Have you been dreaming of an overseas holiday with your kids but are feeling a little unsure about how to do it? Would you like other mums and kids to travel with, so you can get a break and your children can make friends? Do you crave time to relax and not to be the organiser and entertainer all the time? Do you want to expose your children to other cultures and see them learn and grow in a new environment, becoming more aware and understanding of the world around them?
Join me and our fabulous local guide, Sevi, in Borneo for a fantastic holiday where just about everything is included, so all you have to do is have a great time. You will have incredible experiences learning about ancient tribes and culture, spotting orangutans, sun bears and pygmy elephants, swimming and snorkelling, seeing turtles laying and hatching and swimming off into the ocean, and so much more.
All you have to do is book the flights to get there – after that, just relax. I hope you can join this fabulous trip.
This trip is hosted by me, Evie.
Day 1: Arrive into Sandakan, Sabah Hotel, Welcome Dinner
Arrive at Sandakan Airport and meet your transfer to Sabah Hotel.
Kids will love the pool with slides (mum will love the cocktails). Jump in and swim and enjoy the warm weather.
Tonight is our welcome dinner – I can’t wait to get to know you!
Day 2: Set off to the Kinabatagan River
After breakfast we will drive overland to Bilit on the Kinabatangan River where we will stay for two nights and spot wildlife on river safaris in traditional longboats!
We will have lunch here before settng off on our first river cruise in search of wildlife. If we are lucky we will spot pygmy elephants, orangutans and proboscis monkeys! You may also see crocodiles, hornbills, kingfishers and many other kinds of monkeys too! We will have dinner and stay overnight at the Bilit Adventure Lodge.
All meals and activities included.
Day 3: Kinabatagan River
Today we are up early for a morning cruise to spot wildlife and bird life. After breakfast it’s time for batik painting and a guided jungle walk. After lunch we will take a second boat cruise in search for more wildlife that gather along the Kinabatangan River at dusk. Tonight, after dinner we will have fun learning the cultural dance of Sabah.
All meals and activities included.
Day 4: Kinabatangan to Labuk Bay and seafood dinner
After breakfast we will jump in a long boat and depart Bilit to visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary for feeding time. If you’ve never seen these monkeys you are in for a treat! We will have lunch and then check back into Sabah Hotel for a free afternoon at the pool or have a massage in town. Tonight, we’ll go out for a fabulous seafood dinner (there is chicken, beef and other dishes too) and ice-cream at a popular local restaurant.
All meals and activities included.
Day 5: Turtle Island or Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Today we split our group into two which we will prearrange so large families and friends are together.
Group A sets off to Selingen Turtle Island for an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling. In the evening, we will see turtles laying eggs on the island, and release baby hatchings to the ocean. It’s incredible to see. Group A will stay on Selingen Island for the night.
Group B will explore Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre/Bornean Sun Bear Centre/Rainforest Discovery Center and see wild orangutans and orphaned babies feeding, as well as little sunbears – the smallest in the world. We will have two sessions at the orangutan centre and do a rainforest walk at the Discovery Centre. It’s an incredible day! Seeing the orangutans so close is amazing, and many will have small babies at this time of year. Group B will return to the Sabah Hotel for the night.
All meals and activities included.
Day 6: Turtle Island or Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Group A: After breakfast, Group A will jump back onto the speedboat to return to mainland and will head out to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Center, and the Rainforest Discovery Center. You’ll have lunch and return to the Sabah Hotel. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel so you can relax, swim and maybe have a cocktail.
Group B: After breakfast you will set off to the jetty for your boat ride to Selingan Island and an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling. In the evening, we will see turtles laying eggs on the island, and release baby hatchings to the ocean. You’ll stay overnight in your chalet on the island.
All activities and meals included.
Day 7: Sandakan City Tour, Farewell Dinner
Group A: After breakfast you will depart for the Sandakan City Tour.
Group B: After breakfast you will return to the mainland and join the Sandakan City Tour.
We will visit the Central Market, Sandakan War Memorial Park, Agnes Keith House and the Chinese Temple. Then, we will go for Evie’s favourite – Roti Canai and Roti Susu for lunch. After lunch we return to the Sabah Hotel. Tonight we have our farewell dinner. All meals and activities included.
Day 8: Depart Sandakan
Our fabulous trip has come to an end. After breakfast it’s free time until your departure. You may be heading home or you might go to Kota Kinabalu for more adventuring! I will miss you!
About Evie – founder of Mumpack Trips.
I’m Evie, I’m a travel obsessed solo mum from Sydney, Australia who loves helping other mums travel and explore the world with their kids.
I started Mumpack Trips to help mums and kids travel in a small group, make new friends and have time to relax and unwind – instead of being the organiser!
You can check out my travels here on the blog or at my Instagram page at @mumpacktravel
We will stay at the fabulous Sabah Hotel in Sandakan, and on Turtle Island. In the Kinabatangan we will stay in the Adventure Lodge in the jungle.
Our trips are land only so you will need to book your flights to Borneo, arriving and departing from Sandakan. I suggest coming in a day early if you can just to acclimatise, so the kids can catch up on sleep and to give yourself extra time in case of delays.
I am happy to help you with flights!
Once you land in Sandakan almost everything is included:
I’ve left the flight booking to you but I’m happy to help.
There are lots of airlines that fly into Sandakan via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, but as it is school holidays I’d suggest booking as soon as you can. Air Asia and Scoot are great budget airlines, and Qantas, Malaysian, Singapore Airlines and other full service can also get you there. Reach out if you’d like a hand.
Everyone who comes with us must have travel insurance. I recommend Cover-More insurance – I’ve used them since 1997 when I first went backpacking and they’ve always been amazing. I recently used Southern Cross Travel who were also excellent when my daughter Emmie was sick in Japan. You can use any insurance company you like – just make sure you read the PDS and make sure you’re well covered.
Super important – please read our Terms and Conditions here.
Then complete our booking form and I’ll be in touch!
You can email me at evie@mumpacktravel.com if you have any more questions.
Just fill in this form and then I can book you in! Can’t wait!