Borneo Small Group Tours
4.5 stars on(7,887 reviews)- Choose from 21 Borneo tours
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10 best Borneo small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaBorneo travel expert at TourRadar
- Wild Sarawak (10 destinations)
- Classic Borneo (from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu)
- Indonesia: Borneo Orangutans of Tanjung Puting National Park
- Borneo bokeh: On a photo Safari in The forests of Sarawak and Sabah
- The Island of the Forest People
- Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
- Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
- Real Borneo (6 destinations)
- Premium Borneo in Depth
- Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
Duration 10 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park, Labuan Island, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kota Kinabalu Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,995
20% Off- US$1,596You save $399
Ideal for groups aged 15-99, this Borneo adventure maintains intimate wildlife encounters at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Kinabatangan River cruises. Small numbers ensure quality guide interaction during Gomantong Cave exploration and Manukan Island snorkeling, with comfortable stays at jungle lodges and resorts.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sandakan, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kundasang, Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,875
10% Off- US$2,587You save $288
Duration 7 days Destinations Jakarta, Tanjung Harapan, Tanjung Puting National Park, Kumai, Pangkalan Bun Age Range 15 to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From
10% Off- US$1,449
A maximum of 12 guests ensures optimal viewing at Borneo's premier wildlife locations. The intimate setting allows quiet approaches to orangutans in Sepilok and clouded leopards in Deramakot. Personalized guidance enhances photography at Kinabatangan River and Mulu Cave system.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Gunung Mulu National Park, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Deramakot Forest Reserve, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sepilok, Sandakan Age Range up to 85 year olds Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
10% Off- US$6,285
A small group ventures through Borneo's treasures, perfectly sized for wildlife viewing at Sepilok Orangutan Center and Kinabatangan River safaris. Intimate numbers allow quality time with Iban tribes in traditional longhouses and detailed exploration of Mulu's magnificent cave systems. German-speaking expert guides accompany throughout.
Duration 16 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Sepilok, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Kuala Lumpur Age Range up to 85 year olds Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
10% Off- US$4,404
Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
74 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was really nice experience. The group of travelers were very good and we enlarge company of each other.”
Mohamed, traveled in August
Wildlife encounters unfold with 15-18 nature enthusiasts in Borneo. The group size ensures peaceful orangutan viewing at Sepilok and meaningful turtle conservation experiences on Libaran Island. Jungle lodge stays and riverside safaris come with dedicated guidance from your CEO.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $1,749
25% Off- US$1,312You save $437
Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“fun trip with many different activities to do from jungle adventures over visiting orang utans and turtles in the wildness.”
Deborah, traveled in August
Groups of 12-14 travelers venture into Borneo's wilderness, ideal for wildlife spotting at Kinabatangan River and Sepilok Orangutan Centre. The intimate setting allows close encounters with turtles on Libaran Island and safe ascents of Mt Kinabalu, accompanied by attentive guides.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran, Mount Kinabalu National Park Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,299
15% Off- US$1,954You save $344
Real Borneo (6 destinations)
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had great fun on this trip, saw lots of wildlife and met great people!”
Flynn, traveled in February
Borneo awaits 10-20 fellow adventurers, perfect for wildlife observation at Sepilok Orangutan Centre and Kinabatangan River cruises. The group size allows private cultural performances in Kiulu Valley and close encounters during night walks at Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sepilok, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Poring Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
15% Off- US$1,070
Groups of 12-15 travelers immerse in Borneo's wilderness, perfect for wildlife viewing at Kinabatangan River and Sepilok Orangutan Centre. The setting ensures serene nature encounters at Mulu National Park's caves and genuine cultural experiences at Iban longhouses. Accommodations include premium Nanga Sumpa Lodge and Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort.
Duration 12 days Destinations Kuching, Batang Ai National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From $5,000
15% Off- US$4,250You save $750
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Borneo was a fabulous trip. I was very pleased by all the flora and fauna we saw, the hikes we took and the lodges we stayed in.”
Sharon, traveled in March
Groups under 16 people venture through Borneo's wilderness. The limited size allows quiet wildlife viewing at Sepilok Orangutan Centre, special access to Danum Valley's pristine rainforest, and focused guidance during Kinabatangan River safaris. Local experts facilitate quality encounters with native species.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sandakan, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $6,448
7% Off- US$6,000You save $448
Reviews of Small Group tours to Borneo
Amazing trip! What made this trip a success beside the overall criteria above is the people. We have the best guide to show us beautiful Sabah. Definitely recommend to those with adventurous spirit!
Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
What our customers ask about Borneo Small Group Tours
What is the ideal duration for a small group tour in Borneo?
The sweet spot for exploring Borneo in a small group falls between 8 and 16 days. East Sabah can be explored well in 8 days while combining both Sarawak and Sabah states needs about 15 days. The Premium Borneo in Depth tour takes 12 days which gives travelers enough time at key spots like Sepilok Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our 12-day small group tour was perfect - enough time to really experience each location without feeling rushed."
What are the accommodation options for small group tours in Borneo?
Borneo's small group tours offer diverse places to stay from comfortable lodges to local homestays. The Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge puts you right where wildlife spotting happens while the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley offers 31 private chalets for a more upscale experience. Some itineraries include nights with local families in traditional longhouses such as in Tambunan Village. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The variety of accommodations really enhanced the experience - from jungle lodges to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort each place offered something special for our small group."
What cultural experiences are available on small group tours in Borneo?
Small groups can get close to local life through homestays in traditional Tambunan longhouses local market visits in Kota Kinabalu and meetings with indigenous communities. The D'Danau Homestay lets visitors cook with locals and join in cultural activities. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The small group size made our cultural experiences more authentic and personal especially during our homestay where we really got to know our host family."
What areas of Borneo are best suited for small group travel?
The most rewarding spots for small groups include the Danum Valley Conservation Area Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and Sepilok. These locations work well with intimate lodges like the Borneo Rainforest Lodge and Nature Lodge Kinabatangan. The Mulu National Park caves are also better explored in smaller numbers. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Our small group could move quietly through Danum Valley allowing us to spot more wildlife than larger groups."
How do small group tours handle transportation in Borneo?
Getting around happens in mini-vans that can reach remote spots like Kinabalu National Park and Sepilok. Smaller boats take groups along the Kinabatangan River making it easier to spot wildlife. Places like Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary are more accessible with smaller vehicles on narrow roads. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The small group size meant we could use more nimble boats on the river getting us closer to wildlife without disturbing them."
How much does a small group tour in Borneo typically cost?
Daily costs run between USD 230 and 558 depending on where you stay and what activities are included. A 10-day Classic Borneo tour costs about USD 2680 covering accommodations guided activities and some meals. TourRadar travelers often mention that "the higher cost of small group tours is justified by the quality of experience and personal attention received."