Beach and Wildlife: The Classic

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kuching.

Day 2-4 Kuching City & Bako National Park

On arrival in Kuching, your guide will meet you for the short transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.

During your first full day, take a guided stroll or cycle to discover the city and its surrounds. Learn about Kuching’s history and taste some of the delicious and varied local food along the way.

Spend a further day exploring Bako National Park and the Kuching Wetlands. Travel by boat to the national park itself, a pristine rainforest just an hour away from the city with wildlife, diverse plant life, waterfalls, beaches, rock formations and hiking trails. The wetlands are home to a variety of birds, fish and crocodile.

Days  5 & 6 Mulu national park 

A short morning flight takes you directly from Kuching to Mulu, where you'll stay for two nights. On arrival there are a variety of activities you can get stuck straight into, these include visiting the treetop tower for views across the national park, a stroll along the boardwalk to see waterfalls or a short heritage trail.

After lunch, your guide will escort you on a 3km plank-walk to Lang Cave - the most extensive cave passage in the world. Explore the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites before proceeding to Deer Cave. The big attraction here is the colony of thousands of free-tailed bats that inhabit the cave.  In the evening there is a night-time trek through the jungle to the park headquarters; keep a lookout for nocturnal animals and the flash of fireflies.

On the second day in Mulu, you'll wake up to the sounds of the jungle before taking a short longboat ride to experience Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. These form part of the Sarawak Chamber - the most extensive connected cave system in the world. There is free time in the afternoon for independent exploration. 

Days 7 & 8  Kota Kinabalu

Today you'll hop on the plane for the 50-minute flight to Kota Kinabalu. There is time to relax here after your Mulu adventure.  You'll have one full day here where you can choose from a range of activities such as a day trip to Mount Kinabalu National Park or a cycle tour weaving through the countryside around the Kiulu River via a network of rope bridges and easy road trails. 

Day 9 & 10 Kinabatangan river

 It's a short hop from "KK" to Sandakan where you'll explore the Kinabatangan River with your expert nature guide. The surrounding rainforest is alive with monkey and bird species that the guide will point out during your stay. Whether it's during nocturnal treks, from the comfort of your hotel deck or while cruising to Pitas Oxbow Lake, there are endless opportunities to spot wildlife. You're likely to see proboscis monkeys, orangutans and pygmy elephants during your stay here.

Days 11-13  Gaya Island Resort

Head back to Kota Kinabalu and on to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park where you'll check-in at Gaya Island Resort for three nights (or more if you wish!). The rest of your holiday can be spent here at leisure, enjoying the beautiful beaches and reflecting on your adventure. 

Day 14 Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. Get in touch to find out how this suggested itinerary could inspire your trip.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK