Explore Borneo's history, culture & nature

Transfer from Kuching International Airport to Kuching city - Transfer from Kuching International Airport to Kuching city - City tour of Kuching

Day 1: Kuching

Transfer from Kuching International Airport to Kuching city
Other Transfer: Upon arrival in Kuching you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Estimated travel time: approximately 30 minutes


City tour of Kuching
Excursion: You will explore Kuching, starting at the renowned Sarawak Museum (closed on Fridays) which is the oldest museum in Borneo, founded in 1888. After a chance to discover the area's natural history you will head out to the Market Place, the State Mosque and the historic Chinese Temple, allowing you to experience the city's rich culture and vibrant energy. Like in most towns and cities in Borneo the focal point of Kuching is the river and for a memorable first impression of the city you will take a pontoon river cruise, offering a scenic view of the city and the Astana, a majestic palace on the North bank of the Sarawak river built by the former White Rajah.

Kuching to Batang Ai - Iban country

Day 2: Kuching - Batang Ai

Kuching to Batang Ai
Excursion: This trip is around 225-km taking you through lush green countryside dotted with paddy fields, pepper gardens and rubber plantations, and flanked by rugged jungle-clad mountains. Along the way, we will stop off at the Serian farmer’s market, visit a pepper garden and view carnivorous pitcher plants. Lunch will be at a roadside bazaar deep in Iban country.


Iban country
Excursion: From Lemanak jetty you will embark on a longboat ride up the Lemanak River, passing through typical Borneo countryside with an ancient longhouse tucked behind almost every bend in the river. After arriving at either Serubah or Nanga Kesit Longhouse you will visit the “entire village under one roof”, where you will be given a glimpse into the everyday lives of the indigenous people. Exploring the architecture of the traditional longhouses, which often hold 20 families, evokes a tangible sense of community as you are brought literally into the centre of an ancient network of relationships and traditions. Although life on the Lemanak River has not been left entirely untouched by modernisation, many customs of Iban culture have been preserved by the local people, which are most extravagantly expressed during festivals and celebrations through dance, such as the Ngajat, and unique textile art known as Pua Kumbu. The skills for creating this handwoven textile are ritualistically passed on from mother to daughter, along with the legends from which the tradition originated. To watch an Iban woman weave this garment is therefore not only a moment to marvel at the technical skill, but an opportunity to discover the individual behind the custom, as each Pua Kumbu is a statement of the weaver's soul and her relationship with the gods. A demonstration of traditional blowpipe shooting will reveal the skill and stealth that made the Iban community one of the most feared and dominating tribes in the area, and recalls the history of the descendants of the original warriors who still inhabit the area. Although the Ibans were once renowned for their head-hunting practices, nowadays you are more likely to be greeted by a sea of friendly smiles from a group of welcoming and endearing people. After a taste of life in Iban country you will return downriver to Batang Ai jetty, with a 20 minute boat ride across the 24sq km Batang Ai Hydro Lake where you will arrive at your accommodation.

Transfer from Batang Ai to Kuching - Transfer from Batang Ai to Kuching

Day 3: Kuching

Transfer from Batang Ai to Kuching
Other Transfer: You will depart for Kuching via the same route by which you arrived. Lunch is available en route. Estimated travel time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Domestic flight from Kuching to Mulu - Domestic flight from Kuching to Mulu - In Mulu, afternoon plank walk to Deer & Lang caves

Day 4: Mulu National Park

Domestic flight from Kuching to Mulu
Scheduled flight Transfer: You will be picked up from your hotel in Kuching and transferred to Kuching Airport (KCH) in time for your flight to Mulu. Estimated travel time: 1 hour 35 minutes


In Mulu, afternoon plank walk to Deer & Lang caves
Excursion: In the afternoon, depart for a 3 km plank walk through the rainforest to visit the Deer and Lang caves. The former is the largest cave passage open to the public, and as you stand in Deer cave’s ancient river bend you can imagine the roar and force of the water as it rushed through and carved the high scalloped walls out of the mountainous rock. In contrast, Lang cave is small and intimate, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty. Layers of rimstone pools cover the floor while spectacular stalagmites and stalactites defy gravity. The caves are home to the three million strong colony of bats, and as you explore you can hear their high-pitched squeaks echo throughout the sepulchral space. In a specially built observatory you can watch the bristling black mass exit the cave, twirling in up into the sky like a giant cloud of insects - it is a truly awesome, once-in a lifetime experience. You will return to to your lodge in the late evening to enjoy dinner, unwind and reflect on the days wonders.

