Welcome to Kuching! The capital city of Sarawak is a blend of old-world charm with colonial-style architecture that hints of its past as the Land of the White Rajahs. Historical landmarks, narrow streets lined with antique and craft shops, museums, a bustling waterfront, and sampans plying the Sarawak that flows through it are the epitome of Kuching’s unique appeal.

At 0800 hrs, commence the journey by departing from the hotel and traveling approximately 35 minutes to reach Bako Village. Subsequently, embark on a 25-minute boat ride (duration subject to tide conditions) from the village to access the park located on a peninsula. Bako is a prime destination in Sarawak for witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat. Commonly sighted animals include proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, wild boars, monitor lizards, and various bird species. The park features diverse forest types, from mangrove to kerangas, tropical swamp, cliff, and beach vegetation. Multiple trails cater to different fitness levels and interests, providing a comprehensive exploration experience. The picturesque coastline is adorned with small bays, coves, and beaches. Lunch at the park’s café at own expense. Return to Kuching by mid-afternoon, concluding a rewarding wildlife and nature excursion.

In the afternoon, orientation walk followed by dinner.

After your city hotel pickup, we'll head to Semenggoh Nature Reserve for a 30-minute journey. Home to rescued orangutans thriving in a successful rehabilitation program, this lush rainforest center offers a unique morning feeding session. After a brief safety briefing, a 10-minute jungle trek leads to a feeding platform where you can marvel at giant primates. Your guide may point out alternative orangutan sightings.

Following this, a 3-hour drive takes us to Sri Aman, reaching Lingga jetty for a riverine adventure on the Batang Lupar River. Board shallow-draft longboats to the Iban village of Banting, cruising along a river inhabited by crocodiles. Observe local fishermen harvesting tiger prawns and enjoy a scenic boat ride past longhouse villages, farms, and rice paddies. Explore the Iban villages of Banting, known for padi farming. Experience a warm longhouse welcome, stroll around the village.

At dinner time, share stories with the longhouse residents. Longhouse hospitality is genuine, though facilities are simple; expect to eat seated on the floor and sleep on a mattress under a mosquito net. Overnight at the longhouse to immerse yourself in the local community and enjoy spontaneous hospitality.

After breakfast, visit the historical Anglican church dating back to 1859 in Banting before we take a 1.5-hour longboat ride back to Lingga, where the morning market bustles with life. Connect with locals at a Chinese wooden kopitiam (local café) and observe everyday life. Discover the history of Lingga, once governed by two brave Malay aristocratic women known for their wartime courage. On the return drive to Sri Aman, enjoy scenic views of the powerful river and catch a distant glimpse of Crocodile Island. During the paddy season, the road offers a beautiful sight of the lush fields.

In Sri Aman, explore the historic Fort Alice, a key site from the Brooke era. Positioned on a hill, the fort served as a defense, administrative hub, and prison, offering a panoramic view of the Batang Lupar river. Witness the impressive tidal bore at certain times of the day. After a local lunch in the town center, embark on a 4-hour overland transfer, concluding with a drop-off at your city hotel.

We will need to get up early and transfer to airport to catch our plane into the island’s interior and the awesome World Heritage Mulu National Park, where we’ll stay in well-appointed lodges of the national park itself.

In the afternoon, we will visit the awe-inspiring Deer and Lang Caves – some of the largest in the world. Deer Caves’ ancient riverbed and wonder at the force of the water that once roared through, tumbling huge boulders around and carving the scalloped walls. You will hear a constant squeaking sound which the noise of 3 million wrinkle lipped bats is getting ready to wake up and head out to forage on insects. We also visit Lang Caves which is a much smaller network than Deer Caves with walls beautifully decorated with long shawls, layers of rim stone pools on the floor, and throughout the cave, spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. We will walk a further 1-2 KM on raised platforms around the caves. As dusk approaches, we will get the chance to view the astonishing mass exodus of some 5 million bats from the caves. This one of nature’s great spectacles but sometimes they do not leave the cave at all due to heavy rain.

Today, we will take a boat to visit the Clearwater and Wind Caves and see some of the beautiful rock formations that have been formed over thousands of years. We take a boat 15 mins to the entrance. If the water level is low on the river, it might mean helping to push the boat through shallows. Our first stop is Wind Cave which is part of the clearwater system and has many impressive stalactites, stalagmites, flowrocks, helitites and rock corals, some which are illuminated in the ‘King’s” Room. From here your guide can take you on the plank walk of 200 steps to Clearwater Caves. Clearwater Caves is Asia’s longest cave, measuring some 107 KM which has a subterranean river. There is chance for a refreshing dip in the clearwater river after picnic lunch.

Embark on a boat journey down to Long Iman Longhouse to meet the local Penan people and discover their customs. The longest longhouse in Mulu features a small handicraft market where you can find beautifully hand-woven bags and mats. 1800hrs – walk for dinner at local restaurants.

