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The Very Best of Borneo

2025/26 savings: SAVE £150 per person

on Borneo tours departing from September 2025 to August 2026. Book by 30th June 2025.

Early Booking Offers: SAVE £200 per person

on Borneo tours departing from September 2026. Book by 30th November 2025.

The Very Best of Borneo Tour

Home Icon 17-day The Very Best of Borneo from £4,195pp £4,045pp

Borneo is an unparalleled destination that feels both adventurous and exotic, with verdant rainforests, vibrant cities, idyllic beaches and unique wildlife. The island’s rich cultural heritage is home to over 30 indigenous groups in the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, each with its own dialects, beliefs and traditions.

On our 17-day Very Best of Borneo tour, we explore both natural wonders and cultural highlights. Starting in Kuala Lumpur, we delve into Malaysia’s capital before heading to Borneo. In Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, we visit bustling markets, temples, and heritage sites. We interact with a rural community in Mount Kinabalu National Park and enjoy wildlife-spotting walks in protected rainforests.

Borneo is home to orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, sun bears and colourful birds. Highlights include visits to wildlife rehabilitation centres and the Bidayuh tribe’s traditional longhouse. A special three-night stay at a riverside lodge on the Kinabatangan River is also included.

With exceptional experiences, quality accommodation, daily breakfast, and many other meals included, The Very Best of Borneo tour offers the trip of a lifetime with outstanding value, and can be taken as either a group tour or a private tour.

Why not extend your holiday with a Bornean beach stay? Complete your Very Best of Borneo adventure with a relaxing three-night stay at one of Borneo’s stunning beaches. Choose from a Kota Kinabalu Beach stay, or whisk yourself off to Gaya Island, situated within the protected area of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Take advantage of our Special Offers and save up to £200 per person.

Itinerary

Expand All Days
Day 1

Depart UK

Depart UK

Depart with Malaysian Airlines from London Heathrow direct to Kuala Lumpur.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Day 2

Kuala Lumpur, 2 nights

Kuala Lumpur, 2 nights

On arrival into the Malaysian capital, we transfer to the Dorsett Kuala Lumpur, located in Bukit Bintang, the city’s lively entertainment and shopping quarter. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Manager and fellow travellers to become better acquainted and learn more about our adventure ahead.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Day 3

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur

Today, we enjoy a morning tour of Kuala Lumpur, exploring its vibrant history and multicultural heritage. We begin at Medan Pasar, once the centre of the old Chinatown district and home to the last of the city’s ornate colonial shophouses. We continue to the British-built Central Market to browse for keepsakes among the hubbub of stalls. We step inside the ornate red and gold interior of Sze Ya Temple, the oldest Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur and of great spiritual significance, and admire the colourful, elaborately-decorated exterior of the South-Indian-style Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. Later, enjoy great views over the city from the monorail as we head towards the Brickfields district, better known as Little India, to explore this vibrant neighbourhood. The remainder of our day is free to continue exploring at our own pace.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 4

Kuching, 3 nights

Kuching, 3 nights

We take a morning flight to Kuching and check into our hotel for the next three nights, the Hilton Kuching, overlooking the Sarawak River in the very heart of this fascinating city. In the afternoon, we set out to discover the multicultural sights, sounds and spirit of Sarawak’s riverside state capital. We stroll under colourful hanging lanterns in Chinatown’s busy streets, as mouthwatering aromas waft from the eateries, and take a closer look at the ethereal Tua Pek Kong Temple. We enjoy 360-degree panoramas of the city from the viewing platform of the futuristic Civic Centre and admire the pink walls and gleaming, golden domes of the state mosque. We end our day meandering through the narrow streets of Old Kuching, and along the bustling waterfront, to admire the grand beauty of the Pavilion and Old Post Office.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 5

Anah Rais Longhouse & Semenggoh

Anah Rais Longhouse & Semenggoh

Tour Highlight

After breakfast, we set out for Anah Rais, a vast village of the Bidayuh tribe, nestled in the Borneo highlands, where we explore their longhouse and gain a deeper insight into tribal culture and traditions. We discover more about the area’s ancient farming practices and engage with local families, before enjoying lunch together in the longhouse. Next, we head to Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to encounter their resident, rescued orangutans. We learn about the centre’s inspiring conservation programme, rehabilitating and relocating these amazing creatures, and hopefully, savour the rare opportunity to watch semi-wild orangutans feeding and interacting in their natural habitat.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 6

Kuching Freedom Day

Kuching Freedom Day

Enjoy a free day to explore Kuching at your own pace. With the full support of our Tour Manager, perhaps indulge your culinary curiosity at a market-to-table cookery class, or simply enjoy eating delicious dishes on a walking tour around the city’s best foodie spots. Alternatively, leave the city behind for a wildlife-spotting experience in Bako National Park, explore the living museum at Sarawak Cultural Village, or enjoy a sunset cruise on Santubong River, with a chance to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins and fireflies after dark.

