Borneo Encompassed - Malaysia

Few travel opportunities are as rare or special as the one to really get out there and explore the must-be-seen-to-be-believed nature and wildlife of the island of Borneo. Start at its heights by summiting UNESCO-designated Mt Kinabalu before descending into the mind-blowing caves of Gunung Mulu National Park. Throw in some unconventional cultural moments like drifting along the water by long boat and overnighting in an Iban longhouse of the Malay people and you've got 16 days of adventure that'll remain with you forever.

Day 1 Kota Kinabalu
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Kota Kinabalu/Mount Kinabalu
Travel to Mt Kinabalu. Opt to hike the nature trails, or enjoy an excursion to Poring hot springs and a canopy walk with some free time.

Day 3 Mount Kinabalu
Head off to conquer Mt Kinabalu. During the first day's climb to Laban Rata, enjoy a packed lunch on the way. The hike can take from 5-7 hrs. Indulge in a buffet-style dinner then rest up for an early start to summit the mountain in the morning.

Day 4 Mount Kinabalu/Kota Kinabalu
Summit Mt Kinabalu (3-5hrs) and arrive in time for sunrise. Return to Laban Rata for a rest and to the park headquarters for lunch. Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.

Day 5 Kota Kinabalu/Beaufort
After breakfast enjoy the seaside drive to Beaufort, a small colonial town of palm-oil plantations, white-water rapids, and interesting looking monkeys. Spot an array of wildlife from a river cruise on the Klias River.

Day 6 Beaufort
Catch the local train to Tenom and explore the scenic town. Visit the Murut Cultural Centre before returning to Beaufort by road. If you prefer, jump off the train early and opt out of the visit to Tenom to instead get your adrenaline pumping on a rafting tour.

Day 7 Beaufort to Mulu National Park
Depart to Menumbok port and take a private speedboat to Labuan. Fly to Miri and make your way to Mulu National Park. Opt for a night walk on the boardwalks surrounding park headquarters.

Day 8 Mulu National Park
Depart on an easy walk along the river to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. After a lunch stop, swim in the crystal clear waters emerging from the mountain. Opt to stop at Iban village's morning market to browse handicrafts by the Pena tribe, descendants from headhunters. Walk on the boardwalk to Lang Cave and Deer Cave before relaxing with a drink at the viewing area for the nightly emergence of 3 million bats.

Day 9 Mulu National Park to Pulau Sepangar
Before breakfast, opt to go on a two hour morning mist guided tour in Mulu NP on the worlds longest tree based canopy walk. Enjoy some free time before boarding a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, take a boat to the secluded Sepanggar Island covered in a lush tropical rainforest with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Stay the night in a lodge nestled on a hill hidden in the trees. Enjoy the spectacular view of the sea, the stars, and the Kota Kinabalu city lights from your balcony.

Day 10 Pulau Sepangar/Kota Kinabalu
Enjoy a relaxing morning on Sepanggar paradise island. Snorkel through the crystal clear water and follow the tropical fish to the colourful reefs. Opt to get a massage or try stand-up paddle boarding. If you are looking to pump some adrenaline try parasailing or jet skiing. Head back to the mainland in the afternoon and spend the evening in Kota Kinabalu as you please.

Day 11 Kota Kinabalu/Kuching
Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching. Enjoy some free time in the evening.

Day 12 Kuching/Bako National Park
Depart Kuching in the morning, passing through mangrove forest before arriving at Bako village. Continue along the coast by motorized boat to reach Bako National Park. Hike through the park and experience amazing plant and wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for the proboscis monkey. Return to Kuching in the evening.

Day 13 Kuching/Batang Ai
Drive through the scenic countryside, passing plantations, rivers, rainforest to reach the Batang Ai jetty, stopping en route to visit a trading town and a local farmhouse. From the jetty transfer via boat to a local Iban longhouse and enjoy a stay with this welcoming community while learning more about their culture.

Day 14 Batang Ai
Witness a blowpipe demonstration before setting off by longboat for a trip across the lake. Disembark and enjoy a hike through the forest and a local lunch at a scenic locale. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the water before heading to our hotel for the night.

Day 15 Batang Ai/Kuching
Return to the jetty by boat and continue overland to Kuching, stopping en route to visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and with some luck spot a wild orangutan passing through.

Day 16 Kuching
Depart at any time.