REAL BORNEO PREMIUM
12 Days Private Luxury Wildlife & Cultural Journey Led by Women
Sandakan – Sepilok – Kinabatangan River – Kundasang – Kiulu Valley – Kinarut – Dinawan Island – Kota Kinabalu
12 Days / 11 Nights | Sabah, Malaysian Borneo | Premium Private Tour
Discover the wilder side of Borneo through a private journey combining rainforest wildlife, indigenous culture, village life, river safaris and tropical islands.
Inspired by Intrepid’s Real Borneo itinerary, this Vietnam Women Travel version retains the signature experiences — Sepilok orangutans, rescued sun bears, Kinabatangan wildlife cruises, Kiulu village trekking, traditional cooking, Dusun culture and Dinawan Island — while transforming the basic 18–35s adventure into a premium private journey led by women.
PREMIUM PRIVATE UPGRADE
- Private tour from start to finish
- Dedicated female tour leader
- Private luxury vehicles
- 5-star hotels
- Luxury rainforest resort
- Premium river lodge
- Luxury mountain resort
- Luxury beachfront resort
- Private wildlife cruises
- Private snorkeling boat
- Private local guides
- Women-led community experiences
- Premium village experiences
- No dormitory accommodation
- No basic bamboo hut
- No shared bathrooms
- Flexible pacing
- 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
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Rainforest Discovery Centre
- Kinabatangan River
- Three private wildlife cruises
- Proboscis monkeys
- Pygmy elephants
- Hornbills
- Crocodiles
- Night rainforest experience
- Kundasang
- Mount Kinabalu views
- Kiulu Valley
- Ratau village
- Indigenous Dusun culture
- Traditional cooking
- Gong-making and music
- Local handicrafts
- Women-led community experiences
- Dinawan Island
- Private snorkeling
- Coral reefs
- Tropical beaches
- Kota Kinabalu
- Sabah cuisine
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Every Day
The original Real Borneo highlights orangutan and sun bear conservation, three Kinabatangan cruises, a two-day Kiulu village trek and Dinawan Island snorkeling.
DAY 1 – SANDAKAN
Welcome to Borneo
Overnight: Sandakan – 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Arrive in Sandakan.
Your private female tour leader welcomes you at the airport.
Private luxury transfer to your hotel.
Check into your 5-star property.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
If arrival time permits, begin with a gentle private heritage experience.
Explore:
- Sandakan Heritage Trail
- Historic waterfront
- Colonial-era buildings
- Local markets
- Agnes Keith heritage
The original itinerary allows free time for Sandakan Heritage Trail, Sandakan War Memorial and Agnes Keith House.
PRIVATE BORNEO WELCOME DINNER
Meet your tour leader and private local guide.
Enjoy a premium Sabah dinner featuring local seafood and regional specialties.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
DAY 2 – SANDAKAN → SEPILOK
Orangutans & Sun Bears
Overnight: Sepilok – Luxury Rainforest Resort
Enjoy breakfast.
Today begins with one of Borneo’s most important conservation experiences.
SEPILOK ORANGUTAN REHABILITATION CENTRE
Visit the rehabilitation center and learn about the work involved in rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans.
Your private naturalist explains:
- Orangutan behavior
- Rainforest ecosystems
- Rehabilitation
- Habitat protection
- Conservation challenges
The original itinerary includes the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the opportunity to see orangutans in a protected environment.
Continue to the:
BORNEAN SUN BEAR CONSERVATION CENTRE
Discover the world’s smallest bear species.
Learn how rescued sun bears are protected, rehabilitated and prepared for possible return to the wild.
Enjoy a premium lunch.
RAINFOREST DISCOVERY CENTRE
Walk along elevated rainforest pathways and the canopy walkway.
Look for:
- Tropical birds
- Macaques
- Butterflies
- Forest insects
- Ancient rainforest trees
The original itinerary offers the Rainforest Discovery Centre as an optional activity, including its elevated canopy walkway and possible nocturnal wildlife experiences.
Return to your luxury rainforest resort.
Enjoy dinner surrounded by the jungle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Rainforest Resort
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
DAY 3 – SEPILOK → KINABATANGAN
Into the Rainforest
Overnight: Luxury River Lodge
Enjoy breakfast.
Depart Sepilok by private vehicle.
Travel toward the Kinabatangan River.
Enjoy lunch en route.
Arrive at your luxury river lodge.
