Overview
Bespoke wildlife safaris, private trips and family holidays in Borneo
We offer a personalised service creating tailor made holidays to Borneo for families, individuals, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone looking to create a really special experience in this part of the world. We have offices in Sabah and Sarawak and an excellent staff of wildlife guides. We try hard not to go to the 'usual' places or parks, but to offer something different and unique.
We have various treks in Borneo to look at and some excellent safaris, especially the Borneo Wildlife Tour which visits the famous Deramakot Reserve.
We specialise in the more remote wildlife reserves including the famous Danum Valley and Maliau Basin, as well as Deramakot Forest Reserve and the Imbak Canyon. The Kinabatangan River and flood plains come high on many a traveller's plans and for good reason; offering some of the most accessible wildlife viewing opportunities in Borneo, travel is by boat rather than foot on these sunrise river safaris.
Diving and snorkelling in Borneo
The Sipadan archipelago is a must-see destination for all dive enthusiasts, while many islands offer world class snorkelling too. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, situated just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu is a tranquil getaway from the city, and Bako National Park offers secluded sandy bays to visitors from nearby Kuching. It's perfect too for family holidays in Borneo.
Still a little-known gem of Borneo, the northern 'Tip of Borneo' area called Kudat offers village homestays or private beach chalets. These secluded bays are perfect for unwinding after an adventurous Borneo trek.
Trekking on Mount Kinabalu and other peaks
For the active and adventurous, a wealth of treks and climbs await exploration. As the highest peak between the Himalayas and Papua, Mount Kinabalu is a challenging but popular climb, giving travellers sunrise views as far as the ocean from the top if its granite peak. With fascinating flora, Borneo's second highest peak Trus Madi is a scenic yet less visited alternative to Mount Kinabalu in the Crocker Range National park. Sarawak's Gunung Mulu is another challenging yet accessible peak. Rising from the forest canopy, this mountain dominates the landscape with a sheer rock face across a sea of impenetrable trees.
Trekking in the rainforest and meeting indigenous tribes
A rainforest trek should feature on any visitors trip to Borneo; from Mulu National Park to the lost world of Sabah's Maliau Basin, Borneo is home to awe-inspiring rainforests. As experts in adventure travel, our staff and local guides have spent years leading guests through the forests and can recommend the best reserves and trails to visit. From the easy trails of Lupa Masa Jungle Camp to the challenging multi-day treks, delving deep into the hearth of Borneo with the Penan Tribe, those looking for an alternative jungle adventure will find the trip for them.
Experiencing an ancient culture in heart of Borneo
The cultural diversity of Sabah and Sarawak is unrivalled; a mixture of religious and ethnic communities thrive together to make up Borneo's distinct cultural heritage. The gateway cities of Kota Kinabalu and Kuching themselves offer a myriad of crafts, cuisine and cultural experiences. As a responsible travel company, we pride ourselves on working with several local communities in Sabah and Sarawak, supporting sustainable tourism initiatives where visitors hire local guides and stay in family homestays. Sleeping in a longhouse with the famed headhunters of the Iban tribe, exploring rivers and rapids with the Murut people of Orou Sapulot, trekking to hidden waterfalls and caves with the Penan Tribe or seeking wildlife on he banks of the Kinabatangan River with the Abai villagers; few travellers ever forget the generous hospitably and captivating experience of staying with their host families.
What Should I Pack for My Bespoke Trip?
Since these trips are all unique, a kit list will be different for each. However, here is a general overlook at what to pack for a trip to Borneo.
Ideas for Borneo holidays
For keen birders and Borneo wildlife enthusiasts
1 day arrive Kota Kinabalu, overnight in the Hotel 63, sightseeing
3 days in Mt Kinabalu National Park staying in the park lodge. Guided walks to see the pitcher plants and forest and visits to Lupa Masa Jungle Camp.
4 days in Deramokot Reserve on a private wildlife safari using our 4x4 vehicle and private guide (see video of clouded leopard)
2 days in Sepilok staying in a cloudforest lodge, visiting the orangutan centre and sun bear sanctuary
3 days on a river safari on the Kinabatangan river and staying in a riverside lodge - http://kwrborneo.com/
4 days in the Danum Valley Borneo Rainforest Lodge on a wildlife safari
1 day transfer to Kota Kinabalu and depart.
Luxury Borneo family holiday
- 1 day arriving in Kota Kinabalu and staying in the 5 star Hyatt Hotel
- 4 days at Sapulot for wildlife safari, followed by a day rafting and overnight at the Hyatt
- 3 days on Mount Kinabalu trekking to the summit for the adventurous, others to the Rasa Ria top resort
- 2 days at Lupa Masa Jungle camp with waterfalls, hot springs and bug safaris at night
- 3 days private wildlife safari at Deramokot Forest reserve, finishing at the Four Seasons hotel in Sepilok
- 3 days on Lankayan Island for either a PADI dive course or relaxing in the exclusive resort
- 2 days back to Sandakan for seeing orangutans and sun bears and heading home
Why choose us for your bespoke trip to Borneo?
Our staff have years of experience living and working in Borneo so know first hand the best places to visit on your Bespoke Borneo holiday.We never outsource to other travel providers and our local staff in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu will manage all your in-country logistics.
Adventure Alternative has won the World Responsible Travel Awards twice and also received accreditation by Sustainable Travel International for our sustainable business model. We know that at a local level, tourism can really improve peoples lives. We work closely with local people and help them develop adventurous, high quality holidays that provide unique and rewarding experiences for our visitors.
Our ethos is to make a profit with a sustainable tourism model that delivers positive social, economic and environmental benefits to the communities and areas where we work, so our travellers can be assured that their trip will contribute to growing community of responsible travellers.
In Borneo we have offices in Kuching and in Kota Kinabalu and over the years we have gained a strong reputation for providing trips that are not the run-of-the-mill wildlife trips and adventure holidays in this part of the world. We set up the company in order to offer something different, and we have a great wealth of experience and knowledge to draw on. Typically our clients come to us with a set of dates, a budget and a general idea of what they would like to see and experience; over a number of emails we gradually help to build something that is unique and special to that individual or group.
Dates & Bookings
Photos
Extras
Danum Valley Field Centre
3D2N in the Danum Valley Conservation Area and staying at the Danum Valley Field Centre, trekking through primary rainforest with your private nature guide in search of some of Borneo's elusive wildlife.
Price is for 2 people sharing a standard room with fan, all meals, wildlife guide, one night drive, transfers to and from Lahad Datu, conservation and camera fees. Not included: tourism tax, private guide, extended safaris, personal expenses.
Penan Tribe Trek
4D3N visit to the interior of Sarawak to live with the last nomadic tribe in Borneo, the Penan Tribe. Trek deep into the Ulu Baram region to remote villages and hidden waterfalls, to stay in community homestays and immerse yourself in this fascinating culture.
Mount Mulu Climb
4D3N trek and climb of Mount Mulu. At 2376m, this climb is especially memorable for the virgin rainforest views, prolific orchid and pitcher plant diversity, and spectacular summit views. This is a near 50 km round trip and is one of the toughest treks that Borneo has to offer.
Mount Kinabalu
3D2N trek up Mount Kinabalu with overnight in the Laban Rata hut on the mountain. Start and end at Kinabalu park gate. Price includes guide, accommodation and meals and all park fees and local transfers within the Park.
Day 1 - Arrive Kinabalu park, twin/double room in lodge. Evening walk to see fireflies, pitcher plants and if time visit Poring Hot Springs.
Day 2 - Check into Park, meet guide and start ascent. Overnight Laban Rata hut with buffet meal provided
Day 3 - Summit Mt Kinabalu and descend back to park gate, arriving afternoon. Transfers available on request to Kota Kinabalu.
Kawag Nature Lodge, Danum
3D2N stay in this beautiful lodge in Danum Valley with guided wildlife walks and visits to see waterfalls and caves. Rooms are of a high standard and food is excellent, with personal attention to service and experienced guides. Perfect for couples or families.
Price is for a twin or double room and includes air conditioned twin or double room, in-house guide, all meals, one night drive, transfers to and from Lahad Datu. Not included: tourism tax, private specialist guides and extended night drives.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum
3D2N stay at the prestigious Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley Reserve. Guided safari walks and nature treks, plenty of wildlife viewing and relaxing in comfort surrounded by the pristine jungle environment. Check in 1400, check out 1130. Peak season 1st March - 30th April & 15th July - 15th October.
Price is for a standard twin/double room with fan, in-house guide, one night drive, return transfers to and from Lahad Datu and permits. Not included: tourism tax, private specialist guides, extended night drives.
Hotel 63, Kota Kinabalu
Good quality hotel in the middle of Kota Kinabalu, easy walking to the riverfront, shopping malls and boats for day trips to the islands. Price is for a double or twin room.
Hibiscus Retreat, Kudat
3D2N in a boutique beach chalet, set in a secluded cove on the Kudat peninsula on the northern tip of Borneo. Flights to Kudat from KK or Sandakan, or car transfer from KK available. Price is for bed and breakfast and local activities can be arranged on location.
Big Fin Resort
3D2N stay in this secluded beach resort off the coast of Kota Belud near Kota Kinabalu. Private ensuite double rooms with balcony and sea view. All rooms have wall fan, hammocks, double beds with bedding, towels and mosquito net, western toilet and cold water shower. £20 surcharge for peak season April/July/August.
Price includes room, breakfast, lunch and dinner, drinking water and hot drinks, return boat transfer from Mengkabar village, mask and snorkel rental.
Activities include diving (including PADI courses), kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling/beach hopping and jungle treks nearby.
Sepilok/Kinabatangan River
4D3N visiting Sepilok Orangutan Centre and the Kinabatangan River for wildlife safaris in East Sabah. Accommodation at Paganakan Dii and Borneo Nature Lodge. Start and end at Sandakan.
Visit the world famous Sepilok wildlife centres where rehabilitated orangutans can be seen in their natural environment, rescued sun bears being readied for release back into the wild and giant flying squirrels among others endemic species. On the Kinabatangan river there are three boat safaris to see wild orangutan, pygmy elephant, crocodiles, proboscis monkey, clouded leopard and many other animals and birds including the hornbill.
Price is per person based on shared wildlife guide and safaris, twin/double rooms, and all meals and transfers.
Choose a scheduled date or contact us to set up private dates or a bespoke itinerary. The minimum deposit is £100.00 and the balance is due six weeks before travel.