Absolute Borneo
Trip Details
Sultry, spiritual and seductive, Sabah and Sarawak embody the ultimate tropical paradise. This trip takes you to the best that each state has to offer, from remote caves and tribal villages to mountain peaks and ancient jungles. En route, meet orangutans, sleep beneath the stars and discover long-lost traditions - any thirst for adventure will surely be satisfied.
Itinerary
Day 1 Kuching
Take time to enjoy this delightful city before heading out into the wilds of Sarawak.
Day 2 Bako National Park
Enjoy walks through pristine jungle trails in the Bako National Park. Keep eyes peeled for the funny looking probiscus monkeys that live here.
Day 3 Kuching
Learn about the region's indigenous people at the Sarawak Museum, take a stroll along the riverbank to watch the tambang ferries glide by with their glowing lanterns or stock up on interesting souvenirs.
Day 4 Iban Longhouse
Discover the amazing history and culture of the Iban people and be welcomed into their longhouses. Get an insight into their day-to-day life, hear about their headhunting history and maybe even knock back a glass of local firewater with them in the evening.
Days 5-7 Mulu National Park
Journey into the heart of one of the most breathtaking parks in Asia. Explore Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave, and climb to the summit of the Pinnacles Trail. Be rewarded at the top with views of a spectacular rocky outcrop seen by few people.
Day 8 Headhunters' Trail/Limbang
Walk part of the ominously named Headhunters' Trail, historically used by warring parties that were travelling between the Medalam and Tutoh rivers.
Days 9-10 Kota Kinabalu
Get a taste of the city again in Kota Kinabalu. Nestled between sea and jungle, Sabah's capital is a great base for exploring the region's tropical beauty.
Days 11-13 Mt Kinabalu
Towering above the coastal plain and lush tropical forests of northern Borneo, Mt Kinabalu is the centrepiece of the vast 754-sq-km Kinabalu National Park. The best way to appreciate the entire region is with a trek to Mt Kinabalu's peak. The mountain is a botanical paradise with many unique plants dotting the landscape, including the carnivorous pitcher plant and more than 1,000 species of orchid. At certain times of year, the rare rafflesia flower may also be found - it's unique odour is generally smelt before it's seen.
Days 14-15 Kinabatangan Jungle Camp/Homestay
Trek into Sabah's lush interior to learn about forest restoration from our friends at the ecological initiative, MESCOT. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, macaques and wild orangutans. Spend a memorable night lulled to sleep by the sounds of nocturnal creatures. Then head to a traditional Malay village as a privileged guest at an overnight homestay.
Day 16 Sepilok Orangutan Reserve
Get up close to some primate relatives at Sepilok, where orphaned and injured orangutans are rehabilitated and returned to forest life. There's time here to stretch those legs on one of many walking trails into the forest or head into thriving Sandakan for some excellent seafood and a waterfront sunset.
Days 17-19 Kota Kinabalu
Snorkel over colourful aquatic life on a day trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, then return to relax by the pool at a seaside guesthouse in Kinarut. It's the perfect end to a Sabah adventure.
