Tour Introduction
Discover the wild beauty and warm spirit of Borneo on this unforgettable Sisterhood adventure. From vibrant Kota Kinabalu to the lush Kinabatangan River, encounter orangutans, proboscis monkeys and rich rainforest ecosystems while connecting with local cultures and stories. Cruise jungle waterways, walk through national parks and experience village life before retreating to the eco-luxury serenity of Gaya Island. With wildlife, culture and relaxation beautifully balanced, this journey offers both adventure and restoration — a chance to share meaningful moments, breathtaking landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime encounters alongside like-minded women.Itinerary Map
Highlights
Discover the Highlights of Kota Kinabalu
North Borneo Sunset Cruise with Welcome Dinner
Experience the Traditions of Mari Mari Cultural Village
Enjoy Authentic Bugis and Sabahan Cuisine
Visit Tamparuli’s Famous Suspension Bridge
Browse the Colourful Nabalu Native Market
Explore UNESCO-Listed Kinabalu Park
Discover the Kinabalu Botanical Garden
Visit the Moving Kundasang War Memorial
Experience a Natural Fish Foot Spa in Ranau
Tea Tasting at the Beautiful Sabah Tea Plantation
Stay Beside the Kinabatangan River
Three Wildlife Cruises Along the Kinabatangan River
Search for Proboscis Monkeys, Hornbills and More
Try Traditional Batik Painting
Learn to Make Delicious Roti Jala
Enjoy a Traditional Sabahan Dance Experience
See Proboscis Monkeys at Labuk Bay Sanctuary
Visit the Historic Sandakan Memorial Park
Lunch at Sandakan’s Charming English Tea House
Visit the World-Famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
See Morning and Afternoon Orangutan Feeding Sessions
Meet the World’s Smallest Bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Three-Night Tropical Escape on Beautiful Gaya Island
Plenty of Free Time to Relax and Unwind
A Wonderful Blend of Wildlife, Culture and Island Indulgence
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 including taxes and baggage (other departure cities / upgrades upon request)
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
Activity Level:
This tour is designed for travellers with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy wildlife, cultural experiences and nature-based sightseeing. We’ll explore Borneo’s national parks, botanical gardens, villages and wildlife sanctuaries, cruise along the Kinabatangan River and finish with a relaxing stay surrounded by rainforest on beautiful Gaya Island.
Travellers should be comfortable walking for extended periods on some sightseeing days, negotiating uneven paths, boardwalks, steps and gentle to steeper inclines while maintaining the group’s pace. Tropical heat and humidity, regular boarding and disembarking of boats and the steep, hilly layout of Gaya Island Resort contribute to the overall physical demands of the journey.
Activity Factors:
✔ Guided walking through Mari Mari Cultural Village
✔ Walking across the Tamparuli suspension bridge
✔ Exploring Kinabalu Park and its Botanical Garden
✔ Uneven paths and natural surfaces in parks and wildlife areas
✔ Guided village walk beside the Kinabatangan River
✔ Visits to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
✔ Walking within Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
✔ Visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
✔ Extended periods standing during wildlife viewing
✔ Three wildlife cruises along the Kinabatangan River
✔ Regular boarding and disembarking of riverboats and transfer vessels
✔ Tropical heat, humidity and possible wet conditions
✔ Steep and hilly pathways throughout Gaya Island Resort
✔ Walking access to villas with no guest cart service
✔ Boarding and disembarking coaches and aircraft independently
✔ Independent luggage handling when required
✘ No compulsory hiking or trekking
✘ No long-distance walking days
✘ No technically challenging terrain
Additional Meal Allowance:
Breakfast is included throughout our Borneo journey, together with the majority of lunches and dinners during the touring portion of the itinerary. From traditional Sabahan cuisine and riverside lodge dining to a charming lunch at Sandakan’s English Tea House, many memorable local dining experiences are already included. During our three-night stay at beautiful Gaya Island Resort, lunches and dinners will be enjoyed at your leisure. As this is a luxury island resort with a selection of onsite restaurants and cafés, dining prices will be higher than in mainland Borneo. As a general guide, allow approximately MYR80–120 for lunch and MYR150–250 for dinner at the resort. Alcoholic beverages, cocktails, premium seafood and special dining experiences will naturally cost a little more. For comfortable budgeting, we recommend allowing approximately MYR1,200 per person for meals not included, together with coffees, drinks, snacks and incidental treats throughout the tour.
Tipping:
While tipping is not generally customary in Malaysia, it is appreciated as a way of recognising the service provided by local guides, drivers, boat crews, lodge staff, porters and other tourism professionals. To make things simple and stress-free, Sisterhood Womens Travel operates a group tipping kitty. At the beginning of the tour, each traveller contributes to the kitty, which is managed by your Sisterhood Tour Hostess. Tips are then distributed throughout the journey to local guides, drivers, boat crews, lodge staff and other service providers on your behalf. This means you won’t need to worry about carrying cash or deciding when and how much to tip, allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday. The estimated contribution to the Sisterhood tipping kitty for this tour is MYR250 per person. The final amount will be confirmed in your final travel documentation. Any additional gratuities for exceptional personal service, including during your stay on Gaya Island, are entirely at your discretion.
Gaya Island Accommodation Note:
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.
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.
Visa information and Travel Advice:
Please visit: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/malaysia for destination advice.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday 9 June 2027
Melbourne - Kuala Lumpur
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!
Our Borneo adventure begins today as we meet our Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport.
Following check-in, we’ll board our international flight to Kuala Lumpur, ready for an exciting journey filled with remarkable wildlife, fascinating cultures and beautiful tropical landscapes.
