Trek, Pedal & Paddle the Sarawak

We start off early with a transfer to visit Semenggoh Nature Reserve, a large enclosed area of rainforest which is home to endangered orangutans who have been rescued from captivity and kept for rehabilitation. We watch orangutans emerge from the rainforest during their feeding time and then, it’s time to start riding.

Using winding rural back roads, we pedal through a series of kampongs, surrounded by small-scale pepper farms, rice fields, and plantations. Join one of the host families in the longhouse to enjoy freshly cooked bamboo chicken and wild jungle vegetables on the tanju (patio) of the longhouse. After lunch, explore this harmonious Bidayuh longhouse and learn about the culture of the Land Dayaks who were once headhunters.

Cycling distance: 34 km

After a quick vehicle transfer, we reach Bengoh Dam jetty, the starting point of today’s hiking adventure. Enjoy a 20-minute boat ride across the tranquil lake surrounded by a circular, scenic mountain range. We then hike uphill for 30 minutes to a homestay with a stunning view of the lake below.

After checking into the homestay, we continue with a one-hour, steep ascent that brings us to a series of spectacular waterfalls with crystal clear water, surrounded by jungle. Sunbathe on giant rocks and soak in the negative ions for a rejuvenating experience of Borneo wilderness. Here, the art of Dayak culinary skills is revealed as guests learn, first-hand, how to cook with bamboo harvested from the jungle.

After a cool dip and delicious food, we return to the village, passing through pepper farms where the host will demonstrate how pepper is harvested and processed. Return to the village house for a home-cooked dinner on the tanju (patio) overlooking the lake. Batteries may be charged up at this stop, as it is powered by the village micro-hydro and solar panel.

Hiking distance: 5 km; elevation gain: 500m; estimated hiking time: 2-3 hours

After breakfast, take a 20-minute boat ride across the lake. After a short drive, we get ready for our kayak, cave, and cycle adventure. We start the day by floating down an untouched stretch of the Sarawak River in a kayak to discover a hidden waterfall and explore unique limestone formations. After a quick transfer, it’s then back on the bikes to cycle through some spectacular limestone karst landscape and visit bat caves. We end the day in the historical town of Siniawan.

Distance: Kayak 7 km and cycle 37 km

After an early morning traditional noodle breakfast at an old town coffee-shop (kopitiam), we get ready for a full day of cycling. Today we will ride across a suspension bridge, take a traditional boat ferry, and push the bikes across the jungle stream. You will also have the option of climbing Mount Singai, which is the birthplace of Christianity among the Bidayuh community, thanks largely to Roman Catholic missionaries from Holland in the 1800s.

We hike up the wooden staircase to the pilgrimage center to learn about its history and legacy. After a quick, picnic lunch, we ride under the mountain, using shaded back roads to reach our endpoint at Kubah National Park. Enjoy a BBQ dinner in the National Park. For the more adventurous, you can venture out into the night with our park guide to experience the darkness of the rainforest and explore its unique frogs and other nocturnal creatures. Stay overnight in a secluded jungle cabin to enjoy the unique sounds of Mother Nature.

Hiking distance: 3 km; elevation gain: 400 m; cycling distance: 43 km

Today’s trek passes through some of the most impressive rainforest scenery in Sarawak. This trail starts at the 900 ft mark on the Gunung Serapi Road and leads to the nearby Matang Wildlife Centre, some 3 hours and 30 mins away. Along the way, we pass crystal-clear waterfalls and see dozens of fascinating plant species including rare ferns, orchids, and also numerous palms. Kubah has so many varieties that it is known as “the world of palms.”

Also prominent in the park is the carnivorous pitcher plant. Rest assured, the pitcher plant is harmless to us but remains a menace to small invertebrates, such as insects. Animals such as bearded pigs, mouse deer, squirrels, and black hornbills call this park home. Though sightings of wildlife are not guaranteed, the sight and scent of the tropical rainforest—which remains largely undisturbed—is a treat in itself! The impressive jungle trek ends at a clear jungle stream adjacent to the Matang Wildlife Centre.

Matang Wildlife Center is Sarawak’s main center for wildlife rehabilitation. The rescued animals being rehabilitated here include orangutans, sun bears, bearcats, civet cats, sambar deer, barking deer, porcupines, and crocodiles, all of which can be seen in spacious, natural enclosures. A large aviary houses a variety of hornbills, as well as Brahminy kites and sea eagles.

From here, you will either be dropped back in Kuching or left to explore the park, depending on your itinerary. The tour ends by dropping you back to your city hotel.

Hiking distance: 6.5 km; elevation gain: 280 m