13-Day Classic Borneo Tour: Sarawak & Sabah

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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 for a domestic flight to Mulu. The extensive underground system in Mulu includes the spectacular and immense Sarawak Chamber which is the largest known natural cave chamber in the world. This is where you can also watch the spectacular bat flights in their pre-dawn cave exit. On day 2, visit Deer Cave and Clearwater Cave which are one of the largest single cave passages and one of the longest caves in the world respectively and ends with a picnic lunch at Clearwater summer huts. Experience Mulu’s natural wonders in this 3 Days 2 Nights stay at the Mulu National Park accommodation. 

Day 6

• Upon arrival in Mulu, transfer to the Park Headquarters for check-in at park chalet.
• Proceed on a 3-km plank walk to explore Deer Cave and Lang Cave.
• Marvel at the enormous size of Deer Cave and the beauty of Lang Cave’s limestone formations.
• Witness the great Mulu bat exodus spectacle at the bats observatory (weather permitting).
• Return journey on the same plank walk back to park headquarters.
• Total Trekking Distance: 5.6km

Day 7

• Stop over at Batu Bungan, a Penan settlement, and learn about the lifestyle of the nomadic tribe of Sarawak. Get your hands on some Penan handicrafts.
• Travel by longboat to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave, located along the Melinau River.
• Marvel at the limestone formations at Wind Cave and feel the cool breezes blowing through the King’s Room.
• Take the 200-steps stairs to the entrance of Clearwater Cave, one of the longest cave systems in the world.
• Relax by the crystal clear water pool outside the cave or take a dip if you like.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch at Clearwater summer huts before heading back to the park headquarters by longboat in the late afternoon.
• Total Trekking Distance: 4.7km

Meals: 2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Flight: Kuching to Mulu [ MH3752 1035 (KCH) – 1215 (MZV) ]

Accommodation: Park Garden Bungalow

Day 8 

Checkout before noon and transfer to Mulu airport for the departure flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival in this seafront city, check into the city hotel. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore the seafront promenade at leisure or souvenir shopping at one of the old streets. 

Day 9

The next day, 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.

Meals: 2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Flight: Mulu – Kota Kinabalu [ MH3252 1240 (MZV) – 1335 (BKI) ]

Accommodation: Dreamtel Hotel, 3 stars or similar

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 11:

• 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 12: 

•  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 (D11 & 12), 2 Lunch (D11 & 12), 2 Dinner (D11 & 12) 

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