Untamed Borneo Expedition

After breakfast, we meet our guide in the hotel lobby between 8:50am and 9:10am before setting out to discover Kuching, the historic capital of Sarawak. Established by Sir James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak, in 1841, Kuching has grown from a small trading settlement into one of Malaysia's most fascinating cities. Its unique character is shaped by a blend of colonial heritage, Chinese trading influences and the traditions of Sarawak's many Indigenous communities, all centred around the banks of the Sarawak River.

Our morning is spent exploring Kuching's historic precinct, where we wander through the atmospheric Main Bazaar and along the picturesque Kuching Waterfront, passing heritage buildings, Chinese temples and traditional shophouses that tell the story of the city's colourful past. We then visit the Borneo Cultures Museum, Malaysia's largest museum and one of the country's premier cultural institutions. Through its immersive exhibitions, we gain a fascinating insight into Sarawak's Indigenous peoples, diverse ecosystems and remarkable history, providing valuable context for the experiences that await throughout the journey.

Lunch is served at Jak Ma'an, a unique restaurant dedicated to preserving the traditional cuisine of the Bidayuh people, one of Sarawak's major Indigenous groups. Named after the Bidayuh phrase meaning "let's eat", the restaurant showcases authentic regional dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes, offering an excellent introduction to the distinctive flavours of Borneo.

Following lunch, we continue with an approximately 45-minute drive to the award-winning Sarawak Cultural Village, located 32 kilometres from Kuching at the foot of the legendary Mount Santubong and just a short walk from Damai Beach. Set within 17 acres of rainforest, this acclaimed living museum brings together authentic traditional homes representing Sarawak's seven major ethnic groups. As we explore the village, we meet local cultural ambassadors who demonstrate traditional crafts, music, dance, games and cooking, sharing customs and traditions that have been passed down through countless generations. The experience concludes with a spectacular multicultural dance performance, celebrating the rich cultural diversity that makes Sarawak unlike anywhere else in Malaysia.

From here, we continue to the nearby fishing village of Buntal, where the surrounding mangroves and coastal waters have long supported one of the region's most productive fishing communities. Renowned throughout Kuching for its exceptionally fresh seafood, Buntal is the perfect setting to enjoy dinner before returning to the hotel for the evening.

🥘 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🛏️ Waterfront Hotel, Premier Room

Spend another night in the comfort of your Premier Room at Kuching's only independent five-star hotel. Contemporary interiors, premium bedding and modern amenities provide a relaxing retreat after a full day of sightseeing, while the hotel's infinity pool, fitness centre and excellent dining facilities offer plenty of opportunities to unwind before tomorrow's visit to Bako National Park.

After an early breakfast, we meet our guide in the hotel lobby between 7:50am and 8:10am before departing Kuching for one of Sarawak's most celebrated national parks. Although Bako National Park is the oldest national park in Sarawak, it remains one of the best places in Borneo to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Despite covering just 27 square kilometres, the park protects an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from mangrove forests and tropical rainforest to kerangas heath forest, secluded beaches, sandstone cliffs and coastal vegetation.

Our journey begins with a 35-minute drive to Bako Village, the gateway to the national park. From here, we board a local boat for an approximately 25-minute cruise across the bay to the park headquarters. Keep watch along the shoreline, where there is a chance of spotting estuarine crocodiles, white-bellied sea eagles and a variety of coastal birdlife before we arrive.

The remainder of the morning and early afternoon is spent exploring Bako's network of rainforest trails in search of its remarkable wildlife. The park is one of the best places in the world to see the endemic proboscis monkey, famous for its distinctive oversized nose and pot belly. We also keep an eye out for silvered langurs, long-tailed macaques, wild boar, monitor lizards, bearded pigs and an impressive variety of birdlife, while our guide helps identify many of the fascinating plants and animals that inhabit the park. The walking trails vary in length and difficulty, allowing us to experience several of the park's contrasting ecosystems while taking in its spectacular coastline of hidden coves, quiet beaches and dramatic sandstone cliffs sculpted by wind and sea.

