9 Days Sarawak Real Interior Classic Journey - Departs each second Tuesday
Trip Highlights
- Meet orangutans at the Semenggoh Wildife Rehabilitation Centre
- Iban Tribe community and learn about thier cultural, community and cooking.
- Trekking in rainforest, rivercruise with picnic lunch with the Iban community.
- Local communities Interaction and cultural exchange during the interior journey
- UNESCO Site - Niah National Park
Notes:
- Sighting of wildlife is not guaranteed.
Join us for an epic trip, experience the cultural soul of Sarawak through river journeys, tribal traditions, and heritage towns. Step off the beaten path on a 9-day cultural journey through Sarawak’s heartland. Visit authentic Iban longhouses, explore Sibu’s river town charm, and discover Oya, Dalat, and Mukah — rich in Melanau culture, sago traditions, and cottage industries. Trek to the mystical Niah Caves, where ancient human history meets jungle adventure. Perfect for curious travelers seeking genuine local encounters, heritage, and immersive storytelling[Start Kuching-End Miri ] Departure: Every second Tuesday
Trip Overview
Start : Kuching, Sarawak-Borneo, Malaysia /End : Miri, Sarawak-Borneo, Malaysia
Destinations: Kuching> Semenggoh Orang Utan> Iban Ulu Ai Commununity> Sibu - Heart of Borneo>Mukah>Bintulu>Naih Cave.Miri
Duration : 9 Days
Group Size: 2 – 12 people
Minimum Age: 15
Style: Classic and Slow traveling pace
Theme: Wildlife, Nature, Heritage & Cultural
Booking Window : Most of our inventory closes for bookings 45–60 days prior to travel during low season, and 60–90 days prior during high season. If you're unable to book or have a last-minute request, please reach out via our Contact Us form — we’re happy to check availability and assist where possible.
Experience the cultural soul of Sarawak through river journeys, tribal traditions, and heritage towns.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kuching
Welcome to Sarawak’s Capital. Arrive in Kuching and check into your hotel. At 4:30 PM, meet your guide for a short briefing, followed by a relaxed walking tour of the city at 16:30 PM. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and a chance to explore Kuching—nicknamed the “Cat City”—known for its vibrant blend of cultures, charming streets, and iconic local dishes like Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee. Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Classic Hotel, Kuching // Meals : Dinner
Included: Briefing, short city walk
Day 2 – Kuching to Ulu Ai (Lemanak Iban Longhouse)
Journey to the Interior – Tribal Hospitality Begins After breakfast, visit the Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary to observe semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat. Continue overland (approx. 3.5 hours) through scenic countryside, with stops at Serian town and Lachau for lunch. At the Lemanak jetty, board a traditional longboat for an upriver ride to an Iban Longhouse. Settle in and enjoy a traditional dinner prepared by your guide. Spend the evening with the Iban community, joining in music, dance, and a taste of tuak (rice wine).
Accommodation: Iban Longhouse (Basic amenities; No hot water Shower) // Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
** Common sharing bathroom, no single room at longhouse. Common and basic sleep over place, like local.
Included: Orangutan Sanctuary visit, traditional longhouse stay, cultural interaction
Day 3 – Ulu Ai (Longhouse Stay & Cultural Immersion)
A Day in Iban Territory Wake to the sounds of the rainforest. After breakfast, head into the forest with Iban tribesmen for a guided walk—learn about native plants, traditions, and jungle survival. Return for a traditional lunch cooked in bamboo. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful river excursion and spend more time with your host family.
Accommodation: Iban Longhouse (Basic amenities) // Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: Forest walk, River activity, cultural experiences
Day 4 – Ulu Ai to Sibu
From Rainforest to River Town Begin the day with a short nature walk. Return to the jetty for your boat ride and onward drive to Sibu, known as the Heart of Sarawak. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a short night walk and dinner at a local eatery.
