The Best of Borneo
11 Days / 10 Nights
Private tour in English
From €2,535 per person
Tour Overview
An intense journey into the heart of Malaysian Borneo, amidst pristine forests, wildlife, monumental caves, and turquoise seas. From the culture of Sarawak to the orangutans of Semenggoh and Sepilok, from trekking in Bako and Kinabalu National Park to the spectacular Mulu Caves, and a river safari on the Kinabatangan. The tour concludes with relaxation and snorkeling on a true island paradise: Pom Pom Island, in the Celebes Sea. A complete experience of adventure, nature, and the sea.
Tour Highlights:
🌳 Trekking in Bako National Park
🦧 Orangutan Encounter in Semenggoh and Sepilok
⛰️ Spectacular Caves in Mulu National Park
⛰️ Kinabalu National Park UNESCO
🐘 River Safari on the Kinabatangan River
🐻 Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok
🏝️ Snorkeling and Crystal-Clear Waters at Pom Pom Island
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kuching and city tour – Walking tour
Day 1
Day Description
In the morning, you'll arrive at Kuching Airport and meet your English-speaking driver for a transfer to your hotel in the city center.
** We recommend arriving in Kuching by 1:15 PM on flights. Hotel check-in is between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
At 2:30 PM, you'll meet your guide at your hotel and depart to explore this exotic city, the capital of the state of Sarawak.
The tour will begin with a stroll through the main bazaar with its craft shops, then head through Carpenter Street to the fascinating Borneo Cultures Museum, an interactive museum where you can discover the different cultures of Sarawak's ethnic groups.
At the end of the visit, we'll reach the Kuching Mosque and the adjacent area with its old white buildings, remnants of the British colonial period, including the Court House and other buildings in the same style. We'll then walk along the Sarawak River with its beautiful, futuristic pedestrian bridge, the only bridge connecting the two banks of the river in the city center.
At the end of the tour, return to the nearby hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight at THE WATERFRONT Hotel Kuching – 4* Premier River View or similar.
Kuching / Trekking at BAKO National Park (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 2
Day Description
Breakfast at the hotel. At 7:30 a.m., meet your guide at the hotel and depart for the fishing village of Bako, passing through the mangrove forest with its typical nipah palms.
We'll depart by boat to the mouth of this river and cross a stretch of sea for about 30 minutes to reach Bako National Park, established in 1957, which offers a perfect introduction to Sarawak's forests and wildlife. Bako Park contains a wide range of vegetation over an area of 27 square kilometers: mangrove forest, dipterocarp forest, delicate marine vegetation, as well as a rich variety of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, macaques, silver monkeys, and monitor lizards.
We'll embark on a thrilling journey that will lead to the western part of the park through rainforests, finally reaching a beautiful, pristine bay whose shores are dominated by incredibly beautiful rock formations.
On the way back, it will be interesting to take a walk through the authentic mangrove forest where, thanks to low tide, you will have the opportunity to observe fiddler crabs and other small crustaceans emerging from the mud, providing additional food for the forest's wildlife.
Return to the Park Management Center, where you will also enjoy lunch with local specialties. We will return by boat to your hotel in the city. Dinner is free.
Overnight at THE WATERFRONT Hotel Kuching – 4* Premier River View or similar.
Kuching / Visit to Semenggoh Orang Utan, Serian Market, and a Longhouse
(Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 3
Day Description
Breakfast at the hotel. At 8:00 a.m., meet your guide at the hotel and depart for the Semenggoh Orang Utan Conservation Center. This unique center, established in 1975 in 740 hectares of virgin forest, protects these primates. Most of these animals were rescued from captivity and, over the years, have been rehabilitated to a free life in their natural environment. In recent years, this Orang Utan community has grown to more than 26 individuals, with many natural births. We'll admire these creatures as they emerge from the dense vegetation to enjoy some extra food offered on platforms by the Center's rangers. No ranger will touch them, to allow these primates to maintain their freedom in their natural habitat. Visitors may see just a few or many individuals each day... it all depends on the dominant male's decision!
We'll then continue to the town of Serian, home to a quaint open-air market selling typical local products. Wandering among the stalls, you'll notice the cleanliness of this market, which offers visitors unique experiences with vegetables and fruits, some unique to Sarawak. We'll continue to the Bidayuh community village of Annah Rais, located not far from the border with Indonesian Kalimantan. This thriving rural community is home to one of the few remaining traditional Bidayuh houses in Sarawak. The Bidayuh, or Land Dayak, are the second largest Dayak tribe in Sarawak. They traditionally lived in terraced houses, but today most Bidayuh settlements consist of single houses rather than longhouses. Upon arrival at the traditional longhouse, you'll learn about the community's lifestyle and their traditions, which remain intact despite modernity. Enjoy a local-style lunch inside the longhouse, then walk through rice, pepper (the region's famous aromatic pepper), and rubber plantations, typical of this ethnic group. After the visit, return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight at THE WATERFRONT Hotel Kuching – 4* Premier River View or similar.
Note: Orangutans are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed, although the chances are always high at the Semenggoh Center. However, because they live in the wild, their presence cannot be 100% guaranteed.
Kuching - Mulu National Park (Breakfast)
Day 4
Day Description
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Kuching Airport and direct flight to Mulu, in the heart of Malaysian Borneo in Sarawak. A propeller-driven ATR72 is the only aircraft capable of landing at the small airport. Upon arrival, transfer to the Mulu Marriott Resort, nestled in the rainforest, on the edge of Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary biodiversity and one of the largest and most spectacular karst systems in the world. The park extends between limestone and sandstone mountains that house some of the largest and deepest caves on the planet.
