15D14N Venture into Borneo

Visit some of the world’s oldest rainforest and encounter the vast range of birds, tropical trees and flowers that inhabit this island’s steamy interior along with the loveable orangutans. Offering a rare chance to travel off the beaten track, this tour is designed to give you the best possible introduction to this Malaysian Borneo. 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Kuching
The hidden treasures of Borneo are yours to explore, for it’s here you’ll find breath-taking scenery, historic cities, unique tribes and iconic wildlife. Arrive in Kuching and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city for a three-night stay. Acquaint yourself with this laid-back city before having an evening of free time to explore it on your own.
Included meals: -

Day 2: Kuching
Fun in the sun is in store today as you explore Kuching city and its waterfront, with buildings dating back to the days of the first White Rajah of Sarawak. See places like ornate Chinese temples, colourful markets and street vendors selling their wares before stopping at the Borneo Cultures Museum. The excellent collection of Bornean ethnological and archaeological artefacts housed here is reputed to be the best in south-east Asia. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Included meal: Breakfast

Day 3: Kuching
Today is free for you to discover the delights of Kuching for yourself. Perhaps browse the bustling market stalls, selling everything from handmade arts and crafts to Chinese herbal remedies and exotic spices.
Included meal: Breakfast

Day 4: Kuching - Sri Aman
Leave the city streets behind and head inland through rolling countryside to the small town of Serian. Sit back and take in the sight of rural Sarawak as you’ll drive past cocoa and pepper plantations. On arrival in Serian, stroll through the marketplace - one of the country’s oldest farmer markets known for its locally grown and produced products. Here you can connect with locals and get a glimpse into Bidayuh culture. Afterwards, the town of Sri Aman welcomes you for an overnight stay..
Included meal: Breakfast & lunch

Day 5: Batang Ai - Kuching
This morning, set out for an exciting soft-adventure jungle experience by longboat, sailing across the lake to indigenous longhouse and feel the warmth of Iban hospitality. Celebrate their culture as you learn their dances and listen to their musical instruments before enjoying a home-hosted farm-to-table lunch featuring local specialties. Return to Kuching in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
Included meal: Breakfast & lunch

Please note that all boat trips are subject to water levels. 

Day 6: Kuching - Kota Kinabalu
Fly to Kota Kinabalu*, formerly British North Borneo, situated on the north-west tip of Borneo in the state of Sabah. On arrival in this fascinating city, settle in to your hotel for four nights.
Included meal: Breakfast

*Additional air segment purchase is required

Day 7: Kota Kinabalu
Today’s plans are completely up to you. Perhaps explore the city at your own pace, or take a boat to one of five nearby coral islands and relax on a pristine white beach.
Included meal: Breakfast

Day 8: Kinabalu National Park
A delightful day awaits as you visit the incomparable Kinabalu National Park, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. Cross the mountainous Crocker Range with sweeping views of the countryside. The park is blessed with incredible mega bio-diversity of flora and fauna - a heaven for nature enthusiasts and naturalists. Arriving the park, embark on a guided botanical walk through the picturesque mountain garden, admiring the beautiful flora up close. Weather permitting, follow one of the many jungle trails that offers great rainforest treks before proceeding to the Poring Hot Springs which are perfect for a relaxing dip. Then venture on a high canopy walk and get a different perspective on the forest’s unique ecosystem, its birds, trees and flora. Return to Kota Kinabalu for an evening on your own.
Included meals: Breakfast & lunch

Day 9: Kota Kinabalu
With a full day at leisure, you’re free to do as you please in Kota Kinabalu today.
Included meal: Breakfast

Day 10: Kota Kinabalu - Danum Valley
Leave Kota Kinabalu early this morning for your flight to Lahad Datu*. Then, after a three-hour journey, arrive in Danum Valley - a place that’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Seemingly endless evergreen rainforests, the valley is home to some of nature’s best-kept secrets. Get away from it all and settle into your lodge set in the middle of the jungle, your home for two nights. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you. After a brief orientation and lunch, we begin to explore the valley. A guided walk takes you along nature trails and canopy walkways to see the tropical plants and wildlife for which this area is renowned for. At dusk, once again set out for a night drive in search of nocturnal animals (weather permitting).
Included meals: Breakfast & dinner

*Additional air segment purchase is required

Day 11: Danum Valley
The Coffin Trail awaits you this morning as you take a guided walk to an ancient Kadazan-dusun burial site. A 40-minute climb rewards you with stunning views from a magnificent look-out point. Then enjoy a swim at the natural Jacuzzi pool before returning to your lodge for lunch. Another nature walk this afternoon takes you through lush rainforest, alongside the river.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 12: Danum Valley - Sukau
Leave Danum Valley by road and head towards Sukau, located in the Kinabatangan River basin. Settle into your lodge for two nights - the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your river adventure begins.
Included meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 13: Sukau
Rise early for a morning cruise along the Kinabatangan River to the nearby oxbow lake for birdwatching and in search of other wildlife. Weather permitting, explore the trails alongside the river before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Then, enjoy some time at leisure to explore and absorb the splendour of your surroundings. Later this afternoon, take another cruise along the river to see the many species of flora and fauna that the area is renowned for.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 14: Sukau - Sandakan
Resume your journey by road this morning to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, arriving just in time for feeding. The world's largest orangutan rehabilitation centre, it offers you the chance to come face to face with the huge red apes found naturally only in Borneo and Sumatra. Learn about this loveable primate, its fight for survival and the efforts in place to save it from extinction. Next, visit Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a rehabilitation facility for sun bears that have been rescued from illegal wildlife trade or captivity. Here, they are cared and treated before they can be reintroduced into the wild. Spend the final night in Sandakan city and rest well.
Included meals: Breakfast & lunch

Day 15: Depart Sandakan
Bid Sandakan farewell as your tour comes to a close today. Meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kuala Lumpur.* 
Included meals: Breakfast

*Additional air segment purchase is required

PLEASE NOTE

• Please bring an overnight bag for the one-night stay in Sri Aman. Your main luggage stays in Kuching
• Scheduled transfers to Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley are based are on arrival flights by Malaysia Airlines MH3012 and MH3014 which arrive Lahad Datu between 8 to 9AM. The transfers will leave the airport at 10AM.
• The return transfers from the lodge back to Lahad Datu Airport are based on departure flight by Malaysia Airlines MH3019 which departs at 1230PM.
• Whilst the accommodation used in Sukau is clean and comfortable, it is pretty basic. It may have a shower only, or fans instead of air conditioning. Be prepared that some roads are in poor condition and may be bumpy.
• All activities in Sukau are on sharing basis. Private basis is available at a supplement.

PRICES

• Prices are per person, based on two adults travelling together and sharing a twin room
• The prices include all the associated taxes (SST) known at the time of booking. Prices are based on current charges and costs, we reserve the right to alter prices and introduce supplements before your booking is confirmed