Highlights
Sepilok – Visit the renowned orangutan rehabilitation centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the vital work protecting two of Borneo's most iconic species. Kinabatangan River – Cruise one of Borneo's richest wildlife habitats in search of proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles and, with luck, pygmy elephants. Mulu National Park – Explore spectacular cave systems, dramatic limestone landscapes and ancient rainforest in one of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary protected areas.
Itinerary
Experience the very best of Malaysian Borneo on an unforgettable journey through the wild landscapes and rich cultures of Sabah and Sarawak. Search for wildlife in Bako National Park, encounter rehabilitated orangutans in Semenggoh and Sepilok, and spend a night in a traditional Bidayuh longhouse. Cruise the wildlife-rich Kinabatangan River in search of pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and hornbills, trek through the pristine rainforest of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and explore the spectacular cave systems of Mulu National Park. From ancient rainforests and mangrove-lined rivers to remote indigenous communities, this adventure offers an immersive insight into the remarkable biodiversity and cultural heritage that make Borneo one of the world's greatest natural treasures.
day 1Join trip in Kuching, the capital of the Sarawak region of Borneo
Our tour starts today in Kuching. The capital of Borneo's Sarawak region is a riverside city where culture, food and nature come together. It's the perfect jumping-off point to explore Borneo's wild side. For those arriving on time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Kuching International Airport (KCH), which is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will catch you up over breakfast on day 2. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, why not visit the waterfront for a bite to eat or drop by the fruit market to watch local life unfold.
day 2Visit a fishing village and cruise along Bako National Park's rainforest
day 3Visit Semenggoh Orangutan Wildlife Centre and sleep in a longhouse
day 4Walk in the Bornean countryside. Return to Kuching
day 5Fly to Mulu and afternoon exploration of Mulu National Park
day 6Explore limestone caves at Mulu Park and go on a treetop canopy walkway
day 7Fly to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Sabah region of Borneo
day 8Drive into Kinabalu National Park, lunch with the Dusan tribe in the shadow of Mount Kinabalu
day 9Drive on to Sepilok. Encounter Proboscis Monkeys
day 10Visit Sun Bears Conservation Centre and witness a feeding at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
day 11Onto Sukau for a cruise along the Kinabatangan River searching for wildlife on its banks and a jungle night walk
day 12More time cruising in along the Kinabatangan River. Optional night cruise
day 13Drive onto the Wildlife Reserve of Tabin; Afternoon nature walk to the Lipad Mud Volcano
day 14In Tabin Wildlife Reserve
day 15Morning nature walk in Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Afternoon drive to Sandakan
day 16Trip ends in Sandakan
What's Included
Customer Reviews
The guides, the local guides, the accommodations, the food and especially the animal sightings all exceeded expectations.
To much rain not enough wild life
I was a bit apprehensive abt the tour after I booked it as I saw some negative comments. But had a fantastic time & far exceeded my expectations. Saw many of the wild animals & strange insect creatures in the forest, even though we also saw the orangutans & proboscis monkeys at the sanctuary too. Nothing like seeing them in the wild. Would highly recommend this; just have to get used to the heat & humidity. I only wished the last hotel at Sandakan was in the town centre as we only have 1 night there. Our guides - Joe & Hazli & Paul at Tabin were excellent with their knowledge& keen eyes.
This was a brilliant holiday. Both our tour leaders were excellent, as were the local guides. The mix of culture, wildlife and food kept the tour interesting. The only issues were the poor state of the roads which meant that our journeys were longer and more uncomfortable than expected. One internal flight was delayed so we missed half a day at Mulu, but our guides made the effort to fit everything in and we had a very busy day. Neither of these were something Explore could change. The trip notes need updating regarding a view point that has been closed for three years and we were never going to see an extinct rhino (event though a guide talked about them in the present). Also you can buy leech socks in resort at 1/10th of the cost in the UK (not the same quality). Would recommend this tour to anyone interested in animals, birds and food
I have mixed feelings about the trip. The first half involved too much time in towns, which I personally found quite dull. In contrast, the second half—especially the time spent at the Kinabatangan River—was fantastic and deserved more attention. Overall, I think the itinerary needs a complete overhaul, as it didn’t reflect my experience. I wouldn’t readily recommend this holiday to others, mainly because it’s very expensive, and for me, it only felt worth the cost during the latter part of the tour.
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