Borneo Wildlife Family Vacation
A six day Borneo trip bursting with nature, wildlife and unforgettable memories for you and your family to enjoy
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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All accommodation with breakfast (some hotels may include further meals)
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All internal flights
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All private ground transfers
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All tours specified in the itinerary description
At a glance
Introduce your loved ones to the wonderful wildlife of Borneo on this succinct hand-picked itinerary.
Your exciting family adventure kick starts in Sandakan where you will get up close to orphaned orangutans at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. Before long you’ll be off on a cruise deep into the wilderness of the Kinabatangan River. Here you can spend your time spotting Borneo‘s most fascinating and endangered species, from Sun Bears to Pygmy Elephants, in their natural, untamed habitat.
A quick flight later and you and your family will be in the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu. These last few days are devoted to hopping from island to island where a dazzling underwater world awaits. If you still have it, use up the rest of your energy rafting, swimming and snorkelling, while those with relaxation on their mind can while away the days lazing on sun-drenched beaches.
Example trip itinerary
Sandakan
Meet and greet at Sandakan airport
Upon arrival in Sandakan airport you will be met by your guide and driver at the plane and assisted through immigration.
Transfer
Private transfer from Sandakan airport to hotel
Lodges and Resorts in Sandakan
- Eighteen stilted water villas
- En-suite facilities
- Open-air restaurant
- Small bar
Found on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River, Abai is one of the newest lodges in this area teeming with exotic wildlife such as orang-utans, langur monkeys, otters and birds. It boasts a brilliant location for spotting these animals thanks mostly to its remote position made only accessible via boat.
Its isolated locale means the eighteen wooden chalets are simply decorated but are clean and comfortable with en-suite facilities including hot showers and a ceiling fan. The main area of the lodge connects to the surrounding rainforest by long wooden platforms, leading you onto a fascinating boardwalk trail and five observation towers.
Abai’s small bar and an open-air restaurant serve up decent local food including the Kinabatangan River’s famously big prawns.
- Sixty air conditioned rooms
- Private bathrooms with hot water
- Private verandas
- Restaurant
Nestled among the lake’s rich jungle fringes of orchids and trees, Sepilok Nature Resort offers a peaceful and comfortable place to explore the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and Rehabilitation Centre.
All sixty of the comfortable chalets come with air conditioning, traditional interiors and private verandas that give you good views.
The Reserve which is home to the last wild Orang-utans of Northern Borneo, is just a mere walk away from the resort. Immersed into this pristine wilderness enjoy days, nights, delicious meals and downtime to the chorus of creatures that surround you.
Take advantage of the river trips, trekking and birding excursions that are all on offer.
- Ten private chalets
- Four rooms in a longhouse
- Restaurant
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is tucked away in the wilderness of Lower Kinabatangan, surrounding the pristine freshwater swamps and mangrove forest. An internationally important ecosystem that supports some 100 plant, 200 bird and 50 mammal species, it is a rich place ripe for exploring.
Reached by an hour-long boat from Sandakan, the resort has four rooms in a Longhouse Cabin and ten more private chalets for those after a bit more luxury, all connected to the restaurant by wooden walkways. The eco credentials here are strong with power predominantly solar generated and water collected and sand filtered from the river and rain.
Venture out onto the forest’s rivers and channels on boat cruises in search of proboscis monkey, orangutan, elephant, hornbills and more. There’s some fantastic bird watching to be had and a network of jungle trails start from the resort for night and morning walks.
Three days exploring Sandakan
Spend your time in this wildlife hubbub getting up close to orangutans at the renowned Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, discovering Malaysia’s second longest river, Kinabatangan.
Transfer
Private transfer to Sepilok Nature Resort
Sepilok Nature Resort Orangutan Tour
You will be picked up from Sepilok Nature Resort early in the morning and proceed to the free roaming area feeding platform to feed the Orang Utans. At this center, you will be able to observe man's closest relative, the Orang Utan, being rehabilitated to become wild in their natural habitat and experience a walk through the tropical lowland dipterocarp forest of Borneo.
