CLASSIC BORNEO PREMIUM
12 Days Private Luxury Wildlife & Island Journey Led by Women
Sandakan – Sepilok – Kinabatangan River – Gomantong – Kundasang – Kampung Kiau – Kota Kinabalu – Manukan Island
12 Days / 11 Nights | Malaysian Borneo | Premium Private Wildlife Journey
Enter one of the world’s great wildlife destinations on an exclusive private journey through Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.
From rescued orangutans and sun bears to rainforest canopy, river safaris, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, mountain villages and tropical islands, this journey combines Borneo’s extraordinary biodiversity with the comfort and personal service of a premium private tour.
Inspired by Intrepid’s Classic Borneo, this version keeps the original wildlife and cultural highlights but upgrades the experience with luxury accommodation, private transportation, private wildlife cruises, dedicated female leadership, premium dining and additional time in the rainforest and on Manukan Island.
PREMIUM PRIVATE UPGRADE
- Private tour from start to finish
- Dedicated female tour leader
- Private luxury vehicle
- 5-star hotels and luxury jungle resorts
- Luxury river lodge / rainforest resort
- Private wildlife cruises
- Private island boat
- Premium snorkeling experience
- Private local naturalist guides
- Women-led community experiences
- Conservation-focused wildlife encounters
- Flexible pacing
- Luggage assistance
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Every Day
This is not a women-only tour. It is a premium private tour led by women.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Sandakan heritage
- Old Sandakan
- Local Malaysian food experience
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Rainforest Discovery Centre
- Canopy walk
- Sandakan War Memorial
- Kinabatangan River
- Private river safari
- Proboscis monkeys
- Orangutans
- Pygmy elephants
- Hornbills
- Bornean wildlife
- Night wildlife experience
- Gomantong Cave
- Kundasang highlands
- Mount Kinabalu views
- Kampung Kiau
- Women-led community enterprise
- Local coffee experience
- Pineapple community project
- Traditional village lunch
- Kota Kinabalu
- Manukan Island
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
- Private snorkeling
- Tropical beaches
- Coral reefs
- Sea turtles where conditions permit
- Private island sunset
- Women supporting women
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Every Day
The original Classic Borneo specifically highlights Sepilok orangutans, a women-empowering social enterprise in Kampung Kiau, Manukan Island, Kinabatangan wildlife safaris and Sandakan food heritage.
DAY 1 – SANDakan
Welcome to Borneo
Overnight: Sandakan – 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Arrive at Sandakan Airport.
Your private female tour leader welcomes you.
Private luxury transfer to your hotel.
Check into your 5-star property.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon after your flight.
In the late afternoon, meet your private Sandakan guide.
Take a gentle heritage walk through the city.
Discover the multicultural history of Sandakan and its importance as a former trading port.
PRIVATE BORNEO WELCOME DINNER
Enjoy a premium Malaysian dinner featuring local Sabah cuisine.
Your female tour leader introduces you to the wildlife, conservation and cultural experiences ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
The original tour begins in Sandakan and highlights the city’s seafood and heritage.
DAY 2 – SANDAKAN → SEPILOK
Orangutans, Sun Bears & Rainforest
Overnight: Sepilok – Luxury Rainforest Resort
After breakfast, depart by private vehicle.
Today is dedicated to Borneo’s remarkable conservation programs.
SEPILOK ORANGUTAN REHABILITATION CENTRE
Visit the renowned rehabilitation center.
Learn how rescued and orphaned orangutans are cared for and prepared for eventual life in the forest.
Observe the animals respectfully from designated viewing areas.
Your private naturalist explains:
- Orangutan behavior
- Conservation
- Rainforest ecosystems
- Rehabilitation
- Habitat protection
The original itinerary includes a visit to Sepilok’s orangutan rehabilitation center.
Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
Discover the world’s smallest bear species and the conservation challenges facing Bornean wildlife.
Enjoy a premium lunch.