Accommodation: Classic Hotel, Sibu // Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Nature walk, Cottage industry along the way ( Subject to operation - rural area practises - close as they like)
Day 5 – Discovering Sibu
Heritage and Culture by the Rajang River Spend the day exploring Sibu on foot. Highlights include the century-old Tua Pek Kong Temple and Pagoda, the lively “Floating Market” and wharf area, Sibu Heritage Centre, and Malaysia’s largest Central Market with over 1,200 stalls of produce, crafts, and jungle goods.
Accommodation: Classic Hotel, Sibu // Meals : Breakfast
Included: Sibu Heritage walking tour, Longevity Noodle Cottage visit.
Day 6 – Sibu to Mukah via Sungai Kut and Dalat
River Journey Through Melanau Country Travel by speedboat along the mighty Rajang and Igan Rivers, passing Malay villages, shipyards, timber and sago factories, and traditional Iban and Melanau settlements. Stop at Sungai Kut for a short village walk, then continue to Dalat (with a possible short overland segment depending on river conditions). Visit Dalat's riverside church and the symbolic Jerunei Garden, then continue overland to Mukah, the heart of Melanau culture.
Accommodation: Classic Hotel, Mukah, // Meals : Breakfast
Included: Speedboat ride, cultural stops, overland transfer
Day 7 – Mukah to Bintulu
Melanau Heritage & Coastal Journey In the morning, explore Mukah’s cultural landmarks and learn about the Melanau people, their history, and burial traditions. Later, travel overland to the coastal town of Bintulu.
Accommodation: Classic Hotel, Bintulu // Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Melanau heritage visit, overland transfer
Day 8 – Bintulu to Niah National Park
Explore One of Borneo’s Oldest Human Sites Depart for Niah National Park, home to one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites. Visit the Niah Museum before trekking through the forest to explore the Great Cave and Painted Cave. Discover ancient cave art and remnants of early human life, as well as traditional bird’s nest harvesting equipment.
Accommodation: Classic Hotel, Miri // Meals : Breakfast/ Lunch
Included: Museum & cave exploration
Day 9 – Departure from Miri
End of Journey Free at leisure until your airport transfer. Optional extensions available below notes.
Meals: Breakfast
Important Notes:
Itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, especially during rainy seasons.
Wildlife sightings are based on nature and cannot be guaranteed.
What to Pack to Longhouse:Raincoat, hat/cap, flashlight, insect repellent, cotton clothing, swimwear, personal toiletries, walking shoes, sunblock, and a basic first aid kit.
Options.
Combo with Ex- Kota Kinabalu, 10 Days Sabah Adventure Comfort Trail Combo with Ex- Sandakan, 11 Days Sabah Wildlife Luxury Trail Dertor to Ex- Miri 3D2N Mulu National Park, may fly to Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan on D3 Dertour to Ex- Miri 3D2N Brunei -Little Bruneian Kingdom. You may overland to Brunei from Miri, from Brunei- fly to Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan. Overland is possible is you have time, a journey of 6-8 depends on traffic hours from Brunei-Bandar to Kota Kinabalu
Joining Point - The LimeTree Hotel
Lot 317 Abell Rd 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Phone : +6082-414600
Ending Point
Kingwood Boutique Hotel (Miri)
Lot 826, Jalan Yu Seng Utara, P. O. Box 1838, 98008 Miri, Sarawak.
Phone : +6085-415888
ESSENTIALS:
- Luggage:1 medium suitcase/duffel (15-20kg max) + 1 daypack (for excursions).Lockable bag (for security).
- Clothing (Modest & Lightweight):Long pants/skirts (for temples, conservative areas).
- Light long-sleeve shirts (sun & mosquito protection).
- Swimwear (but cover up when not at the beach).
- Comfortable walking shoes + sandals. Light rain jacket (tropical showers possible).
- Health & Hygiene:Reusable water bottle (with purification tablets/filter if concerned).
- Sunscreen (high SPF, reef-safe if swimming).
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes.
- Electronics:Universal adapter (Malaysia uses Type G plugs).
- Power bank (for long travel days).
