🧡 Introduction

Borneo has been on my bucket list for years — orangutans, rainforests, river safaris, and that soft, humid jungle air that feels like a hug. In September 2025 I finally went. I booked the East Sabah Adventure with G Adventures and it ended up being one of the most magical, wildlife-filled trips I’ve ever done.

This blog is my full itinerary, what I actually experienced, what I packed, photography tips, and my honest thoughts about the tour. If you’re thinking about doing Borneo — this is your guide.

🗓 Itinerary

📍 Day 1 — Arrival in Kota Kinabalu

I took a Grab taxi from the airport and headed straight to my hotel. I checked in, cooled down (Borneo humidity is a whole personality), had a shower, and settled in for a couple of hours.

At 6pm, I headed to the lobby for the Meet & Greet — this is where I met our CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and the rest of my group. We got a warm welcome, an overview of the upcoming itinerary, and a few expectations for the days ahead.

Then the whole group headed out to a local restaurant for our first dinner together. It was relaxed, slightly chaotic (in that fun Southeast Asia way), and was a nice introduction to getting to know each other.

What it felt like: Humid and buzzy. Crossing the road required a tiny bit of faith. But thats part of the fun chaos.

Tip: Make sure you have enough cash on hand, not just for souvenirs and snacks. The next morning, the CEO collects a fixed amount (RM400 from memory) towards gratuities that covers the trip.

Accommodation: .Hotel Shangri-la Kota Kinabalu. Clean and central.

📍 Day 2 — Kota Kinabalu → Kudasang (Mount Kinabalu region)

Day two started early with a 9am departure heading north toward Tambatuon Village. It’s about a two-hour drive, and the scenery shifts pretty quickly from city to lush green hills. By the time we reached the homestay, it already felt like we’d slipped into a completely different pace of life.

What really makes this homestay special is the warmth of Mr Pang and his family. From the village walk to the hands-on cooking session, everything felt genuine and welcoming. We even had a hilarious, chaotic swim in the river as huge fish circled around us — such a core memory.

There’s also a small pool with beautiful valley views, and the dining area overlooking the fish pond is the perfect spot to unwind and chat with your group. The food was delicious, and you can tell the hosts truly want you to feel looked after.

In the afternoon we headed to the Tagal River for a natural “fish spa.” I genuinely didn’t know what to expect but it was kind of cool, if not a little scary at first!

Later we joined a cooking class run by the local women — they showed us how they prepare traditional dishes using jungle herbs and fresh produce. It was hands-on, a bit chaotic, and SO much fun. Dinner that night was everything we had just cooked, which somehow made it taste even better.

Wha t it felt like: Peaceful, welcoming, and grounding — like being welcomed into someone’s home rather than a tourist spot. One of the highlights of the trip for me! ✨

Tip: Bring sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy; village walks and river dips are part of the charm. It poured torrential rain for a short while which absolutely added to the lush ambience. Perfect for me to cozy up on the terrace with a cup of tea and a book.

Accommodation: D'Danau Homestay — rustic, traditional, rooms are basic twin/doubles with shared bathrooms, but totally fine for a night — and the sunrise over Mount Kinabalu is worth waking up for.

📍 Day 3 — Tambatuon → Kinabatangan River

We started the morning early with a quick breakfast at 6:15am before beginning the long overland journey to the Kinabatangan River. It’s about a 5–6 hour drive, and honestly the roads get pretty bumpy — but the scenery is worth it. The landscape shifts constantly, from small villages to dense jungle, and it really sets the tone for the next few days of proper wildlife immersion.

When we arrived at the lodge, we were welcomed with lunch and given time to settle into our rooms. The humidity hits you immediately, but in a way that makes you feel like you’ve truly arrived in the rainforest. I remember just standing outside for a moment taking it all in — the sounds, the heat, the stillness.

By 4pm, we headed out on our first river cruise along the Kinabatangan. This was one of those experiences that makes you stop and think, “Wow, I’m really here.” The local nature guide led the way, pointing out wildlife as we drifted along the riverbanks. We tried to spot the “Big 5” of Borneo — and even when you don’t see everything, the atmosphere alone is magic.

After dinner at 7pm, the lodge offered optional night activities — either a night walk through the jungle (RM70) or a night river cruise (RM140). These give you a chance to look for nocturnal animals, but they’re totally optional depending on your energy levels.

Wha t it felt like: Jungly, humid, and a bit wild — in the best way. You can feel the rainforest wrapping around you. The river cruise honestly felt like entering another world.

Tip: The drives are long, so have snacks and motion-sickness tablets on hand if you need them. And keep your camera gear easily accessible — sometimes the best wildlife moments happen before you even reach the lodge.

Accommodation: A jungle lodge along the Kinabatangan River — simple, surrounded by nature, and the perfect base for the next few days of wildlife adventures.

📍 Day 4 — Kinabatangan River

Day four began before sunrise with a quick light tea at 5:30am — that half-awake shuffle where everyone’s quietly whispering and the air feels cool and still. By 6am we were back on the Kinabatangan River for our morning cruise, and honestly… mornings on the water became one of my favourite parts of this entire trip.

There’s something about the soft light, the mist sitting low over the trees, and the way the jungle slowly wakes up around you. Birds calling, branches rustling, the occasional splash. It feels like you’re floating through a documentary set.

After the cruise we had breakfast and a bit of downtime — much needed after a few early starts. At 9:30am we headed out for a jungle walk. This wasn’t a hardcore trek, just a steady walk through the forest where our guide explained the conservation work being done in the area. It’s one thing to see wildlife, but another to understand what goes into protecting it — and you can tell the locals genuinely care.

Lunch was provided back at the lodge, followed by some rest before our final river safari later that afternoon. Tea was served at 3pm, and by 3:30pm we were back on the boat for a longer, slower cruise — about two and a half hours. This was our last chance to spot rarer wildlife, and it had that bittersweet “last day of school camp” feel. Everyone was trying to savour every moment, every sighting, every photo.

Dinner was served at 7pm, followed by a short briefing from our CEO about the next day’s plan. By this point we’d settled into a rhythm: early mornings, wildlife, quiet afternoons, river sunsets, and simple meals. It felt wholesome and grounding in a way I didn’t expect.

What it felt like: Unhurried, calm and deeply connected to nature. The river has a way of slowing you down — you start noticing small things, like the shape of branches or the colours in the sky. It’s magic.

Tip: Bring a lightweight long-sleeve top for the boat — mornings and late afternoons can be cooler, plus it helps with mosquitoes. And keep your camera or phone in an easy-access spot; sightings happen fast.

Accommodation: Kinabatangan River Lodge — basic but atmospheric, with that peaceful “middle of nowhere” energy that makes the whole experience feel even more special.

📍 Day 5 — Sepilok and Jungle Sanctuaries

Day five began early with a quick breakfast before we set off toward one of the most anticipated parts of the whole trip — Sepilok. It’s about a two-hour drive from the lodge, and by this point the group was in full routine-mode: bags packed, coffee in hand, half-asleep but excited.

Our first stop was the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and honestly, nothing really prepares you for seeing orangutans moving freely through the forest. You walk along a raised boardwalk surrounded by dense green jungle and suddenly there they are — these huge, gentle, expressive creatures swinging toward the nursery platforms like it’s nothing.

We watched the little ones in the outdoor nursery first, which felt surprisingly emotional. Some of them are still learning how to climb, some cling to the ropes with a kind of goofy confidence, and others just sit there observing everyone watching them.

From there, we continued on to the morning feeding, where the older orangutans come through the trees to grab fruit from the platform. It’s slow, quiet, and strangely calming — just the sound of rustling leaves and the occasional cracking branch as an orangutan approaches.

