Borneo Tours from Kota Kinabalu
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10 best Borneo tours from Kota Kinabalu
Compiled by
MelissaKota Kinabalu travel expert at TourRadar
- Borneo bokeh: On a photo Safari in The forests of Sarawak and Sabah
- Borneo Family Holiday (5 destinations)
- Wild Borneo
- Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
- Natural wonders of Borneo (Kota Kinabalu-Kuching)
- Real Borneo (6 destinations)
- Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
- Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
- Sabah Adventure
- Trek Mt Kinabalu
From Kota Kinabalu, you'll visit the floating mosque before heading to Mulu National Park's cave systems. The route winds through Deramakot Forest Reserve and Kinabatangan River, finishing in Sandakan after visiting Sepilok's wildlife sanctuaries. The trip covers 375km across Borneo.
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 Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
- US$6,242
Borneo Family Holiday (5 destinations)
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was exactly what we were looking for, a mix of experience, relaxation and getting to know other group members.”
Rebecca, traveled in April
Duration 9 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Poring, Sandakan, Sepilok Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,845
10% Off- US$1,661You save $184
Your trip starts in Kota Kinabalu, heading north through palm plantations to Kinabalu National Park. The route continues east to Sandakan via Kundasang highlands, concluding with wildlife encounters along Kinabatangan River at Abai and Sukau lodges.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Poring, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kundasang, Ranau, Sandakan, Sepilok, Sukau Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Just You From $4,082
16% Off- US$3,434You save $648
Borneo Family Holiday Comfort
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The whole trip was a magical experience, with amazing wildlife and stunning views.”
Anand, traveled in July
Starting and ending in Kota Kinabalu, this route includes Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, and Dinawan Island. A short flight connects Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu with boat transfer to Dinawan Island. The scenic drives through Borneo take up to 5 hours.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Dinawan Island Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
16% Off- US$2,095
Your first stop is Kota Kinabalu for city touring, followed by a flight via Miri to Mulu (3 hours). A longboat takes you to Batang Ai, covering 270km from Kuching. The tour spans four major destinations across Borneo, concluding in Kuching with airport transfers.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kuching, Batang Ai National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator DERTOUR From
16% Off- US$2,129
Real Borneo (6 destinations)
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A fantastic way to get around Borneo without feeling too much like a loud, intrusive tourist.”
Piper, traveled in February
This circular route from Kota Kinabalu includes visits to Sepilok Orangutan Centre, Kinabatangan River, and Pandan Pandan Island. Highlights include village stays in Kiulu Valley and visits to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, showcasing key wildlife and cultural sites.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sepilok, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Poring Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
16% Off- US$1,070
Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
75 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Saw all the wildlife I had hoped for and more. The group was also fantastic, full of laid back, like minded, wildlife lovers, from all over the world.”
Kerry, traveled in March
Your adventure starts in Kota Kinabalu before reaching Tambatuon village (2.5 hours), then heading to Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary (7 hours). The route includes Sepilok's rehabilitation centers, boat ride to Libaran Island, and ends with a flight back to Kota Kinabalu's Jesselton Point waterfront.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $1,749
25% Off- US$1,312You save $437
Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The additional activities exceeded expectations; tubing in Tambatuon village was fun for the range of ages.”
Mel, traveled in July
The tour circles from Kota Kinabalu with private vehicle transfers throughout. A 2.5-hour drive takes you to Tambatuon village, 7 hours to Kinabatangan Sanctuary, and Sepilok before flying back to Kota Kinabalu. Mt Kinabalu climb covers 10km round trip to 4,095m summit.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran, Mount Kinabalu National Park Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $2,529
20% Off- US$2,023You save $505
Sabah Adventure
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“liked the combination of ease and flexibility in the programme.”
Caroline, traveled in December
Kota Kinabalu serves as the starting point, leading to Dusun village, UNESCO-listed Mt. Kinabalu, and wildlife-rich Kinabatangan River. The route takes you to Sepilok Orangutan Centre and Turtle Island, concluding in Sepilok after exploring Sandakan's historical sites.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Poring, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Turtle Islands, Sepilok Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,695
20% Off- US$2,156You save $539
Trek Mt Kinabalu
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The climb was physically very challenging, but provided a great sense of achievement and the views at the top were absolutely breathtaking.”
Gregory, traveled in March
This round-trip from Kota Kinabalu includes 2.5-hour transfers to Mt Kinabalu base. An 8.72km trek leads to the summit at 4,096m via Laban Rata mountain huts (3,272m), featuring Borneo's premier peak before returning to city comforts.
Duration 5 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $1,149
25% Off- US$862You save $287
What our customers ask about Borneo Tours from Kota Kinabalu
What is the best time of year to start a tour from Kota Kinabalu?
Plan your Kota Kinabalu tour between March and October when weather conditions are most favorable. During these months rainfall is minimal and wildlife viewing conditions are clear. The summer months of July and August draw the largest crowds and provide reliable conditions for both jungle exploration and river excursions. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in July and had perfect weather for our river safaris at Kinabatangan and our visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Centre. The morning mists over Mount Kinabalu were spectacular."
What type of accommodation can I expect on tours starting from Kota Kinabalu?
Your accommodation options range from urban comfort to wilderness immersion. City stays include properties like the Grandis Hotel and Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort in Kota Kinabalu while nature-focused stays feature spots like Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge and My Nature Resort in Sepilok. Some itineraries include nights in traditional longhouses or forest camps. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The accommodation ranged from basic to luxurious but was always clean and comfortable. The Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge offered an amazing jungle experience with great wildlife viewing opportunities right from our doorstep."
What cultural experiences are available on tours starting from Kota Kinabalu?
Discover local life through visits to Dusun villages local markets and cultural centers. Hands-on activities include cooking classes farm visits and learning about indigenous customs. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The homestay experience in the Dusun village was a highlight - we learned traditional cooking methods tried rubber tapping and the locals were incredibly welcoming. The Mari Mari Cultural Village near Kota Kinabalu was also fascinating."
What wildlife viewing opportunities are there in Kota Kinabalu itself?
Though Kota Kinabalu primarily serves as a launching point for wildlife excursions the city offers several nature encounters. The Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre welcomes bird enthusiasts while the neighboring islands provide marine life viewing. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Before heading to the jungle we spent time exploring the wetlands near Kota Kinabalu and visited the beautiful islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - it was a great introduction to Borneo's biodiversity."
What food options are available on tours starting from Kota Kinabalu?
The food scene blends Malay Chinese and indigenous flavors. Kota Kinabalu's seafood restaurants and night markets offer local delicacies while wilderness lodges like Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge serve set menus featuring regional dishes. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The food variety was excellent from fresh seafood in Kota Kinabalu to traditional Bornean dishes at our jungle lodge. The local food markets were a highlight especially the night market near the waterfront in KK."
What wildlife can I expect to see on tours starting from Kota Kinabalu?
Wildlife encounters often include orangutans at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay Sanctuary and pygmy elephants along Kinabatangan River. Hornbill species frequent the area with viewing bases at Zen Garden Resort and Bilit Adventure Lodge. As one TourRadar traveler remarked: "Rounding a bend in the Kinabatangan river to come across a whole herd of pygmy elephants including mothers with their calves was simply unforgettable."