Borneo is a remote wilderness of tropical jungle that supports one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems and which is home to both indigenous tribal groups and the endangered orangutan.
On this exciting two-week tour of Borneo, begin in Sarawak, 'land of the hornbill', visit the colourful city of Kuching and spend two nights exploring the cave systems of Mulu National Park. From here travel north to Sabah, a paradise for the wildlife enthusiasts to discover the spectacular Kinabalu National Park and the opportunity to visit the Sepilok’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, bringing you a face-to-face with the mighty 'man of the forest'. Cruise down the Kinabatangan River for a chance to view birds and wildlife in their mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitat before finishing on the tropical Gaya Island.
Kuching – Mulu National Park – Kota Kinabalu – Poring Hot Spring – Sepilok – Kinabatangan – Gaya Island
Trip Highlights
- Close to Kuching, visit the traditional longhouse villages and meet local tribes
- Explore the world’s largest limestone cave system in Mulu National Park by foot
- Discover Kota Kinabalu National Park which is home to over 1000 species of orchid
- Get up close to Borneo’s most famous apes at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Take a boat trip down the Kinabatangan River to view birds and wildlife in their habitat
- Relax on the paradise island of Gaya which is known for its colourful underwater world
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight non-stop to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 2
Arrive Kuching
On arrival in Kuala Lumpur transfer to the connecting flight to Kuching and on arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The capital of Sarawak, Kuching is a small and charming city that is picturesquely located on the banks of the Sarawak River.
The Ranee Boutique Suites
Day 3
Kuching
This morning visit Semenggoh Orangutan Wildlife Centre. Established in 1975, the centre traditionally rescued orphaned or captive orangutans and today it studies their biology and behaviour. On arrival observe the first feeding of the day. Take a walk along the rainforest to the feeding platform where the semi-wild orangutans often return to feed on the fruits that the rangers distribute. Take a scenic drive passing through cocoa and pepper plantations, rice fields and tropical forest before reaching Annah Rais, a Bidayuh Tribe Longhouse home to over 80 families. Discover the old bamboo longhouses, learn about the Bidayuh culture and have tea with a local family. On arrival back in Kuching take a guided tour of the city. Explore India Street, which is flanked by colourful shop houses, the Old Kuching Courthouse, Main Bazaar and Tua Pek Kong Temple. Take a sampan boat ride down the Sarawak and retrace adventurer James Brooke’s steps from his historic visit in 1839. Across the river visit Fort Margarita, which was built by Raja Charles Brooke in the 1870s, as well as the Astana and Ranee Margaret.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
The Ranee Boutique Suites
Day 4
Kuching
Today visit Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest national park that offers the perfect introduction to the region’s forests and wildlife. Bako is home to 275 rare proboscis monkeys that are only found in Borneo. Observe these fabulous creatures as well as silvered langurs, bearded pigs and monitor lizards. It is also a great birdwatching destinations where species include the rufous-backed kingfisher, stork-billed kingfisher, red-crowned barbet and white-bellied woodpecker.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
The Ranee Boutique Suites
Day 5
Kuching to Mulu National Park – by air
Take the short flight from Kuching to Mulu to spend the next two nights in Mulu National Park. This afternoon take a 3.5km elevated plank walk to Lang Cave, the longest cave passage in the world at 2,161 metres long. Discover the magnificent stalagmites and stalactites before proceeding to Deer Cave which is home to a colony of thousands of free-tailed bats where at dusk you can watch the bats emerge from the cave in formation. Enjoy a night trek in the jungle to view creatures not visible in daylight. From luminescent fungi to blinking fireflies, the rainforest truly comes alive at night.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Mulu Marriot Resort & Spa
Day 6
Mulu National Park
After breakfast take a short longboat ride along the Melanau River to explore two more of Mulu’s limestone caves – Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. Explore these amazing, natural landmarks via plank walkways before returning to the national park and exploring the treetops via a canopy walkway.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Mulu Marriot Resort & Spa
Day 7
Mulu National Park to Kota Kinabulu – by air