The original itinerary stays in a basic jungle lodge; this premium version replaces dormitory accommodation with private rooms and upgraded facilities.
PRIVATE AFTERNOON WILDLIFE CRUISE
Board your private safari boat.
Cruise slowly along the Kinabatangan River.
Look for:
- Proboscis monkeys
- Orangutans
- Pygmy elephants
- Hornbills
- Kingfishers
- Crocodiles
- Macaques
The original journey includes an afternoon wildlife cruise specifically looking for orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
Return to the lodge.
Enjoy a private dinner beside the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury River Lodge
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle + Private River Boat
DAY 4 – KINABATANGAN RIVER
Wildlife From Sunrise to Sunset
Overnight: Luxury River Lodge
Wake early.
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the rainforest.
MORNING RIVER SAFARI
Board your private boat.
The morning is ideal for observing active wildlife.
Search for:
- Proboscis monkeys
- Macaques
- Hornbills
- Kingfishers
- Orangutans
- Pygmy elephants
- Crocodiles
Return for lunch.
Relax during the warmest part of the day.
In the afternoon:
SECOND WILDLIFE CRUISE
Explore a different section of the river.
Your naturalist explains the rainforest ecosystem and wildlife behavior.
The original Real Borneo itinerary includes two wildlife cruises on Day 4 plus a night jungle walk.
PRIVATE NIGHT RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE
After dinner, join a guided night walk or private night cruise, depending on conditions.
Look for nocturnal species such as:
- Insects
- Frogs
- Reptiles
- Night birds
- Flying mammals
Return to the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury River Lodge
Transportation: Private River Boat
DAY 5 – KINABATANGAN → KUNDASANG
From Rainforest to Mount Kinabalu
Overnight: Kundasang – Luxury Mountain Resort
Enjoy breakfast.
One final morning wildlife cruise can be arranged before departure.
Continue by private luxury vehicle toward Kundasang.
Rather than treating the journey as a simple transfer, stop at selected scenic points.
Enjoy lunch.
Arrive in Kundasang.
The original itinerary travels approximately five hours from Kinabatangan to Kundasang and offers views of Mount Kinabalu when weather permits.
MOUNT KINABALU VIEWPOINT
Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain.
Check into your luxury mountain resort.
Relax.
Optional:
- Private spa
- Tea experience
- Highland farm visit
- Photography
- Gentle nature walk
Enjoy dinner featuring fresh Sabah produce.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Mountain Resort
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
DAY 6 – KUNDASANG → KIULU VALLEY
Into Rural Sabah
Overnight: Luxury Kiulu Valley Eco-Resort
Enjoy breakfast.
Depart toward the Kiulu Valley.
The original itinerary begins its village trek from Pukak toward Ratau Village.
PREMIUM KIULU VALLEY WALK
Enjoy a private guided walk through:
- Rice fields
- Bamboo forests
- Small villages
- River landscapes
- Tropical gardens
Instead of sleeping in the original basic bamboo hut, Vietnam Women Travel upgrades the overnight experience to a private luxury eco-resort or premium riverside lodge.
Enjoy lunch with a local family.
WOMEN-LED CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Meet local women involved in community-based crafts and food production.
Learn about:
- Traditional ingredients
- Local handicrafts
- Rural life
- Dusun culture
- Community traditions
Enjoy dinner prepared with local ingredients.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Eco-Resort
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
The original journey includes a village trek, cultural activities and cooking class, but the bamboo hut is basic with shared facilities and cold-water showers.
DAY 7 – KIULU VALLEY
Dusun Culture & Village Life
Overnight: Luxury Eco-Resort
Enjoy breakfast.
Continue exploring the Kiulu Valley.
PRIVATE VILLAGE EXPERIENCE
Visit a local community.
Learn traditional skills including:
- Beadwork
- Cooking
- Traditional fishing
- Gong music
- Local farming
The original itinerary includes beadwork, traditional fishing, cooking and Gong activities during the village stay.
PRIVATE COOKING CLASS
Work with a local female cook.
Prepare traditional Sabah dishes.
Enjoy the meal together.
After lunch, continue through the countryside.
DUSUN CULTURAL PERFORMANCE
Enjoy a private cultural presentation featuring traditional dance and martial arts.
The original itinerary includes a Dusun martial arts and cultural performance during the trek.
Return to your luxury eco-resort.
Relax beside the river.
Enjoy a premium dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Eco-Resort
Transportation: Private Vehicle
DAY 8 – KIULU → KINARUT
River Valley to Tropical Coast
Overnight: Kinarut – 5-Star Beach Resort
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast.
