Highlights

• Hike to two waterfalls and take a refreshing swim near Kampung Sadir 
• Visit an Indigenous Melanau village and learn about their local customs
• Explore fascinating caves on foot and by boat in Gunung Mulu National Park
• Spot monkeys, orangutans, and elephants by the Kinabatangan River

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kuching, Explore

Welcome to Malaysian Borneo! Upon arrival in Kuching—the capital of East Malaysia’s Sarawak state—meet your driver for a transfer to your accommodation in the city center, then head out to explore on your own. With a population of some 600,000, Kuching is highly walkable and a good base for exploring the region. There’s much to do and see here, including parks, colonial buildings, museums, and a beautiful riverfront. There’s also an abundance of eateries offering a mix of cuisines, as Kuching prides itself on being one of the most multiethnic cities in Malaysia.

Day 2: Visit an Orangutan Center, Transfer to Kampung Sadir, Village Tour

After a good night’s rest, have breakfast at your hotel before meeting your driver for the transfer to the Semenggoh Orangutan Center. This is where you’ll enter the forest and observe how the orangutans that live here are fed. The orangutans live in this forest freely and only come down from the treetops to take some food during feeding times. After the visit to the rehabilitation center, hop back in the vehicle and make your way to the village of Kampung Sadir in the highlands. As you drive along the small roads, you’ll become deeply immersed in the thick Borneo jungle.

Arrive at your homestay around lunchtime. As you make yourself comfortable, your Indigenous Bidayuh hosts will prepare a lunch for you, which you’ll enjoy together. After lunch, visit a Bidayuh longhouse to experience the daily life of the people here and see how bamboo plays an integral part in their lives. Then, return to your homestay and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening free at your leisure. 

Day 3: Rainforest Hike, Swim in Waterfalls, Free Time

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This morning, lace up your boots and get ready for a guided hike to two of the seven waterfalls near Kampung Sadir. Once you reach the waterfalls, enjoy some free time to swim and look around the thick rainforest around you. Depending on how much time you want to spend here, you can opt for a picnic lunch at one of the waterfalls or return to the homestay for lunch. After the hike, spend the rest of the day free. Perhaps you want to visit another nearby waterfall on your own before returning to the homestay in time for dinner. 

Day 4: Fly to Mukah, Visit a Melanau Cultural Village

Transfer to Kuching airport today and hop on a flight to the coastal town of Mukah. Upon arrival, head to a nearby Melanau cultural village, where you’ll learn about the history and customs of this Indigenous community. Your accommodation for the next two nights will be a traditional Melanau “tall house,” constructed of original materials that the community has used for centuries. You’ll also get the chance to enjoy meals cooked using traditional ingredients.

Once you’re settled, take some time to walk around the village, learn about the culture, and interact with the locals, who will happily share their heritage with you. 

Day 5: Boat Tour, Melanau Craft Workshop

Wake up to a traditional Melanau breakfast today before enjoying a boat tour along the Sungai Misan stream. Along the way, you’ll stop at a traditional sago baking house, where you can taste this local staple and learn more about how it’s made. This starch is quite important to Malay culture, and many Indigenous communities continue making it with traditional tools and techniques. You’ll also visit an ancient burial pole—a place of deep spiritual significance.

Later, return to the guesthouse for lunch, then spend the afternoon participating in a local craft demonstration. This is your chance to learn from the Melanau people, who often hold workshops to keep their traditions alive. In the evening, relax on the veranda and enjoy the sunset.

Day 6: Fly to Miri, Explore

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Spend a few hours of free time this morning before meeting your driver for a transfer to Mukah airport. There, you’ll catch a short flight to Miri, a vibrant city on the northern coast of Sarawak.

As you embark on your journey here, prepare to be enchanted by the city’s cultural diversity and natural beauty. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to immerse yourself in Miri’s history by exploring its colonial architecture and museums. Then, indulge your taste buds with a culinary adventure as you sample the local delicacies. You can also walk along Tusan Beach, located south of the city. Whichever way you spend your time, get a good night’s rest in preparation for tomorrow’s outdoor adventure. 

Day 7: Fly to Mulu, Deer & Lang Caves Excursion

After breakfast at your hotel in Miri, meet your driver for a transfer to Miri airport. Catch your flight to Mulu, then transfer to your accommodation in Gunung Mulu National Park. In the afternoon, join your local guide to tour Deer Cave and Lang Cave. Hike through the jungle, immersing yourself in nature as you learn about this fascinating cave system and visit some of the largest caves known to man. Both caves are very different, and your guide will help you to understand their unique aspects during the tour.

