Highlights of Borneo

Discover Kuching’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and daily life on this walking tour. Start at the city’s picturesque waterfront, along the south bank of the Sarawak River. Accompanied by your guide, visit the ancient Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple and the Chinese History Museum nearby. From here, catch a glimpse of Fort Margherita, perched across the river. Your guide will share interesting anecdotes and historical facts as you walk along. Next, view the colonial architecture built during the Brooke Dynasty era. Admire the Round Tower, the Pavilion, the Brooke Memorial Monument, the Square Tower, and the stately Old Court House. Listen to captivating stories about the ‘White Rajahs’ and their influence on Kuching. Stroll across Gambier Street, where the air is filled with the aromas from traditional spice shops. Head towards Brooke Dockyard and pass the lively, open-air Tower Market. This is a good spot to experience the vibrant local life and perhaps sample some treats. Finally, your guide will take you through Merdeka Square and drop you off at the Borneo Cultures Museum. The world-class museum showcases the cultural and natural heritage of Borneo through extensive collections, interactive exhibits, and diverse themed galleries. Explore at your own pace before you wrap up your tour. (Duration: half day; Time: 0800 hrs/1300 hrs; Private activity; Borneo Cultures Museum is self-explore; Transfers not required; No meals included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Please carry a bottle of water and a hat; Please note that the Borneo Cultures Museum is closed during major public holidays; Best time to visit: Apr – Sep)

Venture out and explore the caves and karst formations in the UNESCO-listed Gunung Mulu National Park while staying at a hotel in Mulu. Begin with a trek to Lang Cave, which has beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. You’ll also see some gravity-defining helictites, and delicate and translucent cave worms. Then, head to the Deer Cave that boasts the world’s largest cave passage. Stroll through the Sarawak Chamber, which contains gigantic stalagmites and wind your way to the Garden of Eden with its lush vegetation. Witness the phenomenon of millions of bats and swiftlets emerging from the depths of darkness to perform a ballet in the twilight sky, before heading back to your hotel. The next morning, ride a longboat on the Melinau River and see locals going about their daily chores. Stop at the Penan Longhouse Market where woven baskets, blowpipes and trinkets are sold. Continue to the Wind Cave, so called for the cool breeze you experience in its narrower parts. Admire the numerous rock formations before visiting the King’s Chamber. You’ll find an incredible array of stalactites and stalagmites with intricate patterns. Finally, ascend 200 steps to the massive Clearwater Cave. Amble along the well-lit network of walkways and bridges and view the subterranean river that runs through its center. The next day, after breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some free time before heading to the airport. (Duration: 3 days / 2 nights; shared activity & transfers; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Best time to travel: Oct-Apr; Please bring walking shoes; Penan Longhouse Market is closed on Sun, packed lunch on day 2 included)

Immerse yourself in Malaysia’s natural beauty with a visit to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands. In the morning, take a shared ferry boat from Sabah to Pulau Gaya, the largest of the park’s islands. Known for its lowland forests, the island is full of lush greenery and interesting wildlife. Trek across its mangrove forests and explore its coastal vegetation and hidden coves for 1.5 hours. Then, take a short boat ride to the nearby Sapi Island. Discover its crystal waters by snorkeling and observe colorful marine life. Relax on the white sand beaches with a chilled beverage in hand. There are also scenic trails into the island’s forests that you could hike. Later, tuck into a freshly-prepared barbecue lunch. Finally, take the boat back to Sabah jetty, from where you will be driven back to your hotel. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity; Shared transfers; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Life jackets, mask, and snorkel gear provided)

