 The Island of Borneo is the world’s 3rd largest island, yet it remains veiled in mystery to the American traveler. Cannibals, rainforests and the “wild man of Borneo” are often the only images we have of this fascinating destination. Actually Borneo is home to much more than indigenous tribes and orangutans. Our two week expedition includes Kuala Lumpur, home to the world's tallest building. In the state of Sabah, we explore the unique flora for which Borneo is famous on a trip to Mount Kinabalu. The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is is home to a community of orangutans. We tour the facility and learn about the rehabilitation process and watch the feeding of the orangutan. From Kuching, we travel to Batang to Iban country where we overnight in a modern “longhouse” and participate in the culture of the tribe. Sightseeing of Kuching straight out of the British Raj era completes this adventure. In Baku National Park, we have the chance to see the proboscis monkey and colorful hornbill. |
Day 1 USA - KUALA LUMPUR
Depart the USA on a regularly scheduled flight to Kuala Lumpur.
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Day 2 KUALA LUMPUR
Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, transfer to the JW Marriott Hotel for a.two night stay
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Day 3 KUALA LUMPUR
Following breakfast, depart for a morning tour of Kuala Lumpur, locally known as KL. Drive through quaint Chinatown, view the King’s Palace and make a brief stop at Thean Hou Temple. Visit the National Monument, National Mosque and view the splendid Moorish architecture of the Railway Station and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Pass by ‘Dataran Merdeka’ and the Royal Selangor Club. Lastly, visit the KL Tower known as “Menara Kuala Lumpur”. It is the 4th highest telecommunication tower in the world at 421 meters, after those at Canada, Russia and China. From the observation platform at the top, you will be able to catch a bird’s eye view of Kuala Lumpur City and the surroundings. Overnight in Kuala Lumpur. |
Day 4 - KUALA LUMPUR - KOTA KINABALU
After breakfast, fly to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival transfer to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort for a two night stay. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beach or pool or one of the many activities available at the resort.
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Day 5 KOTA KINABALU - MOUNT KINABALU
Breakfast at the hotel. On a full-day tour, we journey to the Kinabalu National Park. Our trip takes us through the beautiful countryside, past oil palm and coconut plantations and into villages of local artisans renowned for their intricate basketry and beadwork. We arrive amid the spectacular mountain scenery of the park, visit the Botanical Garden and hike along the forest trail. Lunch is served, followed by a short drive to Poring with its suspended treetop walkways. Return to your hotel in the evening.
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Day 6 KOTA KINABALU - SANDAKAN
Breakfast served in the hotel. Morning at leisure. Transfer to airport for a short flight to Sandakan. Transfer to the Sepilok Nature Resort. Evening at leisure.
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Day 7 SANDAKAN - KOTA KINABALU
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by boat and bus to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Established in 1964 in response to public wildlife concern, the ultimate goal is to re-introduce orphaned or captured Orangutans back into the wild. Walk in to the rainforest to observe a “feeding” before we enjoy our lunch at the center. Return to Sandakan, and transfer to the airport. Fly to Kota Kinabula, and transfer to Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Hotel for the night. |
Day 8 KOTA KINABALU - KUCHING - BATANG AI
Breakfast served at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and board flight to Kuching. Upon arrival, transfer to The the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse for a two night stay. The 4 hour drive passes through the wonderful Sarawak countryside which is full of scenic rainforest and fields of pepper and rubber. Stop at Serian town to visit an excellent farmers’ market. Remainder of day is at leisure. Dinner is at the resort.
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Day 9 - BATANG AI
This morning take a delightful longboat ride across the lake up river to visit the traditional longhouse of the Iban. A remarkable traditional reception is accorded us in the longhouse with ceremonial dances. A picnic lunch is served by the river. After lunch transfer by longboats to the bus and journey back to Batang Ai arriving mid-afternoon. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner at the longhouse this evening. |
Day 10 -BATANG AI - KUCHING
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart on the return drive to Kuching stopping en route at roadside curiousities and villages. Upon arrival, check in to the Hilton Hotel Kuching for 3 nights. |
Day 11 KUCHING
Breakfast at the hotel. Tour Kuching, known as one of South East Asia’s most pleasant cities. With a leisurely pace, Kuching is a charming green and airy haven of well preserved colonial buildings and gracious modern architecture. We visit such diverse spots as the Old State Mosque, the Main Bazaar, the Kuching Waterfront with the Malay Houses on stilts, the Colonial and Civic Centres, and the Sarawak Museums. Return to your hotel, spending the evening at leisure. |
Day 12 KUCHING - BAKO NATIONAL PARK
Bako National Park offers visitors an amazing array of diverse tropical vegetation and wild-life, including such species as Dipterocarp trees, pitcher plants, mangrove forests and ‘Padang’ or bush type vegetation, silvered leaf monkeys, long tailed macaques, monitor lizards, wild boar, Hornbills and many other types of birds. The star of the park is the bizarre looking Proboscis monkeys, found exclusively in Borneo.Our tour will take you by road to the Bako Fishing Village and by boat to the Park Headquarter. Here we join our guide who will lead us down selected trails where wildlife can be spotted. Lunch in at the canteen in the park. Return to Kuching in the afternoon. This evening we dine together and celebrate the end of a fascinating trip. |
Day 13 KUCHING - KUALA LUMPUR - USA
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for flights to Kuala Lumpur and connections to return flights to the USA. |