Upon arrival at the airport in Kuching, meet with the guide and driver for your private transfer to the hotel for check in. The transfer should take approximately 30 minutes.
At 2pm, after taking some time to freshen up and relax, meet with the guide in the afternoon and head out for a Kuching city tour. Known locally as the ‘Cat City’, it won’t take long to notice why this charming name has been bestowed upon the city - there are statues and tributes to cats at nearly every street corner. While taking a look around, visit the old White Rajah buildings, open markets, temples and mosques. After the Sarawak city tour, return to your hotel.
Overnight in Kuching
Excursions
Batik Boutique Hotel
Batik Boutique Hotel is a lifestyle hotel which caters to the needs of today’s business and leisure traveller. It provides all the elements of a luxury accommodation and yet is able to treat its guests as part of the family. From our fifteen stylishly designed rooms, unconventional hotel facilities, to our enthusiastic and ever-so-helpful team of hotel crew, The Batik is Kuching’s first hospitality icon.
At 8am after breakfast at your hotel, meet with the guide and driver and depart for an overland transfer to Batang Ai which will take approximately 40 minutes. Along the way with a stop at Semenggoh Orang Utan Wildlife Center and Serian City’s traditional open-air market. Then, visit a pepper farm before a short stop at Lachau Village for a peek at the area’s unique local life and a chance to shop for traditionally-made handicrafts.
Afterwards, proceed to the Batang Ai Jetty. Upon arrival at the jetty, transfer by boat to the resort which will take approximately 4 hours.
Check In and then spend the rest of the evening at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the resort.
Overnight in Batang Ai
Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat
Aiman Batang Ai Resort and Retreat offers the ideal getaway for us seeking serenity, mindfulness and relaxation. Formerly known as the Batang Ai Longhouse Resort managed by Hilton , the resort is now under Planet Borneo Lodge Management starting January 2016 and starts with New Beginnings and Renewed Aspirations.
Located on the fringe of the Batang Ai National Park, this 100-room resort offers pristine nature surrounded by nearby tribal communities and wildlife who have made Batang Ai their home. Fashioned in the traditional longhouse design, the resort offers endless opportunities for invigorating sports and activities or simply relaxation and peace.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning and then depart for a visit to the Batang Ai Longhouse – an authentic dwelling of the local Iban people who were once feared for their head-hunting practices (don’t worry, it’s a tradition no longer in practise!).
Explore the longhouse and learn about the lifestyle of these friendly natives whose lives are perfectly intertwined with nature. Witness a traditional dance (ngajat) which stimulates the movement of a cockfight and a demonstration of a blowpipe – an ancient hunting weapon of the natives that spew poisonous darts with deadly accuracy. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the longhouse and then return to the resort in the early afternoon.
The rest of the evening is free to spend at leisure. Relax at the resort, or head out to explore the tropical surroundings independently.
Overnight in Batang Ai
Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat
Aiman Batang Ai Resort and Retreat offers the ideal getaway for us seeking serenity, mindfulness and relaxation. Formerly known as the Batang Ai Longhouse Resort managed by Hilton , the resort is now under Planet Borneo Lodge Management starting January 2016 and starts with New Beginnings and Renewed Aspirations.
Located on the fringe of the Batang Ai National Park, this 100-room resort offers pristine nature surrounded by nearby tribal communities and wildlife who have made Batang Ai their home. Fashioned in the traditional longhouse design, the resort offers endless opportunities for invigorating sports and activities or simply relaxation and peace.
After breakfast at your resort, get transferred to the jetty by boat and embark on an overland journey which will take approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes back to the city of Kuching (lunch isn’t included). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Kuching
Batik Boutique Hotel
Batik Boutique Hotel is a lifestyle hotel which caters to the needs of today’s business and leisure traveller. It provides all the elements of a luxury accommodation and yet is able to treat its guests as part of the family. From our fifteen stylishly designed rooms, unconventional hotel facilities, to our enthusiastic and ever-so-helpful team of hotel crew, The Batik is Kuching’s first hospitality icon.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel along with the morning at leisure before being transferred in approximately 30 minutes to the airport for a flight to the tropical paradise of Mulu. Upon arrival, be met by your guide and driver and transfer directly to Mulu National Park Headquarters which is 5 minutes away from the airport.
Please Note: You will be transferred directly to Mulu National Park HQ for the afternoon's activities. Please be prepared with a packed day bag and walking attire for the day upon arrival. Your main Luggage will be transferred to your hotel directly.
