Highlights
Borneo Sunset Cruise
Mari Mari Cultural Village
Visit to Pekan Nabalu Markets
Visit to the Natural History Gallery and Mountain Garden at Kinabalu Park
Handicraft session (batik painting) and local cooking class
Visit to Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary
Visit to Sandakan War Memorial
Visit to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
Visit to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre
City tour of Kota Kinabalu, including a visit to City Mosque and Puh Toh Tze Buddhist Temple
Mt Kinabalu National Park Day Tour
3-night leisure stay on luxurious Gaya Island
Friends for Company!
Inclusions
Personally escorted from Australia – Your tour hostess is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one
Return economy class airfares from Melbourne to Malaysia with Malaysia Airlines
Meals as per itinerary
Accommodation, transfers and touring as per itinerary
Sightseeing as specified
All Entrance fees
Local English-speaking guides
Gaya Island Conservation Fee
Return scheduled boat transfer from Jesselton Wharf to Gaya Island Resort
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Pre-departure Meet & Greet Zoom
Notice
Note on Camera Use at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre:
Any camera with a zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use is chargeable at RM10.00 per unit.
Moderate Fitness Rating - A moderate level of fitness will be required for these tours due to the length and/or overall physicality of our tour itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps daily on more challenging terrain and longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided and at times handle your luggage. For more information on our physical ratings please click here
Gaya Island is located in a steep, hilly area with no cart access to villas. For twin share travellers, please be advised that on Gaya Island they have Hollywood twins (so quite close together) and there is no real separation of the bathroom - FYI.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday 10 June 2026
Melbourne - Kota Kinabalu (In-flight meals)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!
Join your Sisterhood Womens Travel tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport at the designated time for our flight to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu
Our flight departs late night, so sit back, relax and enjoy the in-flight service of Malaysia Airlines as we begin our adventure.
Day 2 - Thursday 11 June 2026
Welcome to Borneo! (D)
Welcome to Borneo!
Upon arrival into Kota Kinabalu Airport (via Kuala Lumpur), we'll be picked up and transferred to our hotel.
We'll have some time for a rest and freshen up and late afternoon, we'll depart for a North Borneo Sunset Cruise with a welcome dinner onboard.
Overnight: Grandis Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (or similar)
Day 3 - Friday 12 June 2025
Kota Kinabalu (B, L, D)
This morning after breakfast, we'll depart for the Mari Mari Cultural Village. This village comprises of 5 indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo and explores how they all lived together in the past. It shares the knowledge, history, culture, and tradition of Borneo through a welcome ceremony, a cooking demonstration, a blowpipe demonstration, a fire-making demonstration, and traditional dances. We'll also enjoy a traditional lunch.
Later, we'll transfer back to the hotel, with a visit en route to the Masjid Bandaraya mosque (outside only).
Enjoy some free time - you might like to explore the local shopping mall, Suria Sabah
Tonight, we'll go for dinner at Kampung Nelayan Seafood Market Restaurant. There, we'll enjoy a delicious meal and a cultural show performance.
Overnight: Grandis Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (or similar)
Day 4 - Saturday 13 June 2026
Kota Kinabalu - Kinabalu National Park - Kundasang (B, L, D)
Early this morning, we'll drive to Tamparuli Town, where we'll see a traditional Kadazan dance performed by locals. Following that, we'll walk across the famous hanging bridge of Tamparuli.
Then we drive on to Nabalu Native Market, well-known for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local fruits, continuing to Kinabalu Natural History Gallery and Botanical Garden at Kinabalu National Park.
We'll enjoy a local lunch en route.
This afternoon, we continue towards Kundasang, via Kundasang Memorial Park, which is dedicated to the British and Australian soldiers who died in the Sandakan POW camp during their forced death marches from Sandakan to Ranau.
Following that, we'll check out the Kundasang Vegetable Market and then head to our hotel.
Overnight: Kundasang Pine Resort (or similar)
** This resort is a comfortable 2-star resort that places us within reach of stunning Kinabalu views. This overnight stay should be considered rustic but comfortable.
Day 5 - Sunday 14 June 2026
Kundasang - Sabah Tea - Bilit, Kinabatangan River (B, L, D)
This morning after breakfast, we'll visit a tea factory and tea plantation with the opportunity to do some tea plucking wearing local costumes.
This will be followed by a visit to the Marakau POW area and then a fish spa (to enjoy a foot massage), before we drive overland to Bilit, Kinabatangan.
We'll have local lunch en route. Nestled along the banks of Sabah’s famed Kinabatangan River, Bilit is a serene village surrounded by one of the richest ecosystems in Borneo. The region is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to witness iconic species like the proboscis monkey, Bornean pygmy elephant, orangutan, and a dazzling array of birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers
Later in the afternoon, we'll enjoy a river cruise with the opportunity to see wildlife with dinner tonight at our Lodge.
