In-depth Borneo Adventure | Experience Travel Group

In Depth Borneo Adventure

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Borneo has all the ingredients for the adventure of a lifetime. This holiday takes in some unique off-the-beaten-track jungle expeditions as well as plenty of time on to relax on glorious tropical beaches.

This itinerary would be great for intrepid travellers, including families with teenagers. It would be too strenuous for younger children but, as with all our holidays, we can adjust to suit your style or interests.

Highlights include

Follow a historic trail used by tribal hunters over water crossings and through forests on the Pinnacles trek
Marvel at some of the most extensive and most dramatic cave passages in the world
Explore Danum Valley, keeping watch for orangutans, gibbons, slow loris and many more in the awe-inspiring rainforest
Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Your holiday will include private transport and guides throughout (including an expert nature guide in Danum Valley). Having a private guide will allow you a level of flexibility and spontaneity, and a nature guide will ensure you have the absolute best viewings of the incredible wildlife.

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.

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kuching.

DAY 2-4 KUCHING, Bako and the Kuching wetlands

You’ll be met on arrival by your driver for the short road transfer to your hotel. There will be plenty of time to relax, swim and recover from the flight.

During your stay in Kuching, your guide will take you on a walking or cycle tour of the city so that you can learn a little about local history and try some of the fantastic regional food. The tour will be designed around your interests and could include the Mughal-style pink State Mosque and a cruise along the Sarawak River as the sun sets.

Your first wildlife adventure will take you to Bako - an unspoiled national park only a short drive from the city. Here you’ll explore pristine rainforest via waterfalls and beaches, looking out for rare birds and mammals, unusual plants and bizarre rock formations. If you are lucky, you might even spot the proboscis monkeys gathering on the sand.

DAY 5-8 MULU and the headhunters’ trail

It’s a short flight from Kuching to Mulu Airport, the starting point for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Gunung Mulu National Park. Mulu is home to some of the most dramatic cave passages in the world with impressive stalactites and stalagmites and subterranean rivers.

During your time here you will travel through the national park over land and water towards Limbang, where you’ll depart for Kota Kinabalu.

Your route will take in the famous caves, Mount Api, the incredible Pinnacles, ‘The Headhunters' Trail’ and a stay with the indigenous Iban people. The Headhunters' trail includes water crossings, forest treks and a longboat journey. At the same time, the ascent of Mount Api involves a series of ropes and ladders over sharp limestone – only for adventurous families with older children and those with a head for heights. If you would like something softer for your holiday, then a gentler three-day exploration of the caves of Mulu can be incorporated instead – speak to your travel consultant to design your holiday accordingly.

DAYS 9 & 10 KOTA KINABALU

Today you’ll depart Limbang for the hour-long flight to Kota Kinabalu. Your hotel is an ideal place to get some R&R after your Mulu adventure. It's a good base for some great outdoor activities too and, during your stay, there will be time for a guided tour in Kinabalu National Park or some white-water rafting on the Kiulu River.

We could incorporate an overnight stay with the local Dusan community near the Kiulu River. A visit here is a great chance to learn about the indigenous society here and take part in traditional arts and crafts, harvesting, hiking or perhaps some grasshopper-catching with the local children! It's an 'out-there' experience so wouldn't be right for everyone. Talk to your travel consultant to discuss whether it could work for you and your travelling companion(s).

DAY 11 & 12- DANUM VALLEY CONSERVATION AREA

Take a short flight to Lahad Datu and meet your expert nature guide for your adventure in Danum Valley Conservation Area, one of the world’s most complex ecosystems.

Here you’ll stay in relatively simple accommodation at the field centre. It's an active research centre, so a stay here is quite different from a typical hotel experience. You’ll enjoy a great programme of trekking, night drives and night walks and one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Borneo.

Your dedicated guide will be in on hand to help you keep watch for wildlife, including the orangutan, slow loris, gibbons, red leaf langurs, and western tarsiers. There are also Bornean bearded pigs, deers, civet cats, hornbills, flying squirrels and - if you're super lucky - maybe even the elusive clouded leopard.

