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Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu

11 Days Kota Kinabalu Return
Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 11 Day Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu. The natural splendour of Borneo’s Eastern Sabah region and towering peaks of Mt Kinabalu, all on one adventure? Where do I sign up?” Right here, friend. This incredible 11-day tour delivers ample time in Malaysia’s jungle playground (including a life-changing encounter with orangutans at a rehabilitation facility) before three days in the shadow of mighty Mt Kinabalu – the tallest peak in this part of the world – climaxing with a sunrise hike to the mountain’s peak. Prepare to be amazed.
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US$2,324 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $775 per person
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Trip Length
Trip Length

11 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Kota Kinabalu

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Kota Kinabalu

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Trip Style

Classic

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

6-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

15

Pace
Pace

Challenging

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

AAEK

Itinerary

Arrive at any time.
Accommodation: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Included Experiences
  • Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

From Kota Kinabalu, travel to Tambatuon village and meet the local community. Walk to a nearby river, exploring the landscape surrounding the village along the way. Visit a local farm and gather fresh ingredients for an included dinner. Learn how to cook some local recipes with the host.
Accommodation: D'Danau Homestay
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
  • D'Danau Homestay: D’danau’ Homestay is a beautiful homestay located in Kota Belud Sabah, Malaysia. It provides job opportunities for locals offering great experiences to travellers like hiking, water tubing, cooking classes and other activities. The income generated from tourism allows the community to collect fees that are invested in the nature conservation and development of the village. Visitors can also learn about the lives of the Borneo people, and enjoy the cool climate and peaceful atmosphere. D’danau’s mission is to promote their culture and way of life, protect the environment and enhance their livelihood.
  • Local Farms and Cooking Demonstration: Visit a farm and learn of their contrasting techniques while picking fresh vegetables, later used when learning to cook local recipes with the villagers. First visit Kundasang Aquafarm, a community-led farm that uses fish waste instead of chemical fertilizer for a hydroponic system. Then you are off to Onis farm that practices more traditional farming.

Travel towards Sandakan and continue to the immersive jungle lodge on Kinabatangan River, Sabah's longest. After settling in, head out on a river cruise to experience the serenity of evening river life (keep your eyes peeled for birds and monkeys and crocodiles, oh my!). Enjoy dinner then opt for a guided night walk through the jungle.
Accommodation: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
  • Kinabatangan River Evening Cruise: Cruise through the crocodile-infested waters with an expert boatman. While wildlife-spotting can't be guaranteed there's a good chance you will spot some monkeys, birds and the occasional saltwater crocodiles.
Optional Experiences
  • Jungle Night Walk: Take a night walk on the trails near the Jungle Lodge and look for the unique creatures that are active at night.

Begin the day with a river safari to witness the morning wildlife activity. After breakfast, visit the nearby Oxbow Lake with a professional guide and seek out proboscis monkeys, macaques, and gibbons. Enjoy another river cruise for a second chance to spot more wildlife (you never know what you may see) before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
  • Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise: Jump into a boat and explore the muddy river; keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, birds, and crocodiles.
  • Guided Oxbow Lake Walk and Wildlife Spotting: Enjoy a guided trek along the lake and seek out proboscis monkeys, macaques, and gibbons.
  • Kinabatangan River Evening Cruise: Cruise through the crocodile-infested waters with an expert boatman. While wildlife-spotting can't be guaranteed there's a good chance you will spot some monkeys, birds and the occasional saltwater crocodiles.
Optional Experiences
  • Jungle Night Walk: Take a night walk on the trails near the Jungle Lodge and look for the unique creatures that are active at night.

Depart in the morning and travel to Sepilok - a wildlife haven. Enjoy a visit to the orangutan rehabilitation centre and the adjacent sun bear conservation centre.
Accommodation: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit: The orangutans at the centre were either rescued as orphans or from illegal domestication. Once rehabilitated, they are set free to live in the wild. Watch these creatures being fed or roaming the grounds along with other animals such as macaque monkeys.
  • Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit: Visit the conservation centre and see the world’s smallest bear. Learn more about the sun bears and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.
Optional Experiences
  • Jungle Night Walk: Take a night walk on the trails near the Jungle Lodge and look for the unique creatures that are active at night.

Transfer to Sandakan and continue by boat to Libaran Island, also known as Turtle Island because thousands of sea turtles return to nest each year. Take a guided tour of the island's turtle hatchery and learn about the turtle conservation program. Later, visit the local village and experience what life is like on the island. Opt to go snorkelling or kayaking with some free time.
Accommodation: Walai Penyu Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
  • Speedboat: Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
  • Turtle Experience: Accompany Island rangers to learn more about these amazing creatures and the threats to their existence. Depending on the time of year, observe turtles laying their eggs on the beach, follow the park rangers as they transfer the eggs to the hatchery, or stand on the shore and witness the release of baby turtles to the open sea.
  • Libaran Island Village Walk: Visit the friendly village of Libaran Island, part of a Planeterra Foundation community development project. View demonstrations by villagers who make flower souvenirs from plastic bottles, master Pandanous weaving, and meticulously knit fishing nets. Also see how local snacks are prepared and enjoy the delicacies.

