Highlights
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
Itinerary
If you’re searching for wild beauty and a dash of adventure, the "Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu" tour in Malaysia is your answer. Over 11 days, this trip takes you from the lively city of Kota Kinabalu into Borneo’s eastern jungles, where you’ll meet orangutans at a renowned rehabilitation center and cruise the Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife. The journey culminates in a sunrise hike up Mt Kinabalu—the region’s highest peak and a true test for any adventurer. With accommodations, meals, and expert guides included, the USP here is a perfect mix of wildlife encounters and mountain triumphs, ideal for those who crave both nature and a challenge.
day 1 - Kota Kinabalu
Arrive at any time.
day 2 - Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud
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.
day 3 - Kota Belud to Sungai Kinabatangan
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.
day 4 - Sungai Kinabatangan
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, pygmy elephants, 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.
day 5 - Sungai Kinabatangan/Sepilok
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.
day 6 - Sepilok/Pulau Libaran
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.
day 7 - Pulau Libaran/Kota Kinabalu
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.
day 8 - Kota Kinabalu/Mount Kinabalu
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.
day 9 - Mount Kinabalu
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.
day 10 - Mount Kinabalu/Kota Kinabalu
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.
day 11 - Kota Kinabalu
Depart at any time.

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What's Included
Note: Allow USD90-120 for meals not included.
What's Excluded
Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
Excellent
My overall experience was very good. The trip was well organized and our CEO was resourceful, helpful, and entertaining, I think that the information provided gave a relatively accurate description of the trip and its level of difficulty and comfort and the level of fitness required. Most importantly, I learned a great deal about the peoples, customs and places we visited, things I did not know at all prior to the trip,. Our exposure to apes, monkeys, and elephants was outstanding!
Excellent
Overall a very relaxing trip, other members of the group are easy to get along with, good food, good CEO.
Excellent
Borneo is absolutely incredible. The itinerary is fantastic with lots of things to do and see. The wildlife is sensational and hiking to the Summit of Mt Kinabalu is a special experience. Alister our CEO was fantastic. His knowledge, support and leadership was next level. I cannot wait to book on another G Adventure tour.
Excellent
Borneo is absolutely incredible. The itinerary is fantastic with lots of things to do and see. The wildlife is sensational and hiking to the Summit of Mt Kinabalu is a special experience. Alister our CEO was fantastic. His knowledge, support and leadership was next level. I cannot wait to book on another G Adventure tour.
Excellent
Great tour to see and enjoy the wildlife of Borneo.
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