In Mulu, half day tour to Wind & Clearwater caves

Day 5: Mulu National Park

In Mulu, half day tour to Wind & Clearwater caves
Excursion: You cruise up the Melinau river by longboat, stopping briefly at a Penan settlement (semi-nomadic tribe of Sarawak) where you can visit the Penan longhouse market and browse the local trinkets and handicrafts. You first visit Wind Cave, named for the cool breezes that blow through its passages, which is made up of several chambers, including the King’s Chamber - a great, cavernous room that features majestic columns of giant stalagmites and stalactites. You then descend into the depths of Clearwater Cave, the installed lights throwing beautiful shapes onto the water-eroded walls. As you cross the bridge marvel at the sheer power of the river rushing beneath your feet. Once you have left the caves you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the shady swimming spot just outside, where the river emerges from the cliff face.

Domestic flight from Mulu to Kota Kinabalu - Domestic flight from Mulu to Kota Kinabalu - Transfer from Kota Kinabalu airport to your hotel

Day 6: Kota Kinabalu

Domestic flight from Mulu to Kota Kinabalu
Scheduled flight Transfer: We will ensure that you arrive at Mulu airport (MZV) in time for your departure flight to Kota Kinabalu (BKI). Estimated travel time: 50 minutes


Transfer from Kota Kinabalu airport to your hotel
Other Transfer: We will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Estimated travel time: approximately 20 minutes


At leisure in Kota Kinabalu
Excursion: The coastal city of Kota Kinablu, commonly known as KK, is not known for its overwhelming beauty, but if you have a day or two to explore you’ll find a few fascinating sights and hidden gems. You may have time to visit the Signal Hill Observatory Platform which, although a popular viewing point, has become less impressive since the rapid urbanisation of the city. You may also want to take a look at the Atkinson Clock Tower, renowned for being the oldest standing structure in Sabah - dating from 1905. If you’re looking for a day trip beyond the city, a short boat ride from the Jesselton Jetty to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is the perfect way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Visit Gaya Island, the largest of the five islands, for short treks into its tropical forest. Or if you’re seeking a less strenuous activity the sheltered coral reefs along the Gaya coast provide some of the best snorkelling spots. For a taste of the local cuisine take a walk to the waterfront to find the Pasar Malam, translated from the Malay as ‘Night Market’. Opening from 5pm to 11pm, this authentic Asian market offers a delicious variety of street food, but for seafood lovers it is especially enticing. Well-known for its fresh fish you can enjoy popular favourites such as barbecued squid and sting ray or whole fish, known as ikan samba. Tanjung Aru beach offers a stunning sunset spot, but if you wish to escape the city take a leisurely drive to the top of Kokol hill. The summit provides a tranquil location in the cool highlands for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city below.

Visit Kinabalu National Park

Day 7: Kinabalu National Park - Kota Kinabalu

Visit Kinabalu National Park
Excursion: Nominated by UNESCO as Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, Kinabalu National Park is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Owing to the extensive range of habitats from tropical lowland and lush jungle to sub-alpine forest, Borneo’s most popular national park is teeming with life. With over 4,500 identified species, the region’s sheer variety of flora and fauna is simply astounding and is home to some of the most fascinating creatures in the world. Such as those endemic to the country like the majestic Kinabalu Serpent Eagle and Borneo’s largest insectivore, the Moonrat. Kinabalu’s plant species are just as weird and wonderful as its animal inhabitants, many of which are carefully cultivated in the Mountain Garden, allowing you to get a close look at some of nature’s most beautiful plants. But don’t get too close, species include the infamous Nepenthes Rajah, the pitcher plant, renowned for being the largest carnivorous plant in the world - it's a threat to all insects and even small mammals. You’ll also find the enigmatic Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, the Gold of Kinabalu Orchid, which has delicate green petals that appear to be painted with maroon red spots and stripes, rendering it worthy of such a title. The park’s centrepiece is a 4,095m mountain towering above the dense tropical forest. Mount Kinabalu located in the north of Borneo, attracts thousands of ambitious climbers every year, all hoping to conquer the rocky terrain of Malaysia’s highest mountain. For a novel perspective of the mountain’s striking exterior, experience the Mountain Torq, Asia’s first Via Feratta or ‘iron road’. This alternative climb is designed for the adventurous, with a route following tightrope walks and swinging planks that bring an extra adrenaline rush to the trek and reveal the immense beauty of the mountain plateau. What to bring: Raincoat, insect repellent, water bottle.

