Beach and Wildlife: The Classic
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This itinerary is the perfect way to combine the exotic flora and fauna of Borneo with relaxation on its famously beautiful beaches. Staying in superb hotels throughout, this trip will take you off-the-beaten path and into the wilderness, without compromising on comfort. You'll visit both Sabah and Sarawak states on this holiday adventure. 

Highlights include - 

• Get up close to orangutans in Kuching
• Marvel at the incredible scenery and spot monkeys at the Bako National Park
• Explore the majestic Mulu caves
• Take a sunset river cruise through mangroves with Mount Kinabalu in the background 
• Explore the jungle and spot wildlife along the Kinabatangan river. 
• Relax on a beautiful beach and reflect on your adventure.

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include –

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers 
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy read here.  

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kuching.

Day 2 –5 Kuching city & Bako national park

Arrive in Kuching where you'll be met at the airport by your guide for the short transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.

During your first full day in Kuching you’ll take a half-day guided walking tour where you’ll learn about the cities recent history and sample some of the delicious and varied local food. Stops will include the charming Sarawak Museum, the Mughal-style pink State mosque and later in the day there is chance to take a sunset cruise along the Sarawak River. 

Your next two days in the area focus on the regions nature and wildlife with a full day exploring Bako National Park and a further day taking in the Kuching Wetlands and Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary.

Bako National Park is a pristine rainforest just an hour ou of the city where, with your guide, you’ll find wildlife, diverse plant life, jungle streams, waterfalls, deserted beaches, peculiar rock formations and a network of hiking trails. There is the option to stay overnight in the park's lodge so you can take an exciting nocturnal jungle walk but accommodation is basic so you may prefer to return to Kuching and the comfort of your hotel.

Days  6 & 7 Mulu national park 

A short morning flight takes you directly from Kuching to Mulu where you'll stay for 2 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 largest cave passage in the world. Explore the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites before proceeding to Deer Cave, where the big attraction is the colony of thousands of free-tailed bats that inhabit the cave.  In the evening there is chance to take a night-time trek through the jungle to the park headquarters keeping 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 largest connected cave system in the world. There is free time in the afternoon for independent exploration. 

Days 8 & 9  Kota Kinabalu

Today you'll hop on the plane for the 50 minute flight to Kota Kinabalu. There is time for relaxing here after your Mulu adventure.  On the second day take a scenic early-evening river cruise along the Tamau river, all the time looking out for local wildlife including proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, river otters, the rare silver languor and a variety of birds. If the skies are clear, you will be treated to an incredible sunset with Mount Kinabalu as a backdrop. 

Day 10 & 11 kinabatangan river

 Its a short hop from "KK" to Sandakan where you'll explore the Kinabatangan River. The surrounding rainforest is alive with monkey and bird species that the expert guides will point out during your stay. Whether its during nocturnal treks, from the comfort of your hotel deck or whilst cruising to Pitas oxbow lake there are endless opportunites to spot wildlife. You're likely to see proboscis monkeys, orangutans and pygmy elephants during your stay here.

Days 12-14  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 3 nights (or more if you wish!). The rest of you holiday will be spent here at leisure enjoying the beautiful beaches and reflecting on our adventure. 

Day 15 Fly home

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