Another wonderful cycle trip around Kuching with the very impressive Farhah. She made the trip as the guides do. She was knowledgeable, friendly, competent and made our half day very memorable. My second trip with this company; I learnt more than before. To have a local, passionate about Sarawak and her culture is priceless. Bikes were good and temp super. Finding hidden gems and eating with locals , made the experience special. Thank you Farhar and thank you to all.
10-Day Best of Borneo Nature and Culture
Cultural Experience
Wildlife Discovery
Stunning Nature
Borneo’s emerald tapestry is a blend of nature and ancient customs. The journey begins in Kuching, the “City of Cats,” where history is reenacted through colonial shophouses and markets. The rainforest of Bako National Park offers secrets and wildlife encounters. The Iban culture is explored in the Iban longhouse at Batang Ai. Kota Kinabalu offers a glimpse into Borneo’s beauty, with WWII War Memorial Park, Poring Hot Springs, and the Kinabatangan River cruise offering wildlife safaris.
Tour Highlights
Immerse yourself in the heart of Borneo's cultural heritage.
Experience Iban culture firsthand in a longhouse, including traditional meals, customs, and way of life.
Explore stunning landscapes, from pristine rainforests and national parks to majestic mountains and riverine ecosystems.
Observe orangutans in their natural habitat at Semenggoh and spot diverse wildlife on Kinabatangan River cruises.
Engage in activities like trekking, river cruises, and canopy walks in beautiful natural landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Click the Tabs to Find Out More
Itinerary
What You'll Do
Day 1
Arrive at the airport and transfer to your first hotel in Borneo. Spent the first day in Kuching with a guided walking tour to explore Kuching historical quarters and learn about its unique history. Along the heritage trail, sample some of the most popular local street food.
Day 2
You will experience a thrilling trekking adventure at the Bako National Park. This is one of the best places in Sarawak to witness Borneo’s diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.
- Drive to Kampung Bako jetty and take a boat ride to the National Park headquarters.
- Witness the diverse wildlife of Bako, including proboscis monkeys, macaques, wild boars, snakes, and monitor lizards.
- Explore several trails inside the park, each offering unique sights and ecosystems.
- Witness the stunning coastline of Bako with its cliffs, sea stacks, and sandy beaches.
- Enjoy lunch at the national park canteen.
- Return boat trip back to the mainland with more opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Transfer back to your city hotel after reaching the Kampung Bako jetty.
- Total Trekking Distance: 5km
Meals: 1 Breakfast (D2) , 1 Lunch (D2)
Accommodation: Kuching Imperial Riverbank Hotel, 3 stars
The journey from your hotel to the Iban’s heartland of Batang Ai takes about 4 hours, passing padi fields, pepper plantations, farms, roadside kampungs, and tropical jungles. You’ll stop at Serian and have lunch at Lachau. Upon arrival at the Batang Ai Dam, you’ll board a native boat for an upriver journey to an Iban Longhouse to experience the Iban culture of the descendants of the feared warriors. In the evening, enjoy a native dinner prepared by your guide, followed by rounds of tuak, Iban’s home-made rice wine. Overnight in the longhouse or dormitory-style accommodation. The next day, after breakfast, enjoy the pristine surrounding jungle with an upriver trip, and take a nature walk to learn about native farming and Iban burial practices. Enjoy lunch traditionally cooked in bamboo or stone BBQ pits. Bring swimwear as the river waters may be clear and refreshingly cool if there’s no rain. On the third day, you’ll say goodbye to your hosts after breakfast and return to the river jetty for your journey back to the city. Lunch at a local cafe and drop off at your city hotel.
- Day 1: Journey to Batang Ai: Travel 4 hours through scenic landscapes, stopping at Serian and Lachau for lunch, before an upriver boat ride to an Iban Longhouse. Immerse yourself in Iban culture with a native dinner, traditional rice wine (tuak), and overnight stay.
- Day 2: Nature and Culture: Explore the surrounding jungle, enjoy an upriver trip, and learn about Iban farming and burial practices. Relish a traditional bamboo-cooked lunch and take a refreshing swim in the clear river.
- Day 3: Farewell to the Iban: After breakfast, bid goodbye to your hosts and return to the river jetty for your journey back to the city. Stop for lunch at a local café before arriving at your hotel.
- Cultural Immersion: Throughout the trip, experience authentic Iban traditions and the pristine natural beauty of Batang Ai.
Meals: 3 Breakfast (D3,4&5) , 3 Lunch (D3,4&5), 2 Dinner (D3,4)
Accommodation:
- Days 3 and 4: Batang Ai Longhouse (basic accommodation)
- Day 5: Imperial Riverbank Hotel, 3 stars
The journey begins with a transfer from Kuching airport to Kota Kinabalu early in the morning. Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu,we head straight to Mount Kinabalu to experience the beauty and history of Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs on this full-day tour.
- Journey Inland: Travel through scenic villages and paddy fields en route to Kinabalu Park.
- Mount Kinabalu Views: Marvel at Southeast Asia’s tallest peak and its valleys on a clear day.
- Nabalu Market Stop: Shop for local crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs.
- Kinabalu Park Visit: Explore Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its biodiversity.
- Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant near Poring Hot Springs.
- Poring Hot Springs: Relax in soothing sulfur baths with therapeutic properties. Trek to the Canopy Walkway and admire the stunning views of the tropical jungle.
- Cultural Highlights: Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural beauty of Sabah.
- Return to Kota Kinabalu: End the day with a scenic 3-hour journey back to the city. Check into your city hotel and unwind with free time to explore Kota Kinabalu’s vibrant nightlife, sample local cuisine, or simply relax.
Meals: 1 Breakfast , 1 Lunch , 1 Dinner
Accommodation: Dreamtel Hotel, 3 stars or similar
Flight: Kuching to Kota Kinabalu [ AK 6350 0700 (KCH) – 0825 (BKI) ] with 25 kg luggage
Fly from Kota Kinabalu to the Northern Coast of Sabah to discover some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Borneo.
- Flight to Sandakan and Check-In: Take a 50-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, followed by a short drive to Sepilok, where you’ll check into your resort.
- Sepilok Orangutan Centre: After lunch, visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for the 2:00 PM feeding and learn about the conservation efforts.
- Nature Exploration: Explore the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and enjoy the 363m canopy walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, a prime spot for birdwatching.
- Relax and Stay: Unwind at the resort with a swim in the jungle lodge pool, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Accommodation: Resort @ Sepilok, Sepilok Jungle Resort, or similar
Flight: Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan [ AK6490 0945 (BKI) – 1035 (SDK) ] with 25 kg luggage
Transfer to Kinabatangan River, to experience the best of Borneo’s nature and wildlife. The Kinabatangan River is one of best places in Borneo to spot wildlife including our red-haired cousins the orangutan, proboscis monkeys, Tarsiers, and also sightings of the endemic Bornean Pygmy Elephant. The best way to enjoy the river and her wild inhabitants are by jumping on a boat during the early hours of dusk and dawn.
Day 8:
- Breakfast and City Tour: Begin the day with breakfast, followed by a Sandakan city tour including a visit to the local market and the charming English Tea House.
- Transfer to Kinabatangan River: Journey to the Kinabatangan River, renowned for its rich biodiversity and iconic wildlife.
- Check-In at River Lodge: Arrive at the lodge and settle into your accommodations surrounded by nature.
- Late Afternoon Wildlife Cruise: Embark on a boat cruise at dusk to spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys, tarsiers, and Bornean pygmy elephants.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner and relax with an overnight stay at the river lodge.
Day 9:
- Early Morning River Cruise: Wake early for a 6:00 AM boat cruise, the perfect time to observe the river’s vibrant wildlife in action.
- Evening Wildlife Cruise: Explore a different stretch of the Kinabatangan River on a late evening cruise for more wildlife encounters.
