Essential Sarawak & Sabah

Fly to Borneo.

Arrive in Kuching, Sarawak and transfer to the hotel. Check in and enjoy time at leisure.

• Hotel Description

This morning, drive to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre for the morning feeding of the orangutans. Return to Kuching to discover the charms of this clean and green riverine city on a half-day tour. Old Chinese temples and colourful markets dot almost every corner. The waterfront promenade is popular with visitors and locals alike. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B/L)

Pick up and drive to Bako Village and take a short boat ride to Bako National Park. The park’s coastline is dotted with small bays and beaches and there are several trails to explore. After dinner go for a night walk. Overnight at the park accommodation. (B,L,D)

Following breakfast, depart for a final hike on one of the trails to spot the migratory birds and search for the proboscis monkey, a primate only found in Borneo. Return to the hotel in Kuching for the evening at leisure. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

This morning drive through rural Sarawak, passing through pepper gardens and rubber plantations. Visit the colourful market in Serian town and stop to view wild orchids and pitcher plants. Upon arrival at the Batang Ai reservoir, proceed by longboat (1-2 hours) upriver to Nanga Sumpa Lodge. After dinner proceed to the longhouse across the river. Relax on the verandah and spend time with the Iban people, learn about their culture and enjoy some local rice wine. Overnight stay at the lodge. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

This morning, hike the jungle trails along the river and continue upriver by longboat to the Enseluai Waterfall. There is time to relax, swim and explore the rainforest or try fishing Iban-style. Return to the lodge. Dinner is served in the lodge after which there is time to visit the longhouse to spend more time with the Iban people. Overnight at the lodge. (B,L,D)

Following breakfast, depart downriver by longboat and then drive to Semengoh Wildlife Centre, a centre for orphaned or injured wildlife. Observe the feeding of the orangutans. Lunch is taken en-route. Proceed to Kuching and drop off at the Pullman hotel. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Today fly to Sandakan, via Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival drive to MY Nature Resort which is just a short walk from the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. Enjoy time at leisure to visit for the afternoon orangutan feeding, a must see on any Borneo visit. Evening at leisure. (B,D)

• Hotel Description

This morning visit the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre to witness the morning orangutan feeding and the nursery (if open). Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre which rescues captured sun bears and is involved in their conservation, welfare, rehabilitation and education. Enjoy lunch near Sepilok. Return to Sandakan and board the cruise boat taking you through the Lower Kinabatangan Delta to Abai Jungle Lodge. Enjoy time at leisure to walk the nature boardwalk. Late afternoon cruise upriver in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. After dinner, depart for a night cruise and witness the glittering of the fireflies on the mangrove trees. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

Take an early morning boat trip to Pitas Lake for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, this is a great time to see wildlife as it's most active in the cool of the morning. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Depart by boat upriver to Sukau, another chance to search for the wildlife. Check-into the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. Enjoy free time until late afternoon and then go on a river cruise to the Menanggul River in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

This morning depart early and drive to Tabin Wildlife Resort. Check-in and enjoy free time.This afternoon, trek through the jungle to the Lipad mud volcano which serves as a mineral salt lick and attracts a lot of wildlife. Have a go at using the volcanic mud as an organic face pack! Walk up the observation tower and enjoy the view - birds are commonly sighted. After dinner, enjoy a night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife and birds. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

Today there is an early morning bird walk available to discover some of the almost 300 bird species.After breakfast, trek through the lush green rainforest to visit the Lipad Waterfall. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or simply relax. In the afternoon try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak which is made with a natural blend of herbs, it will help to relax tired muscles after the long jungle treks. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, stroll to the nearby rock pool or riverside where groups of macaques and other small mammals can sometimes be seen. After lunch, depart Tabin and drive to Lahad Datu for the flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, transfer to the jetty and take the resort transfer to Gaya Island Resort. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Day at leisure to relax at the resort, there is some excellent snorkelling available as well as diving and jungle walks with the resort naturalist. (B)

Day at leisure to relax at the resort. (B)

Return to the mainland and onwards to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)