A privately escorted 13-day tailor-made tour taking in the wonders of both Sabah and Sarawak. You will spend time exploring the wonders of the Sabah region including fabulous Selingan Island where you can see the Green and Hawksbill turtles, Sepilok Orang Utan Centre where you can enjoy viewing the feeding of these wonderful animals. Spend time in the Kinabatangan River region enjoying river cruises to spot the abundant wildlife of the area before flying down to Sarawak. Here, you will enjoy a day trip to the interesting Bako National Park before heading into the jungle to spend time with the Iban people. Here you will be able to learn of their way of life and maybe even try a spot of local fishing! This tour is a great all-round Borneo tour taking in the highlights of both regions.

 

Day 1: Departure

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2: Arrive Borneo

Transfer onto a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Selingan Island

Take a short flight to Sandakan where you will be collected and transferred to the jetty for the crossing to Selingan Island, one of three islands, where Green and Hawksbill turtles come ashore almost nightly throughout the year to lay their eggs.

The rest of the day is free for snorkelling or to explore the island's jungle interior. A Park Ranger will take you to see the turtles laying their eggs and the newly-hatched creatures making their way to the sea for the first time.

Overnight in Selingan Island Resort simple chalet style accommodation with twin beds and private facilities.

Day 4: Sepilok Nature Resort

This morning, you will return to the mainland and transfer to the Sepilok Nature Resort.

Time at leisure to visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary for the afternoon feeding of these magnificent animals.

Evening at leisure.

Day 5: Kinabatangan River Cruise

This morning you will cruise by boat across to the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. Another chance for fabulous wildlife sightings, the journey time is approximately 2½ hours.

Arrive in the Sukau River region and check into the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. Late afternoon, you have the option to take another river cruise to the Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan River. This is a perfect opportunity to look for the famous Proboscis monkeys and the hornbill, as well as pygmy elephants and, if you’re lucky, wild orang-utans!

Day 6: Kinabatangan / Gomantong Caves

Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. Early morning, take a river trip to the Ox Bow Lake to observe wildlife and experience the early morning river ambience of the longest river in Sabah.

Return to the lodge for breakfast then have some time free at your own leisure.

After lunch, proceed overland to Gomantong Birdnest Caves. Upon arrival, take a 15 minute walk on the plank walk to the cave. Explore the largest bird's nest cave in Sabah, home to millions of Bats and swift-lets. The nest of the swift-lets are collected for the famous Chinese edible birds nest soup. Return back to the lodge for late afternoon river cruise to search for more wildlife.

Day 7: Kuching

Return to Sandakan and fly across to Kuching. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 8: Bako National Park

Depart your Kuching hotel this morning for Bako National Park where you will take a short boat ride into the park. Bako is one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife in their natural surroundings and will hopefully introduce you to proboscis monkeys, long-tail macaques, monitor lizards and a wide variety of birds. Tropical rainforest ranges from mangrove to kerangas, tropical swamp vegetation, cliff vegetation and beach vegetation. There will be hiking through jungle trails and swimming in the sea by secluded beaches.

Return to your Kuching hotel mid-afternoon.

Day 9: Nanga Sumpa Lodge

Depart by air-conditioned van for Batang Ai reservoir. Journey through rural Sarawak, passing pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantations.

En route, a few stops will be made. Visit the colourful native market in Serian town where a variety of jungle produce such as edible ferns, bamboo shoots and unusual tropical fruit are on display. Visit a pepper garden and stop to view wild orchids and several species of pitcher plants.

Lunch en route.

Upon arrival at the Batang Ai reservoir, proceed by longboat (about 2 hours) upriver to Nanga Sumpa. Settle in at the jungle lodge. After dinner proceed to the longhouse across the river. Relax on the ruai (common verandah) and spend time with the Iban people. Learn about their culture and enjoy some local rice wine.

Day 10: Nanga Sumpa Lodge - Hilton’s Batang Ai Resort

Following breakfast, hike the jungle trails along the river. There are many different trails to explore, thus the programme of the day can be discussed and arranged on the spot with your guide. Time to relax, swim, explore the rainforest and have lunch or try fishing Iban-style. Return to the lodge.

Late afternoon, depart down river by longboat to Hilton’s Batang Ai Resort for check in and overnight.

Day 11: Damai Beach Resort

Following breakfast, cross over the lake by boat from the resort, then by van overland to Kuching and then onwards to your beach resort. Lunch will be taken en route.

Days 12 - 13: Damai Beach Resort

Days at leisure to relax on the beach.

Day 14: Departure

Return transfer to Kuching airport for the flight back to London Heathrow, via Kuala Lumpur. *Price Includes international flights and taxes, most meals and touring.