Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
15 Days Starting in Kuching and ending in Sandakan
Visiting: Kuching, Bako National Park, Mulu National Park, Mulu National Park Entrance, Sarawak., Kota Kinabalu, Taman Negara Gunung Kinabalu, Kundasang, Sabah., Labuk Bay (platform B), Sepilok (Orang Utan Sanctuary), Gomantong Caves, Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sandakan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WOH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Physical rating:
Leisurely / Moderate
Age range:
16 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Luxury, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$5998
$5625 (USD)
Operator discount: -$373
Tour Overview
Borneo is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful wildlife in the whole of South East Asia. Starting with a visit to majestic Mt Kinabalu, we then continue to one of the trip highlights - the pristine Danum Valley. A nature lover's paradise, whose beauty and animals are equalled only by Sarawak and the World Heritage Mulu National Park with its immense cave system and the oldest rainforest in the world. We come face to face with Orang-utans at the Sepilok sanctuary, stay at a bamboo longhouse in Sabah on a tea plantation, and finish the trip in the historic port town of Sandakan.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Kuching
Location: Kuching
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lime Tree (or similar)
Meals Included: No Meals
The capital of Sarawak, Kuching, is a vibrant riverside city full of
different ethnic groups who have migrated from the surrounding forests. With
a great museum and a well preserved colonial centre there is much to do in
this fascinating cultural hot spot.
Those arriving using their own arrangements can arrive at any time. There
will be a group briefing this evening at 6pm with your tour leader after
which we can have dinner at the hawkers stalls on the waterfront.
Day Trip To Bako N.P. Famous For Proboscis Monkeys
Location: Bako National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lime Tree (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our first foray into Borneo’s amazing nature as we head to nearby Bako
National Park famous for its Proboscis monkeys. This is where the rainforest
meets the sea and the only way to get to the park is by boat (after a 1hr
drive out of the city). It has abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls,
interesting plant life, secluded beaches and trekking trails. Despite being
the smallest National Park in Sarawak, Bako contains almost every type of
vegetation found in Borneo.
Please note that as Bako NP is only accessible by boat, our time there is
often dictated by tides and weather conditions. Our leader will inform us of
the details the previous day.
We return to Kuching for the night.
Day 3 : Fly To Mulu N.P.; Sunset Walk To Deer Cave For Bat Exodus
Location: Mulu National Park
Accommodation: Mulu National Park Garden Cottages or similar
Accommodation Name: Mulu National Park Garden Cottages (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave the city behind and fly to Mulu National park (schedules for this
flight often vary). After checking-in at the Park HQ, we will be introduced
to the park guides and head through the forest to Deer Cave. Some of the
caves have been mapped by occasional expeditions; they have their own
ecosystems with plants and animals living in the cave chambers.
Deer Cave, the largest cave passage in the world, is home to millions of bats
and swifts that live side by side on the roof of the cave. The cave floor has
a raised platform, though that is no escape from the smell of the 'guano' –
the excrement from millions of birds and bats. Close-by is Lang's Cave, which
though much smaller, has some excellent stalactites and stalagmites and other
cave formations. The forest around the caves is spectacular and there is
plenty of time to examine it closely.
The walk to Deer Cave is 3kms (each way) along boardwalks and there are
wooden steps leading to different viewing platforms inside the show caves.
We will arrive at Deer Cave in time for dusk which is when the bats leave the
comfort of the cave to feed on insects (as long as it is not raining). This
is a sight to behold with the bats leaving the cave in a long line snaking
across the sky for quite some time. Dependent on the timings of the day we
may visit the caves tomorrow instead.
Please note that due to flight schedules there isn’t much time for lunch
between the time we arrive at Mulu NP and the time we depart for the caves.
You should buy something at the airport to have later.
Day 4 : Full Day Exploring Mulu N.P.
Location: Mulu National Park Entrance, Sarawak.
Accommodation: Mulu National Park Garden Cottages or similar
Accommodation Name: Mulu National Park Garden Cottages (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a day for exploring this stunning park with a local guide. In the
morning we visit two of the 'show caves' including Clearwater where a picnic
(not included) lunch can be had in the gorgeous riverside location. The park
has some incredible statistics; It has over 3,500 plant species, 8,000
different types of fungi and 170 species of orchid. Over 100 new plant
species were discovered between 1960 and 1973, and many are still being
added. There are 262 species of bird, almost 300 species of butterflies and
many reptiles and mammals.
Members of the Penan tribe live within the park. They are a small population
of nomadic forest dwellers who live as hunter-gatherers. There has been
fierce international opposition to the Malaysian government who tried to
settle them in permanent longhouses and indeed the Penan themselves have also
resisted. In 1994 they were granted an area of the forest where they could
continue their traditional lifestyle. Although you are unlikely to meet these
elusive people, you occasionally see their fishing shelters or areas in the
forest where they have recently visited.
This afternoon simply relax in the park and listen to the weird and wonderful
creatures that call it home or explore self-guided trails within the park.
