Trails of Borneo
KUCHING The charming city of Kuching, Sarawak’s capital, is surrounded by a number of interesting National Parks, longhouses and the famous Sarawak Cultural Village, all easily visited on a day trip. Arguably one of the most attractive cities in Southeast Asia, Kuching has adopted modern amenities without losing its charm. The river, once an important transport link, is still a central feature of the city with the beautifully landscaped waterfront promenade providing a relaxing venue for strolling both day and night.
Day 1 Kuching
Arrive in the charming riverside city of Kuching.
Free at leisure.
Day 2 Sarawak Cultural Village/ City Tour
Following breakfast, proceed for Sarawak Cultural Village. Situated just 32 km from Kuching is the Sarawak Cultural Village. This 17-acre site, nestled on the foothill of the legendary Mount Santubong, fronting the South China Sea offers an excellent introduction to the local culture and lifestyles of the ethnic people of Sarawak. A typical Sarawakian’s warmth and hospitality awaits you here. Share the arts, crafts, games, foods and music of the seven major ethnic groups in Sarawak. After touring the village, enjoy a multi-cultural dance performance in the village's own theatre. Lunch en route.
Return to Kuching to discover the charms of this riverine city established by Sir James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak. See buildings dating back to the days of the White Rajahs, ancient Chinese temples and colorful markets displaying the produce that first brought traders to Borneo. A visit to Kuching will not be complete without making a stop at the Sarawak Museum. Completed in 1891, the museum has an excellent collection of Bornean ethnological and archaeological artifacts and is reputed to be the best in South East Asia.
Day 3 Kuching – Bako National Park
Drive about 35 minutes to Bako Village. From the village, take about a 25-minute boat ride (depending on the tide) to the park situated on a peninsula. Bako is one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife in a natural setting. The various types of animals that are commonly spotted at Bako include the proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, long tail macaques, wild boars, monitor lizards and numerous species of birds. Tropical rainforest ranges from mangrove to kerangas (heath forest), tropical swamp vegetation, cliff vegetation and beach vegetation. There are several trails to follow inside the park depending on level of fitness and interest. Return to Kuching mid-afternoon. (Schedule may depend on tide)
Day 4 Kuching - Nanga Sumpa Longhouse
Depart by air-conditioned van for Batang Ai reservoir (4 1/2 hours). Journey through rural Sarawak, passing pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantation. En-route, a few stops will be made. Visit the colorful native market in Serian town where a variety of jungle produce such as edible ferns, bamboo shoots and unusual tropical fruit are on display. Visit a pepper garden and stop by to view wild orchids and several species of pitcher plants. Lunch en route. Upon arrival at the Batang Ai reservoir, proceed by longboat (1-2 hours) upriver to Nanga Sumpa. Settle in at Borneo Adventure’s lodge. After dinner proceed to the longhouse across the river. Relax on the Ruai (common verandah) and spend time with the Iban people. Interact with the community; learn about their culture and enjoy some local rice wine. Overnight at the lodge
Day 5 Enseluai Waterfall – Batang Ai Longhouse Resort
Following breakfast, hike the jungle trails along the river and continue upriver by longboat. Our destination is the scenic Enseluai Waterfall. Time to relax, swim, explore the rainforest and have lunch or try fishing Iban-style. Transfer to Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, for dinner & overnight.
Day 6 Batang Ai Longhouse Resort – Semengoh Orang Utan - Kuching
Following breakfast, depart by Hilton boat to receiving point, then overland to retrace your journey to Kuching. Lunch is taken en route. After lunch proceed to Kuching , en route have a stop at Semengoh Wildlife Centre located near Kuching. Observe the feeding of Orangutans requiring rehabilitation.
MULU NATIONAL PARK is a 210 square mile extravaganza of tropical rain forest situated between the Tutoh and Limbang Rivers of Sarawak. Beneath its majestic forest canopy there are thousands of species of plants and animals that live in an environment that includes all the different types of tropical forest found on the island of Borneo. Apart from the rich diversity of plant and animal life found in Mulu, the majestic limestone caves are a wonderful sight to behold. In November 2000 Mulu National Park was awarded the status of World Heritage Site.
Day 7 Kuching – Miri – Mulu – Deer & Lang Caves
Fly to Mulu via Miri with its stunning pinnacles and caves.
