19D 18N Epic Borneo Overland Tour

Arrive at the Kuching International 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. The next day, visit Bako National Park, one of Borneo’s oldest national parks, by a 20-minute boat cruise to the Bako Peninsula where you can explore its forests and wildlife. Enjoy a day of trekking through the rainforest and spend the day spotting proboscis monkeys, wild boars, exotic birds, and snakes. Lunch is included at the park canteen.

Accommodation: Kuching Imperial Riverbank Hotel 3* or similar
Meals: 1 Breakfast (Day 2), 1 Lunch (Day 2)

Drive along the Sarawak coastal way and immerse yourself in local culture and traditions as you visit a Chinese Temple and Malay fishing villages. We’ll take a 1-hour drive to Beliong jetty, where a traditional sampan boat will whisk you across the Samarahan River to Beliong Island, a hidden gem nestled amidst mangroves. Here, vibrant communities of Malays, Chinese, and Iban, along with the Beliong Temple, paint a picture of a once vibrant coastal settlement.

As we continue northeastward, we’ll cross two significant rivers, one via a 1.48-km long bridge and the other on a unique 2.8-km car ferry crossing, before arriving at Kampung Hilir Maludam, a peaceful Malay fishing village, where we’ll check into a local hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals and exploring the quaint Malay fishing village. If it’s the time of the season, we will be able to watch jellyfish and dry fish processing in the local village during the kampong walking tour. Take part in a Malay traditional baking class in the neighborhood and learn age-old techniques to create delicious local delicacies. We then join a family dinner with our local host for a full experience of a traditional Malay fishing village.

1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Accommodation: Maludam Hotel 1* or similar

Today, explore Maludam National Park for its iconic wildlife. After breakfast, take a 2-hour boat ride to discover Maludam National Park, where the iconic proboscis monkeys with their bulbous noses swing through the trees. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Red Banded Langur, a testament to the park’s biodiversity.

After the cruise, you will do a 3-hour scenic overland journey to visit Ulu Sarikei Longhouse to meet your Iban longhouse host. Take part in local farm activities such as rubber tapping and pepper processing. Hike to a nearby waterfall and exchange stories with the longhouse folks over dinner. Sleep on a mattress under a mosquito net in the simple longhouse accommodation.

1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Accommodation: Ulu Sarikei Longhouse

Drive to Sibu and try out some of the local favorite street food at a local hawker center. Join the Sibu Heritage Trail and visit the bustling Sibu market, one of the largest in Malaysia. Take a leisurely stroll on a beautiful esplanade alongside one of the longest rivers in Borneo; the Rajang River. Enjoy the modern town of Sibu in a local restaurant before settling into the comfort of Sibu Kingwood Hotel.

1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Accommodation: Sibu Kingwood Hotel

Embark on an immersive journey along the Rajang River to Mukah, where time seems to have stood still. Cruise the Igan River and experience the Melanau way of life as the boat stops to pick up goods and passengers. Learn about the Melanau people’s customs, hierarchy, and craft in Kg Tellian. Go for a leisure boat cruise along the Tellian River to witness traditional cottage industries. End the day with a stroll on Kaul Beach and a seafood dinner.

On the second day, Visit a local sago processing center, a cottage industry that produces sago pearls the traditional way. Visit the bustling fish market and witness how fishmongers prepare Umai (raw fish). Visit other cottage industries in the area such as Tebaloi (sago biscuit) making. Visit Lamin Dana Handicraft Center to learn and understand Melanau handicraft. Learn the art of batik printing using sago starch and nipah leaves craft making.

Accommodation Day 6-7: Lamin Dana Homestay
Meals: 2 Breakfasts (Day 6, 7), 2 Lunches (Day 6, 7), and 2 Dinners (Day 6, 7)

The next day, depart to Mukah Airport for a short 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 9, explore the natural wonders of Miri by heading to Niah National Park, 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.

