Day 1
You arrive in Kuching where your guide will meet you and transfer you to the Kuching Hilton.
Day 2
Today you will discover the charms of this riverine city established by Sir James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak. Here you will see buildings dating back to the days of the White Rajahs, ancient Chinese temples and colorful markets displaying the produce that first brought traders to Borneo. A visit to Kuching will not be complete without making a stop at the Sarawak Museum. Completed in 1891, the museum has an excellent collection of Bornean ethnological and archaeological artifacts and is reputed to be the best in South East Asia. Overnight at Kuching Hilton. (B)
Day 3
In the morning, depart for Batang Ai Resort. Lunch enroute (Local Restaurant). Upon arrival, check-in and the rest of the day is free at own leisure. Overnight Batang Ai Resort. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Depart Batang Ai Resort by longboat early morning and ride across Batang Ai Lake (1hr) into the Ai River. Very soon you will be shooting up choppy rapids (1 hr or more depending on the water level). Register at the Batang Ai National Park Headquarters. Meet your park ranger and start hiking (2 to 3 hours) on one of the National Park trails in search of wildlife. The park is home of the Orang Utans & gibbons, hornbills and other great birds; Some of these animals may be seen in this area. Hike back to Tibu Longhouse for a late lunch, have a taste of Iban hospitality as well as Iban cooking. Retrace your journey back to Batang Ai Resort. Reach the resort by late afternoon. Overnight Batang Ai Resort. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Early morning, return to Kuching to catch the late morning flight to Mulu, Sarawak’s largest national park containing a wealth of flowering plants, fungi, mosses and ferns.
From the Park HQ, take a scenic 3km plankwalk through primary rainforest to the entrance of Deer Cave. Deer Cave has the world's largest cave entrance and is the largest single cave passage in the world. Next to Deer Cave is Lang’s Cave. The stalactites and stalagmites inside this cave are representative of the very best limestone formations in the park. Return to your hotel or lodge by torchlight. Overnight at the Royal Mulu Resort. (B,D)
Day 6
In the morning, proceed by longboat upriver to Wind Cave with its impressive ‘King’s Chamber’. Here, stalactites and stalagmites with delicate lace-like patterns are found. A short walk along a plank walk suspended to the limestone cliff leads to Clearwater Cave. Like most caves in Mulu, Clearwater Cave is the habitat of unique species of plants. One of them, the one-leafed plant can only be found at Mulu; rare species of orchids and pitcher plants can be seen in many locations and photo-sensitive algae grow on certain rocks and have produced needle-like formations that point towards the source of light. Clearwater Cave has a wonderful swimming area shaded by giant rainforest trees. Enjoy a simple picnic or packed lunch, swim, relax and explore the caves before returning to the hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Depart for flight bound for Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, met and transfer to the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort for overnight stay. (B)
(Recommended Flight: MH2478 ETD1330hrs)
Day 8
Day at leisure. A highly recommended optional excurion is a train journey on the North Borneo Railway through small kampungs, padi fields and mangrove forest. Overnight at the Tanjung Aru Resort. (B)
Day 9
In the morning, visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary to watch the feeding of orang utans and see a video presentation of their rehabilitation programme. Proceed to Sukau for lunch and a short briefing on the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. In the afternoon, go on a river cruise down the Menanggul River in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Return at dusk for dinner. Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 10
After breakfast, take a second boat trip for birdwatching and viewing wildlife at the Ox Bow Lake nearby. Trek the lush riverine forest along the lake and then return to the lodge for breakfast. Proceed overland to Gomantong Caves, the largest birds nests cave in Sabah and famous for their swift lets and their edible nests. In the afternoon, venture on another river cruise down the Menanggul River and along the Kinabatangan river. Return to the lodge at dusk. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 11
After breakfast, depart overland to Sandakan for transfer to airport for flight back to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu airport, met and transfer to the Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort for overnight stay. (B)
Day 12
Depart in the early morning for a 2-hr journey through breathtaking scenery to Kinabalu Park. Take a guided nature walk with the Park’s naturalist and your nature tour guide. Have lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon, explore the mountain garden with your guide before returning to Kota Kinabalu. (B,L)
Day 13
Departure (B)
For the energetic, there is the option of staying on in the Park in order to climb Mount Kinabalu (see below)
MOUNT KINABALU EXTENSION
Day 12
Stay on in Kinabalu National Park. Overnight at the Borneo Fern Garden Hotel (best available, but basic) (B,L,D)
Day 13
Leave the hotel in the early morning and drive overland to Kinabalu Park by coach or van (2 hours). Arrive at Kinabalu Park - register with the Park office and then continue to the Power Station (15 minutes) by coach for the start of the climb. Commence climb to Laban Rata with a packed lunch. The climb will take approximately 4 hours. Check-in at the Guesthouse and the rest of the afternoon is free at leisure. Have dinner and overnight at the guesthouse. (B,L,D)
Day 14
Wake up as early as 0200 hours to have breakfast and commence to the summit by torchlight. The climb will take about 3 hours. Witness the beautiful sunrise at the summit at 0600 hours. Descend to Laban Rata Guesthouse, then to the Power Station. Transfer to Park HQ. Have lunch and return to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. (B,L)
Day 15
Departure: We will take you to the airport for your flight home! (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Land and local air prices start at
For groups of 10+: $1,998/person:
For groups 6-9: $2,229/person
For groups of 3-5: $2,436/person
For private tours for 2 people: $2,685/person
Single Supplement: $594/person
Land and local air prices start at the above prices. The above price includes: All scheduled tours, transfers, Meals as stated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary, entrance fees, guides, drivers, vehicles, English Speaking Guide
Does not include: Airport taxes, beverages, meals not listed, tips (typically guides, drivers and hotel porters), visas, if needed.
To have a National guide add: $325 for groups smaller than 10. for groups of 10+, the national guide is included at no additional cost.
Kinabalu 2-day extension: $325/person
Sing. Supp: $115
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Malaysia
Rainforest
Wildlife Viewing
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