Borneo Family Wildlife Adventure Private Tour

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Why You Should Go

Borneo is located in the Malay Peninsula, bordered by the northwest region of the South China Sea and spanning south ot the Java Sea. With the island effectively split into two regions, above and below the equator, the climate reflects the hot, humid equatorial temperatures. As the third-largest island in the world, Borneo is home to an expansive, dense rainforest. Based on its remote location, set amongst tropical plants, grasses, trees, and orchids, the main reason for staying here is the location’s rich wildlife experiences in Mt. Kinabalu, Sandakan, and along the 347-mile-long Kinabatangan River, home to the Bornean pygmy elephants!

We love Borneo because of its rich landscape, boasting lush equatorial rainforests and ancient ecosystems. The northern areas of Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah) contain a rich variety of flora and fauna — over 1,000 species of flowers and plants with over 58 mountain bird species alone! Among our top family experiences in Sabah was the extraordinary Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. For those who are more physically ambitious, there is always the trek up Mt. Kinabalu. This itinerary combines unparalleled wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure with a cultural exploration of this diverse land.

Best Travel Time: Spring Summer

*All of our comprehensive private tour itineraries are inclusive of all luxury accommodations, private guide/driver throughout, daily meals as specified, INTERNAL flights/rail /private transfers as needed, & all taxes/service fees.

Sample Itinerary

12 Days

Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines, our sister company, TRAVNET, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.

Day 1

Fly US/Kuala Lumpur
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.

Day 2

Fly Kuala Lumpur/Kota Kinabalu + Arrive Kota Kinabalu
Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, you will be welcomed to Borneo by our local representative and privately transferred to Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Accommodations: Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Aerial View of Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Day 3

Mari Mari Cultural Village Visit
Following breakfast, you will meet your private guide and driver and transfer to the village of Mari Mari. During this village visit, you will get a firsthand look at the life of those in Sabah. Upon arrival, you will be able to visit the homes of various residents, each built by descendants of the tribes they represent. As you explore the area, you may stop into various demonstration huts and learn about the making of the blowpipe, starting a fire, and tattoo making, among others. Though slightly touristy, we feel this is a fun stopover for families.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodations: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort or Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Day 4

Mount Kinabalu Exploration

Following breakfast, you will meet your private guide and driver to transfer to Mount Kinabalu Park, home to the Mt. Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia and one of the highest (+ safest and most scalable!) in Southeast Asia. The Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its rich biodiversity, including over 5,000 identified plant species (more than the entirety of Europe and North America combined), including the Rafflesia, AKA “the stinking corpse lily.” Your Mt. Kinabalu Park exploration includes a visit to the Poring Hot Springs, canopy walkway, and Nabalu observation point.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Day 5

Fly Kota Kinabalu/Sandakan
Today, you will take a short flight to Sandakan, located on Malaysia’s eastern coast. Upon arrival in Sandakan, you will be privately transferred to Sepilok Nature Lodge. Based on its remote jungle location, the 23-chalet Sepilok Nature Resort offers clean, controlled accommodations perfect for an overnight stay. Our favorite part of this resort is the massive garden (which practically hides the property!), displaying an impressive collection of exotic plants, including 150 different species of orchid and fruit varieties.

Option: Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
In the center of the mangrove forests of Semawang lies the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you will have the opportunity to see Borneo’s indigenous proboscis monkeys native to Borneo Island. This privately-owned nature sanctuary and reserve gives you the chance to observe these animals up close, though we prefer the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Sepilok Nature Lodge

Day 6

Sandakan/Kinabatangan River Exploration

Following breakfast, enjoy the following optional Sabah wildlife experiences:

Option: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center
Just steps away from the Sepilok Nature Resort, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center covers an area of approximately 10,600 acres on the edge of the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. At any given time, 60-80 orphaned orangutans live free in the reserve, with about 20 young orphans housed in the nurseries. Feeding time (10 am – 3 pm) is the precious time to interact with these amazing creatures. Although you are not allowed to touch, rest assured that you will have up-close opportunities to be amused.

