What is a definite departure?

A departure is shown as 'Definite Departure' once it has reached a minimum number of guests. That particular departure will definitely run, barring any extraordinary circumstances.We update these regularly, and you can book any departure. While it is highly unlikely a departure doesn't meet the minimum number of guests, you will be offered the best alternative dates or a full refund of any payment made if this is the case.If there are ever any changes to your departure, we will contact you.

How can I book extra hotel nights?

You can add extra hotel nights directly through Trafalgar, so that everything is taken care of, leaving you to relax and enjoy your tour.If you're booking online, once you've selected your travel dates and room type, you'll be offered an option to add extra hotel nights.Alternatively, you call us to book and one of our travel experts can advise on your options.

How much is the deposit for a Trafalgar tour?

On most of our departures, you can secure your trip today with a low deposit from just $200.

What are the different kinds of experiences available?

Each Trafalgar tour has a carefully-selected range of included experiences to help immerse yourself in a destination. But did you know that every tour also has a Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience?Be My Guest Experiences are the original local travel experience, letting you step into the lives of hosts who will share stories about their families and communities.MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences that give back to the local communities, which support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Our tours also include a selection of Optional Experiences which are available for an additional cost, allowing you to make your trip your own.

Can I join a Trafalgar tour as a solo traveller?

A guided tour is the perfect way to solo travel. You'll meet like-minded people travelling with Trafalgar, and you'll relax knowing you can travel with ease, forming genuine connections as you go.To find out more solo room types and pricing select your preferred departure date and continue to the next page.

Where can I find room options?

Once you've selected your preferred departure date, on the next step add the number of guests to review the available room options and find the one that suits you best.

How can I apply my past guest discount?

It's great to have you back on board - the loyalty of our guests means everything to us.To access your Global Tour Rewards discount, please confirm the name and date of your past trip once you've added your passenger details. The discount will be applied before you book.

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wild encounters of borneo small group

Small Groups

Country Collection

New

Wild Encounters of Borneo - Small Group

8-Day Small Group Borneo Tour of Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Kundasang, Kota Kinabalu and Ara Dinawan Island

Beautiful Mother and Baby Orangutan in Borneo, Malaysia

sunbird-kabili-sepilok-forest-reserve-sabah-malaysia.jpg

Save up to $635

Small Groups

Country Collection

New

When do you want to travel?

Travel & Accommodation

8 days, 1 country and 6 cities

7 nights accommodation

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners

Group Size & Activity Level

Average 16 people, Balanced

Itinerary

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, the Best of Borneo

Borneo brings you close to nature at its most remarkable, from orangutans and sun bears to river safaris through the Kinabatangan wetlands. In Sabah, you’ll meet local communities, taste coffee in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu and stay among ancient mangroves in a protected RAMSAR wetland. With your Travel Director leading the way, explore Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, rainforest, highlands and island shores on a journey shaped by wildlife, local food and the people who call this part of Malaysia home.

How you’ll travel

Guided throughout, with authentic local connections.

Standard regional accommodation

Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal

Deluxe coach travel

26 Experiences

View Itinerary

Free booking changes

Low deposit from $200*

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Low deposit from $200*

Deposit protection

Extend your journey to visit Kuching

Choose to travel from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu or why not extend your journey to explore Kuching?

View:

Trip map

Start Location

End Location

Overnight

Visited Location

Optional Location

Plane

Cruise

Train

Day By Day Itinerary

8-day itinerary from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu visiting 1 Country and 6 Cities.

Choose your dates

View:

Departure

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Information

Offer

Price (NZD)

Showing 10 of 13 results

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights

Discover Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu

Visit orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries, the Kinabatangan River, rainforest canopy walkways, Mount Kinabalu foothills and Ara Dinawan Island

Visit Agnes Keith House and the Dusan community

What's included?

View Airport Transfer Information

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

Frequently asked questions

Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews

Wild Encounters of Borneo - Small Group trip reviews

Overall Trip Rating

4.6/

161,878 reviews

independently verified reviews

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend.

"Best Tour Ever!"

Hiawatha O. Blake

5/5

Reviewed on 10/20/2026 12:40:20

This was our first ever bus tour, so we didn’t know what to expect. As it turned out, my wife and I

...

"New England Fall Color Tour"

Julie Rutter

5/5

Reviewed on 10/20/2026 12:39:42

This was our first tour on a coach. The experience was very nice and fun. *personal info removed by

...

"Loved it all!"

Rosalee Cooper

5/5

Reviewed on 10/20/2026 11:50:44

*Personal information removed by Feefo* is a remarkable tour director! *Personal information removed

...

"Phenomenal Tour Staff"

Trusted Customer

4/5

Reviewed on 10/20/2026 11:39:10

We've been on 2 tours so far and the tour directors and drivers were awesome. They can make or break

...

"Great Tour of the UK and Ireland."

Darlene Ledford

4.5/5

Reviewed on 10/20/2026 11:36:24

Booking our tour was done professionally and easily all our questions was answered. They also booked

...

"History!"

Michele

5/5

Reviewed on 10/20/2026 11:31:28

*Personal information removed by Feefo* our tour guide was so informative and helpful. The other

...

"Our first time on a tour was everything we were hoping it would be."

Sylvan Metcalfe

5/5

Reviewed on 10/20/2026 11:29:48

This was our first tour, Had a great time! Our tour leader *Personal information removed by Feefo*

...

"Splendours of Italy tour review"

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 10/20/2026 09:16:10

Our travel director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was undoubtedly one of the best I’ve

...

"Full on 12 days touring Denmark, Norway and Sweden"

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 10/20/2026 09:12:03

Scandalnavian Highlights Tour, *Personal information removed by Feefo* our coach driver and

...

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 10/20/2026 09:10:49

Our tour guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was awesome. He was extremely knowledgeable

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You'll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

Feel good (and do good) travel

It feels good to do good. These sustainable travel experiences help you meet inspiring people, support local communities, and make amazing memories that last a lifetime.

Find out More