Borneo family tour
“Seamlessly organised, this tailor made family adventure removes any hassle leaving you free to dive in and enjoy all of the incredible activities that Borneo has to offer.”
Highlights
Kota Kinabalu | Kinabalu Park | Poring Hot Springs | Traditional tea plantation visit | Longhouse village stay | Selingan Island | Kinabatangan River Cruise | Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary | Rainforest Discovery Centre | Pulao Tiga
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.comDeparture information
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Our top tip:
Never think your query or question is too small - tailor made trips are about what's right for you.
Trip type:
Tailor made to your preferences and budget.
Activity level:
Leisurely/Moderate - you can do as little or as much as you like.
Accomm:
12 nights hotels, local lodges and homestays.
Solos:
This is a family vacation, but single rooms are available at hotels.
Meals:
All breakfasts.
Included:
Accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, listed activities and tour guides, some meals.
Overview:
We believe that travel is for everyone. This is a really core principle for us and we passionately believe that where there’s a will there’s a way. We take all ages and all levels of fitness and we do everything possible to ensure that our tours are accessible for everyone, irrespective of physical ability or cognitive conditions. In our experience, there is almost always a way of making a tour suitable for everyone. It’s conceivable that there may be some situations that we can’t accommodate but we haven’t come across them yet!
Limited mobility:
Everything that we do is tailor made so if we have guests with limited mobility, for example, we will tailor the programme to take this into account, and will suggest hotels which will suit. Just let us know what your requirements are and we can talk you through the options
Wheelchair:
In most of our destinations, it is not possible to arrange a special vehicle adapted for wheelchairs, but we are able to arrange a large vehicle which will have ample storage for a wheelchair. Some hotels have wheelchair access; these may be few and far between but we can suggest where these might be possible. Where there is no wheel chair access, but not too many steps, hotel staff are always happy to help with lifting the wheel chair.
Blind/ limited vision:
All of our customers will be traveling as part of a family group therefore we would expect that one of the family would be able to provide necessary assistance to a traveler with limited vision. Information in braille is almost never available but local support can be provided, for example ensuring that porters are available to carry luggage in airports / train stations / hotels so that the travel partner is free to assist the person with limited vision.
Deaf/limited hearing:
As stated above, all of our customers will be traveling as part of a family group therefore we would expect that one of the family would be able to provide necessary assistance to a traveler with limited hearing.
Cognitive conditions:
We have experience in providing appropriate spaces for all travelers, whether this means hotels with access to outdoor space, ground floor rooms, quiet rooms and so on. As all of our customers will be traveling as part of a family group therefore we would expect that one of the family would be also be on hand to provide necessary one on one assistance to a traveler with cognitive conditions as required.
About this Free from food:
If guests have serious dietary issues (or allergies) we will arrange translations into the relevant local language(s) to explain these, and will brief guides to ensure that appropriate food is served.
LGBT:
The staff who are responsible for running our tours will always be LGBT friendly. Many of the destinations in which we operate do not offer equal rights to the LGBT community, and outward displays of affection may be problematic. We will be able to give advice on this on a country by country basis.
Vouchers
Accepted
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.
As mentioned in the community promise, our tours in Borneo are operated in conjunction with a local partner that share our environmental and social values and who actively seek ways to operate in as responsible way as possible. Where possible we use small locally owned hotels that have been built and furnished using locally sourced materials. One of the main reasons to visit Borneo is to gain an insight into the unique eco-system that can be found there, and one of the main tasks of our local guides is to ‘bring the envirnment to life’ for all travelers but particularly children. We often find that a visit to Borneo creates a really strong environmental focus with younger visitors, who return home with a detailed understanding of the importance of preserving the environment all over the world. As an example, in the Kinabalu National Park our ranger guides are particularly keen to show off some of the most threatened species and to explain their importance in the overal health of the rainforest in the area.
Our UK office is run as environmentally as possible and we operate a primarily paper free environment. We do not produce brochures (which often leads to a lot of waste) but market our tours exclusively on the internet.
The Impacts of this Trip
We operate all of our tours in Borneo in conjunction with a local partner that share our environmental and social values and who actively seek ways to operate in as responsible way as possible. As an example, we often send travelers to spend the night in a tribal Rungus Longhouse in the north of Sabah. Our partners have a long-standing relationship with the village elders in this area and have been instrumental in ensuring that this kind of village based tourism is conducted in a responsible manner and one which is welcomed (rather than resented) by the local population. They also contribute financially to the upkeep of the long house that is used to accommodate our groups (in addition to the ‘per person’ payment that is made by each guest).
All of our tours in Borneo are run in a way that maximises the interaction with local communities. Families are generally accompanied by a local guide, who will provide them with a detailed understanding of the local culture and ensure that they understand how to behave in an appropriate manner, for example removing shoes at the entrance to the longhouse. The guides will also arrange visits with local families where this is possible. Our travelers love this as it provides an excellent opportunity to teach their own children about the local way of life and explain that not everyone has quite so many material goods!
