Taste of Borneo
Taste of Borneo is an immersive journey that blends nature, wildlife, and cultural experiences across the captivating landscapes of Malaysian Borneo. The adventure begins in Kuching, the laid-back capital of Sarawak, where we explore its colonial charm, vibrant markets, and rich history. Our exploration of the Cultural Heritage of Sarawak... More
Taste of Borneo is an immersive journey that blends nature, wildlife, and cultural experiences across the captivating landscapes of Malaysian Borneo. The adventure begins in Kuching, the laid-back capital of Sarawak, where we explore its colonial charm, vibrant markets, and rich history. Our exploration of the Cultural Heritage of Sarawak offers a deep insight into the region’s richly diverse multi-ethnic communities, visiting traditional longhouses and museums that preserve the stories of Borneo’s indigenous people.
From there, we travel to Bako National Park, the oldest and smallest national park in Sarawak. Despite its size, Bako is a biodiversity treasure trove, home to proboscis monkeys, pitcher plants, mangrove forests, and unique Dipterocarp vegetation. The park’s network of trails and coastal views makes it a must-see for both nature lovers and adventurers.
The journey continues to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ecological hotspots in Southeast Asia. The park’s remarkable floral biodiversity draws scientists and nature enthusiasts alike, as its plant life shows affinities to the Himalayas, China, Australia, and the Malay Peninsula. It’s a paradise for botany lovers and birdwatchers, offering a stunning look into the richness of tropical ecosystems.
In Sepilok, we visit the famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned and rescued orangutans are nurtured and gradually released back into the wild. A wooden boardwalk winds through the forest, leading to a feeding platform where visitors may witness these incredible primates up close, making it one of the emotional highlights of this trip.
Our expedition culminates in a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river and a critical wildlife corridor. This peaceful journey offers outstanding opportunities to spot pygmy elephants, crocodiles, hornbills, and more proboscis monkeys. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest, it’s the perfect way to conclude your unforgettable Taste of Borneo experience.
Whether you’re drawn by Borneo’s exotic wildlife, lush rainforests, or cultural mosaic, this tour provides an inspiring glimpse into one of Southeast Asia’s last great natural frontiers.
LessHighlights
- The opportunity to view the largest array of wildlife in Sarawak including proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques and monitor lizards as well as diverse vegetation
- Semenggoh Wildlife Centre – see orphaned and rescued orangutans
- Lemanak River and Batang Ai – meet local Iban people in their natural surroundings and observe their traditional lifestyle, handicrafts, natural medicines and see virgin rainforest
Semadang river kayaking, visiting mini waterfalls and caves en route and feeding river fish
Excursion to Gaya Island - Kundasang WWII Memorial Park – learn about Sabah’s WWII history
- Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
- Sukau Rainforest – home to an array of wildlife. River cruise in search of wildlife
- Kinabatangan River and Kelenanap oxbow lake – river cruise to view birds and wildlife
- Poring treetop canopy walkway – spectacular views of the rainforest below
- Kinabalu National Park – tropical rainforest
Welcome to Borneo! Upon arrival in Kuching, meet by travel-to-nature Asia representative/guide and transfer to your hotel. Please look out for your name-card once you exit out of arrival area.
Reminder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: The LimeTree Hotel
We proceed from our hotel for the city tour to main attractions such as the Chinatown, Cat monument, City Tower for a bird’s eye view of Kuching city, the Malay Houses on stilts, Old State Mosque, Main Bazaar, India Street, Gambier Road, Wet Market, Colonial Centre, Textile Museum, Chinese Museum, Sarawak Museum, Kuching Waterfront to view the ultramodern State Legislative Assembly building, alongside the historical Astana and Fort Margherita.
Evening at leisure. Overnight in Kuching.
