Highlights of Borneo (2012)

Day 1: London - Kuching

Fly overnight with Malaysia Airlines from London Heathrow to Kuching, via Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2: Kuching

Welcome to Kuching – Sarawak’s bustling capital, established by the Victorian adventurer James Brooke, the ‘White Rajah’. On arrival, transfer to the Hilton Kuching for 2 nights.

Day 3: Kuching

Enjoy a morning tour of Kuching’s highlights. After lunch drive to Semengoh Wildlife Centre to observe the feeding of orangutans that have been rescued from captivity. (B/L)

Day 4: Kuching – Batang Ai

Travel through rural Sarawak to Batang Ai Longhouse Resort managed by Hilton, where you will spend 2 nights. En route visit the colourful market in Serian town. (B/L)

Day 5: Batang Ai – Iban Longhouse

Batang Ai is the ancestral home to the Iban tribe and one of Borneo’s last true wilderness areas. Take a longboat trip up river to visit an Iban community, with lunch at their longhouse, followed by traditional home brew rice wine. Take a guided rainforest walk before returning to your hotel. (B/L)

Day 6: Batang Ai – Kuching

Leave the rainforest behind and head back to the Kuching Hilton for 1 night. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B/L)

Day 7: Kuching – Kota Kinabalu

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, transfer to the Nexus Resort Karambuani. A night tour is included, as upon dusk Kota Kinabalu’s waterfront is transformed into a bustling night market. (B/D)

Day 8: Kota Kinabalu – Poring Hot Springs

Early drive to Poring Hot Springs. Highlights include taking a dip in one of the steaming hot mineral springs, exploring jungle trails and strolling along canopy walks. Continue to Kinabalu National Park, where you will stay overnight at the Hill Lodge or similar. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Kinabalu National Park

After an early breakfast transfer by road to Timpohon Gate at 1,524m above sea level and take a leisurely walk (approx 3 hours 30 min and suitable for all levels of fitness) up to the second shelter along the mountain trail, with good opportunities for bird watching. Return to Kota Kinabalu in the afternoon for overnight at Nexus Resort Karambuani. (B/L)

Day 10: Kota Kinabalu – Sepilok

Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. Visit to the wonderful Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, where orphaned orangutans are trained to survive again in the wild. Afterwards, board a boat and head further into the mangrove forests. Tonight you will stay at the Abai Jungle Lodge, but not before undertaking a night river cruise. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Kinabatangan River

Wake up to the calls of the local wildlife and take an early boat ride to Pitas Lake for birdwatching, which may include rare species such as the critically endangered Storm’s stork, and the crested serpent eagle. Visit the nearby Abai village, where lunch will be taken with one of the families. There is also the opportunity to get involved with the local community project and plant a tree. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Sandakan – London

Return to Sandakan by boat, then transfer to the airport for your flight with Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur to London. (B/L)

Day 13: London

Arrive London Heathrow.