Those with a head for heights can try the optional canopy walkway. This
480-metre skywalk takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Along the way,
visitors may be able to see macaque monkeys, hornbills, flying lizards,
squirrels and a variety of rainforest birds. However, time slots to do the
canopy walk can be limited and may subject to availability during busy
periods.
In the evening there is an optional night walk or we can try the local Mulu
'firewater', Tuak.
Day 5 : Early Rise For Dawn Chorus In Mulu; Fly To Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dreamtel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We aim to catch the morning flight out of Mulu and on to Kota Kinabalu via
Miri though delays are not uncommon. Depending on what time we fly out of
Mulu there may be some time to walk along self-guided trails or at the
visitor’s centre.
Known as KK to the locals, the capital of Sabah is a now a modern
multi-cultural city. The evening is free to relax, explore the bustling
Filipino markets or enjoy a sundowner on the waterfront.
Day 6 : Free Day; Optional Snorkelling And Island Trip, Wetland Birdwatching Or Cultural Village
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Dreamtel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you are free to enjoy some of the many activities Kota Kinabalu has to
offer. A popular option is to visit one of the tropical islands in the marine
park, a 15 minute boat journey from the city and offering excellent
snorkelling and diving opportunities. Here you can never be bored whether you
are relaxing on the white sand, snorkelling or just swimming in the warm
South China Sea.
There is some good birdwatching opportunities in the wetlands not far from KK
as well as a cultural village in Mari Mari for an insight into the different
cultures of Sabah. Your tour leader can help organise any of these options.
Day 7 : To Kinabalu N.P.; Visit Sabah Tea Plantation
Location: Taman Negara Gunung Kinabalu, Kundasang, Sabah.
Accommodation: Sabah Tea Gardens Longhouse
Accommodation Name: Sabah Tea Gardens Longhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer about 2 hours and explore World Heritage Site; Mount Kinabalu
National Park, home to the highest mountain in South East Asia, Mount
Kinabalu at 4,095m. This impressive peak of huge granite walls can be viewed
from the Crocker mountain range which we pass over, with panoramic views of
the countryside and soaring hills. The lower mountain slopes are covered in
thick vegetation and it is well known for its diverse botanical and
biological species. En route, we stop at Nabalu market where villagers come
to sell their produce and handicraft. It’s possible to walk through the
plantation on your own if you want this afternoon. Tea, medicinal herbs,
fruit and vegetables are just some of the things produced locally. From the
plantation, the sunrise with a view of Mount Kinabalu is often spectacular.
If we are lucky it may be possible to view the spectacular rafflesia in
flower nearby or en route to the plantation.
Day 8 : Visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary En Route To Sepilok
Location: Labuk Bay (platform B)
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sepilok Jungle Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
We visit the tea factory before we leave the plantation behind and continue
our journey to Eastern Sabah. Our destination is Sepilok, a well-known
destination for its Orang-utan Sanctuary. The journey time is about 5 hours
and we will make a stop at the Labuk Bay Proboscis monkey sanctuary. Here you
can get an up close look at this extraordinary animal which is only found in
Borneo. We continue on to our lodge in Sepilok. This evening, as dusk
approaches we will head to the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre. The centre
can have fantastic bird watching opportunities (though luck does play a role)
as hornbills and the Borneo bristlehead are often seen and there is an array
of displays which highlights the island’s diverse flora. Orang-utans can
also be spotted during the fruiting season and there is an impressive canopy
walkway as well as some easy walking trails.
Day 9 : Visit Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary; Optional Visit To Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Location: Sepilok (Orang Utan Sanctuary)
Accommodation: Resort, ResortSepilok Jungle Resort
Accommodation Name: Sepilok Jungle Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Up early we return to the Rainforest Discovery Centre for some more bird and
wildlife viewing before returning to our lodge for breakfast. We then visit
Sepilok Orang-utan Centre, the largest orang-utan sanctuary in the world.
Here rehabilitated orphans and captured orang-utans are cared for until they
are ready to be released into the wild. We get the opportunity to see these
incredible relations of ours close-up and learn about the very real threats
to their continued existence. You will have the chance to visit both morning
and afternoon feedings. There is also an orang-utan nursery where youngsters
are trained in climbing skills with the aim of reintroduction to the wild. We
will have the chance to view the youngsters from a special viewing platform
that sits behind one-way glass so as not to disturb or influence them.
There is the option of visiting the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
which works with rescuing and rehabilitating captured bears as well as
research and providing education to the community.
Day 10 : To Gomantong Caves; Onto Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Gomantong Caves
Accommodation: Lodge, Nature Lodge Kinabatangan or similar
Accommodation Name: Nature Lodge Kinabatangan (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we journey (2-3 hours) to the Kinabatangan River, stopping at
the bizarre Gomantong caves along the way.
The caves are a major source of the swiftlet bird nests that are a Chinese
delicacy. Every day, when in season, workers climb large ladders up to 400
feet up to the roof of the caves to collect the valuable nests. It is also a
good place for bird watching and spotting wild Orang-utans.
