Holiday Itinerary - Wild Borneo
Day 1 - UK - Kota Kinabalu
Today fly to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur, arriving on day 2.
Day 2 - Kota Kinabalu
On arrival this morning we'll transfer to out hotel. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the exotic island of Borneo and our base for the next three nights. Tonight we gather with your fellow travellers to enjoy a sumptuous Malaysian welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll be able to try the iconic Kadaza-Dusun cuisine and try unique Malaysian foods. After dinner enjoy a lively cultural performance of Sabah dancers. D
Day 3 - Kota Kinabalu
Today you will visit the beautiful countryside of Kiulu. Entering a local village via a hanging bridge, we will have a scenic walk along the trails in this countryside area away from the crowds of the city. We will take a break at Native Dusun House in Tombung Village where the friendly host will welcome you to the house, and a light refreshment will be served. Visit the farm to experience rubber tapping and its process, and afterwards share life stories and local delicacies. Crossing another bridge the driver will transfer you to a riverside café. The trip ends and lunch is served before relaxing or having a cool dip in the river. We return this afternoon, where you have the opportunity to join our optional evening sunset by boat excursion. Which will introduce you to the sights of Koto Kinabalu from a different perspective. As the sun sets, Kota Kinabalu's coastline comes alive with dazzling city lights. B,L
Day 4 - Papar
Today you’ll travel south towards Papar to a local market, where you will learn about and select fresh ingredients for your cooking session. You will be warmly welcomed into a local home and guided through preparing two traditional dishes commonly enjoyed by the locals. After savouring your own creations along with some tea, enjoy a brief stroll around Papar’s riverfront and a nearby local temple.
We’ll return back to the hotel, where you’ll have this evening at leisure.. B,L
Day 5 - Kinabalu National Park - Ranau
Kinabalu National Park is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna native to Borneo, including several hundred species that are found only in the park itself. We'll explore on our included guided nature trek along one of the many trails, and also catch a glimpse of Mount Kinabalu, which is South East Asia's highest peak. After a stop at Poring Hot Springs, where we can take a dip in the soothing waters, perhaps take a thrilling walk more than 40 metres up in the canopy of the Menggaris tree – the 'King of the Forest' – for fantastic views. B,L,D
Day 6 - Ranau - Sandakan
Enjoy scenic views of the Kundasang highlands as we travel by road to Sandakan. We'll stop for lunch in a restaurant before we visit Sandakan Memorial Park. This was built in honour of the Prisoners of War who died in the Sandakan Death Marches during the Second World War. B,L
Day 7 - Sandakan - Abai
Borneo is one of two places in the world where the endangered orangutan still lives in the wild, and we'll visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe man's closest relative and enjoy a walk in the tropical lowland forest. We'll also head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see these endearing animals, also known as honey bears, whose numbers are dwindling due to deforestation and poaching.
After lunch, we'll transfer to the jetty in Sandakan, from where we'll cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. This wonderful journey takes us on the Sulu Sea and through magnificent mangrove forests. On arrival in Abai, we'll check in at the Kinabatangan Abai Jungle Lodge where later this afternoon we'll head off on a river cruise to search for wildlife. Watch the sunset whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and at night fall, continue the cruise to witness beautiful fireflies. B,L,D
Day 8 - Abai
Wake up to the wonderful sounds of the rainforest then cruise to the Pitas lake to observe wildlife. We'll head back to the hotel for breakfast.
Back at the lodge perhaps take time to explore the boardwalk behind the lodge, you may be lucky and spot wild orangutan, silver leaf monkeys and many other types of wildlife. We will round off the day with another cruise to see more wildlife. B,L,D
Day 9 - Abai - Sukau
During a free morning at the lodge, perhaps join some of your travelling companions and head off to explore your surroundings – stilted paths up to 800 metres long stretch into the forest, and animals often venture quite close.
After lunch, our wildlife search continues as we cruise up river to our next destination, Sukau, for an overnight stay. Here we'll look out for primates, in particular orangutans, as well as pygmy elephants and exotic birds – some of the world's most spectacular species are resident in Borneo.
After checking in to our lodge, we'll take to the water again to enjoy wonderful views and search for exotic wildlife. B,L,D
Day 10 - Sukau - Sandakan
Today we depart Sukau by land and make our way back to Sandakan. This rest of the day is at leisure before meeting with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. B,D
Day 11 - Sandakan - UK
Spend time at leisure before leaving Sandakan to catch our return flight home. B
Day 12 - UK
You'll arrive back in the UK today.
