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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of Borneo

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Best of Borneo

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Description

If you’re looking for an adventure somewhere spiritual, wild and full of natural beauty, this 20-day trip through Borneo might just be for you. Trek through the steamy jungles of Gunong Mulu National Park, relax on the shores of Turtle Island and see the cheeky orangutans in Sepilok reserve. Meet locals from the small villages that sit in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu and look out for the abundant wildlife on your trails, boat journeys and in the jungles you spend a night or two in. This is Borneo!

Trip Name
Best of Borneo
Last Updated
2024-08-19
Days
20
Capacity
16
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.
  • 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.
  • Climb Mt Kinabalu – the literal pinnacle of all treks in South East Asia – with local guides whose families have trekked the mountain for generations. Witness the sunrise at the peak after a morning hike and spot diverse flora and fauna along the way.
  • Join a local ranger to witness the life cycle of sea turtles, who come ashore on Turtle Island to lay their eggs on the beach. At night, you’ll watch the hatchlings make a dash down the beach on the way to their new life.
  • Cruise down the Kinabatangan River and search for wildlife in this rich and unique jungle ecosystem – if you’re lucky, you may even spot wild pygmy elephants!

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MT KINABALU ALTERNATIVE If you do not wish to climb Mt Kinabalu you can opt to stay the night at the base of the mountain in dormitory accommodation and meet the group the following day when they descend. Please ensure you advise your sales agent at time of booking if you wish to opt out of the climb. Please note due to limited availability there may be an additional charge to book this alternative accommodation. The additional charge will be confirmed to you upon your booking request being confirmed and will be collected locally by your leader on day one. Please note any additional activities you choose to do during this time will be at your own expense and can be organised locally, Some include: 1. Guide hire - approx 100MYR - You can hire a guide and walk some of the many trails located at the base of the mountain. 2. Sabah Tea Plantation - approx 80MYR - Visit a tea plantation (approx 60 mins drive), cost only included transfers to and from the plantation www.sabahtea.net 3. Mt Kinabalu Garden - approx 15MYR entry fee - Free guided tour of the gardens 4. War Memorials - approx 40MYR - visit the surrounding war memorials, cost only includes transport. 5. Walai Tokou Homestay Day Trip Package (Min 2 pax) – approx. 260MYR per pax. Includes a cooking class with lunch, an opportunity to engage in local crafts, and transfer to the park base. 6. Poring Hot Spring – approx 50MYR entry fee – Tour leader can assist to arrange transport on the ground. PASSPORT DETAILS Please provide passport details at the time of booking. If we have not received these details at least a 45 days before the departure date of your tour, there is a risk the internal flight (if included on your tour) cannot be booked, and we will not be able to request permits to climb Mt Kinabalu.