Following our exploration, we return by boat to Bako Village before driving back to Kuching, arriving in the mid-afternoon. Please note today's schedule is dependent on the tides, and departure times may vary accordingly.

🥘 Breakfast, Lunch
🛏️ Waterfront Hotel, Premier Room

Return to your Premier Room at the Waterfront Hotel for another relaxing evening in Kuching. After a rewarding day exploring Bako National Park, enjoy the hotel's excellent facilities, including the infinity pool and restaurants, or simply unwind in the comfort of your room before tomorrow's journey into the remote rainforests of Batang Ai.

After breakfast, we depart Kuching at 8:00am and begin our journey into the remote interior of Sarawak, travelling through rolling countryside, pepper plantations and small rural communities towards the Batang Ai region. As the landscape becomes increasingly wild, we leave the city behind and venture into the traditional homeland of the Iban people, Sarawak's largest Indigenous ethnic group and renowned throughout Borneo for their rich cultural heritage and longhouse traditions.

Along the way, we stop at Lachau Bazaar, a small rural trading town where villagers from the surrounding area gather to buy and sell fresh produce, forest fruits, spices and handmade goods. We have time to wander through the native market and experience a glimpse of everyday life in rural Sarawak before enjoying an early lunch at a local coffee shop.

After lunch, we continue our journey, arriving at Batang Ai Lake between 1:30pm and 2:00pm. Surrounded by dense rainforest, the lake marks the end of the road and the beginning of our journey by river. Here we board a traditional longboat for the journey upstream to Nanga Sumpa, travelling through one of the most remote corners of Sarawak. Rivers remain the lifeblood of these communities, providing the primary means of transport between longhouses and villages, while the surrounding rainforest supports an incredible diversity of wildlife and plant life. We arrive at Nanga Sumpa at approximately 3:30pm, although our arrival time will depend on river conditions.

After settling into the lodge and enjoying dinner, we visit the neighbouring Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. Home to generations of Iban families, the longhouse remains the centre of community life, where traditions, celebrations and daily activities continue much as they have for centuries. We spend the evening on the ruai, the communal verandah that forms the social heart of every Iban longhouse, meeting members of the community, learning about their customs and way of life, and enjoying a glass of locally brewed rice wine. It is a genuine cultural exchange and one of the most memorable experiences of our journey through Borneo.

🥘 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🛏️ Nanga Sumpa Lodge

Tonight we stay at Nanga Sumpa Lodge, a small eco-lodge operated by Borneo Adventure in the heart of the Batang Ai rainforest. Accommodation is in the traditional Ruai Wing, inspired by the communal ruai of an Iban longhouse and designed to offer an authentic insight into life in one of Borneo's oldest living cultures. Surrounded by pristine rainforest and accessible only by river, the lodge embraces its remote setting with simple, comfortable accommodation, solar-powered electricity and delicious home-cooked meals prepared using fresh local ingredients. While this is the most rustic stay of the journey, the warm Iban hospitality and extraordinary rainforest setting make it one of the tour's most memorable experiences.

Wake to the sounds of the rainforest before enjoying breakfast at the lodge. This morning, we set out on foot to explore the jungle trails that follow the river, accompanied by our local guides who share their knowledge of the rainforest and the plants that have sustained Iban communities for generations. Along the way, there is the opportunity to appreciate the remarkable biodiversity of this ancient ecosystem while learning about the close relationship between the Iban people and their natural environment.

Continuing our adventure, we board a traditional longboat and travel further upstream towards the beautiful Enseluai Waterfall. Hidden deep within the rainforest, the waterfall cascades into a clear natural pool surrounded by towering trees and dense jungle, creating a peaceful setting to relax and immerse ourselves in the pristine surroundings. Those wishing to cool off can enjoy a refreshing swim while others may simply take in the tranquillity of this remarkable location.

Lunch today is a memorable riverside barbecue prepared by our Iban hosts using fresh local ingredients. Dining beside the river beneath the rainforest canopy is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of life in this remote corner of Borneo before returning by longboat to Nanga Sumpa Lodge later in the afternoon.

