Travelpack

Kuala Lumpur • Kota Kinabalu • Poring Hot Springs (Ranau) • Kinabatangan River • Sandakan • Turtle Island • Sepilok

Discover the best of Malaysian Borneo on an unforgettable family adventure! Explore vibrant Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, enjoy rainforest walks and natural hot springs, cruise the Kinabatangan River in search of wild orangutans and proboscis monkeys, and experience a magical night watching giant sea turtles nesting on Turtle Island. Meet rescued orangutans and sun bears at conservation centres, discover local culture and enjoy unique jungle stays, traditional cooking and breathtaking tropical scenery.

Day 1: Kuala Lumpur
Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Kuala Lumpur Intl Airport Via Hamad International Airport
Stay at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel & Residences for 2 nights

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur City Tour
Private Tour
Experience the highlights of the city on a well-paced, time-efficient tour designed to showcase its most iconic sights. Enjoy excellent photo opportunities while taking in a captivating blend of contemporary architecture and rich cultural heritage, all in a comfortable and seamless journey. This tour offers a convenient way to gain a broad overview within a limited timeframe. A licensed guide will be provided only for groups exceeding 8 passengers.

Duration: 4 hours
Inclusions :
Transport by air-conditioned car, van, or bus.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
English-speaking driver

Day 3: Kota Kinabalu
Private Transfer Hotel to Airport
Flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Private Transfer Airport to Hotel
Welcome to Malaysia! Your adventure begins in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, beautifully located between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea. Attend a welcome meeting at 5 pm at your hotel to meet your leader and fellow family travellers. Afterwards, explore the lively waterfront market, filled with stalls serving delicious grilled meat and fresh seafood. If you arrive early, discover local history at the Sabah State Museum or explore the nearby islands, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Accommodation: Dreamtel Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: No meals included.
Optional Activities: Kota Kinabalu – Mari Mari Cultural Village (Entrance) – MYR 130

Special Information:
Please attend the welcome meeting, as we will collect insurance details and next-of-kin information for each family member. If you expect to arrive late, inform your travel agent or hotel reception. Check with reception or look for a notice in the lobby for meeting details.
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Day 4: Kota Kinabalu
This morning, enjoy an exciting stand-up paddleboarding experience at Tanjung Aru Beach. Paddle at your own pace, explore hidden coves, admire the beautiful coastal scenery, and discover the vibrant marine life with your guide. The rest of the day is free for you and your family to explore Kota Kinabalu. Wander through the bustling local markets or visit the beautiful Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.

Accommodation: Dreamtel Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Kota Kinabalu – Stand-up Paddleboarding

Day 5: Poring Hot Springs
After breakfast, travel to Poring Hot Springs for a rainforest adventure. Enjoy a scenic walk surrounded by towering bamboo trees and lush tropical greenery while learning about the natural sulphur springs, first developed by the Japanese during World War II. Relax in the natural rock pools, enjoy the fun slide pools or soak in the warm sulphurous waters. Tonight, experience a unique stay in a reconstructed longhouse on a beautiful tea plantation.

Accommodation: Sabah Tea Longhouse (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Ranau – Poring Hot Springs (Canopy Walk & Conservation Fee)

Special Information:
Entrance to the hot pools is optional, with different pools available for adults and children.
Slide pools are closed every Monday for scheduled maintenance.
The Poring Canopy Walkway has been closed for maintenance since 30 July 2025 until further notice.
Alternative activities may include Kipungit Waterfall, Butterfly Garden, or relaxing in the open-air hot pools.
Accommodation is in twin/triple-share longhouse-style rooms with fans and shared bathrooms.

Day 6: Kinabatangan River
Travel by private bus to Kampung Batu Puteh, a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Meet the local community-run conservation organisation KOPEL and learn about its efforts to protect the rainforest through reforestation and sustainable tourism. Then, take a boat upriver to your jungle accommodation. In the afternoon, enjoy a sunset wildlife cruise in search of fascinating wildlife, including macaques, wild orangutans and proboscis monkeys. Return to your jungle camp beside an oxbow lake, enjoy dinner and fall asleep surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

Accommodation: Kinabatangan Eco Camp (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Activities: Kinabatangan River – Afternoon Wildlife Cruise

Special Information:
Journey time is approximately 5 hours.
Pack an overnight bag for 2 nights in the jungle camp; main luggage will be stored at the KOPEL office.
Some departures may include 1 night at the Eco Camp and 1 night in village accommodation, subject to availability.
Jungle accommodation is simple, with basic facilities, mosquito nets and cold-water bathing.
Solar-powered electricity is available to minimise disturbance to wildlife.
A torch, insect repellent and rain jacket are essential. Boots and leech socks are available to rent for the jungle night walk.