Transfer
Shared speedboat transfer to Kinabatangan
Kinabatangan River Tour
Cruise into the Mangrove Forest and Sakau Village for two nights at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. Look out for proboscis monkey, orang-utan, gibbons, pygmy elephant and hornbills on the river cruises during your stay. You will also visit the atmospheric Sandakan Market.
Transfer
Private transfer to Sandakan airport
Flight
Flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
Transfer
Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu hotel
Resorts in Kota Kinabalu
- 48 timbered villas
- Thirty minute speed boat ride from Kota Kinabalu
- Private balconies
- Three dining locations
- PADI Dive Centre
- Gymnasium
- Use of Solace Spa at Gayana Eco Resort
- Use of the Marine Ecology Research Centre at Gayana Eco Resort
Just thirty minutes from Kota Kinabalu, this scenic resort is nestled in on a secluded bay with fine white sands on its doorstep and an ancient verdant jungle for its backdrop. With its 48 timbered villas, high quality service and picturesque backdrop, this is the ultimate heavenly hideaway.
The hand-crafted villas unite traditional Borneo design with modern-day comforts, ensuring every your every need is met. Private balconies offer beach views, while the larger accommodations boast wraparound decks alongside personal plunge pools.
Dining here consists of the contemporary European bistro, Koi, the relaxed, oceanfront Pantai Grill and the atmospheric Wine Cave. Leisure is also well catered for with the use of Solace Spa at sister and nearby property, Gayana Eco Resort, alongside a long list of exciting activities from kayaking to jungle trekking.
- 52 villas
- Thirty minute speed boat ride from Kota Kinabalu
- On-site Marine Ecology Research Centre
- Spa
- PADI Dive centre
- Three dining spots
- Function and meeting rooms
The densely forested Gaya Island sits just off Borneo’s coastline and the Gayana Marine Resort is one of the best places to stay here.
The environmentally conscious resort boasts 52 sumptuous villas which not only sit out on the water but command views of the impressive Mount Kinabalu. The villas combines neat local style with an array of modern comforts.
The dining options consist of Alu Alu Seafood, Macac Restaurant and Latitude Lounge where healthy, fresh and delicious dishes make up the menus. You can choose to dine here or within the comfort of your own private deck.
Gayana also has a good spa but if you want to get active however, this beautiful resort also provides lots to get involved with. Just some of the activities include discovering the ocean’s vibrant gems whist snorkelling, to playing marine biologist for the day at the on-site Marine Ecology Research Centre.
- 416 guestrooms
- Six dining spots
- Eco-friendly championship golf course
- Chi spa
- Swimming pool
- Children’s fun club
Found on the enchanting Pantai Dalit beach, the majestic Shangri La Rasa Ria boasts an impressive array of facilities and services to accompany its jaw-dropping setting.
The 416 Malay themed guestrooms are split between the garden and ocean wings where tranquillity and privacy prevail. While the garden rooms come furnished with touches of nature and such as a pretty garden with sea views, the premier ocean wing rooms provide complete extravagance and comfort.
Various dining tastes are taken care of with Malaysian, Western and Asian dishes all available. An abundance of recreational activities from wind surfing to looking after baby Orang-utans means leisure pursuits are seen to as well. The vast list of amenities here encompasses an eco-friendly championship golf course, six dining locations, a swimming pool and spa.
Shangri La Rasa Ria is approximately 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu airport.
Three days at Kota Kinabalu
Explore this bustling city or retreat to the beautiful islands and beaches on its doorstep.
Shared Half Day Island Hopping and Snorkelling Tour
Spend a few hours today hopping from idyllic isle to idyllic isle. Relax on the beach and snorkel among the underwater life, reefs and tropical coastline of this part of Borneo.