Explore the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center where you can admire a playful bunch of apes swinging from branch to branch. This center is home to orphaned and injured orangutans who are nursed and trained to re-enter the forest. The best view of these magnificent apes is from the feeding platforms, where animal caregivers feed them bananas and milk twice a day. Wander through the tall industrial trees in Borneo’s forest and experience its rich, tropical flora and fauna. Spend time at the outdoor nursery, where infant orangutans are taught how to survive in the wild. You will be chuckling away as you watch these hapless babies being taught to swing and climb trees. Stop by the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, to observe the smallest bears in the world, which are native to Malaysia. Be enchanted by a stroll through the Rainforest Discovery Center, as you walk on canopy walkways and admire unique and exotic plants and orchid gardens. (group Activity & Transfer, Time of the day: Morning; Duration: 2 hrs ; Fitness Level: Easy; please wear comfortable shoes. The feeding sessions is at 1000 hrs .Guests are allowed to stay for a maximum of two hours per visit)

Explore the biodiversity of the Kinabatangan region on this wilderness getaway at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort. Your multi-day adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Sandakan or on arrival at the airport. Travel by shared vehicle to the resort, stopping en route at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Enjoy a tour of this facility that is engaged in nursing back to health rehabilitated orangutans. At the adjacent Bornean Sunbear Conservation Center, you will get to see and photograph the world’s smallest and least known bear species, the Malayan sun bear. After, continue driving till you reach the jetty at Sandakan Yacht Club, from where a boat will take you to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort. During the hour-and-a-half long cruise, soak in views of the Berhala Island with its dramatic dusky pick sandstone cliffs. Pass the palm lined coastline and lush mangroves, and watch for wildlife such as wild orangutans, various monkey species, and mudskippers. Once you reach the resort, check into your comfortable accommodation and savor lunch. You will get a quick briefing about the activities in store and safety precautions. After a hot cup of coffee or tea paired with goreng pisang, local-style banana fritters, set off on a river expedition in search of flora and fauna. In addition to wild orangutans, the area is home to pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys among others. Capture gorgeous images of the river landscape at dusk, and also try photographing fireflies in lowlight conditions. Post dinner, go on a guided night stroll on the boardwalk, keeping an eye out for nocturnal animals and insects. Wake up early the next day and set off on a cruise on Danau Pitas, or Oxbow Lake, in search of more animal and bird species. As you glide on the water, relish a packed breakfast. Step ashore at the fishing village of Kampung Abai. Interact with the Orang Sungai people and get a glimpse of their daily lives before you return to the resort for a sumptuous breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy yet another cruise followed by dinner. On your post-dinner river safari, continue your search for the elusive night animals. On the third and final day of your getaway, you could walk on the nature boardwalk on your own and indulge in one last round of wildlife spotting. Later, check out and return to Sandakan by boat, cruising past charming fishing villages. After disembarking at Sandakan Yacht Club, you will transfer to the airport for your onward journey. (Duration: 3 days/2 nights; Shared activity & transfers; All meals included; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Best time to visit: Apr – Oct)

Day 1: Immerse yourself in the serenity of Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Journey for one hour on a gravel path from the seaside town of Lahad Datu to the reserve. Your day involves a 20-minute trek up to Lipad volcano. The elevated mount is lined with animal footprints from deer to boars and even the elusive Pygmy elephant. You could spot the animals and birds, busy licking for mineral deposits around the bubbling volcano. After a delicious dinner, set out on a hunt for the nocturnal variety of wildlife. Day 2: The following morning, venture into the deep interiors of Tabin. Pass through through the lush greenery of the rainforest, encountering wildlife and birds along the way. The refreshing Lipad waterfall is a stop you don’t want to miss. Trek back to the resort and embark on a bird watching expedition at dusk. Look out for Borneo’s horn bills, doves and babbler. Take advantage of the sunset for another nocturnal wildlife adventure. Day 3: After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely stroll to the riverside or rock pool nearby. Spend some time relaxing in your surroundings or swimming. Afterwards, it is time to say goodbye to this charming park. (Full Day; Shared Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy, Please bring walking shoes, swimwear, binoculars, towels, sunblock, insect repellent, leech socks, personal toiletries, torchlight and raincoat.)