Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

Borneo is renowned for its beautiful nature and we aim to immerse you in the experience as much as possible. As a result, some of the accommodation will be in remote locations with limited access to restaurants and shops.

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 applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
5. COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFER: A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
6. 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, 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.

Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort, Jalan Sepilok 90000 Sepilok, Sepilok, MALAYSIA

Nestled amidst the pristine beauty of one of the world’s last natural tropical rainforests, Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort in Sandakan is the perfect gateway for travellers seeking a blend of comfort and adventure. The resort offers friendly, attentive service, great food and swimming pool making it an ideal starting point for your exploration of Borneo’s unique wildlife and cultural experiences.

Alternate Joining Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
03 Jan 2026 (TMFK260103)
10 Jan 2026 (TMFK260110)
29 Mar 2026 (TMFK260329)
02 Apr 2026 (TMFK260402)
04 Apr 2026 (TMFK260404)
05 Apr 2026 (TMFK260405)
08 Apr 2026 (TMFK260408)
10 Apr 2026 (TMFK260410)
28 Jun 2026 (TMFK260628)
02 Jul 2026 (TMFK260702)
07 Jul 2026 (TMFK260707)
09 Jul 2026 (TMFK260709)
10 Jul 2026 (TMFK260710)
24 Jul 2026 (TMFK260724)
26 Jul 2026 (TMFK260726)
07 Aug 2026 (TMFK260807)
09 Aug 2026 (TMFK260809)
11 Aug 2026 (TMFK260811)
17 Aug 2026 (TMFK260817)
19 Aug 2026 (TMFK260819)
21 Aug 2026 (TMFK260821)
19 Sep 2026 (TMFK260919)
22 Sep 2026 (TMFK260922)
25 Sep 2026 (TMFK260925)
27 Sep 2026 (TMFK260927)
29 Sep 2026 (TMFK260929)
01 Oct 2026 (TMFK261001)
02 Oct 2026 (TMFK261002)
19 Dec 2026 (TMFK261219)
24 Dec 2026 (TMFK261224)
26 Dec 2026 (TMFK261226)
29 Dec 2026 (TMFK261229)
02 Jan 2027 (TMFK270102)
28 Mar 2027 (TMFK270328)
01 Apr 2027 (TMFK270401)
04 Apr 2027 (TMFK270404)
07 Apr 2027 (TMFK270407)
27 Jun 2027 (TMFK270627)
01 Jul 2027 (TMFK270701)
08 Jul 2027 (TMFK270708)
23 Jul 2027 (TMFK270723)
30 Jul 2027 (TMFK270730)
04 Aug 2027 (TMFK270804)
06 Aug 2027 (TMFK270806)
18 Aug 2027 (TMFK270818)
20 Aug 2027 (TMFK270820)
18 Sep 2027 (TMFK270918)
21 Sep 2027 (TMFK270921)
24 Sep 2027 (TMFK270924)
30 Sep 2027 (TMFK270930)
18 Dec 2027 (TMFK271218)
23 Dec 2027 (TMFK271223)
25 Dec 2027 (TMFK271225)
Horizon Hotel
Jalan Pantai Pusat Bandar
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
88999
MALAYSIA
Phone: +60 88518000

A complimentary arrival transfer is included in this trip. Please advise your flight arrival details to your agent at least 14 days prior to your trip departure if you wish to have this provided. Once you exit customs, our representative will be holding a sign with the Intrepid logo on it.
At Sandakan International Airport If you have any problems and cannot locate our transfer representative on arrival (the driver is only able to wait for 1 hour past your scheduled arrival time), please go to the Airport Information counter (located on the same floor at arrivals) and ask them to call our transfer operator +60 16-588-5789.
If you flight is delayed or you have been put on a different flight number please call our local operator in advance to let them know.

Horizon Hotel, Jalan Pantai Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, 88999, MALAYSIA, Phone: +60 88518000

Located right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Horizon Hotel is just 15 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu Airport. There are many restaurants, bars and shopping centres all within walking distance from the hotel. The hotel features 24 hour reception, a variety of dining options in both restaurant and cafes, an outdoor swimming pool, spa centre and gym. All rooms have a private bathroom, TV and tea & coffee making facilities.

Alternate Finish Point

If you have a transfer to the Kota Kinabalu Airport your transfer driver will collect you from your hotel 3 hours before your flight time. If your transfer has not arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled pickup time please ask the hotel / guesthouse reception to call our transfer operator Kinabalu Heritage Transport on their 24 hour number on +60 13-371 6333. Your group leader will reconfirm this with you before departing

Breakfasts included: 8

Lunches included: 4

Dinners included: 5

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

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

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.