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Best of Borneo

14 days, Kota Kinabalu to Kuching

Baby orangutan holding on to its mother
Map of the route for Best of Borneo
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Itinerary

Day 1Kota Kinabalu

Arrive any time during the day. Welcome meeting and included local home meal in the evening.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, followed by an included dinner at a local home.

If you choose to arrive early, Kota Kinabalu has much to offer. Enquire about pre-night accommodation at the time of booking.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
18:00

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 2Kota Kinabalu/Kudat

Drive to Kudat on the northern tip of Borneo to visit a nesting site for turtles (in season). Lounge on secluded white-sand beaches. Opt to participate in a local beach cleanup project.

Kudat is about a 3 hr drive from Kota Kinabalu, but feels worlds away. Enjoy the quiet fishing village and empty beaches on the 'Tip of Borneo'.

Private Vehicle
Kota Kinabalu – Kudat3h148km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Beach Cleanup Project
Kudat

Lend a hand in local conservation by participating in a beach cleanup project. Your efforts help protect wildlife and, in particular, sea turtle nesting grounds.

Jungle Trekking
Kudat

Enjoy a trekking excursion through the pristine coastal jungles of Kudat.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Kudat/Mount Kinabalu

Enjoy some extra beach time in the morning before driving to Kota Kinabalu park in the afternoon. In the evening, attend a briefing on the next day's hike.

Mt Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Hopefully you'll catch a glimpse of the summit, which is often shrouded in a cloud by the afternoon.

We stay at the foot of the mountain, so there's the opportunity to stretch your legs by exploring the trails around the park.

(If you do not wish to climb, we can arrange for you to stay at the base of the mountain).

Private Vehicle
Kudat – Mount Kinabalu3h185km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Mount Kinabalu Afternoon

Use some free time to stretch your legs and explore.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Mount Kinabalu

Head off to conquer Mount Kinabalu. During the first day's climb to Laban Rata, enjoy a packed lunch on the way. The hike can take from 6-8 hrs. Indulge in a buffet-style dinner then rest up for an early start to summit the mountain in the morning.

Set off early to begin the ascent up Mt Kinabalu. It is not an easy walk, but it is incredibly rewarding. Willpower is the main requirement!

Spend the night at Laban Rata in basic mountain huts 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level.

Turn in early to prepare for the final climb very early in the morning.

Mount Kinabalu Hike- Day 1
Mount Kinabalu6h-8h 8km

Begin at the Tambang Gate 2000m (6561 ft) above sea level. Head up to a ridgeline through the Mesilau Nature Park before descending to the suspension bridge crossing the West Mesilau River. Spot delicate orchids, strange pitcher plants and wildlife as you pass by waterfalls and majestic scenery. The well-marked trail is predominantly made up of steep steps that vary considerably in size.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Mount Kinabalu/Ranau

Summit Mt Kinabalu (3-5hrs) and arrive in time for sunrise. Return to Laban Rata for a rest and to HQ for lunch. After, it's a short drive to Poring to enjoy the hot springs.

Arrive to the summit of Mt Kinabalu (3-5 hours) in time for sunrise. Rejoice! Return to Laban Rata for a rest, then to HQ for lunch. After, it's a short drive to Poring to enjoy the hot springs.

The springs' hot sulphuric minerals are said to have healing properties and will be a welcome reward after your arduous hike.

Mount Kinabalu Hike- Day 2
Mount Kinabalu5h-7h

Get an early start to make it to the summit for sunrise. This portion of the hike takes about three to four hours.

Stop in at the mountain huts before continuing to the park headquarters for lunch. Be prepared—the descent can be tough on the knees and takes approximately five to seven hours.

Private Vehicle
Mount Kinabalu – Ranau1h40km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your Wellness Moment: Poring Hot Springs Visit

Poring Hot Springs is near the base of Mt Kinabalu. Known for its healing hot springs, Poring is a perfect spot to relax. Try the canopy walk (5 MYR), trek to some waterfalls, visit a butterfly farm or soak in the hot springs.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 6Ranau

Enjoy a free day in Poring. Options include hiking local trails, visiting Lupa Masa (a primary jungle with loads of wildlife), taking a canopy walk, visiting famous Sabah tea plantations, enjoying the hot springs, and visiting a waterfall.

Free Time
Ranau Full Day

Explore the area or soak in the hot springs.

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Sabah Tea Planations Visit
Ranau

Visit the famous Sabah tea plantation to learn more about this important crop and see how its grown. There might be a sample cup for you as well!

Lupa Masa Canopy Walk
Ranau

Enjoy a canopy walk for a new perspective on this beautiful primary jungle. Keep an eye out for the wildlife that lives in the area.

