Borneo

Welcome to Borneo – Where Nature Gets Wild

Touchdown in Kota Kinabalu, and let the adventure begin! Over the next 12 days, we dive headfirst into Borneo's untamed beauty: from white-water rafting thrills to steamy hot springs, jungle treks, and wildlife encounters that’ll make your jaw drop. Think proboscis monkeys flaunting their unique features, baby turtles making their first dash to the sea, and orangutans swinging through the trees. Oh, and did we mention summiting Mount Kinabalu at sunrise? This isn't just a trip; it's a full-on expedition into the wild heart of Borneo.

12-Day Borneo

Quick summary

Start: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
End: Kota Kinabalu (before heading to Bali)
Duration: 12 days
Total Distance: Approx. 1,200 km
Transport: Mix of private transfers, boats, and short flights
Highlights: Mount Kinabalu summit, Kinabatangan River safari, Turtle Island hatchlings, Sepilok orangutans, Gomantong Caves
Best Time to Go: March–October (dry season)
Vibe: Adventurous, nature-immersive, and slightly muddy

Borneo Unplugged: 12 Days of Wild Wonders & Jungle Thrills

Day 1–3: Kota Kinabalu – City Vibes & River Thrills

Touchdown in KK! After settling in, we dive into local flavors at the waterfront seafood market—pick your fish straight from the tank. The next day, we embark on a thrilling rafting adventure on the Kiulu River, navigating gentle rapids amidst lush greenery. Day three is all about culture: we visit Mari Mari Cultural Village to learn about traditional rice production and the history of rubber tapping.

Food Tip: Try the local dish "nasi lemak" at Kedai Kopi Yee Fung.
- Lunch: D'Place Kinabalu (authentic Sabahan cuisine)
- Dinner: Welcome Seafood Restaurant (fresh catches galore)
Stay: The Shore CBD (comfortable and centrally located)
Things to do:
- Embark on a rafting adventure on the Kiulu River.

Day 4–5: Conquering Mount Kinabalu

We drive to Kinabalu Park (app 2 hours) and begin our ascent of Mount Kinabalu. The trail takes us through diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to alpine meadows. Overnight at Laban Rata Resthouse. A pre-dawn push gets us to the summit for sunrise—a breathtaking reward.

Why climbing the Mt Kinabalu? This is Southeast Asia’s highest peak at 4,095 meters—and climbing it is like walking through several different ecosystems in one go. You start in tropical rainforest, move through a cloud forest, and end on bare, wind-swept granite at the summit. And the sunrise from Low’s Peak? Absolutely worth the 3AM wake-up and burning quads.

Lunch: Packed lunch on the trail
Dinner: Buffet at Laban Rata
Stay: Laban Rata Resthouse (basic but essential for summit attempts
Excursion: 2D1N Mount Kinabalu

Day 6: Poring Hot Springs & Nature Exploration

Post-climb relaxation at Poring Hot Springs, we drive from Kinabalu Park to Poring Hot Springs – approx. 40 km. We also explore the butterfly farm, take on the canopy walkway for a bird's-eye view of the rainforest, and visit the Rafflesia Centre to see the world's largest flower in bloom.

The Rafflesia Flower, is the world’s largest flower, and it smells like a dead animal. Glamorous, right? But seeing a real Rafflesia in bloom is rare and incredible—these giants bloom only a few times a year, and only for a couple of days. Catching one in person is a legit nature win.

Lunch: Local eatery near Poring
Dinner: Restoran Liwagu (local dishes with a view)
Stay: Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Poring Hot Springs
Things to do: (all in 1 tour)
- Soak in the Poring Hot Springs.
- Visit the butterfly farm and canopy walkway.
- Explore the nearby waterfalls

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Day 7–8: Kinabatangan River Safari

Poring Hot Springs to Kinabatangan River – approx. 390 km.

We journey to the Kinabatangan River, Borneo's wildlife haven. Boat cruises reveal proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and a plethora of bird species. Night walks offer a chance to spot nocturnal creatures.

The Proboscis Monkeys are something unique: You won’t see these hilarious, big-nosed primates anywhere else in the world—they’re endemic to Borneo. The males sport comically oversized noses and permanent “excitement” (yep, that’s a thing), and their potbellies come from digesting a very specific diet of fermented leaves. Watching them jump from tree to tree while cruising down the Kinabatangan River feels like entering a real-life David Attenborough doc.

The next day we also visit Gomantong Caves, home to swiftlets and bats.

This bat cave isn’t just a scene out of Batman—it’s a working bird’s nest soup industry, a hotspot for millions of bats, and home to some creepy crawlies. Watching the bat exodus at sunset feels like nature throwing you a spooky parade. Wear a hat… seriously.

Lunch: Lodge-provided meals
Dinner: Lodge-provided meals
Stay: Borneo Jungle Adventure (immersed in nature)

Day 9-10: Turtle Island Experience

A boat ride takes us to Selingan Turtle Island (app 1 hour). Afternoon snorkeling reveals vibrant marine life. At night, we witness mother turtles laying eggs and baby hatchlings making their way to the sea—a humbling experience.

Seeing baby turtles make their way into the ocean for the first time (and praying they don’t get eaten) is one of those raw, emotional experiences you don’t forget. At night, witnessing a massive green turtle come ashore to lay eggs under the stars is equally magical. This island is one of the few places in the world you can witness both in one day—conservation in real time.

Lunch: Island cafeteria
Dinner: Island cafeteria
Stay: Selingan Turtle Island Chalet - Basic chalets on Turtle Island – rustic but comfortable.

Day 10: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Turtle Island to Sepilok via Sandakan – approx. 40 km. Back on the mainland, we visit Sepilok to observe rescued orangutans during feeding times. The adjacent Sun Bear Conservation Centre offers insights into the world's smallest bear species.

This isn’t a zoo—it’s a rehabilitation centre, helping orphaned orangutans get back to the wild. The close encounters are moving. You see their intelligence, mischief, and deep emotion in a way that hits you hard. You’ll leave with a new appreciation (and maybe a few tears).

Right next door to the orangutan rehab, this sanctuary is home to the world’s smallest bear—the sun bear. But don’t let their size fool you; these little guys are seriously badass. They’re expert climbers, fruit lovers, and they have tongues so long they can slurp honey from tight tree crevices (hence the nickname "honey bear").

Sadly, many were rescued from illegal pet trades or poaching, and here they’re being gently reintroduced to semi-wild life. Watching them climb, play, and tear open logs is both adorable and powerful. It’s another reminder of how fragile, and fierce, Borneo’s wildlife really is.

Lunch: Sepilok Nature Resort Restaurant
Dinner: English Tea House & Restaurant (colonial charm with a view)
Stay: Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Excursion: Orang Utan & Sun Bear

Day 11: Return to Kota Kinabalu

We fly back to KK, reflecting on our adventures. The evening is free for last-minute shopping or a sunset drink at the waterfront.

Travel: Sepilok to Kota Kinabalu – approx. 1-hour flight.
Lunch: Old Town White Coffee (Malaysian favorites)
Dinner: Shangri-La's Sunset Bar (cocktails with a view)
Stay: Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu (luxury to end the trip)

Day 12: Departure to Bali

We bid farewell to Borneo and catch our flight to Bali for the next chapter of our journey.

From misty mountain peaks to steamy jungles and serene beaches, Borneo has offered us an adventure like no other. We've encountered incredible wildlife, challenged ourselves physically, and immersed in rich cultures. As we head to Bali, we carry with us memories of a land that's wild, wonderful, and waiting for your own exploration.

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