In the afternoon, explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Walk along elevated forest pathways and canopy structures.
Look for:
- Hornbills
- Kingfishers
- Macaques
- Tropical birds
- Butterflies
- Forest plants
Return to your luxury rainforest resort.
Enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Rainforest Resort
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
DAY 3 – SEPILOK → KINABATANGAN RIVER
Into the Heart of the Rainforest
Overnight: Luxury River Lodge
Enjoy breakfast.
Continue with a private wildlife-focused experience before departing Sepilok.
Travel toward the Kinabatangan River.
Enjoy a premium lunch en route.
Arrive at your luxury river lodge.
Unlike a basic jungle lodge, the premium experience prioritizes:
- Private rooms
- River views
- Comfortable facilities
- Private dining
- Dedicated naturalist service
In the afternoon, board your private wildlife safari boat.
Cruise along the Kinabatangan River.
Watch carefully for:
- Proboscis monkeys
- Long-tailed macaques
- Orangutans
- Hornbills
- Crocodiles
- Kingfishers
- Pygmy elephants
The original itinerary identifies Kinabatangan as one of Borneo’s richest wildlife areas and includes an afternoon wildlife cruise.
Return to the lodge.
Enjoy a private dinner overlooking the river.
OPTIONAL NIGHT SAFARI
If conditions and local regulations permit, enjoy a private guided evening wildlife cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury River Lodge
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle + Private River Boat
DAY 4 – KINABATANGAN RIVER
Two Wildlife Safaris
Overnight: Luxury River Lodge
Wake to the sounds of the rainforest.
Enjoy breakfast.
MORNING RIVER SAFARI
Board your private boat at sunrise.
The early hours offer excellent opportunities to observe rainforest wildlife.
Search for:
- Proboscis monkeys
- Gibbons
- Macaques
- Hornbills
- Orangutans
- Crocodiles
Your private naturalist explains the relationships between species and their rainforest habitat.
Return to the lodge for lunch.
Relax during the hottest part of the day.
Enjoy the lodge facilities.
In the afternoon, board another private river safari.
GOLDEN-HOUR WILDLIFE CRUISE
Cruise slowly as the rainforest changes color in the late afternoon.
This is one of the best moments for wildlife photography.
The original itinerary includes both morning and afternoon wildlife cruises on Day 4.
Return for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury River Lodge
Transportation: Private River Boat
DAY 5 – KINABATANGAN → GOMANTONG → KUNDASANG
Caves, Highlands & Mount Kinabalu
Overnight: Kundasang – Luxury Mountain Resort
After breakfast, leave the river.
Travel toward Gomantong Cave.
Explore one of the region’s important limestone cave systems.
Your private naturalist explains the extraordinary ecosystem found inside and around the cave.
Depending on conditions, observe:
- Swiftlets
- Bats
- Cave insects
- Tropical vegetation
The original itinerary includes a visit to Gomantong Cave before driving toward Kundasang.
Enjoy lunch.
Continue toward the cool mountain region of Kundasang.
The landscape changes dramatically as the rainforest gives way to highland farms and mountain scenery.
Check into your luxury mountain resort.
Enjoy views toward Mount Kinabalu.
In the evening, enjoy a refined dinner featuring Sabah’s highland produce.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Mountain Resort
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
DAY 6 – KUNDASANG → KAMPUNG KIAU → KOTA KINABALU
Coffee, Pineapple & Women Supporting Women
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu – 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Enjoy breakfast.
Depart Kundasang by private vehicle.
Travel toward Kampung Kiau, a rural mountain community.
WOMEN-LED COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
Visit a community-based project that supports local women through sustainable production and entrepreneurship.
Meet local women entrepreneurs.
Learn about their work and the challenges of developing businesses in rural Sabah.
The original itinerary specifically features Everything Pineapple, a community-based project created after the 2015 Sabah earthquake to empower local women socially and economically.
Continue to a local coffee production house.
