Borneo Expedition

Upon arrival at Kuching International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After some time to relax and refresh, you’ll meet your local guide in the late afternoon and take a short walk to a nearby restaurant for a welcome dinner. This is a lovely opportunity to connect with your group and enjoy the flavours of Sarawak. After dinner, return to the hotel or continue your evening at one of the nearby bars along the waterfront.

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel (Dinner)

Begin your day with a visit to the Semenggoh Orangutan Centre, a rehabilitation sanctuary set within a protected forest reserve. Here, you’ll have the chance to observe semi-wild orangutans as they return to the feeding platforms, offering a rare and meaningful wildlife experience. Rangers will share insight into the conservation efforts and the journey of these rescued animals back into the wild.

From here, continue to Bengoh, the starting point of your kayaking adventure. Drift along a scenic river winding through limestone hills and dense rainforest, with gentle stretches of water mixed with light rapids for a touch of excitement. Along the way, pause to take in the natural surroundings, visit a welcoming Bidayuh village, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool river. A light picnic lunch will be served on a peaceful riverbank before continuing downstream to Semadang village. After your adventure, return to Kuching for the evening.

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch)

Travel from Kuching to Bako village, where you’ll board a boat for a scenic journey along the coastline to Bako National Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including sea eagles and other coastal birds.

Once inside the park, explore its network of trails that wind through a variety of ecosystems—from mangroves and tropical rainforest to coastal cliffs and sandy beaches. Bako is one of the best places in Borneo to spot wildlife in its natural habitat, including proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs, macaques, wild boar, and monitor lizards.

Spend time walking through the park, taking in the dramatic landscapes and searching for wildlife before returning to Kuching in the afternoon.

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch)

Depart Kuching and travel overland toward the Batang Ai region, with a stop at Lachau Bazaar along the way. Take time to browse the small local market and enjoy an early lunch in a relaxed village setting.

Continue to Batang Ai Lake, where you’ll board a traditional longboat for a scenic journey upriver. Travel through lush rainforest landscapes before arriving at Nanga Sumpa, a remote riverside lodge. After settling in, enjoy dinner at the lodge before heading to a nearby Iban longhouse.

Spend the evening on the ruai, the communal verandah, where you’ll meet members of the local community, learn about their traditions, and experience their way of life. You may also have the opportunity to try tuak, a traditional rice wine, as stories and laughter are shared.

Accommodation: Nanga Sumpa lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, set out along jungle trails that follow the river, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Continue your journey upriver by longboat, passing through untouched natural scenery.

Along the way, your boatman may demonstrate traditional Iban fishing techniques using a throw net, offering a glimpse into daily life along the river. Arrive at the picturesque Enseluai Waterfall, where you’ll have time to relax, swim, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

A riverside BBQ lunch will be prepared by your Iban hosts, adding to the authenticity of this experience. After lunch, return to the lodge for some time at leisure.

In the evening, revisit the longhouse to spend more time with the community, sharing stories and enjoying the warm hospitality of the Iban people.

Accommodation: Nanga Sumpa lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast at the lodge, travel downriver by longboat back to Batang Ai Lake. From here, continue your journey overland toward Kuching, passing through scenic countryside along the way.

Enjoy lunch en route before arriving back in Kuching later in the day, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch)

Spend the morning at leisure, with time to explore Kuching or simply relax. In the early afternoon, make your way to your cooking class venue, where you’ll meet your local instructor for an immersive culinary experience.

Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the preparation of authentic Sarawakian dishes. Learn about traditional cooking techniques, local spices, and the cultural significance behind each recipe, all in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The experience concludes with dinner, where you’ll enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared. Afterwards, the evening is yours to enjoy—perhaps take a stroll through downtown Kuching, stop for a drink at a local bar, or return to your hotel to unwind.

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mulu National Park. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation and take some time to settle in.

In the afternoon, head to the park headquarters and begin a scenic walk along a raised plankwalk through dense primary rainforest, leading to the impressive Deer Cave. Known as one of the largest cave passages in the world, its immense scale is truly awe-inspiring.

Nearby, explore Lang’s Cave, where intricate limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites create a striking contrast to the vastness of Deer Cave.

