From CAD 2,345
Guarantee
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Wild, tropical and remote – Borneo is South East Asia's answer to the Amazon. This 10-day trip is full of active adventure set in natural paradise. See orangutans swinging through the rainforest treetops at a sanctuary in Semenggoh and venture into the vast Mulu cave systems. Follow the headhunter’s Trail through dense jungle in Sarawak, wander along Kuching's riverside promenade and relax on golden-sand beaches on Labuan Island. This one’s for nature-lovers, wildlife-spotters and beach-goers!
Highlights
- See wild orangutans at the Semenggoh sanctuary and look for proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park. One of the last truly wild places on earth, Borneo offers rare treats for nature lovers.
- Explore labyrinthian cave systems, some of the largest in the world, and watch as millions of bats emerge from their depths at sunset, darkening the sky like a plume of black smoke.
- Follow in the infamous footsteps of tribal warriors on a trek through wild, dense jungle on the Headhunter’s Trail – rich with wildlife like hornbills and monkeys.
- Gain some unique insights into Berawan people, indigenous to Mulu region, learning about their life and food through a family visit and home-cooked dinner. Unwind after days spent trekking through jungle with a stay on tranquil Labuan Island. Relax with a well-earned drink or a good book at your beach resort accommodation.
- Kick back in Kuching and maybe try a bowl of the local laksa – Anthony Boudain called it 'the breakfast of the Gods' – and explore the neighbourhoods full of Chinese and Malay influences.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2750
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: 4x4,Ferry,Longtail boat,Plane,Taxi,Mini van
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TMSW
Starts: Kuching, Malaysia
Finishes: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (2), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Cabin (multishare) (2 nights),Dormitory (1 night),Hotel (5 nights),Resort (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2345 (CAD 234 /day)
Itinerary
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Kuching, meaning 'cat' in Malay, is the capital and most populous city in the state of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. It was home to the infamous White Rajah of Sarawak, whose mysterious rule in this remote corner of the world sparked the imagination of many people who dreamt of becoming royalty. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe check out the waterfront, home to local vegetable, spice and fish markets. After the meeting, maybe head out with your new travel companions to try some local dishes like Sarawak Laksa and Kolok mee.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hop in a private van to the fishing village of Kampung Bako, then a local boat up the coast to Bako National Park. Bako is the oldest national park in Sarawak and features rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, diverse plant life, secluded beaches and trekking trails. Millions of years of erosion form a coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands and stretches of white, sandy bays. Waves have carved the cliffs into sea arches and sea-stacks, with coloured patterns formed by iron deposits. When you arrive, you’ll take a leader-led walk through one of the jungle trails, looking out for proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys and the elusive Bornean bearded pigs. Return to Kuching in the late afternoon and spend the evening in relaxing your hotel.
Included Activities:
- Bako National Park - Wildlife Trail Trek
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head to the Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary – a government-funded rehabilitation centre set in lush surrounds. The centre was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. Head into the jungle to a viewing platform where you can watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view, eating bananas and milk that’s laid out for them twice a day. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential you follow your leader's instructions. After, return to Kuching where you can freshen up. Tonight, maybe mosey down to the riverbank and watch tambang ferries glide by, or head out to one of the many Chinese-influenced hawker markets for dinner and experience the range of local seafood.
Included Activities:
- Kuching - Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary
Optional Activities:
- Kuching - Sarawak Cultural Village (95 MYR)
- Sarawak River cruise (65 MYR)
- Kuching - Borneo Cultures Museum (50 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Fly to Mulu today. When you arrive in Mulu, head into the heart of one of the most spectacular national parks in Asia – Gunong Mulu National Park. Transfer the short distance to Mulu HQ where you’ll stay for the next two nights. In your free time, you can take a self-guided trail around the park or head to the treetops on the world’s longest canopy walkway. Or maybe simply kick back with a book and enjoy the sounds of the nearby jungle. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner prepared by the indigenous tribe here - Berawan people, trying the signature jungle dishes like Pansoh (fish or chicken cooked in bamboo) or 'Midin' (sauteed wild fern) and learning about their unique cultural insights while the family sit down and have dinner with you. Later, there’s the chance to take an optional night walk to search for some weird and wonderful insects and reptiles.
