Borneo: Beyond The Ordinary - Absolute Asia Tours

On arrival in Borneo, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel.

Head into Bako National Park for the day, one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife in its natural habitat. At Bako Village, you'll climb aboard a boat to complete your journey into the park. Commonly spotted species include proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, long tail macaques, wild boars, monitor lizards and diverse birds. You can spot them on several natural trails which suit different fitness levels and interests, or simply relax on one of the secluded beaches. The park sits on a stunning peninsular, and its habitats here range from mangrove to kerangas, tropical swamp, cliffs and shoreline.

Set off through the lush, scenic countryside of rural Sarawak, passing small roadside towns, Bidayuh villages, pepper orchards, rubber and oil palm plantations, the creeper-covered trees of the secondary jungle, and gigantic trunks of the primary rainforest. On reaching Batang Ai Hydro Lake jetty, you'll board a motorised longboat for the final leg of the journey, passing through the heartland of Borneo's rainforest. Your destination is Delok Longhouse, a stilted wooden structure, where there'll be time to freshen up and settle in before dinner is served. In the evening, entertainment by the longhouse residents usually consists of traditional dances, gong music, and drinking tuak.

Longhouse life starts early, so prepare for members of the community wandering past you as they get ready for the day. Share a traditional Iban breakfast, before setting off by boat to Jeliak for a short trek to see some waterfalls. Your guide will point out indigenous plants and explain their use in Iban culture, and you may be lucky enough to spot some local wildlife. Enjoy a simple lunch in the forest, and a refreshing dip at the waterfall before eventually heading back to the longhouse, with time to relax before dinner.

Say goodbye to your hosts and take to the river again to find the Jingin Longhouse. Journey time depends on the river's water levels - if they're low, be prepared to hop out into the water and help the longboat on its way! Depending on your progress, lunch will either be cooked and served on the riverbank, or at the longhouse. Once you get there, take a short trek around the local area, exploring the rainforest and observing the unique flora and fauna that make up this magnificent ecosystem. Return to the longhouse for dinner. Sleeping arrangements again will be very basic; you’ll be set up in the shared common area when everyone settles down for the evening.

Journey to Kuching by longtail boat and then car, arriving into the city in the late afternoon.

Fly to Kota Kinabalu, where the remainder of your day will be free to rest up and get a good night sleep in preparation for the forthcoming days...

Leave the city behind and head deep into Sabah’s interior, travelling by 4WD through the UNESCO-listed Crocker Range National Park, climbing over the pass to Keningau, one of the oldest towns in Sabah, before continuing through heavily forested areas dotted with small settlements. Eventually you'll find yourself rumbling up an unpaved road through the forest to arrive at the Maliau Basin Studies Centre (MBSC) - a facilities hub comprising of visitor accommodation and a restaurant, as well as labs and research buildings. Stretch your legs and check in before enjoying lunch. In the afternoon, you'll be taken on an introductory walk around the centre to learn about the incredible biodiversity of this unique place. Over 80 mammal species and nearly 300 varieties of bird, many of which are rare and endangered, have been recorded in Maliau. The flora is equally diverse, and several orchid species have been discovered amongst the forest. The rest of your afternoon will be at leisure until dinner, after which you'll head out again to spot nocturnal wildlife before bedtime.

Set off in the 4WD for Agathis Camp, a research station, where you'll embark on a 6.5 mile trek through dense rainforest, your trail undulating with some very steep uphill sections, and predominantly under the cover of towering trees. Don't worry - there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for a breather, as well as time to enjoy a packed lunch along the way. You'll arrive at Ginseng Camp, a basic facility built on stilts above the forest floor, with bunk beds, toilets & cold water showers, and a generator supplying electricity for limited hours. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure (and you will no doubt be tired after your trek) but it’s well worth taking a 15 minute walk to the impressive 27 metre high Ginseng Falls, keeping in mind that darkness falls earlier in the jungle!

The Maliau Basin Conservation Area boasts the highest density of waterfalls in Malaysia, and the 7-tiered Maliau Falls is the largest and most impressive. This is where you'll spend the day: don’t forget your camera! You'll get there on a 3 mile hike from Ginseng Camp, which includes several uphill sections of trail where ropes are provided to assist. You'll get the chance to rest and refill your water bottle at Lobah Camp, about halfway, where you can enjoy panoramic views across the Maliau Basin from the hilltop helipad. The trek is well worth the effort, and you will have plenty of time at the Falls to soak up the scenery, eat lunch, take photos and swim in the tea-coloured mineral-rich waters.

One final 9km trek takes you back to Agathis Camp, where you will be met and driven to your Kota Kinabalu Beach Resort. You will no doubt appreciate the opportunity of a hot shower and comfortable nights sleep!

Your days will be at leisure to relax on the beach and reflect on your experiences.

Day 14 - Depart Kota Kinabalu

Includes:

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.