Full day white water rafting in Kota Kinabalu
The Kiulu white water raids are an ideal introduction to white water rafting as the rapid are grade one-two and the river is safe to swim in. Between rapids enjoy views of paddy fields, isolated Dusan villages and fruit farms. Jacada Travel can recommend high grade rapids for the more experienced or adventurous.
Transfer
Private transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Borneo Wildlife Family Vacation
How we work
Introduce your loved ones to the wonderful wildlife of Borneo on this succinct hand-picked itinerary. Your exciting family adventure kick starts in Sandakan where you will get up close to orphaned orangutans at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. Before long you’ll be off on a cruise deep into the wilderness of the Kinabatangan River. Here you can spend your time spotting Borneo‘s most fascinating and endangered species, from Sun Bears to Pygmy Elephants, in their natural, untamed habitat. A quick flight later and you and your family will be in the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu. These last few days are devoted to hopping from island to island where a dazzling underwater world awaits. If you still have it, use up the rest of your energy rafting, swimming and snorkelling, while those with relaxation on their mind can while away the days lazing on sun-drenched beaches. | Whats included?
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Days 1-4 |
Sandakan |
| Meet and greet at Sandakan airport Upon arrival in Sandakan airport you will be met by your guide and driver at the plane and assisted through immigration. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Sandakan airport to hotel |
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Lodges and Resorts in Sandakan
•
Abai Jungle Lodge - $$$$$
Found on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River, Abai is one of the newest lodges in this area teeming...
•
Sepilok Nature Resort - $$$$$
Nestled among the lake’s rich jungle fringes of orchids and trees, Sepilok Nature Resort...
•
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort - $$$$$
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is tucked away in the wilderness of Lower Kinabatangan,...
|
|
| Three days exploring Sandakan Spend your time in this wildlife hubbub getting up close to orangutans at the renowned Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, discovering Malaysia’s second longest river, Kinabatangan. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Sepilok Nature Resort |
|
| Sepilok Nature Resort Orangutan Tour You will be picked up from Sepilok Nature Resort early in the morning and proceed to the free roaming area feeding platform to feed the Orang Utans. At this center, you will be able to observe man's closest relative, the Orang Utan, being rehabilitated to become wild in their natural habitat and experience a walk through the tropical lowland dipterocarp forest of Borneo. |
|
| Shared speedboat transfer to Kinabatangan | |
| Kinabatangan River Tour Cruise into the Mangrove Forest and Sakau Village for two nights at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. Look out for proboscis monkey, orang-utan, gibbons, pygmy elephant and hornbills on the river cruises during your stay. You will also visit the atmospheric Sandakan Market. |
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| Private transfer to Sandakan airport | |
| Flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu | |
Days 4-6 |
Kota Kinabalu |
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Flights & transfers
Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu hotel |
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Resorts in Kota Kinabalu
•
Bunga Raya Resort - $$$$$
Just thirty minutes from Kota Kinabalu, this scenic resort is nestled in on a secluded bay...
•
Gayana Marine Resort - $$$$$
The densely forested Gaya Island sits just off Borneo’s coastline and the Gayana Marine...
•
Shangri La Rasa Ria - $$$$$
Found on the enchanting Pantai Dalit beach, the majestic Shangri La Rasa Ria boasts an...
|
|
| Three days at Kota Kinabalu Explore this bustling city or retreat to the beautiful islands and beaches on its doorstep. |
|
| Shared Half Day Island Hopping and Snorkelling Tour Spend a few hours today hopping from idyllic isle to idyllic isle. Relax on the beach and snorkel among the underwater life, reefs and tropical coastline of this part of Borneo. |
|
| Full day white water rafting in Kota Kinabalu The Kiulu white water raids are an ideal introduction to white water rafting as the rapid are grade one-two and the river is safe to swim in. Between rapids enjoy views of paddy fields, isolated Dusan villages and fruit farms. Jacada Travel can recommend high grade rapids for the more experienced or adventurous. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport |
