13 Days Taste of Borneo

Price from $4312 per person on twin sharing basis
Kuching – Iban Longhouse – Kuching – Miri – Mulu – Kota Kinabalu – Island Hopping – Sandakan – Sepilok – Sukau – Sandakan
Embark on a 13-day Birding Extravaganza in Borneo! Explore the best of Borneo's avian wonders as we take you to Kuching, Miri, Mulu in Sarawak and on to Kinabalu Park, Sandakan, Sepilok and Sukau. Stay at top- notch accommodations like Borneo Rainforest Lodge and Sukau Rainforest Lodge while searching for the 688 resident and migratory bird species, including 59 endemics. Immerse yourself in lush rainforests, spot rare species, and capture unforgettable moments on this incredible adventure in Borneo.

Itinerary

Day 1

Kuching

Arrive at Kuching Airport and transfer to your hotel

Day 2

Kuching (B)

Morning tour will take you past China Town, Tua Pek Kong Temple, Malay Kampong, Kuching Mosque and Kuching Waterfront to view Darul Hana Bridge, the Astana, New Legislative State Assembly of Sarawak, Fort Margherita and other buildings from the past surrounding the Waterfront.

Afternoon at leisure

Day 3

Iban Longhouse (B/L/D)

Morning, drive to the jetty and enroute stop at Serian, a Dayak trading town, a Chinese farmhouse and Lachau for lunch. Take the boat to the Longhouse and tour the longhouse and watch the natives at work. Evening with the locals (accommodation is very basic/rural set-up).

Day 4

Iban Longhouse – Kuching (B/L)

Iban people will give a presentation with their traditional weapon, the blowpipe. Proceed by longboat and return to Kuching.

Day 5

Miri – Mulu (B/D)

Transfer to Kuching Airport for flight to Mulu. In the afternoon, proceed through the peat swamp forest to explore Lang Cave with most spectacularly large limestone formations. Next, explore Deer Cave and witness the bat’s flying out.

Day 6

Penan Settlement – Wind Cave – Clearwater Cave (B/L/D)

Proceed on longboat on Melinau River with stop at Penan Settlement before exploring Caves of the Winds, followed by Clearwater Cave, having the longest cave passage in South East Asia.

Day 7

Mulu - Kota Kinabalu (B/D)

Transfer to Mulu Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Transfer and afternoon free

Day 8

Island Hopping

Transfer to jetty for a 30-minute boat ride to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Island. Snorkel in crystal clear water among coral reefs and rainbow-coloured fishes. Take the boat to Gaya Island for lunch and aswim. Return to Kota Kinabalu.

Day 9

Kinabalu Park (B/L/D)

Drive to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu with a stop enoute to visit a local market at Pekan Nabalu and a great photo of majestic Mount Kinabalu. Continue to Kinabalu Park HQ to visit the Kinabalu Geopark Gallery and Botanical Garden and a guided walk on one of the trails to explore the cool mountain forest.

Day 10

Kundasang – Sandakan – Sepilok (B/L/D)

Visit the Kundasang War Memorial Park to learn about Sabah's WWII history and for great photos with the majestic Mount Kinabalu. Continue to Poring to the treetop canopy walkways and visit Kipungit Waterfall. Drive to Sandakan.

Day 11

Sepilok – Sukau (B/L/D)

Proceed to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and learn about the rehab efforts done at the centre through a short video screening. Witness the feeding of orangutans and other monkeys and spend some time at their nursery. After lunch, embark on a 2.5 hour journey by speedboat up the Kinabatangan River to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Late afternoon cruise in search of Borneo's wildlife and birds.

Day 12

Sukau Rainforest Lodge (B/L/D)

Morning River cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake to view more birds and wildlife. Join in the nature walk with a naturalist. In the afternoon, proceed to Gomantong Caves and explore the intricate cave system known for wildlife.

Day 13

Sukau – Sandakan (B/L)

Return to Sandakan by boat and after lunch, transfer to airport.

Private program - can start any day of the week and can be modified or operated in reverse

Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.

Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.

Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2025. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exotic.net.nz for more information.