Handpicked Borneo

This journey is the ultimate Borneo experience. Witness the orangutans in Semenggoh and Sandakan, trek around Bako and Kinabalu National Parks, interact with indigenous tribes and visit their homes and local villages, learn how to cook local foods with an interactive cooking experience, enjoy high tea at Sabah Tea House and cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife.

• Rare opportunities to see orang-utans in Semenggoh and Sepilok at wildlife and rehabilitation centres.
• Chance to interact with indigenous and ethnic tribes, visit their homes and cook dinner for their families.
• Trek through Bako and Kinabalu National Parks where you can observe the wildlife and see exotic vegetation.

 

Itinerary:

DAY 1 - KUCHING

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon visit Semenggoh. Established in 1975 just outside Kuching, Semenggoh Wildlife Conservation Centre is the home of many orang-utans. Today it is a centre for the study of orang-utan biology and behaviour. The centre offers a rare opportunity to view orang-utans in their natural habitat. After your visit, enjoy a river cruise on a traditional boat where you can savour the enchanting sunset over the Borneo skies. (D)

DAY 2 - KUCHING - BAKO - KUCHING

Visit the well-preserved National Park at the mouth of the Bako River. Enjoy a scenic drive through the rural countryside to the riverbank and trek along one of the many nature trails in the park. See exotic vegetation and observe wildlife like silver-leaf monkeys, giant monitor lizards and long-tailed macaques. (B)(L)(D)

DAY 3 - KUCHING

Depart Kuching for your drive to Annah Rais, a Bidayuh Longhouse housing around 120 families. The journey passes through scenic countryside filled with rice fields, rubber, cocoa and pepper plantations which intermingle with tropical forest, rivers and mountain ranges. Visit the longhouse and observe the lifestyle of the natives. This afternoon walk to the nearby market for an interactive cooking class. Learn how to cook real Sarawak food in a traditional setting. (B)

DAY 4 - KUCHING - SANTUBONG - KUCHING

Today, head to Santubong Village and visit the house of the host to get to know all the family members. Walk around the village to meet their neighbours and enjoy the beautiful views of the beach. Return to the house to help prepare and enjoy a nice home cooked lunch with the family. Proceed to Buntal Fishing Village to explore the village and beach. Return to the house at Santubong Village to assist with cooking dinner for the family. (B)(L)(D)

DAY 5 - KUCHING - KOTA KINABALU

Transfer to Kuching airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. This afternoon spend some time sightseeing in Kota Kinabalu. (B)

DAY 6 - KOTA KINABALU

Visit Sabah Wetland Mangrove Forest and enjoy a walk through the mangroves. Help reduce CO2 by planting mangrove seeds at Sulaman Lake Forest Reserve. This afternoon, discover the local tribes at Mari Mari Cultural Village. The village operates as a museum preserving Borneo’s ethnic culture and features five different ethnic tribes in one village; the rice farmer Kadazan-Dusun, the longhouse resident Rungus, the hunting and fishing Lundayeh, the sea gypsy Bajau, and the famously feared headhunting tribe Murut. (B)(D)

DAY 7 - KOTA KINABALU - KINABALU PARK

Today you will head to Kinabalu Park. The first stop is Kundasang War Memorial. Established in 1962, this was one of the first memorials to commemorate the Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau during World War II. After your visit, head to Poring Hotspring. At the hot springs, a Japanese-style bath awaits you. Take a dip in the pools of hot water which are known to have therapeutic effects and curative properties. Visit the nearby Kipungit Waterfall or trek on a nature trail that leads to a canopy walk. After lunch, journey to Sabah Tea Plantation where you will have the opportunity to learn how tea is harvested and processed in the tea factory. Proceed to Sabah Tea House for high tea. (B)(L)

DAY 8 - KINABALU PARK - SANDAKAN

Continue your journey to Sandakan. On arrival, enjoy lunch at the English Tea House, a colonial restaurant located on top of a hill with panoramic views of Sandakan city. In the afternoon, proceed to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. (B)(L)

DAY 9 - SANDAKAN - SUKAU

Today visit the world’s largest Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, Sepilok. At the centre, witness the orang-utan feeding. Depart for Kinabatangan River, passing by local villages. Enjoy a late afternoon cruise up the Kinabatangan River to search for wildlife including elephants, hornbills, gibbons, and many birds. (B)(L)(D)

DAY 10 - SUKAU

Wake up to the calls of hornbills and other exotic birds and proceed to Ox Bow Lake to observe wildlife and experience the early morning river. After breakfast embark on a trek in the surrounding jungle. This afternoon take another river cruise upstream of the Kinatabagan River to search for more wildlife. After dinner enjoy a Kinabatangan River Night Cruise, one of the most exciting and adventurous trips you will take while staying here. (B)(L)(D)

DAY 11 - SUKAU - SANDAKAN

Head back to Sandakan and transfer to airport. (B)

 

 

Departs daily
Price shown based on low season travel

Travel Dates

Specific travel dates apply

*per person share twin