Included meals:

Breakfast

We Recommend - Market to Table Cooking Class

Enjoy an immersive half-day cooking experience learning how to craft a tasty five-course meal using diverse local produce and spices.

Day 7

Kota Kinabalu, 3 nights

Kota Kinabalu, 3 nights

After a leisurely breakfast, we say farewell to Sarawak and board our flight to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. From the airport, we take a scenic drive into the city, passing its most significant landmarks. We admire the beautiful City Mosque and its reflection in the still waters that surround it, as well as the historic Atkinson Clock Tower, the city’s last colonial-era structure. Look out for the Filipino Market, famous for its handicrafts and seafood stalls along the waterfront, and Gaya Street, also known as Chinatown, with its weekend night market. We check in to the centrally-located Hyatt Regency Kinabalu with amazing views over the South China Sea, our base for the next three nights.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 8

Kiau Village

Kiau Village

Tour Highlight

We have an early start today as we head for Kiau Village, home to the Kadazan-Dusun tribe, who revere the mighty Mount Kinabalu that looms on its horizon. We take a guided walk through the village, listening to the locals tell stories of their traditions and lifestyle, and immerse ourselves in the peace and quiet of this rural setting. We learn about local agriculture and a fabulous women’s enterprise at a pineapple farm, visit a honeybee venture, and those that wish can climb to a viewpoint offering far-reaching vistas of the village and rural landscape. We also discover the process of coffee-making using locally-grown beans and enjoy a tasting before returning to the city.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 9

Kota Kinabalu Freedom Day

Kota Kinabalu Freedom Day

There’s plenty to keep us busy on our Freedom Day in Kota Kinabalu. We have an opportunity to get to know more about local customs and traditions with an entertaining tour of the Mari Mari Cultural Village, home to the reconstructed houses of five different local tribes. Alternatively, explore Kota Kinabalu’s artistic side with a visit to Sabah Art Gallery followed by a batik scarf workshop, or perhaps enjoy a guided tour of Gaya Street Market and its tempting food stalls.

Included meals:

Breakfast

We Recommend - Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour

Discover the diverse tribes of Sabah and their unique culture and practices as we explore the traditional homes of five different ethnic peoples.

Day 10

Sandakan & Sepilok, 2 nights

Sandakan & Sepilok, 2 nights

This morning, we fly to Sandakan and explore this former colonial town and its rich history. We visit the floating fishing village, built on stilts along the shore, and discover how the original inhabitants continue to live and work. Next, we head uphill to the peaceful Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple and enjoy sweeping views over the coast. We visit the Central Market to experience local life among the bountiful stalls, and step back in time at the Agnes Keith House, a restored colonial home turned museum, providing an insight into the period when this was British North Borneo. Lastly, we pause for reflection at Sandakan Memorial Park, a place of remembrance for Australian POWs held here during the Second World War. After a day of discovery, we transfer to nearby Sepilok for our two-night stay at the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort, ready to explore Borneo’s rainforest wilderness.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 11

Sepilok

Sepilok

Tour Highlight

We spend our day experiencing some of Sabah’s finest wildlife projects and encountering more of Borneo’s iconic species. Our first stop is the Rainforest Discovery Centre, to wander along its walkways and through the canopy, looking out for colourful birds and wildlife amongst the trees. Next, we head to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the sanctuary’s work rescuing these endangered animals – the smallest bear species in the world – and see them in their protected habitat. After lunch, we drive to Labuk Bay where we visit a sanctuary for proboscis monkeys that covers 400 acres of mangrove forest. Here, we have a chance to watch the monkeys from a respectful yet remarkably close distance, without disturbing them.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 12

Sukau, 3 nights

Sukau, 3 nights

This morning, we have the opportunity to visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary for another chance to observe rescued orangutans in primary lowland forest. Visit the feeding platform and the nursery area, where orphaned orangutans are taught how to climb. After lunch, we transfer by speedboat along the scenic coast and enter the mighty Kinabatangan River as we travel to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, a stylish resort hidden within the jungle on the riverbank. Late afternoon, we set out on our first wildlife cruise, gliding along the river at a gentle pace as we watch the banks for a glimpse of pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, hornbills and even, perhaps, orangutans.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13

Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River

Tour Highlight

Our extraordinary wildlife watching continues with an early start, but we are rewarded with a two-hour cruise along the river as the sun rises. Our destination is an oxbow lake, where we pause to take in the beauty of the surrounding jungle as the wildlife awakens. Look out for the endemic rhinoceros hornbill, colourful kingfishers and macaques climbing through the tree branches in troops.