Our river lodge is located on the mighty Kinabatangan River, the 3rd longest
river in Borneo. The area is home to an astonishing array of wildlife
including ten species of primates, four of which are endemic to Borneo. It
has one of the highest concentrations of proboscis monkeys and orang-utans in
Malaysian Borneo. Other wildlife includes Bornean gibbon, long tailed
macaques, sun bears, and barking deer. The Asian pygmy elephant and clouded
leopard also inhabit this area, but sightings can be rare.*Â *There are also
over 200 species of birds including hornbills, eagles, herons, kingfishers,
oriental darters, night jars, flowerpeckers and spider hunters. Later this
afternoon we take our first river cruise.
Day 11 : Wildlife Cruises On Kinabatangan River And Forest Walks
Location: Kinabatangan River
Accommodation: Nature Lodge Kinabatangan or similar
Accommodation Name: Nature Lodge Kinabatangan (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We are up with the animals for a dawn wildlife cruise followed by a trek. In
the afternoon, we will once again take a river cruise to spot wildlife and if
we are lucky a crocodile or two.
Day 12 : To Danum Valley Conservation Centre; Jungle Walk And Nocturnal Safari
Location: Danum Valley Conservation Area
Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Accommodation Name: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We drive to Lahad Datu approximately 2-3 hours where we change vehicles and
drive off road into Danum Valley conservation area (approx. 3 hours), the
largest protected lowland dipterocarp forest in Borneo. It is one of the last
remaining pockets of primary lowland rainforest in Asia. Danum Valley is at
the forefront of tropical rainforest research, and home to many rare and
endangered species of mammals and birds – it is a real privilege to spend 2
nights here in the comforts of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Danum Valley is probably the very best place in Malaysia to see wild
orang-utans in their pristine habitat. Apart from orang-utans, it has just
about the complete range of Bornean wildlife and great trails. After settling
in, there is an afternoon jungle nature trek to try and spot the elusive
orang-utan, and after dinner a night drive is possible to spot many of the
shy and retiring creatures of the forest. We will spend our time here with
very experienced guides who accompany us on all our walks. One night drive
and one night walk is included during our stay.
Day 13 : Full Day Guided Walk In Danum Valley
Location: Danum Valley Conservation Area
Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Accommodation Name: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will spend a full day with our very experienced guides. We will have an
opportunity to explore the trails, the canopy walkway and waterfalls whilst
searching for wildlife in this remarkable place. The trek to a look out point
over the Danum Valley takes approximately 1.5 hours each way. Danum is home
to over 275 bird species, 110 species of mammals including orang-utans, five
species of deer, giant flying squirrels, gibbons, bearded wild boars, flying
frogs and the Asian elephant.
Day 14 : Transfer To Sandakan
Location: Sandakan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sabah Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we will journey to Sandakan (approx. 5-6 hours). En-route we stop at
Sandakan War Memorial. Sandakan was once a huge logging centre (it first
exported wood in the late 1880s to supply the building of the Temple of
Heaven in Beijing) and is home to many Chinese and Filipinos. The waterfront
is a good place to take an evening walk and the roof top restaurant at the
Nak hotel is a great place to sip a cocktail or two.
Day 15 : End Sandakan
Location: Sandakan
Meals Included: Breakfast
There may be some free time to enjoy the hotel’s pool or explore Sandakan
some more before those on the group flights are transferred to the airport
for their flight home. For land only clients, the trip ends this morning
after breakfast.
What's Included
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Meals
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners.
* 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
* All accommodation
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Accommodation
We spend 13 nights in comfortable/standard hotels and lodges, all en suite. There’s also one night in a basic longhouse, with twin-share rooms and a shared bathroom.
The longhouse is a reconstruction of a local Rungus longhouse and is made entirely of wood with rattan walls dividing the rooms. Rooms are simple with mattresses on the ground, mosquito nets and ceiling fans. Bathroom facilities are shared with hot showers available.
The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is a comfortable luxury resort in teeming primary jungle. It has a prime location, responsible tourism practices, excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities and receives consistent positive feedback.
Worth knowing
The accommodations listed in the itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.
While the resorts we stay at in Borneo (Sepilok and Kinabatangan) are simple, they have been selected due to their proximity to wildlife activities included on the trip in conjunction with reduced accommodation options in the area.
Single rooms are available (subject to availability) for a supplement for 10 hotel/lodge nights only (singles are not available in Mulu National Park or the Danum Valley). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
Food
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners are included.
You should allow about GBP 100-150/ USD 130-200 for food not included. If you
fancy a few drinks then you may want to bring a little more as beer and other
alcoholic drinks are expensive and you should expect to pay western prices.
Malaysia is renowned for its culinary excellence however food can often be
relatively unexciting and limited in the lodges and for hotel breakfasts.
 Meals will be more varied for everyone in cities and seafood is widely
available on the coast. In the bigger hotels and cities the full range of
Western and local foods are available. We also suggest you take snack food
with you, as it is not freely available. Most meals will be basic based
around rice and noodles although most accommodation does offer a western
breakfast of beans, toast and eggs. You can generally avoid the spicier food
if you wish.
Vegetarians will find the food choice limited but are well catered for.
Please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please
note that in Borneo the availability of certain products is minimal or
non-existent, for example wheat or dairy-free, please be prepared for this
and you may need to bring these from home.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
2024 Jun
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.