Highlights of Borneo: Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Danum Valley & More

Welcome to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, Malaysia. Kuching is a vibrant riverside city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine. With its charming waterfront, historical landmarks, and bustling markets, Kuching offers visitors a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern attractions.

Upon arrival at Kuching Airport, meet guide and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel

Start with a drive to the Semenggoh Nature Reserve. Semenggoh is a renowned rehabilitation center for orangutans and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat, offering a close encounter with these incredible creatures in a protected environment.

Continue the journey through beautiful limestone formations, scenic countryside fringed by hills and farms to one of the oldest Bidayuh Longhouses. Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse is a cultural gem, offering a fascinating glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Bidayuh indigenous community, known for their former headhunting practices. This well-preserved longhouse showcases authentic architecture, communal living spaces, and cultural practices, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Enjoy local lunch at the longhouse before travelling back to Kuching.

Today, travel by car and boat to Bako National Park, a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its rich variety of wildlife and ecosystems. This coastal rainforest sanctuary is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, including proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, silver-leaf monkeys, monitor lizards, bearded pigs, variety of birds and pitcher plants. Explore the park’s network of hiking trails, secluded beaches, and unique habitats, offering a captivating experience amidst the beauty of nature.  Enjoy a packed lunch during your explorations.

Today, travel to Gunung Gading National Park on the northern slopes of Mount Gading. This National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and is renowned for its tropical rainforests and the remarkable, but rare Rafflesia flowers, the world's largest blooms.

Explore the park's hiking trails which showcase the lush rainforest, rugged mountain vistas, and picturesque waterfalls. Enjoy a packed lunch during your adventures.

This morning. travel to the Telang Usan Hotel for a cooking class. Prior to the hands-on session, you'll explore a vibrant local market brimming with an abundance of fresh produce, showcasing a delightful array of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and aromatic herbs integral to Sarawak's gastronomy. Amidst the familiar ingredients, you'll discover a wealth of unique agricultural and jungle products, expanding your culinary horizons.

Under the guidance of a seasoned chef, delve into traditional Sarawakian recipes and techniques, where a typical local meal features a harmonious blend of rice, flavorful meat or fish, and fresh vegetables. Embrace the opportunity to prepare select local delicacies based on seasonal availability, observing closely as the chef demonstrates authentic cooking methods while imparting insightful explanations. This immersive experience allows you to refine your cooking skills firsthand while learning valuable tips on ingredient improvisation and substitution, essential for adapting recipes when you are back home.

After the class, savor the fruits of your labor and indulge in a delicious lunch before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kuching Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Make a brief stop at Signal Hill for a bird’s eye view of the city skyline. Rest of the day at leisure.

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a vibrant coastal city boasting stunning sunsets, bustling markets, and a gateway to Borneo's natural wonders. With its blend of urban energy, cultural diversity, and proximity to lush rainforests and idyllic islands, the city offers a captivating experience for adventurers and leisure seekers alike.

Accommodation: Horizon Hotel

Today's drive passes across paddy-fields and Dusun villages, traversing the Crocker Range's ridges towards the base of Mount Kinabalu, standing at 1500 meters (5000 feet) high. Upon arrival at the Kinabalu Park Visitor Centre and Mountain Garden, discover an array of natural wonders, including 24 species of vibrant rhododendrons, 10 varieties of carnivorous pitcher plants, a rich collection of 1,400 orchid species, over 600 types of ferns, along with an extensive diversity of oak trees and a plethora of bird species.

Continuing the journey to Poring to immerse yourself in the lush tropical rainforest. Experience a unique and thrilling adventure by navigating a treetop canopy walkway elevated 41 meters (135 feet) above the forest floor, offering an exhilarating and distinctive exper

Early morning check out and transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your flight to Sandakan. Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport you will be met and travel to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre serves as a refuge for orphaned and injured Orangutans, offering a nurturing environment for their rehabilitation and eventual release into the wild. Watch the Orangutans, also known as the 'Man of the Jungle' in the local language, gracefully swing from branch to branch on their way to the feeding station nestled within the forest. Enjoy a short video and explore the Exhibition Hall to learn more about the magnificent Orangutans, one of nature’s most endangered animal species.

Following the visit to Sepilok, continue to the Sun Bear Conservation Center to see the world’s smallest bear thriving in its natural habitat. Enjoy lunch at the Sepilok Jungle Resort. Post-lunch, embark on an overland journey to Bilit, Kinabatangan River, arriving mid afternoon for check-in. Delight in afternoon tea featuring local treats and a brief session with the nature guide before a captivating cruise along the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river, offering remarkable wildlife observations directly from the boat.

Accommodation: Bilit Adventure Lodge

Start the day with an early 6:00 am river cruise. Following the one-hour boat excursion, return to the Lodge for breakfast. In the late morning, embark on a guided jungle hike through the forest for wildlife spotting. After the trek, return to refresh, enjoy lunch, and perhaps take a brief rest. Later in the afternoon, prepare for another river cruise to explore a different section of the river and witness further wildlife sightings.

Today, travel to Borneo Rainforest Lodge Lahad Datu office. After registration, continue overland into Danum Conservation Area through Borneo jungle roads. Witness the shifting landscapes, from regenerating forests to ancient virgin rainforests spanning a million years. Danum Valley, a pristine conservation area boasts ancient rainforests teeming with diverse wildlife and offers immersive experiences for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Upon arriving at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, check-in and get ready for an introductory trek along Nature Trails and the Canopy Walkway. As night falls, experience a Guided Safari Night Drive after dinner.

Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

After breakfast, set off for a guided excursion along the "Coffin Trail," a 3-kilometer round trip trek leading to an ancient burial site, featuring a 40-minute ascent to a breathtaking viewpoint and returning via the jacuzzi pool. Return to the lodge for lunch and in the afternoon, explore the Hornbill Trail. Cap off the day with an evening night drive or walk after dinner.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Lahad Datu Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport you will be met and transferred to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal for your scheduled boat transfer to Gaya Island.  Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy resort and breathtaking views.

Accommodation: Gaya Island Resort

Enjoy a day at leisure.

Gaya Island provides a serene escape amidst captivating natural beauty and is known for pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse marine life in its surrounding waters. Lots of opportunities for snorkeling, diving, nature exploration or simply relaxing.

After breakfast, check out and take your scheduled boat transfer back to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Meet your guide and transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your flight.