15 Day Inspiring Borneo

Selamat Datang! Welcome to Kuching, Borneo.

Sarawak’s eclectic capital city boasts plenty of old-world charm, with colonial-style architecture that hints at its past as the Land of the White Rajahs. Think historic landmarks, narrow streets lined with antique and craft shops, museums, a bustling waterfront and sampans plying the Sarawak that flows through it. 

Upon arrival, please make your own way to the starting hotel.  Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm with your tour leader.

Some options to consider locally include a taxi or Grab rideshare and costs around $A13. 
Alternatively, you can pre book an arrival transfer.

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

After breakfast, start the day with a short drive to a local longhouse. Upon arrival, be greeted with a traditional welcome dance by the longhouse community. Enjoy the unique experience of authentic Iban lifestyle and culture by exploring their village. End the visit with a cultural performance while enjoying lunch. This afternoon, return to your hotel in Kuching after lunch and feel free to explore the city.

Start your day with a 45-minute drive to Bako village and then, a 30-minute boat ride to Bako National Park. The oldest national park in Sarawak, Bako is famed for its striking limestone and sandstone cliffs, plant diversity and wildlife, particularly the proboscis monkey. Nature trails range from easy to challenging to suit any fitness level. Later, return to Kuching where the rest of the evening is free to spend at your leisure.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Mulu. You will be met upon arrival to journey onward to Mulu National Park Headquarters. World Heritage-listed Mulu Caves is a natural wonder of stunning landscapes and ecological biodiversity that beckon you to explore. Whether you are looking for a tranquil escape, a trekking adventure or to just be awed by the magnificent cave system, Mulu will tick off all those boxes and more. Stretch your legs on a 3km walk each way, to Deer Cave and Lang Cave, where beautifully lit cave formations and the mass exodus of bats from Deer Cave (which usually occurs during fine weather) will astound. 

Today is spent exploring Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave which are awe-inspiring in terms of magnitude and natural beauty. En route to the caves, visit a Penan settlement to observe the lifestyle of this once nomadic rainforest tribe. Relax over a picnic lunch before returning to the park headquarters where the rest of the day is free.

Check out from the hotel and transfer back to Mulu airport. Fly to Kota Kinabalu and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. 

Welcome to Kota Kinabalu! This bustling waterfront city is surrounded by nature with offshore coral islands, forest covered hills, scenic rivers and of course, Mt. Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia. Explore its street markets, dine on popular local and international cuisine, and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Asia. 

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Sandakan. 

Upon arrival, proceed to Kinabatangan. The 560km long Kinabatangan River flows through a floodplain teeming with wildlife that includes large mammals, primates, birds, reptiles and insects. A river boat cruise makes light work of wildlife spotting and bird watching but you can explore deeper into the riverine forest on foot to seek out the more elusive species. Take a short boat transfer to your resort. Time for orientation, tea break and check in. Afterwards, proceed for an afternoon cruise with the opportunity to view wildlife and birds in a virgin rainforest habitat. Finish the day with dinner and a jungle discovery night walk

Wake up to the calls of birds, insects, and animals. At around 6.00am take a morning jungle cruise before returning for breakfast at the resort. After breakfast, relax before setting out on a short jungle trek before lunch. This afternoon sees more discovery on an afternoon river cruise. 

After breakfast, continue to Sepilok. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour. As Sabah’s pre-war capital, Sandakan is rich in historical landmarks and monuments that include the

Sandakan Memorial Park, Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, St. Michael’s and All Angels church, and Agnes Keith Museum. Take tea at The English Tea House (Optional) and browse the central market for Sandakan’s local produce.

Today we visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Set up to help re-introduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. There's a short film about the orangutan rehabilitation process to watch in the reserve's interpretation centre. 

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center is also within walking distance. We will visit this wonderful new centre taking care of rescued Sun Bears that have spent many years mistreated. Borneo Sun Bear Conservation center is giving a better life to these bears by caring for them with the hope of reintroducing them back into the wild. Proceed for lunch before a rainforest discovery centre visit to learn about the fascinating flora and fauna of Borneo. We take a walk along the canopy walkway to see the jungle from above and visit the plant discovery garden. 

Please note there is a small camera fee charged locally.

After breakfast, check out from the resort and return to Sandakan. Fly to Kota Kinabalu where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.

Check out early this morning and travel to Kota Belud (approx 2hrs - change of vehicle required en-route). Arrive at the jetty and enjoy a 30-minute boat ride to Sutera Mantanani Resort. Set on a white sandy beach, the resort is located on the idyllic island of Mantanani Besar. Upon arrival, explore under the waves on a boat snorkeling trip before enjoying lunch. Tonight you are free to enjoy this beautiful gem of an island.

Enjoy a free day at your own leisure today! Be sure to check out some of the in-house activities available at the resort.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out and boarding your return boat to the mainland. Travel back to Kota Kinabalu before checking in at your hotel. Tonight is free to enjoy an optional group dinner.

There are no activities planned for the final day. At the appropriate time, please make your own way to the airport for your flight home.