Rivers and Rainforests of Borneo
Rivers and Rainforests of Borneo
Rivers and Rainforests of Borneo
12 Days Starting in London, UK and ending in London
Visiting: Kuala Lumpur, Kalimantan, The Jesselton Hotel, Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site, Sabah State Museum, Taman Negara Gunung Kinabalu, Kundasang, Sabah., Mount Kinabalu, Kundasang, Sabah Tea Resort, Poring Hot Spring, Ranau, Sabah., Kokob Rafflesia Conservation Garden, Sepilok, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sandakan, Sabah.\\, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), Rainforest Discovery Centre, Gomantong Caves, Kinabatangan River, Sandakan, Puu Jih Syh Temple, Kota Kinabalu, Orchid De Villa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBOR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Coach tours (worldwide), Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Malaysian island nation of Borneo offers a unique range of plants and animals in the pristine habitats of its rainforests and rivers. Our tour offers two opportunities to see flowering Rafflesia, a bizarre plant found only in south-east Asia that has no leaves, roots or stems and can weigh up to 10kg. We also come face to face with Orangutan, Borneo’s iconic ‘man of the forest’, and Sun Bears, the smallest and most arboreal of all bears, both endangered species that are the subject of rehabilitation and conservation schemes - there is an opportunity to adopt and support a Sun Bear should you wish. Our journey takes us from the capital Kota Kinabalu in the west to Sandakan in the east, travelling through mountainous terrain with volcanic hot springs, lush rainforests and fertile river systems. Boardwalks and canopy walkways provide easy access to natural habitats and the chance to see a wide range of plants, birds and animals. On the Kinabatangan River we offer no fewer than four river cruises, in the early morning, day time and at night, allowing the opportunity to see a vast range of wildlife. We also see colourful markets and Buddhist temples, giving an insight into the human aspect as well as the wildlife. Our tour ends in style with a couple of nights at a luxurious resort, where you may easily be tempted to extend your stay. In October 2022, our tour is led by Colin Crosbie who was the Head Gardener to Her Majesty The Queen Mother in Windsor prior to taking up the position of Curator at RHS Garden Wisley. His extensive horticultural knowledge and experience coupled with his good humour have established him as one of Brightwater’s most popular guides.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Kalimantan
Accommodation: Overnight Flight
We depart from London on our overnight flight via Kuala Lumpur to Borneo’s capital Kota Kinabalu.
Day 2
Location: The Jesselton Hotel
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jesselton Hotel, Kota Kinabalu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On arrival we are met by our local guide and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after our long flight, before enjoying a seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3
Location: Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site, Sabah State Museum
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jesselton Hotel, Kota Kinabalu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart for a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk that runs through the mangroves of the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, a unique ecosystem where land meets sea. Our local guide will help us identify the many local birds, plants and animals.
Later we explore some of the sights of the capital city, such as the Tun Mustapha (formerly the Sabah Foundation) building, the city Mosque, the Sabah Museum and the local handicraft market, before dinner at a local restaurant on the waterfront.
Day 4
Location: Taman Negara Gunung Kinabalu, Kundasang, Sabah., Mount Kinabalu, Kundasang
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Kinabalu Pine Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin our exploration of the interior in the cooler climate of Mount Kinabalu National Park, home to around 6,000 plants species and 430 bird and mammal species. En route, we will stop at the small town of Tamparuli for a short walk across a hanging bridge to the local square. We continue a further hour or so up the mountain road to the park. Here we will take a walk in the botanical gardens and learn about the vast array of flora found in this lush park, and admire the views of Mt Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak (4095m/13455ft).
On the way back to the hotel we will call in at Kundasang for an opportunity to browse among the street market.
Day 5
Location: Sabah Tea Resort, Poring Hot Spring, Ranau, Sabah., Kokob Rafflesia Conservation Garden
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Kinabalu Pine Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we begin with a visit to Sabah Tea Resort and take a fascinating guided tour of the tea factory and learn how raw tea leaves are processed and packed for export.
We continue Poring Hot Springs where we enjoy a bird’s eye view of the tropical rainforest from the canopy walkway, which is suspended between tress at a height of 40m and offers an excellent opportunity to observe the wildlife which take refuge here from predators on the ground. There will also be an opportunity to bathe in the hot sulphur pools, renowned for their therapeutic properties.
