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 PADI Open Water Diving Course and then spend a day diving on the local coral reefs. If you've always wanted to be a licensed scuba diver, this is your chance to do it in a beautiful place!
ADD-ON #2: Mount Kinabalu Climb: 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
2026:
LAND PACKAGE: C$4,880
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$1,260
Depart Toronto: Sat Nov 7, 2026
Begins Kota Kinabalu: Sun Nov 8, 2026
Ends Kota Kinabalu: Fri Nov 21, 2026
TYPE: Safari
HOTELS: Various (4, 3 & 2 star)
GROUP: Max 12 guests
DURATION: 14 days (12 hotel nights)
DAILY AGENDA
NOTE: Each day's schedule includes the itinals of meals included (B for breakfast, L for lunch, D for dinner).
DAY 0 (Sat Nov 7) Depart Toronto
Your Borneo adventure begins today! While this Land Package does not include trans-Pacific flights, popular routes include afternoon departures via Seoul or midnight departures via Taipei, both offering smooth connections to Kota Kinabalu. TravelMaven will be happy to assist with flight recommendations to suit your schedule and preferences. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you in Borneo!
DAY 1 (Sun Nov 8) Arrive in Kota Kinabalu
Welcome to Kota Kinabalu! Whether you’re arriving in the afternoon from Taipei or landing just before midnight from Seoul, you can rest assured that Barry will be at the airport to greet you with a warm welcome and escort you to our hotel. Your adventure in Malaysian Borneo is about to begin, and we’re thrilled to have you with us!
Kota Kinabalu
DAY 2 (Mon Nov 9) Recovery Day in KK; Welcome Dinner (B,D)
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 (Tue Nov 10) Mari Mari Cultural Village (B,L)
This morning, we’ll visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village to explore traditional homes representing Sabah’s five major ethnic groups. Guests will see demonstrations like fire-starting, tattoo-making, and blowpipe use, and enjoy food tastings from each culture. The visit ends with a lively cultural performance before we return to the hotel mid-afternoon. Guests will have a free evening.
Mari Mari Cultural Village
DAY 4 (Wed Nov 11) Island Hopping Boat Tour (B,L)
Today, we’ll set sail on a scenic boat tour to explore the stunning islands just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, taking in the breathtaking seascapes and enjoying lunch along the way. In the evening, guests are invited to join Barry for an optional outing to the local night market—a great way to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Kota Kinabalu’s vibrant street food scene.
DAY 5 (Thu Nov 12) Fly to Sandakan; Rainforest Discovery Centre (B)
After breakfast and check-out, we’ll fly to Sandakan. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, located in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Strolling along its impressive canopy walkway, we’ll take in sweeping views of the jungle and watch for colorful birds like hornbills and pittas flitting through the treetops. It’s a peaceful and scenic introduction to the region’s rich biodiversity.
Rainforest Discovery Centre
DAY 6 (Fri Nov 13) Selingan Turtle Island (B,L,D)
Today is sure to be a highlight as 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 (Sat Nov 14) Orangutan Centre, Sun Bear Centre & Kinabatangan River Safari (B,L,D)
After an early departure from Selingan Turtle Island, we kick off the day with two incredible wildlife visits—meeting rescued orangutans at Sepilok and spotting rare sun bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Centre. After lunch, we head into the rainforest to Hornbill Lodge. At sunset, we embark on our first Kinabatangan River safari, watching for elephants, hornbills, and wild orangutans along the riverbanks.
Selingan Turtle Island
DAY 8 (Sun Nov 15) Kinabatangan River Safari (B,L,D)
Today is an unforgettable adventure with two river safaris along the Kinabatangan River, one of Borneo’s best wildlife hotspots! We start early with a light breakfast, followed by a morning river safari. Then after a full breakfast at the lodge, guests can relax or join a late morning jungle walk. After lunch, there's time for another walk before heading out on a dusk river safari. The day ends with dinner at the lodge.
DAY 9 (Mon Nov 16) Gomantang Caves, Mabul Island (B,D)
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 (Tue Nov 17) Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort Day #1 (B,L,D)
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 (Wed Nov 18) Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort Day #2 (B,L,D)
Today, guests will split into three groups. 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 (Thu Nov 19) Depart Mabul Island, return to Kota Kinabalu (B)
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. For those who have chosen the PADI Open Water course Add-On, the experience continues—these guests will remain on Mabul Island for two additional nights to complete their scuba certification.
DAY 13 (Fri Nov 20) End of tour (B)
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
Add-On #1 - PADI DIVING COURSE
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)
Add-On #2 - MOUNT KINABALU CLIMB
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)