BORNEO FAMILY TOUR

12D/11N - Kota Kinabalu -Sandakan - Kinabatanagan River and Mount Kinabalu National Park

Family adventure like no other. Bring on the paradise beaches and tropical waters, white water rafting, survival skills training in jungle. Wildlife spotting with specialist guides and hanging out with our cousins, Orangutans. The tour concludes at cozy Shangrila Rasa Ria a perfect place to end a great holiday. 

PRICE: Contact for quote
DURATION: 12 Days / 11 Nights
TOUR STYLE: Family, Nature, Adventure
DESTINATIONS: Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan – Kinabatanagan River and Mount Kinabalu National Park
TOUR CODE: MYBOFAM
DEPARTURES: Daily (Private Departures)
STARTS: In Kota Kinabalu
ENDS: In Kota Kinabalu
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At a glance

Highlights

  • Paradise beaches and island life near KK
  • White water rafting on Kiulu River
  • Trekking & survival skills training
  • Visit to Orangutan sanctuary
  • Wildlife spotting on Kinabatangan River
  • Beach time at wonderful Shangrila Rasa Ria Resort

Itinerary in Brief

DAY 1: Arrival in Kota Kinabalu

DAY 2: Kota Kinabalu

DAY 3: Kota Kinabalu

DAY 4: Trekking Kawang Forest

DAY 5: Jungle Trekking / Kota Kinabalu

DAY 6: Kota Kinabalu / Sandakan

DAY 7: Kinabatangan River

DAY 8: Kinabatangan River

DAY 9: Beach time – Shangrila Rasa Ria

DAY 10 – 11:Beach time – Shangrila Rasa Ria

DAY 12: End of Itinerary

TOUR DETAILS

DAY 1 :  ARRIVAL IN KOTA KINABALU

Arrival to Kota Kinabalu

Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in town.
Most hotels are located in the heart of the city, a mere 15 minutes’ drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and right next to the hippest lifestyle mall in town. The ideal location makes the hotel the perfect retreat for those wishing to explore the area’s eclectic shopping, dining, and tourist attractions.

DAY 2 :  KOTA KINABALU

Luxury Island TripEnjoy a day at a quiet and private beach away from the normally crowded islands around Kota Kinabalu. You will check in at the Bunga Raya Island Resort’s Lounge at the Jesselton Point Jetty before being transferred by boat to Gaya Island for a relaxing trip in a secluded part on the Island owned by the 5-Star Bunga Raya Resort. Go snorkelling or kayaking if you feel like frolicking in the sea. Otherwise, simply spend the day relaxing under the sun. At 4.00pm, you will be transferred back to the Jesselton Point Jetty.

DAY 3 :  KOTA KINABALU

Kiulu White Water Rafting

Pick up from your hotel and proceed for 1 ½ hour to Kiulu River. This trip is for families who are looking for some fun adventure, the Kiulu River White Water Rafting is a family-friendly adventure day-trip to experience. Situated about an hour’s drive away from Kota Kinabalu, Kiulu River lies in the scenic Kiulu valley near Tamparuli town, nestled in between picturesque local villages, rolling mountain hills and breathtaking valleys. Classified as grade I – II rapids, Kiulu River White Water Rafting offers plenty of fun on some of Sabah’s easier and safer white water rapids.The Kiulu River White Water Rafting trip is perfect for beginners and families, including junior and senior members.The rafting portion of the Kiulu River stretches over 15 km and, depending on the water level and abilities of the group, provides a one and a half hours to two hours of white water rafting action.

DAY 4 :  OVERNIGHT TRAVEL

Trekking Kawang Forest

This spectacular 1,551 hectare forest reserve was gazetted on March 16, 1957 in an effort to preserve and sustain the biodiversity of the primary forest reserve. In 1984, it was re-classified as a second class domestic forest reserve. The main function of the reserve is to supply gravity water from the onsite Tanaki waterfall system to the local population living within its proximity.

Outdoor enthusiasts who conquer this expedition will have experienced the typical rough terrain of the Bornean jungle, whilst learning new skills & many facts about the jungle environment. The forest is not often explored providing a chance to see and experience a peaceful, natural & beautiful environment.

