Wild Sarawak
Wild Sarawak
Wild Sarawak
10 Days Starting in Kuching and ending in Kota Kinabalu
Visiting: Kuching, Bako National Park - Kuching, Mulu National Park, Headhunters Trail - Limbang, Labuan Island, Kota Kinabalu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TMSW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
High, High
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2085
$1723 (USD)
Operator discount: -$313
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$49
-17%
Tour Overview
Wild, tropical and remote – think of Borneo as South East Asia's answer to the Amazon. This 10-day tour is full of active adventure set in natural paradise. See orangutans swinging through the rainforest treetops at a sanctuary in Semenggoh and venture into the vast Mulu cave systems. Follow the Headhunters' Trail through dense jungle in Sarawak, wander along Kuching's riverside promenade and relax on golden-sand beaches on Labuan Island.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kuching
Location: Kuching
Accommodation: Hotel
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Kuching, meaning 'cat' in Malay, is arguably the most pleasant city in Malaysian Borneo. It was home to the infamous White Raja 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, which you can find details about at the hotel’s reception. In any free time before the meeting, check out this cosmopolitan city rich in architecture, where the waterfront houses a wealth of curious shops and local vegetable, spice and fish markets. This city of skyscrapers sitting near lush green jungle is easily walked around, so maybe relish the mellow vibe and head out with your new travel companions to try some local dishes like Sarawak Laksa and Kolok mee.
Day 2: Bako National Park - Kuching
Location: Bako National Park - Kuching
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Hop in a private van to the fishing village of Kampung Bako (approximately 1 hour), then a local boat up the coast to Bako National Park (approximately 20 minutes). Bako is the oldest national park in Sarawak and features rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, interesting plant life, secluded beaches and trekking trails. Millions of years of erosion formed a coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands and stretches of white, sandy bays. Waves have carved the cliffs into fantastically shaped sea arches and sea-stacks, with coloured patterns formed by iron deposits. Weather permitting, you’ll take a leader-led walk through one of the jungle trails where you will witness different kinds of vegetation or may spot wildlife like proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkey and the elusive Bornean bearded pigs if you are lucky. It can be a hot, but always rewarding hike. Return to Kuching in the late afternoon and spend the evening in a hotel.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Kuching
Location: Kuching
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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 via a walkway, where from a viewing platform you can watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view and eat the supplementary diet of bananas and milk that is laid out for them twice a day. Take some time to savour the special moments in these animals’ company. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential that you follow your leader's instructions. Afterwards, return to Kuching and the hotel, where you can freshen up from the heat. This evening perhaps 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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Mulu National Park
Location: Mulu National Park
Accommodation: Cabin (multishare)
Meals Included: breaksfast
Fly to Mulu, sending your large bag on to Limbang and packing a day bag with the essentials for the next four days. When you arrive in Mulu, head into the heart of one of the most spectacular national parks in Asia – Gunung Mulu National Park. Transfer the short distance to Mulu HQ (2 kilometres) where you’ll stay for the next 2 nights. Your leader will go through some of the options for your free time here. You can take to the some of the self-guided trails around the park, or to the treetops on the world’s longest tree based canopy walkway. Or maybe simply kick back with a book and enjoy the sounds of the nearby jungle. Later there is the chance of an optional night walk to search for some weird and wonderful insects and reptiles. Tonight you’ll stay in the park headquarters, which has its own restaurant and Information Centre. Accommodation is multishare rooms with private bathroom.
