Borneo Encompassed

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This three-week, guided, in-depth tour of Borneo takes the wonders and contrasts of both Sabah and Sarawak states. In Sarawak, you'll experience the bustle of historic Kuching City, the epic Mulu caves and an off-the-beaten-track adventure in a remote Iban community.

The focus in Sabah shifts to the island's famous wildlife. Here, you'll be joined by an expert nature guide to ensure the best possible sightings of an array of exotic creatures, including the iconic orangutan, of course. Before you depart, you'll also have time to relax and reflect on your adventures in a lovely island beach resort.

Highlights include:

Listen to the call of gibbons and peek through rainforest vines to see orangutans swinging in the trees on an adventure in Danum valley
Travel by boat deep into the Sarawak interior to experience the culture and lifestyle of the Iban community
Kick back at the beach amidst gorgeous scenery in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Your holiday will include private transport and guides (including expert nature guides in Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Danum and Tabin). Having a personal guide will allow you flexibility and spontaneity, and a nature guide will ensure you have the absolute best viewings of the fantastic 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 an overnight flight to Kuching.

Days 2-4 Kuching

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

Day 5-7 Village & Longhouse Stay in Batang Ai

Travel deep into the Sarawak interior, then board a longboat for the journey towards the Ulu Ai Longhouse community. Your stay will be at Nanga Sumba Lodge on the banks of the Delok River. This lodge is one of the best places in Borneo to experience the lifestyle of the Iban tribes who have lived here for centuries. Learn first-hand about their culture and lifestyle while enjoying nature activities in the rainforest.

During your stay, a typical day will involve a jungle trail along the river followed by a boat journey towards the scenic Enseluai waterfall. Along the way (if conditions are suitable) your boatman may stop to demonstrate traditional fishing techniques. The waterfall is a lovely spot for a BBQ picnic lunch prepared by your hosts.

On day 7, travel back to Kuching by boat and car for a final night in the city.

Days 8 & 9 Mulu National Park

A short flight will take you from Kuching to Mulu. From the airport it's just a stone's throw to the park HQ where you check in to your accommodation, visit the treetop tower for views across the national park or take a short stroll along the boardwalk.

During your time here, you'll take a guided 3km walk to Lang Cave - the most extensive cave passage in the world. Explore the splendid stalactites and stalagmites, before continuing to Deer Cave, which is inhabited by a colony of thousands of bats. In the evening there is the chance to take a night-time trek through the jungle, keeping a lookout for nocturnal animals.

The second day in Mulu will include a short longboat ride to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave, also part of the same cave system.

Days 10 & 11 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, enjoy 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.

Days 12- 14 Wildlife in Sepilok & Kinabatangan

After breakfast, you will fly to Sandakan.

On arrival in Sandakan, transfer to the Sepilok Forest with your expert nature guide. The area is renowned for its orchids, ancient trees, and of course, its orangutan community. During your time here, there will be an opportunity to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where a highlight is the daily feeding of the orangutans.

From Sepilok, continue along the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary to your jungle lodge. En route, you'll pass mangroves, wetlands and lush rainforests with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. The lodge has boardwalks extending into the jungle interior, offering an easy way to explore this fantastic part of the world.

Enjoy a guided nature walk at night and a river-boat cruise to take in the scenery of Pitas Oxbow Lake, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of bird species and pygmy elephants.

Days 15 & 16 Tabin Wildlife Reserve

A two-hour drive after breakfast leads to Lahad Datu and the unique Tabin Wildlife Reserve. This sprawling region attracts many endangered species and a considerable number of rare and endemic birds. Hornbills, Storm's Storks, and Yellow-Rumped Flowerpeckers are just some of the colourful birds you might spot! Enjoy an afternoon trek and a night safari. Head to the active volcano Lipad Mud, trek through the jungle and admire the view from the observation tower. A dusk drive gives more opportunities for nocturnal birdwatching.

Days 17 & 18 Danum Valley

Travel today to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, one of the world's most complex ecosystems covering more than 400 square kilometres. Danum is a rich rainforest packed with fascinating wildlife. On arrival take a walk along the 300m long canopy walkway; up here, you can listen to the hum of the ancient jungle.