Returning to our accommodation, there is time to relax and enjoy lunch before we join an expert naturalist to learn more about our close relative, the orangutan, and how to identify individuals from their features. Later, we head to the river once more, watching out for endemic birds and mammals as the heat of the day recedes. Perhaps pygmy elephants will emerge from the undergrowth, or we spot an alpha-male proboscis monkey with his harem. After dinner at our lodge, we enjoy our final river trip of the day: a night safari to discover the jungle’s nocturnal wildlife. This is a great time to spot sleeping birds and crocodiles on the muddy riverbanks, as well as owls high in the trees.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14

Kinabatangan River Freedom Day

Kinabatangan River Freedom Day

Today, we can spend our time as we wish, with a selection of included activities to choose from. Those keen to indulge in more wildlife-spotting can join a further sunrise river cruise. This afternoon you may wish to explore Gomantong Caves, located in a protected area and home to several endangered species, including orangutans. As sunset arrives, we have the chance to witness the bat exodus from these caves as millions of bats head out on their nightly hunt. Alternatively, wake at leisure to the sound of gibbon song and spend the day relaxing at our lodge. Take a cooling dip in the pool, enjoy views of the river from the comfort of the terrace, or stroll along the boardwalks observing flora and fauna in the surrounding rainforest.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15

Kota Kinabalu, Overnight

Kota Kinabalu, Overnight

As our time in Sukau’s extraordinary rainforest comes to an end, we transfer overland to Sandakan for our flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival in Sabah’s lively state capital, we check in once again to the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu for our final night. The remainder of the afternoon has been left free to relax or possibly purchase some last-minute souvenirs. This evening, we come together to enjoy dinner and a chance to bid farewell to Borneo and our new-found friends as we share memories of our adventures.

Included meals:

Breakfast and dinner

Day 16

Depart Kota Kinabalu

Depart Kota Kinabalu

The day is ours until it’s time to depart for the airport this afternoon. Our flights to the UK operate via Kuala Lumpur.

Included meals:

Breakfast, and in-flight meals and drinks

Day 17

Arrive UK

Arrive UK

After 17 incredible days, we arrive into the UK this morning, bringing our Very Best of Borneo tour to an end.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Departure dates & prices

Save £200 per person on tours departing from September 2026 when you book by 30th November 2025, or take advantage of £150 per person savings on tours departing from September 2025 to August 2026 , when you book by 30th June 2025.

You can also enjoy The Very Best of Borneo as a Private Tour.  You will experience the same expertly crafted itinerary and hand-picked hotels, combined with the exclusivity and convenience of your own friendly and knowledgeable guides, your own private vehicle and a choice of departure dates.

2025 Departures

Date Price (Per Person) Offer Availability
18th October 2025 £4,195pp £4,045pp Save £150 per person 5 Rooms
20th September 2025 Fully Booked
  • 18th October 2025

    5 Rooms

    £4,195pp £4,045pp

    Save £150 per person
  • 20th September 2025

    Fully Booked

2026 Departures

Date Price (Per Person) Offer Availability
14th March 2026 £4,395pp £4,245pp Save £150 per person Just Launched
11th April 2026 £4,445pp £4,295pp Save £150 per person Just Launched
9th May 2026 £4,445pp £4,295pp Save £150 per person 8 Rooms
6th June 2026 £4,445pp £4,295pp Save £150 per person 7 Rooms
19th September 2026 £4,495pp £4,295pp Save £200 per person Just Launched
17th October 2026 £4,495pp £4,295pp Save £200 per person Just Launched
  • 14th March 2026

    Just Launched

    £4,395pp £4,245pp

    Save £150 per person
  • 11th April 2026

    Just Launched

    £4,445pp £4,295pp

    Save £150 per person
  • 9th May 2026

    8 Rooms

    £4,445pp £4,295pp

    Save £150 per person
  • 6th June 2026

    7 Rooms

    £4,445pp £4,295pp

    Save £150 per person
  • 19th September 2026

    Just Launched

    £4,495pp £4,295pp

    Save £200 per person
  • 17th October 2026

    Just Launched

    £4,495pp £4,295pp

    Save £200 per person

If you are interested in a Private Tour for more than six people, please call us to discuss.

Prices
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room.

Single occupancy supplement
£995

Deposit
£1,000 per person if travelling Economy Class, £1,950 per person if travelling Premium Economy and £3,750 per person for Business Class.

Flight upgrades
Malaysian Airlines upgrade to Business Class from £3,395 per person return.