Day 5: Mulu National Park
Location: Mulu National Park
Accommodation: Cabin (multishare)
Meals Included: breaksfast
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. The World Heritage-listed park has absolutely spectacular limestone geology, with enormous caves, vast cave networks, rock pinnacles, cliffs and gorges. In fact, its system of caves is the largest known in the world, 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 in the world, 2.2 kilometres long and 220 metres 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 running off the heaps of guano. The guano comes from the millions of bats who call the cave home, and at dusk there’s a mass exodus as they emerge for their nightly feeding, like a seemingly endless black plume of smoke twisting across the sky. In nearby Lang cave you can appreciate the work that the water does on the limestone, sculpting waves on the ceiling, drawing stalagmites, columns and stalactites.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Mulu National Park
Location: Mulu National Park
Accommodation: Dormitory
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Leave Park HQ behind and head into the jungle. Take boats for around 30 minutes upriver to the amazing Clearwater and Wind caves, which contain Asia’s longest underwater river. The Clearwater cave system runs for more than 200 kilometres, over 100 of which have been explored. The system gets its name from the bright jungle pool at the base of the steps that lead up to the cave mouth. Wind Cave draws a cooling breeze through its lengths and features some of Gunung Mulu’s best cave formations, while Clearwater is covered in a species of bright green plant that is unique to the park and offers a real opportunity to see the water at work on the rock. Afterwards, take a longboat downriver before disembarking to hike through undisturbed jungle to Camp 5, nestled at the end of Melinau Gorge (approximately 9 kilometres). During dry season, the boats may need to be pushed over certain sections of the river, so it is advisable to wear strap on sandals or shoes that can get wet. At Camp 5 you will sleep in these wonderful surrounds, on mats on raised open-air platforms in a mixed gender dormitory, with shared bathroom facilities and cold water showers. Bedding is not provided so bring your own sleeping sheet and a warm layer for cool nights. Mosquito nets are available to rent for a small charge. Please be aware that at certain times of the year there can be many bees around Camp 5.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Headhunters Trail - Limbang
Location: Headhunters Trail - Limbang
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Today you’ll tackle the infamous Headhunters' Trail. Located in an isolated area of the Bornean jungle, this 12-kilometre (approximately 5-hour) trail takes its name from its historical role as the route taken by warring parties between the Tutoh and Limbang rivers. The trek is through dense jungle along a well-defined, mainly flat track, although the way can be muddy during the rainy season. You'll also have to cross some streams by rope bridges, wooden walkways, logs or by getting your feet wet as you wade through. You’ll be surrounded by stunningly diverse flora, massive bird-filled trees, and the magical sounds of the forest – a hornbill flapping its wings, the cries of monkeys, and the pulse of cicadas and crickets. Then you’ll take a boat from Kuala Terikan to Kuala Mendalam, a journey of around 4 hours. Depending on how much rainfall there’s been, you may be required to help push the boat over shallow parts of the river and there will be a stop at a ranger station for lunch along the way. It’s a long, challenging and rewarding day. Travel on to Limbang by private vehicle (approximately 1.5 – 2 hrs), where you can freshen up and enjoy a good night's rest after two long days of trekking.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Labuan Island
Location: Labuan Island
Accommodation: Resort
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning take a short walk to the ferry terminal for an 8AM ferry to Labuan Island (approx. 2-2.5 hours). On arrival 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Enjoy some more free time on the island before catching a ferry and express bus to Kota Kinabalu (approx. 3-4 hours), the capital of Sabah and a modern metropolis that rebounded from multiple bombings during WWII.
Tonight, perhaps head out for a final meal with your group to celebrate your Borneo adventure – the night market is filled with fresh grilled seafood.
Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Meals Included: breaksfast
Aside from breakfast, there are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you wish to spend more time in Kota Kinabalu, your tour leader can also advise on how to best spend your time here.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Labuan Island - Labuan Historical Tour
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Bako National Park
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Mulu National Park - Deer & Lang Caves
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Kuching - Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary
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Mulu National Park
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Mulu National Park - Wind & Clearwater Caves
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Mulu National Park - Picnic Lunch
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Mulu National Park - Local Dinner
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Mulu National Park - Longboat ride along the Melinau & Terikan Rivers
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Mulu National Park - Guided trek along Headhunters' Trails
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- 4x4 , Ferry , Longtail boat , Plane , Taxi , Mini van
Accommodation
- Cabin (multishare) (2 nights), Dormitory (1 night), Hotel (5 nights), Resort (1 night)
Included Activities
- Bako National Park
- Kuching - Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary
- Mulu National Park
- Mulu National Park - Deer & Lang Caves
- Mulu National Park - Wind & Clearwater Caves
- Mulu National Park - Guided trek along Headhunters' Trails
- Mulu National Park - Longboat ride along the Melinau & Terikan Rivers
- Labuan Island - Labuan Historical Tour
Important Information
- 1. Please provide passport details at time of booking, as these are essential for booking services on this trip.
- 2. Strict luggage limits apply. See the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
- 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 4, 5 & 6 (Mulu National Park) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
It’s best to pack light for this trip. There is a strict 20kg (checked in baggage) and 7kg (hand luggage) maximum luggage limit on the included internal flights. Excess luggage will incur extra fees to the traveller.
A small to medium size day backpack is required for the time in Mulu NP and on the Headhunters Trail. Your main pack will be forwarded on, so there will be days when you don’t have access to it. Pack light and smart.
When staying in the National Park, accommodation is multishare and can be basic. The unqiue atmosphere and wonderful location more than make up for this though.
This trip includes a number of wonderful long walks through forest and jungle, especially the 12 kilometre Headhunters’ Trail, so a good level of fitness is required. -
Are internal flights included in this tour?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
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