Included Activities:
- Mulu National Park - Berawan people family visit and home-cooked dinner
Accommodation:
- Cabin (multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you have a free morning to explore or have a sleep in. Spend the afternoon strolling the walkways of this 180-million-year-old rainforest, and then catch the sunset flight of the bats at Deer Cave. This UNESCO World Heritage site has the world’s largest known system of caves, formed when surface water worked its way through the rock, carving gigantic passages through the bedrock. Deer Cave has one of the single largest cave passages, 2.2 km long and 220 m tall at its highest point. Before it was part of the park, the cave was a well-known hunting ground for deer, who were attracted to the pools of salty water. The millions of bats who call the cave home all emerge at dusk for their nightly feeding, which is a sight to behold.
Included Activities:
- Mulu National Park - Deer & Lang Caves
Optional Activities:
- Mulu National Park - Canopy Walk (50 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Cabin (multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Park HQ behind and head into the jungle. Take a boat upriver to the Clearwater and Wind Caves, which contain Asia’s longest underwater river. The Clearwater Cave system runs for more than 200 km, over 100 of which have been explored. Wind Cave draws a cooling breeze through its lengths and features some of Gunong Mulu’s best cave formations, while Clearwater is covered in a species of bright green plant unique to the park. After exploring, take a longboat downriver before disembarking for a hike through undisturbed jungle to Camp 5, at the end of Melinau Gorge.
Included Activities:
- Mulu National Park - Wind & Clearwater Caves
- Mulu National Park - Picnic Lunch
- Mulu National Park - Local Dinner
Accommodation:
- Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll tackle the infamous Headhunter’s Trail. Located in an isolated area of the Bornean jungle, the trail used to be the route used by warring parties between the Tutoh and Limbang Rivers. Cross streams by rope bridges, wooden walkways and logs, surrounded by the diverse flora, bird-filled trees and the sounds of the forest – a hornbill flying overhead, the cries of monkeys and the pulse of cicadas and crickets. Then, take a boat from Kuala Terikan to Kuala Mendalam. Depending on how much rainfall there’s been, you may be required to help push the boat over shallow parts of the river. Stop at a ranger station for lunch, then travel to Limbang by private vehicle, where you can freshen up and enjoy a good night's rest after two long days of trekking.
Included Activities:
- Mulu National Park - Guided trek along Headhunters' Trails
- Mulu National Park - Longboat ride along the Melinau & Terikan Rivers
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, take a short walk to the ferry terminal for a boat to Labuan Island. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening at a beach resort. Relax and recover after yesterday’s trek, going for a swim, chilling out with a cold drink or reading a good book.
Accommodation:
- Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy some more free time on the island before catching a ferry and express bus to Kota Kinabalu – the capital of Sabah and a modern metropolis that rebounded from multiple bombings during WWII. Tonight, maybe head out for a final meal with your group to celebrate your Borneo adventure – the night market is filled with fresh grilled seafood.