Environment
As mentioned in the community promise, our tours in Borneo are operated in conjunction with a local partner that share our environmental and social values and who actively seek ways to operate in as responsible way as possible. Where possible we use small locally owned hotels that have been built and furnished using locally sourced materials. One of the main reasons to visit Borneo is to gain an insight into the unique eco-system that can be found there, and one of the main tasks of our local guides is to ‘bring the envirnment to life’ for all travelers but particularly children. We often find that a visit to Borneo creates a really strong environmental focus with younger visitors, who return home with a detailed understanding of the importance of preserving the environment all over the world. As an example, in the Kinabalu National Park our ranger guides are particularly keen to show off some of the most threatened species and to explain their importance in the overal health of the rainforest in the area.
Our UK office is run as environmentally as possible and we operate a primarily paper free environment. We do not produce brochures (which often leads to a lot of waste) but market our tours exclusively on the internet.
Community
The Impacts of this Trip
We operate all of our tours in Borneo in conjunction with a local partner that share our environmental and social values and who actively seek ways to operate in as responsible way as possible. As an example, we often send travelers to spend the night in a tribal Rungus Longhouse in the north of Sabah. Our partners have a long-standing relationship with the village elders in this area and have been instrumental in ensuring that this kind of village based tourism is conducted in a responsible manner and one which is welcomed (rather than resented) by the local population. They also contribute financially to the upkeep of the long house that is used to accommodate our groups (in addition to the ‘per person’ payment that is made by each guest).
All of our tours in Borneo are run in a way that maximises the interaction with local communities. Families are generally accompanied by a local guide, who will provide them with a detailed understanding of the local culture and ensure that they understand how to behave in an appropriate manner, for example removing shoes at the entrance to the longhouse. The guides will also arrange visits with local families where this is possible. Our travelers love this as it provides an excellent opportunity to teach their own children about the local way of life and explain that not everyone has quite so many material goods!
Climate
6 Reviews of Borneo family tour
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2019 by Melissa Marfleet-Collins
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything! Individual highlights - staying with the host family, the wildlife, a range of experiences such as river safaris, historical monuments. Amazing family time together.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you prepare for the bugs, they aren't an issue, e.g. strong mosquito repellent, a scarf to wrap around your head, football socks.
We stopped in Singapore for 5 days before the last flight to Borneo, and would absolutely recommend as an introduction to the climate and culture - there is lots to do that doesn't cost money, and there are cheap hotels if you look for them.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local people and economy depend on tourism, so in that sense, we contributed. However, we weren't environmentally friendly (all the air travel, bottled water etc).
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An unbelievable adventure, which the whole family enjoyed and benefitted from. Would whole-heartedly recommend.
Reviewed on 20 Aug 2018 by Delia Mackechnie
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
For me it was seeing a herd of wild elephants in Kinabatangan; two adults and a calf even swam across the river in front of us. My daughter's favourite was the
sun bear sanctuary - it made such an impression she wants to return as a volunteer when she's old enough. My son enjoyed the elephants and the rafting and my husband was fascinated by Gomantong Cave and the orang utan rehabilitation center.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I was glad that we booked an extra couple of days to acclimatise to the time zone and temperature before the tour started - we really needed it. We also
added a rafting trip, snorkelling and the Coral Flyer zip wire - I'd recommend all of these, particularly if you're looking for more physical activities to
balance the wildlife watching. Swimsuits are fine in hotel pools, but for areas where locals are swimming (river/hot springs/sea) we wore a pair of lycra
shorts and a quick dry t shirt over the top. This felt less conspicuous and was also good sun protection. Take high deet insect repellant (50 or 100%) - it's very
effective and not easy to find when you're there. A loose, long sleeved shirt is a good cover up if someone gets too much sun, and also protects against bites.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The village homestay was a great experience and clearly benefitted the local people.... and us! It was a great opportunity for us and our children to see that
there are more similarities than differences between families around the world. Supporting the sun bear and orang utan centers was was worthwhile. Most
hotels supplied drinking water in single use plastic bottles, but the river lodge avoided this by putting refillable glass bottles in the rooms - it would be good if
more hotels were encouraged to do this.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We will be talking about this vacation for years to come. Everyone had their own favourite moments, and the mix of adventure, wildlife and culture was great.
Reviewed on 06 May 2017 by Alex Base
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Bit tricky to say as every day/activity was different but so exciting and rewarding in its own way. Caves were amazing, landing at Mulu was amazing. Orang-utans obviously amazing, fire flies amazing as it was a clear night. Turtle beach amazing. All that super amazing stuff made Sabah Tea gardens feel a bit dated and boring. Felt rather lost in time.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just be super aware that the accommodation throughout will be super basic, a little uncared for and maybe not what you are expecting if you've paid £1500 per person. Lots of insect relevant and just focus on the experience for that day. So much to take in. Don't worry about getting wet. No one got attacked by leaches.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Its a tricky balance. I think the homestay was a good way to benefit local people, but as our guide said they then westernise their homes, so is that good?
I think the lodges and guides had a strong respect for the environment and the fact that its amenity and the experience people got from it was what made the vacation/travel for people. Not sure that it reduced env impacts.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was amazing, but I would expect that for the money and place. Would recommend 100%. Would try and explain more what people will experience beforehand. The fire fly bit felt last minute, but it was amazing. Some people may be disappointed with the accommodation at the homestay and Mulu.
