Venture into Borneo

Your itinerary

1. London to Kuching

After your door-to-door journey with our pick-up service, fly from London Heathrow to Kuching, via Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysia Airlines.

2. Kuching

Head straight to the 4 diamond Hotel Hilton, set on the banks of the Sarawak river, and settle in for the first of your two nights' stay. This afternoon, take a tour of Kuching's waterfront, including a visit to the Sarawak Museum where Bornean ethnological and archaeological artefacts are displayed.

3. Kuching

Today is free for you to discover Kuching at your own pace, perhaps visiting some of the colourful markets, ornate Chinese temples, beautiful mosques, or buildings dating back to the time of the first White Rajah in the city centre. B

4. Kuching to Batang Ai

Journey through rural Sarawak's beautiful countryside today, passing cocoa plantations and pepper gardens en route. Reaching Serian, enjoy time in the market place to gain a real insight into local life before boarding your boat for a trip across the spectacular lake to Batang Ai. The 4 diamond Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort becomes your unique home for the next two nights. B L

5. Batang Ai

Travel by longboat along the Ai River as you cross Batang Ai National Park. Accompanied by your local guide, follow one of the nature trails through lush rainforest and picturesque farmland in search of wildlife before arriving at the Delok Longhouse for a late lunch and a taste of Iban hospitality. This afternoon, retrace your journey back to Batang Ai. B L

6. Batang Ai to Kota Kinabalu

Drive back through rural Sarawak to Kuching for your flight to the Sabah state capital, Kota Kinabalu. On the north-western tip of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is known locally as Api Api ('fire') after the fireflies that light up local mangrove trees. Reaching this fascinating city, relax at the 5 diamond Magellan Sutera Hotel and Spa, which welcomes you for four nights. B

7. Kota Kinabalu

Take an optional trip on the time-honoured British Vulcan steam locomotive to enjoy some of Borneo's most stunning scenery. Heading along North Borneo Railway to the agricultural town of Papar, you'll see paddy fields, rubber plantations and lush rainforests and pass through rural villages and coastal towns. Otherwise, your day is at leisure to explore at your own pace, perhaps taking a boat trip to a nearby coral island where you can relax on a pristine white sand beach (bookable locally). B

8. Kota Kinabalu National Park

Explore Kota Kinabalu National Park on today's trip, stopping at Nabalu Village en route. At Poring Hot Springs, take a stroll along a jungle canopy walkway to observe treetop life (except in April when it's closed for maintenance), or follow one of the jungle trails which offer great rainforest treks before an afternoon dip in the hot mineral springs. L

9. Gaya Island, Kiulu River or Kota Kinabalu

Join an optional trip to follow the trails through the rainforest on Gaya Island with an included lunch on nearby Sapi Island and time to snorkel off the beach, or go white water rafting on Kiulu River (lunch is also included on this excursion, which is suitable for novice rafters). Alternatively, you've a free day to do as you please in Kota Kinabalu. B

10. Kota Kinabalu to Danum

Fly to Lahad Datu and journey by coach to the riverfront Borneo Rainforest Lodge (3 diamond) in Danum, your home for two nights. After lunch, take a guided walk to explore the Danum Valley, venturing along nature trails and canopy walkways to see the rich variety of plant and wildlife this area is renowned for. Round off the day with a wildlife night drive or walk (weather permitting). B L D

11. Danum

Discover more of the Danum Valley this morning with a guided walk along the Coffin Trail to an ancient burial site and magnificent lookout point. After lunch, take a nature walk through lush rainforest, following the river along the Segama Trail. Weather permitting, enjoy another evening's wildlife night drive or walk. B L D

12. Danum to Sukau

Resume your journey by road this morning to Sukau in the Kinabatangan river basin, where the 3 diamond Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge welcomes you for a two-night stay. Enjoy an evening boat cruise from the lodge. B L D

13. Sukau and Kinabatangan River

Explore the trails alongside the Kinabatangan River, home to some rare species of wildlife including proboscis monkeys and hornbills. In the afternoon, visit the Gomantong Caves before taking a cruise along the river, where you may see monkeys, egrets and macaques. B L D

14. Sukau to Sandakan and Selingan Island

Journey by coach to the city of Sandakan and enjoy a speedboat ride to the turtle conservation site of Selingan Island. After settling in at the basic but comfortable 3 diamond Turtle Island chalets, spend the afternoon relaxing on the island, perhaps snorkelling or bird-watching. This evening, a ranger will accompany you to the beach to see turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs and new hatchlings making their way to the sea. B L D

15. Sandakan, Sepilok and Kota Kinabalu

Returning to Sandakan by boat, journey to the Sepilok orang-utan sanctuary where orphaned orang-utans are taught how to survive in their natural habitat - arrive just in time for feeding. After a short sightseeing tour of Sandakan, including the colourful market along the harbourside and the Kampung Buli Sim-Sim water village, head to the airport for your flight back to Kota Kinabalu, where the 5 diamond Magellan Sutera Hotel and Spa welcomes you for one more night. B L

16. Kota Kinabalu and flight home

Board your Malaysia Airlines flight to London Heathrow, via Kuala Lumpur. B

17. London

Your door-to-door driver will be waiting at London Heathrow to take you home.

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