Take a final gentle walk through the Kiulu Valley.
Meet local artisans.
Enjoy lunch.
Continue by private vehicle toward Kinarut.
Arrive at your beachfront resort.
Relax beside the pool or ocean.
Enjoy a private wellness treatment.
In the evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the coast.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Beach Resort
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
DAY 9 – KINARUT → DINAWAN ISLAND
Private Snorkeling Adventure
Overnight: Kinarut – 5-Star Beach Resort
Enjoy breakfast.
Private transfer to the marina.
Board your private boat to Dinawan Island.
The original itinerary includes a full-day Dinawan Island snorkeling excursion with lunch, kayaking and afternoon tea.
PRIVATE MARINE EXPERIENCE
Explore the clear tropical waters.
Snorkel among:
- Tropical fish
- Coral
- Marine life
- Sea turtles, if conditions allow
Enjoy a premium island lunch.
After lunch choose:
Private Snorkeling
Explore additional reef areas.
Kayaking
Paddle along the island coastline.
Beach Relaxation
Enjoy a quiet private beach experience.
Marine Photography
Private underwater photography where available.
Enjoy afternoon refreshments.
Return by private boat.
Dinner at your beachfront resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Beach Resort
Transportation: Private Boat
DAY 10 – KINARUT → KOTA KINABALU
Sabah Culture & City
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu – 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Enjoy breakfast.
Private transfer to Kota Kinabalu.
The original journey makes the short transfer to Kota Kinabalu and leaves the afternoon free.
Vietnam Women Travel turns the afternoon into a curated private experience.
SABAH CULTURAL DISCOVERY
Choose:
- Indigenous cultural village
- Sabah Museum
- Gaya Street
- Local market
- Artisan workshop
- Waterfront heritage
- Women-led craft business
Enjoy lunch at a premium local restaurant.
In the afternoon, check into your 5-star hotel.
Relax.
SUNSET WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE
Walk along the Kota Kinabalu waterfront.
Enjoy a premium farewell-style dinner overlooking the South China Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
DAY 11 – KOTA KINABALU
Slow Borneo & Farewell
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu – 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast.
Today is intentionally free of rushed sightseeing.
Choose one private experience.
OPTION 1 – ISLAND ESCAPE
Private boat excursion within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
OPTION 2 – WELLNESS DAY
Private spa, yoga and relaxation.
OPTION 3 – CULTURAL DAY
Visit indigenous communities and artisan workshops.
OPTION 4 – FOOD EXPERIENCE
Private Sabah food tour led by a local female food specialist.
OPTION 5 – MOUNT KINABALU EXPERIENCE
Scenic excursion toward the foothills.
Enjoy lunch.
Return to your hotel.
FINAL BORNEO DINNER
Enjoy an elegant dinner featuring Sabah cuisine.
Celebrate the wildlife, rainforest, villages and islands experienced during your journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle / Private Boat
DAY 12 – KOTA KINABALU
Farewell Borneo
Enjoy your final breakfast.
Depending on your flight time:
- Sunrise waterfront walk
- Private yoga
- Sabah coffee
- Spa
- Local shopping
- Artisan visit
Enjoy your final lunch.
Private transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Your Real Borneo Premium Private Tour Led by Women ends in Sabah.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicle
PREMIUM TRANSPORTATION
PRIVATE THROUGHOUT
The original Real Borneo itinerary uses private vehicle and boat transportation, with significant overland travel and village trekking.
Vietnam Women Travel upgrades the journey with:
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 → Kiulu
Private luxury vehicle
Kiulu → Kinarut
Private luxury vehicle
Kinarut → Dinawan Island
Private boat
Kinarut → Kota Kinabalu
Private luxury vehicle
Throughout
Dedicated private driver and luggage assistance
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION
No Dormitories. No Basic Bamboo Huts.
The original Real Borneo includes 6 hotel nights, 2 jungle-lodge nights and 1 bamboo-hut night.
Vietnam Women Travel upgrades the accommodation:
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
Kiulu Valley
Luxury Eco-Resort – 2 Nights
Kinarut
5-Star Beach Resort – 2 Nights
Kota Kinabalu
5-Star Luxury Hotel – 2 Nights
Total: 11 Nights
The basic bamboo-hut overnight in the original program is replaced with a private premium eco-resort while keeping the cultural connection to the Kiulu Valley.
