Borneo, the third largest island in the world, is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Bird watchers, botanists, cave enthusiasts, or just plain nature lovers, will rejoice in discovering the splendors of Borneo!
Inclusions
- 6 night guided vacation
- 6 nights accommodations
- 12 meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
- Domestic airfare Kota Kinibalu – Mulu- Kuching
- Transfers to all hotels and airports
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- English-speaking driver-guides
- Transportation via boat and vehicle
| Valid until March 31, 2024* | from $1575 including tax |
| Single Occupancy | add from $250 |
*Daily departures
Not included: International airfare – Gratuities to hotel personnel, guides and drivers – Beverages – Optional excursions – City tax to be paid to the hotels locally
Additional information:
LONGHOUSE:
Facilities are very basic in the longhouse. Accommodation is in a simple common area without air conditioning. No hot water showers. You sleep on individual mattresses and mosquito nets are provided.
WHAT TO BRING:
It is not advisable to bring your suitcase to the longhouse, instead carry a rucksack for the stay. Due to the basic conditions at the longhouse, you are advised to bring your own raincoat, hand torch, personal toiletries, light clothing preferably cotton materials, towel, body soap, walking shoes with rubber base/slippers, anti-malaria tablets, insect repellent, sun protection lotion and first aid kit.
Highlights
- KINABALU NATIONAL PARK
Kinabalu National Park, at 75,400 hectares, is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its biological splendors. - ORANG UTAN
Literally translated as “man of the forest”, the orang utan is endemic to the island of Borneo. - IBAN LONGHOUSE
Participate in the simple and peaceful life of the Iban natives and learn about their interesting cultural beliefs.
Day 1: KOTA KINABALU
Transfer to hotel upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour visiting the highest point for a panoramic view of Kota Kinabalu – The Signal Hill, Likas Bay, the exterior of Sabah Foundation building, Buddhist Temple, State Museum and the State Mosque.
Accommodation : Sabah Oriental Hotel 4* or similar
Day 2: KOTA KINABALU – KINABALU NATIONAL PARK – KOTA KINABALU (B/L)
A full day excursion to Kinabalu National Park, the base of the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Explore this botanist’s paradise with over a thousand species of orchids, numerous Rhododendrons, and pitcher plants as well as many species of birds. Enjoy a guided nature walk, the exhibition hall and a slide presentation.
Accommodation : Sabah Oriental Hotel 4* or similar
Day 3: KOTA KINABALU – MULU (BY AIR) (B/D)
Explore Mulu National Park home to the largest cave passage in the world is a paradise for naturalists. Mulu Park is known to have 1500 species of flowering plants, 170 species of wild orchids and 67 species of animals (sighting of animals is not guaranteed).
In the afternoon, enjoy the 3 km raised plank walk to explore the Deer and Lang Caves – the largest cave passage in the world. Walk through the peat swamp forest, and if weather permits, be mesmerized by millions of bats which are flying around the cave each evening.
Accommodation : Mulu Park Lodge (rustic lodge) – Deluxe garden bungalow or similar
Day 4: MULU – KUCHING (BY AIR) (B/L)
Continue to explore Mulu caves with a boat ride to Clearwater Cave. Swim in a crystal-clear water pool. Visit the Wind Cave and thereafter proceed to Batu Bungan Penan Settlement, to observe the tribe lifestyle and their handicraft heritage. Return to Mulu and proceed to the airport for your flight to Kuching.
Accommodation : The Limetree Hotel 3* or similar
Day 5: KUCHING (B)
Tour the City of Kuching viewing the Fort Margherita from the waterfront, (no public admission). Drive by many historical buildings, the South City Hall, the Square and Round Towers, the Colonial Courthouse and General Post Office. Visit Tua Pek Kong Temple – the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching and visit to Sarawak Museum. Enjoy the drive through Malay villages; explore the centre of the city passing through the colourful India Street and traditional shop-houses. If time permits, take a walk on the Waterfront with its outdoor cafes and watch sampans plying the Sarawak River ferrying passengers from one side of the river to the other. In the afternoon explore on your own this quaint City.
Accommodation : The Limetree Hotel 3* or similar
Day 6: KUCHING – SEMENGGOK ORANG UTANS – LONGHOUSE (B/L/D)
Visit the Semenggok Orang Utans Rehabilitation Centre that houses Orang Utans rescued from captivity, where they are nurtured and rehabilitated into their natural surroundings. Witness the feeding of the Orang Utans though sighting of these wild primates are not guaranteed. Enjoy a 4 ½ hrs journey to Batang Ai Dam passing rice fields, pepper plantations and local villages. Enjoy a boat journey for an immersive overnight longhouse stay experience with the Ibans natives who were once fearsome headhunters of Borneo. Mingle and participate in their daily chores or go for a dip in the river.
After dinner, get to know the Headman of the longhouse over a glass of rice wine, and be entertained with their traditional dances, learn the Ngajat, a graceful Warrior’s Dance.
Accommodation : Batang Ai Long House
Day 7: IBAN LONGHOUSE – KUCHING (B/L)
Wake up to the crows of the roosters. Try your hand at handling the blowpipe and witness native past time games. Depart for Kuching airport; departure flight time should be after 1700 hours.