Later we proceed to the Rafflesia Garden, where we hope to see huge specimens of rafflesia in full bloom. This bizarre parasitic plant has no stems, leaves or roots, just an enormous five-petalled flower, the largest recorded specimen of which was 120cm/4ft in diameter. The first British person to see one was Joseph Arnold in an expedition of 1818, and it was named for Stamford Raffles, the leader of the expedition.
Day 6
Location: Sepilok, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sandakan, Sabah.\\
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Sepilok Nature Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we begin our overland journey to Sepilok, where we check into our accommodation on arrival. In the afternoon we enjoy one of the highlights of our tour, a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, timed to coincide with the afternoon feeding session at 15:00. This is a wonderful opportunity to see these gentle, endearing but endangered apes at close quarters, in the centre which was set up in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans. Today around 25 young, orphaned orangutans are housed in the nurseries, in addition to those free in the reserve.
Day 7
Location: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), Rainforest Discovery Centre
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Sepilok Nature Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another highlight today as we visit to the outstanding Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where we have the opportunity to observe these stunning animals at first hand. There are currently 36 bears housed at the centre, which have been rescued from poachers. We will also be offered the opportunity to adopt a bear to ensure the programme’s - and the animal’s - survival (this is entirely discretionary and at your own expense). We will also meet the founder of the Centre, Dr Wong Siew Te, who will give us a 45-minute private presentation on the Sun Bears before taking us on a personal tour around the facility.
After lunch at a local restaurant on the edge of the rainforest we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Aside from the Plant Discovery Walk, which features information about the medicinal and traditional use of herbs and leaves, there is a 347-metre-long and 87-metre-high canopy walkway. Nestled high amongst the rainforest tree line, this provides a great opportunity to spot some of the 250-300 bird species and, if we are lucky, maybe even a wild orangutan.
Day 8
Location: Gomantong Caves, Kinabatangan River
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Bilit Rainforest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our overland journey continues to the intricate limestone system of the Gomantong Caves. A short walk takes us to the two main accessible caves, the Black and the White. Within these caves the ancient tradition of collecting solidified swiftlet saliva for ‘Birds Nest Soup’ is still carried out (the names of the caves refer to the colour of the nests), although under strict licensing and on sustainable terms. The area surrounding the caves is thick rainforest, where, on occasions, wild orangutans can be seen. This area is also home to around two million bats and the lurking, opportunistic bat hawk.
Thereafter, we take a short boat crossing to the Bilit Rainforest Lodge, where we are welcomed with a drink and a short introductory briefing before lunch is served in the Restaurant.
Later in the afternoon we will enjoy the first of our cruises along the Kinabatangan River to discover the wildlife that lives here. This includes the Proboscis Monkey, Hornbills and other rare bird species of Borneo; Gibbons and, if we are lucky, maybe even Pygmy Elephants.
Day 9
Location: Kinabatangan River
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Bilit Rainforest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early alarm call and a light breakfast we depart on an early morning river cruise. This is always a rewarding time of day for spotting wildlife which stirs as soon as the sun rises on the river.
We return to the lodge where a more substantial breakfast is available for those who wish it, followed by a leisurely morning and lunch. We then depart on an afternoon cruise on the river, another chance to spot primates and the other wildlife seen during the day. After dinner it is the turn of the night creatures, the nocturnal wildlife, as we depart on a night safari cruise on the gently flowing river. Remember also to look up at the clear night sky to see if you can identify some of the constellations.
Day 10
Location: Sandakan, Puu Jih Syh Temple, Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we take a boat back to the jetty and continue overland to Sandakan, stopping en route with a visit to the Central Market. Here we will see a wide assortment of exotic produce and fresh seafood while the market is abuzz with different colours, sights and sounds. There will also be a photo opportunity at the unique stilt houses before we continue with a visit to the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, located on a steep hilltop which affords magnificent views over Sandakan Bay and the town centre. We then stop at the nearby English Tea House for more spectacular views of Sandakan and lunch.
In the afternoon we take an internal flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu and transfer to our beach resort hotel.
Day 11
Location: Orchid De Villa
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we visit Orchid De Villa, which has a collection of over 300 species of endemic orchids, and will enjoy a private talk from one of the staff.
We then drive into the highlands for another opportunity to see the unique and remarkable Rafflesia flowers in their natural habitat, accompanied by one of the local Rangers.
Day 12
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Accommodation: Overnight Flight
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have a leisurely day relaxing at our resort hotel before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight via Kula Lumpur back to London.
Day 13
Arrival is due in London this morning, when the group will disperse or make onward connections.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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