Borneo: Wildlife and Wilderness

Arrive in Sarawak to a warm A&K welcome and start your Borneo adventure in Kuching, the region’s capital. No other city in Malaysia has such a romantic and unlikely history. Transfer privately to your luxury lodge, with your evening at leisure.

Cove 55 Ocean Villa

Start your day with a scenic drive through rice fields, rubber, cocoa and pepper plantations, lush tropical forests, rivers and mountain ranges, enroute to explore Annah Rais, a Bidayuh Longhouse Tribe home to over 80 families.

Located in an isolated valley guarded by four mountains discover the old bamboo longhouse with a local guide, immersing yourself in the Bidayuh culture and leisurely lifestyle. Admire interesting relics, such as the Cannon of Peace before enjoying a tea break with a local family, learning more about life here in this captivating region. This afternoon, follow in the footsteps of the English adventurer James Brooke sailing up the Sarawak River on a traditional boat cruise, savouring drinks and canapes as you admire the bustling local life.

After sunset, walk the streets and see traditional craftsmen ply their trade, stopping to admire colonial heritage buildings and houses of worship, learning about Kuching’s ethnic diversity and rich history.

Cove 55 Ocean Villa | Meals: B

Today you meet the iconic orangutans, travelling with your guide to Semenggoh Orangutan Wildlife Centre. Established in 1975, the wardens here used to train young orangutans who have been orphaned or rescued from captivity how to survive in the wild. Now it stands as a centre for research and conservation, focussing more on the biology and behaviour of these majestic animals. Arrive in time for the first feeding of the day and relish an incredible encounter with the orangutans. Enjoy some time at leisure before an afternoon of driving through the picturesque countryside, passing farms, fish ponds and orchards to reach the outskirts of Bau, a former gold mining hub. Admire the extraordinary landscape of limestone karsts, before a guided exploration of the otherworldly Wind Caves and Fairy Caves, two immense rocky monuments sure to leave you in awe.

Cove 55 Ocean Villa | Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to Kuching Airport for your onward flight to Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy a delicious lunch before a scenic journey into Borneo’s rugged island landscapes in Kinabalu Park, a heritage listed icon full to bursting with natural wonders. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Kinabalu Park | Meals: B

Today you’ll explore the thriving botanical gardens located in the National Park alongside a local naturalist, who will share their knowledge about the vast array of over 2,000 plant species.

Continue to Poring Hot Spring in search of the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia, measuring up to 95cm across. Alongside their rarity, size and unusual appearance, it is the strange lifecycle of Rafflesia that make them so fascinating. After your explorations, transfer to Sepilok and your indulgent lodge.

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort | Meals: B

Explore the many wonders of the onsite Rainforest Discovery Center, from the Plant Discovery walk to the 347-meter-long 87-meter-high canopy walkway, nestled high in the rainforest tree line.

Leave to Sepilok in time for the afternoon feeding at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, taking a stroll on the boardwalk through the lowland rainforest to witness these majestic animals up close for a second time.

Afterwards wander over to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where the team of researchers and conservationists work to increase awareness of this endearing, but little-known bear species – named after the crescent shaped patch of fur on their chests.

If you so choose, there is the opportunity to symbolically ‘adopt’ a sun bear or orangutan, with your donation aiding the research efforts that aim to conserve these endangered species. Included in your experience is a meeting with the founder of Sun Bear Conservation, Dr Wong Diew Te.

Later this afternoon return to the hotel to relax and enjoy your pool villa.

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort | Meals: B

This morning is yours to enjoy as you like, before transferring to Sandakan Yacht Club for a river cruise in search of a colourful array of wildlife and birds. Be captivated by the riverine scenes as you enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking the riverbank, and an engaging presentation by your own naturalist guide.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge | Meals: B

Rise early for a cruise to spectacular Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, a naturally crescent-shaped lake that formed when the river’s meander became so wide that it cut itself off. Return to your lodge for breakfast and then embark on a guided tour across your lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with the in-house naturalist for an education into the resident flora and fauna. After lunch, learn some more about the iconic orangutans with an engaging activity before embarking on another river cruise, eyes peeled for resident wildlife.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge | Meals: B

An early start to immerse yourself in the wonders of Borneo’s Danum Valley, one of the region’s oldest rainforests. Discover the pristine rainforest on foot, bathe in its rivers, spend time bird spotting and learn about the 320 species of trees found in just one hectare of jungle. If you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the Bornean Orangutan from one of the most spectacular canopy walkways in Sabah.

Afterwards journey by 4WD into the thick undisturbed rainforest that surrounds your lodge, a rugged and authentic adventure. Arrive in the afternoon, with time to explore as you like, whether it be walking along the trails or the 130-metre-tall, 300-metre-long canopy walk, high up in the 130-million-year-old rainforest.

This evening, embark on an exhilarating night spotlighting tour. Accompanied by a local guide, spot a range of nocturnal endemic species from samba deer to civet cats, leopards, and a stunning array of insects and frogs.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge | Meals: B

Wake up to the jungle’s cacophony of sounds, ready for a morning discovery of a 200-year-old Kadazandusun Burial Site, known as “Coffin Cliff”. Part of the along the 2.6km Viewpoint Trail, be rewarded with spectacular views over the million-year-old jungle. On your return trip, stop to admire the spectacular waterfalls. Return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at your own pace.

This evening, venture into the jungle on foot with a local guide. Quietly entering the jungle reveals a stunning array of animals, a kaleidoscope of intriguing wildlife that flourish in the evening hours.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge | Meals: B

Enjoy breakfast with nature, dining in pristine rainforest along the riverbank before a morning trek to Fairy Pools and Merchant Pools for a refreshing swim and some relaxing time by the waterfalls.

This afternoon spend time at leisure relaxing amidst the rainforest backdrop at the lodge and enjoying the surrounding nature trails.

Please Note: Activities are subject to weather condition/departure time, and may be re-organised to best meet operational availability.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge | Meals: B

This morning is free to enjoy as you like, and you may choose to embark on an optional Maliau Basin exploration. Fly by helicopter to the Maliau Basin Conservation Area, admiring the hidden haven of wilderness and natural wonders from the air before a guided discovery on foot. Learn about the region with a visit to the Studies Centre, before embarking on the Canopy Walk, stretching 400 metres along the heights of the rainforest landscape. Then visit the Agatis Research Station on the bank of a 15-metre-wide stream the gateway to the pristine tropical rainforest about 500 metres above sea level (extra cost). Return for lunch before a 4WD transfer to Lahad Datu Airport to flight to Kota Kinabalu.

On arrival transfer to Jesselton Pier, travelling by boat to Pulau Gaya and the private beach of your island resort, with time to relax and unwind in the tropical idyll.

Bungaraya Island Resort | Meals: B

Spend the day at leisure, enjoying the beach or swimming in the clear blue waters. Take a snorkel and enjoy the marine life or simply relax by the pool.

Late in the afternoon you can choose to enjoy an optional private catamaran for an evening sunset cruise. Be pampered by experienced crews while enjoying the breathtaking sunset over Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, toasting your last evening with a drink and local canapés (additional cost).

Savour your last evening with an indulgent dining experience, showcasing delicious local fare in a truly idyllic setting.

Bungaraya Island Resort | Meals: B

As your adventure comes to an end, depart Pulau Gaya by boat, transferring to Kota Kinabalu for your onward flight.

Meals: B