Transfer from Kota Kinabalu to the airport - Transfer from Kota Kinabalu to the airport - Domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan

Day 8: Sepilok - Kinabatangan River

Transfer from Kota Kinabalu to the airport
Other Transfer: We will pick you up from your hotel and ensure you make your flight in good time. Estimated travel time: approximately 30 minutes.


Domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Scheduled flight Transfer: You will be transferred via a short flight from Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI) to Sandakan airport (SDK). Estimated travel time: 45 minutes


Transfer from Sandakan Airport to Sepilok
Car Transfer: Once you have arrived at Sandakan airport, we will meet you and drive you to Sepilok. Estimated travel time - 30 minutes.


Visit Sepilok Orangutan Centre
Excursion: The dedicated staff of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre care for young, orphaned orangutans, as well as a number of other endangered species. With Malaysia as the world’s largest exporter of palm oil, deforestation has had a huge impact on the natural habitat of its wildlife - but particularly this orange-furred primate, the closest living relative to humans. However, the creation of the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve, where the sanctuary is located, has largely helped mitigate the repercussions. Now, 60 to 80 orangutans roam freely in the reserve. At this centre, regarded as an important tool in educating both locals and tourists, you can observe man’s closest relative, the Orangutan, being rehabilitated to become wild in their natural habitat. When you arrive, you will proceed to the free roaming area to watch the 10.00 a.m. feeding of the young primates. Then, experience a walk in the Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo and absorb the sights, sounds and smell of the lush jungle. You can then visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and get close to the world’s smallest bear by observing it in its beautifully restored natural forest habitat.


Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Excursion: Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and get close to the world’s smallest bear by observing it in its beautifully restored natural forest habitat.


Transfer from Sepilok to the Kinabatangan River
Boat Transfer: Leaving Sepilok you will be transferred to the jetty at Sandakan. From here, you will enjoy a cruise upriver to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. Estimated travel time - 1 hour.


Abai - Kinabatangan River
Excursion: Upon arrival at Abai, you will be having lunch and check-in to the lodge. In the late afternoon, you will be joining an evening cruise to the best part of Kinabatangan River until night falls and continue night cruise to witness the fire flies as Christmas tree. Returning back to the resort and dinner.

Boat transfer from Abai to Sukau - Boat transfer from Abai to Sukau - Sukau

Day 9: Sandakan - Kinabatangan River

Boat transfer from Abai to Sukau
Boat Transfer: Wake up by the calls of nature. Early morning take a river cruise to observe wildlife. Return back to lodge for breakfast. After lunch, cruise UP river to Sukau village in search of primates especially the wild orang utan, birds, pygmy elephant and other wildlife.


Sukau
Excursion: This is a wonderful journey of discovery which starts from the waters of Sulu Sea of Sandakan Town and continues through a magnificent scenery of the Mangrove Forest. Cruise up the river to Sukau village in search of primates, especially the endemic Proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Arrive in Sukau and check in at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. In the late afternoon, enjoy a river cruise to Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan. Return lodge for dinner and overnight stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

Last morning on the Kinabatangan River - Transfer from Kinabatangan River to Sandakan airport - Transfer from Kinabatangan River to Sandakan airport

Day 10: Kinabatangan River

Last morning on the Kinabatangan River
Excursion: The morning journey will allow you one final chance to spot some of beautiful wildlife discovered on your trip. Relax and enjoy the gentle cruise as you travel through this unique environment and admire the fascinating flora and faun housed within the refuge of the Kinabatangan sanctuary.


Transfer from Kinabatangan River to Sandakan airport
Other Transfer: You will return to Sandakan by boat. We will meet you at the jetty in Sandakan and ensure you get to the airport in good time for your departure flight. Estimated travel time: approximately 30 minutes