Borneo
11 Days / 10 Nights (Highlights of Borneo)
Itinerary Route Map
Highlights
Explore Kuching’s rich history and colonial heritage. Witness the conservation efforts at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
See Borneo’s rich flora and fauna through multiple river cruises.
Visit Kiau Village, located at the foothills of Malaysia’s highest mountain.
Itinerary Summary
Arrival in Kuching DAY
01
Private transfer from Kuching International Airport to your booked accommodation by air-conditioned vehicle. The airport is located approximately 11 km from downtown Kuching, so the duration of a transfer will be around 20-30 minutes depending on the traffic.
- Overnight accommodation in Kuching.
Kuching Heritage Trail DAY
02
This half-day walking tour unveils the rich history and culture of Kuching, showcasing its scenic beauty and colonial past. You start at the Kuching Waterfront sign, taking in sweeping views of the majestic river, before going on a short boat ride to admire the sharp contrast between the city’s modern architecture and traditional neighbourhoods.
After disembarking from the boat, continue your exploration on foot through the city’s historic quarters and learn about the Brooke family – a well-known name during the city’s colonial era, also known as the White Rajahs of Sarawak.
After crossing the Darul Hana Bridge, visit the India Mosque and immerse in local life along Kuching’s Gambier Street before reaching a hawker centre for lunch. The day ends by exploring Old Bazaar Street’s well-preserved shophouses and admiring the permanent displays at the Chinese Heritage Museum before saying goodbye to our friendly local guide.
- Overnight accommodation in Kuching.
- Breakfast and lunch.
Itinerary Summary
Longhouse Tour (Private) DAY 03
Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Anah Rais Bidayuh
Leave the urban environment of Kuching behind in the morning to intimately encounter our nearest kin in nature. Following a brief drive and a stroll through the incredible beauty of the nearby ethnobotanical gardens, witness the commendable conservation efforts at the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Observe the semi-wild orangutans returning to the centre within the rainforest reserve for feeding time, revealing their intricate social hierarchy. Experience a heartwarming moment as you witness a mother and baby climbing through the forest’s canopies.
In the afternoon, have lunch at Anah Rais Longhouse before taking a guided half-day tour of this heritage communal residence, to get a delightful glimpse into local life. Nestled in the Borneo Highlands, distanced from the urban bustle, this architectural and cultural gem showcases authentic village living within bamboo longhouses. Explore its intricate design, grasp insights into the traditional farming practices of the Bidayuh ethnic group, engage with resident families, and conclude with a serene rainforest stroll before returning to Kuching.
- Overnight accommodation in Kuching.
- Breakfast and lunch.
Bako National Park Tour (Private)
Meet your driver at the hotel lobby and set off to a small peninsula located 1.5 hours from Kuching by car and longboat. This region of Borneo boasts seven distinct forest ecosystems, resulting in an incredible array of animal and plant species.
Bako is renowned for its peculiar proboscis monkeys, as well as silvered langurs, long-tailed macaques, wild boar, flying squirrels, and monitor lizards. The area is also a haven for numerous bird species. The plant life is equally captivating,
Itinerary Summary
with mangroves, strangling figs, carnivorous pitcher plants, and symbiotic ant plants. The coastline showcases unique geological formations, while well-marked trails lead to rugged hilltops and secluded beaches draped in lush jungle, which you will have ample time to explore during your sevenhour tour.
Please note that wildlife sighting is not guaranteed and varies from day-to-day.
- Overnight accommodation in Kuching.
- Breakfast and lunch.
Kuching – Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast and check out, meet our representative at the hotel lobby and get transferred to the airport for a short domestic connection to Kota Kinabalu.
Upon arrival, meet our representative at the airport and enjoy a hassle-free transfer to your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Transfers to/from airports.
- Domestic flights from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu.
- Overnight accommodation in Kota Kinabalu.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Kiau Village Full-Day Tour
Have an early breakfast and depart at 7:30 am for a road trip to Kiau Village. This rural village is home to the KadazanDusun tribe, who worship the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia.
Listen to their stories about their lifestyle and traditions, followed by a village walk before enjoying a traditional lunch prepared by locals. The owner of the area’s last remaining coffee estate, an elderly lady, will demonstrate the process of turning coffee beans into a steaming cup of your favourite beverage.
Itinerary Summary
For those wishing to explore further, there is an option to hike up to the viewpoint on Kiau View Trail, which will take around 60-90 minutes.
- Overnight accommodation in Kota Kinabalu.
- Breakfast and lunch.
Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies Afternoon Tour (Private)
Spend the morning at your leisure and get picked up from your hotel lobby at 2:15 pm to transfer to Klias Forest Reserve along scenic coastal roads and picturesque villages.
Arrive at the Klias River village jetty at 4 pm and enjoy an afternoon cup of coffee or tea, served alongside Malay cakes and cookies. Around 4:45 pm, set off on a river cruise in search of diverse wildlife like the proboscis monkeys, varieties of birds, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and more.
Return to the jetty at 6:30 pm, where a traditional Malay buffet dinner will be served. As dusk sets in, reconvene at your short river cruise to observe the flickering fireflies lighting up the riverbanks. At 7:30 pm, transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
- Overnight accommodation in Kota Kinabalu.
- Breakfast and dinner.
Have breakfast, check out of your hotel, and transfer to the airport for your 45-minute domestic flight to Sandakan. Meet our representative at the airport and enjoy a hasslefree transfer to your accommodation in Sepilok, which will take around 20 minutes.
Located in the beautiful Sepilok Rainforest, on Borneo Island, the Sepilok Rainforest Resort offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of the rainforest and enjoy its tranquillity from close quarters as you settle in and unwind in the afternoon.
Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan
Itinerary Summary
In the evening, set off on a 1-2 hour long guided walk through the Rainforest Discovery Centre to observe nocturnal animals like tarsiers, slow lorises, civets, and insects. Please note that wildlife spotting is not guaranteed during this excursion.
- Transfers to/from airports.
- Domestic flights from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.
- Overnight accommodation in Sepilok.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
DAY 09
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit and Sunset River Cruise
After breakfast, you will be picked up from the resort at 9 am and travel to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The visit will begin with a short video presentation about the centre’s rehabilitation efforts. Afterward, head to the feeding platform to observe the feeding of orangutans and other monkeys. Later, visit the enclosed nursery area to watch the playful young Orangutans play with each other. During this excursion, you will also visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which serves as a shelter for the world’s smallest bear species. Note: Camera fees are required for professional camera equipment.
After this four-hour morning tour, proceed to have lunch and take a two-hour transfer to Kinabatangan. After checking-in, we set off on a late afternoon cruise in search of Borneo’s diverse wildlife and birds. Return to the lodge to savour a scrumptious dinner at their restaurant.
- Overnight accommodation in Kinabatangan.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Morning and Afternoon River Cruise (Shared)
Begin the day at 6 am with an early morning river cruise along the Kinabatangan River (Malaysia’s second largest river), to observe a variety of birds and other wildlife, as they wake up and start their day. Return to your lodge for breakfast and spend the rest of the morning at leisure.
Itinerary Summary
At 4 pm, embark on an additional river cruise to further explore the area and see saltwater crocodiles, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, Asian elephants, birds, and other animals. Since the patterns of wildlife can be unpredictable, these multiple tours during different times of the day enable travellers to come across a wide variety of animals.
- Overnight accommodation in Kinabatangan.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 11
Sandakan City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, check out from the Borneo Nature Lodge. Take a short boat transfer to Lapit jetty and continue the journey back to Sandakan. En route, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
For those taking evening flight, go on a city tour and explore the various landmarks of Sandakan, including its vibrant Central Market, which boasts a diverse variety of fresh seafood and agricultural products. Explore Sim-Sim Water Village, where houses are built close to the water’s surface with a stunning view of the sea.
Visit Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple, which offers a panoramic sight of Sandakan Bay from the hilltop of Tanah Merah. After this half-day tour, transfer to the airport for your evening domestic connection or international flight to your final destination.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Hotels and Destinations
* Overnight addresses are subject to change based on availability on the booking date. We reserve the right to offer/book suitable alternative accommodation if the mentioned overnight address is unavailable. Alternative accomodation will be sourced at the same or a higher standard at Discova’s expense.
Trip Inclusions
•
•
Airport transfers, sightseeing, and day tours as specified in the itinerary. Overnight stay based on twin share in stated accommodation or similar. Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Service charges and any government taxes.
• • Learn more about the destination here: Malaysia Fast Facts For more information on the tour or for extending your stay, speak to us about our range of pre and post accommodation options, just email our team: agents@discova.com or visit www.discova.com