Reviews said turtle island was really bad accommodation, but it was fine. More
time in Sepilock rather than Sabah as most come to see Orangutans. But this is hard as you want people to also have their own experience.
Read the operator's response here:
Traveling in Borneo is wonderfully rewarding but it is absolutely fair to say that accommodation is quite expensive for what you get. Elsewhere in South East Asia you can get a very comfortable hotel with air conditioning and a swimming pool for very little money.
However, Borneo is different; our preferred accommodation is quite remote which is of course the attraction as you are in amongst the wildlife and the animals, but it is also expensive, despite the fact that rooms are simple and both the hot water and electricity are patchy. This is in part because tourism is not that developed in Borneo so there aren't a wide
range of lodges to choose from and they can each therefore charge pretty much what they like; but it is also because in many cases all supplies have to be shipped in from far away. In Mulu for example, there is no road access so all supplies have to be brought in either by plane or on a two day boat journey.
These comments are therefore completely fair! You do pay quite a lot to go to Borneo, and although the experience is worth every penny, the accommodation
at night is often simple. There are upgrades available (and particularly on the beach there are in fact some super-luxurious resorts) but these are very expensive so it does depend on budget.
However, perhaps we need to make it clearer to travelers exactly what to expect so we will take this on board for future inquiries.
However, Borneo is different; our preferred accommodation is quite remote which is of course the attraction as you are in amongst the wildlife and the animals, but it is also expensive, despite the fact that rooms are simple and both the hot water and electricity are patchy. This is in part because tourism is not that developed in Borneo so there aren't a wide
range of lodges to choose from and they can each therefore charge pretty much what they like; but it is also because in many cases all supplies have to be shipped in from far away. In Mulu for example, there is no road access so all supplies have to be brought in either by plane or on a two day boat journey.
These comments are therefore completely fair! You do pay quite a lot to go to Borneo, and although the experience is worth every penny, the accommodation
at night is often simple. There are upgrades available (and particularly on the beach there are in fact some super-luxurious resorts) but these are very expensive so it does depend on budget.
However, perhaps we need to make it clearer to travelers exactly what to expect so we will take this on board for future inquiries.
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2016 by Martha Rutherford
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many! My children's faces, beautiful Pagodas, peaceful paddy fields, food markets, cookery courses, amazing food, wonderful people, museums, tunnels and boats. A vacation with something for everybody.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go for it. It was a great family adventure that we all loved.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. All our guides were local, we stayed as much as possible in small family run hotels and ate in small local restaurants.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant
Reviewed on 07 Aug 2015 by Nikki Shack
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The homestay in a village in Kinabalu National Park Facilitated by a fantastically knowledgeable guide. We had the opportunity to stay in a small village with stunning views of Mount Kinabalu. We were able to stay with a family who had four generations under one roof, the youngest being one week and the oldest 93 years and to experience a very different way of life, eat locally produced
food and with excellent interpretation learn about our hosts lifestyles and all enjoy the company of our hosts. We were greeted by many of the villagers who added to our incredible time, the kids played together, language was not an issue. We walked in the jungle in the rain, swim in the river, attempt to catch fish and picnic with our hosts and the villagers beside the river. Did I mention my son cooking with the host family and we were shown how to collect rubber and forage for fritz and vegetables as well as fish with a net and bare hands. Memories for us all to treasure. We got invited back for Christmas!
Seeing the orangutans in the wild near the sanctuary made us appreciate the success of the work. The stay at river kinabantan was incredible so could equally be my favourite. We had excellent guides really knowledgable, helpful and flexible. I don't think we could have seen or learnt so much without them
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the unexpected! River trecking in the river rather than besides. Amazing fun. Be ready to question your own views and values. Be prepared to get wet you will soon be dry again. Perhaps get your rainmacs etc in Borneo and rubber shoes rather than walking boots. Be ready to try a variety of food and particularly some unusual fruits! Have plenty of strong sun cream and insect repellant. Have a waterproof camera. Be ready for seeing and absorbing. Don't be put off by having a guide, we thought we would feel less intrepid but we learnt and laughed so much
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely when thinking of the turtle preservation. Especially after being offered cooked turtle eggs in a roadside restaurant. Local people- I understand the villagers as a whole get some support when offering homestays. Bilit was wonderful seek so many birds, crocs, elephants, monkeys, lizards etc. I think having the area as a tourist attraction may protect the area against further deforestation as the local people gain financially by providing a center for tourism.
I think we consumed much in diesel, especially flying from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan- from the air the scars from logging and Palm plantation were very clear and wouldn't be by road.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic, I would make minor changes to the programme. We had a great time each of us getting something different from the experience.
Reviewed on 27 Oct 2015 by Sarah Madeley
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying with a local family - our daughters got so much out of it. We have just written to them all and hope to stay in touch
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be more organised with your suitcases - you can leave things at KK but we were kept forgetting things to take in the trips
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It didn't really cross our minds once there, but in reflection we did use local people / companies
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic! We constantly remember different things and look at the photos
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