Day 01

Arrive in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the new name of Jesselton, which was named after Sir Charles Jessel, one of the Directors of the British North Borneo Chartered Company. The Company was started in 1897 when the small British settlement was moved from Gaya Island to the mainland after it was razed by Mat Salleh, the local native chief. Also referred to as Api Api (fire in Malay) by the Chinese, it was almost completely destroyed by bombs during World War II except for three buildings. But today, this city of some 200,000 people, made up of various ethnic groups, is completely transformed. Kota Kinabalu is the entry point to the state of Sabah which is locally known as the "Land Below the Wind" (actually below the typhoon belt). KK's coastal location and mountain backdrop makes it one of the most spectacularly set cities in the region. The five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park are all within 20 minutes boat ride, making Kota Kinabalu a true watersport haven. When the skies are clear, probably, the most noticeable feature of Kota Kinabalu is the massive Mount Kinabalu, South East Asia's highest mountain. As starting or ending point for any Sabah adventures, one could not ask for more. Upon arrival, transfer in from Kota Kinabalu airport to hotel is arranged.

Day 02

Mangrove forest - Water Village                (B)

Mengkabong Village - a village built on water, is 45 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu. The thatched roof houses built on stilts and connected by narrow, wooden planks, rising out of the river are a remarkable sight to be hold. Set amidst mangrove forests, this Bajau Village gives visitors a very good insight into the lifestyle of a fishing village. Have morning coffee with a Bajau family and explore the village.

Day 03

Kinabalu Park                                                  (B)

Depart early morning for a 3 hours drive to Poring Hot Spring, calling in at villages where native crafts can be purchased. Explore the many jungle trails and observe wildlife from the canopy walkway 100 feet above the forest floor. Proceed to Kinabalu Park after lunch. There, you will view a slide presentation and visit the mountain garden to explore the unique and endemic plant life found in Kinabalu Park. Return to hotel by late afternoon

Day 04

Sandakan - Sukau       (B)

Following breakfast, we will transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport and fly out to Sandakan. Upon arrival in Sandakan, we will proceed overland to Gomantong Caves (1/2 hours). Then, spend the morning exploring the caves before continuing to Sukau (1 hr) for lunch. In the afternoon, go on a river cruise in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife.

Day 05

Sukau - Sepilok - Sandakan        (B)

Depart from Sukau and transfer overland to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary in time for the feeding of the Orang Utans and see a video presentation on the Orang Utan's rehabilitation programme. Return to Sandakan for lunch and a city tour.

Day 06

Sandakan - Miri - Mulu             (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Kota Kinabalu (suggested flight: MH2043 etd 0820/0905hrs) then, connect to Miri (on MH2865 etd 1050/1145hrs) and on to Mulu in the afternoon. A short flight from Miri takes one deep into the heart of Gunung Mulu National Park. About 5 million years ago, the uplifting and folding of the ancient sea floor created impressive limestone mountains. The erosive forces of nature have created an eerie array of pinnacles rising above the forest floor and an extensive system of caverns. Wildlife viewing is fascinating with eight species of hornbills, hundreds species of butterflies and the wonderful early evening spectacle of a twisting black cloud of bats leaving the cave entrance. The vegetation is as impressive as the caves and wildlife. The flora includes over 1,500 species of flowering plants, including 170 species of orchids and ten species of pitcher plants. Upon arrival in Mulu, transfer to Royal Mulu Resort for check in.

Day 07

Mulu Caves               (B,L)

Following breakfast, proceed upriver by longboat to Wind Cave with its impressive "King's Chamber". Here, stalactites and stalagmites with delicate lace-like patterns are found. A short walk along a plank walk suspended to the limestone cliff leads to Clearwater Cave. Like most caves in Mulu, Clearwater Cave is the habitat of unique species of plants. One of them, the one-leafed plant can only be found at Mulu, rare species of orchids and pitcher plants can be seen in many locations and photo-sensitive algae grows on certain rocks and have produced needle like formations that point towards the source of lights. Clearwater Cave has a wonderful swimming area shaded by giant rainforest trees. Have a picnic lunch around the clear pool of water emanating from the so named Clearwater Cave.

Day 08

Mulu - Kuching                   (B)

Breakfast at the resort. Then, transfer to the airport for flight to Kuching via Miri. Upon arrival in Kuching, transfer to hotel for check in

Day 09

Bako National Park        (B) 

Situated about 30 km from Kuching is the Bako National Park. Take a 35 minutes drive to Bako Village. From the village, take a 25 minutes boat ride to the park. Bako offers a splendid variety of forest ranging from the beach and mangrove forests of the coast to the kerangas of the central plateau. There will be hiking through jungle trails and swimming in the sea by secluded beaches. Bako is one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife in its natural surrounding. The abundant wildlife reflects the variety of forest types. The various types of animals spotted at Bako includes proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, long tail macaques, wild boars, monitor lizards, and numerous species of birds. For bird lovers, the park offers excellent look-outs and trails which are sure to satisfy both the novice and experienced bird watchers. Return to Kuching late in the afternoon

Day 10

Kuching - Semenggoh Orangutans - Batang Ai Resort        (B) 

Following breakfast, board coaches for Semenggoh. Located a short drive from the centre of Kuching, Semenggoh provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe Orang Utans, sun bears, hornbills, gibbon monkeys, the elusive pangolin and other animals from the local forests. The baby orang utans roam wild and return each morning and afternoon to specially designed feeding stations. Serian, about 45 minutes from Semenggoh, typical of many rural Sarawak towns is picturesque and compact. Along the high street are the Chinese variety shops and the upriver agents with agricultural produce of local pepper and cocoa. Along the journey there will be intermittent stops to visit a pepper garden and to view spectacular flora - rare orchids and 4 species of the carnivorous pitcher plant in an area of 10 square metres. Lunch will be served at a local coffee shop en route. Upon arrival at the Batang Ai reservoir, proceed by boat to a Resort. Evening at leisure.

Day 11

Daytrip to Longhouse       (B,L) 

Breakfast at the resort. Then, we proceed upriver to one of the culturally active Iban longhouses in the region. The half hour journey is done on long boats with an Iban boatmen. These river-worthy boats handcrafted by the Ibans are ideal vehicles for taking us into an Iban village where life has changed little in the last hundred years. Spend some time to discover the terrain with your guide and lunch will be provided. Return to the Resort by late afternoon. Evening at leisure.

Day 12

Ulu Ai- Kuching City              (B) 

Following breakfast, depart for the jetty to cross the lake by boat (1/2 hour). Overland to Kuching, discover the charms of this riverine city established by Sir James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak. See buildings dating back to the days of the White Rajahs, ancient Chinese temples and colourful markets displaying the produce that first brought traders to Borneo. A visit to Kuching will not be complete without making a stop at the Sarawak Museum. Completed in 1891, the museum has an excellent collection of Bornean ethnological and archaeological artifacts and is reputed to be the best in South East Asia. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 13

Kuching            (B) 

At leisure to discover the charm of Kuching, shop for Bornean artifacts in one of the shops, wander the old streets of Kuching. Free at leisure till departure transfer.