This morning transfer to Mulu Airport and fly to Kota Kinabalu. Capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to the spectacular Kinabalu National Park. Dominated by the 4000m peak of Mt Kinabalu, the reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Malaysia’s oldest protected areas. Later this afternoon take a guided tour of Kota Kinabalu which also incorporates tasting local street food and tasty delicacies.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Day 8
Kota Kinabalu to Poring Hot Spring via Kinabalu National Park – 128 kms
This morning visit Kinabalu National Park which is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. With four different climatic zones and forest environments ranging from tropical to coniferous, the national park supports an extraordinary variety of plants and animals. Over 1000 species of orchid have been recorded here and the park is also home to rafflesia – the world’s largest flower – and carnivorous pitcher plants. Kinabalu National Park also supports orangutan, lemur, wild pig, tarsier and slow loris as well as over 250 different species of bird. After lunch travel to Poring Hot Springs which is home to Japanese-style hot tubs that are filled from natural hot springs. Continue to Kipungit Waterfall to admire this beautiful natural wonder or explore the rainforest canopy via a suspension bridge.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Poring Hot Spring & Nature Resort
Day 9
Poring Hot Spring to Sepilok – 208 kms
After breakfast visit Sabah Tea where you will take an interesting tour of the tea factory and learn about tea production. Take a 3.5 hour drive to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary which is one of the best places to encounter Borneo’s unique and endemic monkey species. You will also likely see silver leaf monkeys, squirrels and oriental-pied hornbills during your visit too.
- Breakfast
Sepilok Nature Lodge
Day 10
Sepilok to Kinabatangan – by boat
Early this morning depart for the Sun Bear Conservation Centre which aims to increase awareness of this little-known bear species – named after the crescent shaped patch of fur on their chest that resembles the rising sun. Proceed by foot to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre which was founded in 1964 to look after orphan orangutans. After visiting the centre it is a two hour journey by ferry along the Kinabatangan River to your hotel for the night which offers the opportunity to view birds and wildlife in their mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitat.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Day 11
Kinabatangan
This morning take an early river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the oxbow lake at Kelenanap where you will have the chance to view more wonderful birds and wildlife. After breakfast proceed for an educational tour along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with the resort's in-house naturalist where you will get to learn about the regions eco-systems and local flora and fauna. In the afternoon, enjoy another memorable river cruise for more wildlife, where the primates in particular are most active.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Day 12
Kinabatangan to Gaya Island
After a morning at leisure to enjoy the resort, head to Sandakan Airport for the flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival transfer by boat to Gaya Island. Located in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Gaya Island boasts crystal clear water, tropical forest and diverse nature.
- Breakfast
Bungaraya Island Resort
Day 13
Gaya Island
Today is at leisure to enjoy the paradise of Gaya Island. Swim in the warm, turquoise waters, take a snorkelling trip to observe the colourful marine life, take a hike through one of the forest’s marked trails or just relax by the pool.
- Breakfast
Bungaraya Island Resort
Day 14
Gaya Island to Kota Kinabalu – by boat / Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur – by air
After a morning at leisure at the resort, transfer back to Kota Kinabalu for the flight to Kuala Lumpur where you will then connect onto the non-stop flight to London with British Airways, arriving the following morning.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia, has developed from a small, rural trading outpost into one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in South East Asia. Scale the iconic Petronas Towers, explore colourful Chinatown and take a food tour of the city.
Often described as the Pearl of Asia, Penang is an enticing melting pot of culture, food, art and history. Aside from vibrant George Town, the island is home to spectacular scenery from mangrove forests to magnificent beaches.
Situated in the Andaman Sea in the far north-west of Malaysia, the Langkawi archipelago offers visitors a relaxing stay. Conjuring images of crystalline water, palm-fringed beaches and excellent snorkelling, Langkawi can easily be added after a tour of Borneo.
Guide to Price
14 days from £4190 - £4590 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4190 - £4590
Travel Information
Getting there
There are regular direct flights to Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur from the UK with both Malaysia Airlines and British Airways. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines all offer indirect flights via their respective hubs.
Flying times from UK
A direct flight from London to Kuala Lumpur takes between 12 and 14 hours. The total length of travel time for an indirect flight depends on the airline and the route you take.
Time zone
Malaysia is +8 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa requirements
If you are a British national you do not need a visa to visit Malaysia and on arrival in the country will be given permission to stay for three months. If you plan to stay for longer than three months a visa must be obtained in advance of your arrival. You should also ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive in Malaysia.
Do’s and don’ts
In Malaysia the head is the most sacred part of the body. You should only touch another person’s head if you know them very well and are certain they will not take offence. This includes children.
Avoid pointing at anything or anyone with your feet, or indeed resting them on a table. This is very disrespectful. It is also considered rude to point with your index finger, particularly if you are pointing at another person. Instead, use your thumb on your right hand.
Malaysia is a Muslim country and although western clothing is common in Kuala Lumpur and at some beaches you still need to be appropriately covered to visit a mosque. Some mosques will have long sleeved clothes for you to borrow.
Most Malaysians are very friendly and welcoming but you can avoid staring by covering your chest, arms and legs, especially if you are a woman.
Money
The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysia Ringgit (RM) and is divided into sen. Notes come in 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 Ringgits and coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen. Pound Sterling and US Dollars are widely accepted throughout Malaysia and both are easy to exchange with facilities to do this at airports, authorised dealers and hotels. If in remote areas it may be harder to exchange money so it is better to carry local currency with you. All major credit cards are accepted in Malaysia and ATM machines are widespread although in rural areas it is still better to carry Ringgits should a card not be accepted or an ATM not working.
Tipping
In Malaysia, tipping is not generally expected. Normally when you go to a restaurant, a service charge of 10% will be added to your bill, however, it is common practice to tip service staff in a bar. A guideline for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food and drink
A fusion of three of the world’s most loved cuisines – Chinese, Indian and Malay – the food in Malaysia is truly exceptional. The national dish of Malaysia is called 'Nasi lemak' and is rice steamed with coconut milk, served alongside dried anchovies, peanuts and eggs. Nasi lemak can be found all over the country. Another favourite is 'Nasi goreng', a Malay-style fried rice, which is very popular and commonly found being served at street stalls and night markets. In Malaysia Chinese food is normally eaten with chopsticks whilst Indian and Malay food is eaten with the fingers or knife and fork. Beer, wine and spirits and found throughout the country and locally brewed beers such as Tiger and Anchor are very popular. In tribal areas of Borneo look out for a traditional rice wine called tuak.
Accommodation
As one of Asia’s most developed countries, Malaysia has a huge range of accommodation from smaller boutique hotels to historic properties and luxurious five star resorts. The vast majority of the accommodation on the peninsula is of a very high standard and there are some excellent heritage hotels. On Borneo accommodation tends to be more rustic in nature with a focus on eco-lodges, rainforest retreats and traditional style accommodation. With the exception of Kuala Lumpur where there are plenty of hotel options, accommodation in smaller towns and remote locations often needs to be booked well in advance, especially if planning to travel during peak times or key holidays such as Chinese New Year.
Shopping
Aside from Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Bradt, a good place to start is with Janet Tay and Eric Forbes' ‘Urban Odysseys’ – a collection of short stories detailing everyday life in Kuala Lumpur. For a more holistic look at the country, try Farish A Noor's ‘Searching for the Other Malaysia’ which journeys around the country covering everywhere from Majapahit to Putrajay. For a history of the country try ‘A Short History of Malaysia’, by Virginia Matheson Hooker or ‘Malayan Spymaster: Memoirs of a Rubber Planter, Bandit Fighter and Spy’, by Boris Hembry.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) Web Site on www.masta.org. The NHS ‘Fit for Travel’ website (http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx) is also a useful resource.
Travel advice
For current information on Malaysia the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (https://safertourism.org.uk/) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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