Impact Trip - Borneo

On this Impact Trip, you’ll experience Borneo through the eyes of locals — discover breathtaking rainforests, encounter orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and sea turtles, learn about grassroots conservation projects, and immerse yourself deeply in the life of communities along the way.

• 14‑day round trip
• Individually customizable with a private driver
• Includes all transfers, activities, meals, and accommodation
• From €2,499 per person (excluding flights)

Dates are flexible and tailored to you

14 Days of Wildlife & Culture—Local Style

Welcome to your unforgettable Borneo adventure! Discover the country in a way you’ll cherish forever—through meaningful encounters with locals, hands-on conservation projects, stunning landscapes, and the warmth of a nation that embraces you.

Day 1–3 | Sayap Village & Kinabalu Park

You’ll begin your journey in Sayap Village, a remote Dusun community at the “back entrance” of Mount Kinabalu National Park. Staying in a local homestay, you’ll experience authentic village life while venturing into the park for guided walks. Night walks reveal a world of frogs, insects, and nocturnal creatures, making this a paradise for botanists and nature lovers. The cool mountain air and starlit skies create a peaceful start to your adventure.

Day 4 | Sandakan City

After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive in Sandakan, a coastal town with a fascinating colonial past. A guided city tour takes you to the Sandakan Memorial Park, temples, markets, and historic houses. Along the way, you’ll learn about the town’s role in World War II and its cultural diversity. In the evening, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the waterfront.

Day 5 | Selingan Island Turtle Sanctuary

A boat ride brings you to Selingan Island, part of the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area. Here, you’ll witness green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs and may even take part in releasing hatchlings into the sea. The overnight stay on the island allows you to fully immerse yourself in this unique conservation experience. The sound of waves and the sight of nesting turtles make this night unforgettable.

Day 6 | Sepilok Wildlife Centres

Back on the mainland, you’ll visit the world‑renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where rescued orangutans are prepared for life in the wild. You’ll also explore the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which offers canopy walks and birdwatching opportunities. These visits highlight the importance of conservation and give you a close look at Borneo’s most iconic species.

Day 7–9 | Kinabatangan River Safaris

For three days, you’ll stay in a homestay along the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river and one of the best places to see wildlife in Borneo. Morning, afternoon, and night cruises give you the chance to spot proboscis monkeys, wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and crocodiles. You’ll also visit the Gomantong Caves, home to millions of bats and swiftlets. Evenings at the homestay offer time to relax and connect with your hosts.

Day 10 | Transfer to Tawau

After a morning boat ride, you’ll return to Sandakan and take a short flight to Tawau. This transfer takes you deeper into Sabah, where the landscapes shift from riverine forests to lush lowland rainforests. It’s a travel day, but also a chance to see more of Borneo’s diverse scenery.

Day 11–12 | Tawau Hills Park

You’ll stay inside Tawau Hills Park, a pristine rainforest known for its towering tropical trees and incredible biodiversity. Guided day and night walks take you in search of red leaf monkeys, gibbons, hornbills, snakes, frogs, and fascinating insects. You’ll also join reforestation efforts by planting trees, directly contributing to habitat restoration. The mix of wildlife encounters and conservation work makes these days especially meaningful.

Day 13 | Tawau Extension (Optional)

If you choose, you can join the Plant4Borneo Elephants program, a pioneering conservation tourism initiative. You’ll plant trees in plantations, take 4WD safaris to search for elephants, and learn how conservationists are working with local communities to protect these gentle giants. This optional extension highlights the innovative ways tourism can support wildlife protection.

Day 14 | Departure

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Lahad Datu or Tawau airport for your return flight. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Borneo’s wildlife, landscapes, and people — and the knowledge that your journey directly supported conservation and local communities.

Your Impact

Every booking directly supports local conservation projects run by a grassroots NGO in Sabah. Your journey contributes to:

• Reforestation: Planting fig trees and restoring habitats in Tawau Hills and other sites.
• Rescue & Rehabilitation: Over 250 animal rescues (pangolins, pythons, turtles).
• Education: More than 300 workshops and the Borneo Wildlife Ambassador Program.
• Publications: Field guides and posters to raise awareness. By staying in homestays and joining conservation activities, you directly support local livelihoods and help protect Borneo’s biodiversity.

About socialbnb

socialbnb offers accommodations and experiences worldwide with social and ecological impact. By visiting social and ecological projects, you learn more about their work and directly support them through your stay. Since 2021, socialbnb has offered a wide variety of stays and experiences at social and ecological projects in over 45 countries and has been recognized by several international organizations, including the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).