In Depth Borneo Adventure

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 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.