Option: Sun Bears Conservation Centre
This sanctuary works to preserve the highly endangered Malayan Sun Bear. Covering approximately five acres, there are currently 30 active bears (!) living in the sanctuary. During your tour, you will be led by Dr. Wong, theoriginator of the plan to save these bears! Dr. Wong will teach you about the conservation process, the history of the bears’ relationship to the region, and guide you to the best areas for spotting these amazing, majestic creatures. Enjoy!

Following your exploration, you will privately transfer to the 20-villa Sukau Rainforest Lodge, an award-winning eco-lodge, with the distinction of being one of National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World!”

After settling into your villa, you will be introduced to a local nature guide who will review the wildlife you may encounter (including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and rhino hornbills) on a river cruise along the 348-mile-long Kinabatangan River, beginning in the Crocker Range in Southwest Sabah and ending at the Sulu Sea southeast of Sandakan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Day 7

Kinabatangan River + Pitas Oxbow Lake Private Tour
For the truly intrepid, we suggest a very early wake-up for an excursion to Ox Bow Lake. This is an optimal time to observe the many bird species and monkeys seeking food in the early morning. You will be subsequently transferred back to the lodge for breakfast. Your morning activity will include trekking in the surrounding forests, followed by lunch at the lodge.

In the late afternoon, you will take another Kinabatangan River cruise upstream in search of more flora and fauna. The highlight of the day, following dinner, will be the nighttime river cruise, where you will see the nocturnal wildlife up close. Particularly for bird enthusiasts, the night cruise offers a unique opportunity to see the Borneo birds up close and personal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodations: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Borneo Pygmy Elephant seen in Danum Valley, Borneo

Day 8

Boat Transfer Sandakan/Danum Valley
Following breakfast, you will be met by your private guide and transferred back to Sandakan via boat.

Upon arrival in Sandakan, you will transfer to Lahat Datu. From Lahat Datu, you will be privately driven through the Danum Valley Conservation Area on your way to check in at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, where you will take an introductory trek on the Nature Trail & Canopy Walk.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

The Danum Valley Conservation Area canopy walkway

Day 9

Danum Valley Private Tour
Following breakfast, you will start your day with a guided trek to Coffin Cliff, an ancient burial site of the Kadazandusun tribe.

Option: Coffin Cliff Trail
An approximately 1.9-mile upward hike to its highest point, the Coffin Cliff Trail ends where the remains of some Kadazandusun-Dusan native coffins can be seen. The wooden coffins are embedded in the face of the cliffs, a reminder of the natural importance of the surrounding valley. About 100 meters/330 feet from this point, the top of the cliff provides striking views across the endless rainforest.

After a refreshing dip in a natural pool, you will return to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge for lunch. Then, you may choose from various afternoon activities, such as a guided jungle trek or water tubing down the Danum River. Following dinner, you will be taken on a guided safari night drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Day 10

Fly Danum Valley/Kota Kinabalu + Fly Kota Kinabalu/Kuala Lumpur
After a leisurely morning and following lunch at the Lodge, you will be transferred to Lahad Datu Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, and onwards to Kuala Lumpur.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

Day 11

Half-Day Kuala Lumpur Private Tour

We feel Kuala Lumpur is a more interesting, non-commercial version of Singapore, largely due to the diverse ethnography and religious identities that make up the city. Your half-day tour introduces you to the Malay, Chinese, and South Indian cultural influences, as well as the city’s historical and cultural sites. You will begin your tour with a morning visit to the traditional Buddhist/Taoist/Confucian, Thean Hou Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess, Mazu.

Next, explore the Colonial District with a stop at Merdeka Square, the site where, in 1957, 20,000 people gathered to witness and celebrate independence from the British, followed by the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu temple, concluding at the Petronas Twin Towers skybridge.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Day 12

Fly Kuala Lumpur/Home OR Optional Excursion to Langkawi Island
Following breakfast at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport for your flight home, or onwards to Langkawi Island.

Langkawi is derived from the Malay word for “red eagle.” Located approximately 20 miles from the northwest coast of the Malaysian peninsula, Langkawi comprises an ecologically diverse 99-island archipelago. We suggest an extension to this island to explore the largely uninhabited regions of the island, which are enveloped in dense, tropical vegetation.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Though a bit “long in the tooth”, we feel the 416-room Shangri-La Rasa Ria to be the ideal luxury hotel staying point for the many flora/fauna activities in the greater Kota Kinabalu area. Located in its own unspoiled stretch of beach, the family-friendly Shangri-La includes many laudable activities/amenities: a full-service “chi” spa, pools, golf, an array of dining outlets, a kids club, and evening firefly-watching. The large, spacious Ocean Wing Premier Rooms are our favorite.

Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

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Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Based on its remote jungle location, set amongst tropical plants, grasses, trees, and orchids, the 23-chalet Sepilok Nature Lodge provides clean, controlled accommodations, perfect for an overnight stay. Our favorite part of this resort is its gigantic garden (which practically hides the property!), holding an impressive collection of exotic plants, including 150 different species of orchid and fruit varieties. Though certainly a more ‘basic’ accommodation compared to the luxury Four Seasons, each chalet does include air-conditioning, overhead fans, and ensuite bathrooms, and verandas which overlook either the lake or rainforest. The big plus for staying here is the location’s rich wildlife experience, set around a lake and within walking distance of the famous Sepilor Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

Sepilok Nature Lodge

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During our stay here back in 2016, we were a bit surprised at the level of comfort + great food the lodge provides, despite such a remote solar-powered location! Similar to Botswana’s “Big 5,” we were lucky to sight Borneo’s native “Big 5” version, including Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, pygmy elephants, and rhino hornbills. Our only miss was the elusive Estuarine Crocodile! Enjoy this untouched wildlife-rich rainforest! Perched on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River and surrounded by the lush tropical rainforest, the luxury 20-room, 20-villa Sukau Rainforest Lodge is an award-winning eco-lodge, with the distinction of being one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World! Though opened back in 1995 as the Sukau region’s first eco-lodge, the property has gone through several renovations over the past few years.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

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In contrast to the more spartan accommodations of the Abai Jungle Lodge, the upper 4-star Borneo Rainforest Lodge provides a more high-touch quality jungle lodge overnight experience. Located 2.5 hours away via a bumpy road from the nearest town, the lodge is set in the flora and fauna of the Danum Valley Conservation Area. This area is the largest protected lowland rainforest, comprising 108,000 acres, offering nature walks, night walks, and riverboat trips. These experiences provide opportunities to see 124 mammal species, 72 reptile species, 56 different amphibians, and an array of 340 colorful bird species! Among the lodge’s 31 wooden chalets, our favorite is the Premium Deluxe Chalet with a private infinity pool. The spacious dining area and veranda, plus the lodge’s high-quality naturalist guides, compare favorably with our Botswana safari experiences.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

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Though we’re partial to boutique hotels with under 200 rooms, the 662-room Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a decent, 5-star hotel option in the city center. While a bit dated in architecture and decor, the hotel’s location is ideal for top-floor views of the city and proximity to the Petronas Towers, Menara Tower, and Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park. After a full day of touring, the hotel’s Spa at Shangri-La Shang Wellness Retreat offers full-service treatments, such as a Thai herbal compress massage, and Urutan, a blend of Malaysian and indigenous massage techniques. Common area amenities include a health club, pool, terrace, hair salon, and the Horizon Club Lounge. The hotel also has multiple onsite restaurants, including Zipangu, a traditional Japanese restaurant helmed by Chef Kazuo Takizawa, and Shang Palace for Cantonese fine dining.

Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

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We consistently recommend this 5-star property to clients seeking a private beach resort surrounded by rainforest and wildlife. Located at the edge of Malaysia’s Langkawi island, The Datai Langkawi is an award-winning hotel featuring 121 accommodations: 54 rooms, 40 villas, 12 suites, and 14 beach villas. Highlights include three outdoor pools, a beachfront fitness center with yoga and pilates, a nature center staffed by naturalists and marine biologists, and the renowned Els Club Teluk Datai, home to a tennis court and a spectacular 18-hole golf course designed by Ernie Els. Its luxury amenities are only a fraction of what makes The Datai Langkawi so great. What truly sets this iconic property apart is its setting: a 10-million-year-old rainforest on the secluded Datai Bay, named one of National Geographic’s “Top 10 Beaches in the World”. Dining options range from The Gulai House, serving authentic Malaysian cuisine in a traditional setting, to The Pavilion with southern Thai specialties, plus all-day dining at the main pool, a Beach Bar, and the Beach Club by the water.

The Datai Langkawi

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