15-Day Borneo Multi-Center Holiday

Day 1

Arrive at the airport and transfer to your first hotel in Borneo. Spend the first day in Kuching, the “City of Cat,” exploring its historical quarters and museums at your own pace. 

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:  Breakfast ( D4, 5, 6), Lunch (D4, 5, 6), Dinner (D4, 5)

Accommodation: 

• Days 4 and 5: Batang Ai Longhouse (basic accommodation)
• Day 6: Imperial Riverbank Hotel, 3 stars

The next day, take a quick transfer to Kuching International Airport for a flight to Miri. Upon arriving at Miri, the journey continues with a visit to the Piasau Nature Reserve. This is an opportunity to spot the storied resident Oriental Pied Hornbill couple before checking into your hotel. On Day 7, explore the natural wonders near Miri by heading to the UNESCO Niah National Park’s Caves Complex heritage site, the home to the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia. This breathtaking rainforest has a rich diversity of plants, animal life and ancient caves with paintings. End your adventure with a local lunch in Niah town before returning to your hotel in the city of Miri.

Day 6

• Morning: Transfer from Kuching International Airport to Miri by flight.
• Afternoon: Visit Piasau Nature Reserve, where you may encounter the famed Oriental Pied Hornbill couple.
• Evening: Check-in at your hotel and enjoy leisure time in Miri.

Day 7

• Morning: Explore Niah National Park, renowned for its ancient caves, rainforest biodiversity, and historic significance as the site of Southeast Asia’s oldest human remains.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a local lunch in Niah town.
• Evening: Return to your hotel in Miri to relax or explore the city further.

Meals:  2 Breakfast & 2 Lunch 

Accommodation: Miri Imperial Palace Hotel, 4 stars

Flight : Kuching to Miri (Airasia AK 6180 06:00 (KCH) – 07:05 (MYY), with 25 kg luggage

The tour crosses international borders today for a visit to Brunei, a wealthy country with a rich petroleum industry.

We go on a day trip to the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan — home to the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque and a 16th-century royal barge replica. Delve into the history of Brunei with a visit to the Brunei National Museum and The Royal Regalia Center.

Before we head for lunch at a local restaurant, we make a photo stop at Kampong Ayer (Water Village). In the afternoon, we return to Miri via a  2-hour overland transfer. Feel free to discover Miri City at your own pace on the remaining day. Dinner free and easy at your own expense. 

1. Overland Transfer to Brunei: Travel to Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, known for its wealth and rich heritage.
2. Cultural Highlights: Visit the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, a 16th-century royal barge replica, Brunei National Museum, and The Royal Regalia Center.
3. Photo Stop and Lunch: Enjoy a stop at Kampong Ayer (Water Village) and savor lunch at a local restaurant.
4. Return to Miri: Conclude the day with a 2-hour overland transfer back to Miri.

Meals:  1 Breakfast & 1 Lunch

Accommodation: Miri Imperial Palace Hotel, 4 stars

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Miri airport for a departure flight out to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu, take a transfer to the city center hotel with free time in the afternoon to explore the seafront promenade at leisure. 

The next day, immerse yourself in the beauty of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park with a visit to Manukan Island, the park’s second-largest island, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. Begin your adventure with a speedboat ride from Kota Kinabalu jetty to the island. Spend your day swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the sandy shores. At midday, savor a delicious picnic lunch surrounded by the island’s natural splendor. In the afternoon, return to the city by speedboat, where the evening is yours to explore. Enjoy dinner at your leisure, with plenty of dining options available at the vibrant waterfront area.

Day 9:

• Morning in Miri: Enjoy leisure time exploring Miri City, followed by checkout, lunch, and transfer to Miri Airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu.
• Enjoy free time to explore the city’s seafront promenade, a lively area filled with cafes, local shops, and sunset views.

Day 10

• Morning: Excursion to Manukan Island for a day of fun swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach.
• Afternoon:
  • After picnic lunch, transfer to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu city center.
  • Shop for souvenirs and local crafts at the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront Market.

Meals: 2 Breakfast , 1 Lunch 

Flight: Miri to Kota Kinabalu  (AK 6072 14:40 (MYY) – 15:30 (BKI)

Accommodation: Dreamtel Hotel, 3 stars or similar

Experience the beauty and history of Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs on this full-day tour. We head inland to discover the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia, passing villages and paddy fields along the mountainous road. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding valleys.

We make a stop at Nabalu Market to shop for local natives products, homegrown vegetables, and handmade crafts. Kinabalu Park is Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its universal values and biological sites. Lunch is at a local restaurant near Poring Hot Springs, where you can soak in Japanese baths filled with sulfur water and trek to the Canopy Walkway. Transfer back to the city hotel. 

• Morning:
  • Depart Kota Kinabalu and head to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and stunning mountain views.
  • Visit the WWII War Memorial Park, commemorating the sacrifices of war heroes.
  • Stop by a local market to experience the vibrant culture and pick up fresh produce or handicrafts.
• Afternoon:
  • Arrive at Poring Hot Springs to relax in the soothing mineral-rich waters.
  • Embark on a trek to the Canopy Walkway, where you can admire panoramic views of the rainforest.

Meals: 1 Breakfast , 1 Lunch , 1 Dinner

Accommodation: Dreamtel Hotel, 3 stars or similar

Take a 40-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and a short drive to Sepilok. Check into the resort at Sepilok. After lunch, proceed to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for the 1400hrs feeding time before visiting the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. The main highlight is its 363m long canopy walkway which is one of the best places in Borneo to spot the many endemic Borneo bird species. After that, relax or go for a swim in the jungle lodge pool. Dinner and overnight at the resort.

• Morning:
  • Flight to Sandakan and drive to Sepilok.
  • Check into a jungle resort upon arrival and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for the 2:00 PM feeding session and learn about their conservation efforts.
  • Stop by the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the smallest bear species in the world.
  • Head to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, featuring the 363-meter-long canopy walkway, perfect for birdwatching and soaking in the vibrant rainforest atmosphere.
• Evening:
  • Relax at the resort with an optional swim in the jungle lodge pool.
  • Savor a delicious dinner and enjoy an overnight stay surrounded by nature.

Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner 

Accommodation: Resort @  Sepilok, Sepilok Jungle Resort, or similar

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 13:

• 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 15: 

•  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, 2 Lunch, 2 Dinner 

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