Borneo - Rajahs, Riches, Rainforests & Reefs
Trip Details
- Duration: 11 days days
- Visited Areas: Asia
On this voyage, you will visit some of the key destinations in Malaysian Borneo, from the famous Bako National Park to the remote islands of Palau Tiga. The Semengoh Wildlife centre for orangutans, near Kuching, provides you with an opportunity to view, first hand, one of our closest relatives. The national parks of Tanjung Datu, Bako and Similajau provide a snapshot of the diverse ecosystems that once covered the entire island, and now provide refuge for the abundant wildlife. In addition, a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village, near Kuching, will expand your understanding of the people of Borneo, and your visit to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei highlights the diversity of cultures embedded through the island.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia – Embark
Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to Borneo with regular flights to and from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Here is where you will embark your vessel.
Day 2: Pulau Tiga
Arrive at Pulau Tiga (‘Three Islands’), the largest of these islands north of Kuala Penyu. The islands themselves are recent creations, formed in 1897 by the eruption of mud volcanoes. Continuous volcanic activity has taken place over the last hundred years, and still continues in the form of bubbling mud and escaping methane gas. In 2001 Pulau Tiga, was the location for the first season of the US reality TV show Survivor, marketed now as ‘Survivor Island’ which is not the island’s fault. It’s still a relaxing place to visit, blessed with fine sandy beaches, a network of walking trails and good snorkelling throughout the year. Nearby Pulau Kalampunian Damit is little more than a large rock covered in dense vegetation and sea snakes that come ashore in their hundreds to mate. 150 snakes can be present, curled up under boulders, among roots and in tree hollows. It’s a fascinating phenomenon, made doubly enigmatic by the fact that the snakes are never seen on nearby Pulau Tiga. And yes, beware – they are extremely poisonous.
Day 3: Pulau Labuan
Pulau Labuan is a tiny island town off SabahÂ’s coast that was formerly known as Victoria Town. Today, it is a hub for duty-free goods and boasts some nice cultural touches and landmarks. Because of its proximity to Brunei, Labuan attracts many visitors as well as avid scuba divers for its rich marine life.
Day 4: Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei Darussalam
Ulu Temburong National Park occupies almost 40% of the Temburong district of Brunei Darussalam. It is regarded by many as the best preserved tropical rainforest on Borneo. The park includes a range of wilderness habitats, from lowland forest and jungle rainforest, to montane forest at an elevation of almost 2000 metres. Access is via traditional longboat along river corridors, or jungle hiking tracks. There are no roads into the park. The area has often been looked upon as a refuge for threatened species from throughout Borneo. Preserved, untouched and with a variety of activity and interest options, it's definitely a highlight of every visit to Brunei.
Day 5: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
Bandar Seri Begawan offers you a chance to visit the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque when it is not being used for prayers. The Mosque is very welcoming and you will be given a robe upon entry and remove your shoes before entering. Your visit to Kampong Ayer is a beautiful sight to see hundreds of houses seemingly floating on water. The people are very friendly and many open up their homes to visitors year-round. The Royal Regalia museum near the city centre displays gifts received by the Sultan. The Brunei Museum on the Kota Batu road has an excellent display in the Islamic Art Gallery and there are two tombs: the first is the Tomb of Sharif Ali, the third sultan of Brunei the second Tomb is of the Sultan Bolkiah, the fifth sultan of Brunei.
Day 6: Bintulu (for Simalajau National Park)
Similajau National Park encompasses an area of approximately 7,067 hectares with the primary aim of conserving the flora, fauna and unique geological characteristics of the coastal area. Here you experience fast flowing streams with rapids in the upper reaches set amidst a cool jungle setting. Tiny and colourful orchids are found rooted to trees and the rocks around the headlands. The Rhu laut and Bintangor laut vie for attention with the ketapang on the beaches while the mangroves are covered in Bakau, Berus and Nipah palm. There are three types of primates, namely the gibbons, banded langurs and long tailed macaques. The park also houses shrews, mouse deer, wild boar, civets, barking deer and squirrels. A chance encounter with a porcupine may cause its prickly spine to bristle in self-defence. There are also 185 bird species, notably 7 species of hornbills. Migratory birds stopping by include the storm stork. Saltwater crocodiles, dolphins, porpoises and green sea turtles can also be found within the park area.
Day 7: At Sea
Enjoy some time onboard the ship with lectures from your naturalist guides on this day at sea.
Day 8: Bako National Park & Santubong Peninsula
Bako National Park heralds an early arrival for you as you have no time to waste in experiencing its rainforest abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, interesting plant life, secluded beaches and trekking trails, Bako offers visitors an excellent introduction to the rainforest of Borneo. There are very few places in the world that pack so much natural beauty into such a limited area, all its attractions and activities have made Bako one of the most popular parks in Sarawak for the wildlife experience. The park has been a protected area since 1957, so the animals are less wary of humans. You will have countless opportunities to observe and photograph various types of wildlife.
Day 9: Tanjung Datu National Park
Tanjung Datu National Park situated at the westernmost tip of Sarawak on the Datu Peninsula. It is one of the smallest parks in Sarawak. Formerly known as Labuan Gadong, half of the peninsula is situated within Sarawak and the other portion lies in Kalimantan Indonesia. The park is also described as the "Heaven of Borneo" by most visitors. Interesting natural features with a splendid rain forest and unique coral reefs make the park an exceptionally significant area for biodiversity. It's pristine environment with a series of mountain ranges and luxurious mixed dipterocarp forest and fauna make the park a moving place to visit. The clarity of the South China Sea provides a wide range of marine life, which could be prime attraction to those who love snorkelling and scuba diving. Turtle spotting and watching turtles landing to lay eggs is a possibility. Remoteness and isolation, makes for a spectacular destination and finale for you in Borneo.
Day 10: At Sea
As you sail toward Singapore, your guides will provide lectures to re-cap this amazing area you have explored.
Day 11: Singapore – Disembark
Disembark the ship this morning in Singapore. The British East India Company established a strategic trading post on the island of Singapore in 1819, which was to become an important post along the Spice Route. Although a thriving and modern metropolis, remnants of these early colonial days can be enjoyed in many traditional pursuits such as a rickshaw ride and Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel. A compact and efficient city, Singapore offers easy access from most international airports.