The Very Best of Borneo Tour

Depart with Malaysian Airlines from London Heathrow direct to Kuala Lumpur.

On arrival into the Malaysian capital, we transfer to the Dorsett Kuala Lumpur, located in Bukit Bintang, the city’s lively entertainment and shopping quarter. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Manager and fellow travellers to become better acquainted and learn more about our adventure ahead.

Today, we enjoy a morning tour of Kuala Lumpur, exploring its vibrant history and multicultural heritage. We begin at Medan Pasar, once the centre of the old Chinatown district and home to the last of the city’s ornate colonial shophouses. We continue to the British-built Central Market to browse for keepsakes among the hubbub of stalls. We step inside the ornate red and gold interior of Sze Ya Temple, the oldest Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur and of great spiritual significance, and admire the colourful, elaborately-decorated exterior of the South-Indian-style Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. Later, enjoy great views over the city from the monorail as we head towards the Brickfields district, better known as Little India, to explore this vibrant neighbourhood. The remainder of our day is free to continue exploring at our own pace.

We take a morning flight to Kuching and check into our hotel for the next three nights, the Hilton Kuching, overlooking the Sarawak River in the very heart of this fascinating city. In the afternoon, we set out to discover the multicultural sights, sounds and spirit of Sarawak’s riverside state capital. We stroll under colourful hanging lanterns in Chinatown’s busy streets, as mouthwatering aromas waft from the eateries, and take a closer look at the ethereal Tua Pek Kong Temple. We enjoy 360-degree panoramas of the city from the viewing platform of the futuristic Civic Centre and admire the pink walls and gleaming, golden domes of the state mosque. We end our day meandering through the narrow streets of Old Kuching, and along the bustling waterfront, to admire the grand beauty of the Pavilion and Old Post Office.

Tour Highlight

After breakfast, we set out for Anah Rais, a vast village of the Bidayuh tribe, nestled in the Borneo highlands, where we explore their longhouse and gain a deeper insight into tribal culture and traditions. We discover more about the area’s ancient farming practices and engage with local families, before enjoying lunch together in the longhouse. Next, we head to Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to encounter their resident, rescued orangutans. We learn about the centre’s inspiring conservation programme, rehabilitating and relocating these amazing creatures, and hopefully, savour the rare opportunity to watch semi-wild orangutans feeding and interacting in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a free day to explore Kuching at your own pace. With the full support of our Tour Manager, perhaps indulge your culinary curiosity at a market-to-table cookery class, or simply enjoy eating delicious dishes on a walking tour around the city’s best foodie spots. Alternatively, leave the city behind for a wildlife-spotting experience in Bako National Park, explore the living museum at Sarawak Cultural Village, or enjoy a sunset cruise on Santubong River, with a chance to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins and fireflies after dark.

We Recommend – Market to Table Cooking Class

Enjoy an immersive half-day cooking experience learning how to craft a tasty five-course meal using diverse local produce and spices.

After a leisurely breakfast, we say farewell to Sarawak and board our flight to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. From the airport, we take a scenic drive into the city, passing its most significant landmarks. We admire the beautiful City Mosque and its reflection in the still waters that surround it, as well as the historic Atkinson Clock Tower, the city’s last colonial-era structure. Look out for the Filipino Market, famous for its handicrafts and seafood stalls along the waterfront, and Gaya Street, also known as Chinatown, with its weekend night market. We check in to the centrally-located Hyatt Regency Kinabalu with amazing views over the South China Sea, our base for the next three nights.

Tour Highlight

We have an early start today as we head for Kiau Village, home to the Kadazan-Dusun tribe, who revere the mighty Mount Kinabalu that looms on its horizon. We take a guided walk through the village, listening to the locals tell stories of their traditions and lifestyle, and immerse ourselves in the peace and quiet of this rural setting. We learn about local agriculture and a fabulous women’s enterprise at a pineapple farm, visit a honeybee venture, and those that wish can climb to a viewpoint offering far-reaching vistas of the village and rural landscape. We also discover the process of coffee-making using locally-grown beans and enjoy a tasting before returning to the city.

There’s plenty to keep us busy on our Freedom Day in Kota Kinabalu. We have an opportunity to get to know more about local customs and traditions with an entertaining tour of the Mari Mari Cultural Village, home to the reconstructed houses of five different local tribes. Alternatively, explore Kota Kinabalu’s artistic side with a visit to Sabah Art Gallery followed by a batik scarf workshop, or perhaps enjoy a guided tour of Gaya Street Market and its tempting food stalls.