Poring Hot Springs Visit
Poring Hot Springs – Mount Kinabalu
15-20MYR per person

Poring Hot Springs is near the base of Mt Kinabalu. Known for its healing hot springs, Poring is a perfect spot to relax. Try the canopy walk (5 MYR), trek to some waterfalls, visit a butterfly farm or soak in the hot springs.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Ranau/Weston

Drive to the charming town of Weston. Enjoy the quaint atmosphere and take a boat tour down the river to view wild proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. After dinner, return to the boat for a ride to see fireflies.

Wander around this small town set on the Klias River, surrounded by an abundance of monkeys and birdlife. Wander around the shops and restaurants near the hotel to get a feel for the real Sabahan lifestyle.

Private Vehicle
Ranau – Tenom2h30m-3h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Tenom – Weston1h30m-2h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Wildlife Boat Tour
Weston

Hop on a boat and head out on the river to spot wildlife. In the evening, the fireflies come out in full force and are a beautiful sight.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 8Weston/Kota Kinabalu

In the morning, return to Kota Kinabalu. Spend the afternoon either exploring the city or the nearby islands.

Return to Kota Kinabalu. Opt to spend time in the city wandering the markets or sampling the local food at some restaurants and cafés. Another option is to visit one of the offshore islands. Hop a water taxi and explore what else is in the area.

Private Vehicle
Weston – Kota Kinabalu1h30m-2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Island Exploration
Kota Kinabalu

Head offshore and visit a nearby island. Costs can vary depending on your negotiating skills, the time you wish to spend on the island, and the number of people with whom you share a boat. Water taxis are abundant and ready to take you to your island destination of choice.

Day 9Kota Kinabalu/Gunung Mulu National Park

After a relaxing morning, fly to Mulu. Take a guided walk in the evening to Lang Cave and Deer Cave to watch the flying bats.

Plane
Kota Kinabalu – Mulu Airport2h

The plane stops in Miri en route to Mulu.

Private Vehicle
Mulu Airport – Gunung Mulu National Park15m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Guided Cave Excursion
Gunung Mulu National Park Evening

Head out on a guided tour to visit Lang Cave and Deer Cave. Every evening there's a mass exodus of bats flooding out of the caves. Get ready to be amazed by this spectacle of nature.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Gunung Mulu National Park

Enjoy a day in the national park. Take a guided longtail boat ride to visit a traditional village and caves. Opt to go swimming. With free time opt to enjoy a night jungle walk, use the walking trails, or take a treetop canopy walk.

Free Time
Gunung Mulu National Park Afternoon

Get out and explore.

Clearwater and Wind Cave Exploration
Gunung Mulu National Park

Head out with a guide by longtail boat and visit a traditional village. Opt to try out a blowdart. Continue on to explore some caves— both Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave make for good stops. Go swimming and enjoy a picnic lunch.

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Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow

Mulu Night Walk
Gunung Mulu National Park

Venture out into the lush Sarawak rainforest with a guide and flashlight to check out the wild jungle inhabitants at night, when they really come alive. Keep your eyes peeled and watch your step!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11Gunung Mulu National Park/Kuching

Opt for a morning canopy walk at the top of the longest canopy in the world. Later, fly to Kuching. Take a short orientation walk then opt to dine on some of the excellent seafood.

Free Time
Gunung Mulu National Park Morning

Spend a few more hours in paradise.

Plane
Gunung Mulu National Park – Kuching45m

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

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Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Canopy Walk
Gunung Mulu National Park

480m the canopy walk is the longest in the world.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 12Kuching/Kampong Mentu Pundok

Enjoy a homestay in a traditional Iban village. Enjoy the local food, culture and interacting with the villagers. Explore the area and look for tropical pitcher plants and see if we can spot any wild orangutans.

Private Vehicle
Kuching – Kampong Mentu Pundok4h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

4x4
Kampong Mentu Pundok30m-45m5km

Travel the last 5km by 4x4 that works better with the terrain.

Your Local Living Moment: Iban Village Homestay

Enjoy the warm hospitality of some Iban villagers. Interact with other villagers coming to say hello and learn about the culture and traditions of these native people. Enjoy home cooked meals and, of course, some traditional dancing and music.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 13Kampong Mentu Pundok/Kuching

Take a morning trek to a waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch. Later, head to Semenggoh Nature Reserve. Arrive for the afternoon feeding of semi-wild orangutans. Head back to Kuching for a final night out.

Semenggoh Nature Reserve Visit
Kuching

Founded in 1975, the rehabilitation centre within the Semenggoh Nature Reserve cares for injured, orphaned, or illegal pet animals. The orangutan program in particular has made the centre famous, and is now primarily used for the study of orangutan biology and behaviour. With some luck, spot one of the orangutans that come here to feed.

Private Vehicle
Kampong Mentu Pundok – Kuching4h-5h

Duration does not include stop in Semenggoh Nature Reserve.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 14Kuching

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Best of Borneo

| 14 days - Kota Kinabalu to Kuching - Sold Out