Kinabalu Quest Borneo
Climb the iconic peak of Mount Kinabalu. Drift along the Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of village life deep, then spend a night on Selingan Island, home to the Turtle Sanctuary. This journey blends adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural connection into an unforgettable Borneo experience.
Duration: 14 days
Dates: 1 to 14 November 2026
Price: $10,500.00 NZD
*includes flights ex-Auckland
Trip overview
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Spend a day exploring the vibrant heart of Kota Kinabalu, where the rhythm of Sabah life unfolds in colour and warmth. Wander through bustling local markets filled with fragrant spices, tropical fruits, and handmade crafts, each stall telling a story of tradition and community.
Between sights, share smiles and stories with the friendly locals, whose easy hospitality captures the spirit of Borneo.
Your city guide will show you around Sabah’s capital, with plenty of free time to shop and explore at your own leisure.
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Your host family will warmly welcome you to Kiau village, nestled in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. The Guas Nabalu homestay programme was developed to support local families with sustainable income while protecting their traditional ways of life.
A stay in Kiau not only contributes to preserving Sabah’s cultural heritage, but also places you inside Kinabalu Geopark with access to scenic hiking trails that wind through rubber plantations, coffee and crop farms, and lush secondary and primary forest.
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Embark on an unforgettable adventure climbing Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak and Sabah’s most iconic landmark. The journey begins through lush rainforest trails, where orchids, ferns, and birds fill the air with life. As you ascend, the landscape shifts to rugged granite and misty skies, leading to an overnight stay at Laban Rata, the cozy mountain lodge perched high above the clouds.
Before dawn, set out on the final push to the summit — a challenging yet exhilarating climb rewarded by a breathtaking sunrise over Borneo. The sweeping views, crisp mountain air, and sheer sense of accomplishment make conquering Mount Kinabalu not just a hike, but a truly life-changing experience.
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After conquering Mount Kinabalu, unwind at the serene Poring Hot Springs, a lush retreat nestled in the foothills of the mountain. Here, you can soak away sore muscles in natural mineral-rich pools surrounded by rainforest greenery and the soothing sounds of nature.
Wander through the butterfly garden, where vibrant wings dance in the sunlight, or take to the canopy walkway suspended high among the treetops for a breathtaking view of the jungle below. Whether you’re relaxing in the warm waters or exploring the tranquil forest trails, Poring Hot Springs offers the perfect blend of rejuvenation and adventure.
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Set off on a thrilling Kinabatangan River safari, one of Borneo’s most unforgettable wildlife adventures. Drift along the misty waters at dawn and dusk, when the rainforest stirs with life — proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and crocodiles emerge along the riverbanks, while vibrant hornbills soar overhead.
Known as one of the best places to spot the “Borneo Big 5” — orangutan, pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, crocodile, and rhinoceros hornbill — the Kinabatangan offers a rare window into the island’s incredible biodiversity. Whether you’re gliding silently past ancient trees or listening to the chorus of the jungle at night, every moment on the river brings you closer to the wild heart of Borneo.
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Visit the pristine sanctuary of Turtle Island, where you can witness endangered sea turtles nesting and explore lush, untouched beaches.
What to expect
Who you’ll travel with
Designed for like-minded adventurous ladies
Led by expert guides, our Mount Kinabalu expeditions bring together adventurous women who are ready to push their limits and support each other every step of the way.
It’s challenge, camaraderie, and confidence, all in one incredible climb.
You begin as strangers and come back with shared stories and a few new friends.
Small groups
Our expeditions are intentionally small
We limit our expeditions to 12 participants for a reason.
It’s the ideal balance for learning by doing: challenges become lessons, effort becomes insight, and breakthroughs happen in real time. Conversations flow naturally, support and safety are immediate, and discoveries are shared.
The small group isn’t just a number; it’s the space where growth and connection happen.
How hard is difficult
The climb is demanding and rewarding.
This is a condensed, 2-day, intense challenge, and the effort is real. Food and accommodation are simple, but all you need. The rewards are equally tangible: striking views, the satisfaction of reaching the summit, and a clear sense of what you’re capable of.
After the climb comes space to breathe, soak, and recover, surrounded by culture and nature.
Get detailed Brochure and Trip Notes
We will email you our detailed Brochure and Trip Notes.
More than a mountain
Climbing Mount Kinabalu is special not just because it’s the highest peak in Southeast Asia, but because the entire experience is deeply meaningful — physically, culturally, and spiritually.
The mountain rises majestically from the lush rainforests of Sabah, offering an incredible journey through multiple ecosystems — from tropical jungle to alpine granite — all within a single climb. Along the way, hikers encounter rare plants and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
But Mount Kinabalu’s magic goes beyond nature. For the Dusun and Kadazan people, it’s a sacred mountain, believed to be the resting place of ancestral spirits. Reaching the summit — Low’s Peak, at 4,095 metres — feels like both a personal triumph and a moment of connection to something timeless and profound.
It’s challenging yet achievable, breathtaking yet humbling — an adventure that leaves climbers with not just stunning memories, but a lasting sense of accomplishment and awe.
Ready for the challenge?
Feel free to contact us via email or fill out our contact form to discuss the details of our expeditions. You will talk to a real human, one of our guides, not an AI bot, that’s a promise.
We’re excited to talk with you and create an exceptional, transformative experience.
Let’s go.