Our flight departs late at night, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the airline's in-flight service as we begin our adventure.
Day 2 – Thursday 10 June 2027
Kuala Lumpur - Kota Kinabalu (D)
Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, we’ll connect with our onward flight to Kota Kinabalu, the vibrant capital of Sabah.
We’ll be welcomed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport by our local representative before beginning a sightseeing tour of the city. We’ll visit the distinctive Tun Mustapha Tower and drive past the magnificent Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
We’ll then transfer to our centrally located hotel and enjoy some time to settle in and relax.
Later this afternoon, we’ll transfer to the marina and board our North Borneo Sunset Cruise. As the sun sets over the South China Sea, we’ll enjoy a welcoming dinner onboard—a wonderful beginning to our Borneo experience.
Overnight: Grandis Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (or similar)
Day 3 – Friday 11 June 2027
Mari Mari Cultural Village (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we’ll travel to the fascinating Mari Mari Cultural Village for an immersive introduction to the traditions and lifestyles of Sabah’s Indigenous communities.
As we explore the village, we’ll learn about traditional homes, customs, crafts and local practices before sitting down to enjoy a traditional lunch.
We’ll return to our hotel during the afternoon, with time to relax or perhaps treat ourselves to an optional massage or spa treatment.
Tonight, we’ll dine together at a local restaurant and sample authentic Bugis and Sabahan cuisine.
Overnight: Grandis Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (or similar)
Day 4 – Saturday 12 June 2027
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.
This morning, we’ll leave Kota Kinabalu and travel to Tamparuli, where we’ll watch a traditional Kadazan dance performance and walk across the town’s famous suspension bridge.
We’ll continue to the Nabalu Native Market, where we can browse locally made handicrafts, souvenirs and fresh tropical produce.
Our journey then takes us into UNESCO-listed Kinabalu Park, part of the Kinabalu Global Geopark. We’ll visit the Natural History Gallery and explore the beautiful Botanical Garden, home to an extraordinary variety of native plants and orchids.
After enjoying lunch along the way, we’ll continue to Kundasang War Memorial, a peaceful and beautifully maintained site commemorating the Australian and British prisoners of war who lost their lives during the Sandakan Death Marches.
Overnight: Kundasang Perkasa 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 13 June 2027
Kundasang – Sabah Tea Plantation – Kinabatangan River (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we’ll travel through the scenic highlands to Ranau. Here, we’ll visit the Marakau fish spa for a rather unusual natural foot massage from the resident therapy fish!
We’ll then make our way to the Sabah Tea Plantation, where we’ll enjoy a tea tasting and an early lunch surrounded by the plantation’s lush green landscape.
After lunch, we’ll travel overland to Bilit on the Kinabatangan River. The journey takes approximately five hours, allowing us to watch Borneo’s changing landscapes pass by.
Late this afternoon, we’ll board a riverboat for our first wildlife cruise along the Kinabatangan River. Keep watch for proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills and other creatures gathering along the riverbanks.
Tonight, we’ll settle into our riverside lodge for the first of two nights in the heart of Borneo’s wildlife country.
Optional activities available at the lodge include a guided night walk and tree planting.
Overnight: Bilit Adventure Lodge (or similar)
Day 6 – Monday 14 June 2027
Kinabatangan River Wildlife Experience (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 15 June 2027
Kinabatangan River - Sandakan (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we’ll farewell our riverside lodge and travel towards Sandakan.
Along the way, we’ll visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where we’ll have an opportunity to observe these extraordinary endemic primates in their natural mangrove habitat.
We’ll also visit Sandakan Memorial Park, which commemorates the Australian and British prisoners of war who endured the Sandakan Death Marches during the Second World War.
Lunch will be served at the charming English Tea House before we continue to our Sandakan hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is ours to rest and unwind.
This evening, we can enjoy the beautiful sunset from the hotel’s swimming pool area.
Overnight: Ormond Hotel, Sandakan (or similar)
Day 8 – Wednesday 16 June 2027
Sepilok Orang Utan - Sun Bear - Rainforest Discovery Centre (B, L, D)
Today promises to be one of the most memorable days of our Borneo adventure as we visit the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
We’ll attend both the morning and afternoon feeding sessions, giving us the best possible opportunity to see rescued and rehabilitated orangutans moving freely through their forest environment.
We’ll also visit the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the conservation of the world’s smallest bear species.
Following our wildlife encounters, we’ll return to Sandakan and enjoy some time to relax. An optional massage or spa treatment may be available for those looking for a little extra indulgence.
Overnight: Ormond Hotel, Sandakan (or similar)
Day 9 - Thursday 17 June 2027
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.
Important Note: Twin Share will be Hollywood beds (same frame, separated mattresses), and there is no dividing door between the sleeping area and the bathroom.
Day 10 – Friday 18 June 2027
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 19 June 2027
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 20 June 2027
Gaya Island - Kota Kinabalu (B, in-flight meals)
After breakfast, it’s time to farewell our island retreat.
We’ll travel by boat back to Kota Kinabalu before transferring to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for our flights home.
As we begin our journey back to Melbourne, we can reflect on the wonderful experiences we’ve shared—from orangutans and sun bears to river cruises, cultural encounters and relaxing island days.
Day 13 – Monday 21 June 2027
Arrive Melbourne
We arrive home in Melbourne today, where our wonderful Borneo adventure comes to an end.
We farewell our Sisterhood friends and return home with lasting memories of Borneo’s extraordinary wildlife, welcoming people and beautiful landscapes.