Departure dates and prices 2026/2027
| Date | Price from | Date | Price from |
| 8 May 2026 | £4299 |
7 May 2027 |
£4499 |
|
5 June 2026 |
£4299 |
4 June 2027 |
£4499 |
|
24 July 2026 |
£4399 |
23 July 2027 |
£4449 |
|
4 September 2026 |
£4499 |
3 September 2027 |
£4649 |
|
2 October 2026 |
£4299 | 1 October 2027 | £4499 |
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The holiday price may be subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of booking. Deposits - When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount; : UK Holidays - £150 per person - European Holidays - £200 per person - Worldwide Holidays - £400 per person - Ocean and River Cruise - £400 per person On some holidays Just You may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking. If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book. All holidays subject to Just You Singles Holidays Worldwide Terms & Conditions Please check tour details with the operator at time of booking as Cennet Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors showing on it’s website |
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Just You Singles Holidays
Wild Borneo
Holidays by Air 12 Days
Prices from £4299 - no single supplement
Borneo's natural haven beckons as you venture into lush rainforests, discover remarkable flora and fauna, and cherish the moment of your first glimpse of the rare orangutan.
Discover our great range of Just You Singles Holidays from Travel 55
Book online or call Just You singles holidays direct on 01858 415332
Included holiday highlights
- Experience Kadaza Dusun cuisine in a local restaurant
- Walk alongside the rivers of the Kiulu Valley
- Nature trek in Kinabalu National Park
- Poring Hot Springs and tree canopy walk
- World War II memorial visit
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Cruise to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary
- Night-time cruise to see the fireflies
- Wildlife cruises and Nature Walks
- Visit Abai village and the local tree-planting project
- Sukau, where naturalist Sir David Attenborough has filmed
- Small group travel style - Max 20 people on this tour
What's Included
- Just You Holiday Director as your host and Specialist Local Guide
- Return flights from London
- Use of an airport lounge in the UK
- 9 nights in lodges and 3 and 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
- A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
- 22 included meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners including welcome and farewell drink and dinner
- Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage
Accommodation as specified or similar
Day 2 - 4: Horizon Hotel
This hotel is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Sabah State and the international gateway to East Malasia.
Day 5: Kinabalu Pine Resort
All of Kinabalu Pine Resort’s wooden cabins are fully built using the exclusive Selangan Batu hardwood. There are standard or deluxe cabins with blocks S & N at the resort’s crest. All rooms come with Wi-Fi internet access, satellite television channels, intercom facility, en-suite bathroom, hairdryer and coffee and tea-making facilities.
Day 6: The Sabah Hotel
The deluxe 4-star Sabah Hotel is nestled in one of the worlds beautiful rainforests. Hotel facilities include outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Bedrooms include private facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.
Day 7 - 8: Abai Jungle Lodge
Situated on Borneo''s famous Kinabatangan River, Abai Jungle Lodge is in the perfect position only one hour boat journey from Sandakan and the Sukau village further upriver. It is built entirely on stilts and can only be accessed by boat. The lodge facilities include a restaurant, bar and rooms have private facilities.
Day 9: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Located on the Kinabatangan River, the Sabah''s longest river, the Riverside Lodge was set up in 1994, working with and hiring local people. At the back of the lodge is a jungle trail where birds, red leaf monkey and wild orantugan are often spotted. The lodge has just 33 rooms in total, all with private shower room and ceiling fan.
Day 10: The Sabah Hotel
The deluxe 4-star Sabah Hotel is nestled in one of the worlds beautiful rainforests. Hotel facilities include outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Bedrooms include private facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.
Please note : This tour requires a good degree of physical fitness and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. You will be required to board boats and walk a variety of terrain. Most walks take place on paths and tracks, but some will be slightly more strenuous and may involve moderate slopes, tracks, hills and foot bridges, which may be rough underfoot at times. Sturdy shoes are essential.
On the evening of day 6 in Sandakan, all guests will need to pack a small backpack with essential items for the next 4 days. Your main piece of luggage will be kept in the hotel luggage store in Sandakan. This is due to large luggage not being allowed on the boat from Sandakan to Abai. Due to the incredible natural surroundings of Borneo, some of the hotels we have selected are basic and remote. However, the hotels we have picked are optimised for the itinerary.