Day 7: Kinabatangan River
Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest. After breakfast, travel upriver to a nearby village and discover the traditional lifestyle of the local community. Enjoy a hands-on traditional cooking class and savour your creations for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing, playing board games or spotting more wildlife before heading out on another sunset river cruise. After dinner, join an exciting guided jungle night walk with head torches to discover fascinating nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Kinabatangan Eco Camp or village stay (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Activities:
Kinabatangan River – Night Jungle Walk
Kinabatangan River – Traditional Cooking Class
Kinabatangan River – Cultural Performance
Kinabatangan River – Sunset Wildlife Cruise
Optional Activities: Kinabatangan River – Tree Planting – MYR 50

Day 8: Sandakan
Say goodbye to your jungle camp and travel to Sandakan, where you'll visit the historic Sandakan War Memorial. Discover the city's rich Cantonese heritage through its lively harbourside markets, Chinese temples and delicious local cuisine. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, shop, relax or catch up on personal errands. You can also unwind by the hotel swimming pool this afternoon.

Accommodation: Ormond Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities: Sandakan – War Memorial

Day 9: Turtle Island
Leave your main luggage at the hotel and board a speedboat to Turtle Island Marine Park, passing traditional fishing villages and bamboo fish traps along the way. Spend the day enjoying the island's beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and exploring marine life. After sunset, witness the unforgettable sight of giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, followed by the release of protected hatchlings into the ocean. A truly special wildlife experience for the whole family!

Accommodation: Chalet (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Activities: Turtle Island – Night Turtle Nesting Viewing
Optional Activities: Turtle Island – Turtle Nest Adoption Programme – MYR 150

Special Information:
Turtle nesting may take place after 10 pm, so children may have a late night. Games and activities are recommended while waiting.
Follow all instructions from park rangers to avoid disturbing the turtles and their natural habitat.
November to February is monsoon season, and boat journeys may be affected by rough weather or cancellations.

Day 10: Sepilok / Sandakan
Return to the mainland by boat before travelling to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Discover how rescued and orphaned orangutans are cared for and prepared for life in the wild. Watch these fascinating creatures from the viewing platform and see young orangutans learning to climb at the nursery. Continue to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to meet rescued sun bears and learn about their conservation. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, with the option to gather with your family for a memorable farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Ormond Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities:
Sepilok – Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Sepilok – Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Day 11: Sandakan
Enjoy breakfast before checking out. With no activities planned, you are free to depart at your convenience and take home wonderful memories of your Malaysian family adventure. If you wish to extend your stay, please contact your booking agent in advance

What is included in the offer
• International & Domestic Flights with 20kg Baggage
• Private Return Airport Transfer in Kuala Lumpur
• 2-night stay at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre in a 1 Bedroom Family Apartment (1 King & Bunk Beds) with bed & breakfast
• Private Arrival Airport Transfer in Kota Kinabalu
• 8 Nights/9 Days Borneo Family Adventure
• Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights), Longhouse (1 night), Jungle Camp (2 nights) and Chalet (1 night)
• Meals: 14 Total – 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners
• Activities: 11 Total – Kota Kinabalu – Stand-Up Paddle Boarding; Ranau – Poring Hot Springs, Canopy Walk & Conservation Fee; Kinabatangan River – Afternoon Wildlife Cruise, Night Jungle Walk, Cooking Class, Cultural Performance & Sunset Wildlife Cruise; Sandakan – War Memorial; Turtle Island – Turtle Night Nesting Viewing; Sepilok – Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
• Transport: Private Vehicle, Ferry & Boat
• Private Return Airport Transfer in Sandakan

Prices & Departures:
Total Price Inclusive of All Charges:
• C39226 Heathrow from £9,889 per family
• C40165 Manchester from £9,999 per family
• C40168 Edinburgh from £10,365 per family
Deposit £2000 Total/£500pp

No Local Fees Payable

Terms & Conditions:
Total prices are based on 2 Adults & 2 Children (5-11yrs)

Meal Plans