From here, take a 3km elevated plank-walk to Lang Cave and the adjoining Deer Cave. At 2161 metres wide, it is considered to be the largest cave passage in the world. After checking out the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites of Lang Cave, head to Deer Cave for a look at “Lincoln’s Profile”, an attraction inhabited by thousands of free-tailed bats found in the cave. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, witness an incredible spectacle of nature as many thousands of these bats emerge from the cave for a night of foraging in the jungle. While trekking back to the park headquarters under cover of darkness, experience an entirely different side of the rainforest as its nocturnal inhabitants come to life.
Overnight in Mulu
Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
Experience 5-star luxury in a lush tropical rainforest with Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa in Malaysia, just five minutes from Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your adventure begins with a scenic trip from nearby Mulu Airport to our enchanting Sarawak resort and spa, beautifully designed in the style of ethnic longhouses. Wake each morning in a luxurious room suspended on a walkway set in the forest. After an al fresco breakfast, discover Mulu National Park’s collection of rare birds, wildlife and exotic plants and the world-famous Mulu Caves. Then relax in our Balinese-style spa, outdoor pool or on your private balcony overlooking the rainforest or the scenic Melinau River. Our airy spaces include a spacious lobby, banquet hall, riverside bar and business center and we offer features such as gourmet dining and cultural performances, making us an unforgettable venue for events from conferences to grand weddings.Internet access is limited via satellite in our Business Center only.
After breakfast at your resort, take a boat ride to Wind Cave and Explore the “King’s Room” before proceeding along plank walkways built on the sides of limestone cliffs leading to Clearwater Cave. Then, climb up the steep steps that were cut into the side of the hill to reach the entrance of Clearwater Cave. After entering the cave, spend some time to observe the incredible physical features and formations that can be found on its limestone walls.
In the afternoon, return to the resort for lunch and some free time before meeting back up with the guide for an unforgettable canopy walk. High above the forest floor, walk on an elevated platform for a look at the jungle’s unusual inhabitants who occupy areas little-seen by us ground-dwellers.
Afterwards, return to the resort and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Mulu
Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
Experience 5-star luxury in a lush tropical rainforest with Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa in Malaysia, just five minutes from Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your adventure begins with a scenic trip from nearby Mulu Airport to our enchanting Sarawak resort and spa, beautifully designed in the style of ethnic longhouses. Wake each morning in a luxurious room suspended on a walkway set in the forest. After an al fresco breakfast, discover Mulu National Park’s collection of rare birds, wildlife and exotic plants and the world-famous Mulu Caves. Then relax in our Balinese-style spa, outdoor pool or on your private balcony overlooking the rainforest or the scenic Melinau River. Our airy spaces include a spacious lobby, banquet hall, riverside bar and business center and we offer features such as gourmet dining and cultural performances, making us an unforgettable venue for events from conferences to grand weddings.Internet access is limited via satellite in our Business Center only.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your resort and relax until your departure for the airport which will take 5 minutes to reach for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival at the airport, meet with the local guide and be transferred to the hotel for the evening in a 20 minute transfer. After check-in, relax at the hotel or head out to explore the city independently.
Overnight in Kota Kinabalu
Hotel Grandis
Named after Ascidieria Grandis (Eria Grandis), an endemic orchid found on Mount Kinabalu. The latest hotel to grace Kota Kinabalu's sublime landscape sits in the heart of the city, a mere 15 minutes' drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and right next to the hippest mall in town. Our ideal location makes us the perfect retreat for those wishing to explore the area's eclectic shopping, dining, and tourist attractions.
If it's an escape from the vibrant urban excitement you seek, then prepare to indulge in a "home away from home" experience within any of our plush guestrooms. Each thoughtfully designed space houses a branded television, electronic safe, power showers,soft beds, and high-speed internet access for a luxurious and restful stay.
Today at 8am, head out to the cooler climates of Kinabalu Park which will take approximately 2.5 hours, home to between 5000-6000 species of plants and 430 different birds and mammals. An hour into the drive, stop at a small Dusun town of Tamparuli for a short walk across a hanging bridge to the local square and pick up a quick snack. Continue a further hour up the mountain road to Mount Kinabalu National Park. Take a walk in the Botanical Gardens and learn about the vast array of flora found in this lush park. Admire views of Mt Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak before lunch in the park.
This afternoon at 2pm, depart Kinabalu Park for Poring which will take approximately one hour. On route a short visit at Kundasang War Memorial, one of the first memorials to commemorate the Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan POW camp during the death marches to Renau. Continue to Poring Hot Springs (45km – approx. 1hr) where a stroll along a canopy walkway gives a bird’s eye view of the tropical rainforest. The Canopy Walkway is suspended between trees at a height of 40m and offers an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife which shelter from predators on the ground. If time permits, get a chance to soak in the hot sulphur pools, renowned for their therapeutic properties.
