Best of Borneo

Fly from UK to Kuching.

Arrive in Kuching. Meeting and assistance on arrival by our representative and transfer to The Waterfront Hotel for 4 nights.

Discover Kuching, Sarawak’s cultural melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Native traditions. Explore Chinatown’s historic streets, meet a Sinseh and tin smith, and learn about ancestor worship. Savour local flavours on a culinary tour featuring Kolo Mee, Sarawak Laksa and Kek Lapis. Visit the Borneo Cultures Museum to see Sarawak’s crafts and heritage.  Then take a sampan ride to a tranquil Malay village, experiencing the contrast between city bustle and traditional village life.

This tour begins with a drive from Kuching to the small Malay village of Bako, followed by a short boat ride to the National Park. Spend the day trekking through lush trails, discovering the park’s rich flora and fauna. Watch out for wild boar, silver leaf monkey’s, macaques and monitor lizards – if lucky, spot the rare proboscis monkeys, now only found in Borneo. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, completing a memorable day immersed in nature.

Transfer to Semenggoh Nature Reserve. Covering 740 acres, the reserve is a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned orangutans, many of whom have been rehabilitated to survive in the wild and roam free. Sadly, some remain dependent on humans. Visit during scheduled feeding times for a chance to see these incredible primates climbing trees or enjoying fruit. Perhaps glimpse the touching sight of mothers with their young. Sightings are not guaranteed, as the orangutans are semi-wild and roam freely.

Fly to Kota Kinabalu. Met on arrival and transferred to Luma Hotel for 3 nights. Rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the city centre to visit the Sabah Museum, showcasing artifacts on natural history, ceramics, handicrafts, costumes and musical instruments. See the Blue Mosque with its reflecting pools and a colourful Chinese Temple housing Borneo’s largest Kwan Yin statue. Pass by the iconic glass covered Menara Tun Mustapha. Next explore the handicraft market and spice bazaar, discovering local crafts, textiles, and spices. Walk through the city’s historic district with stops at Padang Merdeka, Atkinson Clock Tower, Australia Place and Gaya Street – the heart of old Kota Kinabalu.

Delightful scenic drive along the Crocker Range to Kinabalu Park. Followed by a guided walk along the forest trails and exploration of the Mountain Garden: home to orchids and plants unique to Kinabalu. In the afternoon, continue discovering the park’s rich flora before returning to the hotel. The evening is free at leisure.

After breakfast transfer to the airport to fly to Sandakan & transfer to Sepilok. Overnight at The My Nature Resort.

Check out and transfer to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Watch the morning feeding at the free-roaming platform and explore the forest trails, the Outdoor Nursery, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Overland transfer to Sukau, lunch, and check in at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge for 2 nights. In the evening, take a wildlife cruise along the Menanggul River before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Early morning, embark on a river cruise to the oxbow lake to observe wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon, take another river cruise in search of more wildlife.

After breakfast drive to Lahad Datu. After the registration at Lahad Datu office, drive to Tabin Rainforest Lodge, located in the northeast corner of Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Stay at The Tabin Rainforest Lodge for 2 nights. Relax in ensuite air-conditioned rooms or by the pool and bar! After lunch, and a lodge briefing, take an introductory walk to explore the rainforest. In the evening, on a river sunset cruise, spot wildlife, and – weather permitting -see fireflies light up the estuary. End the day with a night safari drive to encounter nocturnal forest creatures.

Wake up to the sounds of gibbons and hornbills, then take a short morning hike to the Ground Cuckoo hide for birdwatching. Return to the lodge for breakfast at Kapur Restaurant.

Weather permitting, embark on a river cruise along the Segama River and mangroves – look out for dolphins, eagles and flying foxes. After lunch, explore the rainforest and visit the Mammal Hide to learn about nocturnal animals through camera trap footage.

Relax at the lodge, enjoy the gallery, shop, or dip in the pool. After dinner night safari to spot civets, leopard cats and other nocturnal creatures.

Wake to the sounds of the jungle and visit the Crested Fireback hide to spot this elusive endemic bird. Return for breakfast, then leisure time until check-out.

Afternoon drive to Lahad Datu airport to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur.  Met on arrival & transferred to The Royal Signature Hotel for 2 nights.

Explore both old and modern Kuala Lumpur including stops at Petronas Twin Towers, King’s Palace, National Mosque, National Monument and Sultan Abdul Samad Building. In the evening, visit Chinatown’s night markets and the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, followed by a traditional Malay dinner in the vibrant Changkat Bukit Bintang area.

Transfer to the airport to board return flight back home.