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10 Day Best Of Borneo

This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.

Airfares
Included

This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Escorted Type
Fully Escorted

This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.

Pace
Leisurely Pace

These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.

Group Size
Small Group
425 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Return international airfares included
✓ Small group tour, up to 20 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing on this adventure through the tropics, including Gaya Island, visiting endangered orangutans and sun bears in Sepilok, viewing unique birds and wildlife on a safari cruise along the Kinabatangan River, watching baby turtles take their first steps into the sea at Selingan Turtle Island and more
Fully escorted by a professional, English-speaking tour guide
✓ 8 nights in deluxe hotel accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

What we love about this tour

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Itinerary

Hotel
Promenade Hotel or Similar

Welcome to Malaysia.

On arrival into Kota Kinabalu, you will be met by your included transfer and taken to your accommodation. 

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Some flights may depart the night before and fly overnight, to arrive on Day 1.

Hotel
Promenade Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel to take the 30-minute speed boat to Gaya Island, Borneo’s biodiverse treasure-trove of jungle and marine life. On arrival, start your adventure on a jungle trail and explore the region's unique tropical plants. Enjoy lunch by the beach then spend the afternoon at your leisure swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing at the beautiful beach before returning to Kota Kinabalu.

Hotel
Promenade Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Depart this morning for a 2-hour drive to the foothills of Mt.Kinabalu in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Kinabalu Park, one of the world’s most important biological sites with more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna. Stop en route at Pekan Nabalu markets to enjoy various seasonal tropical fruits. On arrival to the foothills, get ready to be astounded by the view of Mt Kinabalu, towering over you as the highest mountain in the Malay archipelago (4,095m). Later, head to Kinabalu Natural History Gallery and Mountain Garden. If the weather permits, enjoy a guided tour to explore the verdant forest. Continue to Poring Treetop Canopy Walk where suspension bridges constructed with ropes, steel cables and a series of aluminum ladders bolted together at 41m high offer a different view of the jungle.  

Hotel
Selingan Turtle Island or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, transfer to the airport for the short flight across the Island to Sandakan. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and set off to Selingan Turtle Island, a nesting beach and breeding ground for the endangered Green and Hawksbill Turtles. Spend the rest of the day at leisure swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing at the beach. 

After dinner, you will have a chance to observe Green Turtles laying eggs before local rangers transplant the eggs to the hatchery and release the baby turtles on their first journey into the sea.

Hotel
Sepilok Nature Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we will return to Sandakan by boat. Stroll through the local market selling fish, assorted snacks and seasonal tropical fruits. Afterwards, visit Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple located on top of the hill, offering a panoramic view of Sandakan Bay. Later, you will learn the history of the oldest buildings in Sandakan at St.Michael’s and All Angels Church, then visit the famous American author Agnes Keith’s House to discover a place adorned with reproduced colonial furniture and many other significant objects. Continue your journey to Sim Sim Floating Village and Sandakan War Memorial Park built to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives during World War II. Enjoy lunch then head to the Rainforest Discovery Centre where you can immerse yourself in a botanical wonderland.

Hotel
Borneo Nature Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we will transfer to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to witness how orphaned Orangutans are cared for and rehabilitated. Afterwards, visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre where you can see the world’s smallest bear. Later, embark to Sandakan and check in at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, nestled on the banks of Borneo’s Kinabatangan River. Later this evening, hop on a short River Safari Cruise.

Hotel
Sukau Rainforest Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, take a Safari River Cruise on the Kinabatangan River to Oxbow Lake. Explore Borneo’s diverse wildlife along the way, then continue to Hornbill Boardwalk for an educational tour.  This afternoon, join an Orangutan talk activity before continuing your cruise.

Hotel
Sukau Rainforest Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early this morning to take another safari river cruise along the Menanggul River. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you explore along the river.  Afterwards, return to Sukau.

Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, return to Sandakan. At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport  for your flight home.

You will arrive home today with memories to last a lifetime

Inclusions

  • Return economy international airfares
  • Small-group tour, up to 20 guests only
  • Incredible sightseeing including Tropical Gaya Island. Visit with endangered orangutans and sun bears in Sepilok, view unique birds and spot Green and Hawksbill Turtles on Selingan Island
  • 8 nights deluxe hotel accommodation
  • Breakfast daily, 7 lunch, 4 dinner
  • Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
  • Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
  • In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

  • Gaya Island - Trek through the jungle trail and swim on the biggest island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
  • Sepilok - Visit the outstanding Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Sepilok - Spend time at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre
  • Kinabatangan River - View unique birds and wildlife along the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river
  • Mt. Kinabalu - be astounded by the view of Mt Kinabalu
  • Mt. Kinabalu - Explore the Kinabalu Natural History Gallery and Mountain Garden
  • Mt. Kinabalu - Traverse the Poring Treetop Canopy Walk

Fine Print

Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. 
 
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
 
Australian owned and operated 
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
 
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period.  Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
 
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.

We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.

Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.

Pay In Full Option:

  • Full payment due at the time of the booking.
  • Please select this option at the payment page prior to finalizing your booking

Installment Payment Plan Option:

  • Book now and secure your package with only a $99.00 deposit per person.
  • Pay a 2nd installment of $892.00 per person within 28 days.
  • You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

  • Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
  • Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
  • Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
  • Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
  • Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure)
  • Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfill your booking
  • Your booking is confirmed once your Booking Form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

Please note that flights for this package are arranged on our behalf by our local travel partner. The best available flights will be booked for you and will be sent along with your tour documentation approximately 2 weeks before departure.

Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?

No, due to the nature of this package and that airfares are arranged by our travel partner, flights will be booked as per the package and an extension of stay is not permitted.

Can I request a specific airline?

Requests to fly with a specific airline or on a specific flight schedule cannot be taken into consideration, with the best available option being booked.

Conditions of flights for this package:

  • Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
  • Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s, such as Bamboo Airlines, with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please select land only.
  • Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
  • Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
  • Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees.
  • Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to fees to amend with the airline or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required.
  • If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
  • Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control and it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure they are familiar with the most up to date airline schedule prior to departure
  • Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in.
  • If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability.
  • All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation.
  • You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly. 

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points

Inspiring Vacations and our partners do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Online check-in

 Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a “1”.

1 – Leisurely Pace: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.

For the services of your guide, it is suggested that you budget for AUD$6-$10 per person, per day. Tipping of your driver is also appreciated and we would suggest AUD$3-$5 per person, per day.

As this particular tour does not collect a ‘kitty’, it is entirely up to the individual whether or not you would like to tip locals for the services of things like taxis or when dining at restaurants. In these cases, we suggest you allow 10-20% of the value of the service as a tip. Again, it is not compulsory and entirely up to the individual. 

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement
Single supplement is $580.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while travelling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.

Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.

No Visas required for Australian passport holders for stays less than 90 days.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

Group Size
4-20 people

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).

  • Compulsory Taxes – collected and pay directly to hotel 
    Malaysia Tourism Tax: MYR 10.00 per room per night for each hotel (approx $4AUD per night)
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Tipping
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
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