Borneo Unearthed

Sultry, spiritual and seductive, Sabah and Sarawak embody the ultimate tropical paradise. This trip takes you to the best that each state has to offer, from remote caves and tribal villages to mountain peaks and ancient jungles. En route, meet orangutans, sleep beneath the stars and discover long-lost traditions - any thirst for adventure will surely be sated.

Check out the markets in Miri, Trek through virgin forest in Mulu National Park, Follow the wild Headhunters' Trail, Experience the daily life of the Iban people, Explore bat-filled caves, Stay in an Iban longhouse, Visit historical Kuching, Spend a night in the jungle, Experience Malay hospitality on a village homestay, Meet the orangutans of Sepilok, Conquer Mt Kinabalu.

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 Miri-
Watch the locals haggle at the fish market or simply kick back with an icy-cold beer.

Days 2-5 Mulu National Park-
Follow the old Headhunters’ Trail on a walking safari through unspoilt wilderness and past limestone peaks. Wander into Clearwater Cave, home to Asia’s longest underground river, and the enormous Deer Cave.

Day 6 Kuching-
Get an urban fix while soaking up the sights of this graceful city, once ruled by the infamous White Raja of Sarawak.

Days 7-8 Iban Longhouse-
Cruise river rapids to a village homestay and learn about the Iban hosts culture and traditions.

Day 9 Kuching-
There’s time to explore the waterfront or discover the origins of the city’s name at the Cat Museum.

Day 10 Kota Kinabalu-
Swim, snorkel or simply relax on a seaside escape in Kota Kinabalu.

Day 11-13 Mt Kinabalu-
Towering above the coastal plain and lush tropical forests of northern Borneo, Mt Kinabalu is the centrepiece of the vast 754-sq-km Kinabalu National Park. The best way to appreciate the entire region is with a trek to Mt Kinabalu’s peak. The mountain is a botanical paradise with many unique plants dotting the landscape, including the carnivorous pitcher plant and over 1,000 species of orchid. At certain times of year, the rare rafflesia flower may also be found - its generally smelt before it's seen.

Days 14-15 Kinabatangan Jungle Camp/ Homestay-
Spend a night in the wilderness of Borneo, home to wild elephants and crocodiles. A village homestay gives a first-hand experience of traditional Malay culture.

Days 16 Sepilok Orangutan Reserve-
Get up close to some primate relatives at Sepilok, where orphaned and injured orangutans are rehabilitated and returned to forest life. There's time here to stretch those legs on one of many walking trails into the forest or head into thriving Sandakan for some excellent seafood and a waterfront sunset.

Days 17-19 Kota Kinabalu-
Enjoy beachside fun, and a much deserved rest, while staying at a guesthouse in Kinarut, just outside bustling Kota Kinabalu.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Hotels/guesthouses (7 nts), bed and breakfast (1 nt), National Park multishare rooms (4 nts), open air dorms (2 nts), multishare longhouse (2 nts), jungle bungalow (1nts), homestay (1nt)

Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only. Some dormitories are mixed-gender.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.