This safari is mostly on (or under) the water.
Just say the word 'Borneo', and you'll smell rainforests, imagine exotic wildlife and feel the chill of headhunters. In fact, the power of Borneo is such that even people who couldn't find it on a map still want to go there. Do you want to experience Borneo?
If you do, then our BORNEO SAFARI tour may be just the ticket. After the success of our KRUGER SAFARI tour, TravelMaven decided to create a follow-up that offers much of the same thing, unspoiled nature and exotic wildlife, but in a different part of the world.
Borneo is the fourth largest island on earth, with its territory divided amongst three nations: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Our tour focuses on the Malaysian province of Sabah, the home of wild orangutans and some of the best coral reef diving in the world.
We are also pleased to offer two add-ons that will appeal to two very specific groups, divers and mountain climbers. Even better, these can be added individually or stacked.
ADD-ON #1: PADI Diving Course: Those wanting to become licensed scuba divers can add two more days on Mabul Island to take their Open Water Course and then spend a day diving on the local coral reefs. If you've always wanted to be a licensed scube diver, this is your chance.
ADD-ON #2: Climb Mount Kinabalu: For many, a visit to Borneo would not be complete without a chance to climb the largest mountain in Malaysia. Guests will spend two days on the mountain, overnighting at the summit lodge before reaching the summit at sunrise.
TOUR DETAILS
2025:
LAND PACKAGE: C$4,880
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$1,420
Depart Toronto: Sat Nov 15
Begins in Kota Kinabalu: Sun Nov 16
Ends in Kota Kinabalu: Fri Nov 28
2026:
LAND PACKAGE: Price tbd
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Price tbd
Depart Toronto: Sat Nov 14
Begins in Kota Kinabalu: Sun Nov 15
Ends in Kota Kinabalu: Fri Nov 27
TYPE: Safari
HOTELS: Various (4, 3 & 2 star)
GROUP: Max 12 guests
DURATION: 14 days (12 hotel nights)
DAILY AGENDA
DAY 0: Depart Toronto
2025: Sat Nov 15 / 2026: Sat Nov 14
Your Borneo adventure begins today! While this Land Package does not include trans-Pacific flights, good connections are available via Seoul (afternoon departure) or Taipei (midnight departure).
DAY 1: Arrive in Kota Kinabalu
2025: Sun Nov 16 / 2026: Sun Nov 15
Welcome to Kota Kinabalu! Arrival times may vary—flights from Taipei land in the afternoon, while those from Seoul arrive around midnight—but no matter when you step off the plane, Barry will meet you at the airport.
Kota Kinabalu
DAY 2: Recovery Day in KK; Welcome Dinner (B,D)
2025: Mon Nov 17 / 2026: Mon Nov 16
Today is a free day to rest and recover from your journey. Whether you sleep in, relax by the pool, or take a casual stroll along the waterfront markets, the day is yours to unwind at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner, a chance to chat with your fellow travelers and kick off the adventure ahead!
DAY 3: Mari Mari Cultural Village (B,L)
2025: Tue Nov 18 / 2026: Tue Nov 17
This morning, we visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village, where we’ll explore the traditional homes of Sabah’s five major ethnic groups, built by the descendants of the tribes themselves. Along the way, we’ll watch fire-starting and tattoo-making demonstrations, try to use a blowpipe, and sample traditional food from each culture. The visit ends with an exciting cultural performance before we return to the hotel mid-afternoon. Guests have a free evening.
Mari Mari Cultural Village
DAY 4: Island Hopping Boat Tour (B,L)
2025: Wed Nov 19 / 2026: Wed Nov 18
Today we’ll set sail on a scenic boat tour exploring the beautiful islands off Kota Kinabalu’s coast, taking in the breathtaking seascapes and enjoying lunch along the way. In the evening, guests can join Barry for an optional dinner at the local market, a great way to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
DAY 5: Fly to Sandakan; Rainforest Discovery Centre (B)
2025: Thu Nov 20 / 2026: Thu Nov 19
After breakfast and check-out, we fly to Sandakan, where we’ll explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Strolling along the canopy walkway, we’ll take in breathtaking views of the jungle and keep an eye out for colorfull birds, including hornbills and pittas, flitting through the treetops.
Rainforest Discovery Centre
DAY 6: Selingan Turtle Island (B,L,D)
2025: Fri Nov 21 / 2026: Fri Nov 20
Today, we embark on a rare and unforgettable overnight stay at Selingan Turtle Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary just 40 minutes off Borneo’s east coast. Here, we’ll learn about sea turtle conservation, witness giant Green Turtles laying eggs on the beach, and even have the chance to see baby turtles released into the ocean—a truly magical experience.
