15-day Borneo Nature & Cultural Tour!

15-day Borneo Nature & Cultural Tour ~ Small groups of  maximum 22 travelers!  

Trip Highlights

Escorted Package Includes

  • Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
  • Flights Montreal-Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu-Montreal
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • All intra-flights: Kuala Lumpur-Kuching, Kuching-Miri-Mulu, Mulu-Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan, Sandakan-Kota Kinabalu
  • 13 nights accommodations
    • 2 nights Kuala Lumpur
    • 3 night Kuching
    • 1 nights Batang Ai
    • 2 nights Mulu
    • 2 nights Sandakan
    • 3 nights Kota Kinabalu
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges including Malaysia tourism taxes
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
  • 28 meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners with wine (including Welcome and Farewell dinners)
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
  • Active itinerary with unique cultural features

Special Features

  • Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals
  • Tour Kuala Lumpur with its space-age skyline punctuated by minarets and Mogul-style domes
  • Attend a lecture on Sarawak tribal mythology led by one of Kuching’s important scholars
  • In Batang Ai discover old time timber longhouses and a tribal culture untouched by modern life
  • At the Mengkak Longhouse, learn about Borneo’s Iban people and watch a cultural performance
  • Visit Mulu Park with its extraordinary collection of rare birds, diverse wildlife, and exotic plants
  • Follow a plank walk into a magnificent rainforest that leads to ancient Deer Caves
  • Enter the famous Wind Caves with their spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and rock corals
  • Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center—see orangutans and learn about rehabilitation efforts
  • Visit the Sun Bear Conservation Center—view the world’s smallest bear
  • At the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary you’ll be greeted by dozens of monkeys sitting in the trees
  • In Kota Kinabalu, enjoy a Malaysian dinner and show highlighting Borneo’s rich cultural diversity
  • Visit magnificent Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Center of Plant Diversity
  • Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village dotted with tribal dwellings from five indigenous groups

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1, Wednesday – Depart for Malaysia

Depart for Malaysia

DAY 2, Thursday – Arrive in Kuala Lumpur

Welcome to Malaysia, a country of extraordinary contrasts ranging from sophisticated bustling cities to the wild jungles of Borneo with its orangutans, monkeys and remote tribes. Arrive at the airport in Kuala Lumpur where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to acclimate to your new time zone in this city with its space-age skyline punctuated by minarets and Mogul-style domes
Overnight: Kuala Lumpur

DAY 3, Friday – Discover Kuala Lumpur 

The day begins with a tour of Kuala Lumpur, the frenetic capital of Malaysia. Visit the imposing six-tiered Thean Hou Temple, one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. View the beautiful architecture of the Houses of Parliament en route to the National Monument, a striking statue that commemorates heroes of the country’s struggle for freedom. Driving past the uniquely designed railway station, arrive at majestic Merdeka Square (Independence Square) the famous stretch of green where independence was declared in 1957. Next, on to the Jamek Mosque, the oldest in the city with its graceful arches and domes reminiscent of fine Moorish architecture. At the astonishing KL Tower, ascend to the observation deck for astounding panoramic views from this 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, a briefing with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers on the incredible journey that lies ahead. A Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers celebrates your arrival
Overnight: Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Saturday – Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Cruise the Sarawak River 

In the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Known as Borneo’s most stylish and sophisticated city, here you find a multitude of cultures, handmade crafts, and cuisines. Settle in at the hotel with free time for personal pursuits. Later, a delightful sunset cruise on the Sarawak River reveals unobstructed views of the city and its surroundings. Admire the affluent mansions typical of Kuching. Enjoy the backdrop of a setting sun and the colorful lights along the waterfront before returning to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Kuching
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Sunday – Walking Tour in Kuching, Evening Lecture

The morning walking tour in this historic capital begins in Chinatown. View the famous Cat Statue before heading to the colorful Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple on the waterfront promenade. After, continue to the Chinese Historical Museum, Textile Museum, Masjid India, Gambier Street, the Brooke Dockyard and St. Thomas Cathedral at Merdeka Square. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. In the early evening, don’t miss the fascinating lecture on Sarawak tribal mythology led by one of Kuching’s important scholars. Tonight, perhaps opt to dine at one of the city’s renowned multicultural restaurants or cafes
Overnight: Kuching
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Monday – Travel to Batang Ai

Today, journey along undulating winding roads through the magnificent countryside dotted with quaint little towns, villages, paddy fields and pepper and palm plantations. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the small town of Lachau before continuing to Hydro Lake where you board a boat at the Lubok Antu jetty that transports you to your remote resort on the edge of glorious Batang Ai National Park. Leisure time at your resort before dinner together
Overnight: Batang Ai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Tuesday – Batang Ai Longboat Excursion, Return to Kuching

A short journey in a traditional motorized native longboat takes you to the Mengkak Longhouse, set in a hillside wilderness beside the river. Here, learn more about Borneo’s native Iban people and their community. You’ll be treated to a cultural performance by the villagers in full regalia, along with a blow pipe demonstration. Time to view the unusual handicrafts and meet with the villagers that were once considered a strong tribe notorious for their culture of headhunting. After lunch, return to Kuching arriving in the late afternoon. Evening is at leisure
Overnight: Kuching
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Wednesday – Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