In the late afternoon, head to the Bat Observatory for a remarkable sight: the evening exodus of millions of bats. Witness the display as they take flight against the backdrop of the darkening sky and then return to your accommodation in time for dinner.

Day 8: Clearwater & Wind Caves Excursion

This morning, hop aboard a longboat waiting for you in the Melinau River. Make your way up the river, enjoying the fluvial landscape, as you head to the Penan Longhouse in Batu Bangan. Here, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the Indigenous Penan tribe, which was nomadic until fairly recently. After the visit, continue up the rapids toward the entrance of a cave system. In the company of your guide, you’ll explore Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave from your longboat, with the chance to get deep into places you could never see on foot.

Once you’ve exited the caves, you’ll have time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and a picnic lunch. Then, boat back to your accommodation in Mulu, where you’ll have the rest of the day free.

Day 9: Fly to Kota Kinabalu, Transfer to Kiulu

Wave goodbye to Gunung Mulu National Park today as you transfer to Mulu airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, a coastal city surrounded by rainforest that’s the capital of East Malaysia’s Sabah state. Upon arrival, meet your driver for a transfer to the Kiulu region. On the way, you’ll make a short stop at the Tamparuli Suspension Bridge and the local market. Finally, you’ll arrive at a farmstay in Kiulu. Take advantage of your time here to try your hand at some cultural activities like rice planting. You’ll also get the chance to learn how to tap rubber from trees.

After lunch, walk around the village with your guide, who will teach you about the local way of life. During the walk, you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding valley, with its lush paddy fields and hanging bridges. If the weather is good, you can cool down by taking a dip in the river. In the evening, share a delicious dinner with your farmstay hosts.

Day 10: Explore Kiulu

Spend today learning about your hosts’ culture by participating in various activities. You can play traditional games, join craft workshops, or explore the village’s surroundings. It’s also possible to take a guided walk to a local school, where the children are always curious to see foreigners. Throughout your walk, you’ll learn about the products that the local tribes produce here. If the weather permits, you can also swim and play in the nearby river. Or, if you feel like you need some rest, take the day off to relax at the farmstay.

Day 11: Transfer to Kinabatangan, Wildlife River Cruise

Head east toward the Kinabatangan River this morning. The journey by car will take a few hours, but you’ll get to sit back and take in beautiful views along the way. Upon arrival at the Bukit Garam Jetty on the Kinabatangan, you’ll switch to a boat that will take you to your jungle lodge for check-in.

In the afternoon, go for a boat cruise to explore the flora and fauna of the Kinabatangan River. You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled, as this is one of the largest rivers in Borneo and the ultimate wildlife habitat. Not only is it the perfect place for bird-watching, but wild orangutans roam the trees freely, and pygmy elephants adore swimming in the shallow areas. 

Day 12: Explore the Kinabatangan River

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Embark on two river cruises today—one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Both cruises offer an opportunity to spot magnificent wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for orangutans swinging through the treetops, elephants foraging along the riverbanks, and playful proboscis monkeys leaping from branch to branch. In addition, you might see crocodiles sunbathing on the river’s edge and colorful bird species soaring above. Between the cruises, you can explore the rainforest on an invigorating jungle walk or find a peaceful spot by the river to observe the wildlife. 

Meet your driver at your lodge in Kinabatangan and hop in the vehicle for a one-hour transfer to Sepilok, a small town best known for its Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Once you arrive, settle into your accommodation and visit the rehabilitation center to observe orangutans in their natural habitat and even participate in feeding sessions.

Continue your adventure by exploring the Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Center, where you can stroll elevated walkways while soaking in the serene ambience. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can observe the distinctive long-nosed proboscis monkeys leaping through the trees. Then, embark on a night walk through the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, guided by expert naturalists who will unveil the nocturnal wonders of the rainforest, from bioluminescent insects to pygmy elephants.

Day 14: Transfer to Sandakan, Depart

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It’s time to depart Malaysian Borneo! At the appointed time, make the 30-minute drive to Sandakan for your departure flight. If time allows, you can visit a stone church called the Parish of St. Michael and All Angels on your way to the airport. Have a safe and comfortable journey home or to your next destination! 

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