- Extras:Quick-dry towel.Sunglasses & wide-brim hat.
- Waterproof phone pouch (for boat trips).
What’s Included
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
- Transport: Minivan, Shared boat
- Accommodation: 2 nights in a longhouse with community/ 8 nights at hotels
- Escort/Tour Leader for 9 days
- Nightly Malaysia Tourism Tax of MYR10 per room/pernight.
Whats's Excluded
- International inbound and outbound Flight tickets.
- Domestic Flights unless specified inclusion
- All personal expenses and Optional Activities
- All Camera and Video fees during visit to Santuaries.
- Travel Insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
- Meals, Activites, Transport unless mentioned
- Optional Kitty Tips of RM70
- Leader Tip: USD 4-6 per day (if service is excellent)
Early Check-In?
- Not guaranteed. Luggage storage available if rooms aren’t ready.
- Standard Malaysia-Borneo check in time is 3pm.
- Check out next day at 12pm.
✔ Single Supplement (Private Room Option - please email suregoborneo@gmail,com for quote) Available for all nights of the trip. ➤ Subject to availability – book early to secure. ➤ Solo travellers welcome! Please email us at suregoborneo@gmail.com to check availability and pricing.✔ Travel Advisories Some governments issue travel cautions for Eastern Sabah (e.g., Sandakan). ➤ We recommend checking your country’s travel advisory and ensuring your insurance policy covers this region.✔ Flights to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) Kota Kinabalu International Airport is accessible via major airlines:Domestic: Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Batik Air, AirAsia (from Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Kuantan)International: Connections available via regional hubs
🛂 Passports & Visas✔ Passport Validity Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. ➤ Ensure your booking details (name, date of birth) exactly match your passport.✔ Visa Requirements Check visa regulations early. Some nationalities may require a visa for Malaysia or transit countries.
🧘♀️ Health & Safety✔ Physical Fitness A reasonable level of fitness is required. ➤ Trip leaders may decline participation in certain activities for health and safety reasons.✔ Vaccinations & MedicationsConsult your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure.Recommended to carry:Prescriptions (in original packaging)Basic first aid kitInsect repellent (DEET-based recommended)✔ Dengue & Zika No vaccine available. Prevent bites by:Wearing long sleeves/trousers, especially at dawn and duskUsing insect repellentSleeping under mosquito nets if required✔ Haze Season (June–October) Forest fires in Indonesia may affect air quality in Borneo.🍽️ Meals & Dietary Needs✔ Meals Meals are mostly included –some days is not, giving you flexibility to explore local food. ➤ Budget approx. USD 200 for extra meals during the trip.✔ Dietary Restrictions Please inform your booking agent in advance, or email suregoborneo@gmail.com before departure. ➤ You may also discuss dietary needs with your Tour Leader on Day 1.
🚐 Transport✔ Modes of Travel Shared boat, private van, and short walks.✔ Luggage Limit Max 15–20kg per person. ➤ You must be able to carry your own bags.
💵 Money & Tipping✔ Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) ➤ ATMs are widely available. ➤ Smaller vendors may not accept cards – carry MYR 10–50 notes.➤ Tour leader tip (if service is excellent): USD 4–6 per day✔ Kitty Tipping (Optional)Group kitty (for local drivers/support guides): ~MYR 90 per person
🎒What to PackEssentials: Luggage: 1 medium suitcase/duffel (15–20kg) + 1 daypackClothing (modest, breathable):Long pants/skirts (temples, cultural visits)Light long-sleeve shirts (sun & mosquito protection)Swimwear (modest cover-up when not swimming)Comfortable walking shoes + sandalsLight rain jacket or ponchoHealth & Hygiene:Reusable water bottle (consider purification tablets or filters)Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)Hand sanitizer & wet wipesElectronics:Universal plug adapter (Malaysia uses Type G)Power bank for long daysExtras:Quick-dry towelSunglasses & wide-brim hatWaterproof phone pouch (especially for boat trips)
🗓️ Seasonal ConsiderationsChinese New Year – Festive period, but expect possible delays and limited servicesRamadan & Eid – Respect fasting hours; some eateries may be closed during the day
👥 Group Travel Notes : Solo Travellers Will be paired with a same-gender roommate unless a single supplement is requested ( To book Solo trip - email for quote to suregoborneo@gmail.com ). Group Etiquette Be on time, flexible, and respectful of local customs and your fellow travellers.
