Borneo Discovery

On this tour you will discover the treasures of the world’s third largest island.

Begin your journey in Kota Kinabalu, a bustling city popular for its stunning sunsets and the scenic beauty of Kinabalu National Park. Travel toSelingan Turtle Island to witness these beautiful creatures and the conservation work at the Turtle Hatchery. Visit Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Mulu National Park, where you can discover the abundant flora and fauna unique to the island. In Kuching, also known as the gateway to the jungle and sea, you can explore the history of Borneo’s ethnic groups and relax as you stroll along the riverfront esplanade.

Immerse yourself in culture when you visit Batang Ai Reservoir; interact with the locals in their private quarters and enjoy traditional Iban hospitality. Not only will you be rewarded with the sights and sounds of wildlife, but also the history of the Sultans and the traditional ethnic groups. You will be amazed by the cultural diversity of this magical island.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: NEW ZEALAND TO KOTA KINABALU

Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines to Kota Kinabalu for an overnight stay.

DAY 3: KOTA KINABALU TO SELINGAN TURTLE ISLAND

This morning you will fly to Sandakan. Take a boat ride to Selingan Turtle Island. Tonight
you may be fortunate enough to witness the turtles laying their eggs on the beach, which may occur at any time throughout the night. These eggs will be moved to the hatchery, which you will also visit.

DAY 4: SELINGAN TURTLE ISLAND TO SEPILOK AND SUKAU

Cruise back to the mainland this morning and drive to the Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Later, transfer to the jetty in Sandakan to cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. Continue cruising upstream to Sukau Village in search of primates such as the endemic Proboscis Monkeys, birds, crocodiles, elephants and other wildlife.

DAY 5: SUKAU TO KOTA KINABALU

This morning cruise downstream to Sandakan. Drive to the Puu Jih Syh Chinese Buddhist Temple and visit the Australian War Memorial before you are transferred to the airport for your flight back to Kota Kinabalu.

DAY 6: KOTA KINABALU

Visit the Phu Thou Se Chinese Temple, Signal Hill, the Sabah State Mosque and the Yayasan Sabah. Drive to the village of the Kadazandusun, Sabah’s largest ethnic group. Meet with the descendants of ‘Monsopiad’, the great head-hunter warrior, at the Monsopiad Cultural Village.

DAY 7: KOTA KINABALU

Depart early this morning for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Kinabalu National Park. Take a nature walk with a naturalist before exploring the botanical garden, which boasts rich biodiversity. After lunch return to Kota Kinabalu.

DAY 8: KOTA KINABALU TO MULU

Fly to Mulu (via Miri) this morning. Later you will travel to the national park headquarters and commence a scenic plank walk through the rainforest to Deer Cave. You will also visit Lang Cave before returning to your hotel by torchlight.

DAY 9: MULU

Cruise upstream by longboat to the village of Batu Bungan. You will continue to Wind Cave and take a short walk along a suspended plank to Clearwater Cave. After exploring the caves, enjoy a picnic lunch. Later you can relax, swim or further explore the caves before returning to your hotel.

DAY 10: MULU TO KUCHING

Fly to Kuching (via Miri) where the remainder of the day is free at your leisure.

DAY 11: KUCHING

Discover the charms of this riverina city. Visit Sarawak Museum, which houses an excellent
collection of ethnological and archaeological artefacts. This afternoon there is the option to visit the Sarawak Cultural Village (at an additional cost).

DAY 12: KUCHING TO BATANG AI RESERVOIR

This morning drive to Batang Ai Reservoir. Over the next 4 ½ hours you will journey through rural Sarawak, passing pepper farms, cocoa and rubber plantations. En route you will stop at the colourful native market in the town of Serian. Upon arrival at the Batang Ai Reservoir you will travel by boat to your hotel.

DAY 13: BATANG AI RESERVOIR

After a boat ride take a walk to the longhouse where you experience traditional Iban hospitality with one of the families in their homes; sample a glass of ‘tuak’ and some Iban cuisine.

DAY 14: BATANG AI RESERVOIR TO KUCHING

Return to Kuching this morning, stopping at a pottery factory en route. You will also have another opportunity to spot orang-utans at Semenggoh Orang-Utan Park.

DAY 15: DEPART KUCHING

This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Kuching airport to board your overnight flight to New Zealand.

DAY 16: ARRIVE NEW ZEALAND

Arrive home this morning.

Price Guide

Travel Info

Country Info

Inclusions

Exclusions

Images from Borneo Discovery