After dinner, we return to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse for another evening with the local community. Spending additional time with our Iban hosts allows for deeper conversations and a greater appreciation of their traditions, customs and way of life, making this a truly meaningful cultural experience.

🥘 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🛏️ Nanga Sumpa Lodge

A second night at Nanga Sumpa Lodge offers another chance to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Batang Ai rainforest. Accommodation is once again in the traditional Ruai Wing, inspired by the communal ruai of an Iban longhouse and providing an authentic connection to the region's rich cultural heritage. As the sounds of the rainforest come alive after dark, enjoy another evening of warm Iban hospitality, delicious home-cooked meals and the unique experience of staying in one of Borneo's most remote and rewarding wilderness settings.

After breakfast at the lodge, we farewell our Iban hosts before boarding a traditional longboat at 9:00am for the journey back downriver. Travelling through the tranquil waterways of the Batang Ai region offers one last opportunity to soak in the beauty of the rainforest as we make our way back to civilisation. We arrive at the Batang Ai Lake jetty between 10:30am and 11:00am, where our vehicle awaits.

From here, we begin the overland journey back to Kuching, stopping for lunch en route before continuing through the rolling countryside and rural communities of Sarawak. As we leave the rainforest behind, there is time to reflect on the memorable experiences of the past three days, from travelling by longboat and exploring the jungle to sharing stories with our Iban hosts and experiencing life in a traditional longhouse community.

We arrive back in Kuching at approximately 4:30pm and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Relax by the pool, enjoy dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants or take a final stroll along the Kuching Waterfront before tomorrow's flight to Sabah.

🥘 Breakfast, Lunch
🛏️ Waterfront Hotel, Premier Room

Returning to the Waterfront Hotel provides a welcome opportunity to enjoy the comforts of a five-star hotel after our rainforest adventure. Your Premier Room offers contemporary furnishings, comfortable bedding and modern amenities, while the hotel's infinity pool, restaurants and other facilities provide the perfect place to relax before the next chapter of our Borneo journey.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Kuching Airport for our afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu, capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah. On arrival, we are met by our local guide and begin an introductory tour of the city. Set between the South China Sea and the Crocker Range, Kota Kinabalu is known for its relaxed atmosphere, colourful markets and rich mix of cultures, making it the ideal gateway to the natural wonders of Borneo.

As evening falls, we explore the lively Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, where bustling night markets come alive with the sights, sounds and aromas of local street food. Browse stalls selling fresh seafood, tropical fruit, handmade crafts and traditional beadwork while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. There is time to wander through the markets before we gather for dinner at a local seafood restaurant, a fitting introduction to one of Malaysia's finest culinary destinations.

Following dinner, we transfer to our hotel and check in for the evening. The remainder of the night is at leisure to relax after the day's travel and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ Grandis Hotels & Resorts, Deluxe Room

Located beside Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and just a short stroll from the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, Grandis Hotels & Resorts is an excellent base for exploring the city. Your Deluxe Room features contemporary furnishings, comfortable bedding and modern amenities, while the rooftop infinity pool and welcoming atmosphere provide the perfect place to unwind before we continue our journey into the wildlife-rich landscapes of eastern Borneo.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Kuching Airport for our afternoon flight to Sandakan, departing at approximately 12:30pm and arriving between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Once one of the world's busiest timber ports, Sandakan is now recognised as the wildlife capital of Malaysian Borneo and the gateway to some of the island's most important conservation areas. From the airport, we travel approximately 30 minutes to Sepilok, where ancient rainforest and protected reserves provide a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of wildlife.

Upon arrival at MY Nature Resort, there is time to settle into our rainforest surroundings and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at your own pace. Set within 25 acres of tropical rainforest bordering the Sepilok Forest Reserve, the resort is immersed in one of Borneo's richest natural environments. Relax by the swimming pool, stroll along the property's elevated 1,050-metre nature boardwalk or simply unwind while listening to the sounds of the jungle, with hornbills, squirrels, butterflies and other native wildlife often seen around the grounds.

