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9 Day Best of Borneo
Relaxed Itinerary
7-Day Change Mind
Fully escorted by English-speaking guideGuarantee Departure
Guarantee Departure
Day by Day Itinerary
Kota Kinabalu (3 nights), Selingan Island (1 night), Sepilok (1 night), Sukau (3 nights)
Highlights
- Soft trek through the jungle trail and swim on Gaya Island, the biggest island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
- Soak in the rejuvenating hot Sulphur public pools in Kipungit Waterfall
- Visit some of the most eminent centres including Sepilok Orang Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre
- View unique birds and wildlife along the Kinabatangan River, the Sabah’s longest river
- Dedicated transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Daily Breakfast Buffet
- Fully escorted by English-speaking local guides
- In-depth sightseeing and all entry fees as per the itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Kota Kinabalu
SELAMAT!
Welcome to Malaysia.
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu this morning, where your friendly tour guide will be waiting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel for check-in, freshen up and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring around town.
Meal: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu 4* or similar
Some flights may depart the night before and fly overnight, to arrive on Day.
Day 2
Kota Kinabalu – Gaya Island – Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel then take a 30-minute speed boat to Gaya Island, a Borneo’s biodiverse treasure-house of jungle and marine life. On arrival, start your adventure on a jungle trail and explore the unique tropical plants. Enjoy lunch (picnic packed lunch box) by the beach then spend the afternoon at your leisure to go swimming, snorkel or just relax at the beautiful beach before returning to Kota Kinabalu.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu 4* or similar
Day 3
Kota Kinabalu – Mount Kinabalu – Kota Kinabalu
Take a 2-hour drive to the foothills of Mt.Kinabalu in the UNESCO World Heritage Kinabalu Park, one of the world’s most important biological sites with more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna. Stop en route by Pekan Nabalu Market to enjoy the various seasonal tropical fruits. On arrival at the foothills, get ready to stand astounded by the astounding view of Mt.Kinabalu, the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago (4,095m). Later, head to Kinabalu Natural History Gallery and Mountain Garden. If weather permits, go on a guided tour to explore the verdant forest laced with cool montane air. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu 4* or similar
Day 4
Kota Kinabalu 
Sandakan
This morning, take a flight to Sandakan. Arrival Sandakan transfer to the hotel drop off.
Rest of the day free and easy.
Overnight in Sandakan
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sabah Hotel 4* or similar
Day 5
Sandakan Selingan Island
Check out hotel after breakfast and transfer to Jetty for Selingan Turtle Island. Spend today at your leisure to go swimming or just relax at the beautiful beach. After dinner you will have a chance to observe Green Turtles lay eggs. Overnight in Selingan Island. Meals: Lunch & Dinner at Selingan Island.’
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Selingan Turtle Island Chalet
Day 6
Selingan Island Sandakan – Sepilok
After breakfast, check out and depart by boat to Sandakan. Stroll through a town market selling local fishes, assorted snacks and seasonal tropical fruits. Visit Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple located on the top of the hill, St.Michael’s and All Angels Church, then visit Agnes Keith House. Continue Sim Sim Floating Village and Sandakan War Memorial Park. Lunch then head to Rainforest Discovery Centre. Drop-off at hotel in Sepilok area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Sepilok Nature Resort 3*
Day 7
Sepilok - Sukau.
After breakfast, transfer to Sepilok Orang Rehabilitation Centre and afterwards, to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Later, embark to Sandakan and check in the fascinating Borneo Nature Lodge (or equivalent) nested on banks of Borneo’s Kinabatangan River. In the evening, you will hop on a short River Safari Cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Borneo Nature Lodge or similar
Day 8
Sukau – Kinabatangan River – Sukau.
In the morning, take a Safari River Cruise on Kinabatangan River to Oxbow Lake to explore the Borneo’s diverse wildlife. Continue to Hornbill Boardwalk for an educational tour. In the afternoon, Free & Easy before continuing your cruise trip to discover the wildlife.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Borneo Nature Lodge or similar
Day 9
Sukau Sandakan Departure
Return to Sandakan by land, transfer to Sandakan airport for flight back home.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: On Plane
Included
- Domestic flights from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan as the itinerary
- Accommodation and breakfast in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability)
- Meals as mentioned in the program
- All local boat rentals as mentioned in the program
- Water bottles during tours
- All land Transportations based on Private basis except the boat ride in Sukau on SIC basis.
- All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program
- Local English speaking guides in Malaysia
Excluded
- Returned International flights
- Meals and drinks are not mentioned in the program
- Visa fees on arrival in Malaysia
- Tipping for driver and tour guide (suggestion: US$10/pp/day)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (we strongly recommend you hold a valid travel insurance policy for all domestic and overseas travel)
- Trip delay or interruption by airline schedule change
- Extra cost or missing tour caused by flight delay or cancel
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
- Malaysia Tourism Tax: MYR 10.00 per room per night for each destination will be collected directly by hotels
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
Asia Vacation Group offers you a “3 Instalment Payment Plan”, you will be required to settle a small deposit followed by a series of installments when you select to book your departure tour.
- First payment: You will be required to settle US$200pp deposit online through our website link.
- Second payment: You will be required to settle the second payment US$1,300pp after 7 days when you receive our company invoice.
- Final payment: Final payment will be collected 120 days before your departure.
However, you will have 7-day cooling off period. Please refer to “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment. 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 [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
This package excludes international flights from USA.
If you would like to book your international flights with us, please contact or request in the booking form when you make a booking.
- Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Asia Vacation Group change fee of US$250 per person.
- Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Asia Vacation Group name change fee of US$150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required.
- Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler’s expense.
- Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
- After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Asia Vacation Group. Asia Vacation Group reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer’s invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
- 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.
- 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.
- In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Asia Vacation Group will also charge a US$250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline’s policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
Important Information
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Please be advised that tipping for tour guides, drivers and bellmen are required and will be collected by your travel consultant 7 days before you depart. A gratuity of US$10 per person/day can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry as they have done an impeccable job to serve you through your holiday.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is US$ per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Group size:
15-30 pax
Triple Share
Upon your request except for cruises
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’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 and must have more than 2 blank pages.
A visa is required for travel to Vietnam. The visa is easiest to complete with Asia Vacation Group and just need to pay US$160 for single entry for Vietnam Visa.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can pay extra for arriving early or extension your trip.
Pre-tour night: US$ /room/night
Post-tour night: US$ /room/night
Dates & Prices
Choose your departure month
Depart Date
Return Date
Price
Note
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