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Experience Kuala Lumpur the vibrant capital of Malaysia, where modern skyscrapers blend seamlessly with colonial charm and lush greenery. Visit iconic landmarks that showcase the unique blend of history and modernity making it one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating cities. Borneo is bursting with culture and wildlife. Explore the rainforests which are full of wildlife and home to half of all the known plant and animal species in the world. Cruise along the Kinabatangan River to discover the array of wildlife that live along the banks. Visit an Orangutan Sanctuary and the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the rehabilitation process and how the animals are reintroduced back into the wild.
Fitness Levels
A reasonable level of fitness is required for this tour. Tours will involve getting on and off coaches, walking around sites, sometimes on uneven ground, and climbing steps. On several days there will be sightseeing on foot for extended periods of time.
Inclusions
Return international flights from Adelaide in economy class
Exclusive Groups Booking Bonus! Choose $50pp off the Total Tour Price or, one Wheel aboard (valued at $180) per booking. **
Domestic flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
7 nights superior hotel accommodation
3 nights lodge accommodation
20 meals
Sightseeing per itinerary with applicable fees
Travel by air-conditioned coach
Services of local professional English-speaking drivers/guides
Gratuities to travel director, coach drivers and local experts
Pre departure function and tour documentation
Escorted from Adelaide with a Phil Hoffmann Travel host
Itinerary
Day 1 | 17 Aug 2025, Sunday - Depart Adelaide | Arrive Kuala Lumpur
Travel from Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur. In the bustling capital of Malaysia, expect streets lined with colourful food stalls, friendly locals and fast-paced energy flowing throughout the city. On arrival transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Stay: Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre (Standard) or similar
Day 2 | 18 Aug 2025, Monday - Kuala Lumpur
Today visit iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, the King's Palace, and the National Monument. Explore cultural gems such as the Batik Centre, National Museum, and National Mosque. Marvel at the architectural beauty of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Merdeka Square. Continue your journey with a visit to the limestone hills of Batu Caves, where 272 steps lead up to the sacred Hindu temple cave, housing the shrine of Lord Murugah. Explore the museum cave filled with images of deities and murals from Hindu scriptures. (B,L)
Stay: Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre (Standard) or similar
Day 3 | 19 Aug 2025, Tuesday - Sandakan
After breakfast this morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Sandakan. On arrival transfer to the hotel enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at the English Tea House, set amidst lush gardens and surrounded by nature, or in a charming heritage building with elegant interiors. After dinner, transfer back to hotel for the night. (B,D)
Stay: Sabah Hotel or similar
Day 4 | 20 Aug 2025, Wednesday - Kinabatangan River
After breakfast visit the Sandakan Central Market and experience the local culture, fresh produce, handicrafts and unique souvenirs like handmade jewellery, batik and traditional crafts. Next visit the Puu Jih Shi Temple, a peaceful hilltop sanctuary offering both spiritual tranquillity and stunning panoramic views of Sandakan and the surrounding islands. After travel by boat to the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort. Sitting on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, the resort offers access to local wildlife. This afternoon, enjoy a wildlife river cruise. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and kingfishers can sometimes be seen. Enjoy dinner at the resort before heading back out for a night-time wildlife walk with a headlamp, in search of interesting nocturnal animals and insects. (B,L,D)
Stay: Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (Feature Stay) or similar
Day 5 | 21 Aug 2025, Thursday - Kinabatangan River
Early this morning cruise along the river as the sun rises, enjoying light refreshments on board while you search for birds and wildlife. Keep an eye out for long tail macaques and pig tail macaques, then return to the resort for breakfast. This afternoon, take another river cruise, exploring small tributaries by boat. In the evening, enjoy a night-time cruise and look out for nocturnal animals. (B,L,D)
Stay: Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (Feature Stay) or similar
Day 6 | 22 Aug 2025, Friday - Sepilok
Today return to Sandakan by boat, and transfer to Sepilok. En route, stop at the Sandakan War Memorial, to learn about the city’s history while standing on the grounds of the former Japanese Prisoners of War camp. After visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, to experience the treetop walkways, and learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo. (B)
Stay: Sepilok Nature Lodge or similar
Day 7 | 23 Aug 2025, Saturday - Sepilok
This morning visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. Established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From the viewing platform, watch the orangutans as they swing into view and observe young orangutans as they learn how to climb a specially constructed jungle gym in a new nursery. Afterwards, visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Here, rescued sun bears, many of whom have endured years of mistreatment, are given a second chance at life. Learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild. Later transfer to the Sandakan Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival transfer to hotel. (B)
Stay: Hotel Grandis or Similar
Day 8 | 24 Aug 2025, Sunday - Kota Kinabalu
Today explore Sabah’s capital. Visit some of the famous landmark such as Sabah Floating Mosque— with its iconic dome. Puh Toh Tze Buddhist Temple, known for its traditional architecture and the towering statue of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy and Kota Kinabalu’s tallest landmark, the Yayasan Tower, an impressive 30-story building. Later learn about local culture at the Sabah Museum, with its Heritage Village showcasing traditional homes. After, visit the Handicraft market for souvenirs and local treats. Enjoy a local lunch then transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. (B,L)
Stay: Hotel Grandis or Similar
Day 9 | 25 Aug 2025, Monday - Kinabalu National Park
Today travel into the unspoiled wilderness of the World Heritage-Listed Kinabalu National Park and enjoy the cool mountain air and take in views of the stunning Mount Kinabalu. A guided walk through the Botanical Garden will showcase the park’s rich plant and wildlife diversity, including rare orchids and pitcher plants. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B,L)
Stay: Hotel Grandis or Similar
Day 10 | 26 Aug 2025, Tuesday - Kota Kinabalu
Today visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village. In the village, traditional huts showcase each tribe’s unique culture with interactive activities—from blowpipe shooting, rice[1]wine tasting to crafting warrior vests from tree bark. You can even try the 'Lansaran,' a traditional trampoline-like platform. Experience Borneo’s spirit through a live ethnic dance, including the Murut Tribe's captivating 'Magunatip' bamboo dance. End your visit with a buffet lunch of exotic Sabah dishes before returning to your hotel for a free afternoon. This evening, enjoy a “farewell” group dinner. (B,L,D)
Stay: Hotel Grandis or Similar
Day 11 | 27 Aug 2025, Wednesday - Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast today, enjoy a late check out. Transfer to airport to begin your journey home via Kuala Lumpur. (B)
Day 12 | 28 Aug 2025, Thursday - Adelaide arrival
Dates/Pricing
Package Departs
Twin Share
Per Solo Traveller
17 August 2025
$7,799pp
$8,999pp
*Prices are based on per person twin share, correct as of 31 December 2024.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
Tour Changes
We endeavor to provide an accurate itinerary. However, local operators, hotels and airlines sometimes change arrangements, and our itinerary would then be adjusted to suit however, the same standard will always be used.