In the early afternoon, depart on foot from the park headquarters for a hike through over 3 kilometers of tropical jungle trails on a comfortable boardwalk, reaching Lang's Cave, famous for its fascinating limestone formations, and the spectacular Deer Cave, considered one of the largest caves in the world in terms of both size and internal volume. Here, ancient stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by time create a surreal atmosphere.
At sunset, weather permitting, you can witness the thrilling spectacle of the millions of bats that inhabit the Deer Cave: their movements in flight form vortices and waves in the sky, one of Mulu's most iconic natural phenomena.
The return to the resort takes place at sunset, walking through the forest, in an atmosphere made magical by the sounds of nature at night. Dinner is free at the Mulu Marriott Resort restaurant or you can enjoy free time to relax.
Overnight: Mulu Marriott Resort – Deluxe Room
Mulu National Park (breakfast)
Day 5
Day Description
After breakfast, a new day of exploring the park awaits.
In the morning, a boat transfer along the Melinau River to the Wind Caves, known for their spacious interior chambers and natural tunnels shaped by water and wind over millennia. The route continues to Clearwater Cave, one of the world's largest karst systems, characterized by an underground river that has carved an intricate labyrinth of tunnels and cavities over time.
The trail winds along wooden walkways and steps that allow for close-up views of the limestone formations and the endemic vegetation growing at the caves' edges. Return by boat to the park headquarters and enjoy lunch at your own leisure.
In the afternoon, free time to relax or pursue optional on-site activities. Dinner at the resort is available.
Overnight: Mulu Marriott Resort – Deluxe Room.
Mulu National Park - Kota Kinabalu (breakfast)
Day 6
Day Description
Breakfast at the hotel and free time for a final stroll along the trails surrounding the resort or to relax in the pristine nature. Transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Arrive at the Kota Kinabalu airport, meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel.
The remainder of the day is free for beach and relaxation, or a leisurely city tour.
We recommend a visit to the Filipino craft market and sunset cocktails at the Waterfront, with its wide selection of bars and restaurants.
Overnight stay in a Mercure Kota Kinabalu 4* Superior room or similar
Kota Kinabalu – Kinabalu National Park (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 7
Day Description
Breakfast. Departure for Mount Kinabalu National Park (4,095 m), the highest mountain in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 due to its precious biodiversity, among the highest in the world. The first stop will be the Nabalu Market, where you can sample delicious local fruits or purchase handicrafts. You will then enter the park for a rainforest trek through breathtaking landscapes. Upon return, a simple lunch prepared by the village with local specialties is served, followed by a return to the city. Free evening and overnight stay.
Overnight stay: Mercure Kota Kinabalu 4* Superior room or similar
Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan - Sepilok – Bilit Kinabatangan River (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8
Day Description
Take-away breakfast (request at reception the day before) and early-morning transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for the flight to Sandakan (not included). Arrival in Sandakan and transfer to Sepilok Forest.
Visit the new Bornean Bear Conservation and Rehabilitation Center (BSBCC), the world's smallest bears, threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade. Opposite the BSBCC is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. This center houses orangutans rescued from poachers, injured, or orphaned.
Here, through a lengthy rehabilitation process, they are cared for and trained for life in the forest. During feeding time (reserve rangers feed fruit and milk to the orangutans), you can watch these primates abseil down sturdy ropes to reach the platforms. Lunch is served at the Borneo Sepilok Resort, followed by a transfer to Sukau and a transfer to the Kinabatangan River. Accommodation at the lodge. After a coffee break, in the mid-afternoon, embark on a sunset river safari in search of local wildlife: orangutans, proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, short-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, mangrove snakes, various species of hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles are the most common species. With a bit of luck, you may also spot crocodiles and elephants. Return to the lodge for dinner. In the evening, a nighttime safari is available upon request (optional and at an additional cost).
Overnight stay at the 3-star Bilit Adventure Lodge or similar – Chalet
Bilit Kinabatangan River – Semporna - Pom Pom Island (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9
Day Description
Wake up at dawn, while the surrounding forest is still shrouded in mist, to visit one of the Ox Bow lakes. The sunrise river safari allows you to explore this interesting lake ecosystem, offering the chance to observe various bird species such as purple and white herons, cormorants, fish eagles, kingfishers, and hornbills. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Continue by land (4 hours) to the Semporna pier, where you can board a boat to the stunning Pom Pom Island (about 1 hour).
Pom Pom Island is an exclusive private island resort in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Situated in a remote and pristine corner, it offers a tropical retreat of white beaches, turquoise water, and lush nature.
Accommodations range from beach chalets to overwater villas and garden rooms, all with modern comforts and a relaxed atmosphere.
The resort is especially renowned for its world-class diving and snorkeling around the coral reef, with day trips to spectacular sites like Sipadan and other marine wildlife-rich spots.
In addition to diving activities, guests can enjoy relaxing on the beach, kayaking, quiet beaches, and breathtaking sunsets in an exclusive and authentic setting away from the crowds.
Check-in, relax, sun, and sea on full board.
Overnight stay at Pom Pom Island Resort - Garden Villa (Non-Diver)
Note: Pom Pom Island Resort can be substituted with the other islands of Mataking, Kapalai, or Mabul on the Semporna side, or with Gaya Island in Kota Kinabalu.
Pom Pom Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10
Day Description
Relax, sun, and sea with full board.
Overnight stay at Pom Pom Island Resort - Garden Villa (Non-Diver)
Pom Pom Island - Semporna - Tawau airport (Breakfast)
Day 11
Day Description
Breakfast at the resort and free time until the boat transfer to Semporna followed by the land transfer (75 minutes) to Tawau airport from where you will take the return flight to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 12
Day Description