The Ultimate Adventure Through Wild Borneo

Arrive into the state of Sarawak in northwestern Borneo, and transfer to your hotel in Kuching, one of the most beautiful and laid-back cities in Malaysia. If you arrive on an early flight, settle in and relax at the hotel's pool before meeting your guide for an optional ride along the city's heritage trail, cycling through the old bazaars, temples, the central square and along the picturesque waterfront. Continue on to surrounding kampongs (villages) before crossing the waterway in the traditional fashion – on a sampan ferry. Conclude the day with a sunset dinner at the bank of the atmospheric Sarawak River. If you arrive on an evening flight, you can head straight to bed and meet your group on Day 2.

Today, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey into Bako National Park, your first immersive encounter with Borneo’s lush rainforests and iconic wildlife. Guided by an experienced park ranger, you’ll navigate an intricate network of jungle trails that weave through diverse ecosystems – from mixed dipterocarp and mangrove forests to verdant beach and cliff vegetation with breathtaking views of the scenic coastline. Along the way, keep a keen eye out for the park’s remarkable inhabitants: silver-leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, bearded pigs, vibrant bird species, and the uniquely captivating proboscis monkeys, endemic to the region. You’ll return to Kuching in the afternoon, with time to unwind and enjoy dinner with your group – recharged for the adventures awaiting you tomorrow!

Rise early and jump into the van for a two hour transfer to Lobang Batu, a Bidayuh village near the border with Indonesian Borneo. Meet the local community guides, and trek to the entrance of Silabur Cave, one of island's most breathtaking natural wonders. Get your torch lights ready and venture deep into the enormous limestone cave system, where occasional sun rays beam down through cracks and holes in the cavernous roof. In the afternoon, you'll meet the indigenous community of Kampong Mongkos, home to one of the few remaining traditional longhouses in Sarawak. Wander around the village and see daily life in this remote farming location, then settle in for the night in a simple hostel managed by the local community, featuring mixed dorm-style accommodations and shared bathroom facilities.

Say goodbye to your hosts after breakfast and drive to Bengoh Dam jetty (about 90 minutes drive) for a short, exciting boat ride across a tranquil lake surrounded by mountains. Then set off on a spectacular hike to a series of secluded waterfalls immersed in the virgin jungle – think lush greenery, dense forest, pristine wildflowers... it's often likened to Jurassic Park. Sunbathe on giant rocks, take a cool dip in the crystal-clear pools and learn the Dayak culinary arts as you cook with bamboo harvested from the jungle. End your day with an authentic homestay experience at Bidayuh village in Kampung Kandung, overlooking the emerald Bengoh Lake. Rest, relax and tuck into a homemade meal as you watch the sun slowly sink behind the mountains.

Get ready for another adventure-packed day, paddling through Borneo's incredible landscape. Float down an untouched stretch of the Sarawak River, kayaking through the rainforest in the shade of overhanging canopies and the sound of chirping insects and birds. Reach a secluded basecamp for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, transfer via a mesmerising limestone karst landscape en route to Siniawan, a historic former gold-mining town. Wander the atmospheric streets lined with traditional wooden buildings that have stood for over a century. Indulge in local specialties and sample some craft beer while soaking in the charm of this storied village. As the day draws to a close, retreat to a serene Buddhist village nearby, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by peace and tranquility – a perfect end to a day of exploration.

Start your day with a hearty vegetarian breakfast, fuelling up for an unforgettable visit to the Semenggoh Nature Reserve. This renowned primate rehabilitation centre is home to a thriving population of endangered orangutans. While these semi-wild primates roam freely across a vast protected forest, sightings aren’t guaranteed – but they often emerge from the canopy during daily supplemental feedings, offering a chance to observe them up close in their natural habitat. After your visit, set off on a scenic drive to the foothills of Mount Singai, where you’ll enjoy an early lunch at one of the welcoming community homestays. In the afternoon, hop on a bike and cycle through a short, picturesque route around the serene Serapi Retreat, your tranquil accommodation for the night. After dinner, if you’re feeling adventurous, join your guide for a nocturnal rainforest exploration. Experience the enchanting darkness of the jungle as you track unique frog species and immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of the rainforest at night.

After breakfast, you'll travel by road and boat for a couple of hours to reach the remote Tanjung Datu National Park, a hidden slice of paradise in the most westerly tip of the island, nicknamed the 'Heaven of Borneo’. Here, rugged mountains and lush rainforest sweep down to clear turquoise seas. Visit the park's turtle hatchery and learn about the local turtle conservation program, before hiking through pristine forest to reach Antu Laut beach where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and admire the huge boulders that dot the coast. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on the beach before settling into simple camping shelters and if you are lucky, watch the turtles nesting at night (sightings are common from April to October).

This morning, rise before breakfast to enjoy another short hike amongst the pristine beauty of Tanjung Datu, walking along picturesque bays and white sandy beaches – eyes open for pig-tailed macaques and Bornean bearded pigs. After breakfast, there's time to chill by the beach before taking a short boat transfer out of the national park. Grab lunch in a fishing village, then transfer by road (three hours) to a secluded eco-lodge nestled in the lush foliage of the Damai Peninsula, dominated by the rainforest-clad slopes of Mount Santubong. Enjoy some well-earned downtime at the resort's beach and catch a beautiful sunset. Tonight, lie back in your cabin and listen to the rainforest come alive with the sounds of insects and frogs.

The Santubong Peninsula is a truly beautiful spot, perfect for a relaxing morning. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then spend your time as you please: explore the mangrove trails near the lodge, sunbathe on a private beach, or try your hand at ocean SUPing or kayaking (optional - equipment hire available at the resort). This afternoon, head out for a final wildlife adventure on a scenic cruise along the Santubong and Salak Rivers, one of the best places in Sarawak to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins. These unique creatures, with their rounded heads and expressive faces, are often seen, though sightings depend on the tides. As evening sets in, explore smaller tributaries to see flashing fireflies in the mangroves and spot estuarine crocodiles lurking in the dark. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, including monitor lizards, otters, mudskippers, and kingfishers. Round off the day with a farewell dinner in the fishing village of Buntal before returning to your forest retreat for a final night serenaded by the jungle.

Your adventure ends today as you enjoy a final breakfast before transferring to Kuching Airport in time for your onward journey.