A 12 Day Journey of Discovery Through Borneo

Malaysian Borneo offers a unique and eclectic mix of lush rainforests, urban cityscapes, and quaint small towns. This 12-day tour of the region is ideal for appreciating all it has to offer. This extensive journey will take you from Kuching to Bako National Park, to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse to Mulu Caves, Kinabalu National Park, Sepilok, Sepilok Orangutan sanctuary and finally Kinabatangan.

You will experience all the best of cities Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, rural Sukau & a brief look at Sandakan.

There will be plenty for all types of travellers and many memories to take home to reflect on your travels in Malaysia. This will be a wild of Nature, forests and rivers. Don’t forget the Iban people at Nanga Sumpa Longhouse.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kuching Arrival

On arrival in Kuching, you will meet your driver at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for the rest of the evening to be free to enjoy at your leisure.

Accommodation at the Waterfront Hotel (or equivalent)

Day 2: Bako National Park & Trekking Through the Wildlife Trail

Bako National Park, located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, is one of the oldest national parks in Malaysia. It was established in 1957 and is 31 square miles in size. The park is a treasure trove of pristine tropical rainforest and is a great destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Trekking through Bako National Park will bring visitors close to the incredibly diverse flora and fauna found in Borneo, such as endangered proboscis and silver-leaf monkeys, various species of pitcher plant, orchids, and the rare monitor lizards. The park offers 17 different trails, allowing visitors to explore and view the different layers of vegetation. Additionally, Bako also offers an alluring mangrove swamp trek. This trek is a great opportunity to view a breath-taking sunset as it sets through the trees on the mangrove boardwalk.

Accommodation at the Waterfront Hotel (or equivalent)

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 3: Transfer from Kuching – Nanga Sumpa via Lachau Bazaar, Batang Ai Reservoir, longboat ride & Night with Iban People

Kuching to Nanga Sumpa is a journey that is filled with adventure, culture and history. You begin with a drive from Kuching to the town of Lachau Bazaar, home to a bustling marketplace where you can buy fresh fruits, trinkets and other local merchandise. From Lachau Bazaar, you will make a stop at the Batang Ai Reservoir where you can enjoy a quiet boat ride and take in the stunning views. From the reservoir, you will continue the journey via a longboat ride down the beautiful Batang Ai River before arriving at the town of Nanga Sumpa. Here you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the local Iban people. You will stay the night in Nanga Sumpa and have the chance to learn about and experience the culture and traditions of the Iban people. You will also have a unique chance to explore the surrounding jungle and take part in an Iban long house tour, which will provide an unforgettable insight into the culture and wildlife of the area.

Accommodation at Nanga Sumpa Lodge.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4: Jungle Trek to Enseluai Waterfall, Rainforest Swim & Riverside BBQ Lunch

This exciting and unique outing takes you deep into the tropical rainforest, past hidden waterfalls, tree top canopies and a scenic riverside barbecue lunch. Along the way, you will also be able to experience the wonders of nature as you observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
The journey begins with a guided trek from a starting point deep in the jungle, taking you past a picturesque waterfall and along winding mountain trails to give you an up close and personal view of the lush greenery and beautiful flora and fauna. During the trip, you will also get the chance to take a refreshing dip in the natural water pools and a dive into the shallows. Once you’ve reached your destination at Enseluai Waterfall, you’ll settle down for a delicious riverside barbecue lunch, followed by an exploration of the surrounding area.

Accommodation at Nanga Sumpa Lodge.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5: River Cruise to Batang Ai Jetty & Transfer by Road to Kuching

As you sail along the mighty Batang Ai River, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, crystal clear waters, breath-taking valleys, and even the occasional monkey or two. With the new day already in the sky, you’ll arrive at Batang Ai Jetty, the starting point for your destination exploration. From the jetty you’ll be driven by an experienced driver up the meandering road to your welcoming accommodation in Kuching. Throughout your journey, you’ll pass through quaint villages on both sides of the river, pass through a century-old rubber estate, and marvel at the emerald, green paddy fields with the towering mountains in the background. After checking into your accommodation, it’s time to explore the city of Kuching. The remainder of the evening will be free to enjoy your own way.

Accommodation at the Waterfront Hotel (or equivalent)

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 6: Mulu National Park, Deer Cave, Langs Cave & Bat Observatory

The Mulu National Park in Malaysia is a unique place for both its natural and cultural heritage. It is home to the Mulu Deer Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in the world, as well as the spectacular Langs Cave, a deep chamber of an underground river network. The park is also a hotspot for nocturnal wildlife, so great for spotting bats in the evening. Visitors can also take part in a guided tour of the Bat Observatory, where they will be able to watch the bats up close as they leave the cave to hunt for food. There, you can then observe their behaviour and adaptation habits in the wild. The park also offers visitors stunning scenery and an array of flora and fauna, so there’s plenty to look for whilst exploring the area.