After breakfast, depart Libaran Island and travel back to the Sandakan jetty. From the jetty, transfer to Sandakan airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Accommodation: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
  • Speedboat: Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).

Travel to Mt Kinabalu. Opt to hike the nature trails, or enjoy an excursion to Poring hot springs and a canopy walk with some free time. Travel to the base of Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea. In the afternoon, stretch your legs by exploring the trails around the park or check out the visitor centre.
Accommodation: Mt. Kinabalu Park Hostel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
  • Free Time: Opt to enjoy some beautiful nature walks through lowland tropical forest on well marked trails or relax and prepare for the climb ahead.
Optional Experiences
  • Poring Hot Springs Visit: Poring Hot Springs is near the base of Mt Kinabalu. Known for its healing hot springs, Poring is a perfect spot to relax. Try the canopy walk (5 MYR), trek to some waterfalls, visit a butterfly farm or soak in the hot springs. (15-20 MYR per person)

Head off to conquer Mt Kinabalu. During the first day's climb to Laban Rata, enjoy a packed lunch on the way. The hike can take from 5-7 hrs. Indulge in a buffet-style dinner then rest up for an early start to summit the mountain in the morning. Set off early to begin the ascent up Mt Kinabalu. It is not an easy walk, but it is incredibly rewarding. Willpower is the main requirement as it's uphill all the way! Spend the night at Laban Rata in basic mountain huts 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level. Turn in early to prepare for the final climb very early in the morning.
Accommodation: Laban Rata Dormitory
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
  • Mount Kinabalu Hike- Day 1: Begin at the Timpohon Gate and head downhill into the rainforest to start, before heading upwards. The well-marked trail is predominantly made up of steep steps that vary considerably in size. The first section of the hike is fairly moderate, but take it easy and save your energy for the more difficult push higher up on the mountain. During the second half of the day's trek experience a change in scenery and terrain. Accommodation for the night is near Laban Rata at 3,272m elevation. Accommodation is basic with only cold water, and blankets are provided. Tomorrow's hike commences very early, so get some rest.

Summit Mt Kinabalu (3-5hrs) and arrive in time for sunrise. Return to Laban Rata for a rest and to the park headquarters for lunch. Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
Accommodation: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
  • Mount Kinabalu Hike- Day 2: Get an early start to make it to the summit for sunrise. This portion of the hike takes about three to four hours. Stop in at the mountain huts before continuing to the park headquarters for lunch. Be prepared—the descent can be tough on the knees and takes approximately five to seven hours.

Depart at any time.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

  • Gather local ingredients and take a cooking demonstration.
  • Enjoy a river safari.
  • Visit an orangutan rehabilitation centre.
  • Watch the sunrise from the summit of Mt Kinabalu.
  • Spot wildlife in an oxbow lake.

  • Your G for Good Moment: D'Danau Homestay, Kota Belud
  • Your G for Good Moment: Libaran Island Village Walk, Pulau Libaran
  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Foodie Moment: Local Farms and Cooking Demonstration, Tambatuon Village
  • Morning and evening Kinabatangan River safaris
  • Guided oxbow lake visit and wildlife spotting (Kinabatangan)
  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre visit
  • Turtle Island stay with turtle hatchery visit
  • Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit
  • Mt Kinabalu hike (2 days)
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Private vehicle, plane, ferry, walking
  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

  • Hotels (3 Nights), Homestay (1 Night, Multi-share), Jungle Lodge (3 Nights, Twin-share), Permanent Tented Camp (1 Night, Twin-share), Hostel (1 Night, Twin-share), Hostel (1 Night, Multi-share)
  • A variety of styles of hotels/guesthouses are used in Malaysia. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home. In some areas we stay in simple local guesthouses in stunning locations - rooms are small and basic and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers. Service and efficiency can also vary.

  • 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.

Operator

G Adventures
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.

On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Trip Style: Classic

Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.

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Dates & Pricing USD USD

Sunday 19 Apr 2026 19 Apr 26 Kota Kinabalu
Wednesday 29 Apr 2026 29 Apr 26 Kota Kinabalu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,679
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday 26 Apr 2026 26 Apr 26 Kota Kinabalu
Wednesday 06 May 2026 06 May 26 Kota Kinabalu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,679
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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