After dinner there is time for a thrilling 4WD night safari drive; if you're lucky you'll spot nocturnal animals such as sambar deer, civet cats and leopards, not to mention plenty of insects and frogs.

In the morning listen out for the call of the Bornean gibbons (you can't miss the cacophony!) before trekking to "Coffin Cliff" along a 2.6km trail, with fantastic views over the rainforest as well as waterfalls and a natural pool. Optional afternoon activities include a guided jungle trek or water tubing down the river, and in the evening there is the chance to sneak back into the jungle on foot with a local guide to listening to the nocturnal animals.

DAYS 19-21 Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

It's a short hop from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu and a boat ride from there to Gaya Island. On the island, check-in at Gaya Island Resort. The next few days are to spend at your leisure, reflecting on your Borneo adventure: explore the island, snorkel, dive, spot wildlife, and relax by the pool.

DAY 21 FLY HOME

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport 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...

Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley Conservation Area

Located in one of the country's most biodiverse ecosystems with its own treetop canopy walkway.

Gaya Island Resort, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

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

Hyatt Regency , Kota Kinabalu

Great quality accommodation with an enviable position on Kota Kinabalu's waterfront.

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Kinabatangan River

A tranquil off-the-beaten-track, eco-friendly resort - perfect for wildlife spotting and relaxing.

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.

Nanga Sumpa Lodge, Batang Ai National Park

A simple lodge in the heart of the jungle. Experience the rainforest and the culture and lifestyle of the local Iban tribe.

Ranee Kuching, Kuching

In the heart of old town, The Ranee is a renovated 19th Century shop converted into a modern and stylish hotel.

Sepilok Nature Resort, Kabili-Sepilok Forest , Sepilok

In the Kabili-Sepilok Jungle, lodge-style accommodation, good food, and a very special atmosphere.

Tabin Wildlife Resort , Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Come here for clean and basic budget lodge accommodation in Borneo's Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

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 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 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 Tubing , Danum Valley Conservation Area

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

Explore Gomantong Caves, Kinabatangan River

Whilst Mulu's great caves may be more famous, Sabah's Gomantong Caves offer an alternative; with huge chasms and wildlife inside.

Explore Mulu's Deer and Lang Caves, Gunung Mulu National Park

Explore one of the world' biggest famous caves first-hand on a walk through the Deer and Lang Caves.

Gunung Mulu National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park

Sarawaks largest national park with excellent wildlife and geology.

Kampong Bako Cycle and Meal, Kuching

Cycle through the mangrove jungle and dine with a local family in their traditional "Kampong" house as part of an your day in Bako National Park.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari, Kinabatangan River

One of South East Asia's best wildlife viewing locations, a great place to see Orangutans in the wild.

Kuching City Tour, Kuching

A chance to explore the highlights of Sarawak state's capital city: the Sarawak Museum, and colonial icons of the British occupation.

Orang Utan and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok

See Orang Utans and Sun Bears close up at Sepilok's rehabilitation and conservation centre.

Pitas Oxbow Lake, Kinabatangan River

Journey through the Pitas Oxbow Lake and absorb Borneo's natural wealth by boat.

Tabin Wildlife Night Walk, Tabin Wildlife Reserve

The 'Tabin Wildlife Night Walk' allows you to discover the nocturnal species of the reserve with a trained guide.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve Day Trek, Tabin Wildlife Reserve

See, track and photograph the animals of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, one of the largest of its kind in Borneo.

Wind and Clearwater Caves, Gunung Mulu National Park

Cruising by longboat, discover the gigantic rock passages of the underworld in the famous Gurung Mulu National Park.

Talk to your travel expert to add an extra night near Sandakan in order to visit the Turtle Islands. On Selingan Island you can learn about turtle conservation and perhaps even see them hatching.

Turtle Island, Sandakan

Journey to the famous nesting site of two endangered species of turtles, the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle.

For a once-in-a-lifetime achievement consider climbing Mount Kinabalu. Your travel expert will help you decide whether the 2 day adventure is right for you and will adapt your itinerary accordingly.

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.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Borneo Encompassed'