3-Week Borneo Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Borneo tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaBorneo travel expert at TourRadar
15 Day Borneo Itinerary, incl. Kuching and Sandakan
Remarkable 15-day tour winds through Bako National Park, Mulu caves, and Mount Kinabalu. The route includes Sepilok Orangutan Centre, Kinabatangan River cruises, and accommodation at Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley, running from Kuching to historic Sandakan.
- Days 1-2
Kuching & Bako National Park
Begin in Kuching, the charming capital of Sarawak. "The waterfront is great for evening walks and local hawker stalls." Take a morning boat to Bako National Park on day 2 to see proboscis monkeys. Pack shoes with good grip since the boardwalks get slippery. Plan around the tides as they affect boat schedules.
- Days 3-4
Mulu National Park
Get lunch at the airport before flying to Mulu. The day's highlight is Deer Cave, which has the world's largest cave passage. Stay for the evening bat show: "Just when we thought we wouldn't see them, thousands emerged in a snaking line across the sky." Next day, visit Clearwater Cave and try the canopy walkway. Book your spots early.
- Days 5-6
Kota Kinabalu
Fly to Kota Kinabalu (KK) in Sabah. The nearby islands are perfect for snorkeling and just 15 minutes away by boat. "The marine park islands offer great value compared to mainland activities." Consider visiting the Mari Mari cultural village for local insights.
- Days 7-8
Mount Kinabalu & Sepilok
Take a 2-hour drive to Mount Kinabalu National Park. Stop at Nabalu market and visit Sabah Tea Plantation for mountain views at sunrise. Head to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary next. "Visit both morning and afternoon feedings for best viewing chances." Watch young orangutans through one-way glass at the nursery.
- Days 9-11
Kinabatangan River
Travel to Kinabatangan River for wildlife spotting on river cruises. One visitor recalls: "We watched a mother orangutan teaching her baby to climb - she would let it try, then sway the trees to help when needed." Animals are most active during cooler hours.
- Days 12-13
Danum Valley
Take a 3-hour off-road drive to Danum Valley. Stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge where "One morning a wild male orangutan walked past my porch just 5 meters away!" Join guided jungle walks and night drives. The valley viewpoint hike takes 3 hours round trip. Start early to beat the heat.
- Days 14-15
Sandakan
Make the long journey to Sandakan. Watch the sunset from the Nak Hotel's rooftop restaurant. On your final day, explore the waterfront before heading to the airport.
15 Days in Borneo Wildlife, incl. Kuching and Kota Kinabalu
Wildlife takes center stage on this 15-day adventure covering Sepilok Sanctuary, Kinabatangan River, and Tabin Reserve. The tour encompasses 4 major destinations including Kota Kinabalu and Mount Kinabalu National Park, with wildlife cruises, night walks, and stays at comfortable eco-lodges.
- Days 1-3
Kuching
Begin your journey in Sarawak's riverside capital. "The local fruit market gives you a real taste of daily life—go early before the heat kicks in" according to a recent visitor. Plan a sampan boat ride on day 2 to see the city from the water. Day 3 takes you to Bako National Park, which is a 45-minute drive plus 30-minute boat ride away. You'll find proboscis monkeys are most active in the morning. Pack water shoes since the mangrove trails get muddy.
- Days 4-5
Mulu National Park
Catch a morning flight to Mulu. Visit Deer Cave and Lang Cave that afternoon and make sure to arrive by 5 PM to see thousands of bats fly out at dusk. The next day you can explore Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. Remember the 200+ steps up to Clearwater Cave are quite steep. Take regular breaks and bring extra water.
- Days 6-8
Kota Kinabalu
A quick flight brings you to "KK" where you can sample the city's mix of food cultures and browse local markets. One visitor noted: "The Mari Mari cultural village visit was enlightening—opt for the afternoon session when it's cooler." On day 8 take a 2.5-hour drive to Mount Kinabalu with a stop at Tanak Nabalu village for traditional Hinava lunch.
- Days 9-11
Sepilok & Kinabatangan River
Start early at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre before crowds gather. Visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary for the 10 AM feeding when more orangutans typically show up than in the afternoon. For river trips at Sukau go at dawn for the best wildlife viewing. Take binoculars and pack a light rain jacket since quick showers are common.
- Days 12-15
Tabin Wildlife Reserve & Sandakan
You'll have three full days to explore Tabin's wilderness. Watch your step on the Lipad Mud Volcano trail and wear proper hiking boots. Bring a headlamp for night walks since you'll need both hands free on the uneven paths. Your trip ends in Sandakan where the airport is a convenient 20-minute drive from town.
16 Day Borneo Itinerary, incl. Kuching and Kota Kinabalu
A 16-day circuit through Borneo takes you to Kuching's waterfront, Mulu's cave systems, and Sepilok's wildlife sanctuaries. The itinerary features traditional Iban longhouse stays, dawn river safaris along Kinabatangan, and treetop walks in pristine rainforest, led by expert German guides.
- Days 1-3
Kuching Region
Start your trip in Kuching with an evening walk along the Sarawak River promenade. Take a 25-minute boat ride to Bako National Park the next day to see proboscis monkeys and bearded pigs. The jungle trails can get slippery so good hiking shoes with grip are essential.
- Days 4-5
Iban Longhouse Experience
The 4.5-hour drive (260km) through rural Sarawak leads to the Lemanak River. Pack modest clothing for the longhouse stay and keep shoulders and knees covered to show respect. You'll learn traditional blowpipe hunting and watch Iban cultural performances. The basic accommodation offers a real look at indigenous life.
- Days 6-7
Mulu National Park
A short flight brings you to Mulu where you'll find the world's largest cave entrance. Get to Deer Cave before 5:30 PM to see millions of bats fly out at dusk. Take a swim in Clearwater Cave's natural pools the next day and enjoy jungle views from the 25-meter-high canopy walk.
- Days 8-10
Kota Kinabalu & Kundasang
After flying to Kota Kinabalu spend time at the waterfront markets. The 3-hour drive to Kinabalu National Park reveals rare orchids and pitcher plants. Bring warm clothes for Kundasang since evenings get cool at 1,000m elevation.
- Days 11-14
Sepilok & Kinabatangan River
Visit Sepilok Orangutan Center early for feeding time when the orangutans are most active. At Kinabatangan River the 6 AM river safaris offer prime wildlife viewing. As one traveler shared: "The early morning mist on the river creates an ethereal atmosphere - we spotted a herd of pygmy elephants coming down to drink just after sunrise."
- Days 15-16
Sandakan & Departure
End your journey in Sandakan before flying out via Kuala Lumpur. Visit the central market for local souvenirs and final Bornean treats.