Afterward, we walked over to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is literally next door. Sun bears are tiny compared to what I expected — the smallest bear species in the world — and seeing them lounging, climbing, or digging around was such a contrast to the orangutans. Both centres are beautifully run and clearly focused on conservation and rehabilitation, not cheap tourism, which makes the whole experience feel meaningful.

By midday we were on our way to our resort for lunch and check-in. The afternoon was free time — for most people it meant resting, doing laundry, or simply enjoying having proper walls and air-con again.

Later that evening, there was an optional night walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. The idea of seeing nocturnal wildlife was tempting, but you had to pre-order dinner because the walk finishes after 8:30pm once kitchens close. Whether you joined the walk or not, it was a relaxed night — exactly what we all needed after several big days in the jungle.

What it felt like: Gentle, lush, emotional, and eye-opening. Sepilok is one of those places that reminds you how important wildlife conservation actually is — and how lucky we are to witness it.

Tip: Bring a quiet camera setup — silence matters here. Also, keep your expectations loose; wildlife doesn’t perform on cue, and that’s part of what makes it special.

Accommodation: A comfortable resort near Sepilok — the perfect breather before heading to the island the next day.

📍 Day 6 — Sepilok → Libaran Island

Day six started slowly, with breakfast at the resort before we packed up and headed toward the jetty. There was a quick stop at a convenience shop and an ATM — a very important one — because everything on the island operates on cash only. I grabbed some snacks, topped up my wallet, and then we continued on to the jetty at Sandakan Yacht Club.

From there it was about a 45-minute drive, followed by an hour-long boat ride out across the Sulu Sea. The moment we arrived, the whole vibe shifted again. Instead of a hotel room, you’re welcomed into glamping tents — the soft-light, canvas kind that instantly put you into island-mode. Before we settled in, our CEO and the local guide gave us a briefing about how things work on the island and what the schedule looked like.

Lunch was served soon after, and then the rest of the early afternoon was really just about chilling out by the sea — warm breeze, calm water, that quiet island hum. If you wanted to snorkel or kayak, the team could arrange it; it was an optional add-on, and a few people jumped straight into the water. Around 2pm, the water activities officially kicked off and ran until about 3:30pm.

Later in the afternoon we were taken into the village to meet families from a different ethnic group. Each house showed us something unique they create or are known for — a really nice cultural glimpse before we headed to Libaran Beach. If the weather plays along, the sunsets here are next-level, and we were lucky enough to catch some golden haze rolling across the water.

Before dinner, the local guide gave us an introduction to the turtle conservation project that operates on the island — what they do, why it matters, and how they protect the nesting sites. And then after dinner came the part everyone hopes for: waiting for the ranger’s call in case a mother turtle comes ashore to lay her eggs. It’s not guaranteed and it often happens late into the night, but the anticipation alone is pretty magical.

What it felt like: Remote, peaceful, and a little bit surreal — like being dropped into a nature documentary. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and you realise how special these conservation efforts really are.

Tip: Bring cash, sandals, a headlamp if you have one, and something warm/light for nighttime beach walks. Island weather shifts quickly and some activities depend on it.

Accommodation: Glamping tents on Libaran Island — simple, breezy, and beautifully close to nature. It had electricity for charging our phones at night, and a fan.

📍 Day 7 — Libaran → Kota Kinabalu (Farewell Dinner & Final Moments)

Our final morning on Libaran started slowly, with a simple breakfast and one last look at the beach before boarding the boat back to the mainland. It’s about an hour back to the jetty, and honestly… I just stared out at the water trying to take in as much of it as possible — the calm, the stillness, the whole island feeling.

Once we reached the jetty, our transport was already waiting to take us to Sandakan Airport. There’s something bittersweet about this part of a group trip — everyone’s a little quieter, repacking bags, checking phones again after a few days off-grid, and mentally shifting from island-life back to reality.

