Selamat Datang! Welcome to Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak! This charming destination is a fusion of old-world colonial-style architecture, and multi-cultural influences that echo its history as the Land of the White Rajahs. Stroll with your local guide through historical landmarks, and explore narrow streets lined with antique and craft shops. The vibrant waterfront and the sight of sampans navigating the Sarawak River add to Kuching's distinctive character. Meet up with your fellow intrepid travelers for dinner tonight at a popular local restaurant, specializing in authentic dishes such as ayam pansuh, tempoyak, and nasi bario.

Get ready for a wild adventure in Bako National Park today! Start with a short drive to Bako Village, where you’ll join a boat ride into the park. Bako is a nature lover's paradise, its abundant wildlife, hidden beaches, and sparkling waterfalls pack a tropical wallop that will leave you punch-drunk on paradise. Say hello to the region’s friendly proboscis monkeys, and look out for long-tailed macaques, lizards, and a host of bird species. Wander through lush forests, mangroves and tropical swamps, and soak in the picturesque coastline dotted with small bays and coves. Back in Kuching, enjoy some free time to wander the city or opt for a local tour. Cat enthusiasts won't want to miss the quirky Cat Museum! Later, join your group for dinner at a trendy food court where you can sample a world of flavors from an eclectic mix of food vendors.

Your morning begins with a memorable wildlife encounter at Semenggoh Nature Reserve. Meet rescued orangutans and take part in a unique morning feeding session. Next, enjoy a scenic drive to Sri Aman and hop on a shallow-draft longboat on the Batang Lupar River. Cruising along crocodile-inhabited waters, you'll journey past longhouse villages, rice paddies, and local fishermen harvesting tiger prawns. Explore the Iban village of Banting, renowned for its padi farming and historical Anglican church. Get a warm longhouse welcome and stroll through the village, visiting St. Paul’s Church for sweeping views. As the sun sets, swap stories with longhouse residents over a traditional dinner, immersing yourself in the local community’s spontaneous hospitality. Your accommodation tonight is simple but authentic. 

Kickstart your day with a scenic longboat ride back to Lingga, where the vibrant morning market awaits! Soak up the local vibe at a Chinese wooden kopitiam (coffee shop), and learn about Lingga's fascinating history, once governed by two courageous Malay aristocratic women known for their wartime valor. On the return drive to Sri Aman, feast your eyes on stunning riverside views and catch a distant glimpse of Crocodile Island. Then, step back in time with a visit to the historic Fort Alice, which once served as a defense hub and prison, complete with cannons, and a lookout tower. Witness the impressive tidal bore, a natural phenomenon, at certain times of the day. After savoring an authentic local lunch, take a picturesque drive back to Kuching. The evening is yours to explore this lively little metropolis at your own pace!

Jet off to the spectacular World Heritage site of Mulu National Park today, famous for its underground caves and waterfalls. Venture into the jaw-dropping Deer and Lang Caves - some of the world’s biggest and most beautiful. Walk through Deer Cave's ancient riverbed and be amazed by its scalloped walls, carved by a roaring river millenia ago. Listen to the squeaky sounds of 5 million wrinkle-lipped bats prepping for their nightly exodus. Step into the enchanting Lang Cave with a bat expert, where stunning stalagmites and stalactites steal the show. As dusk falls, watch a mesmerizing natural spectacle as up to 5 million bats emerge from the caves in search of dinner. Just a heads-up: sometimes the bats might skip their nightly outing if heavy rain occurs. 

Get ready for another subterranean adventure in Mulu National Park’s stunning caves today! First up, take a boat to Wind Cave to marvel at its stalactites, stalagmites, and illuminated rock corals. Then, climb 200 steps to reach Clearwater Cave, Asia’s longest, featuring an underground river. Cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear underground waters after a picturesque picnic lunch. Continue your boat ride to Long Iman to meet the Penan people and learn about their traditions. Shop for beautifully hand-woven bags and mats at Mulu’s longest longhouse. Then trek along the serene Langsat River to experience natural spa pools and secluded waterfalls that remain untouched by people. Soak in the peace and beauty of this pristine paradise. Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Welcome to lively Kota Kinabalu, affectionately nicknamed KK by the locals, where the city’s modern boardwalks, bustling markets, and sun-kissed beaches await you! Check in and rest up before meeting your group for an afternoon tour of Kota Kinabalu’s must-see spots. Take in the Atkinson Clock Tower and iconic Jesselton Hotel, marvel at the War Memorial, and stroll past vibrant murals at Pillars of Sabah. Enjoy a taste of the local scene at the bustling night market, while mingling with the friendly locals, try a few local delicacies such as lemang periuk kera. Wrap up your day with a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Fly to Sandakan today to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to watch playful orangutans in action, then head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see the world's smallest bears in forest enclosures. Next, take a boat ride to Abai, Kinabatangan, cruising along the Kinabatangan River and catching great photos of Berhala Island's sandstone cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like macaques, wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and mudskippers. Arrive at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort for a delightful lunch, including delicious banana fritters, before an afternoon river expedition. As the sun sets, perfect your photography skills with shots of the river, and if you're lucky, a firefly show. After dinner, take a night stroll to spot nocturnal creatures. Later relax in your deluxe chalet surrounded by nature’s calming sounds. 

Embark on more animal adventures today with not one, but three incredible wildlife-spotting boat cruises! Start your morning with a cruise to Danau Pitas, an oxbow lake where you can enjoy your breakfast while soaking up the natural beauty. Then, head to the nearby fishing village of Kampung Abai and chat with the friendly locals, known as Orang Sungai. Get a taste of their daily life and immerse yourself in the charming village atmosphere. In the afternoon, embark on another river cruise, exploring the upper Kinabatangan River. Keep an eye out for pygmy elephants, mangroves, and other wildlife. If the weather is right, catch the magical sight of fireflies lighting up the riverbanks. Back at the resort, enjoy a delicious dinner in the common area. End your day with a night river safari, where you'll spot nocturnal critters in action.

Get ready for another wild day of river cruising! Head back to Danau Pitas lake for breakfast surrounded by stunning scenery. Later, hop on a short boat ride to the Kulamba Field Centre to learn about their wildlife conservation projects. Afterward, head to the observation tower to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Learn about RAMSAR and the local ecosystem with a naturalist presentation and enjoy a light tea with locals. Interact with local fishermen to see their daily activities like catching crabs and prawns, and try clamshell digging on the sandy beaches if weather permits. After lunch, cruise in search of more rainforest fauna. Finish off the day with another memorable dinner and a night river safari before a comfy night's rest back at your accommodation.

After breakfast, stroll along the nature boardwalk around the lodge and keep your binoculars ready for sightings of wild orangutans, silver leaf monkeys, and other wildlife hanging out in the trees. Return to Sandakan via a scenic boat tour that’ll take you past picturesque fishing villages. Stop at the Agnes Keith House, a beautifully restored colonial-style heritage house offering fascinating glimpses into colonial life during the  British occupation. Browse through the house's gallery and learn about Keith's extraordinary life and literary works. Enjoy a delightful lunch at the nearby English Tea House Restaurant. In the evening, visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre and take a walk along the 620-meter canopy walkway with breathtaking views of the lush rainforest. Then gather with your new friends for a farewell dinner to celebrate the incredible memories you've shared on this adventure!

After 11 days of exploring some of Borneo’s many natural wonders, hopping from river to rainforest to cave, it’s time to bid farewell to this tropical fairytale region and the friends you’ve made along the way. A private transfer will take you to the airport for your departing flight. Or if you fancy sticking around for more adventures, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Malaysia for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!