17D16N Sabah & Sarawak Adventure with Tabin, Danum Valley, Bako, Mulu Caves, and Irrawaddy Dolphins


TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABK-DS31
DESCRIPTION: 17D16N SABAH & SARAWAK ADVENTURE WITH TABIN, DANUM VALLEY, BAKO, MULU CAVES, AND IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS
REGION: Sabah/Sarawak
DURATION: 17 Days 16 Nights
MINIMUM: 2 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Everyday
PICK UP POINT: Kuching Airport/Kuching City Hotel
PICK UP TIME: Depends on Your Flight Arrival Time (Preferably Before 15:00 Hrs)
DROP OFF POINT: Kota Kinabalu International Airport
DROP OFF TIME: Depends on Your Flight Departure Time
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Discover a range of wildlife species, including Irrawaddy Dolphins, Proboscis Monkeys, and Orangutan at Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Danum Valley, and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
  • Delve into the traditions of Borneo’s indigenous communities at the Sarawak Cultural Village and traditional Bidayuh longhouses
  • Navigate lush mangrove swamps and dense rainforests, encountering waterfalls and mud volcanoes along the way
  • Experience the awe-inspiring Mulu Caves, known for its ancient limestone formations and the spectacular sight of a bat exodus
  • Engage in thrilling activities such as kayaking, canopy walks, and treks through stunning nature destinations like Bako National Park and Borneo Rainforest Lodge, enjoying scenic views and refreshing natural pools

OVERVIEW OF TOUR

Explore the rich landscapes and diverse cultures of Sabah and Sarawak on this extensive tour that takes you through some of Borneo's most celebrated natural and cultural landmarks. Venture through the lush rainforests of Tabin Wildlife Reserve and Danum Valley, where you'll encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins and iconic Proboscis monkeys. Experience the coastal beauty of Bako National Park and delve into the authentic cultural tapestry at the Sarawak Cultural Village and traditional Bidayuh longhouses, which provide a deep dive into the local ways of life. 

This tour is a comprehensive exploration of Sabah and Sarawak, designed for those eager to immerse themselves in the ecological and cultural splendours of Borneo. From the orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to the ancient limestone caverns of the Mulu Caves, each destination offers unique encounters and breathtaking sights. Engage in activities like scenic hikes, kayaking, and canopy walks, all facilitated by expert guides to ensure a safe and enriching experience. Stay in comfortable accommodations and enjoy the local cuisine as you traverse the heart of Borneo, making lasting connections with its natural wonders and vibrant communities. 

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival / Kuching City Tour

Begin your Kuching adventure with a warm welcome at the airport and a guided historical tour of the city. 

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the river for unique views of Kuching’s architectural highlights. 

Dine on local cuisine at a riverside restaurant before retreating to your hotel for the night. 

Meals : Dinner Accommodation : The Waterfront Kuching Hotel or similar

Day 2 - Kuching Wetland Irrawaddy Dolphin Wildlife Mangrove Cruise / Sarawak Cultural Village

Start with a thrilling mangrove cruise, keeping an eye out for the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin and other wildlife like the proboscis monkey. 

After lunch, explore the diverse cultures of Sarawak at the Sarawak Cultural Village, featuring traditional homes and a captivating dance performance. 

Return to your hotel to unwind. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch Accommodation : The Waterfront Kuching Hotel or similar

Day 3 - Bako National Park

Continue your exploration with a trip to Bako National Park, starting with a drive to Bako Fishing Village followed by a refreshing boat ride along the coast. 

Register at the park and start your trek through the mangrove forests, watching for wildlife like mud skippers and Proboscis Monkeys. 

Return to your hotel after an enriching day in nature. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch Accommodation : The Waterfront Kuching Hotel or similar

Day 4 - Semenggoh Wildlife Centre / Annah Rais Longhouse / Ethnic Lunch / Hotsprings

After breakfast, visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to see orangutans at feeding time. 

Visit the Annah Rais Longhouse to learn about Bidayuh culture, enjoy a traditional lunch, and relax at the natural hot springs or waterfalls. 

Spend the evening back at your hotel.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch Accommodation : The Waterfront Kuching Hotel or similar

Day 5 - Kuching International Airport / Mulu National Park / Deer Cave / Lang’s Cave / Bat Exodus

Depart Kuching for Mulu, checking into Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa upon arrival. 

Enjoy lunch at the park cafe, then join a guided tour to Deer Cave and Lang's Cave. 

On your way back from the caves, stop at the Bat Observatory to witness millions of bats emerge from the caves at dusk in search of food. 

Dinner and overnight at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 6 - Batu Bungan – Penan Settlement Handicraft Market / Wind Cave / Clearwater Cave

Embark on a longboat journey to explore local Penan culture and the markets at Batu Bungan. 

