Memories of Borneo

(18 Days/17 Nights)

 

 

Borneo… a name shrouded in mystery, myths and legends, a place whose history reads like excerpts from an epic novel, with tales of pirates, head-hunters, white adventures and deep, impenetrable jungles as background. If all these somehow frightening tales were once real, it is no longer a reality in modern Borneo, where the Malaysian states of North Borneo are examples to the world of harmonious, peaceful and prosperous living.

 

With gentle names like “Land Below The Wind” for Sabah and “Land Of The Hornbill” for Sarawak, the Malaysian Borneo states have myriad attractions to offer, ranging from the wonders of nature, in the form of mountains, caves, jungle and National Parks rich in exotic flora & fauna, to the discovery of ancient cultures and diverse ethnic groups made of extremely hospitable and friendly people who have kept their traditions alive while adapting successfully to the modern world.

 

There are many cultural attractions, such as world class Museum, Cultural villages, charming pleasant cities where beautiful modern architecture co-exists harmoniously with gracious colonial buildings; there are sun-drenched beach resorts, isolated jungle resorts and sophisticated city hotels; there is peace, stability, prosperity and security, but most of all, there is the legendary hospitality of the Sabahans & the Sarawakians.

 

 

 

Day 1   Arrive Kuching

     You will be met on arrival at Kuching International Airport and transfer to Grand Margherita Hotel. Welcome dinner. (D)

 

 

Day 2  Orangutan & Museums

     This morning we visit Semenggoh Orangutan Wildlife Centre to observe some of the activities of the orangutans during the feeding time. In the afternoon we will see the Astana (Brookes' Palace), Fort Margherita (Police Museum), Main Bazaar and the Sarawak Museum which holds some fascinating archaeological and natural history exhibits. Lunch at one of the local Chinese Restaurants. (B/L)

 

 

Day 3   Bako National Park

Today we drive and take a boat to Bako National Park. This Park is made up of primary forest and there is a wide variety of flora and fauna to be seen. Insect eating plants and Umbrella palm can be found and 120 bird species have been recorded including black Hornbills. Animals include proboscis and silver leaf monkey, macaque, monitor lizard and wild boar. There are many mark trails we can follow to search for these animals. Lunch will be taken at the Park's Canteen before returning to Kuching in the late afternoon. (B/L)  

 

 

Day 4  Hilton Batang Ai Resort

     Today we drive for 4 hours to Hilton jungle eco resort located on a peninsula of a beautiful man-made lake. Along the journey we will stop at Serian town to visit the colorful market. Stop along the road to see pepper plantation and stop for lunch at roadside café. After lunch, continue to drive to Batang Ai Hydro Dam and by motor launch for 15 minutes to Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort. (B/L/D)

 

Day 5   Ulu Ai Longhouse   

     This morning we embark on a native longboat for a day of exploring the Ulu Ai River and its Iban longhouse communities and having a jungle style eco-picnic along the way. Return to the resort by late afternoon. (B/L/D)

 

Day 6   Damai Beach Resort

     In the morning enjoy the resort activities and in the afternoon leisurely return to Kuching and check in at Damai Beach Resort.  (B/L)

 

 

Day 7  Damai Beach Resort  

     Spend your day at leisure by the pool or beach or enjoy the resort's activities. (B)      

 

 

Day 8   Mulu National Park

     Fly to Mulu National Park. Arriving early afternoon, you have time to take a 45 minutes plank walk through the rainforest to explore some of the limestone caves. Visit Deer Cave (one of the biggest in Southern Asia) & Lang’s Caves. In the late afternoon, there is also a good chance to seeing millions of bats flying out from the Deer Cave for their habitual feeding. 2 nights at Royal Mulu Resort with all meals. (B/L/D)

 

 

Day 9    Mulu National Park

     This morning we ride up the Melinau River for 45 minutes to visit Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave, the longest caves passage in South East Asia. Marvel at the elegant rock formation and the wonderful stalactites and stalagmites. There will be opportunity for those who wish to swim in the river near the cave. On the return journey, visit the Penan people who live in this region. Once nomadic hunters and gatherers living on sago, fruit and game, they have now settled to grow rice, which form a large part of their diet. (B/L/D)

 

 

Day 10   Kota Kinabalu

     Today fly from Mulu to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. On arrival you will be transferred to Jesselton Hotel. Rest of the day is yours to explore the city. (B)

 

 

Day 11   Kinabalu  Park             

    Drive 2 hours through paddy fields and Dusun villages over the ridges of the Crocker Range to Kinabalu National Park at 5,000 feet above sea level. Visit Education Center and Mountain Garden, home to an excellent showcase of the diverse plant life and flora. 1 night at Kinabalu Pine Resort with all meals. (B/L/D)

                                      

 

Day 12   Laban Rata Mountain Hostel

     This morning, begin your 5 hours trek on Kinabalu Summit Trail to Laban Rata at 10,000 ft. 1 night with all meals. (B/L/D)

 

 

Day 13   Kota Kinabalu

     You wake up early at 3.00 am to begin your final climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu to see a glorious sunrise. Thereafter descend to Laban Rata for breakfast and descend to the Park Headquarter for lunch before returning to Kota Kinabalu. 1 night at Jesselton Hotel with breakfast. (B/L)

 

 

Day 14  Sandakan  

     Early morning fly 1 hour to Sandakan. On arrival, transfer to Sandakan Jetty for an hour's boat ride to Selingan Turtle Island. Rest of the day explore the island, swim and snorkel. At night, proceed to the beach to watch the endangered green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. 1 night at Park’s chalets with all meals. (B/L/D)

 

 

Day 15  Kinabatangan River

     Return by boat to Sandakan and proceed by road to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Hike for 10 minutes through the rainforest on wooden plank walks to see the feeding of the Orangutans coming down from the tree canopy. Continue driving to Sandakan Jetty and by boat for 2 hours cruising along the Kinabatangan River to Sukau Village. Late afternoon, we take a 2 hours boat cruise to look for the wild proboscis monkeys as they begin to settle down on treetops along the riverside. Two nights at Sukau Rainforest Lodge with all meals. (B/L/D)

 

 

Day 16   Kinabatangan River  

     Wake up early to the calls of monkeys and birds. Depart early for a river cruise up the river to see more birds and wildlife. Proceed to Ox-Bow lake for a short jungle walk before returning to the lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon depart for another river cruise for more wildlife. (B/L/D)

 

 

Day 17   Kota Kinabalu

     After breakfast, return by boat to Sandakan. Lunch at local restaurant. Following lunch you have time for a short city tour visiting the Australian War Memorial, Central Market and Water Village before departing by flight to Kota Kinabalu.  1 night at Jesselton Hotel with breakfast. (B/L)

 

 

Day 18  Kota Kinabalu-Airport

     Your memories of Borneo concludes today after breakfast with a departure transfer to airport. (B)

 

 

Price : Rm 7,500 per person (min 4) 

 

 

Include:   17nights of hotel/resort/Longhouse/chalet/Hostel/Lodge accommodation, Transfers and Tours as per itinerary, English speaking guide, meals and Entrance Fees to National Parks, Museums, Wildlife Centre and Longhouse.

 

Excludes: Domestic flight tickets and high season surcharge (July/August and Christmas/New Year Season)

 

Valid: 31st December 2010