The Borneo Connection

Arrival in Kuching, Sarawak

Semenggoh Orang Utan and City tour

Begin your morning with a comfortable drive to the renowned Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. This unique sanctuary offers one of the best opportunities to observe orangutans in a natural, semi-wild environment. Most of the orangutans here are orphaned or rescued animals that have been rehabilitated and trained to survive independently in the wild. Although they roam freely through the surrounding rainforest, many return to the feeding platforms during scheduled feeding times. Depart the centre in the afternoon and return to Kuching. Continue to discover the cultural charm of Kuching that showcases its history, landmarks, and local lifestyle. The tour begins with a visit to a traditional Chinese temple, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Continue to the scenic Kuching Waterfront, where you can enjoy views across the river of the historic The Astana and Fort Margherita. You will also see the elegant Darul Hana Bridge, a modern landmark connecting both sides of the river. Next, stop at the historic Old Courthouse, a beautiful colonial building that reflects the city’s past. The tour then continues to the lively India Street, a pedestrian street filled with traditional shops and local goods. You will also visit the bustling Satok Weekend Market (Niaga Satok Market), where locals sell fresh produce, traditional cakes, local delicacies, and handmade crafts. Before returning to your hotel, enjoy a drive past a traditional Malay village (kampung), where you can see the peaceful lifestyle and unique wooden houses of the local community.

Annah Rais Longhouse

Pickup from your city hotel and depart an approximately 90-minute drive to Annah Rais Longhouse. We will have a short visit at a local market and maybe enjoy a local coffee at one of the stalls. Annah Rais is a remarkable living village that has stood for over 200 years. Built almost entirely from jungle-sourced wood and bamboo, this sprawling longhouse is home to more than 80 families. You will uncover the fascinating heritage of the Land Dayaks, from their headhunter history to their long preserved communal traditions. The highlight of this visit is the “Sacred Room”. It is a place where ancient human skulls are still kept and revered. This is an extraordinary glimpse into a tradition rarely seen by outsiders. Enjoy the hospitality of the Bidayuh people with freshly cooked bamboo chicken and wild jungle vegetables served on the tanju (patio). Spend some time to mingle around after lunch we return to Kuching.

Bako National Park

Enjoy an approximately 30-minute drive from your hotel to Bako Fishing Village. Upon arrival and registration, embark on a 25-minute longboat ride across the South China Sea to the renowned Bako National Park. Bako National Park is famous for its remarkable variety of ecosystems within a relatively small area. The park features unique forest types including mangrove forests, tropical swamp vegetation, cliff vegetation, and beach vegetation, making it an ideal place for nature walks and exploration. During your visit, keep an eye out for the park’s fascinating wildlife. Among the animals that can often be spotted are the distinctive proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, silver-leaf monkeys, and a wide variety of bird species. After lunch at the park, board the boat for the return journey to Bako Village. From there, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Kuching - Mulu

Transfer out to Kuching Airport to catch your flight to Mulu. Upon arrival Mulu Airport, meet our friendly representative for the transfer to your accommodation. In the afternoon, walk for 3 Km to reach Deer Cave & Lang Cave. After exploring the caves, walk to the bats observatory to witness bats emerging from the caves entrance in the late evening (Only confine to fine weather).

Wind & Clearwater cave

Today, we will take longboat to a Penan Settlement at Batu Bunga to observe the tribe’s lifestyle browse for some handicrafts. Our longboat journey then continues to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Clearwater summer huts, and if you wish, take a swim in the Clearwater Spring. Afterward, return to the park’s headquarters by longboat.

Mulu - Kota Kinabalu

Breakfast at the resort, followed by free time at your own leisure until your transfer to Mulu Airport for your departure flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport, we will be picked up by our driver for the transfer to your hotel.

Kota Kinabalu - Kinabalu Park - Kundasang

Embark on a two-hour journey through the countryside of Sabah. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of Borneo’s iconic Mount Kinabalu from various vantage points along the way. Stop at the Pekan Nabalu market, where you can browse a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs. Continue to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a guided nature walk through the Botanical Garden. The park is home to more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna, including many endemics to Borneo. Weather permitting, explore one of the park’s trails and experience the cool, refreshing montane forest.

Kundasang – Poring Hot Spring – Sandakan

Check-out and proceed Poring hot spring after breakfast. Upon arrival, trek up to the Canopy Walk, built at 41 metres about the ground and 157 metres length. After that, feel free to soak yourself in one of the open-air sulphur spring bathtubs (fee not included). After lunch, we continue our journey to Sandakan. If time permits, we will have a short stop at Moroli River, Luanti for a delightful fish spa. Overnight in Sandakan.

Sandakan – Kinabatangan River

Pickup from your hotel. Head to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. There, you'll be treated to an enlightening video show about the conservation efforts done at the centre. Take a ten-minute walk to the feeding platform to witness the feeding of the orangutan. You will have the opportunity to watch them again at the outdoor nursery. After that, head to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door to learn more about the smallest bears in the world. Depart for an estimated 2 hours land or boat journey to one of the lodges in Kinabatangan River. Enjoy an evening river cruise in search of Borneo's wildlife and birds.

Kinabatangan River

Wake up as early as 0600hrs for the morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to oxbow lake to view more birds and wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon, proceed for another river cruise for more wildlife.

Kinabatangan River – Departure

Return to Sandakan by land or boat. After lunch, we will drop you off at Sandakan Airport to catch your flight to your next destination.