Overnight in Poring Hot Spring
At 8am after breakfast, take a short 30 minute drive to Sabah Tea to take a fascinating guided tour of the tea factory and learn how raw tea leaves are processed and packed for export. (Please note the Tea Factory is closed on Sundays, Mondays & Public Holidays).
At 10am, depart for a 3.5-hour drive to Sandakan to arrive early afternoon at the colonial style English Teahouse, a concept inspired by the famous Agnes Keith house. After lunch, a quick visit to the central market in search of spices before continuing on to Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple at the south of the city. It is located on the hilltop, with a breath-taking panoramic view of Sandakan Bay.
At 5pm, late afternoon arrival into Sepilok for dinner and evening at leisure.
Overnight and Dinner in Sepilok
Sepilok Nature Resort
Hidden amongst a veritable treasure trove of tropical plants, grasses, huge trees and spectacular orchids in bloom, the quaint bungalows of the Sepilok Nature Resort are within walking distance of the world-famous Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, precious home of the last wild Orang-Utans of Northern Borneo.
Combining rich traditional style with contemporary luxury, Sepilok Nature Resort is the ideal starting point for most other wildlife land destinations in Sabah such as the fauna rich Kinabatangan River and the surrounding Sukau area. Sepilok Nature Resort also offers the perfect setting for relaxing after a long plane trip, before continuing on a diving holiday to Lankayan.
Be picked up at your hotel at 8.30am and have your luggage ready for the vehicle and depart for the Sun Bear Conservation Centre nearby. This centre aims to increase awareness of this endearing, but little-known bear species – named after the crescent shaped patch of fur on their chests that resembles the rising sun. From here walk to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in time for the morning feeding session at 10am.
At 11am in the morning, transfer by private air-conditioned minivan with the guide to Sandakan Jetty in 30 minutes to meet the boat (Shared basis) and transfer to the Kinabatangan River. This two-hour boat journey passes by local villages and lush rainforest and provides excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities for those looking to gander at some of Borneo’s quirky inhabitants.
At 1pm, arrive at the lodge, check in and enjoy lunch. The Local guide will conduct a briefing on the upcoming activities and advice on recommended gear. Time in the afternoon to relax.
Late in the afternoon at 4.30pm, hop on a riverboat for a cruise up the Kinabatangan River in search for wildlife - most notably, the proboscis monkeys which is endemic to Borneo. Other fauna is likely to be spotted in the Lower Kinabatangan Reserve includes elephants, hornbills, gibbons, and many birds. Return to the lodge for dinner before mid-evening take a stroll along the boardwalk on a lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects.
Overnight in Kinabatangan
Rise early in the morning at 6.30am along with the birds and other animals of the jungle for an unforgettable river cruise to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, a crescent shaped lake that formed when the river’s meander became so wide that it cut itself off. The stillness of the lake and relative protection provides a haven for animals and plants making for an ecosystem that’s completely distinct from that of the active river.
At 8.30am, continue with a visit to the local fishing village, Kampung Abai. Interact with the local Orang Sungai, river people who have long inhabited the area and observe daily activities in the fishing village.
At 10am, return to the resort for breakfast and spend the rest of the day at leisure before heading out in the late afternoon to watch the river activities of many primate species that become active during this time. The afternoon is a particularly advantageous time to spot wildlife and the light is perfect for photography.
After a well-deserved and hearty dinner, head out again at 8.30pm for an unforgettable night river safari to see some of the jungle’s nocturnal inhabitants.
Overnight in Kinabatangan
After breakfast, spend the rest of the day freely exploring the nature boardwalk around the lodge area.
Check-out at 10am and Return to Sandakan by boat. Transfer from Sandakan Yacht Jetty to Sandakan Airport for an onward flight.
**Please note**It is strongly recommended the purchase of a travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Malaysia.The services mentioned are subject to availability at time of booking and should any of the proposed services not be available, other possibilities or similar options will be provided instead to avoid to as many important changes as possible.Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Airport transfers between 10pm-7am will incur a 50% supplement surcharge.Day 5 - It is recommended to book the afternoon MH3752 flight departing KCH at 12:50.Day 12 - Your onward flight must be booked from 2pm onwards only.Tour package includes:- Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room- Single room supplement will apply should a single room be requested- Meals as mentioned- English speaking local guide - Transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle for overland and transfers- Kinabatangan boat transfers and activities are based on a shared basis with an in-house English speaking Nature GuideTour Package excludes:- Meals other than specified- Additional services other than mentioned- International and Domestic Flights- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature- Tips, travel insurance (must include helicopter evacuation for Malaysia)- Visa for Malaysia- Camera/video entrance fees
