Borneo Explorer
10 days - Kuching, Batang Ai, Mulu, Kota Kinabalu, Selingan Island, Sukau, Sandakan
10 days - Kuching, Batang Ai, Mulu, Kota Kinabalu, Selingan Island, Sukau, Sandakan
This program takes an in-depth look at the wonders of Malaysian Borneo. Borneo Island is comprised of three countries, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. The northern part belongs to Malaysia, and is rich in it's great diversity of peoples and cultures, flower and fauna, and majestic forests. Kuching, capital of the East Malaysian State of Sarawak, is a city of old world charm, bustling markets, ornate temples, and historic buildings. Founded in 1827, for over one hundred years from the mid 1800's it was ruled by the White Rajahs. See colorful Malay and Chinese shophouses around the city, and enjoy great views across the Sarawak River from the beautifully landscaped esplanade. Located some 150 miles outside Kuching is Batang Ai, situated near the Indonesian border. The region is the home of the indigenous Iban people, who traditionally live in longhouses that house many families under one roof. A scenic ride in a longtail boat up the Lemanak River affords the opportunity to visit a longhouse, and learn more about the Iban. Mulu features one of the world's most extensive and spectacular limestone cave systems. Deer Cave has the largest cave passage known to man, and each evening nearly one million bats stream from the caves in a spectacular exodus. Kota Kinabalu is capital of the state of Sabah. Often simply called "KK", it is an inviting and friendly city, with sandy beaches, coral reefs, islands, and rainforests found nearby. A highlight of the area is scenic Mount Kinabalu; truly remarkable in it's biodiversity. An overnight at Selingan Island, or Turtle Island, is a must, and offers visitors a chance to see the magnificent marine turtles lay their eggs on the beach. Sandakan, located on the eastern coast of Sabah, is the departure point for a visit to the Orang Utans of Sepilok. Reddish-brown in color, these "men of the forest" make their home in the trees, and are sadly on the endangered species list.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Kuching. Arrive at Kuching International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Kuching. Time permitting, embark on an afternoon tour of the city. Visits include Sarawak Museum (closed Fridays), the Market Place, Kuching City Mosque, and Tua Pek Kong Temple. Afterwards join a pontoon river cruise for a scenic view of The Astana, the residence of the former White Rajahs.
Day 2: Lemanak River/Batang Ai. Journey through lush green countryside dotted with padi fields, pepper gardens, rubber plantations, and flanked by rugged jungle-clad mountains. En route stop at the Serian farmer's market and visit a pepper garden before arriving at Lemanak jetty at mid-afternoon. Sail up the Lemanak River by longboat, passing through typical Borneo countryside with an ancient longhouse tucked behind almost every bend in the river. Longhouses typically house many families under a single roof, and as the families expand the house is extended. We'll visit one of the longhouses to see the "entire village under one roof" and also enjoy a demonstration of blowpipe shooting. Afterwards return down river to Batang Ai jetty, and continue by boat to your resort. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 3: Kuching. Depart this morning to return to Kuching, arriving in the afternoon. The balance of the day is free to enjoy the city on your own. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Miri/Mulu. Fly to Miri and connect to Mulu. This afternoon depart for a 1.8mi boardwalk, passing through limestone outcrops and peat swamp, to visit the Deer and Lang caves. Finish at the nearby observatory to see the bats make their evening exodus to search for food. Arrival back at the resort late-evening. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 5: Mulu. Depart by longboat to visit the Wind and Clearwater caves, en route stopping for a short visit at a Penan settlement - a semi nomadic tribe of Sarawak. Return to the resort by mid-afternoon and enjoy the balance of the day to relax. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 6: Miri/Kota Kinabalu. Fly to Miri and connect to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival proceed to your hotel. (breakfast).