Accommodation: The LimeTree Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
We go on a day trip to Sarawak Cultural Village located at the foothill of Mount Santubong, 32 km from Kuching and take about 40 minutes’ drive. This tour combines both experiences of culture and nature of Sarawak. Known as the “Living Museum” Sarawak Cultural Village offers you an opportunity to admire the richly diverse multi-ethnic cultures of Sarawak as displayed and presented in the traditional homes of the various indigenous tribes in the village. See how local handicrafts are made such as bamboo & wood carving, basket weaving, bead work, sago & pottery making. The tour concludes with the fascinating cultural performances at the air-conditioned theatre. We return to Kuching in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Kuching.
Accommodation: The LimeTree Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
(The Sarawak Cultural Village hosts the annual Rainforest World Music Festival which is usually held on the 2nd weekend of the month of July).
Today we take a trip to Bako N.P. famous for Proboscis monkeys. Our first foray into Borneo’s amazing nature as we head to nearby Bako National Park famous for its Proboscis monkeys. Our experienced guide will lead us through selected trails to explore the oldest and smallest National Park in Sarawak. We explore & Observe an amazing array of diverse tropical vegetation and wildlife, including such species as Dipterocarp trees, pitcher plants, mangrove forests and ‘Padang’ or bush type vegetation. Along the trail, a chance to see silver leaf langurs, long tailed macaques, monitor lizards, wild boar, hornbills, and many other species of birds, but the star attractions of the park are the rare Proboscis monkeys, found exclusively in Borneo.
For lunch, we may opt for Malay or local food in the park canteen before heading back to Kuching.
Note: Not recommended during the months of December to February due to rough sea conditions. Please bring along comfortable light clothing, sandal, drinking water bottle, a sun hat, sun block lotion, poncho and some insect repellent.
We return to Kuching for the night.
Accommodation: The LimeTree Hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Today we fly to Mulu National Park. Meet at Mulu Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. After lunch, trek 45 minutes on raised plankwalk through lowland rainforest and peat swamp to Lang Caves. Walk inside the largest cave passage of Deer Caves. Caves formations have their own ecosystems with plants and animals living in the cave chambers.
Deer Cave, the largest cave passage in the world, is home to millions of bats and swifts that live side by side on the roof of the Cave. The Cave floor has a raised platform, though that is no escape from the smell of the ‘guano’ – the excrement from millions of birds and bats. Close-by is Lang’s Cave, which though much smaller, has some excellent stalactites and stalagmites and other cave formations. The forest around the caves is spectacular and there is plenty of time to examine it closely.
The walk to Deer Cave is 3kms (each way) along boardwalks and there are wooden steps leading to different viewing platforms inside the show caves. We will arrive at Deer Cave in time for dusk to witness the daily exodus of millions of bats at the Observatory at sunset before we return to the Park HQ and transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Mulu.
Accommodation: Mulu National Park Garden Cottages or similar
Meal: Breakfast
Full day exploring Mulu N.P.
Today is a day for exploring this stunning park with a local guide. In the morning we visit two of the ‘show caves’ including Clearwater where a picnic lunch can be had in the gorgeous riverside location. The park has some incredible statistics; It has over 3,500 plant species, 8,000 different types of fungi and 170 species of orchid. Over 100 new plant species were discovered between 1960 and 1973, and many are still being added. There are 262 species of bird, almost 300 species of butterflies and many reptiles and mammals.
Members of the Penan tribe live within the park. They are a small population of nomadic forest dwellers who live as hunter-gatherers. There has been fierce international opposition to the Malaysian government who tried to settle them in permanent longhouses and indeed the Penan themselves have also resisted. In 1994 they were granted an area of the forest where they could continue their traditional lifestyle. Although you are unlikely to meet these elusive people, you occasionally see their fishing shelters or areas in the forest where they have recently visited.
This afternoon simply enjoy in the park listening to the weird and wonderful creatures that call it home or explore self-guided trails within the park.
Those with a head for heights can try the optional canopy walkway. This 480-metre skywalk takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Along the way, we may be able to see macaque monkeys, hornbills, flying lizards, squirrels, and a variety of rainforest birds. However, time slots to do the canopy walk can be limited and may subject to availability during busy periods.