🌱 Responsible TravelAvoid Bird’s Nest Soup – Its collection often disrupts local ecosystemsWildlife Protection – Do not ride, feed, or touch wild animalsPalm Oil Awareness – Large parts of Eastern Sabah are palm plantations – support sustainable alternatives where possibleMinimize plastic usage – Lets save the world from plastic, aim Zero Plastic.
🛡️ Travel InsuranceMandatory for all international travellers ➤ Must include medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip interruption/cancellation. Others Information - Group Conduct & ParticipationGroup Etiquette We encourage a respectful and flexible attitude. Please be punctual, mindful of cultural norms, and open to shared experiences.Escort/Leader Authority Our trip leaders have full authority to make decisions in the interest of safety and well-being. Travelers who do not comply may be removed from the trip at their own expense.Participation Waiver All participants must sign a Travel Participation Waiver acknowledging Assumption of risk Responsibility for their own health and safety. Agreement to follow instructions and tour guidelines
Optional Activities & Add-Ons - Optional activities are not included unless stated.Prices are approximate and subject to change based on availability.Most do not include transportation or guiding unless stated.Activities that contradict our Responsible Travel policies (e.g., animal riding) are not supported. Participation is at your own risk if you engage in third-party services.
✅ Final Tip: Pack light. Stay curious. Respect the culture. And get ready for an unforgettable Borneo experience!
Contact & Support
- Exotic Asian Explorer (Borneo) Sdn Bhd
- Email: suregoborneo@gmail.com
- Emergency Contact: +6012 838 5170
- Business Registration: KKKP/PL 3912
Booking & Payment Policy.Please read the following terms and conditions carefully before booking your tour with Exotic Asian Explorer (Borneo) Sdn Bhd.
By confirming your booking, you agree to be bound by these terms.
Deposit Requirement - A non-refundable deposit of USD $400 per person per trip is required to secure your booki if departs 61 days+ from the trip date. If your booking is made within 60 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.Final Payment from Deposit- The balance of your trip cost is due no later than 60 days prior to departure.If full payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking. Amendments by You - Booking amendments (such as transferring to another trip or traveler) may be allowed only if operationally feasible and must be requested in writing. No changes are permitted within 60 days of departure.Name changes are subject to availability and additional fees from airlines or third-party providers. (Domestic Flight if included in trip)Cancellation Policy -Following charges apply if booking cancel by you:
- 60 to 30 days before departure trip, a cancellation fee of 50% of the total trip cost applies.
- 30 days before departure, a cancellation fee of 100% of the total trip cost applies.
- We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance with cancellation coverage at the time of booking.
Important Notes:Cancellations must be submitted in writing.No refunds are provided for missed activities, unused services, or early departure from the trip.Deposits and credits are non-transferable to trips of similar or same date ranges.
- Cancellation by Us Once one fully paid traveler is confirmed, the trip is guaranteed to depart (unless minimum group size is specified).If we cancel the trip (excluding Force Majeure), you may choose to: Receive a refund offsetting handling and administration fees charges of e-booking/gateway charges, or Transfer the amount paid to an alternative trip or date.
We are not responsible for any additional expenses (e.g. visas, insurance, flights) incurred due to cancellation.
Force Majeure Events We are not liable for any failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including (but not limited to): Acts of God, fire, flood, earthquake, stormWar, riots, terrorism, or political instabilityPandemics, epidemics, or health emergencies Government regulations or travel restrictionsAirline schedule changes or natural disastersIn such cases, no refunds are available. Travelers should contact their insurance provider for compensation.