Visit Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave, with a chance to relax at the Clearwater pool. 

Enjoy a picnic lunch and return to your lodge for dinner.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 7 - Canopy Walk Exploration / Mulu Rainforest Kayaking

Participate in a canopy walk at Mulu Park HQ, experiencing the forest from above. Guests are expected to register for the canopy walk on their own and should plan to arrive at the Park HQ for registration 15 minutes before their chosen time slot. (Time slots for the canopy walk: 0700 hrs, 0830 hrs, 1000 hrs, 1030 hrs, and 1230 hrs.) 

After the canopy walk, enjoy lunch and the afternoon at your leisure. 

Join an optional kayaking session in the late afternoon (1530hrs), weather permitting.  Kindly arrive at the Park HQ 15 minutes earlier for registration. 

Meals : Breakfast / Dinner Accommodation : Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 8 - Mulu Airport / Kota Kinabalu / Sutera Harbour Resort / Free & Easy

Spend a leisurely morning before checking out of Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. 

Transfer to Mulu Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, where you’ll be driven to Sutera Harbour Resort. 

Explore the city nightlife or relax at the hotel. 

Meals : Breakfast Accommodation : The Pacific Sutera Hotel, The Magellan Sutera Resort, or similar

Day 9 - Free & Easy / North Borneo Cruises – Sunset Dinner Cruise

Enjoy free time in the daytime – the day is yours to spend at your leisure. 

As evening descends, embark on a Sunset Dinner Cruise with North Borneo Cruises, enjoying live music and a buffet dinner set against the backdrop of Kota Kinabalu’s iconic sunset. 

Return to the hotel to rest or explore more of the city’s nightlife.

Meals : Breakfast / Light-lunch / Dinner

Day 10 - Kota Kinabalu International Airport / Sandakan / Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre / Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre / Sukau Rainforest Lodge

After breakfast, it is time to check out and make your way to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your 45-minute flight to Sandakan. 

Upon arrival in Sandakan, make your way to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to witness these stunning creatures up close and learn about the conservation efforts being carried out to protect these endangered species. 

Travel 2 hours to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, an award-winning eco-lodge situated on the banks of the majestic Kinabatangan River, the second longest river in Malaysia and a prime location for wildlife observation. 

Once you have checked in and settled in, enjoy an afternoon river cruise where you may have opportunities to spot Proboscis Monkeys, Pygmy Elephants, Hornbills, and more. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Day 11 - Kinabatangan River / Hornbill Boardwalk / Orangutan Talk / River Cruise

Start your day right with an early morning river excursion, cruising along Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake where varying bird and wildlife species can be seen. 

After breakfast, you will be taken on an educational tour along the Hornbill Boardwalk of the lodge to learn about the local ecosystem. 

After lunch, participate in the in-house Orangutan Talk to learn more about one of Borneo’s most intriguing species. 

Embark on a river cruise in the afternoon for more opportunities to spot wildlife. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Day 12 - Sandakan / Rainforest Discovery Centre / Overnight in Sandakan

After breakfast, it is time to check out and return to Sandakan. 

Upon arrival in Sandakan, make your way to Rainforest Discovery Centre, an educational centre where you can explore the surrounding Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve on guided walks and explorations of the 620-metre-long skywalk. 

Rainforest Discovery Centre was recognised internationally as an Important Bird Area and is a popular stop in many birding tours. 

Check-in to your Sandakan accommodation and rest. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Sepilok Nature Lodge, Sepilok Forest Edge Resort, Sabah Hotel Or Similar

Day 13 - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

After breakfast, you will be spending most of your day at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, a 400-acre-sized site that was originally meant to be developed into an oil palm estate. When the owners discovered Proboscis Monkeys inhabiting the area, the idea for a sanctuary was born. Today, about 150 Proboscis Monkeys reside freely within Labuk Bay. 

At the observation platforms, you will be able to witness this unique species as they descend at feeding times and interact with one another. 

Other wildlife species you may encounter on your visit include Silvered Leaf Monkeys and Oriental Pied Hornbills. 

Overnight in Sandakan. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Sepilok Nature Lodge, Sepilok Forest Edge Resort, Sabah Hotel Or Similar

Day 14 - Borneo Rainforest Lodge / Nature Trails / Treetop Canopy Walk / Night Drive

After breakfast, check out and transfer 4.5 hours to Danum Valley Conservation Area, a 130-million-year-old primary rainforest considered the wildlife wonderland of Borneo. 

Check-in at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, another award-winning eco-lodge, this time located deep within one of the largest and best-preserved lowland rainforests in Southeast Asia. 

After settling in, take an introductory walk through one of the nearby nature trails and walk across the lodge’s tree-top Canopy Walkway, 300 metres long and 26 metres high above the ground. 