As evening approaches, make your way to the bat observatory, where—weather permitting—you may witness a remarkable natural phenomenon as millions of bats emerge from the cave at sunset in search of food. After this unforgettable experience, return to the park headquarters by torchlight before heading back to your accommodation.

Accommodation: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa (Breakfast, Dinner)

Set out by longboat upriver through the rainforest to reach Wind Cave, known for its impressive chambers and natural ventilation. Continue with a scenic walk along limestone cliffs, followed by a climb up a series of steps leading to the entrance of Clearwater Cave.

Inside, admire delicate limestone formations and unique plant life that thrive in this environment. Clearwater Cave is one of the longest cave systems in the world and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s geological history.

Nearby, enjoy time at a peaceful swimming area surrounded by towering rainforest trees. Take a refreshing dip, relax by the water, and enjoy a picnic lunch in this tranquil setting before returning to your accommodation later in the day.

Accommodation: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Begin your morning with a visit to the Mulu Canopy Skywalk, one of the longest tree-based walkways in the world. Suspended high above the forest floor, this unique experience offers a different perspective of the rainforest, where you can observe the intricate ecosystem of ferns, vines, and towering trees from above.

After returning to your accommodation, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, continue to Jesselton Point jetty, where you’ll board a boat to Gaya Island.

Arrive at your resort and check in, where the rest of the evening is yours to relax and enjoy the tranquil island setting.

Accommodation: Gayana Marine Resort (Breakfast)

After breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Take advantage of the resort’s facilities or choose from a variety of optional activities.

You may wish to snorkel in the clear waters, either independently or with a guide, or combine your experience with kayaking to explore the coastline. Alternatively, simply unwind by the water, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and soak in the natural beauty of Gaya Island.

Accommodation: Gayana Marine Resort (Breakfast)

This morning, depart Gaya Island by boat and transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport for your flight to Sandakan. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your rainforest lodge in Sepilok.

Set within lush jungle surroundings bordering a protected forest reserve, your lodge offers a peaceful retreat immersed in nature. Spend the afternoon at leisure—relax by the pool, explore the surrounding grounds, or take a walk along the resort’s elevated boardwalk.

In the evening, keep an eye out for one of the area’s most unique wildlife experiences. With a bit of luck, you may spot red giant flying squirrels as they emerge from their nests and glide between the trees at dusk.

Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Accommodation: MY Nature Resort (Breakfast, Dinner)

Begin your day with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, where rescued orangutans are rehabilitated and reintroduced into the wild. Observe these incredible animals at the feeding platforms and, if accessible, visit the nursery to see younger orangutans in care.

Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of the world’s smallest bear. Learn about conservation efforts while observing these unique animals in a natural forest environment.

Later, travel overland to Sukau and arrive at your riverside lodge along the Kinabatangan River. After lunch, enjoy some time to relax before heading out in the late afternoon on a river cruise.

Cruise along the Kinabatangan and into the Menanggul River, keeping watch for proboscis monkeys, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife that inhabit this rich ecosystem.

Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Start your day with an early morning boat excursion to Oxbow Lake, a peaceful setting ideal for birdwatching and spotting wildlife in the calm morning light. Return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy some free time to relax and take in the riverside surroundings.

In the late afternoon, head out once again by boat along the Menanggul River. As the day cools, wildlife becomes more active, offering another chance to spot monkeys, birds, and other animals in their natural habitat.

Return to the lodge at dusk, with the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, depart Sukau and travel overland to Lahad Datu. From here, continue your journey into the rainforest with a scenic transfer to your lodge in Danum Valley.

Upon arrival, check in and enjoy lunch before attending a short orientation about the surrounding environment and conservation efforts.

In the afternoon, set out on a guided nature walk along forest trails and boardwalks, followed by a visit to the canopy walkway for a unique perspective of the jungle from above.

After dinner, weather permitting, head out on a night drive in search of nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, begin your day with a guided trek along the Coffin Trail, leading to an ancient Kadazan-Dusun burial site. The hike offers both cultural insight and rewarding views from a scenic lookout point.

Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out again in the afternoon. Choose to explore additional jungle trails in search of wildlife or enjoy a more relaxed experience tubing along the Danum River.

After dinner, venture out on a guided night walk, where you’ll have the chance to encounter the rainforest’s nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)