Overnight: Bilit Adventure Lodge (or similar)
Day 6 - Monday 15 June 2026
Morning Cruise - Jungle Trek - Bilit, Kinabatangan River (B, L, D)
Today we'll take an early morning cruise to see birds and wildlife, followed by a handicraft session (batik painting).
Later in the morning, we'll go for a guided village walk to see the local community lifestyle and will get to enjoy a cooking class at one of the villagers’ houses.
After lunch, we'll return to our resort for some free time.
Late afternoon, we'll enjoy another boat cruise in search of more wildlife gathered along the Kinabatangan River.
Tonight, we'll learn the cultural dance of Sabah and will have the chance to participate.
Dinner included at our Lodge.
Overnight: Bilit Adventure Lodge (or similar)
Day 7 - Tuesday 16 June 2026
Kinabatangan River - Sandakan (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we'll check out from our hotel and travel to Sandakan.
En route, we'll visit Labuk Bay Sanctuary and Sandakan War Memorial Park. Along with recognising the suffering and sacrifices of the native population, this memorial site was built in the former grounds of the Sandakan camp, which was dedicated to all the prisoners who died during the forced marches of WWII.
After lunch at the colonial-style English Tea House, we'll continue on to Sandakan and upon arrival, have a city-tour, including a visit to the Sim Sim Water Village, St. Michael’s Church & Central Market.
Overnight: Sabah Hotel, Sandakan (or similar)
Day 8 - Wednesday 17 June 2026
Sepilok Orang Utan - Sun Bear - Rainforest Discovery Centre (B, L, D)
Today after breakfast, we'll enjoy a full-day excursion to the world-famous Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Opening in 1964 this centre was the first official orangutan rehabilitation project for rescued, orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations, illegal hunting or kept as pets. The orphaned orangutans are trained to survive again in the wild and are released as soon as they are ready.
We will also go and see the smallest bear at The Bornean Sun Bear Center, located nearby.
After our touring, we'll head back to the hotel for some rest time before dinner.
Overnight: Sabah Hotel, Sandakan (or similar)
Day 9 - Thursday 18 June 2026
Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu - Gaya Island (B)
This morning, we'll have some free time before travelling to the local airport for our short flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, we'll be transferred to Gaya Island Resort via a short boat ride.
We'll enjoy 3 nights at this gorgeous resort located in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, surrounded by coral reefs. You can be pampered at the Spa Village, go snorkelling, walking or learn some local handcrafts - the choice is yours. There are restaurants and cafes to enjoy during our stay and your Tour Hostess will suggest dining venues. Lunches can be at your leisure, depending on what you are doing for the day.
Overnight: Gaya Island Resort, Gaya Island
** This resort is considered a luxury resort. Tucked amidst protected mangroves, sheltered coral reefs, and curled around the pristine sandy coast of Malohom Bay rests Gaya Island Resort.
Set on an island within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, discover a sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon.
With its youthful vibe and sun-dappled moments, this beachfront resort blends harmoniously with the natural environment, featuring a collection of hillside villas with views that range from mangrove forests and the surrounding canopy to the outline of Mount Kinabalu. Villa interiors are contemporary and elegant, eco-luxury yet respectful of Sabahan elements.
Discoveries, authentic experiences, and a sense of intimacy with the natural world all prevail across the land and seascape of this resort, offering travellers an escape that is distinctively Borneo.
The resort is committed to ecologically sustainable practices to minimise its carbon footprint on the environment. Therefore, it is a walking resort with minimal motorised vehicles used for operational purposes.
Note: Twin Share will be Hollywood beds (same frame, separated mattresses) and there is no divide door between the sleeping area and the bathroom.
Day 10 - Friday 19 June 2026
Gaya Island (B)
Enjoy our free day at our resort. Gaya Island offers great activities during our stay, including snorkelling and short boat trips to neighbouring beaches. Refer to the Activities board each day to see what's on offer.
Book a pampering at the beautiful Gaya Island Village spa centre - click here for their extensive spa menu.
Tonight we'll regroup for dinner to share the day's experiences. Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight: Gaya Island Resort, Gaya Island
Day 11 - Saturday 20 June 2026
Gaya Island (B)
Another down day to find that hammock and relax. Enjoy an activity or read that much-anticipated book beachside.
Our last night tonight, let's regroup and enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate great times spent with new friends.
Your Sisterhood Hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight: Gaya Island Resort, Gaya Island
Day 12 - Sunday 21 June 2026
Gaya Island - Kota Kinabalu (B, in-flight meals)
Today, we farewell beautiful Gaya Island and are transferred to the Kota Kinabalu Airport for our flights home.
Sit back and relax as we journey homeward.
Day 13 - Monday 22 June 2026
Welcome home!
An early morning arrival into Melbourne.
We hope you enjoyed your Borneo and Gaya Island Paradise trip and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.