After a short 45-minute flight, we arrived back in Kota Kinabalu. Our CEO handled check-in (so grateful for that by this point), and we had a few hours to freshen up before meeting again for our final group dinner.

At 5pm we all gathered in the lobby and walked to a nearby restaurant for a farewell meal. That last dinner always hits differently — you’re eating with people who were strangers a week ago but now feel like travel buddies you’ve gone through a mini-adventure with. We reminisced about early morning river cruises, the rain, the wildlife sightings, the cooking class, and every “GOOD MOMENT” our CEO kept highlighting throughout the week.

After dinner, some of us chose to wander through the Kota Kinabalu Night Market. It’s busy, colourful, a little chaotic, and a nice way to spend your last full night in Sabah if you’re not quite ready to head back to the hotel yet.

What it felt like: A blend of contentment and nostalgia. That happy-tired feeling you get when a trip has been full, rich, and meaningful — but your body is also VERY ready for sleep.

Tip: If you want to visit the night market, go with the group. It’s a short, easy walk and adds one final memory of KK before heading home.

Accommodation: Back in Kota Kinabalu at the same hotel you started the trip — clean, central, and comforting after so many early mornings and long days.

📍 Day 8 — Back to home

Departure day always arrives faster than you think. I packed up my things, had a quiet breakfast, and then made my way to the airport for my flights back to Sydney via Singapore.

What I didn’t expect was how emotional it would feel saying goodbye to everyone. After a week of shared meals, early mornings, river cruises, jungle walks, and the kind of experiences that bond people quickly, it was genuinely sad to part ways. We all hugged goodbye at different times — some heading off to other parts of Malaysia, others on earlier flights — and it honestly felt like leaving a little travel family behind.

There’s something special about G Adventures groups: you arrive as strangers and leave as people who’ve seen orangutans together, got soaked in the rain together, shared long bumpy drives together, and laughed over dinners in tiny local restaurants.

I left Borneo feeling full — full of gratitude, full of memories, and full of that bittersweet feeling you only get after a truly meaningful trip.

🦧 Was G Adventures Worth It? My Honest Review

✔ Group size

Around 16 people — I expected this to be overwhelming but it was such a good mix of people, and everyone really bonded and got along.

✔ A bit of everything

Culture, food, mountains, jungle, rivers, wildlife, tropical island and beaches.

✔ Accommodation was good

Clean, safe, and perfectly located.

✔ Wildlife viewing was INCREDIBLE

Better than expected — I saw the BORNEO BIG 5!

✔ I felt very safe and looked after the whole time

While it was a 8 day trip, it was actually only 6 days due to 2 days being a write off (arrival day / return flight day etc) so factor that into your decisions.

📦 Essentials to Pack

• Lightweight rain jacket (100% must)

• Hiking pants / active shorts

• Binoculars (if you don't have a telefoto lens)

• Power bank

• Insect repellent

📸 Camera Gear I Used:

• Sony A7 IV

• Sigma 100–400mm

• Extra SD cards

• Protective wrap

👜 Pack light

Laundry is easy to do and the humidity means clothes dry quickly.

💸 How Much I Spent

• Tour price: $1,999

• Flights: $969 Sydney > Singapore > Kota Kinabalu (Qantas + AirAsia)

• Meals: All meals were included! Except for dinner on the first night and the farewell dinner ($40-$50 all up)

• Extras: $30 on a Sim card from the airport with unlimited data. $50 on souvenirs and snacks.

• Taxi: I used Grab, to and from the airport (Rideshare app like Uber) so cheap - I paid 3.50 AUD each way.

• Travel Insurance: $85 from Cover More

• Total trip cost: Approx $3,190

  
  

❤️ Final Thoughts

If you love wildlife, nature, gentle adventure and photography, Borneo is honestly one of the most rewarding trips you can do in Southeast Asia.

It feels untouched. Real. Rich. Humid. Alive.I left feeling completely in awe.

Whether you go with G Adventures or independently, Sabah will change you.