Not Included on tour
Travel insurance; tips / gratuities for tour guides and drivers and any independent touring and dining (they are included for hotels and included group meals); items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, phone calls, meals other than those indicated, additional sightseeing or optional tours; extensions/stopovers/amendments; additional flight cost from other cities if applicable, arrival and departure transfers at destination/s when not arriving/departing on group flights/dates.
Reservations
A deposit of $400 per person is required within 7 days of confirmation of your booking. the final balance due no later than. If a booking is made after this date, the full tour price is due at the time of confirmation. Prices are subject to change at any time until full payment has been received for the entire group and tickets have been issued.
Booking Forms and Booking Conditions
You are required to complete some forms when booking which provide essential information we require to process your booking. Your consultant will provide you with all relevant forms.
Passport & Visas
It is necessary for all passengers to be in possession of a valid passport which has at least 6 months validity beyond your return into Australia. Visas are not required for Australian passport holders.
Minimum Numbers
Group fares quoted for this tour are subject to a minimum of 10 paying and maximum 24 passengers travelling together. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to increase the tour price or cancel the tour should the numbers travelling not meet the required minimum.
Tour Escort
Escort travels when minimum numbers of 10 are reached.
Price Alterations
Tour prices specified are based on airfares, taxes and land arrangement tariffs applicable at the time of printing, therefore they may be subject to alteration with or without prior notice until final payment date, as per brochure final payment date.
Extensions/stopovers
An amendment fee may apply for any changes to group flight arrangements. You may also need to pay any additional applicable taxes.
Group Flights – Seat Selection
For seat selection, please ensure that requests are submitted in advance to secure preferred seating arrangements. Availability is subject to the airline’s policies, and additional charges may apply for specific seat preferences. If you have any special seating requirements, such as extra legroom, aisle seats, or assistance-related seating, please notify us as soon as possible. We will coordinate with the airline to accommodate your request. Airlines do reserve the right to change a passenger's seat at any time, even if the seat has been paid for in advance due to various reasons.
Special Assistance
To ensure a smooth travel experience, all wheelchairs and walking aids must be provided to the Groups Department team for coordination with the airline. Kindly ensure the following details are submitted:
• Brand of the wheelchair or walking aid
• A clear photo of the item
• Weight of the item
• Dimensions (Height, Width, Depth)
Amendments/changes
There may be fees charged per amendment by third party suppliers for any reservation changes after your booking is confirmed.
Twin share Room Match Policy
In the event of a cancellation for a twin share room match, the travelling passenger may be required to pay for a single room supplement cost, which will not be covered under their travel insurance policy. Similarly, if a traveler decides whilst travelling that they do not want to share any longer, they will be required to pay the full costs for a single room.
Refunds/Credits
No refund is available in respect of any sightseeing tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized or required during this tour. No refund is available for cancellations after the tour has commenced.
Cancellations
Cancellations of confirmed bookings will be subject to a $400 per person service fee plus any charges imposed by principals involved in operating the tour. Therefore, the cancellation fee may be up to the total cost for land and/or airfares. Cancelled bookings are non-transferable.
Baggage
Please refer to individual airline tickets for the baggage allowance for your flights. Airlines may charge you for baggage in excess of these allowances, which will be at passenger’s expense. Whilst on tour one main bag and 1 piece of hand luggage per person is allowed.
Medical Advice
It is wise to seek medical advice before travelling from a travel specialist doctor, or from your own GP. Travelers must meet Phil Hoffmann Travel ’Statement of Fitness’ standards to participate.
Insurance
Insurance is compulsory to cover against loss of deposit and loss of airfares, personal accident, medical cover etc. If you have an ongoing medical condition, you may be required to complete a pre-existing medical form. If you are over 70 years of age, you are required to complete a senior’s medical form. Your consultant will provide all the details.
Children
Participants must be over the age of 15.
Responsibility
Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to alter or omit any part of the itinerary or change of reservation, features and/or means of conveyance without any notice and for any reason whatsoever. Phil Hoffmann Travel does not accept liability for failure on the part of transportation companies, hotel contractors and other principals whose responsibility is confined to their own operations. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to alter hotels used should the necessity arise. The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury and by whom so ever caused and whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time when the passenger is not on board a conveyance used or operated by the transportation companies or firms.
We reserve the right to take any reasonable action should your health, actions or behavior impinge on the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other passengers. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any person as a member of the tour at any time.
All ticket coupons and orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided thereby are offered or supplied by the owners, operators, public carriers, management agents or agents.
The Phil Hoffmann Schedule of Professionalism applies.
E&OE.