This evening, we gather for dinner at the resort before enjoying a restful night surrounded by the rainforest. Tomorrow, we visit two of Borneo's most celebrated conservation centres, where we come face to face with endangered orangutans and the world's smallest bear, marking the beginning of the wildlife-focused chapter of our Borneo adventure.

🥘 Breakfast, Dinner
🛏️ MY Nature Resort, Chalet

Nestled beside the Sepilok Forest Reserve, MY Nature Resort offers an authentic rainforest retreat just minutes from Borneo's renowned wildlife conservation centres. Your timber chalet is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and towering rainforest, creating a peaceful place to unwind after the day's travels. The resort's swimming pool, elevated nature boardwalk and abundant birdlife provide the perfect introduction to the remarkable wildlife and pristine rainforest landscapes that await over the coming days.

After breakfast, we check out of the resort before departing at 9:00am for one of Borneo's most rewarding wildlife experiences. Our first stop is the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, established in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned and injured orangutans before returning them to the wild. Walking through the surrounding rainforest, we make our way to the feeding platform to watch the 10:00am feeding session, where these remarkable primates often emerge from the forest canopy. Subject to operational requirements, there may also be an opportunity to visit the nursery, where young orangutans develop the skills they need before progressing towards life in the wild.

We then visit the neighbouring Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of the world's smallest bear. Home to more than 30 rescued sun bears, the centre provides a rare opportunity to observe these elusive animals while learning about the threats they face through habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade. Late this morning, we depart Sepilok and travel overland to Sukau, a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River and one of Sabah's premier ecotourism destinations. Lunch is served on arrival before we check into our riverside lodge.

This afternoon, we venture onto the Kinabatangan River, one of the richest wildlife habitats in South East Asia. Cruising upstream into the peaceful Menanggul River, we search the rainforest-lined banks for iconic proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, kingfishers, crocodiles and, with a little luck, wild orangutans and pygmy elephants. As the sun begins to set over the river, we return to the lodge for dinner and another unforgettable evening surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Bornean rainforest.

🥘 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🛏️ Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, Air-Conditioned Chalet

Located in Sukau, a small village regarded as the ecotourism heart of Sabah's Kinabatangan region, Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge provides an ideal base for exploring one of Borneo's most important wildlife corridors. Your air-conditioned chalet offers a comfortable retreat after a day of wildlife encounters, while the lodge's peaceful riverside setting places you in the heart of one of Malaysia's richest ecosystems, where the sounds of the rainforest continue long after sunset.

After an early wake-up, we board a riverboat at approximately 6:30am for a sunrise cruise to nearby Oxbow Lake, a tranquil crescent-shaped lake formed when a bend in the Kinabatangan River was naturally cut off over time. Surrounded by ancient lowland rainforest, freshwater wetlands and dense vegetation, this peaceful habitat supports an extraordinary variety of wildlife. As the forest awakens with the first light of day, we quietly drift across the still waters in search of hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, herons, macaques, proboscis monkeys and, with a little luck, wild orangutans moving through the canopy. The calm morning conditions also make this one of the best times to experience the remarkable biodiversity of the Kinabatangan floodplain.

We return to the lodge for breakfast before enjoying a leisurely morning at our own pace. There is time to relax and soak up the tranquillity of the rainforest, perhaps taking a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, watching for birds and monkeys from the lodge or simply unwinding to the ever-changing sounds of the jungle. Surrounded by one of Malaysia's largest protected floodplain forests, the lodge provides the perfect setting to slow down and appreciate the incredible natural environment.

Late this afternoon, we set out on another river safari, this time exploring the Menanggul River, one of the Kinabatangan's most pristine tributaries. Flowing through untouched rainforest, the narrow river is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing and forms an important corridor for countless species. As the cooler evening temperatures encourage animals to become more active, we keep watch for proboscis monkeys gathering in riverside trees, hornbills soaring overhead, crocodiles basking along the banks and colourful kingfishers darting across the water. If conditions are favourable, there is also the possibility of encountering wild orangutans or even Bornean pygmy elephants before we return to the lodge at dusk. Dinner is served at the lodge, followed by another peaceful evening immersed in the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

🥘 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🛏️ Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, Air-Conditioned Chalet

Spend another night at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, peacefully situated on the banks of the Kinabatangan River in the ecotourism village of Sukau. Your air-conditioned chalet provides a comfortable retreat between wildlife adventures, while the lodge's riverside setting places you in the heart of one of Borneo's richest ecosystems. Surrounded by rainforest, wetlands and winding waterways, it is the perfect base from which to experience the extraordinary wildlife and natural beauty of the Kinabatangan region.