Fly to Kota Kinabalu and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. Check in and rest.

The historical walk will cover historical buildings and monuments such as the Australia’s place - one of the oldest building in town, Atkinson Clock, Community Centre, Sabah Tourism Building, Jesselton Hotel, Pillars of Sabah (Sabah street Arts that sends out important messages through art), Malaysia Monument, War Memorial and the City Council Building. Explore the local & night market before we proceed to local restaurant to enjoy seafood before returning to your hotel to rest.

Check out and transfer to airport for your early morning flight to Sandakan. Simple packed breakfast will be provided. Upon arrival, transfer to Sepilok. Watch and photograph these delightful creatures as they swing into view on ropes and vines. It is important not to interrupt the orangutans, to aid in their successful re-introduction to their natural environment. Check in at the outdoor nursery where young orangutans, born in captivity or orphaned, are cared for. You will also visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, seeing the world’s smallest bears in large forest enclosures as they are rehabilitated after being rescued.

12:00 PM – Board the boat to Abai, Kinabatangan. Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise with photo opportunities of Berhala Island, mangroves, and riverbank villages. Watch for wildlife like macaques, wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and mudskippers, as well as unique vegetation along the Kinabatangan River. 1:30PM – Arrive at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort. Check-in and have lunch while receiving a briefing from your skipper.

4:30 PM – Afternoon tea with coffee, tea, and local banana fritters. River cruise in a smaller boat in search of orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and more. 6:30 PM – Return to the resort, capturing sunset views. If weather permits, photograph fireflies in low-light conditions. 8:30 PM – After dinner, enjoy a guided night walk along the boardwalk to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort (deluxe air-conditioned chalet).Highlights of bird species in Abai include Scarlet Minivet, Lesser and Greater Leafbird, Storm Stork, Oriental Darter, Mangrove Blue-flycatcher, Stork-Billed and Blue-Eared Kingfisher, Buffy Fish-owl, Night Heron, Yellow Bittern, Ruddy Kingfisher, Helmeted Hornbill, Pied Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, among others.

6:30 AM – Early morning cruise for wildlife and birdwatching. Enjoy your packed breakfast amid nature.

8:30 AM – Visit Kampung Abai, a local fishing village, and interact with the Orang Sungai community.

10:00 AM – Return to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort for breakfast.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Afternoon river cruise to the upper Kinabatangan in search of pygmy elephants, fireflies (weather permitting), and more wildlife. Return to the resort for dinner.

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM – Night river safari to search for nocturnal species. Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort (Deluxe Chalet).

6:00 AM – Early morning cruise for bird and wildlife watching. Enjoy a packed breakfast in nature.

8:00 AM – Visit Kampung Abai to observe daily life and interact with the local Orang Sungai community.

9:00 AM – Return to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort for breakfast. 9:30 AM – Depart by boat to Kulamba Field Centre. Take part in a tree-planting activity with the local community and explore the observation tower—watch for orangutans, silver leaf monkeys, and birds. Enjoy a short presentation by a naturalist on RAMSAR wetlands, followed by light tea prepared by the locals. Visit local fishermen and learn about traditional crab and prawn-catching methods. (Weather and tide permitting) – Morning clamshell digging at nearby sandy beaches using traditional rakes. Return with a 45-minute boat ride to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort for lunch.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Afternoon River cruise to explore mangroves, villages, and spot more wildlife. Firefly sightings possible if weather allows. Return to the resort for dinner.

After breakfast, feel free to explore the nature boardwalk around the lodge area. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for any movement in the trees! You might spot wild orangutans, silver leaf monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. At 10:00 AM, check-out and return to Sandakan by boat. The 1.5-hour cruise will pass fishing villages along the coast, offering a good opportunity to photograph Sandakan town from the seafront. Sandakan was once known as 'Little Hong Kong' in the olden days. Transfer to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for drop-off.

Upon arrival, drop off at Agnes Keith House, with its sprawling green lawns and colonial-style architecture. Today, the house has been renovated and transformed into a heritage house by Sabah Museum, working together with the Federal Department of Museums and Antiquities. It offers fascinating glimpses into life during British North Borneo and is filled with replicas of colonial furniture and antiques. Upstairs, a gallery narrates the story of this extraordinary woman, her literary works, and her family. A timeline of Keith's life spans from 1873 to 2004, connecting the past with the present generation of Keith's. After the short visit, we will have lunch at English tea house restaurant nearby.

Visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which also has a 620-metre long, 28-metre-high canopy walkway with spectacular views of rainforest giants. Gather for a farewell dinner with your new friends to reminisce about the wonderful memories you've shared together.

After 11 days of exploring some of Borneo’s many natural wonders, hopping from river to rainforest to cave, it’s time to bid farewell to this tropical fairytale region and the friends you’ve made along the way. A private transfer will take you to the airport for your departing flight. Or if you fancy sticking around for more adventures, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Malaysia for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!