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Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point – a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Borneo experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect Borneo holiday to match.
This is our most comprehensive, action-packed Borneo holiday itinerary idea. If you've got the time, this is your chance to 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 real 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 the vast networks of cave systems that lie beneath 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 culture, nature, and wildlife encounters. Accommodations range from boutique city hotels to eco-friendly lodges, but – of course – they'll all be tailored to you. Chat to us if you fancy extending your holiday further with city stopovers in Kuala Lumpur & Singapore.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Borneo holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your holiday will be tailored to suit you.
Today you'll leave the UK on your overnight flight to Malaysia. You'll stop off for a short layover in Kuala Lumpur airport before travelling onwards to Kuching in Borneo, where your adventure really begins. You could always opt to add a few days in Malaysia's capital city to break the journey up if you would prefer.
Today, you'll arrive in Kuching, where you’ll be met by your friendly driver and guide and whisked off to the first hotel of your trip. We've left this afternoon free for you to relax after your flight or enjoy a tour of Kuching with your guide, get your bearings and learn about the history and heritage of Sarawak.
You’ll head off on a full-day tour to Bako National Park today. Travelling by boat to the beach, arriving in style as you jump into the water 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 the park HQ where you’ll be treated to a delicious, local-style lunch.
You’ll spend the morning with a local Iban family today, learning all about the local culture of the headhunters – don't worry, they no longer practice this tradition! You’ll be served up a delicious lunch, witness a blowpipe hunting demo and join the family in their daily tasks. It’s a real and authentic glimpse into Bornean culture – what travel moments are made of.
Today, you’ll head off on two wheels to discover Kuching's unique charm on a 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 watch rural lifestyle unfold around you, sample local treats and chat with the friendly locals as you go.
The journey into Mulu National Park today is as incredible as the place itself. Fly high over the rainforest canopy before landing right in the heart of the National Park. Continue by road to the park HQ where you’ll 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 heading off on a night trail with your nature guide.
A bright and early morning cruise takes you to explore Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave today, followed by the chance to take a dip in the blue lagoons. This afternoon, we recommend taking on the canopy walkway for a different viewpoint over the park. Or, if you're fancying a bit of downtime, enjoy some lounging poolside at the Marriott.
Enjoy a day at leisure in the awe-inspiring national park today. If you fancy an extra dose of action and adrenaline, we can arrange the Valley of Eden Trek, Pinnacle Trek or even a spot of adventure caving. Your holiday is yours alone, it can be as action packed or slow-paced as you like.
You’ll hop on a flight to Sabah today, arriving in Kota Kinabalu for your next adventure. Take some time to relax or head straight out to explore the city and its fabulous markets with your guide. This evening take a stroll along the waterfront or venture off on a snorkelling experience followed by BBQ dinner.
You’ve got an early morning wake-up this morning for a hike up 98 metres to the summit of the forest reserve, Timpak Pogimpaan. Watch as the sun rises over the majestic Mount Kinabalu and recharge with a delicious breakfast at the lookout tower, teetering at 15 feet high at the highest point of the Nature Reserve. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure at your beach resort. You’ve earned it!
Today, you’ll hop on a short flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sepilok. Check into your lodge, and this evening, take a night walk to spot the creatures that are more active after dark or head out to get your bearings and grab dinner in the city. Chat to us about where to eat, there are some great spots.
It's a bold claim, but today will, without doubt, be a highlight of your Borneo holiday. You’ll take off on a private tour of the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you'll witness the orangutans' daily feed. Explore the nursery and watch as the young orangutans develop the skills needed to be released back out into the jungle.
Next up, you'll head to the neighbouring Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where 36 rescued bears are currently homed. 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.
Next up, it's time to make your way to your next lodge on the Kinabatangan River for the next two nights. This region of Sabah is bursting with endemic wildlife and it's likely that you'll see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, pygmy elephants, birds and other wildlife during your first afternoon cruise along the river.
Our top picks for activities during your stay include bird watching, boat cruising in search of crocodiles, evening firefly watching and relaxing at your riverside lodge. Most of the lodges in the area don’t have swimming pools, so do chat to us if this is important for you and we'll do our best to make it happen for you.
Today, it's time to leave the river behind and head inland for some more jungle adventures at Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Once you've arrived at Tabin and checked into 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 countless wildlife and birdlife with its rich minerals.
Your full day at Tabin Wildlife Reserve can be spent as actively or as laid back as you choose. We'd suggest braving an early morning wake-up to join a bird walk pre-breakfast – it's more than worth the alarm call. The afternoon can be spent trekking through the rainforest and learning about the flora and fauna of the area, before taking 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, perfect for relaxing tired muscles after long jungle treks.
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.
This Borneo holiday idea includes a 3 day, 2 night stay at the incredible Borneo Rainforest Lodge. During your time here, you'll live alongside the resident great ape, the Orangutan, and enjoy plenty of incredible nature excursions. The orangutans really are the star of the show here, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to trek to see them here. The excellent team at the lodge will chat to you when you arrive to schedule the best activities for you during your stay.
Enjoy your last morning in Danum Valley, dining on a delicious breakfast as you listen to the call of the gibbons and spot tropical birds from the balcony. Wave goodbye to the orangutans today and travel by 4x4 back to Lahad Dhatu for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. There are a few options for your beach break, so do chat to us about what might suit you best. We'd always recommend Gaya Island as a beautiful option if a little slice of Bornean paradise is what you're after.
Your next couple of days are all about the R&R. Kick back, soak up the sun and reminisce about all of the wildlife encounters you will have checked off over the last few weeks. Gaya Island is a gorgeous spot, but if you'd prefer to stay on the mainland there are some great options too. Just chat to us and we'll make sure the last few days of your Borneo holiday go just as you'd like.
It's time to say goodbye to Borneo today as you're transferred back to the airport by your private driver ready to hop on a flight back to the UK.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Erin and Ian are dedicated to all things Borneo and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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Erin Evans
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