19 Day Tour
Try a Sarawak laksa on the riverfront in Kuching. See orangutan close up at both Semenggoh and Sepilok. Spend the night with the Iban tribe in a longhouse in the middle of the jungle. Take your binoculars and look out for wildlife in the trees as you explore the Kinabatangan River by boat. Get your boots muddy as you trek through the rainforest of the Danum Valley. Relax on the beach at the Ocean Wing, Shangri-La Rasa Ria. Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Day 1: International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Kuching.
DAY 2: Kuching
Arriving into Kuching you will be met and taken to your hotel. In the afternoon you will head out to start exploring the town, on a short walking tour. Wander along the waterfront jetty, past colonial architecture and mosques with an experienced guide, you might like to try a few local delicacies at one of the street-food stalls.
Stay At: Hilton Hotel
DAY 3: Kuching
Your guide will take you over to Bako — Sarawak’s oldest national park on the northwestern tip of Borneo — for your first introduction to Borneo’s flora and fauna. After hiking through jungle, you’ll emerge onto untouched beaches and coves. You will have the evening back in Kuching. You might like to visit the night market this evening which has a lively local atmosphere.
Stay At: Hilton Hotel
DAY 4: Lemanak River
You will be met by your driver and guide after breakfast and taken to the Lemanak River by road, stopping at Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary for a chance to see orangutan at feeding time, a traditional market in Serian, a pepper farm and a local restaurant on the way. The final 40 minutes of your journey will be on the river, by traditional long-tail boat. On arrival at the Iban longhouse you will learn about the local customs, dine and dance with the families before bed.
Stay At: Lemanak Longhouse
DAY 5: Kuching
After breakfast your guide will take you on a nature trail in the area surrounding the longhouse. You will also be given a blowpipe demonstration, which you are welcome to try for yourself. Weather permitting, lunch will be served on the riverbank where you also have the chance for a swim. You will then head back to Kuching, with the evening at leisure.
Stay At: Hilton Hotel
DAY 6: Mulu National Park
You will be taken to the airport for your short flight to Mulu. Once you are checked in to your hotel, your guide will take you into the rainforest to explore the huge caves that the area is famous for. Deer Cave is the largest, named because deer use the cave to shelter from poor weather. Lang’s Cave is smaller but is home to some unique rock formations and bats. Linger until dusk and you can watch the massive bat exodus as the colony sets off to hunt for the night.
Stay At: Mulu Park Chalets
DAY 7: Mulu National Park
Experience a jungle canopy walkway and get a different view of the rainforest, right above the trees. Head back to your hotel for lunch before visiting the remaining show caves on a private basis, and Batu Mulong village by boat in the afternoon. Your specialist can upgrade both experiences to be private if you wish.
Stay At: Mulu Park Chalets
DAY 8: Kota Kinabalu
You have this morning to spend as you wish at the resort without a guide. If you are still feeling active, perhaps take further walks, cycle rides or kayak through the national park independently. Fly on to Kota Kinabalu for two days of relaxation, exploring the town or visiting the beach.
Stay At: Hyatt Regency
DAY 9: Kota Kinabalu
Day at leisure. Today you might like to explore Kota Kinabalu. The Museum of Islamic Architecture is particularly interesting. An ideal city for shopping, you’ll find a selection of modern shopping malls and markets selling unique handicrafts.
Stay At: Hyatt Regency
DAY 10: Danum Valley
This morning you will fly early to Lahad Datu, in the heart of Sabah. It is worth struggling through the bumpy journey to Danum Valley so just cling onto the door handle, watch your head on the vehicle roof and look forward to arriving at your lodge in the middle of the rainforest! Once you arrive you will have a delicious lunch and then meet your guide who will discuss the plan for your time here. This afternoon you will visit the canopy walkway and learn about the flora and fauna in the area on one of the many nature trails. This evening you can head out on a night drive where you may be lucky enough to spot some of the area’s nocturnal animals. Your activities at Borneo Rainforest Lodge are on a shared basis, ask your specialist about upgrading to private if you prefer.
Stay At: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
DAY 11: Danum Valley
Why not rise early to see and hear the rainforest come alive. After breakfast you will head back out into the rainforest for the trek to Coffin Cliff where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lodge and Danum Valley. Stop off at a waterfall on your way back to cool off! This afternoon you can spend more time on the trails trying to track wildlife, or you may have the option to go tubing down the Danum River — a brilliant way to experience the area. A night walk this evening will give you a new experience of the area around the lodge.
Stay At: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
DAY 12: Kinabatangan River
Today you leave the rainforest, heading back to Lahad Datu and onto the Kinabatangan River. In the afternoon you will be out on the water, spending your time spotting a huge array of wildlife. Paddling down tributaries of the Kinabatangan River in a boat, your experienced naturalist will help you spot crocodiles, proboscis monkeys and hopefully, orangutan.
Stay At: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
DAY 13: Kinabatangan River
Rise early for a second trip on the river and the chance to visit the nearby ox-bow lake. Breakfast is served back at the lodge. You have free time back at the lodge to catch up on some sleep or for the more energetic take the jungle trail behind the lodge. Lunch will be served at the lodge. Enjoy a final trip on the river this afternoon and try to tick some more animals off your list before a final dinner at your lodge.
Stay At: Abai Jungle Lodge
DAY 14: Sandakan
This morning you will travel by shared boat to the town of Sandakan, with the afternoon at leisure to explore Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. If you have time, you might like to visit the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre or Rainforest Discovery Centre, all within walking distance.
Stay At: Sepilok Nature Resort
DAY 15: Kota Kinabalu
Head to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, and on to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria. Here you will have three nights to relax in paradise, snorkelling and enjoying time on the beach, in the exclusive Ocean Wing.
Stay At: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa
DAY 16: Kota Kinabalu
Full day at leisure. The Shangri-La Rasa Ria has a large pool to relax around, as well a spa and gym. With 3 km (1.9 miles) of private beach, there is plenty of space to explore.
Stay At: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa
DAY 17: Kota Kinabalu
Today is free to explore. The hotel runs a number of excursions including horse riding along the beach, walks into the surrounding jungle and cooking lessons in the hotel’s kitchen.
Stay At: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa
DAY 18: International return flight
A final day at leisure before you head back to the airport for your flight home.
DAY 19: International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
19 days from £6850 pp
The price reflects the suggested accommodation in this itinerary. This will depend on when you travel and is subject to change. All of our Wildlife holidays are completely tailor-made to your requirements. We are happy to make recommendation to meet the quality and experience you are looking for, within your given budget.
