Explore the remote rivers and dense jungle of Sabah and Sarawak’s interiors in a search for its unique wildlife.
This suggested itinerary has been designed to introduce you to Borneo's top eco-destinations and visit different habitats on foot and by boat. Among the highlights are a visit to the Iban headhunter tribe of Batang Ai, the underground caves in Mulu National Park, and seeing orangutan in Sepilok Reserve and hornbills in Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Kuching via Kuala Lumpur.
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Day 2:
Arrive Kuching
On arrival at Kuching you will be met and transferred to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free to explore the city.
Accommodation: Hilton Hotel, 1-night
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Days 3-4
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Bako National Park
After breakfast it's a half-hour drive to Bako village, and then a 25-minute boat ride (depending on the tide) to the park. Your accommodation at Bako National Park is in the park chalets; they provide modest but adequate facilities, and the adjacent canteen, where all meals are taken, serves tasty Malaysian food.
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Day 5:
Return to Kuching
Head back to Kuching today, and in the afternoon, visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. This orangutan rehabilitation centre trains orphaned or rescued orangutans how to survive in the wild; over 20 orangutans live in forest within the nature reserve and often return to the centre at feeding times. After a brief talk from the rangers, take a short walk along a trail to the feeding area to watch the orangutans come down from the trees for a free meal! Continue to Kuching for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hilton Hotel, 1-night
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Days 6-7
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Fly to Gunung Mulu
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Mulu. Located in the remote north-east of Sarawak state, Gunung Mulu National Park offers an exceptional level of biodiversity, as well as some of the largest caves in the world.
Accommodation: Royal Mulu Resort, 2-nights
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Days 8-9
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Fly to Sandakan; visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
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Days 10-11
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Kinabatangan River
Transfer to the jetty in Sandakan for a boat excursion that brings you to the pristine mangrove forests along the Kinabatangan River delta in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and reptiles. Lunch is provided en route. Continue by boat to Sukau and, after checking in to your accommodation, enjoy a river cruise up Kinabatangan River to Menanggul River in search of more wildlife.
Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, 2-nights
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Days 12-13
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Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Drive to Lahad Datu and continue on a gravel road for about two hours to Tabin Wildlife Reserve. This afternoon, take a guided visit to Lipad mud volcano and observation tower.
On the following full day in Tabin, enjoy an early morning birding walk, then trek to Lipad Waterfall. The afternoon is free to explore the jungle, bird watch or just relax and enjoy your time in the rainforest.
Accommodation: Tabin Wildlife Resort, 2-nights
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Day 14:
Transfer to Lahad Datu & depart
After breakfast, there should be time for a last stroll and dip in the nearby rock pool or riverside where groups of macaques and other small mammals can sometimes be seen. It's then time to say goodbye to Tabin and return to Lahad Datu for an overnight flight back to the UK via Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.
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Day 15:
Arrive UK
