Borneo Expedition: Jungles, Wildlife & Island Retreats

Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak, is arguably one of the most attractive cities in Southeast Asia. With a romantic history of Sultans, traders, warriors and White Rajahs, a rich architectural heritage, and the warm hospitality of its residents, it is quite easy to end up spending longer than intended in Kuching.
This city of 650,000 people has modern amenities yet still retains a small town feel. Its laid-back charm is one of its key attractions. The friendly residents of Kuching enjoy meeting and talking to travelers.
Accommodations: The Waterfront Hotel (Dinner)

The feeding area is set in a natural amphitheater where it is possible to observe the orangutans coming down from the surrounding forest for the food provided. The rangers provide a briefing on the purpose of the center and the conservation objectives.
This afternoon we depart Semenggoh and continue to Bengoh, the starting point of your kayak adventure. Float down a river that meanders through limestone hills clad with tropical rainforest. The generally peaceful flat water is punctuated with Class 1 to Class 2 rapids providing a thrilling water ride. Take breaks along the way to savor the beauty of the jungle, visit a friendly Bidayuh Village and have a swim in the cool refreshing mountain water. Enjoy a light picnic lunch on the sandy riverbank. End the trip at the picturesque village of Semadang and then return to Kuching.
Accommodations: The Waterfront Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch)

The park has an impressive range of forest types from mangrove to kerangas (heath forest), tropical swamp vegetation, cliff vegetation and beach vegetation. A trail network provides access to different parts of the depending on level of fitness and areas of interest. The park’s spectacular coastline is dotted with small bays, coves and beaches.
From the village, proceed by boat for approximately 25 minutes to the park headquarters. En route there is a chance to see crocodiles, sea eagles and other shore birds. Arrive at the park HQ and begin exploring the trails and searching for wildlife.
Accommodations: The Waterfront Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch)

Board a longboat and travel upriver to Nanga Sumpa. Settle in at Borneo Adventure’s lodge and have dinner. After dinner visit Nanga Sumpa longhouse. Relax on the ruai (common verandah) and spend time with the Iban people. Interact with the community; learn about their culture and enjoy some local rice wine.
Accommodations: Nanga Sumpa Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Enjoy a riverside BBQ lunch prepared by your Iban hosts. Return to the lodge. After dinner visit Nanga Sumpa longhouse. Relax on the ruai (common verandah), spend time with the Iban people and enjoy some local rice wine.

Accommodations: Nanga Sumpa Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Your cooking instructor will in advance have arrange a wide variety of fresh and locally produced raw food items (including meat, vegetables, rice, fruit and loads of spices etc.) that you will be thought to turn into to a delicious meal that you will eventually consume yourselves. There will for sure be something to look forward to at the end of the process. The session will culminate with dinner, where after you will have the rest of the evening at your own disposal to venture around downtown Kuching on your own to maybe look for a drink at one of the small bars or just go back to your hotel for a rest.

Accommodations: The Waterfront Hotel (Breakfast, Dinner)

In the afternoon, proceed to the park headquarters and enjoy a scenic 3 km plank walk through primary rainforest to the entrance of Deer Cave. Deer Cave is the world’s largest cave passage. Its scale its awesome and you are in no doubt how huge it is when you arrive at the cave entrance. The entrance of the cave is 150 m wide and 120 m high. Nowhere in this massive cave is the roof less than 90 m high. The cave has a moon-like landscape and from one vantage point, a perfect profile of President Lincoln can be observed. Next to Deer Cave is Langs Cave. The stalactites and stalagmites inside this cave are representative of the very best limestone formations in the park. After viewing the two caves, proceed to the Bat Observatory outside Deer Cave. Most evenings at sundown, a spectacular exodus of about 2 million of bats can be observed as they leave the cave in search of food. Then trek back to the park HQ by torchlight and return to your accommodation.
Accommodations: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa (Breakfast)

Here, stalactites and stalagmites with delicate lace-like patterns are found. A short walk along a plankwalk next to the limestone cliff leads to Clearwater Cave. Like most caves in Mulu, Clearwater Cave provides a habitat for unique species of plants. One of these, the one-leafed plant can only be found at Mulu. Photo-sensitive algae grow on certain rocks and produce needle-like formations that point towards the source of light. Near Clearwater cave there is a wonderful swimming area shaded by giant rainforest trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch, swim or relax before returning to accommodation.
Accommodations: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa (Breakfast, Lunch)

In the afternoon, transfer to Mulu airport for flight to Kota Kinabalu. Fly Mulu – Kota Kinabalu.
Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu airport, meet and transfer to the Jesselton Point jetty. Depart by boat to Gayana Marine Resort for check in.
Accommodations:  Gayana Marine Resort. (Breakfast)

MY Nature Resort is set in 25 acres of rainforest bordering the Sepilok forest reserve, a protected area rich in wildlife. Relax, swim in the pool or go for a walk on the resort’s own 1,050 meter long boardwalk.

Red giant flying squirrels are resident within the grounds of MY Nature Resort. They come out almost every night but sightings are not guaranteed. Head to the platform near the restaurant before 1800 hours. Resort staff will point out which trees the squirrels sleep in and let you know when they start to come out of their hiding places. If you are lucky watch the giant squirrels emerge from their nests and glide across the sky.

Accommodations: MY Nature Resort (Breakfast, Dinner)

Then proceed to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). This centre rescues captured sun bears and is involved in sun bear conservation, welfare rehabilitation and education. Over 30 sun bears live at the centre in the bear house and outdoor enclosures.

Then we will travel by road to Sukau. Arrive at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge  and have lunch. In the afternoon go on a river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the Menanggul River in search proboscis monkeys, birds, reptiles and other wildlife.

Accommodations:  Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Check into the charming timber bungalow of Tabin Wildlife Resort, which comes complete with private balcony and hot water shower, a real luxury in the forest. The resort is set in the rainforest alongside the Lipad River and a variety of birds, insects and even small mammals can be sighted quite easily in the vicinity. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments. In the afternoon embark on a short trek through the jungle for twenty minutes arriving at an elevated bare area – the Lipad mud volcano. This feature also serves as a mineral salt lick for wildlife as evidenced by the multitude of animal footprints here. After dinner, enjoy a slide presentation on Tabin’s uniqueness, followed by a Night Safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds.

Accommodations:  Tabin Wildlife Resort (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Time to relax or explore the surrounding vegetation. In the afternoon you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. In the evening, go on a dusk drive to look for nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodations:  Tabin Wildlife Resort (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)