In the evening there is an optional night walk, or we can try the local Mulu ‘firewater’, Tuak.
Accommodation: Mulu National Park Garden Cottages or similar
Meal: Breakfast
We take the morning flight to Kota Kinabalu. Depending on what time we fly out of Mulu there may be some time to walk along self-guided trails or at the visitor’s centre. Kota Kinabalu known as KK to the locals, the capital of Sabah is a now a modern multi-cultural city. The evening is free to relax, explore the bustling Filipino markets or enjoy a sundowner on the waterfront.
Kinabalu Park, the World Heritage Site covers an area of 754 sq km, is the first Park in the Malaysian Borneo’s state of Sabah. Its main feature is Mount Kinabalu (4,095.2 m), the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Its slope is home to a rich assemblage of plants and animal species. It is a hot spot of particularly the plant biodiversity with affinities to flora from the Himalayas, China, Australia, Malay Peninsula, as well as pan-tropical region.
Accommodation: Hotel Dreamtel or similar
Meal: Breakfast
Free day; optional snorkeling and island trip, wetland birdwatching or cultural village
Today you are free to enjoy some of the many activities Kota Kinabalu has to offer. A popular option is to visit one of the tropical islands in the marine park, a 15-minute boat journey from the city and offering excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Here you can never be bored whether you are relaxing on the white sand, snorkelling or just swimming in the warm South China Sea.
There are some good birdwatching opportunities in the wetlands not far from KK as well as a cultural village in Mari Mari for an insight into the different cultures of Sabah. Your tour leader can help organise any of these options.
Accommodation: Hotel Dreamtel
Meal: Breakfast
We drive 2 hours overland to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu. We make a short stop at Pekan Nabalu market to sample local fruits in season and to stretch our legs. Thereafter, we proceed to the Education Centre and Mountain Garden in Kinabalu Park Headquarters. If weather permits, take a guided walk on one of the trails to explore the cool montane forest.
Kinabalu Park, the World Heritage Site covers an area of 754 sq km, is the first Park in the Malaysian Borneo’s state of Sabah. Its main feature is Mount Kinabalu (4,095.2 m), the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Its slope is home to a rich assemblage of plants and animal species. It is a hot spot of particularly the plant biodiversity with affinities to flora from the Himalayas, China, Australia, Malay Peninsula, as well as pan-tropical region.
Overnight in Kundasang.
Accommodation: Zen Garden Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we visit the Kundasang War Memorial Park to learn about Sabah’s WWII history and for great photos with the majestic Mount Kinabalu (if weather permits). Continue the drive to Poring, east of Kinabalu Park HQ to walk amidst tropical lowland rainforests leading up to the treetop canopy walkways.
Enjoy lunch, before visiting the Kipungit Waterfall, stopping for a soak here or in the rejuvenating hot sulphur public pools. If the weather permits, treat your foot to a delightful but very ticklish fish massage at the Moroli River in Luanti which will almost certainly leave you in giggles. Continue overland to Sepilok for overnight stay.
Accommodation: Sepilok Nature Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note: Please bring along drinking water bottle, insect repellent, hat, walking shoes & raincoat.
Pickup from hotel, transfer to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. We proceed to watch a video show about the plight of Orangutans and the rehabilitation efforts ongoing at the Centre. Walk ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orangutans at 1000hrs, and then we continue to the newly completed enclosed nursery area for young orangutans. Thereafter visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world’s smallest bear.
After lunch, transfer to Sandakan jetty for 2½ hours boat journey to the multi awards winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge along Sabah’s longest river, Kinabatangan with opportunity to view birds and wildlife. Take a river cruise using electric motor in search of wildlife and birds. Enjoy candle light dinner overlooking the riverbank followed by slide presentation and interpretation by naturalist guide. Overnight in Sukau.
Accommodation: Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note:
Please make sure that you travel light to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. There will be a complimentary Night Cruise if no sightings of the Proboscis Monkey on the FIRST Afternoon Cruise.
