Highlights of Borneo
6 days - Kuching, Batang Ai, Kota Kinabalu, Sukau, Sandakan
6 days - Kuching, Batang Ai, Kota Kinabalu, Sukau, Sandakan
Experience the best of Borneo on this six night adventure. 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. 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. 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/Kota Kinabalu. Return to Kuching in the morning and catch a flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival proceed to your hotel. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: 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. Touring the park we'll visit the Mountain Garden, home to many species of flowering rhododendrons, carnivorous pitcher plants, orchids and ferns. Afterwards enjoy a nature walk in the montane forest. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Sandakan/Sukau. Early morning fly 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 6: 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 (5), five lunches, and two dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $1,980.
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/Kota Kinabalu. Return to Kuching in the morning and catch a flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival proceed to your hotel. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: 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. Touring the park we'll visit the Mountain Garden, home to many species of flowering rhododendrons, carnivorous pitcher plants, orchids and ferns. Afterwards enjoy a nature walk in the montane forest. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Sandakan/Sukau. Early morning fly 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 6: 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 (5), five lunches, and two dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $1,980.
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.
