Borneo Family Holiday

There's a wide range of accommodation on this trip, from hotels and guesthouses to jungle camps. Some may be a little more basic than your standard Intrepid hotel, but their unique location and close proximity to wildlife is what makes them special.

The average age of children who travelled on this trip in the last year is 11 years old. Most children on Intrepid Family trips are between 10 and 14 years old

1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. CHILD AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old. Most children travelling on Intrepid Family trips are between 10 and 14 years old.
3. DISCOUNT: A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (Sabah Tea Garden) , Days 4 & 5 (Jungle Camp) and Day 7 (Turtle Island), and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
5. ACCOMMODATION: For some departures throughout the year we will only spend 1 night in the Eco Camp and 1 night in the Village in accommodation with attached bathrooms due to availability.
6. WEATHER: November to February is monsoon season for Selingan (Turtle Island) so if travelling during this time you may experience big waves and choppy seas. In cases of extreme weather, the trip to Selingan may be cancelled and alternative arrangements made. 
7. TRAVEL ADVICE: Some governments may have increased travel advice levels in place for parts of Eastern Sabah, including Sandakan and Turtle Island. Ensure you check your government’s foreign travel advice for the most up to date information before you travel. If you have any questions about whether the current advice level affects your travel insurance coverage, please contact your insurance provider. Travel insurance is compulsory for all Intrepid traveller and must cover all destinations and activities on the itinerary. In addition to the increased security presence in the region, we have additional safety measures in place on our trips to comply with local regulations, including not travelling by boat at night and only travelling on approved routes and vessels.

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible.

If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, LUGGAGE REQUIREMENTS:
You need to bring your main piece of luggage as well as a small to medium backpack for overnight trips (30-35 litres/8-9 gallons), such as the jungle camp and Turtle Island stay. In this you'll need to carry a change of clothes, torch/flashlight, toiletries, warm clothes and any other essentials.

We don't allow the use of video cameras when staying in the villages as it can be perceived by the local people as highly obtrusive., WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

These trips are setup to involve and include all the family so no real physical preparation is necessary. The trips all have some degree of physical activity but nothing that is too strenuous. Please check the physical rating on the trip notes and if you need further explanation please contact one of our sales consultants who will provide you with more detailed information.

Dreamtel Hotel - Kota Kinabalu, 5 Jalan Padang, Kota Kinabalu, 88000, MALAYSIA, Phone: +(60) 88240333

Centrally located in down-town Kota Kinabalu, rooms are equipped with private en suite, TV, AC, phone, in room safe, tea/coffee making facilities, the hotel also provides a restaurant, free wi-fi internet access & 24 hour front desk.

Alternate Joining Point

Intrepid Travel offer a pre arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met after exiting customs. Our representative will be holding a sign with your name on it.

At Kota Kinabalu International Airport, If you have any problems and cannot locate our transfer representative on arrival please go to the Airport Information counter (located on the same floor at arrivals) and ask them to call our transfer operator Kinabalu Heritage Transport, at +60 13 371 6333. If your flight is delayed or you have been put on a different flight number please call our local operator in advance to let them know.

If you want to take a taxi on arrival please go to the taxi service counter – here the rate is a set rate of 35 MYR and they will issue a voucher to use with the taxi’s parked outside. If you arrive between 12am – 6am expect to pay a 50% surcharge

Sabah Hotel, KM 1, Jalan Utara, P.O. Box 275 90703 Sandakan, Sabah, Sandakan, MALAYSIA, Phone: +6089 213299

Nestled amidst one of the world’s last natural tropical rainforests, Sabah Hotel offers unsurpassed 4-star deluxe luxuries to the discerning business and leisure travellers.

With lush foliage as a backdrop, the hotel exudes an alluring natural attraction as it blends in with the rich flora and fauna of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. A harmonious combination of eco-tours and historical sites awaits the adventurous guests in Sandakan. A promise of an everlasting and most memorable experience! Sabah Hotel, Sandakan, where splendours of nature, luxury and comfort awaits you!

Alternate Finish Point

Breakfasts included: 8

Lunches included: 3

Dinners included: 3

While travelling with us you and your family experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. Please ensure you tell them of any dietary requirements you and your family may have. We know children can be fussy eaters at times so we do recommend you bring any snacks from home to have throughout the trip.

To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you and your family to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

Many hotels outside of the big cities of Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan have been built so travellers can enjoy the countryside, forest/mountain views, where people can wake up to nature sounds not cars. Many of the hotels we use are in such locations and can be quite remote. So access to restaurants are limited.
Borneo’s food is known for being fairly mild, with high reliance on fresh fruit and vegetables. The cuisine is a mix of Thai, Malay and Indian. Cuisine staples include grilled fish, barbecued prawns, fried rice, noodles, and local vegetables seasoned with garlic, ginger, and rich sauces. Fish and chicken based soups with noodles cooked in a hot clay pot are very traditional.

WEATHER
The climate in Malaysia is generally hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures do not fluctuate much and stay in the 30Cs most of the day, dropping back to the mid to high 20Cs at night. This makes Malaysia a great place for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing in the sun.

Humidity is higher during the wet season and can be quite oppressive for those not used to it. The wet season changes from coast to coast. From November to April, the wet season hits the east coast of the peninsula and it is dry on the west coast. During May to October it is dry on the east coast and wet on the west.

In Malaysia, a country with a large Muslim population, the month of Ramadan is referred to as the ‘fasting month’, which culminates with the biggest Muslim holiday in Malaysia: Eid al Fitr or ‘Idul Fitri’. This ninth month on the Islamic Hijri calendar is considered the holiest month by Muslims, commemorating the first revelation of the Quranic verses to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. In bigger cities like Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown where there are many residents of Chinese origin as well as in popular tourist destinations there will be little disruption to services or being able to find places to eat. In other areas with a bigger Muslim population, businesses and services may have limited operation hours, alcohol may not be permitted during daylight hours and restaurants closed. Please note that drivers and leaders of Muslim faith are likely to be fasting over Ramadan. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken.

Dates for Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr are: 19 March - 20 Mar 2026, 21 March - 23 March 2026
Dates for Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr are: 17 Feb - 18 Mar 2027, 9 - 11 March 2027

LUNAR NEW YEAR:
Also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the biggest and most important annual festival for Chinese and the Chinese communities world wide. During the first days of Chinese New Year many businesses close, as Chinese business owners are visiting their relatives in their home towns or home countries.Traveling during this time can be hectic as many people are on the move. Public transport and flights can be packed in the days leading up to the festivities, with traffic jams and delays common. Plenty of patience is required if you are in Malaysia during this time, but the festive atmosphere and local traditions make it an interesting time to be in the country. Public holidays in Malaysia for Lunar New Year are: 17 - 18 February 2026 & 6 - 7 February 2027

OTHER HOLIDAYS:
Other major national public holidays in Malaysia are:
Agong's (Malaysian King) Birthday: 6 June 2026, 5 June 2027
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year): 6 July 2026, 25 July 2027
Vesak (Buddha's birthday): 4 May 2026, 24 May 2027
Malaysia Day: 16 September 2026 & 2027
Deepavali (Diwali): 8-9 November 2026, 28 October 2027
 

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +60 138 815 813

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room.

Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room.

Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room.

While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another.

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room.
Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room.
Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.