Learn about:
- Coffee cultivation
- Local processing
- Traditional preparation
- Sabah’s agricultural heritage
Enjoy a private community lunch.
Taste locally produced:
- Pineapple jam
- Chutney
- Fresh juice
- Local dishes
Continue toward Kota Kinabalu.
Stop at Nabalu Market for local crafts and regional products.
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu.
Check into your 5-star hotel.
Dinner at a premium restaurant overlooking the South China Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
DAY 7 – KOTA KINABALU → MANUKAN ISLAND
Tropical Island Escape
Overnight: Manukan Island – Luxury Island Resort
Enjoy breakfast.
Private transfer to the marina.
Board your private boat.
Cruise into the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
Arrive at Manukan Island.
The original Classic Borneo includes two nights on Manukan Island and highlights its beaches, clear waters, swimming and snorkeling.
Check into your luxury island resort.
Enjoy a private lunch.
Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Choose:
- Private beach
- Swimming
- Guided nature walk
- Kayaking
- Spa
- Sunset photography
In the late afternoon, take a private island walk.
Enjoy sunset over the South China Sea.
Private dinner beside the beach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Island Resort
Transportation: Private Vehicle + Private Boat
DAY 8 – MANUKAN ISLAND
Private Snorkeling & Marine Life
Overnight: Manukan Island – Luxury Island Resort
Enjoy breakfast.
Board your private boat.
PRIVATE REEF EXPERIENCE
Explore carefully selected snorkeling sites around the marine park.
Your marine guide introduces you to:
- Coral reefs
- Tropical fish
- Marine ecosystems
- Sea turtles where conditions permit
The original itinerary includes a guided snorkeling trip around Manukan’s coral reefs and the possibility of encountering sea turtles.
Enjoy a private island lunch.
Afternoon at leisure.
Optional:
Private Kayaking
Explore the coastline.
Wellness
Enjoy a private island spa experience.
Beach
Relax on the sand.
Photography
Private sunset photography session.
In the evening, enjoy a premium seafood dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Island Resort
Transportation: Private Boat
DAY 9 – MANUKAN → KOTA KINABALU
Island to City
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu – 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Enjoy breakfast.
Take one final morning on Manukan Island.
Private boat transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
Check into your luxury hotel.
Enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, explore Kota Kinabalu privately.
PRIVATE CITY EXPERIENCE
Discover:
- Waterfront
- Local markets
- Gaya Street
- Handicrafts
- Sabah culture
- Local food traditions
Visit a women-led artisan business where available.
Enjoy a private coffee or afternoon tea.
Return to your hotel.
FAREWELL BORNEO DINNER
Enjoy a premium dinner featuring Sabah’s diverse cuisine.
The original itinerary returns from Manukan to Kota Kinabalu and leaves the afternoon available for markets, Chinatown, museums or cultural experiences.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Transportation: Private Boat + Private Luxury Vehicle
DAY 10 – KOTA KINABALU
Culture, Wellness & Slow Borneo
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu – 5-Star Luxury Hotel
The original itinerary ends after breakfast on Day 10. Vietnam Women Travel extends the journey to create a genuinely premium final day.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast.
Choose your preferred private experience.
OPTION 1 – MARI MARI CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Discover traditional cultures of Sabah through guided interpretation.
OPTION 2 – SABAH MUSEUM
Explore the history and cultural diversity of the region.
OPTION 3 – WELLNESS
Private spa and relaxation.
OPTION 4 – KOTA KINABALU FOOD EXPERIENCE
Private culinary tour with a female local food specialist.
OPTION 5 – ISLAND DAY
Private boat excursion to another island in the marine park.
Enjoy lunch.
Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at your hotel or a premium waterfront restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle / Private Boat
DAY 11 – KOTA KINABALU
Mount Kinabalu Views & Farewell Experience
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu – 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Enjoy your final full day in Sabah.
No rushed sightseeing.
Start with a private morning excursion toward the foothills of Mount Kinabalu.