Day 1 - Kuching
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.
Day 2 - Bako National Park - Kuching
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.
Day 3 - Kuching
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.
Day 4 - Gunung Mulu National Park
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. Later, there’s the chance to take an optional night walk to search for some weird and wonderful insects and reptiles.
Day 5 - Gunung Mulu National Park
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.
Day 6 - Gunung Mulu National Park
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.
Day 7 - Headhunters Trail - Limbang
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.
Day 8 - Labuan Island
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, chilling out with a cold drink and a good book. Maybe head to Layang Layang Beach for a swim and get together for a sunset cocktail by the end of the day.
Day 9 - Kota Kinabalu
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.
Day 10 - Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast today you have a free day in Kota Kinabalu, until your second group meeting at 6 pm tonight. Maybe immerse yourself in the history of the city at the Sabah State Museum or visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village. You could also explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu – excellent for swimming and snorkelling. There are plenty of ferries heading out each day and every island has a different vibe, many with small hikes, restaurants and resorts. Tonight, perhaps head out with your group for dinner to get to know anyone new joining the crew.
Day 11 - Dusun Village
Travel by minivan to a Dusun village that sits in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea – and enjoy a welcome lunch in your homestay with your host before visiting a local vegetable farm. Learn about planting and harvesting seasonal produce and then take some of these fresh vegetables home for dinner – a proper farm-to-table experience. After, head out to the local village for a special cultural performance.
Day 12 - Dunsun Village
Start your day by walking to the local vegetable market in Kundasang with your leader. Located in the heart of the community, this market showcases an array of freshly harvested produce, from locally grown vegetables to unique regional seasonal fruits like tarap and rambutan. You'll also find local snacks, wild honey and traditional Borneo crafts. Take the opportunity to chat with vendors to learn about the local produce and how it’s used in traditional Sabah cuisine. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure – perhaps visit Poring Hot Springs to relax in the open-air baths before heading back to your homestay.
Day 13 - Kinabalu National Park
Eat a good breakfast this morning and say goodbye to your friends in the village as it’s time to drive to Timpohon Gate to begin your trek up Mt Kinabalu. It’s no small feat – prepare for an uphill trail made of steep steps that vary considerably in size – but along the way you can take in the remarkable variety of plant life, including about 1000 species of orchid and the carnivorous pitcher plant (yes, really). After covering 6 km (approximately 4 to 6 hours), spend the night at a rest house near Laban Rata, located at 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level. Rest up for the final ascent early tomorrow morning.
Day 14 - Mt Kinabalu National Park
Rise at around 2 am this morning to continue your trek – it’s tough, but the sunrise at the summit will be well worth it. At the top, take in the jungles of Borneo in one direction and the South China Sea in the other. After a well-deserved rest and plenty of pictures, return to Laban Rata for breakfast. Then, get started on the descent which can take between 3 - 6 hours. This evening, enjoy your overnight stay within Kinabalu National Park.
Day 15 - Kinabatangan River
Journey by private bus into the steamy rainforest to Bilit – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River – and then take a short boat ride to the comfortable jungle lodge where you’ll spend the night. Located on the riverbanks, the lodge is a brilliant place to spot wildlife. For an even better place, head out on a sunset boat ride and look out for macaques, orangutan, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. End your day by searching for nocturnal wildlife like civets, owls and the rare slow loris on a night walk.
Day 16 - Kinabatangan River
Embark on another boat safari early this morning – different species come out at different times, so keep your eyes peeled! After breakfast, join the in-house guide for an insightful journey into the historical Kinabatangan community, which thrived long before tourism developed in the area. Explore traditional practices and craftsmanship and actively engage in the crafting of traditional fish traps. This hands-on experience provides a profound understanding of the local culture and heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for their sustainable way of life. Then, head back on the boat for another river excursion in the afternoon.
