10-Day Borneo Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Borneo tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaBorneo travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Borneo Itinerary, incl. Kota Kinabalu and Sepilok

  A 10-day Borneo expedition covers 5 destinations from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. Dawn wildlife cruises in Kinabatangan, orangutan encounters at Sepilok, and marine education at Dinawan Island highlight the trip. Includes 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, with stays in resorts, cottages, and villa tents.

  

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  • Day 1

    Kota Kinabalu

    Begin your Borneo adventure in KK, as the locals know it. Get to the Sabah State Museum early to learn about the local culture. If you arrive before noon, visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Keep in mind there's a strict 15kg luggage limit for internal flights.

    
  • Day 2

    Mount Kinabalu Area

    Visit the UNESCO-listed Kinabalu National Park and stop at a Dusun village along the way. One traveler shared: "Getting to try linopot (rice wrapped in leaves) with the local family was a highlight—such genuine hospitality." Spend the night at Sabah Tea Plantation in cozy cottages among the tea fields.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kinabatangan River

    Now the real wildlife watching begins. Take river cruises at dawn and dusk to see proboscis monkeys, macaques and hornbills. You might spot crocodiles too, though wild orangutans are less common. Bring binoculars and wear dark clothes to avoid scaring the animals. The lodges are simple but put you right in the heart of the action.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Sepilok

    Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre early (8:30 AM) to catch the morning feeding when the orangutans are most active. The Sun Bear Conservation Center next door is worth checking out too. Your rainforest resort has a pool to cool off from the heat. Sandakan town is just 30 minutes away for supplies.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Dinawan Island

    Fly back to Kota Kinabalu then take a boat to Dinawan. Join local biologists to learn about marine life. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and underwater cameras for excellent snorkeling. The tented villas blend comfort with nature perfectly.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Return to Kota Kinabalu

    Use your last day in KK to shop for souvenirs at the handicraft market. Local tip: Hit the seafood restaurants at the night market around 6 PM before the crowds arrive.

    

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• 8 Days in Borneo, incl. Kota Kinabalu and Kinabatangan River

  An 8-day adventure takes you through 5 destinations including Kota Kinabalu, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sepilok. The itinerary features 2 river safaris, orangutan rehabilitation center visits, and turtle conservation on Libaran Island. Accommodations vary from jungle lodges to homestays and hotels.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Kota Kinabalu & Rural Village Life

    Begin your journey in Kota Kinabalu (KK), the coastal capital of Sabah. Your first day is perfect for adjusting to the climate and browsing the waterfront markets. On day 2, take a 2.5-hour drive to Tambatuon village for a local homestay. A traveler mentioned: "The cooking class at the homestay was a highlight - we gathered fresh ingredients from local farms and learned traditional recipes."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kinabatangan River Wildlife

    The 5-7 hour road trip to Kinabatangan is long but worth every minute. You will spend two nights at a riverside lodge, joining river safaris at dawn and dusk. Remember to pack quick-dry clothes for the high humidity. A visitor shared: "We were incredibly lucky to spot wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and even pygmy elephants during our river cruises. The night walk was challenging but fascinating."

    
  • Day 5

    Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

    Your next stop is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Get there for the 10am feeding session but try to find a spot away from the main viewing platform for better photos. Morning visits usually have fewer people than afternoon sessions.

    
  • Day 6

    Libaran Island

    A 45-minute speedboat ride takes you to Libaran Island, a sea turtle conservation site. Travelers recommend bringing water shoes because "the beach is quite rocky." While evening turtle watching depends on weather, you can always visit the turtle hatchery to learn about conservation work.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Return to Kota Kinabalu

    Take a quick 45-minute flight back to KK. Spend your last afternoon exploring Jesselton Point waterfront and the Filipino Market. One traveler recommends: "Book an evening food tour at the night market - the seafood is incredible and much cheaper than the tourist restaurants."

    

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• 9 Days in Borneo, incl. Kuching and Sandakan

  9-day journey through Borneo visiting Kuching, Bako National Park, Selingan Island, and Kinabatangan River. Experience orangutans at Semenggoh, sun bears at Sepilok, and river safaris spotting pygmy elephants. Includes internal flights and special stays.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Kuching & Bako National Park

    Begin your trip in Kuching before taking a 30-minute boat to Bako National Park. Look for proboscis monkeys in the early morning or late afternoon when they're most active. The park trails can get muddy, particularly during rainy season from November to February, so pack quick-dry clothes and spare socks.

    
  • Day 3

    Kuching to Kota Kinabalu

    Visit Semenggoh Orangutan Wildlife Centre at 9 AM feeding time to increase your chances of seeing orangutans. Book your afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu well in advance since peak season (June-September) fills up quickly. End your day at the waterfront night market for dinner and sunset views.

    
  • Day 4

    Kota Kinabalu

    Take this day to explore the city at your own pace. Head to Tanjung Aru beach in the early morning to beat the heat. If you're planning a cycling tour, start before 8 AM. Remember to bring cash since many market vendors don't take cards.

    
  • Day 5

    Selingan Turtle Island

    Fly to Sandakan in the morning and take a boat to Selingan Island. Pack just an overnight bag. Plan for a late night of turtle viewing by taking an afternoon rest. A recent visitor shared: "Watching baby turtles scramble to the sea at midnight was incredible. Bring a red-light torch white lights aren't allowed on the beach."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Sepilok

    Get to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre when it opens at 9 AM to see the bears at their most active. Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre at 10 AM or 3 PM for feeding times. The Rainforest Discovery Centre offers excellent bird watching from its canopy walkway just wear shoes with good grip.

  • Days 8-9

    Kinabatangan River

    Bundle up for the chilly dawn river safari. Keep your camera ready you might spot pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and hornbills. Put on long sleeves and insect repellent for jungle walks. Take an afternoon cruise for different wildlife sightings around sunset.

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