Bucket List Borneo
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Bucket List Borneo
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Bucket List Borneo

This is the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime Borneo holiday. It covers everything that makes Borneo special, from its renowned wildlife to its lush rainforests, but it’s far from a bog-standard trip. Many off-the-beaten-track twists and adventures are included to make it an extra special experience from which you’ll come home with a great sense of achievement and memories to last a lifetime.   

In total, the adventure covers almost 4 weeks, but as with all of our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace, and style. 

Highlights include

  • Getting away from modern life as you travel to the most remote part of Sabah, homeland to the indigenous Murat people and the remarkable Batu Punggol.
  • Listen to the call of gibbons and peek through rainforest vines to see orangutans swinging in the trees on an adventure in Danum Valley.
  • Climbing 4,098 meters to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
  • Unwind at Japamala and spend your days snorkelling, in the spa, or simply reading a book under the shade of the palm trees.

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. 

Get in touch to find out how this suggested itinerary could inspire your trip.

 

 

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

  • International flights (if required)
  • Guides, drivers & their tips
  • Accommodation
  • Specified meals & snacks
  • Your immersive experiences
  • Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kuching.

Days 2 - 4 Kuching & Bako National Park

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 sunsets. 

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.

Days 5 & 6 Mulu National Park

A short morning flight takes you directly from Kuching to Mulu, where you'll stay two nights. On arrival, there are various 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.  There is a night-time trek through the jungle in the evening 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.

Day 7 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.

Day 8-10 Murat Tribe and Jungle Experience

Today you’ll travel by 4-wheel drive and boat; you will travel deep into one of the most remote parts of Sabah state. You’ll travel through the homeland of the Murat people towards Batu Punggul, an 800 ft forest-clad limestone pinnacle that is home to a labyrinth of caves.  On the first day, you’ll explore caves via underground streams and sleep overnight under the stars in a comfortable hammock camp.

Day 9 will take you to explore Batu Punggul itself, spend the night in a longhouse and enjoy an evening of Murut hospitality. On Day 10, you’ll enjoy a morning of light trekking and swimming in multi-levelled waterfalls before journeying back to a Kota Kinabalu beachfront hotel for the evening.

Day 11 Beach Day

Pantai Dalit Beach is a secluded stretch of sand north of Kota Kinabalu, perfect for relaxation or water sports. Enjoy a full day relaxing and enjoying beach life in preparation for the next part of the adventure.

Days 12 - 14 Climb Mount Kinabalu and onwards to Sepilok

Over the next two days, you will climb more than 4,000 metres above sea level to reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu, assisted by a park ranger - an incredible adventure. Pass by oak forests, moss-covered trees, bamboo, and ferns as you go, and there are plenty of rest stops and a picnic lunch.

On the first day, you'll stop overnight in the national park and on the second night, you'll stay at Laban Rata Resthouse, by which point you will have already ascended 3,353 metres. The next morning you'll be called early at 2 am to begin the final trek from Laban Rata to the summit in time for sunrise.

The descent takes you back past Laban Rata, and you’ll get a certificate for reaching the summit. You'll reach the base around lunchtime and then transfer onwards to Sepilok.

Day 15 & 16 Sepilok and Kinabatangan 

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 with 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 riverboat cruise to take in the scenery of Pitas Oxbow Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of bird species and pygmy elephants.

Days 17 - 19 Danum Valley

Travel 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 mornings, listen out for the call of the Bornean gibbons (you can't miss the cacophony!). During your stay, there will be time to trek to "Coffin Cliff" along a 2.6km trail, with fantastic views over the rainforest as well as waterfalls and a natural pool. Other optional activities include a guided jungle trek or water tubing down the river. There is a chance to sneak back into the jungle on foot to listen to the nocturnal animals in the evening.

Day 20 Kota Kinabalu  

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll transfer to Lahad Datu for the 50-minute flight back to Kota Kinabalu. Spend a night in a waterfront hotel, just a short transfer from the airport.

Days 21-25 Island Time at Japamala

Fly directly from Kota Kinabalu to Johor Bharu on mainland Malaysia. Meet your guide for the road transfer to Mersing Jetty bound for the remote, rustic and luxurious Japamala. At the jetty, board the boat to Tioman Island. After checking in and settling into your room, the next few days are at your leisure. This is a wonderful place to spend days snorkelling, hiking in the jungle or relaxing in the spa.

Day 26 Fly Home

Transfer to Kuala Lumpur (or Singapore) for your flight back to the UK. 

 

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Get in touch

Every holiday we create is unique. One of our team can talk you through your options...

Hotels & Villas
featured above

Basic Accommodation

Basic Accommodation, Various Locations in Sapulot

Simple accommodation during a 5 star experience.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley Conservation Area

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

Celyn Resort Kinabalu

Celyn Resort Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu

At Celyn Resort, expect basic, clean and pleasant accommodation with spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu.

Hyatt Regency

Hyatt Regency , Kota Kinabalu

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

Japamala Resort Tioman Island

Japamala Resort Tioman Island , Tioman Island

A remote, rustic, and luxurious resort with warm staff and a beautiful ambience on a gorgeous island.

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Kinabatangan River

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

Laban Rata Guest House

Laban Rata Guest House, Mount Kinabalu

Laban Rata offers lodgings with spectacular views and welcoming warm meals on your way up Mount Kinabalu.

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, Gunung Mulu National Park

In the heart of the jungle near the magnificent Mulu caves, this is a first-class resort.

Ranee Kuching

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 Nature Resort, Kabili-Sepilok Forest , Sepilok

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

Shangri La Rasa Ria

Shangri La Rasa Ria , Kota Kinabalu

Deluxe beach hotel with excellent facilities, located north of Kota Kinabalu.

Experiences & Activities
featured above

Bako National Park

Bako National Park, Bako National Park

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

Danum Valley Trekking

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.

Explore Mulu's Deer and Lang Caves

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, Gunung Mulu National Park

Sarawaks largest national park with excellent wildlife and geology.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari, Kinabatangan River

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

Orang Utan and Sun Bear Conservation Centre

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

Pitas Oxbow Lake, Kinabatangan River

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

Wind and Clearwater Caves

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.

~
Every ETG journey is unique.
Let us inspire you
~

Your next adventure starts with a conversation...

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1-888-577-8452

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