8-Day Borneo Classic Highlights

Day 1

Arrive at the airport and transfer to your first hotel in Borneo. Enjoy your free time and a good rest before the tour begins. 

Day 2

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. 

• Heritage Trails: Walk through Kuching’s historical paths and charming villages, experiencing Sarawak’s rich history.
• Street Food Paradise: Taste iconic dishes like Sarawak Laksa, Kolo Mee, Tebaloi, and Kek Lapis, showcasing diverse Malay, Chinese, and tribal influences. Stops include Kopitiam (traditional coffee shops) and Hawker Centers.
• Sampan River Cruise: Cross the serene Sarawak River in a traditional boat, passing historic landmarks like the Astana Palace.
• Countryside Experience: Discover rural kampongs, sample unique snacks, and enjoy the local way of life.

In the late afternoon, spot for Irrawaddy dolphins, shorebirds and monkeys, as you cruise through the flooded mangrove forest of Kuching Wetlands National Park.

• Wildlife Cruise: Journey through the flooded mangrove forests of Kuching Wetlands, where the Santubong and Salak Rivers meet.
• Irrawaddy Dolphin Watch: Look for the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins in the estuaries and shallow coastal waters (sightings depend on tides).
• Firefly Display: After nightfall, see fireflies light up the mangrove trees, resembling sparkling Christmas lights.
• Crocodile Spotting: The sharp-eyed boatman searches for estuarine crocodiles; their eyes glow red under torchlight.
• Proboscis Monkeys: Spot these unique monkeys along the Salak River Delta, known for their large noses and playful behavior.
• Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles, and other shorebirds inhabiting the mangroves.
• Mangrove Ecosystem: Learn about the vital role of black and red mangrove trees (“Bako”) and the rich biodiversity they support.

Meals: 1 Breakfast , 1 Lunch
Accommodation: Kuching Imperial Riverbank Hotel, or similar 3 stars hotel

A full day of nature exploration and cultural immersion. The day starts off with exploring 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. 

Half-Day Bau Caverns Adventure

• Fairy Cave Exploration: Climb a series of stairs to reach the awe-inspiring main chamber, offering stunning views inside and out. Walk through eerie tunnels filled with bats and discover swiftlet nests and unique cave creatures thriving in this dark habitat.
• Impressive Formations: Marvel at “Alien”-like rock formations deep inside the cave, shaped by millennia of natural forces.

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.

Annah Rais Longhouse Cultural Tour

• Explore Bidayuh Culture: Walk through the living village with a guide, learning about the Land Dayaks’ history, architecture, and former headhunting traditions.
• Sacred Room Visit: See the revered room housing ancient human skulls, a glimpse into Bidayuh spiritual practices.
• Local Hospitality: Meet host families and savor freshly cooked bamboo chicken and wild jungle vegetables on the traditional longhouse patio.

Note: Fairy Cave closes every Monday, Wind Cave closes every Tuesday.

Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch 
Accommodation: Kuching Imperial Riverbank Hotel, or similar 3 stars hotel

The next day, 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

After picking up the luggage 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) ] with 25 kg luggage

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. 

• 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: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

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.

• Travel to Sepilok: Take a 50-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, followed by a short drive to check into your resort.
• Wildlife Encounters: Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for the 2:00 PM feeding, then explore the Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
• Rainforest Discovery: Walk the 363m canopy walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, a hotspot for spotting Borneo’s endemic birds.
• 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. 

• Transfer to Kinabatangan River: Overland journey to one of Borneo’s premier wildlife destinations.
• Check-In at River Lodge: Settle into your accommodations surrounded by nature.
• Wildlife Encounters: Enjoy a late afternoon cruise to spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys, tarsiers, and the elusive Bornean pygmy elephant.
• Evening at Leisure: Relish a hearty dinner and unwind for an overnight stay at the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 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