Accommodation Day 8-9: Miri Imperial Palace Hotel 4* or Similar
Flight: Mukah – Miri (MH 3552) 13:55 – 15:00
Meals: 2 Breakfasts (Day 8, 9), 2 Lunches (Day 8, 9)

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.

Accommodation Day 10: Miri Imperial Palace Hotel, 4 stars
Meals: Breakfast (Day 10), Lunch (Day 10)

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Miri airport for departure flight out to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival to Kota Kinabalu, take a transfer to Tempurung Golden Beach Resort.

The next day, we go for a visit to Pulau Tiga Park, also known as Survivor Island for its ascent to fame through the reality TV series. The island offers beautiful landscapes and marine life, and we can swim or snorkel.

After lunch, we return to Kuala Penyu jetty and enjoy a late lunch at Tempurung Golden Beach Resort. In the evening, we embark on a firefly boat trip in the Klias River mangroves, where we can spot proboscis monkeys and long-tailed macaques.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on both days

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

Accommodation: Tempurung Golden Beach Resort, 1 star or similar

Day 11:

• Fly from Miri to Kota Kinabalu, then get ready for some marine discovery
• Transfer to Tempurung Golden Beach Resort
• Overnight stay in peaceful beach chalet at Tempurung Golden Beach Resort

Day 12

• Visit Pulau Tiga Park (Survivor Island) of the reality TV series, ‘Survivor’ fame
• 30-minute boat ride from Kuala Penyu Town jetty to island
• Swim or snorkel in clear turquoise waters
• Light refreshments served on island
• Jungle trekking to mud volcano for mud bath
• Boat transfer back to Kuala Penyu jetty
• Late lunch at Tempurung Golden Beach Resort
• Firefly boat trip in the mangroves of Klias River. There are chances of spotting proboscis monkeys and long-tail macaque
• Traditional fish dinner at restaurant near jetty
• Free time to relax and explore deserted beaches
• Seafood steamboat dinner at the beach patio of the resort after sunset beach walk.

Accommodation Day 11-12: Tempurung Golden Beach Resort

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

Meals: 2 Breakfast (Day 11, 12), 1 Lunch (Day 12), and 2 Dinners (Day 11, 12)

Experience the rich history of Kota Kinabalu on a guided heritage walk. Stroll along the city’s streets and landmarks, each with a story dating back to before and after the 2nd World War and; post-independence days. Enjoy local flavours with a lunch stop at a local eatery before souvenir shopping at the waterfront. Each guest will receive a copy of the KK Heritage Guidebook to continue their exploration of the city’s vibrant past.

Accommodation Day 13-14: Dreamtel Hotel 3* or similar
Meals: 2 Breakfasts (Day 13, 14) and 2 Lunches (Day 13, 14)

Experience the beauty and history of Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs on this full-day tour. Visit the WWII War Memorial Park and local market before soaking in the natural hot springs and trekking to the Canopy Walkway. End the day with a unique spa treatment at the Sungai Moroli Fish Spa and dinner at Sabah Tea Garden.

Accommodation Day 15: Sabah Tea Resort 3* or similar
Meals: 1 Breakfast (Day 15), 1 Lunch (Day 15) , and 1 Dinner (Day 15)

Drive a 3.5-hour journey overland to Sepilok, near Sandakan, to 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.

Accommodation Day 16: Sepilok Jungle Resort
Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Explore the diverse wildlife and culture of Sabah, Malaysia on this 4-day portion of your Borneo overland tour. From the stunning Kinabalu Park to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan River, experience the best of Borneo’s nature and wildlife. Indulge in local cuisine and immerse in the history and culture of Sandakan city. This adventure-packed tour is perfect for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Accommodation Day 17-18: Bilit Adventure Lodge
Meals: 2 Breakfasts (Day 17, 18), 2 Lunches (Day 17, 18) and 2 Dinners (Day 17, 18)

Today the tour concludes. After breakfast you will be transferred to Sandakan airport. 

Meals: 1 Breakfast