Enjoy panoramic views and a relaxed breakfast or coffee experience.
Visit a local farm or artisan producer.
Meet local women working in Sabah’s agricultural or craft sector.
Enjoy lunch using fresh regional produce.
Return to Kota Kinabalu.
Afternoon spa and wellness.
In the evening, enjoy a private farewell dinner overlooking the South China Sea.
BORNEO FAREWELL
Celebrate the wildlife, forests, communities and islands experienced throughout your journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
DAY 12 – KOTA KINABALU
Farewell Borneo
Enjoy your final breakfast.
Depending on your international flight time, choose:
- Sunrise waterfront walk
- Private yoga
- Sabah coffee experience
- Local market
- Artisan shopping
- Spa treatment
Enjoy your final lunch.
Private luxury transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Your Classic Borneo Premium Private Tour Led by Women ends in Sabah.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
PREMIUM TRANSPORTATION
PRIVATE THROUGHOUT
The original itinerary uses private minivan and boats, with several long road journeys.
Vietnam Women Travel upgrades the experience to:
Sandakan Airport → Hotel
Private luxury vehicle
Sandakan → Sepilok
Private luxury vehicle
Sepilok → Kinabatangan
Private luxury vehicle
Kinabatangan
Private wildlife safari boat
Kinabatangan → Kundasang
Private luxury vehicle
Kundasang → Kota Kinabalu
Private luxury vehicle
Kota Kinabalu → Manukan Island
Private boat
Manukan Island
Private boat for marine excursions
Manukan → Kota Kinabalu
Private boat
Throughout Sabah
Dedicated private driver
Luggage
Private assistance at major transfers
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION
Luxury Hotels, Rainforest Resorts & Island Resorts
The original Classic Borneo uses 5 hotel nights, 2 lodge nights and 2 resort nights.
Vietnam Women Travel upgrades the accommodation concept:
Sandakan
5-Star Luxury Hotel – 1 Night
Sepilok
Luxury Rainforest Resort – 1 Night
Kinabatangan
Luxury River Lodge – 2 Nights
Kundasang
Luxury Mountain Resort – 1 Night
Kota Kinabalu
5-Star Luxury Hotel – 2 Nights
Manukan Island
Luxury Island Resort – 2 Nights
Kota Kinabalu
5-Star Luxury Hotel – 3 Nights
Total: 11 Nights
The objective is to retain the extraordinary locations while removing the basic accommodation feel of a conventional wildlife group tour.
MEALS INCLUDED
BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER EVERY DAY
The original Classic Borneo includes 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners.
Vietnam Women Travel upgrades the culinary program to:
12 Breakfasts
Every morning.
12 Lunches
Including village lunches, rainforest dining and island meals.
12 Dinners
Including:
- Sandakan welcome dinner
- Rainforest dinner
- Kinabatangan river dinner
- Sabah highland cuisine
- Community dinner
- Island seafood dinner
- Kota Kinabalu farewell dinner
LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCES
Enjoy:
- Sabah seafood
- Roti canai
- Teh tarik
- Local coffee
- Pineapple products
- Tropical fruits
- Indigenous Sabah cuisine
- Fresh island seafood
WOMEN-LED BORNEO
Women Supporting Women
This route is especially well suited to the Vietnam Women Travel philosophy because the original journey already includes a women-focused community project in Kampung Kiau.
Female Tour Leader
A dedicated woman manages your private journey.
Women Entrepreneurs
Visit women-led community businesses.
Women Artisans
Support local craft producers.
Women Farmers
Meet women involved in Sabah’s agricultural communities.
Women Chefs
Prioritize female-led culinary experiences.
Women & Conservation
Support conservation and community initiatives where appropriate.
RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE TRAVEL
SEE WILDLIFE. RESPECT WILDLIFE.
Borneo is one of the world’s most important wildlife destinations.
Vietnam Women Travel follows a conservation-focused approach:
Orangutans
Observe from designated areas and never interfere with the animals.