DAY 7: Orangutan Centre, Sun Bear Centre & Kinabatangan River Safari (B,L,D)
2025: Sat Nov 22 / 2026: Sat Nov 21
After an early departure from Selingan Turtle Island, we kick off the day with two incredible wildlife encounters—getting up close with rescued orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and observing the world’s smallest bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. After lunch, we venture deeper into the rainforest to Hornbill Lodge. As the sun sets, we set off on our first Kinabatangan River safari, watching for pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and wild orangutans along the riverbanks.
Selingan Turtle Island
DAY 8: Kinabatangan River Safari (B,L,D)
2025: Sun Nov 23 / 2026: Sun Nov 22
Today is an unforgettable adventure with two river safaris along the Kinabatangan River, one of Borneo’s best wildlife hotspots! The day begins before sunrise with a light breakfast, followed by a morning river safari. After returning to the lodge for a full breakfast, guests have time to relax or join a late morning jungle walk to explore the rainforest on foot. After lunch, there’s an opportunity for another afternoon walk before setting off on a dusk river safari. The day ends with dinner at the lodge.
DAY 9: Gomantang Caves, Mabul Island (B,D)
2025: Mon Nov 24 / 2026: Mon Nov 23
After breakfast and check-out, we visit the Gomantong Caves, a vast limestone cave system famous for its massive bat colonies and the elusive swiftlets that build their nests high in the cavern walls. From there, we embark on a long drive south to Semporna, where we board a one-hour boat ride to Mabul Island, a tropical haven surrounded by some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world.
Kinabatangan River Safari
DAY 10: Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort Day #1 (B,L,D)
2025: Tue Nov 25 / 2026: Tue Nov 24
For the next two days, we swap the jungle for the ocean at Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort, a renowned dive camp on the shores of Mabul Island. Today, we explore the vibrant underwater world with morning and afternoon snorkeling excursions, gliding over stunning coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Guests taking the PADI Open Water course Add-On will begin their in-water training today.
DAY 11: Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort Day #2 (B,L,D)
2025: Wed Nov 26 / 2026: Wed Nov 25
Today, guests will split into three groups, each experiencing the ocean in their own way. Snorkelers will continue exploring Mabul’s stunning reefs. Those who want to try diving can join the Discover Scuba Diving one-day program (extra fee). Guests taking the PADI Open Water course Add-On will progress further in their training, getting closer to certification in one of the world’s most breathtaking dive locations.
Scuba Junkie dive & snorkel outing
DAY 12: Depart Mabul Island, return to Kota Kinabalu (B)
2025: Thu Nov 27 / 2026: Thu Nov 26
After breakfast, most guests will depart Mabul Island, traveling by boat/bus/plane back to Kota Kinabalu, where we’ll return for a final night at our starting hotel. Those completing the PADI Open Water course Add-On will remain on Mabul Island for two more nights to finish their certification.
DAY 13: End of tour (B)
2025: Fri Nov 28 / 2026: Fri Nov 27
For those not taking an add-on, the adventure comes to an end today as you head to the airport for departing flights, arriving back in Toronto later today or on Saturday. Those embarking on the Mount Kinabalu climb Add-On will be picked up for their two-day ascent, taking on the challenge of reaching Borneo’s highest peak.
Scuba Junkie wharf, Mabul Island
PADI Open Water Diving Course Add-on Option
If you’ve ever wanted to become a certified scuba diver, this add-on is the perfect opportunity to earn your PADI Open Water certification in one of the most spectacular diving locations on Earth. Staying two extra nights on Mabul Island, you’ll complete the three-day course with expert instructors, followed by an entire extra day of diving on nearby coral reefs—an unforgettable first experience as a certified diver! This is a chance to get your license in paradise!
PLEASE NOTE: Participants must complete an online course before arrival in Borneo. After certification, guests return to Kota Kinabalu as per the main itinerary.
PADI PACKAGE: Course, hotel, meals & full extra dive day – $1,090 (single supplement: $160)
Climb Mount Kinabalu Add-on Option
For those seeking an epic challenge, this two-day climb to the 4,095m (13,435 ft) summit of Mount Kinabalu is an unforgettable way to end your Borneo adventure. While other guests depart for the airport, climbers will be picked up for the ascent, trekking through lush cloud forests and rugged alpine landscapes before overnighting at a high-altitude lodge. On day two, you’ll make your final push to the summit just in time for a beautiful sunrise above the clouds. This is your chance to stand atop one of Southeast Asia’s most legendary peaks!
MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS PACKAGE: All-inclusive for 2 days – $1,140 (single supplement: $240)
Mount Kinabalu