave 24-hours between diving and flying to comply with PADI guidelines. Your travel advisor can help you book an additional night of accommodation if required.
Return airport transfers are not included but are easy to arrange. Your tour guide can help you book something locally.
Accommodation
8 or 11 night’s accommodation are included on this trip, depending on whether you choose options 1 or 2.
Meals
1 breakfast is included on this trip.
You’ll need to be a minimum of 18 years old to participate in this trip.
British nationals do not need a visa to visit Malaysia. You will normally be given permission to stay for 3 months on arrival. Your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. If it is not, you may be refused entry and detained. You may also be refused entry and detained if your passport has any damage or has pages missing.
Please note: Visa rules are subject to change. Please check for the most up to date information before you travel.