Borneo In-Depth

22 days
Indicative cost incl. flights:

A typical 4* holiday costs from
£8,765 per person

(Based on two people travelling. Low season can be a lot cheaper, and peak season or 5* hotels can be substantially more expensive.)

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Danum Valley

Gunung Mulu National Park

Kuching

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Day 1

Depart the UK for your overnight flight to Malaysia. You will require a short layover in Kuala Lumpur airport before travelling onwards to Kuching in Borneo. Opt to add a few days in Malaysia's capital city to break the journey up if you would prefer.

Day 2

Arrive to Kuching where you will meet with your driver and guide. The afternoon is left free to relax after your flight or enjoy an orientation tour of Kuching with your guide to learn about the history and heritage of Sarawak.

Day 3

A full day tour to Bako National Park - travel by boat to the beach where you will jump into the waters and wade to shore. Explore the national park keeping your eyes peeled for bearded pigs, proboscis monkeys, green pit vipers, flying squirrels and a whole host of tropical birds and other extraordinary wildlife! Walk the trails and relax at park HQ for a local style lunch.

Day 4

Spend the morning with a local Iban family - learn about the local culture of the headhunters - don't worry, they no longer practice this tradition! Enjoy a delicious lunch, witness a blowpipe hunting demo or join them in their daily tasks.

Day 5

Discover Kuching's charm on this unique cycling tour, exploring laneways, heritage sites, and quirky cat-themed spots. Sampan across the Sarawak River and enjoy riding along quiet lanes lined with wooden houses, stopping to observe scenes of rural lifestyles and to chat with friendly locals.

Day 6

The journey into Mulu National Park is as incredible as the place itself. Fly high over the rainforest canopy before landing within the heart of the National Park. Continue by road to the Park HQ where you will head out on a walk to visit the magical Deer Cave, just in time for the evening bat show at dawn. This evening relax at your lodge or luxury hotel before a night trail with your nature guide.

Day 7

A morning cruise takes you to explore wind cave and clearwater cave, followed by a swim in the blue lagoons. This afternoon we recommend taking on the canopy walkway, or for those needing downtime enjoy some lounging poolside at the Marriott. Alternatively we can arrange the Valley of Eden Trek, Pinnacle Trek or adventure caving.

Day 8

Enjoy a day at leisure in the awe-inspiring national park.

Day 9

Fly to Sabah, arriving in to Kota Kinabalu for your next adventure. Take time to relax or explore the city and fabulous markets with your guide. This evening stroll along the waterfront or add on a snorkel experience followed by BBQ dinner.

Day 10

Early morning wake up this morning for a hike to the summit of the forest reserve, Timpak Pogimpaan, standing at 98 meters. Witness the sunrise over the majestic Mount Kinabalu and recharge with breakfast at the lookout tower, situated 15 feet high at the highest point of the Nature Reserve. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure at your beach resort.

Day 11

Travel to Sepilok today with a short flight from Kota Kinabalu. Check in to your lodge and this evening take a night walk or head out for dinner in the city.

Day 12

Today you have a private tour of the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where you can witness the orangutans' daily feed. Explore the nursery and observe young orangutans developing the skills required to be released back out into the jungle. Experience the neighbouring Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where 36 rescued bears are currently housed. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to encounter the unique Proboscis monkey before heading back to your Sepilok lodge for dinner.

Day 13

Today, it's time to make your way to your next lodge on the Kinabatangan River. This region of Sabah is prevalent with endemic wildlife and it's likely that you will see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, pygmy elephants, birds and other wildlife during your afternoon cruise along the river.

Day 14

Our top picks for activities today include bird watching, boat cruising in search of crocodile, evening firefly watching and relaxing at your riverside lodge. Most of the lodges in the area don’t have swimming pools, so let your specialist know if this is important for you!

Day 15

Today it's time to leave the river behind and head inland for some more jungle adventures at Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Once you have arrived at Tabin, check in to your accommodation - basic, but private, clean and air conditioned - you can trek the Elephant trail up to the active Lipad mud volcano which draws in wildlife and birdlife with it's rich minerals.

Day 16

Your full day at Tabin Wildlife Reserve can be spent as actively or as laid back as you choose. I would suggest braving an early morning wake up to join a bird walk pre-breakfast. The afternoon can be spent trekking through the rainforest and learning about the flora and fauna of the area. You can even take a swim and shower at the nearby Lipad waterfall. Alternatively, head to the massage hut and try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks.

Day 17

Wave goodbye to the amazing nature guides in Tabin Wildlife Reserve and get ready to head deep into the last area of primary rainforest in Borneo; Danum Valley. An exclusive experience which is worth every penny, Danum is a must for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Day 18

Your tour includes a 3 day, 2 night package in the Borneo Rainforest Lodge living with the resident great ape, the Orangutan, and enjoying a number of incredible nature excursions. The excellent team will speak to you on arrival the best activities for you during your stay.

Day 19

Dine on a delicious breakfast as you listen to the call of the gibbons and spot tropical birds from the balcony. Depart from Danum Valley today travelling by 4x4 back to Lahad Dhatu for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Check in to your next hotel for a relaxing beach break.

Day 20

A full day of relaxation on the beach. Or you may prefer to head to the city of Kota Kinabalu for sightseeing. You may also want to visit the Poring Hot Springs or Mount Kinabalu.

Day 21

A full day at leisure to enjoy your beach or island resort. Depending on your preference you may choose to include your beach stay on the maindland or on the nearby Gaya Island. Ask your specialist to talk you through the differences.

Day 22

Depart Borneo today - you will be transferred to the airport by your private driver for your flight home.

Where you'll go
What you'll do
Where you'll stay

Similar Holidays

Everything we do is tailor-made; our itineraries are just suggestions to give you an idea of what is possible. Please contact us so we can tailor the perfect holiday exclusively for you.

Take in all of Borneo’s best-known national parks, cities and natural attractions on an in depth tour around the country. Week one kicks off in Kuching, where you’ll cycle through charming laneways, visit heritage sites, and snap selfies with iconic cat-themed monuments. A scenic sampan boat journey across the Sarawak River adds a touch of magic.

Week two takes you deep into the heart of Borneo’s rainforests. Explore Mulu National Park where you will trek through tropical rainforests, raft rivers and discover vast networks of cave systems in the national park. Learn about indigenous cultures, observe rural lifestyles, and enjoy the delights of the Mulu Marriott nestled deep within the jungle amongst impressive limestone cliffs.

In week three, head to Sabah for wildlife encounters in the renowned Kinabatangan River and explore the biodiversity-rich Danum Valley. Traverse the canopy walkways, witness orangutans in their natural habitat, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Gaya Island.

This extended adventure aims to create a balance of cultural immersion, natural exploration, and wildlife encounters. Accommodations range from boutique city hotels to eco-friendly lodges. Talk to your specialist about extending your holiday further with city stopovers in Kuala Lumpur & Singapore.

4 nights Kuching – 3 nights Mulu – 2 nights Kota Kinabalu- 2 nights Sepilok – 2 nights Kinabatangan River – 2 nights Tabin Wildlife Reserve – 2 nights Danum Valley – 3 nights Gaya Island

When to go:

We recommend travelling between March and October. May – September is High Season.

Weather:

Average Temp. 29C
Rainfall 220mm/month (tropical climate)
Water Temp. 29C

Flight time:

16hrs from London

Testimonials:

“The holiday was brilliant. The hotels were great to phenomenal and well positioned. The guides and drivers, professional and supportive. Thank you for your all your help – the organisation was smooth, your support personal. Very much appreciated!!”
The Clark Family