- Dinner and Second Overnight Stay: Return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful second night surrounded by the natural beauty of Kinabatangan.
Meals: 2 Breakfast (D8 & 9), 2 Lunch (D8 & 9), 2 Dinner (D8 & 9)
Accommodation: River lodge @ Kinabatangan River, Bilit Adventure Lodge or similar
Today the tour concludes. After breakfast you will be transferred to Sandakan airport.
Meals: 1 Breakfast
Trip Details
Price
Price per Adult (13+ years old): RM 7,900
Children (3-12), Ex – Bed: RM 5,925
Young Children (0-2), Sharing Bed: RM 2,370
Single Supplement (non-sharing room) : RM 1,100
Minimum 2 Adults to guarantee departure
Based on Twin Sharing Room basis
Departure Time
Depending on flight arrival
Meeting Point
Kuching International Airport
Tour End
Sandakan Airport
Availability
Valid till: 31/03/2025
Duration
10 days, 9 nights
Group Size
2 to 8 persons
What's Included
- Transportation & English- speaking driver/guide
- Meals are provided as stated in the itinerary
- Twin sharing room:
- 3 nights @ Kuching Imperial Riverbank 3-star hotel, or similar
- 2 nights @ Batang Ai Longhouse , Basic or similar
- 1 nights @ Kota Kinabalu Dreamtel Hotel, 3 stars, or similar
- 1 nights @ Sepilok Jungle Resort, 3 stars, or similar
- 2 nights @ River lodge @ Kinabatangan River, Bilit Adventure Lodge or similar
Domestic flight
- Kuching to Kota Kinabalu [ AK 6350 0700 (KCH) – 0825 (BKI) ] with 25 kg luggage
- Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan [ AK6490 0945 (BKI) – 1035 (SDK) ] with 25 kg luggage
Tour excursions:
- Bako National Park
- 3-day Batang Ai Longhouse Excursion
- Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs (canopy walk and hot springs)
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation
- Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre
- 2-day Kinabatangan River cruises
Not Included
- International flight connection to Borneo (ie. Kuching and from Kota Kinabalu)
- Juices and alcoholic beverages
- Tourism tax MYR 10.00 per bed/room is applicable for foreigners or non-Malaysians, payable upon check-in
- Tip/gratuity is at your discretion
- Camera & video fees at certain site visits
- Medical & travel insurance
- Hotel accommodation after the tour ends
- Any other items not in the tour itinerary
What to Bring
- Multiple sets of spare casual clothing, including long trousers and shorts, hat/cap, swimming costumes, sandals, and extra walking shoes.
- Personal care: small towel, toiletries, personal medication, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
- Camera and chargers, dry bag, torch/flashlight, and sunglasses.
- On day trips, bring snacks and extra mineral water.
- Passport with 6 months validity and spare pages (additional immigration check at Sarawak’s entry points) and travel insurance details.
Good to Know
- We recommend guests bring your own refillable water bottles and avoid using one-off plastic water bottles.
- During our tours, we recycle wherever possible, and try to keep our waste as low as possible. We discourage the use of plastic bags, and suggest that you bring your own dry bag or small waterproof backpack.
- Check out OUR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM COMMITMENT.(opens in a new tab)
- Please do not take pieces of coral or other endangered plant life home as a souvenir.
See What Our Guests Are Saying
I went on a great walking food tour with Delilah, who was an excellent guide. In addition to eating all manner of interesting goodies, from restaurants, street vendors and hawker courts, Delilah gave us a great historical and cultural look at Kuching too. Highly recommended. Skip breakfast and come empty!
This is my second trip to Kuching and my second time booking day trips with Paradesa and they did not disappoint. On this trip, I had my 8 year old and my 70++ parents with me and we did the Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary & Annah Rais Longhouse Day trip and the Wetlands Cruise. On each occasion, the guides assigned were helpful, informative and attentive to our varying needs (young and elderly both taken care of).
