8 Days Borneo Enchanting Trail - Departs every second Wednesday
Trip Highlights
- Meet orangutans at the Semenggoh Wildife Rehabilitation Centre
- Spot proboscis monkeys and others wildlife at Bako National Park
- Visit Bidayuh community and learn about thier cultural, community and cooking.
- Local communities Interaction and cultural exchange
- UNESCO Site - Mulu National Park, 4 showcaves. Highlights to Deer, Lang, Wind and clearwater Caves.
- Visit Mari-Mari Cultural Village - a peep to Sabah largest 5 enthnic groups.
Notes:
- Sighting of wildlife is not guaranteed.
- Flight by Borneo Air ( Mas Wing) on Day 4 and Day 06 inclusive in package - Flight schedules are subject to change by airlines.
Join in the Journey, Kuching - Sarawak to Kota Kinabalu - Sabah.
An unforgettable 8-day journey from Sarawak to Sabah, designed for comfort and rich cultural immersion. Begin in Kuching, the charming riverside city, and explore the heritage of the Bidayuh tribe, meet semi-wild orangutans at Semenggoh, and wander through the wild beauty of Bako National Park. Fly deep into the rainforest to uncover the majestic caves of Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude your trail in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s coastal gem, with an authentic cultural experience at Mari-Mari Cultural Village. Perfect for travelers seeking soft adventure, authentic encounters, and natural wonders – all with a touch of comfort.[Start Kuching-End Kota Kinabalu] Departure: Every second Wednesday
Trip Overview
Start : Kuching, Sarawak-Borneo, Malaysia /End : Kota Kinabalu, Sabah-Borneo, Malaysia
Destinations: Kuching> Bako National Park-Semenggoh Orang Utan> Annah Rais Bidayuh Commununity> Mari-Mari Cutural Village.
Duration : 8 Days
Group Size: 2 – 12 people
Minimum Age: 15
Style: Comfort and Slow traveling pace
Theme: Wildlife, Nature & 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.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
8-Day Borneo Discovery: Tribes, Jungles & CavesFrom Kuching’s river charm to the caves of Mulu and vibrant culture of Sabah. An immersive journey through Sarawak and Sabah — walk among rainforest giants, meet native tribes, cruise jungle rivers, and discover the world’s largest caves. This soft-adventure journey offers comfort, nature, and culture in perfect balance.🗓
Day 1: Welcome to Kuching – Riverfront & Flavours of Sarawak. Arrive in the charming city of Kuching, where old-world streets meet riverside cafés.Meet your tour leader and group at 4:30 PM for a short welcome briefing followed by a guided walk through the old town and hop on a sunset cruise along the scenic Kuching Waterfront. Soak up the lively street scene and watch traditional sampans ferry locals across the Sarawak River. End the evening with a local-style welcome dinner at a buzzing food court for an authentic taste of Sarawak.
Stay: 4 Stars City Hotel (Kuching) | Meals: Dinner
Included: Evening city & Waterfront walk with Sunset cruise along the river
Day 2: Bako National Park & Semenggoh Orangutan Wildlife Center -Sanctuary. Start early with a scenic drive and boat ride to Bako National Park, home to rare proboscis monkeys, tropical trails, and stunning coastal cliffs. Enjoy a short jungle trek through mangrove and rainforest ecosystems.In the afternoon, visit Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where semi-wild orangutans roam freely in a protected forest. If lucky, witness their feeding session up close. (Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.)
Stay: 4 Stars City Hotel (Kuching) | Meals: Breakfast
Included: Bako National Park trek, Semenggoh visit
Day 3: Bidayuh Tribal Longhouse Experience. Venture into the highlands for a cultural immersion with the Bidayuh tribe. Learn traditional cooking using bamboo and forest ingredients, enjoy a community-style lunch, and hear stories from village elders.A true insight into indigenous life and sustainable traditions.
Stay: 4 Stars City Hotel (Kuching) | Meals: Breakfast, Tribal Lunch
Included: Longhouse experience, cultural interaction
Day 4: Fly to Mulu – Enter the Realm of GiantsTake a morning flight to Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its dramatic limestone caves and rich biodiversity.In the afternoon, follow a 3 km elevated boardwalk through peat swamp forest to the magnificent Deer and Lang Caves, home to the world's largest cave passage. At dusk, witness the spectacular bat exodus — if weather permits.Flight: Kuching to Mulu (subject to change) MH3752 operated by MASWINGS 1045AM/1225PM ( Check-in Luggage x 20Kgs)
Stay: Jungle Chalet (Mulu Park) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: Deer & Lang Caves exploration, 1x way Kuching to Mulu by Borneo Air ( Mas Wing)
Day 5: Clearwater Cave, Wind Cave & Penan SettlementExplore Mulu’s underground wonders by longboat, visiting the stunning Clearwater and Wind Caves, known for their crystal-clear pools and ancient limestone formations.Take a refreshing swim in a natural spring pool. Later, visit Batu Bungan Penan Settlement to meet the Penan people and see their traditional handicrafts.
Stay: Jungle Chalet (Mulu Park) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: 2 showcaves - Wind and Clear Water Caves, Penan Village visit
Day 6: Mulu to Kota Kinabalu – Fly to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah.Upon arrival, enjoy a gentle sunset walk (weather permitting) and settle in for a local-style dinner with coastal vibes. Flight: Mulu to Kota Kinabalu (subject to change) MH3252 operated by MASWINGS 1250PM/1345PM ( Check-in Luggage x 20Kgs)
Stay: 4 Stars City Hotel (Kota Kinabalu) | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included: Sunset walk, local dinner, 1x way Mulu to Kota Kinabalu by Borneo Air ( Maswing)
Day 7: Mari-Mari Cultural VillageSpend the day at Mari-Mari Cultural Village, where you’ll step into traditional homes of Sabah’s diverse indigenous groups — including the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut.Learn about ancient rituals, fire-starting, bamboo cooking, and warrior dances in this hands-on cultural journey.
Stay: 4 Stars City Hotel (Kota Kinabalu) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Cultural village experience
Day 8: Enjoy your morning breakfast. Time to bid farewell. Departure back to your home country or Join in next trip - Sabah Adventure Comfort Trail or fly to Sandakan for Sabah Wildlife Premuim Trail.
Meals: Breakfast
End of Trip.
Joining Point -
Grand Margherita Hotel
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman,
P.O. Box 2362,
93100 Kuching,Sarawak, Malaysia.
Tel : 60 82 532 111
Ending Point
Horizon Hotel
Jalan Pantai
Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu
88999 Kota KinabaluSabah
Telephone -+6088 518 000
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: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Transport: Private minivan, Shared boat
- Accommodation: 2 nights in a jungle lodge/chalet at Mulu, 5 nights in hotels (city/town)
- Flight : 1 way of Kuching to Mulu, Mulu to Kota Kinabalu on Borneo Air ( MasWing) with 20KGs baggage on Day 04 and Day 06.
- Escort/Tour Leader for 8 days ( Note : Should group only 4 pax below, escort expertise to accompany/guide at local destination Kuching, Mulu and Kota Kinabalu at each destination - No Tour Leader)
- 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
- Airport transfers on D1
- 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.
🛬 Arrival & Transfers✔ Complimentary Airport Transfer Provided only if you:Arrive on Day 1 of the tour, orBook pre-tour accommodation through us ➤ Flight details must be submitted at least 14 days before travel.✔ 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 ask - 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 RequirementA non-refundable deposit of USD $400 per person per trip is required to secure your booking 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 Rezgo charges/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.