Accommodation at Mulu Park HQ.

Breakfast included.

Day 7: Wind Cave, Clearwater Cave & Mulu Airport Transfer for Flight to Kota Kinabalu

With some of the world’s longest cave systems, retaining its primary rainforest environment and abundance of wildlife, this is truly a awe-inspiring place. The park is known to be home to Asia’s largest Borneo swiftlet colony, as well as the endemic Black Giant Squirrel.
A great way to experience the picturesque landscape of Mulu National Park is to take a longboat ride along Melinau River, passing through lush mangrove jungle and limestone outcrops. Take a breath-taking journey past Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave while enjoying and interacting with the local wildlife. The ride is usually an hour long and allows you to relax and appreciate the majestic beauty of the area.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a flight from Mulu Airport to Kota Kinabalu for onward journeys.

Accommodation at Kota Kinabalu 3 * Hotel.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 8: Kinabalu Botanical Park

After breakfast you will drive to Kinabalu Park for a day of adventure.

Kinabalu Botanical Park in Sabah, Malaysia is an amazing and unique experience. It covers an area of around 15 tangible miles of protected reserve and features around 4,500 species of vascular plants – making it one of the most diverse areas in the world. Visitors can enjoy a variety of jungle tours, treks, and mountain hikes through the protected reserve, and because of its elevation offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside. A wide range of wildlife can also be seen in the park, including 300 species of birds, over 100 mammal species, and over 60 species of reptiles. The Park also houses many ancient living and fossilized plant specimens, many of which are considered endangered, making it an important part of global conservation efforts. It is also an ideal place to go for those looking for beautiful flora and fauna as orchids, pitcher plants, pitcher bushes, and various medical plant species can all be found in the park.

Transfer back to your Kota Kinabalu Hotel.

Accommodation at Kota Kinabalu 3 * Hotel.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 9: Transfer and Flight to Sandakan, Transfer to Sepilok My Nature Resort

In the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sandakan and be transferred to the luxury My Nature Resort in Sepilok. With a great selection of activities, there’s something to suit everyone at the resort. From jungle trekking and dip-net fishing, to kayaking and swimming, nature lovers will find plenty of fun. Plus, with its very own wildlife sanctuary, visitors can spot a variety of endangered animals like orangutans, macaques, gibbons and hornbills.
Sepilok My Nature Resort is a great choice for your stay. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10: Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Wildlife Cruise on Menanggul River

Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is located on the edge of Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia. It offers visitors the chance to observe and appreciate the endangered orangutans in a lush tropical environment. The sanctuary was established in 1964 with the goal of rehabilitating orphaned orangutans back into the wild. After orphaned orangutans are brought in, they go through a rehab process that could take up to several years. During the rehab process, the orangutan receives medical care, food, toys, and teachings. The facility also offers educational programs and guided forest walks.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is situated about an hour away from the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. It is home to orphaned sun bears that have been rescued due to the severe deforestation of their natural habitats. Visitors can experience these adorable bears in their free-roaming habitats. The centre offers educational programs, sun bear conservation campaigns, and research activities. It also offers volunteer opportunities to those who wish to help contribute to the conservation of sun bears.
A unique way to explore the rainforests of Sabah is by taking a wildlife cruise on Menanggul River. This slow-moving river offers many chances of spotting wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, wild pigs, hornbills, and crocodiles. The cruise tour comes with an experienced guide who will provide insights on the wildlife and vegetation that you might encounter on your journey. A leisurely stroll in the forest is also possible with a knowledgeable guide.

Your journey will end at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, where you will spend the night.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11: Oxbow Lake – Kinabatangan River – Sukau

Early this morning you will take a boat on the Oxbow Lake and its varied wildlife. From here you will be taken on a guided tour of the nearby riverine forest to try and catch a glimpse of the rare Proboscis Monkey before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Next will be a relaxing tour of the Menanggul River and Kinabatangan River before your next stop at Sukau Village to see the life of the locals. You will transfer back to the lodge.

Accommodation at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 12: Kinabatangan Road Transfer to Sandakan for Local Lunch Before Departure Flight

The Kinabatangan Road Transfer to Sandakan is a great way to experience the area. Here you get to witness an array of wildlife such as macaques, monitor lizards, orangutans, and various bird species. You’ll be able to take a boat ride up the river for a closer encounter with the wildlife and learn more about the surrounding environment. The guides are very knowledgeable and are also great for tips on animal spotting. There are also various cafes, souvenir shops, and bike rentals along the road. After finishing the tour, you can enjoy a delicious local lunch at the cafes situated along the Kinabatangan Road. Most of the cafes serve traditional dishes and other Malaysian favourites such as laksa, char kway teow, and rendang. Don’t forget to get a local delicacy to bring home with you, making your visit to the Kinabatangan River a memorable one.

Breakfast included.

Price

Price per person based on two-people group size: £1,931
– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing
– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.