After dinner at the lodge, venture out on a night safari drive to observe the nocturnal world come alive in the dark. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Day 15 - Jungle Trek / Kadazandusun Burial Site – Coffin Cliff / Jacuzzi Pool / Danum River Tubing / Night Walk

Start your day with some breakfast before venturing out on a morning trek to Coffin Cliff – a Kadazandusun burial site – and View Point, an observation point that offers bird’s eye views of the surrounding rainforest. 

After lunch at the lodge, you may choose to go for another trek or opt for tubing down Danum River. 

After dinner, your guide will take you on a night walk where you may see nocturnal animals like civets, moonrats, and more. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Day 16 - Lahad Datu Airport / Kota Kinabalu / Free & Easy

Enjoy breakfast and the rest of the morning at your leisure. 

After lunch, it is time to check out and transfer 2 hours to Lahad Datu. 

Make your way to Lahad Datu Airport to catch your flight to Kota Kinabalu. 

Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, transfer to your Kota Kinabalu hotel for check-in and rest. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch Accommodation : Hyatt Centric (or similar 5-star hotel)

Day 17 - Departure

Check out and transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport – your tour ends here. 

Meals : Breakfast

Meals 16 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches & 11 Dinners
Accommodation
  • 4-Night Stay at The Waterfront Kuching Hotel or similar 
  • 3-Night Stay at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa 
  • 2-Night Stay at The Pacific Sutera Hotel, The Magellan Sutera Resort, or similar 
  • 2-Night Stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge 
  • 2-Night Stay at Sepilok Nature Lodge, Sepilok Forest Edge Resort, Sabah Hotel, or similar 
  • 2-Night Stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge (Jungle Chalet / Deluxe Chalet / Premium Deluxe) 
  • 1-Night Stay at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu or similar
Include 16 Nights Accommodation, Meals As Stated, Entrances Fees As Per Itinerary, Airport/Tour Return Transfers (Seat-In Basis), Hotel Return Transfers (Seat-In Basis), Scheduled Boat Transfers (Seat-In Basis), Overland Transfers, Conservation & Permit Fees, Kinabatangan River Cruises, Guided Jungle Treks, 4-Way Economy Seat Flight Ticket with 20KG Luggage Allowance (KCH > MZV, MZV > BKI, BKI > SDK, LDU > BKI), English-Speaking Guide and Support Team 
Exclude Airfares Not Mentioned, Camera and Video Fees, Personal Expenses, Alcoholic Drinks, Juices, Personal Travel Insurance, Peak Season Surcharge (If Any), Tourism Tax (TTx), 8% SST (If Applicable), Guide Tips (Optional), Any Items Not Mentioned
  • Outdoor attire (breathable, quick-dry material in earthy tones) 
  • Personal first aid kit, toiletries, and medications 
  • Binoculars 
  • Swimwear 
  • Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag content dry) 
  • Head lamp / flashlight 
  • Leech socks  
  • Sneakers / slippers / sandals 
  • Good trekking shoes 
  • Insect repellent  
  • Cap / hat 
  • Raincoat 
  • Comfortable attire (enough for 17 days) 
  • Standard check-in and check-out times for most hotels & resorts are 14:00 Hrs & 12:00 Hrs. However, check-in & check-out times may vary depending on each accommodation. Please kindly check with us to obtain accurate check-in & check-out times for your accommodation.  
  • At Sukau Rainforest Lodge, you can upgrade your room from a Deluxe Villa to a Borneo Villa for an additional cost. Consult with your tour consultant on pricing. 
  • Effective as of 1st September 2017, the Tourism and Culture Ministry of Malaysia implemented a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTx). Foreign tourists will be required to pay a flat rate of MYR 10 per room per night regardless of accommodation star level. The TTx is to be paid upon check-in. Malaysians or permanent residents residing in Malaysia are exempted from TTx and is required to present a valid identification upon check-in for the exemption. 
  • Some parts of your tour may involve moderate physical activity. Comfortable footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. 
  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife. Avoid littering and follow the “leave no trace” principle by not disturbing the surrounding flora and fauna. 
  • If you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, kindly inform the tour operator in advance so that suitable arrangements can be made. 
  • This package is based on join-in basis of shared guide and transport vehicle. Private Guide or Tour is available upon request at a reasonable fee. Please inform us when making the bookings.  
  • Tipping is like giving a hug. Although it’s never expected, it’s always very much appreciated. 
  • Amazing Borneo Tours reserves the right to alter routes, timetables, itineraries and accommodation reserved should conditions beyond our control render it necessary. 
  • Departure time is approximate and varies from different hotels due to traffic conditions, please reconfirm with our staffs. Should the transport be delayed, please call the relevant telephone number as stated on the voucher before making alternative arrangements. 
  • Amazing Borneo Tours does not guarantee wildlife sightings. 
  • Activities are subject to weather conditions and may be re-organised to best meet operational situations.