After breakfast, we farewell the Kinabatangan River and begin our overland journey back to Sandakan, taking one last look at the lush rainforest landscapes that have been home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife over the past three days. Travelling through the rural countryside of eastern Sabah, there is time to reflect on unforgettable encounters with orangutans, sun bears, proboscis monkeys and the remarkable ecosystems that make this region one of the world's most important wildlife destinations.

On arrival at Sandakan Airport, we board our afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu, departing at approximately 1:50pm. Upon landing, we are met and transferred to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, where we board the 5:00pm to 6:00pm ferry to Gaya Island. The largest island within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island is a remarkable blend of ancient rainforest, secluded sandy coves and crystal-clear tropical waters. Despite being just a short boat ride from the city, the island feels wonderfully remote, with more than 15 square kilometres of protected rainforest providing a sanctuary for wildlife including proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, hornbills and long-tailed macaques, while the surrounding marine park is renowned for its colourful coral reefs and abundant marine life.

After arriving at Gaya Island Resort, there is time to settle into our villa and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Take a stroll along the rainforest boardwalks, relax beside the infinity pool overlooking the sea or simply unwind as you prepare for the final chapter of our Borneo adventure.

🥘 Breakfast, Lunch
🛏️ Gaya Island Resort, Bayu Villa

Surrounded by ancient rainforest and the crystal-clear waters of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island Resort offers a luxurious island retreat in one of Malaysian Borneo's most spectacular natural settings. Your spacious Bayu Villa is nestled into the hillside among centuries-old rainforest, featuring contemporary furnishings, a private veranda and peaceful forest views. Combining exceptional hospitality with effortless access to pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and protected rainforest, the resort provides the perfect place to relax after the wildlife adventures of the past few days.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, making the most of the exceptional facilities and natural beauty of Gaya Island Resort. Spend the day relaxing on the private beach, unwinding beside the infinity pool or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere from your villa as rainforest-covered hills meet the turquoise waters of the South China Sea.

For those looking to explore, the resort offers a wonderful range of optional activities. Wander through the ancient rainforest on guided nature walks in search of hornbills, macaques and other native wildlife, snorkel directly from the resort to discover colourful coral gardens teeming with tropical fish or venture further afield on a diving excursion within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Kayaking, paddleboarding, spa treatments and marine conservation experiences are also available, offering something for both adventurous travellers and those seeking complete relaxation.

As the day draws to a close, enjoy another peaceful evening surrounded by one of Sabah's most spectacular island landscapes, where pristine rainforest and crystal-clear waters combine to create the perfect tropical escape.

🥘 Breakfast
🛏️ Gaya Island Resort, Bayu Villa

Enjoy a second night at Gaya Island Resort, nestled within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Your spacious Bayu Villa provides a peaceful sanctuary amongst centuries-old rainforest, while the resort's secluded beaches, excellent facilities and breathtaking natural surroundings offer the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether you spend the day exploring the island or simply unwinding by the sea, Gaya Island is a fitting finale to your Borneo journey.

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the rainforest and the South China Sea before a leisurely morning at the resort. Check out by noon, then board the 15 to 20-minute ferry back to Jesselton Point on the mainland, where you will be met and transferred to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your onward flight.

As your Borneo adventure comes to an end, we hope you leave with unforgettable memories of ancient rainforests, extraordinary wildlife, vibrant cultures and warm Malaysian hospitality. If you would like to continue your holiday, our team would be delighted to help you extend your time in South East Asia with a tailor-made itinerary. Whether you're dreaming of relaxing on a tropical island, exploring another fascinating destination or discovering even more of the region's incredible wildlife and cultures, we're here to create the perfect journey.

🥘 Breakfast