2-Week Borneo Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Borneo tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaBorneo travel expert at TourRadar

• 11 Day Borneo Itinerary, incl. Kota Kinabalu and Mount Kinabalu

  This 11-day tour spans 6 destinations across Borneo. The itinerary features 2 days at Kinabatangan River, Sepilok Orangutan Centre visit, overnight at Turtle Island, and 2-day Mt Kinabalu climb. Guests enjoy 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners, while staying in accommodations ranging from jungle lodges to mountain huts.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Kota Kinabalu & Cultural Immersion

    Begin your journey in Kota Kinabalu before traveling to Tambatuon village, about 2.5 hours away. "Tubing in Tambatuon village was fun for all ages in our group." Bring quick-dry clothes for river activities and modest clothing for the village homestay. You'll learn about Bornean cuisine through hands-on cooking demonstrations.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kinabatangan River Wildlife

    Plan for a 5-7 hour drive to the Kinabatangan River. Your jungle lodge will be your base for wildlife watching. Join morning and evening river cruises to spot proboscis monkeys, macaques and possibly pygmy elephants. "On the night jungle walk in Kinabatangan, we had the pleasure of spotting an endangered tarsier." Pack binoculars and dark clothing to blend in with the environment.

    
  • Day 5

    Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

    See both the orangutan rehabilitation center and sun bear conservation facility. Plan to be there for feeding times at 10 AM and 3 PM. Remember to keep your distance and skip the flash photography to protect the animals.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Libaran Island & Turtle Conservation

    Take a 45-minute speedboat ride to Libaran Island to visit the turtle hatchery. "The only disappointment was not seeing the turtles laying eggs as the itinerary stated." Pack reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to snorkel.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Mount Kinabalu Challenge

    The major highlight: climbing Southeast Asia's highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Your first day involves a 5-7 hour climb to Laban Rata at 3,272m. Start the summit climb around 2 AM to catch sunrise at the top. Pack warm clothes since temperatures can drop below 10°C. "Our guide's professionalism and experience made the Mt Kinabalu hike a personal highlight."

    
  • Day 11

    Kota Kinabalu Departure

    Spend your final day in Kota Kinabalu. Consider booking an extra night to recover after your climb.

    

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• 14 Days in Malaysia, incl. Borneo and Kuala Lumpur

  A 14-day tour through Borneo takes you to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Kinabatangan River. The trip includes stays at Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort for wildlife viewing and Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort for river cruises, offering dawn and dusk wildlife spotting.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Sepilok

    Start your journey in Borneo's wildlife center. Head to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary around 9 AM for the morning feeding session. "Close encounters with wildlife in the primeval forest of Borneo are second to none." Wear dark clothing and bring binoculars to spot wildlife better. Visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre in the afternoon to see hornbills from the canopy walkway.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kinabatangan River

    Take a 2.5-hour drive to Kinabatangan. This river is known as Malaysia's wildlife highway. Join river cruises at dawn and dusk to spot pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and wild orangutans. The humidity is high so pack quick-dry clothes. You can join night walks to find nocturnal animals like western tarsiers. The trails get slippery so good hiking shoes are essential.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Sandakan to Malacca

    Visit the Sandakan War Memorial before flying to Kuala Lumpur. Remember there's a 15kg luggage limit. From KL it's a 2-hour transfer to historic Malacca. The quiet evening streets are perfect for exploring before tourists arrive the next day.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Malacca & KL

    Take a trishaw tour of Malacca's UNESCO sites which blend Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial styles. Sample Baba Nyonya food, a unique mix of Chinese and Malay flavors. On your way to Kuala Lumpur stop at Batu Caves. Get there before 10 AM to avoid crowds and heat when climbing the 272 steps.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Kuala Lumpur to Penang

    Join a food tour to experience KL's diverse neighborhoods. One traveler suggests: "The city tours should start earlier than 9:30 AM to beat the heat." Take the scenic 4-hour train to Penang crossing its famous bridge to reach Georgetown's UNESCO area.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Georgetown to Langkawi

    Walk through Georgetown early morning to see street art and traditional clan houses. Fly to Langkawi after lunch. Note the 15kg luggage limit again. Spend the afternoon at the beach or exploring Kuah town.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Langkawi

    Finish your trip on this tropical island. You can join a mangrove tour or take the cable car for island views. One visitor notes: "The mangrove forest tours in Langkawi with local guides make for a thrilling adventure." End with a Malaysian seafood dinner on your final night.

    

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• 12 Day Borneo Itinerary, incl. Kota Kinabalu and Kinabatangan

  The 12-day tour encompasses 6 major destinations across Borneo, with 9 nights in hotels/lodges, 1 in homestay, and 1 in longhouse. Highlights include Sepilok Orangutan Centre, Kinabatangan river cruises, and snorkeling at Tunku Abdul Marine Park. Costs approx. $240 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Kota Kinabalu & Village Homestay

    Begin in KK (the local nickname) to get your bearings. On day 2 take a 2.5-hour drive on rough roads to Tanak Nabalu village for a homestay. You can hike through rubber plantations and orchards or cool off in the river. The homes are basic but clean so pack light. Your evening includes a cultural show featuring Dusun traditions.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Mount Kinabalu & Poring

    Take time to explore Kinabalu National Park's lower trails and botanical gardens. You'll need about 2 hours. The morning mist usually clears by 10 AM giving you better mountain views. Get to Poring Hot Springs early to beat the crowds at the 130ft-high canopy walkway. The springs get busy so consider booking a private bath.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Kinabatangan Wildlife

    It's a five-hour drive to Kinabatangan River where you'll stay at a jungle lodge with AC and private bathrooms. Go on multiple river cruises during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. The humidity is intense so bring quick-dry clothes. Night walks let you spot nocturnal animals but be careful on the muddy trails.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Sepilok Orangutans

    Stay near the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and plan around the 10 AM and 3 PM feedings. One visitor shared: "Watching the jungle wake up in Sepilok was magical - the morning chorus of birds and monkeys is unforgettable." Visit the Sun Bear Centre in the morning before the bears retreat from the midday heat.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Island Time & KK

    Take a 40-minute flight back to Kota Kinabalu. Remember there's a 15kg baggage limit with fees for excess weight. Spend your days exploring Tunku Abdul Marine Park's islands. Manukan Island offers the best snorkeling and you can rent gear there. End your days at the waterfront markets where they'll grill fresh seafood for you.

    
  • Day 12

    Departure

    Use your final morning in KK to visit the Filipino Market which opens early for last-minute shopping.

    

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