- Borneo Private Tours
- Wild Borneo and the Sultanate of Brunei with Kota Kinabalu Beach Stay - Private Tour
Venture into the heart of Borneo, an island of ancient rainforests, mist-shrouded mountains, and winding rivers alive with diverse cultures and natural wonder. Trace the echoes of its colonial past in charming coastal towns and discover the enduring traditions of the island’s indigenous tribes. Explore the region’s unique wildlife in jungles alive with the calls of exotic birds and the rustle of apes and monkeys high in the rainforest canopy. From bustling local markets to breathtaking prehistoric caves, meet Borneo’s welcoming communities as you uncover the scenic beauty and incredible biodiversity that make this island unlike any other.
Nestled between the spectacular Crocker range and the inviting waters of the South China Sea, the bustling metropolis and tranquil resorts which surround the city offer visitors a warm climate with a wealth of activities to suite your pace.
Dinner
On arrival at Kuching Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Kuching was founded by Sultan of Brunei in 1827 and ceded to a British soldier, James Brooke, in 1841 as a reward for crushing a rebellion. After the Second World War, the state of Sarawak became a British Crown colony, remaining so until the formation of Malaysia in 1963, uniting three British colonies - Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah (called North Borneo). In the present day, the city of Kuching remains the capital of Sarawak.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
Breakfast
Begin your adventure with a visit to the Semenggoh Orangutan Centre, established in 1975 as a sanctuary for orphaned orangutans, with the intention of rehabilitating them for release back into the wild. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour, including seeing the gigantic Cat Statues: the Malay word for cat is kucing, earning Kuching the nickname of ‘Cat City’. See Tua Pek Kong Temple in Chinatown, the Astana - former Palace of the “White Rajah” - the Colonial Law Courthouse, and the Clock Tower constructed in memory of Rajah Charles Brooke, former ruler of Sarawak.
Breakfast & Lunch
Following breakfast, a short flight brings you to Sibu, gateway to Borneo’s interior. Proceed to a rural longhouse, the traditional dwelling of the Iban and Bidayuh tribes, where you will be welcome by your hosts with local rice wine (tuak) and pastries. Watch a blowpipe demonstration and enjoy the colourful traditional Iban costumes worn during an entertaining dance performance. Later, discover the delightful pagoda temple in Sibu town and explore the surrounding markets and attractions. Later join an evening river cruise on the Rajang River.
Breakfast & Lunch
Drive to Similajau National Park, renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Explore the park’s scenic coastline and waterways on a river and coastal wildlife cruise, offering excellent opportunities to observe the area’s diverse ecosystems. Keep an eye out for a variety of birdlife, including hornbills and sea eagles, as well as wildlife such as macaques and wild boar along the shoreline and in the surrounding rainforest. The park is also known as a habitat for the impressive Estuarine Crocodile – also known as Saltwater Crocodiles – the world’s largest living reptile.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, journey to Niah National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Niah Archaeology Museum and Tribe Museum where exhibits provide fascinating insights into the region’s archaeological discoveries, cultural heritage, and indigenous community. Spend an afternoon cruising the gentle waters that fringe the national park, taking in the surrounding local life and wildlife.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Embark on a 3.5km plank walk to visit the renowned Niah Traders and Great Cave, famed for its 40,000 years of history and location of the oldest human remains discovered in South- East Asia. The spectacular entrance to the Great Cave leads to the site of archaeological excavations. The view over the surrounding jungle is unique, with jagged stalactites, overhangs and dangling creepers forming a dramatic frame for a memorable photo. You won’t be the only visitors to these caves – edible birds nests prized by Chinese gourmets are built high in the cave walls and collected for sale by local tribesmen.
As dusk approaches, watch thousands of bats fly around the ceiling of the vast Traders Caves before they stream into the forest canopy; at the same time, swirling flocks of swifties return to the cave to roost.
Breakfast & Lunch
Drive via Miri to Brunei, where you will enjoy a city tour of the capital, Bander Seri Begawan. Witness the opulent Jame Asr Hessani Boikah Mosques where female visitors will be given a robe to wear and the male visitors must wear long trousers in order to appreciate the inside of the grand mosque and the Royal Regalia Exhibition Halland. View the magnificent Istana Nural Iman, the world’s largest residence of the head of state. The Palace is the official residence of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei – also known as the Yang D Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam – and has 1788 rooms, a 110 – car garage, 5 swimming pools, and an air-conditioned stable, housing the Sultan’s 200 polo ponies.
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit Kianggeh Market to experience the sights and sounds of local life as residents go about their daily routines. Afterwards, aboard a boat to explore Kampong Ayer, often referred to as the “Venice of the East”. Home to around 30,000 residents, it is the world's largest water village, comprising stilted homes, schools, shops, a police station, and fire brigade stretching along the banks of the Brunei River. Later, visit the Arts and Handicraft Centre to discover traditional local crafts, including batik making, beadwork and wood carving, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, where the next stage of your Borneo adventure begins.
Breakfast & Lunch
This morning, visit Mari-Mari Cultural Village, where you can learn about the rich heritage and customs of local tribes, showcased through traditional costumes and dances. Continue for a city tour of Kota Kinabalu, including the iconic glass Sabah Foundation building, the City Mosque, Buddhist temple, and a handicraft market and bazaar where you can browse for locally-made souvenirs.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, depart for a drive through the Crocker Mountain Range to the UNESCO-listed Kinabalu Park, a must-visit destination for nature-lovers. Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain located between the Himalayas and New Guinea, as you walk one of the park’s many trails that lead through tropical Montane Oak and chestnut forests. Visit the Park HQ to see their vast, diverse collection of plants at the Mountain Gardens. En route, stop to browse the well-known Nabalu Market, a treasure trove of unique locally-produced handicrafts, fresh fruit, and traditional snacks.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit Poring Hot Springs, located at the southern boundary of Kinabalu Park, where walking trails, gardens and waterfalls can be found alongside the natural sulphuric thermal waters, Explore the Butterfly Farm, home to a variety of colourful butterfly species native to Borneo, before enjoying a guided jungle walk along a nature trail to a scenic waterfall, offering an opportunity to appreciate the park’s rich flora and fauna.
