Discover magical, wild, multicultural Malaysia on this Borneo by bike adventure.
Welcome to a land where modern skyscrapers rub shoulders with rainforests older than the Amazon. Where the tendrils of thriving jungle creep into every settlement. This green jewel of South East Asia offers superb infrastructure and colonial charm, but nestled within its ancient rainforests and secluded islands are tribal villages and wild places long to be discovered.
You’ll spend two nights in the midst of Malaysia’s largest wildlife reserve, where bird life is teeming, with more than 220 species recorded, and explore the active mud volcanoes. Spend an afternoon sighting proboscis monkeys, found only in Borneo, as you boat through the mangroves of the Kinabatagan River and then visit a sanctuary for proboscis and another for orangutans learning how to return to the jungle at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre.
Then switch tracks and find yourself in the footsteps of allied POWs who were forced to walk in a series of marches from January to June 1945 from their camp in Sandakan to the small settlement of Ranau. Of the 2,400 prisoners, six Australians survived. Your journey will bear little semblance to what the prisoners went through as we ride through small hamlets old logging roads through palm plantations.
As you approach majestic Mount Kinabalu, the terrain becomes hillier and a bit more challenging as we ride through orchards, pine forests and a tea plantation. From the position up high with spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu you’ll descend to the stunning coastline to be rewarded for all your efforts with a night at the luxurious Rasa Ria Spa Resort.
This trip has it all, unique flora and fauna, spectacular mountain scenery, a beautiful beach and of course great cycling!
Why you'll love this adventure
- Explore the mangroves of the Kinabatagan River by boat
- Spend two nights in the midst of Malaysia’s largest wildlife reserve
- Journey through the finest terrain and scenery of North Borneo by bike
Dates
This trip can be tailor made for your perfect travel dates. Please make a booking enquiry for more information.
Itinerary
Dense jungles, wild animals and exotic flora will be your introduction to Borneo on this cycling holiday. Rivers, mountains, and beaches are to follow as you bike on dirt and tarmac roads across the north of Borneo.
What's included
- Support vehicle
- Guide(s)
- Meals (as indicated)
- Accommodation
- Snacks and drinks
- Cycling jersey
- Water bottle
Not included
- International / domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Alcohol
- Tips
- Optional Mountain Bike Hire (US$ 250)
- Optional single room (US$ 535)
Optional Mount Kinabalu Trek
If arriving early or staying on after there is an optional trekking tour to Mount Kinabalu. At 4,100m Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia and perhaps the most stunning and iconic mountains in Southeast Asia. Conquering its jagged peaks is an attainable challenge for any fit person and will leave you with a profound sense of accomplishment.
The 2 days/1 night trip is US$730 per person per bed (joint tour). Which includes: transfers to and from Kota Kinabalu to park headquarters, guide, climbing fees and permits, mountain bed and blanket, packed lunch and dinner day 1, breakfast day 2. If you’d like more information, please request details.
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
Mixture of 3* & 4* standard hotels, boutique hotels and homestays (10 nights)
The selected accommodation is detailed in the itinerary. On rare occasions, due to availability, alternative accommodation is sometimes used and this will be of a similar standard.
Meals
Includes:
10 Breakfasts
9 Lunches
10 Dinners
Most meals are local Malay food and feature noodles, rice, curries and soups. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please advise at the time of booking.
Who is this trip for?
The beginning of this ride is relatively flat and the riding gets hillier towards the end of our adventure. Although distances are not huge, the heat and humidity of equatorial Sabah ensure things feel hot. This is a true journey through the finest terrain and scenery of North Borneo, with the best nature and wildlife thrown in along the way, ensuring you get the very best of everything from your cycling efforts.
The road surfaces are mixed: most days the riding is on a mix of dirt and bitumen village and plantation roads, though there will also be some good quality tarmac roads. There are enough rides on dirt tracks to mean you will need a mountain bike, and preferably one with front shocks. However, there is nothing technical involved on this tour but some off road riding experience will make this trip more enjoyable. A support truck is available most of the trip to help, though there are a few sections where there will be limited support.
Additional notes
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide. If the group is 9 people or more another guide to the tour. All the guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
For the full factsheets, please make an enquiry and they’ll be sent to you right away to help you decide if this is the perfect trip for you.
FAQs
When's the best time to travel to Borneo?
Borneo has an equatorial climate, which is hot and humid year-round. Average daily temperatures are around 30 Celsius and the humidity can be high. Rain is also fairly common though the tours have all been scheduled to avoid the monsoon season.
Is fresh water supplied?
Keeping you completely hydrated is taken very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit and soft drinks are included in the tour price.
Is money easily accessible in Borneo?
The official currency is the Malaysian ringgit (RM). Foreign currencies are not generally accepted. The airport is the best places to exchange money. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, but you’ll need cash in villages and in the jungle. Credit cards can be used only in larger hotels.
The recommendation is that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$10, for incidentals.
It is customary to tip local tour guides and drivers, however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide, it is suggested US$ 3-4 per person per day is appropriate.
Can I travel as a solo traveller?
Absolutely. There is no compulsory surcharge for travelling alone. Accommodation is arranged on a twin share basis with another group traveller of the same gender. If you cannot be matched, a single room will be provided at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
Are spare bike parts available?
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though it cannot be guaranteed there’ll be spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Do I need to bring a helmet?
Wearing a helmet is required and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
What are the local hire bikes like?
Because some people can’t imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, they are not automatically provided as part of this tour. However, you are able to hire bikes locally for the price listed above. The bikes are well known makes of mountain bikes with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, disc brakes and Shimano components and front suspension. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a road bike and that it is in good mechanical order.
Tour operator
These guys love sharing their passion for travelling by bicycle. With over 20 years experience and having set up the first dedicated cycle touring company in Asia they now curate extraordinary cycle adventures in over 32 countries on every type of terrain, for all ages and experience.
Whether you're a keen road cyclist, love touring or are just looking for a different kind of adventure, they offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with remarkable cultures, characters and landscapes in a way that no ordinary tour could.
Enquire today
Untamed Borneo by Bike
Please complete the enquiry form above with as much detail as you can and we will send you all the trip information and connect you with the operator so you can make a booking directly.
If you have queries and questions about the trip include those in your form and we’ll personally reply to you within 24 hours.
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