Depart for approximately 30 minutes to Kawang Forest Reserve. Trek approximately 2km distance to reach the campsite. Set up your own hammock for the night followed by a night walk to spot some of the wildlife residing the forest. This is a good educational tour to learn about flora and fauna in the forest and learn survival skills. This tour is highly recommended for nature seeking couples and families.

– Welcome briefing & site familiarisation
– Equipment allocation
– Safety briefing & Introduction to the rainforest
– Commence trekking (Around 2 Km trekking distance)
– Arrive at jungle campsite
– Introduction to equipment
– Camp set up
– Evening meal
– Night walk

DAY 5 : ​KOTA KINABALU

Jungle Trekking / Kota Kinabalu

After breakfast, prepare for the trek back to the ending point. You may opt to spend your time swimming on the river or just free rest before we return to Kota Kinabalu.

– Prepare for trekking
– Trek to finishing point (Around 2 Km trekking distance)
– Free at own leisure to swim & relax in a jungle river
– 2:30pm – Program closure & departures
(Approximately 30 minutes to Kota Kinabalu)

Notes: Arrival and departure times are approximate
Activities included during the expedition:

– Navigation with map & compass
– Jungle survival skills
– Natural medicines, identification & usage.
– Nature guiding – tree, plant & animal species, observation & identification
– Wild food collection (where possible)
– Camp skills; cooking & fire building
– Traditional crafts (where possible)
– Knots & their usage
– Night walk & wildlife observation

DAY 6 :  SANDAKAN

Kota Kinabalu / Sandakan

Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport. Take a short flight to Sandakan. Transfer and stay at the beautiful Sepilok area 25 km from Sandakan town.

DAY 7 :  KINABATANAGAN RIVER

Orangutang Centre / Kinabatangan River

In the morning visit to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Watch a short video documentary of the rehabilitation activities before taking a boardwalk through the lowland rainforest to witness the feeding of the Orang Utan at 1000hrs. Thereafter visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world’s smallest bear.

We will board our boat for the journey to Abai, Kinabatangan. On the 1.5 hours cruise, Berhala Island, the prominent sandstone cliffs of World War II historical site, can be photographed from the boat. The boat journey continues towards the mangroves and villages of Abai.

In the afternoon, we set off for the afternoon river expedition in search of wildlife. This time in a smaller opentopped river boat. We hope to photograph wild Orang utans, Pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.

After dinner, we shall take a night stroll along the boardwalks on a lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects. Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort.

DAY 8 :  KINABATANAGAN RIVER                                                                    

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Early morning cruise to observe more wildlife and birdlife. We shall cruise to the nearby oxbow lake, Danau Pitas, to explore the area. At about 1630hrs, we set off for another afternoon cruise in search of the mangrove specials, river sceneries, village landscapes and more wildlife. On good weather, we may even get to see firefly colonies which are found at certain parts of the river. Cruise back to the resort for dinner.

DAY 9 :  WESTERN COAST BEACHES

Kinabatangan / Sandakan / Kota Kinabalu

After breakfast return by speedboat to Sandakan. Transfer to Sandakan Airport for a short flight to Kota Kinabalu. Transfer to Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort 45 min from Kota Kinabalu. Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa on Pantai Dalit Beach is one of the best resort’s in Malaysia. Set amidst a nature reserve, the resort enchants endlessly with its natural magic.

The resort is home to an eco-friendly championship golf course and the magnificent Spa at Dalit Bay. Unique to the resort is the Nature Interpretation Centre, gateway to the Nature Reserve. Here, you can meet the Borneo’s wildlife.
Welcome to paradise.

DAY 10-11 :  WESTERN COAST OF BORNEO

Days are free and easy and there is time to enjoy the many activities, the swimming pool or the fantastic beach.

DAY 12 :  END OF ITINERARY

Pick up from Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort and transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your departure flight.

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What's Included

  • English Speaking guide
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation a stated in the itinerary
  • Meals as mentioned B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
  • All entrance fees as mentioned in the program
  • Government Taxes, Travel Permits

What's Not Included

  • Visa
  • Domestic and international flight
  • Soft drinks, tips
  • Meals not mentioned in the proposal (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Any other services not mentioned in the proposal
  • Banking fees

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