Check into your nice jungle resort. Afternoon travel by longboat or vehicle to the Park Headquarters then enjoy a scenic 3 km plank walk through primary rainforest to the entrance of Deer Cave that has the world's largest cave entrance with the largest single cave passage in the world - about 120 - 150 m in diameter. It can fit St. Pauls' Cathedral under its massive archway. The cave has a moon-like landscape and from one vantage point, a perfect profile of President Lincoln can be observed. Most evenings at sundown, a spectacular exodus of about 2 million bats can be seen as they leave the cave in search of food. Next to Deer Cave is Lang’s Cave. The stalactites and stalagmites inside this cave are representative of the very best limestone formations in the park. Walk back to the Park Headquarters and drive to your jungle resort.
Day 8 Mulu - Clearwater & Wind Caves
In the morning, proceed by longboat upriver to Wind Cave with its impressive ‘King’s Chamber’. Here, stalactites and stalagmites with delicate lace-like patterns are found. A short walk along a plank walk suspended to the limestone cliff leads to Clearwater Cave. Like most caves in Mulu, Clearwater Cave is the habitat of unique species of plants. One of them, the one-leafed plant can only be found at Mulu; rare species of orchids and pitcher plants can be seen in many locations and photo-sensitive algae grow on certain rocks and have produced needle-like formations that point towards the source of light. Clearwater Cave has a wonderful swimming area shaded by giant rainforest trees. Enjoy a simple picnic or packed lunch, swim, relax and explore the caves. Continue down river and visit another Penan settlement.
Day 9 Mulu – Kota Kinabalu
Fly to Kota Kinabalu , upon arrival meet and transfer to your hotel.
KOTA KINABALU, the capital city, is the entry point to the state of Sabah, home of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia. Kota Kinabalu’s coastal location and mountain backdrop make this one of the most spectacularly set cities in the region. The five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are all within 20 minutes boat ride, making Kota Kinabalu a true water sports haven. A range of hotels and services ensure that all needs are catered for.
Day 10 PORING HOT SPRING & KINABALU PARK (10 Hours)
Depart early morning for a 3-hour drive to Poring Hot Spring. En route, make a stop at Nabalu village to savour local fruits and to bargain prices for the handicrafts. Upon arrival, enjoy this unique opportunity to get closer to the rainforest ‘web of life’ on the canopy walkway 100 feet above the forest floor. Thereafter, take a dip in one of the soothing, steaming hot mineral springs set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Proceed to the World Heritage site of Kinabalu National Park. Explore these mountain gardens, home to many species of orchids, pitcher plants, birds, insects and butterflies with your guide before returning to Kota Kinabalu in the late afternoon.
SANDAKAN Situated by a beautiful, natural deepwater bay, Sandakan was formerly the administrative capital of British North Borneo. At one time, timber was the major export but this is now supplanted by the oil palm industry. With world famous Sepilok, the first Orang Utan Sanctuary, Sandakan plays host to nature lovers who can also visit Selingan, one of the Turtle Islands minutes away from the town as well as Sukau, in the upper reaches of the Kinabatangan River where primates, especially the proboscis monkeys (endemic only to Borneo) are easily sighted.
Day 11 Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan - Sepilok Orang Utan – Sukau Rainforest
After breakfast, fly to Sandakan.
On arrival you will be met and taken to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary to observe the feeding of orang utans and learn about how they are trained to return to the jungle and survive on their own. Proceed to Sukau for lunch and a short briefing on the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. In the afternoon, go on a river cruise down the Menanggul River in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Return to your simple jungle lodge at dusk for dinner.
Overnight at Kinabatangan Riverside lodge.
Day 12 Sukau Rainforest
After breakfast enjoy another boat trip for bird watching and viewing wildlife on Ox Bow lake and environs.
In the afternoon, venture on another river cruise down the Menanggul River and along the Kinabatangan River. Return to lodge at dusk. Enjoy a night cruise and watch the fire flies.
Overnight at Kinabatangan Riverside lodge.
Day 13 Sandakan – Kota Kinabalu
Take the boat to Sandakan, then fly to Kota Kinabalu.
On arrival you will be met by your guide and transfer to your hotel .
Day 14 Kota Kinabalu
Free at leisure.
Day 15 Kota Kinabalu – Home
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for onward flight.