We Recommend – Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour

Discover the diverse tribes of Sabah and their unique culture and practices as we explore the traditional homes of five different ethnic peoples.

This morning, we fly to Sandakan and explore this former colonial town and its rich history. We visit the floating fishing village, built on stilts along the shore, and discover how the original inhabitants continue to live and work. Next, we head uphill to the peaceful Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple and enjoy sweeping views over the coast. We visit the Central Market to experience local life among the bountiful stalls, and step back in time at the Agnes Keith House, a restored colonial home turned museum, providing an insight into the period when this was British North Borneo. Lastly, we pause for reflection at Sandakan Memorial Park, a place of remembrance for Australian POWs held here during the Second World War. After a day of discovery, we transfer to nearby Sepilok for our two-night stay at the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort, ready to explore Borneo’s rainforest wilderness.

Tour Highlight

We spend our day experiencing some of Sabah’s finest wildlife projects and encountering more of Borneo’s iconic species. Our first stop is the Rainforest Discovery Centre, to wander along its walkways and through the canopy, looking out for colourful birds and wildlife amongst the trees. Next, we head to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the sanctuary’s work rescuing these endangered animals – the smallest bear species in the world – and see them in their protected habitat. After lunch, we drive to Labuk Bay where we visit a sanctuary for proboscis monkeys that covers 400 acres of mangrove forest. Here, we have a chance to watch the monkeys from a respectful yet remarkably close distance, without disturbing them.

This morning, we have the opportunity to visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary for another chance to observe rescued orangutans in primary lowland forest. Visit the feeding platform and the nursery area, where orphaned orangutans are taught how to climb. After lunch, we transfer by speedboat along the scenic coast and enter the mighty Kinabatangan River as we travel to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, a stylish resort hidden within the jungle on the riverbank. Late afternoon, we set out on our first wildlife cruise, gliding along the river at a gentle pace as we watch the banks for a glimpse of pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, hornbills and even, perhaps, orangutans.

Tour Highlight

Our extraordinary wildlife watching continues with an early start, but we are rewarded with a two-hour cruise along the river as the sun rises. Our destination is an oxbow lake, where we pause to take in the beauty of the surrounding jungle as the wildlife awakens. Look out for the endemic rhinoceros hornbill, colourful kingfishers and macaques climbing through the tree branches in troops.

Returning to our accommodation, there is time to relax and enjoy lunch before we join an expert naturalist to learn more about our close relative, the orangutan, and how to identify individuals from their features. Later, we head to the river once more, watching out for endemic birds and mammals as the heat of the day recedes. Perhaps pygmy elephants will emerge from the undergrowth, or we spot an alpha-male proboscis monkey with his harem. After dinner at our lodge, we enjoy our final river trip of the day: a night safari to discover the jungle’s nocturnal wildlife. This is a great time to spot sleeping birds and crocodiles on the muddy riverbanks, as well as owls high in the trees.

Today, we can spend our time as we wish, with a selection of included activities to choose from. Those keen to indulge in more wildlife-spotting can join a further sunrise river cruise. This afternoon you may wish to explore Gomantong Caves, located in a protected area and home to several endangered species, including orangutans. As sunset arrives, we have the chance to witness the bat exodus from these caves as millions of bats head out on their nightly hunt. Alternatively, wake at leisure to the sound of gibbon song and spend the day relaxing at our lodge. Take a cooling dip in the pool, enjoy views of the river from the comfort of the terrace, or stroll along the boardwalks observing flora and fauna in the surrounding rainforest.

As our time in Sukau’s extraordinary rainforest comes to an end, we transfer overland to Sandakan for our flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival in Sabah’s lively state capital, we check in once again to the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu for our final night. The remainder of the afternoon has been left free to relax or possibly purchase some last-minute souvenirs. This evening, we come together to enjoy dinner and a chance to bid farewell to Borneo and our new-found friends as we share memories of our adventures.

The day is ours until it’s time to depart for the airport this afternoon. Our flights to the UK operate via Kuala Lumpur.

Holiday Extensions

Why not extend your holiday with a Bornean beach stay? Complete your Very Best of Borneo adventure with a relaxing three-night stay at one of Borneo’s stunning beaches. Choose from a Kota Kinabalu Beach stay, or whisk yourself off to Gaya Island, situated within the protected area of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Homebound Stopover

Extend your holiday with a 2-night homebound stopover in Kuala Lumpur from £345 per person.

After 17 incredible days, we arrive into the UK this morning, bringing our Very Best of Borneo tour to an end.