DAY 13 – 17 GAYA ISLAND RESORT

There is one highlight of Borneo that still awaits: its beautiful tropical islands and incredible underwater life. Today you’ll return to “KK” and take a short boat across the water to the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Luxurious Gaya Island Resort is a real treat for the end of your holiday. Here your time will be all yours: explore jungle trails, snorkel amongst tropical fish, go diving, spot wildlife or chill by the pool! The Canopy (hillside) and Kinabalu (sea view) Villas offer interconnecting rooms for families, or you could opt for the spacious two-bedroom Suria Suite.

Day 18 Fly Home

Depart Kota Kinabalu for your flight home.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

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

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Camp 5 Mulu, Gunung Mulu National Park

A basic camp ideal for those climbing the Pinnacles of Mulu National Park or those embarking on the Head-hunters trail.

Field Centre, Danum Valley Conservation Area

Whilst not a hotel in the conventional sense, this field centre provides an excellent base for exploring this magnificent rainforest.

Gaya Island Resort, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Luxurious and relaxing beach on the breathtaking shores of Pulau Gaya, off Kota Kinabalu.

Iban Longhouse, Kuching

A unique experience, staying at an Iban Longhouse is a unique way to get an insight into the lives of the indigenous tribe.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu

With a great location in downtown Kota Kinabalu, Le Meridien offers a modern and sleek style in a friendly atmosphere.

Mulu Park HQ, Gunung Mulu National Park

A comfortable complex of longhouses and bungalows in Mulu National Park, perfect for experiencing Borneo's natural riches.

Pullman Kuching, Kuching

One of Kuching's best hotels with panoramic views of the city and the Sarawak River.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Bako National Park, Bako National Park

A must-see if you wish to experience the wildlife of Borneo without venturing too far from civilisation.

Bako National Park Birdwatching, Bako National Park

Spot exotic bird species at one of Borneo's oldest National Parks. From hornbills to large-billed flycatchers – there's so many to see.

Danum Valley Birdwatching, Danum Valley Conservation Area

Being a centre for conservation and ecological research, Danum Valley is one of the best places for bird-watching in Malaysian Borneo.

Danum Valley Coffin Cliff Trek, Danum Valley Conservation Area

Trekking through 130 million year old virgin rainforest, visit the recently discovered coffin cliff of the ancient tribes.

Danum Valley Elephants, Danum Valley Conservation Area

Families of elephants live in the Danum Valley and sometimes make an appearance – try to spot them during your stay.

Danum Valley Natural Jacuzzi , Danum Valley Conservation Area

Enjoy a refreshing dip in Danum's natural Jacuzzi pool.

Danum Valley Night Walk, Danum Valley Conservation Area

See the nocturnal wildlife of the Danum Valley including endangered species such as slow lorises and the clouded leopard.

Danum Valley Trekking, Danum Valley Conservation Area

Explore the 130 million year old virgin rainforest of Danum Valley, spot an array of wildlife and absorb the natural surroundings.

Danum Valley Tubing , Danum Valley Conservation Area

Tubing through the slow moving currents of Danum's river.

Gunung Mulu National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park

Sarawaks largest national park with excellent wildlife and geology.

Irrawaddy Dolphin Cruise, Kuching

A boat cruise from the Damai Peninsula that will take you in search of the Irrawaddy (or snub fin) Dolphins.

Mulu Headhunters' Trail, Gunung Mulu National Park

Follow the route taken by Kayan headhunters to reach the banks of the Terikan River.

Mulu Pinnacles Trek, Gunung Mulu National Park

A guided trek through the rainforest of Mulu National Park to a viewpoint to see the iconic Pinnacles.

Mulu Skywalk, Gunung Mulu National Park

Walk along the world's longest rainforest canopy trail, giving spectacular views, at Gunung Mulu National Park.

Call one of our Borneo travel experts on 020 7924 7133 if you would like to incorporate a climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu into your itinerary. Its an unforgettable experience.

Climb Mount Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu

Climb the largest mountain in Malaysia with an expert guide and see Kinabalu Park, one of Borneo's most famous World Heritage Sites.

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In Depth Borneo Adventure

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