An amazing trip across Sabah & Sarawak, the two Malaysian states situated in northern part of the island of Borneo.
With this itinerary, you will visit the ancient head hunters’ villages, trek though pristine rain forest in Danum Valley, cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife and hike through misty montane forest before reaching Borneo’s highest mountain – the legendary Kinabalu.
Borneo Uncovered is a fully comprehensive itinerary that include the ‘must see’ sights on a single trip.
Meet at Kuching airport or hotel and proceed for half day City Tour and Kuching River cruise.
The highlights are Kuching’s Chinatown, the Cat Statue (Kuching means “Cat” in Malay), the colourful Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple, the Civic Centre Viewing Platform and the world famous Sarawak Museum.
Return via the golden -domed City Mosque and passing through Old Kuching, crammed with spice dealers and textile shops. Pass by the heritage buildings of the White Rajah era, the Pavilion, the Square Tower, the Court House, the Charles Brooke Monument and the Post Office.
After the city tour proceed for a 1-hour pontoon river cruise. Admire the passing scenery that unfolds along the banks and discover daily life of the colorful Malay villages along the river. See the City Mosque, the Astana, Fort Margherita and the Kuching Waterfront.
Overnight at the Pullman Hotel or equivalent.
travel for about 4.5 hours through a lush and green countryside dotted with padi fields, pepper gardens and rubber plantations, and flanked by rugged jungle-clad mountains. Enroute stop at the Serian farmer’s market and visit a pepper garden. Lunch at Lachau village and then venture deep into the Iban country by longboat.
Arrive at the longhouse and visit the “entire village under one roof.”
Enjoy a tribal dinner made with fresh jungle produce and witness the traditional Iban dances.
Overnight at the Iban Longhouse
You will be spending your night at the ruai (the longhouse common room). As for the washroom/toilet facilities you will be sharing with the Ibans.
BREAKFAST |LUNCH | DINNER
After breakfast, enjoy a blowpipe demonstration and try shooting one yourself. Then take a short walk around the vicinity of the longhouse to learn about the traditional uses of plants in Iban culture and observe the longhouse resident go about their daily routine. A traditional Iban lunch will be serve by the riverbank if weather permit. This will give you a chance to taste food cook by using bamboo.
After lunch make your way down river before going overland to Batang Ai. Upon arrival at Batang Ai Jetty you will proceed for another 15 to 20 minutes boat ride across the hydro lake to the Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat.
Overnight at the Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat.
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After breakfast you will be driven to Kuching airport via the same route. Lunch is served en route. Fly to Kota Kinabalu.
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at the Horizon Hotel or equivalent.
BREAKFAST | LUNCH
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transported to Kinabalu Park for an adventurous experience on Mt. Kinabalu. Upon reaching the park, check in and register at the Kinabalu Park’s office and begin your climb up to Laban Rata/Pendant Hut.
Ascend for approximately 5-8 hours (depending on individual fitness level) through diverse forest which is home to many species of plants.
No special mountaineering skills are required, but a certain level of fitness is essential. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this captivating setting and prepare for tomorrow’s summit climb.
Overnight at Pendant Hut, a simple dormitory-style accommodation.
BREAKFAST | PACKED LUNCH | DINNER
Set off for the challenging summit trek in the dark hours of the morning in time to catch a mesmerising sunrise (approx. 2.5-3.5 hours). The views from the summit really are spectacular and it makes the whole adventure worth it.
Proceed for Via Ferrata to experience the majestic mountain in a different way. The ropes and ladders of Mt Kinabalu ‘s via ferrata allow anyone to experience the most spectacular scenery.
After the via ferrata experience, return to Penand Hut for breakfast and trek down to the Timpohon Gate where a mini bus will be waiting to return you to Kota Kinabalu.
Overnight at the Horizon Hotel or equivalent.
BREAKFAST
Early morning transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport for a short flight to Sandakan.
On arrival proceed to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for up-close orangutan encounter.
Walk 10 minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalk to witness the feeding of orangutans from the platform in the forest.
Continue to the outdoor nursery where the juvenile and baby orangutans are taught the skills they need to survive in the forest.
Proceed to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre where the world’s smallest bears are kept and rehabilitated.
After Sepilok venture on a 2-day wildlife safari on the Kinabatangan River. First, you will be taken to Sim Sim jetty to board the boat to Abai Jungle Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour cruise, journeying up the river. Upon arrival check into your lodge on the riverbank and then enjoy lunch.
Late afternoon head out on a safari cruise on the Kinabatangan River. At dusk, you may have the chance to see proboscis monkey and other wildlife than the area is famed for.
Before dinner you will experience a night cruise to witness the glittering fireflies on the mangrove trees.
Overnight at the Abai Jungle Lodge
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Wake up early and embark on a river cruise to the Pitas Lake in search of wildlife species that are significantly active during pre-dawn or early morning hours.
The rest of the morning is at your leisure to explore the rainforest on a boardwalk located behind the lodge or visit the village of the native “orang sungai” people and take part in a tree planting project.
After lunch head further up the river to Sukau. Switching lodges gives you a great chance to see more wildlife.
Upon arrival at the lodge head out on another safari cruise on the Menanggul River, a tributary of the Kinabatangan River.
Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
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Early morning transfer to Danum Valley Conservation Area office in Lahad Datu (about 2-hour drive). Then after registration continue to Borneo Rainforest Lodge (about 2.5-hour drive).
Enjoy the changing landscape of the regenerated forest to virgin rainforest of a million years old.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge is nestled in the heart of Sabah’s largest protected forest, alongside the Danum River.
The entire Danum Valley Conservation Area is a primary rainforest, which means it has never been logged before and is completely untouched.
After a brief orientation and lunch, proceed for a guided walk along the Nature Trail for an introduction to the rainforest ecosystem.
In the evening see a slide presentation on Danum Valley Conservation Area, then join a night safari on an open-air truck. Using a powerful spot light the guide will point out nocturnal species.
Overnight at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge
BREAKFAST| LUNCH | DINNER
Rise early this morning and enjoy a whole day in the beautiful Danum Valley. Start your day with the Canopy Walkway, a rope-style bridge built 26 meters above the forest floor. The view is magical. In the early mornings, mist hangs over the rainforest, forming a white veil from which only the tallest treetops emerge.
After breakfast hike to View Point Trail and Kadazandusun Burial Site. Stop along the trail to admire the variety of flora and fauna and spectacular views.
On the way down, enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural Jacuzzi pool.
After lunch (if weather permits) enjoy an extended hike to look for orangutan, birds and other wildlife along nature trails or go for a relaxing Water Tubing session down the Danum River.
As darkens falls, proceed for a guided night jungle walk in search of nocturnal species.
Overnight at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER
This morning enjoy a short jungle walk. After lunch, check out and transfer to Lahad Datu airport.
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