8-Day Borneo Classic Highlights

Arrive at the airport and transfer to your first hotel in Borneo. Spend the second 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. In the late afternoon, spot for Irrawaddy dolphins, shorebirds and monkeys, as you cruise through the flooded mangrove forest of Kuching Wetlands National Park on a half-day wildlife excursion from Kuching.

Meals: 1 Breakfast (D2) , 1 Lunch (D2)
Accommodation: The Marian Lodging House 2-star hotel, Kuching Imperial
Riverbank 3-star hotel, or similar

Explore some fascinating caverns in the gold-mining town of Bau, surrounded by spectacular limestone Karst mountain. The tour begins with a 40-minute drive from Kuching to Fairy Cave Nature Reserve with an impressive huge chamber halfway up a mountain. Wander through the mysterious chambers and spot fruit bats and birds dwelling in the caverns. After the cave discovery, journey to Annah Rais Longhouse to explore a traditional Bidayuh village and learn about their headhunter history and traditions! Built from wood and bamboo, the longhouse houses over 80 families and has a 200-year history. The tour includes a visit to the sacred room where old human skulls are still worshiped. The rich cultural experience is complemented by a culinary one – you will be welcomed to a delicious Bidayuh meal with your longhouse host before heading back to your city hotel.

Meals: 1 Breakfast , 1 Lunch
Accommodation: Annah Rais Longhouse

The next day, visit Bako National Park, one of Borneo’s oldest national parks, where you can explore its forests and wildlife. Enjoy a day of trekking through the rainforest and a 20-minute boat cruise to the Bako Peninsula. Lunch is included at the park canteen. After checking out from the hotel you will be transferred to the airport to catch a flight from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival in this seafront city, check into the city hotel.

Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Flight: Kuching – Kota Kinabalu [ FY2563 1805 (KCH) – 1945 (BKI) ]
Accommodation: Dreamtel Hotel, 3 stars or similar

The next day, 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. The tour concludes with a 3-hour return journey to Kota Kinabalu.

Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Accommodation: The Marian Lodging House 2-star hotel, Kuching Imperial
Riverbank 3-star hotel, or similar

Take a 50 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.

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. After checking in the river lodge, take a late afternoon wildlife cruise before dinner and overnight stay at the river lodge.

Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Accommodation: River lodge @ Kinabatangan River, Bilit Adventure Lodge or similar

Next day, wake up early for an early river cruise at about 6.00 am. Return to the river lodge for breakfast. After breakfast you will be transferred to Sandakan airport for your onward travel.

Meals: 1 Breakfast