Day 17 - Sepilok
Say goodbye to your jungle lodge after breakfast and hit the road in a private minivan to a guesthouse located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From the viewing platform, watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view to eat the bananas and milk laid out for them. Observe young orangutans as they learn how to climb a specially constructed jungle gym in a new nursery. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here, rescued sun bears, many of whom have endured years of mistreatment, are given a second chance at life. Learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild. You can also opt to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can roam the treetop walkways while you learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo.
Day 18 - Turtle Island
This morning, transfer to Sandakan to leave your large bags at the hotel and walk with your overnight bag to a nearby jetty. Travel by speedboat, past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, to Turtle Island Marine Park. In the afternoon, there will be some time for swimming, snorkelling or lazing about on the beach. Snorkelling gear is available for hire. In the evening, you’ll join an expert local ranger and a select group of visitors to watch giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight. Watch the rangers as they release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. This is a moving experience that could inspire you to join the turtle nest adoption program, with a certificate of adoption and updates on the development of your nest.
Day 19 - Sandakan
After breakfast, return to the mainland and walk back to your hotel. Today is free to explore Sandakan as you wish – perhaps you’ll call into Agnes Keith House, the restored home of an American writer best known for her accounts of life in Borneo during WW1. Or you could visit Sandakan War Memorial, built on the site of a Japanese Prisoners of War camp. Learn about the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, when 2400 prisoners of war were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo and only six survived. Another great option is St Michaels & All Angels Church, a rare stone building in Sabah that managed to avoid major damage in the war.
Day 20 - Sandakan
Your adventure ends after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Borneo - just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-02-202518-03-2025AUD $ 5,265-
06-03-202525-03-2025AUD $ 5,265-
20-03-202508-04-2025AUD $ 5,265-
27-03-202515-04-2025AUD $ 5,265-
03-04-202522-04-2025AUD $ 5,476-
10-04-202529-04-2025AUD $ 5,476-
17-04-202506-05-2025AUD $ 5,476-
24-04-202513-05-2025AUD $ 5,476-
01-05-202520-05-2025AUD $ 5,476-
15-05-202503-06-2025AUD $ 5,476-
22-05-202510-06-2025AUD $ 5,476-
05-06-202524-06-2025AUD $ 5,476-
10-06-202529-06-2025AUD $ 5,476-
12-06-202501-07-2025AUD $ 5,688-
19-06-202508-07-2025AUD $ 5,688-
26-06-202515-07-2025AUD $ 5,688-
03-07-202522-07-2025AUD $ 5,688-
10-07-202529-07-2025AUD $ 5,688-
17-07-202505-08-2025AUD $ 5,688-
24-07-202512-08-2025AUD $ 5,688-
07-08-202526-08-2025AUD $ 5,688-
14-08-202502-09-2025AUD $ 5,688-
21-08-202509-09-2025AUD $ 5,688-
26-08-202514-09-2025AUD $ 5,688-
28-08-202516-09-2025AUD $ 5,688-
04-09-202523-09-2025AUD $ 5,476-
11-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 5,476-
18-09-202507-10-2025AUD $ 5,265-
09-10-202528-10-2025AUD $ 5,265-
16-10-202504-11-2025AUD $ 5,265-
30-10-202518-11-2025AUD $ 5,265-
06-11-202525-11-2025AUD $ 5,265-
20-11-202509-12-2025AUD $ 5,265-
26-02-202617-03-2026AUD $ 6,140-
05-03-202624-03-2026AUD $ 6,390-
12-03-202631-03-2026AUD $ 6,390-
19-03-202607-04-2026AUD $ 6,635-
26-03-202614-04-2026AUD $ 6,635-
02-04-202621-04-2026AUD $ 6,390-
09-04-202628-04-2026AUD $ 6,390-
23-04-202612-05-2026AUD $ 6,140-
30-04-202619-05-2026AUD $ 6,140-
07-05-202626-05-2026AUD $ 6,140-
14-05-202602-06-2026AUD $ 6,140-
21-05-202609-06-2026AUD $ 6,140-
04-06-202623-06-2026AUD $ 6,390-
11-06-202630-06-2026AUD $ 6,390-
16-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 6,390-
18-06-202607-07-2026AUD $ 6,390-
25-06-202614-07-2026AUD $ 6,390-
02-07-202621-07-2026AUD $ 6,635-
09-07-202628-07-2026AUD $ 6,635-
16-07-202604-08-2026AUD $ 6,635-
23-07-202611-08-2026AUD $ 6,635-
30-07-202618-08-2026AUD $ 6,635-
06-08-202625-08-2026AUD $ 6,635-
13-08-202601-09-2026AUD $ 6,635-
20-08-202608-09-2026AUD $ 6,635-
25-08-202613-09-2026AUD $ 6,635-
27-08-202615-09-2026AUD $ 6,635-
03-09-202622-09-2026AUD $ 6,390-
10-09-202629-09-2026AUD $ 6,390-
17-09-202606-10-2026AUD $ 6,390-
24-09-202613-10-2026AUD $ 6,390-
08-10-202627-10-2026AUD $ 6,140-
15-10-202603-11-2026AUD $ 6,140-
29-10-202617-11-2026AUD $ 6,140-
05-11-202624-11-2026AUD $ 6,140-
19-11-202608-12-2026AUD $ 6,140-

Accommodation

Cabin (multishare) (2 nights),Dormitory (1 night),Hotel (7 nights),Resort (1 night),Chalet (1 night),Resort (1 nights),Homestay (2 night),Hostel (2 nights),Jungle Lodge (2 nights)

Transport

4x4,Ferry,Longtail boat,Plane,Taxi,Mini van,Private mini van,River Boat

Map

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