Day 7: Kota Kinabalu. Approximately two hours from the city is Kinabalu National Park, one of the world's most biologically diverse areas. Here, Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, towers majestically at over thirteen thousand feet. The mountain climbs from near sea level through different climatic zones, and we'll have a full-day to tour the park. From the montane oak-chestnut forest we'll move to to lowland and the tall hardwood tropical trees of the dipterocarp forest at Poring. Walk among the treetops by crossing the canopy walkway, and visit the Hot Springs where, time permitting, you can take a therapeutic dip in the natural springs. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 8: Selingan Island. Fly to Sandakan and proceed by boat (approx. 45 min) to Selingan Island. Upon arrival at the Turtle Island Park's Headquarters check into your chalet. The afternoon is free to relax, swim, or snorkel. This evening observe turtles laying their eggs, which will then be transferred to the Hatchery. If there are any young turtle hatchings we'll have the opportunity to watch the release of these turtles into the sea. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 9: Sandakan/Sukau. Return to Sandakan to visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned orang utans from logging sites, plantations, and illegal hunting are rehabilitated before being released into the wild. Touring the centre we'll learn about these intelligent primates, and see how they are fed by the park wardens. In the afternoon proceed by boat to Sukau Village, and later take a two-hour cruise along a tributary of the Kinabatangan River to see the Proboscis monkeys settle down on the treetops. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 10: Depart Sandakan. Return to Sandakan by boat this morning. There is time to enjoy a brief Sandakan City tour before heading to the airport for departure. (breakfast, lunch).
Meals: breakfast daily (9), eight lunches, and five dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $2,790.
Day 1: Kuching. Arrive at Kuching International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Kuching. Time permitting, embark on an afternoon tour of the city. Visits include Sarawak Museum (closed Fridays), the Market Place, Kuching City Mosque, and Tua Pek Kong Temple. Afterwards join a pontoon river cruise for a scenic view of The Astana, the residence of the former White Rajahs.
Day 2: Lemanak River/Batang Ai. Journey through lush green countryside dotted with padi fields, pepper gardens, rubber plantations, and flanked by rugged jungle-clad mountains. En route stop at the Serian farmer's market and visit a pepper garden before arriving at Lemanak jetty at mid-afternoon. Sail up the Lemanak River by longboat, passing through typical Borneo countryside with an ancient longhouse tucked behind almost every bend in the river. Longhouses typically house many families under a single roof, and as the families expand the house is extended. We'll visit one of the longhouses to see the "entire village under one roof" and also enjoy a demonstration of blowpipe shooting. Afterwards return down river to Batang Ai jetty, and continue by boat to your resort. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 3: Kuching. Depart this morning to return to Kuching, arriving in the afternoon. The balance of the day is free to enjoy the city on your own. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Miri/Mulu. Fly to Miri and connect to Mulu. This afternoon depart for a 1.8mi boardwalk, passing through limestone outcrops and peat swamp, to visit the Deer and Lang caves. Finish at the nearby observatory to see the bats make their evening exodus to search for food. Arrival back at the resort late-evening. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 5: Mulu. Depart by longboat to visit the Wind and Clearwater caves, en route stopping for a short visit at a Penan settlement - a semi nomadic tribe of Sarawak. Return to the resort by mid-afternoon and enjoy the balance of the day to relax. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 6: Miri/Kota Kinabalu. Fly to Miri and connect to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival proceed to your hotel. (breakfast).
Day 7: Kota Kinabalu. Approximately two hours from the city is Kinabalu National Park, one of the world's most biologically diverse areas. Here, Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, towers majestically at over thirteen thousand feet. The mountain climbs from near sea level through different climatic zones, and we'll have a full-day to tour the park. From the montane oak-chestnut forest we'll move to to lowland and the tall hardwood tropical trees of the dipterocarp forest at Poring. Walk among the treetops by crossing the canopy walkway, and visit the Hot Springs where, time permitting, you can take a therapeutic dip in the natural springs. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 8: Selingan Island. Fly to Sandakan and proceed by boat (approx. 45 min) to Selingan Island. Upon arrival at the Turtle Island Park's Headquarters check into your chalet. The afternoon is free to relax, swim, or snorkel. This evening observe turtles laying their eggs, which will then be transferred to the Hatchery. If there are any young turtle hatchings we'll have the opportunity to watch the release of these turtles into the sea. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 9: Sandakan/Sukau. Return to Sandakan to visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned orang utans from logging sites, plantations, and illegal hunting are rehabilitated before being released into the wild. Touring the centre we'll learn about these intelligent primates, and see how they are fed by the park wardens. In the afternoon proceed by boat to Sukau Village, and later take a two-hour cruise along a tributary of the Kinabatangan River to see the Proboscis monkeys settle down on the treetops. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 10: Depart Sandakan. Return to Sandakan by boat this morning. There is time to enjoy a brief Sandakan City tour before heading to the airport for departure. (breakfast, lunch).
Meals: breakfast daily (9), eight lunches, and five dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $2,790.
Our deluxe Malaysia tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