Sun Bears
Visit recognized conservation facilities.
River Wildlife
Keep a respectful distance during wildlife cruises.
Marine Life
Follow responsible snorkeling practices.
No Feeding Wildlife
Guests never feed or touch wild animals.
No Wildlife Handling
No direct-contact experiences with wild animals.
The original itinerary explicitly states that wildlife viewing should be conducted respectfully and notes that it no longer uses Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary because it does not meet its animal-welfare policy.
WHY CHOOSE VIETNAM WOMEN TRAVEL?
Premium Private Tours Led by Women
Private From Start to Finish
Your group travels privately with dedicated support.
Luxury Accommodation
Rainforest resorts, river lodges, mountain resorts and island properties.
Private Wildlife Safaris
No sharing a boat with a large tour group.
Orangutan Conservation
Experience Sepilok through a conservation-focused visit.
Kinabatangan River
Multiple private wildlife cruises increase opportunities for wildlife observation.
Women Supporting Women
Connect with women-led community projects.
Manukan Island
Two full days of premium island relaxation.
Private Snorkeling
Explore marine life with a private guide.
More Time in Borneo
The 12-day version avoids the rushed feeling of the original 10-day itinerary.
All Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Every Day.
12-DAY ROUTE AT A GLANCE
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival → Sandakan | Sandakan |
| 2 | Sandakan → Sepilok – Orangutans & Sun Bears | Sepilok |
| 3 | Sepilok → Kinabatangan River | Kinabatangan |
| 4 | Kinabatangan – Wildlife Safaris | Kinabatangan |
| 5 | Kinabatangan → Gomantong → Kundasang | Kundasang |
| 6 | Kundasang → Kampung Kiau → Kota Kinabalu | Kota Kinabalu |
| 7 | Kota Kinabalu → Manukan Island | Manukan |
| 8 | Manukan – Private Snorkeling | Manukan |
| 9 | Manukan → Kota Kinabalu | Kota Kinabalu |
| 10 | Kota Kinabalu – Culture & Wellness | Kota Kinabalu |
| 11 | Kota Kinabalu – Mount Kinabalu Region | Kota Kinabalu |
| 12 | Kota Kinabalu → Airport | — |
TOUR SUMMARY
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Destination: Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Start: Sandakan
Finish: Kota Kinabalu
Style: Premium Private Wildlife, Nature & Island Journey
Leadership: Female Tour Leader
Accommodation: 5-Star Hotels + Luxury Rainforest, River & Island Resorts
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicles + Private River & Island Boats
Guiding: Private Wildlife Naturalists & Local Specialists
Activities: Wildlife, River Safaris, Conservation, Culture, Snorkeling & Wellness
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Every Day
Group: Private – From 2 Guests
CLASSIC BORNEO PREMIUM
Rainforest. Wildlife. Islands. Women.
Begin in Sandakan.
Meet rescued orangutans.
Discover the world’s smallest bears.
Walk through Borneo’s rainforest canopy.
Cruise the Kinabatangan River searching for wild elephants, proboscis monkeys, orangutans and hornbills.
Explore Gomantong Cave.
Travel into the cool highlands of Kundasang.
Meet women entrepreneurs in Kampung Kiau.
Taste local coffee and pineapple products.
Arrive on the tropical shores of Manukan Island.
Snorkel above coral reefs.
Search for sea turtles.
Relax beneath Sabah’s tropical skies.
Finish in Kota Kinabalu overlooking the South China Sea.
The original Classic Borneo is a 10-day wildlife-focused Comfort journey from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, centered on orangutans, Kinabatangan wildlife, Kampung Kiau and Manukan Island.
Vietnam Women Travel transforms those core experiences into a slower, more comfortable and fully private Borneo journey — with luxury accommodation, private wildlife experiences, women-led community connections and all meals included.
Travel differently.
Travel privately.
Travel with women.
Vietnam Women Travel
Premium Private Tours Led by Women