Optional Activities:
- Labuan - Historical tour (Minimum 2 People) (177 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, there are no activities planned and your trip comes to an end. You can depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. If you’d like to spend more time in Kota Kinabalu, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Optional Activities:
- Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul National Marine Park Snorkeling Trip (Minimum 4 people) (355 MYR)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Imelda Ruth - Traveled, March 2024
Seeing the orangutans in their natural habitat was the highlight of this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2024
Suzie - Traveled, March 2024
Borneo - the trip of a lifetime. From the moment we joined the Intrepid group the adventure began. Highly recommend this for those who love wildlife and also want to explore the wilder side of Borneo. A must if you want to see the Orangutan’s and trek the jungle.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Susan - Traveled, March 2024
Nowhere in the world can you do and see everything we did in Borneo in 20 days. One of the world’s biggest caves, bats, canopy walks, wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, crocodiles, jungle treks, longboat journey, river swims, local tribe home-stay, mountain climb, jungle cruise, hot springs, sea turtles laying eggs -baby turtles, snorkeling, sun bear sanctuary. Life changing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Saija - Traveled, March 2024
If you want to spend time in nature, this trip is for you! It's a very physical trip with a lot of walking involved. Make sure you have good shoes and a good backpack with you. Otherwise, you can just enjoy the wildlife around you and fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Jay - Traveled, March 2024
Had an amazing time on the Wild Sarawak tour. Our fearless leader Nik was both personable and knowledgeable. Met some great people on the trip. The hikes are physically demanding, but totally worth it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Carol - Traveled, October 2023
Wonderful fulfilling trip even though it was tiring. More information needed on what to pack would have been helpful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Rick - Traveled, October 2023
Can’t recommend this tour enough. I fell in love with Malaysia in large part to the wonderful guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Jane - Traveled, January 2023
Nik our guide was a legend and was so knowledgeable about wildlife, culture and history. The highlight was Mulu NP which was unbelievably beautiful and wild. Great trip. Borneo is safe, interesting and diverse.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Sandra - Traveled, September 2023
I did the Best of Borneo trip, which included Wild Sarawak for the first 10 days. Absolutely awesome itinerary and we had the best guide, Nik. The first 10 days was by far the best half of the whole trip and I would totally recommend it. Felt authentic and had a lot less tourists than the second half. Mulu NP was a highlight for sure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Brodie - Traveled, September 2023
This was a wonderful trip. A perfect balance of nature and off-grid experiences, mixed with deep learning about people and place. Nik was a great guide and her leadership, passion and commitment to creating a memorable experience far exceeded expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Eloise - Traveled, September 2023
Absolutely amazing! Sarawak is a hidden gem. I 100% recommend this trip for anyone looking for some adventure, but be prepared for a LOT of walking, including some pretty rough terrain. Nik was fantastic and went out of her way to ensure we got the most from our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Rachel - Traveled, August 2023
Amazing trip with a truly fantastic guide. Learnt such a lot during this experience and the country and the wildlife. Transition throughout the trip was seamless between activities, very well organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2023
Jessica - Traveled, August 2023
Wild Sarawak did not disappoint! From day 1 it was clear what to expect and the tour leader Jeffry was awesome! A great mix of city & jungle experiences, food, culture and challenge. A trip I’ll never forget and highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2023
John - Traveled, August 2023
I've been on a number of Intepid trips over the years and must sy this is one of the best. Good mix of accommodation, good balance of time on transport and great authenticity. But what makes a great intrepid trip are the guides and I have had good and bad (majority good) but Nik stands out as the best I've had. Her warmth her dedication and commitment to ensuring we all were happy was exemplary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/21/2023
Jeanette - Traveled, August 2023
This is a fantastic trip if you want to getaway from your usual routine. There's a lot of learn and experience in regards to the Sarawak wildlife and natural heritage. The hiking on this trip is demanding in some places but it is a treasure seeing and feeling a protected rain forest. Be intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
Mark - Traveled, August 2023
Brilliant, the trip fully met and indeed surpassed my expectations. I had already been to Sabah, Wild Sarawak was a fascinating addition to my experience of Borneo with an excellent and balanced programme of experiences and activities, a sense of physical achievement but not overwhelming in terms of the challenge. All helped by some very skilful and impressive leadership by our guide and I hope friend, Nizam, a masterclass in how to lead a relatively large and potentially diverse group to success.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Greg - Traveled, July 2023
I had very little idea about Borneo before I went there, Intrepid & Nik our leader made the trip easy and enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/08/2023
Clare - Traveled, July 2023
I would totally recommend this trip! It has such a varied itinerary, a good mix of wildlife, culture and nature, the headhunters trail and trek to camp 5 was challenging but a porter could be hired at extra cost which I did-so made it more bearable! Borneo is a wonderful, beautiful country with welcoming, friendly people and good food! I REALLY loved this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
Silke - Traveled, July 2023
A Tour is as good as its Guide is. We had the very Tour Guide. Nike Made the Tour exzellent!!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2023
Peggy - Traveled, July 2023
Greatest choice to discover the wildlife of Borneo. You can see the monkeys in Bako, enjoy the great landscape there as well and you'll see the the orang-utans in Semenggoh. You'll discover the Mulu National Park with the caves which is absolutely mind-blowing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2023
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