|
Borneo - Sarawak, Land of the Hornbills From our starting point - a magnificent white sand beach lapped by the warm waters of the South China Sea – we'll travel through the lush rainforest of Brunei and Sarawak, stay overnight in an Iban longhouse, visit the world's largest caves in Mulu National Park and go crocodile spotting in mangrove swamps.
Day 1 Departure from London. Day 2 Arrival in Kota Kinabalu and transfer to a nearby beach resort. Time to relax by the pool or check out the magnificent beach.  Day 3 Morning journey south to Labuan Island from where we'll take the boat to Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei. Check in to our centrally located hotel, and afternoon visit to a 500 year old fishing village for some hands on participation with the locals, in such traditional activities as shrimp paste making, drying anchovies and pounding sago palms – which you then get to eat! Day 4 Morning at leisure in Bandar – a long dip in the hotel pool to remove the previous afternoon's fish smell or an opportunity to check out the capital's fascinating museum and spectacular mosques. Late morning departure into the jungle interior with a boat journey up river to our destination - an Iban longhouse. Crocodiles, macaques, langurs and birdlife can be seen on the way and, upon arrival, our Iban hosts will lead a foraging expedition into the jungle to collect dinner and demonstrate their time-honoured hunting and gathering methods. Overnight in the traditional, but surprisingly comfortable longhouse where the evening's options include a jungle night hike or Iban weaving lessons!  Day 5 Exciting early morning trip up the Ulu Tutong River, deeper into the jungle for more wildlife spotting opportunities before returning for brunch and a transfer downstream to Lake Merimbum – one of Borneo's largest freshwater lakes and home to the Dusun tribe. After sampling a Dusun lunch, we'll continue by road into Sarawak State and the town of Miri for our night's accommodation. Day 6 Another scenic boat trip into the rainforest will take us to the awesome Mulu National Park, where we'll stay in a well appointed lodge on the edge of the Park itself. Time permitting, a jungle night hike will be offered.  Day 7 'Garden of Eden' expedition - hiking amidst rainforest and through the world's largest cave chamber, Deer Cave, we'll emerge into an otherwise inaccessible jungle garden, complete with stream and waterfall and known locally as the 'Garden of Eden'. The return trip will take in some of the area's famous cave formations, and a dusk viewing of the spectacular, mass exodus of some 5 million bats from the caves. An evening riverside barbeque completes the day. Day 8 Morning boat ride to visit some more of Mulu's world famous caves and an opportunity for a swim in the aptly named Clearwater Cave stream. Afternoon flight to Sarawak's state capital of Kuching, via Miri and an evening at leisure to explore this fascinating historic town. Day 9 Visit to the nearby Semenggoh orang utan sanctuary for a close up look at these incredible creatures, and an afternoon tour of some of the sites of Kuching Town – founded in 1872 by the famous 'Raja' Charles Brooke.  Day 10 Morning at leisure in Kuching and afternoon transfer to the coast for a stay at a very friendly, luxury homestay, complete with lush garden and swimming pool! Boat trip through the nearby mangrove swamps to view the estuarine crocodiles and early evening firefly show. Day 11 Another morning boat trip to see the estuary's freshwater dolphins and unique proboscis monkeys, and time to relax before a transfer to Kuching for a return flight via KL. * (An extension at the nearby Damai Beach Resort can be arranged if so desired.)  Day 12 Arrival in London. Notes:
Borneo - Sarawak, Land of the HornbillsGive us a callCall us on Skype with any further questions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
