Splendors of Borneo
Borneo, the third largest island in the world, is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Bird watchers, botanists, cave enthusiasts, or just plain nature lovers, will rejoice in discovering the Splendors of Borneo! Start on the north-east part of the island for a panoramic view of Kota Kinabalu, from which your trip will include an excursion to Kinabalu National Park, a stop in Mulu National Park, Home to the largest cave passage in the world, a visit to the Orang Utan rehabilitation centre and a stop at a traditional longhouse.
Pricing
Group tour starting at $1,399* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
7 Days – Kota Kinabalu to Kuching
Your package includes
- 12 meals
- Transfers to all hotels and airports
- English speaking driver-guides
- 6 night accommodation in double occupancy
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Transportation via boat and vehicle
Not included
- International airfare and airport taxes
- Domestic airfare Kota Kinabalu-Mulu-Kuching
- Gratuities to hotel personnel, guides, drivers
- Optional excursions
- Beverages
- New Tax applicable on hotel stays 6% to be paid locally; the new tax will be based on the class of hotel you stay at, as follows: five star: RM20/room/night, four star: RM10/room/night, one, two and three stars: RM5/room/night
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Kota Kinabalu
Meals
Description
Arrival in Kota Kinabalu and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon city tour. Visit the highest point for a panoramic view of Kota Kinabalu – The Signal Hill, Likas Bay, and the exterior of Sabah Foundation building, Buddhist Temple, State Museum and the State Mosque.
Accommodation: Sabah Oriental Hotel (2 nights)
Day 2
Kota Kinabalu – Kinabalu National Park – Kota Kinabalu
Breakfast, Lunch
Depart for a full day excursion to Kinabalu National Park, the base of the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Kinabalu Park is a botanist’s paradise with over a thousand species of orchids, numerous Rhododendrons and pitcher plants as well as many species of birds. A park guide will take you on a nature walk where you will also visit the exhibition hall.
Day 3
Kota Kinabalu – Mulu (by air)
Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Mulu National Park, home to the largest cave passage in the world – a paradise for naturalists. Mulu Park is known to have 1500 species of flowering plants, 170 species of wild orchids and 67 species of animals (sighting of animals is not guaranteed). In the afternoon, enjoy the 3 km raised plank walk to explore the Deer and Lang Caves – the largest cave passage in the world. Walk through the peat swamp forest, and if weather permits, be mesmerized by millions of bats flying around the cave each evening.
Accommodation: Mulu National Park
Day 4
Mulu – Kuching (by air)
Breakfast, Lunch
Continue to explore Mulu caves with a boat ride to Clearwater Cave. Swim at a crystal-clear water pool. Visit the Wind Cave and thereafter proceed to Batu Bungan Penan Settlement, to observe the tribe lifestyle and their handicraft heritage. Return to Mulu and proceed to the airport for your flight to Kuching. Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: LimeTree Hotel (2 nights)
Day 5
Kuching
Breakfast
Today, a city tour of Kuching will start with a viewing of Fort Margherita from the waterfront, (no public admission). Drive by many historical buildings, the South City Hall, the Square and Round Towers, the Colonial Courthouse and General Post Office. Visit Tua Pek Kong Temple – the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching and visit an exhibition “Urang Sarawak”, located in the Art Museum wing of the Sarawak Museum complex. Enjoy the drive through Malay villages, explore the centre of the city passing through colourful India Street and traditional shop-houses. If time permits, take a walk on the waterfront with its outdoor cafes and watch sampans plying the Sarawak River ferrying passengers from one side of the river to the other. In the afternoon explore on your own this quaint city.
Day 6
Kuching – Semenggok Orang Utan – Aiman Batang Ai Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart early morning to visit the Semenggok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre that houses the Orang Utan and sometimes other protected species of wildlife rescued from captivity. They are carefully cared for, nurtured and rehabilitated into their natural surroundings. Witness the feeding of the Orang Utans (subject to the animals approaching the feeding platform). Enjoy a 4 ½ hour journey to Batang Ai Dam passing rice fields, pepper plantations and local villages before stopping for lunch at the tiny town of Lachau. Ferry crossing to the resort.
Accommodation: AI Long House
Day 7
Aiman Batang Ai – Iban Longhouse – Kuching
Breakfast, Lunch
Board a native longboat for your immersive experience with the Ibans natives who were once the headhunters of Borneo. Mingle and participate in their daily chores or go for a dip in the river at the longhouse. The highlight of the visit is the traditional welcome with maidens in ceremonial regalia and the Ngajat dance, a graceful Warrior’s Dance. Enjoy your lunch at the longhouse while tuak, the local rice wine is served all around. Try your hand at handling the blowpipe and witness a cock-fighting demonstration. Depart for Kuching airport, departure flight time should be after 2000 hours.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Splendors of Borneo” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.