Important information
Prices and flight upgrades are subject to fuel surcharges and the availability of flights. The correct price will be confirmed before you book.

For full terms and conditions see our booking conditions page.

Please note, alternative airlines may be considered or further supplements may apply in certain periods when international flight prices are higher.

Your holiday includes

  • 24 Max Passengers Icon

    Small group touring

    Small group touring with max. 24 passengers
  • Flights with leading scheduled airlines

    Flights with leading scheduled airlines

    Return economy flights with Malaysian Airlines from London Heathrow, inclusive of all airport charges, security charges, any applicable fuel surcharges and UK Air Passenger Duty. All domestic flights within Malaysia included too

  • Carefully selected hotels

    Carefully selected hotels

    Carefully selected accommodation in great locations, with all hotel porterage and applicable taxes

  • Meals worth £365 per person

    Meals worth £365 per person

    Meals worth £365 per person, with daily breakfast, six lunches and four dinners

  • Unforgettable experiences

    Unforgettable experiences

    • Sightseeing tours in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan
    • Explore a tribal longhouse and learn about local beliefs and traditions
    • Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centres at Semenggoh and Sepilok
    • Discover rural life in Kiau Village, overlooked by Mount Kinabalu
    • Canopy walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok
    • See the inhabitants of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
    • Experience a three-night stay on the Kinabatangan River
    • Several wildlife-spotting river excursions

  • Experienced Tour Manager

    Experienced Tour Manager

    Services of an experienced local Tour Manager

  • On the ground

    On the ground

    All overseas transfers and modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout

  • ATOL protected

    ATOL protected

    Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise and is fully ATOL protected

Dorsett Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

Dorsett Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, offering guests convenient access to the city’s top attractions and vibrant local eateries. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the upscale Pavilion, the stylish Starhill Gallery… Find out more >
  • 4 Star Rating
  •   Official rating
  • 4 Star Rating
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Hilton, Kuching

Hilton Kuching is nestled in the heart of the city, offering breathtaking views of the Sarawak River from its prime riverside location. Just a leisurely stroll from the vibrant Kuching Waterfront and Main Bazaar, the hotel provides easy access to… Find out more >
  • 5 Star Rating
  •   Official rating
  • 4.5 Star Rating
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is a beautiful waterfront hotel located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, offering breathtaking views of the South China Sea and the coral islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Situated near the city’s shopping and entertainment… Find out more >
  • 5 Star Rating
  •   Official rating
  • 4.5 Star Rating
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort, Sepilok

Borneo Rainforest Resort is nestled in the heart of the lush Sepilok Rainforest on Borneo Island and offers a tranquil escape into nature. Surrounded by incredible biodiversity, the eco-resort is an ideal destination for nature-lovers seeking adventure and relaxation. A… Find out more >
  • 3 Star Rating
  •   Official rating
  • 3 Star Rating
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan River

Located along the banks of the wildlife-rich Kinabatangan River, the award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge offers an eco-friendly escape into the heart of Borneo’s tropical rainforest. Known for its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism, this lodge provides the perfect setting… Find out more >
  • 3 Star Rating
  •   Official rating
  • 3 Star Rating
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Freedom days

Explore further during your free time with an optional excursion to enhance your experience. You don’t have to decide if you want to arrange anything before you go, your tour manager will happily arrange this for you while you are on tour.

Full details of each optional excursion are coming soon.

Holiday Extensions

Kota Kinabalu Beach

Kota Kinabalu Beach

3 nights from £345pp

Just an hour north of Kota Kinabalu city lies the beautiful private beach of Pantai Dalit. Belonging to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, this 3km stretch of golden sandy beach is fringed by a 64-acre forest reserve and makes…

Find out more >


Gaya Island

Gaya Island

3 nights from £535pp

Situated off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Pulau Gaya is the largest of five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The island became a forest reserve in 1923 and Sabah’s second National Park in 1974. Today…

Find out more >


Offers

2025/26 savings: SAVE £150 per person on Borneo tours departing from September 2025 to August 2026. Book by 30th June 2025.

Early Booking Offers: Save £200 per person on Borneo tours departing from September 2026. Book by 30th November 2025.

Customer reviews  feefo logo

These reviews are from Distant Journeys guests, and have been verified by the independent reviews company Feefo.

A NOTE FROM OUR EXPERTS

In the heart of Borneo’s Sabah region, we stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, nestled along the banks of the Kinabatangan River, offering comfort amidst the pristine Borneo rainforest and the island’s incredible biodiversity and wildlife.

Sara Harris
Product Manager

Small group touring with max. 24 passengers

The Very Best of Borneo Map

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