An early morning flight from Kuching to Mulu via Miri. Upon arrival, drive to a lovely resort at the edge of the tropical rainforest where you’re warmly welcomed with a delectable lunch. After time to relax, an excursion to majestic Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an extraordinary collection of rare birds, diverse wildlife, and exotic plants. Follow the plank walk into the magnificent rainforest, with its gorgeous foliage and rushing streams that leads to the ancient Deer & Lang Caves. The caves are home to many species of bats – you may be treated to the spectacular sight of free-tailed bats emerging from the cave in search of food! A lovely dinner at the resort caps the day
Overnight: Mulu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9,  Thursday – Wind Caves, Clearwater Cave

A cruise on the Melinau River by longboat whisks you to the famous Wind Caves. Upon entering, you’ll marvel at the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, flow rocks and rock corals, some of which are illuminated in the “King’s Room”. Then, a stop at the semi-nomadic Penan Settlement before arriving at the amazing Clearwater Cave with its raised plank walk that flanks the limestone cliffs. Perhaps opt to swim in the crystal-clear waters! After a picnic lunch, return to the resort. Relax this afternoon at the resort before dinner together
Overnight: Mulu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Friday – Coastal Sandakan 

A flight this morning to Sandakan via Kota Kinabalu, upon arrival transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to explore this bustling coastal town that overlooks the Sulu Sea. The population here was once made up of German traders, Dutch and Chinese planters, Arab and Indian traders and pearl divers; until the town was destroyed during WWII. Sandakan’s complicated wartime history is punctuated by the serene Memorial Park, a moving tribute to British and Australian prisoners of war. You can also opt to visit the house of author Agnes Keith, now a quaint museum with a proper English Tea House. Enjoy dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Sandakan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Saturday – Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

A day you’ve all been waiting for! Morning visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where you’ll see Orangutans and learn about extraordinary efforts to rehabilitate these orphaned and injured animals so they can be returned to the wild. After a walk in the tropical forest, on to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to view the world’s smallest bear and learn about conservation efforts to protect them. After lunch, an extraordinary visit to the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in Labuk Bay where over four hundred acres of mangrove forest are preserved for the resident monkeys. Walking on the boardwalk to the feeding platforms, you’ll be greeted by the spectacle of dozens of Proboscis monkeys sitting in the trees or feeding on the food put out by the guides. View the females with babies clinging to their bellies and huge males galloping across the trees with their yelps permeating the air
Overnight: Sandakan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Sunday – Malaysian Dinner & Show

Late morning flight to Kota Kinabalu. Early lunch either in Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu subject to flight details. Leisure time at the hotel before an evening drive past the night lit landmarks of the city to a popular restaurant. Savor a dinner of Malaysian cuisine along with traditional music and dance. The colorful attire of different ethnic groups and the rhythm and beat of local musical instruments will leave lasting memories of Borneo’s rich cultural diversity
Overnight: Sandakan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Monday – Kinabalu Park, Mount Kinabalu, Mountain Gardens

View the jagged granite peaks of Mount Kinabalu towering over Kinabalu Park, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia, this natural wonder boasts more than 5,000 different plant species and is home to over 90 mammals. The main attraction at the Park is majestic Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia known for its mountain climbing and the world’s highest ‘iron road.” Take a short trek through the rainforest before lunch. Afterward, a visit to the Mountain Garden to see rare and priceless collections of plants and orchids including the famous Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid, one of the rarest orchids in the world. Afternoon is at leisure
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14, Tuesday – Kota Kinabalu, Mari Mari Cultural Village

A morning drive in the lush countryside takes you to the Mari Mari Cultural Village deep in the rainforest to explore the culture and traditions of Sabah’s tribal inhabitants. Winding your way through the jungle village, glimpse Malaysian history as you watch tribal dances, learn about Borneo’s indigenous groups and participate in cultural demonstrations. This village, an open-air museum, is dotted with various tribal dwellings offering insight into the lifestyle of Borneo’s five main indigenous groups. See how the island’s inhabitants once lived and learn about cultural customs such as fire starting, cooking, and hunting. Enjoy an educational dance show and demonstration and even participate in a few of the rituals and traditions, including bamboo shooting! Snacks will be offered before returning to your hotel for leisure time. At tonight’s Farewell Dinner, share wonderful memories together about your discovery of Borneo and bid a fond goodbye to your newfound friends
Overnight: Kota Kinabalu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15, Wednesday – Depart Borneo

Transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

For a price quote and availability please contact our office. Tour available year round and includes return airfare from Montreal or other gateway cities, plus domestic flights, airport taxes, transfers, accommodations, most meals, the services of an English-speaking tour manager throughout plus sightseeing & entrance fees as per itinerary. OPC Indemnity Fund fee of $1 per $1,000 of travel products sold is additional. Limited space, other conditions and restrictions may apply. Not all travel dates available. Hotels shown may be substituted with similar ones and will be confirmed prior to booking. Limited space due to the small group size. Offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time.

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