MEALS INCLUDED
BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER EVERY DAY
The original Real Borneo includes 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners.
Vietnam Women Travel upgrades this to:
12 Breakfasts
Every morning.
12 Lunches
Including village meals, rainforest dining and island lunches.
12 Dinners
Including:
- Sandakan welcome dinner
- Rainforest dinner
- Kinabatangan river dinner
- Dusun village dinner
- Highland cuisine
- Island seafood
- Kota Kinabalu farewell dinner
SPECIAL FOOD EXPERIENCES
- Sabah seafood
- Local coffee
- Tropical fruits
- Traditional Dusun dishes
- Village cooking
- Island cuisine
- Malaysian specialties
WOMEN-LED BORNEO
Women Supporting Women
Female Tour Leader
A dedicated woman manages the private journey.
Women Community Leaders
Meet women involved in rural Sabah projects.
Women Artisans
Support traditional craft producers.
Women Chefs
Prioritize female-led culinary experiences.
Women Entrepreneurs
Support local women-owned businesses.
Community-Based Tourism
Keep tourism spending within local communities.
RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE TRAVEL
WILDLIFE FIRST
Borneo’s wildlife is one of the most important reasons to travel to Sabah.
Vietnam Women Travel follows a respectful approach:
Orangutans
Observe from designated viewing areas.
Sun Bears
Visit recognized conservation facilities.
River Wildlife
Maintain safe and respectful distances.
Marine Life
Follow responsible snorkeling practices.
No Feeding Wildlife
Wild animals are never fed for photographs.
No Touching Wildlife
No direct-contact wildlife experiences.
The original itinerary specifically highlights the conservation work of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
WHY CHOOSE VIETNAM WOMEN TRAVEL?
Premium Private Tours Led by Women
Private From Start to Finish
No large group transportation.
Luxury Accommodation
Every night is upgraded from the original basic accommodation concept.
Private Wildlife Safaris
Your group has dedicated river experiences.
Orangutan & Sun Bear Conservation
Wildlife encounters are centered around recognized conservation programs.
Kinabatangan River
Multiple safari cruises maximize wildlife opportunities.
Indigenous Culture
Experience Dusun traditions through local communities.
Women Supporting Women
Connect with female artisans, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Private Island Experience
Dinawan Island is experienced through a private marine program.
More Time
The 12-day version adds relaxation and avoids the rushed feeling of a basic adventure tour.
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 → Kundasang | Kundasang |
| 6 | Kundasang → Kiulu Valley | Kiulu |
| 7 | Kiulu Valley – Village & Dusun Culture | Kiulu |
| 8 | Kiulu → Kinarut | Kinarut |
| 9 | Kinarut → Dinawan Island → Kinarut | Kinarut |
| 10 | Kinarut → Kota Kinabalu | Kota Kinabalu |
| 11 | Kota Kinabalu – Culture & Wellness | 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, Cultural & Island Journey
Leadership: Female Tour Leader
Accommodation: 5-Star Hotels + Luxury Rainforest, River, Mountain & Beach Resorts
Transportation: Private Luxury Vehicles + Private Wildlife & Island Boats
Guiding: Private Naturalists & Local Cultural Specialists
Activities: Wildlife, Conservation, Trekking, Culture, Cooking, Snorkeling & Wellness
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Every Day
Group: Private – From 2 Guests
REAL BORNEO PREMIUM
Wildlife. Rainforest. Villages. Islands.
Begin in Sandakan.
Meet rescued orangutans.
Discover Bornean sun bears.
Walk beneath the rainforest canopy.
Cruise the Kinabatangan River searching for pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, orangutans and hornbills.
Travel into the cool highlands beneath Mount Kinabalu.
Walk through the villages of the Kiulu Valley.
Cook with local families.
Learn Dusun traditions.
Meet women supporting their communities through local enterprise.
Relax on the tropical shores of Kinarut.
Snorkel the clear waters of Dinawan Island.
Finish in Kota Kinabalu overlooking the South China Sea.
The original Real Borneo is a 10-day, basic 18–35s journey focused on wildlife, village trekking, bamboo-hut homestay and snorkeling.
Vietnam Women Travel transforms those authentic experiences into a premium private journey — retaining the real Borneo while adding luxury accommodation, private wildlife encounters, private transportation, women-led cultural experiences and all meals included.
Travel differently.
Travel privately.
Travel with women.
Vietnam Women Travel
Premium Private Tours Led by Women