Explore Borneo: A More Mindful Malaysian Adventure

Days 1-4: Kota Kinabalu

Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and settle into Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu for four nights. After your flight, take the first day at your own pace, with time to rest or explore the waterfront.

In Kiulu, a guided cycle follows country roads past paddy fields and villages. Cross suspension bridges still used to travel between communities, then stop at a Dusun home for a snack and conversation about local traditions. A short walk through a plantation introduces rubber tapping, before a local lunch and the return journey to the city.

At Mari Mari Cultural Village, walk among traditional houses with a guide and see demonstrations of bamboo cooking, fire-making and blowpipe use, alongside dance. Back in Kota Kinabalu, follow the boardwalks through KK Wetlands’ urban mangroves, pause for a photo outside the City Mosque and browse the handicraft market.

Another day takes you by road and boat to Ara Dinawan. There’s time to swim or snorkel, with kayaking available as an option, before lunch by the beach. Return to Kota Kinabalu for the evening.

Day 5: Poring Hot Springs

Leave the city for Kinabalu Park, stopping at Tamparuli to cross its hanging bridge. Walk through the park’s Botanical Garden beneath the slopes of Mount Kinabalu, then continue to Poring Hot Springs.

After lunch, soak in the outdoor hot tubs fed by natural springs. If you’d like to explore further, walk to Kipungit Waterfall or take the canopy walkway above the forest floor. Stay overnight at Poring Hot Springs & Nature Resort.

Days 6-7: Sepilok and Sandakan

Stop at Sabah Tea for a guided tour of the factory, following the leaves through processing and packing. Continue to Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort for two nights.

The next morning, visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to learn about its work preparing orangutans for life in the wild and watch the feeding from the boardwalk. At the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, find out about the care of rescued bears. Later, explore Sandakan: visit the Memorial Park, take in the view over Sandakan Bay from Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, and tour Agnes Keith House. Finish with tea at the English Tea House.

Days 8-9: Kinabatangan

Travel overland to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, beside the Kinabatangan River. An afternoon cruise by electric boat takes you along the waterway, where you can scan the banks and treetops for wildlife. After dinner overlooking the river, a presentation from the resident naturalist shares more about the area.

Start the next day with a cruise to Kelenap Oxbow Lake, a crescent-shaped lake formed by a bend in the river. Back at the lodge, follow the Hornbill Boardwalk with a naturalist and hear an orangutan talk before heading out on another cruise. Keep watch for proboscis monkeys, orangutans and hornbills.

Days 10-13: Danum Valley

Travel overland to Lahad Datu, then continue by 4WD into Danum Valley. At Borneo Rainforest Lodge, take the canopy walkway above the forest floor. After dinner, join a night drive with a local guide, looking for wildlife in the beam of a spotlight.

The following morning, walk the Viewpoint Trail to a Kadazandusun burial site known as Coffin Cliff, then continue to a waterfall. Optional afternoon activities include a guided trek or tubing on the Danum River. Later, a guided night walk reveals the insects and other wildlife active after dark.

On your final full day, trek to Fairy Falls and Serpent Falls, or take an optional walk along the Segama River. Before leaving the next morning, there’s time for an optional early trek. Then transfer to Lahad Datu for your flight to Kota Kinabalu and onward connections via Kuala Lumpur.