This tour allows you to see Borneo at its best – the natural beauty of this island paradise, the warmth of its people, and some of its most unique inhabitants. See how an adventurer became a Rajah, party deep in the wilds with indigenous tribes, marvel at the bounty of Mother Nature, and get close with some of the island's most famous animals, the Orang Utan!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Kuching

Your vacation begins upon your arrival at Kuching International Airport. Freshen up at the hotel of your choice before embarking on a tour of the city in the afternoon. See how the city grew from humble beginnings as you visit the historic Tua Pek Kong Temple, dedicated to the Chinese deity of prosperity, located in the heart of Chinatown. Survey the city from the Civic Centre Viewing Platform and trace its history at the famous Sarawak Museum.

Marvel at a single man's determination to succeed as you pass old heritage buildings in the Old Kuching quarter, timeless symbols of the White Rajah's legacy. Finally, view the Astana, the White Rajahs' former residence, from across the river at the Kuching Waterfront.

Day 2: Kuching to Lemanak River to Batang Ai Longhouse Resort

A morning drive from Kuching will take you towards the interior of Sarawak, through a land relatively untouched by urban development. The tropical rainforest countryside is interspersed with agriculture: paddy fields, pepper gardens and rubber plantations. Your trip to Lemanak River includes a stop at a farmers' market in Serian and a visit to a pepper garden. Lunch will be a simple introduction to local cuisine at a roadside bazaar along the way.

A longboat ride awaits you upon your arrival at Lemanak jetty in the afternoon. Cruise along the river and admire the scenery as you wind your way to your destination, the Iban longhouses of either Serubah or Nanga Kesit. See how an entire village dwells under one single roof and watch an interesting and unique demonstration of a traditional Iban weapon, the blowpipe, then try your hand at it!

Bid goodbye to the Iban as you return down river and head towards the Batang Ai jetty, where you are taken across the beautiful Batang Ai Hydro Lake to your destination, the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort. Unwind and end your day by relaxing at this unique resort.

Day 3: Depart Batang Ai Longhouse Resort

Start your day with a wonderful breakfast as you enjoy the view of the lake from the resort. The mists that occasionally shroud the lake in the morning is quite a breathtaking sight. Pamper yourself at the resort till it is time to return to Kuching for your flight to Kota Kinabalu just before noon.

Upon your arrival at Kota Kinabalu in the evening, you will be taken to the hotel of your choice where you can unwind and relax.

Day 4: In Kota Kinabalu

A morning drive from Kota Kinabalu will take you to Kinabalu National Park. There is much to admire for those who love nature here, as the park is known for the abudance and diversity of its plant life. Admire the various species of flowering rhodendendrons, ferns and pitcher plants during your visit to the park's Mountain Garden, a natural paradise in full bloom. Wander along a beautiful nature trail winding through the Montane oak forests, a rare sight in a tropical country.

Then relax as a 45 minute drive takes you towards your next stop, the Poring Hot Springs. Take the time to luxuriate as you soak in a hot sulphur bath at the hot springs and enjoy the beauty of nature as you walk along the treetop canopy walkway and visit the Kipungit Waterfall.

Spend your day appreciating the simple gifts of nature before returning to Kota Kinabalu in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan

You bid goodbye to Kota Kinabalu today as you fly to Sandakan in the morning. Your first destination after your arrival at Sandakan airport is the well known Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Initially set up to rehabilitate orphaned orang utans in 1964, this centre has developed into a major draw for tourists, allowing a window into the life of the orang utan.

In the afternoon, you begin your two hour boat ride to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, located along Sabah's longest river, the Kinabatangan River. Lean back and marvel as you pass untouched mangroves, wetlands and rainforests. After checking in and refreshing yourself, hop into a river boat for a two hour cruise along the Kinabatangan River to observe the Proboscis monkeys as they settle down for the night on treetops. Wrap up an amazing day with a slide show conducted by a naturalist guide after dinner.

Day 6: Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur

Journey back to Sandakan in the morning after breakfast. In the afternoon, pay homage to the sacrifices made by Allied soldiers who served in Borneo at the Australian War Memorial located in town before departing for Kuala Lumpur via Kota Kinabalu by flight.

Kuching

Tua Pek Kong Temple

Chinatown

Civic Centre Viewing Platform

Sarawak Museum

Astana

White Rajah

Kuching Waterfront

Serian farmers' market

Iban longhouse

Iban culture

Blowpipe demonstration

Batang Ai Lake

Batang Ai Longhouse Resort

Kinabalu National Park

Mountain Garden

Poring Hot Springs

Kipungit Waterfall

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

Kinabatangan River

Proboscis monkey

Sandakan

Australian War Memorial