Take a 0600hrs morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake to view more birds and wildlife. After breakfast, proceed for an educational tour along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with our in-house naturalist.
After lunch, join our in house Orangutan Talk activity. In the afternoon, we proceed for another river cruise for more wildlife. Overnight in Sukau.
Accommodation: Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early morning breakfast we head out to Sandakan where we will have our lunch and in the afternoon we will fly to Kota Kinabalu. Overnight stay in Kota Kinabablu.
Accommodation: Hotel Dreamtel
Meal: Breakfast
Transfer to airport for your homeward-bound flight.
Meal: Breakfast
Included
- Airport (pick up/drop off) transfers by private A/C vehicle
- Twin room sharing accommodation at all hotel/lodge/resort as mentioned
- Daily breakfast throughout the trip and other meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- A local tour leader/guide throughout the trip
- Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles and river boats
- Internal flight tickets
- Guided Sightseeing, all activities and day excursions as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to all included sites (national parks/conservation areas/monuments etc.)
- Local nature guides at included sites
- Applicable government taxes
Not Included
- International flight tickets
- Visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Tips for tour leader/guide, driver, hotel staff and porters
- Items of personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, laundry, telephone calls and other unforeseen expenses
- Items/services not listed in the "included"
Price: US$ 2,995 per person (Twin Sharing | Based on Minimum 4 Travelers)
Single Supplement: US$ 700
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The LimeTree Hotel, Kuching
The LimeTree Hotel is a unique, mid-range boutique hotel with a passion for limes and a strong commitment for environmental sustainability. Centrally located in the area of Padungan, it is minutes away from New Chinatown, local eateries, shopping malls and just an 8 to 10-minute walk to Kuching Waterfront - making it an ideal base to explore the city.
Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu
Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu is located in Kota Kinabalu, main city of Sabah. We are only 20-minute drive from the International Airport. Across the road, in front of the property lies the Gaya Street where you will find popular local eateries for local delicacies. There are also a few popular local tourist attractions in the surrounding neighbourhood, such as Padang Merdeka.
Zen Garden Resort, Kundasang
Established almost a decade ago, Zen Garden Resort has grown from a tiny business, consisting of just 6 rooms and 1 chalet, to the largest resort that Mount Kinabalu has to offer. Presently, it has 7 chalets and 120 individual rooms to accommodate your various needs. In addition, there is an open-air coffee house to enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping coffee.
Sepilok Nature Resort, Sepilok
It all started in 1991, when John and Judy opened what was then known as Wildlife Lodge, with only 5 fan rooms. With passion and interest in nature, they slowly increase the number of rooms to 60 and now it is known as Sepilok Jungle Resort which now is set amidst in this magnificent landscape full of nature.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan
The award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge nestles on the banks of one of Borneo’s most important waterways, the Kinabatangan River, home to many of Borneo’s magnificent wildlife. It offers the rare comfort and luxury in the midst of the Borneo Rainforest whilst retaining an Eco-Lodge ethos, the delicate balance of true sustainability.Giving back to the communities is our responsibility!
With every trip, you also support the SWAN and thus projects for Sustainable Community development and Biodiversity protection.
Our primary NGO partner is Social Welfare Association of Nepal (SWAN), with whom we have carried out multiple CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) projects. Besides carrying out regular CSR activities in the areas of education and women empowerment, we have supported relief and rehabilitation initiatives in the aftermath of several natural disasters like earthquake, immediate response to COVID-19 pandemic across Nepal.
Giving something back to the world is a special and responsible affair of travel-to-nature Asia right from its inception. When you travel with travel-to-nature Asia and SWAN-Nepal, you become an integral force for change in addressing the most pressing social and wildlife conservation issues. Your tourism funds help transform the future of under-privileged and marginalized communities and transform the future of at-risk natural places you travel. Portion of our profit flows to local communities who live with and steward nature, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
By joining one of our holidays you are playing a vital role in bringing positive changes in the lives of local community.
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