Continue to Kundasang War Memorial, comprising four gardens that commemorate the different nationalities of soldiers who lost their lives during the Sandakan Death Marches of World War II, as well as honouring the local people who risked their lives to assist British and Australian prisoners of war. Later, stop at Kundasang market, where vendors gather to sell fresh produce and regional specialities, watch locals bartering and selling the local harvest.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel to Sandakan by the memorial route, taking you through historic sites from the Second World War as well as several picturesque natural attractions. Journey to the village of Sukau on the Kinabatangan River, where you’ll join a river cruise: from your boat, spot proboscis monkeys – unique to Borneo, and famous for their unusually long noses - leaping overhead. Look out for other wildlife including orangutans, wild cats, and pygmy elephants that sometimes gather on the riverbanks.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy an early morning cruise to an ox-bow lake, a great opportunity to see wildlife such as orangutans, monkeys, crocodiles, and snakes: the area is also ideal for birdwatching. An afternoon cruise provides a further chance to admire primates jumping from one side of the river to the other, and if you’re lucky you might spot carnivores like the Malayan sun bear, clouded leopard, and marbled cat.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On arrival in Sandakan, begin your day with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Centre, to witness the feeding of orphaned orangutans that live in the wild. Spend time at the Information Centre, where exhibits and a video presentation tell the story of the rehabilitation and conservation of these fascinating primates. For further wildlife encounters, continue on to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you’ll have a great view of these small, rare bears going about their daily routines. Proceed to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to watch the feeding of the proboscis monkeys from a raised platform.
Breakfast
Conclude your adventure with a morning tour of Sandakan. Wander the Central Market and see St Michael's Church, the stilt-houses of Sim Sim Village, and a Chinese temple built on a hill with commanding views of Sandakan Bay. Spend some time at the Australian Prisoner of War Museum, built on the site of a former PoW camp, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, transfer to your selected beach hotel.
Breakfast
Unwind in the tropical charm of Kota Kinabalu with a relaxing beach stay at your chosen seaside hotel. Enjoy golden sunsets, gentle sea breezes, and the soothing sound of waves just steps from your room. Whether you're lounging by the pool or strolling along the shore, it's the perfect escape to recharge at your own pace.
Breakfast
Transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your flight back to the UK.
Use discount code TOUR200 at the checkout to save £200 per person on selected tours departing in October 2026, November 2026, December 2026, January 2027, February 2027, March 2027, April 2027, May 2027, June 2027, July 2027, August 2027, September 2027, October 2027, November 2027, December 2027, January 2028, February 2028, March 2028, April 2028, May 2028, June 2028, July 2028, August 2028, September 2028, October 2028, November 2028 and December 2028
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times or sailing conditions. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to the local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
To enter Borneo/Malaysia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least six months after the date you arrive, have at least one blank page, be undamaged and have no pages missing. A visa is not required for your trip to Borneo. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries.
We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
You must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) - to enter Malaysia. You should complete this within 3 days prior to your arrival. The forms need to be filled in, and the registration email/letter should be printed for presentation at the customs gate. See the Malaysian Immigration website including exemption details.
To enter Brunei, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival. It must not be damaged or have any missing pages. If your passport does not meet these requirements, you may be refused entry.
British citizen passport holders can visit Brunei for up to 90 days without a visa. If you hold another type of British nationality, you should check the visa requirements with the Brunei Immigration authorities: www.immigration.gov.bn.
You must complete an e-arrival declaration form prior to entering Brunei. This should be completed before travel, as it may be requested at check-in. You do not need to complete this form if you are not passing through immigration. The form can be found at: www.imm.gov.bn. You are also required to complete a Health Declaration Form either before or upon arrival. Further information is available via the Ministry of Health: www.healthinfo.gov.bn and www.moh.gov.bn.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to people with a high level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves many active days of walking and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. Should you not be able to physically complete the sightseeing at the tour pace then you may not fully experience the day’s itinerary, or you may need to pay for a private driver and guide.
The currency in Borneo is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency and credit/debit cards are widely accepted.
The currency in Brunei is Brunei Dollars (BND), often denoted as B$. It is recommended to exchange money before you arrive. Singapore Dollars (SGD) are also accepted.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card and passport details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card you may be asked fora cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour.
It is at your discretion to tip both your driver and guide. We recommend approximately MYR 6 – MYR 12 (approximately £1 - £2) for your driver and guide each per day. Tips are accepted in the local currency.
The government of Malaysia has introduced a compulsory tourism tax of MYR10 (approximately £2) per room per night which will need to be paid locally to your hotel upon checkout.
This is an escorted tour, meaning you will have the services of an English speaking guide throughout your tour ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included
Your stay in Kota Kinabalu is not escorted by a tour guide. You will have a driver for your airport transfers.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to Lodges. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Borneo. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. If you have booked a triple share, please note that your room will be a twin room with a rollaway bed or sofa bed added. This may limit the floor space in the room.
Asian style food is served on this tour. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Vegetarian and Vegan options available, please request prior to departure. Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.
On Arrival Information On your arrival, you will be met by a representative from our local agent – Wildlife Expeditions, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Wildlife Expeditions -
Emergency contact: Mobile +6016 373 2803.
