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Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Borneo's rivers, mountains & beaches tour

11 days from $4,180pp

Climbing Mount Kinabalu
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Tour highlights

  • Explore Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur. An ever-changing city with delicious cuisine and contrasting architecture.

  • Journey into the wilds of Sabah, Borneo. Stay in a remote river lodge and undertake daily boat trips to discover the 'big five'.

  • Visit an orangutan and sun bear conservation outpost while staying at a relaxed forest lodge.

  • Climb to the summit of Malaysia's highest peak, Mount Kinabalu.

  • Relax, unwind and enjoy the facilities at the luxurious Shangri-La Rasa Ria beach resort.

Price includes:

  • Domestic flights in destination
  • In-destination transfers
  • Activities and excursions as detailed
  • All accommodations
  • 24-hour support while you travel
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Itinerary idea in detail

Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights at our preferred rates.

  • On arrival in Kuala Lumpur, you will be met and taken to your hotel, with the rest of the day to relax and start exploring the capital. This evening you might like to visit the Petronas Towers for views across the city.

  • Today, you will embark on a privately guided tour of the city. Explore the eclectic architecture of Kuala Lumpur, see some of the key sights of the city and learn about KL’s fascinating mix of cultures.

  • An early morning flight to Sandakan, where you're met and taken to the jetty to start your exploration of the Kinabatangan River. Here, you will have two days at a remote yet comfortable lodge, with the chance to see some amazing wildlife. Having arrived at the lodge, you will have lunch before heading back out on the water, with the chance to see a huge amount of wildlife. Proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and nesting orangutans are all regularly seen, and a whole host of magnificent birdlife.

  • Rise early for a second trip on the river and the chance to visit the nearby oxbow lake. Breakfast is served back at the lodge. You have free time back at the lodge to catch up on some sleep or look for wildlife on the boardwalks and bird towers around the lodge. Lunch will be served at the lodge. Enjoy a final trip on the river this afternoon and try to tick some more animals off your list before a final dinner at your lodge.

  • After breakfast, you will travel back to Sandakan by boat and transfer to the Sepilok Nature Resort. In the afternoon, you can stroll over to the world-famous sanctuary and have the chance to explore the Sun Bear Sanctuary and Orangutan Nursery as well. Evening at leisure.

  • Early morning flight to Kota Kinabalu. You will be met at the airport by a representative from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (who operate the climb packages) and transferred to Kinabalu National Park for an afternoon exploring the park, followed by an overnight stay.

  • This morning, you start the trek up Malaysia's highest peak. The walk starts in the lush temperate rainforest which surrounds the park HQ. As you ascend you will see the environment dramatically change due to the altitude. In the afternoon you will reach Laban Rata, where you will stay for the evening.

  • You will set off in the early hours while it is still dark for a final push to reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu, where you can enjoy a spectacular Borneo sunrise. You will then trek back to the park HQ, a challenge in itself as this part can be tough on the legs. On arrival, you will be met and transferred back to Kota Kinabalu for a well-earned rest at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria beach resort.

  • Enjoy the day resting your weary legs. The hotel has 3 km (1.9 miles) of private beach and a meandering pool. The spa also offers an extensive selection of treatments.

  • You can visit the local town of Kota Kinabalu or book an activity locally with the resort. The hotel's signature sunrise viewpoint experience can be booked locally and is well worth the early wake-up call.

  • Today you'll be driven to Kota Kinabalu Airport by private transfer to catch your onward flight.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

Audley Travel specialist Jack
Contact a Borneo specialist

The specialist who designs your trip to Borneo will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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When to go

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Place Daily max temperature (°F) Monthly rainfall (mm)
Kuala Lumpur
 
Sandakan
 
Kinabatangan River
 
Sepilok
 
Kota Kinabalu
 
Kinabalu National Park
 

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