Itinerary

Day 1
Kota Kinabalu
Kinabalu is located on the edge of the South China Sea and overlooks a beautiful cluster of coral-fringed islands. Its location is quite striking, set against a backdrop of the Crocker Range with the granite peaks of Mt Kinabalu in the distance. The population is a unique blend of European, Malay and Chinese cultures, with a recent influx of Filipino. There are many optional things you can do in your free time such as visiting the Sabah Museum, with its collection of tribal and historical artefacts, and the State Mosque, an outstanding example of contemporary Islamic architecture. Alternatively you could escape the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu and take a walk up Signal Hill, which offers stunning views over the city. Make sure you are back at the hotel for your pre-departure briefing this evening.

Day 2
Sandakan
This morning we fly to Sandakan, a town situated at the mouth of a picturesque bay. The Sandakan Memorial Park was the site of a former Japanese POW camp and a visit there showcases the grim episodes of World War II - something that has become known as the Sandakan 'Death Marches'. We continue to the nearby Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. One of only four orang-utan sanctuaries in the world, it was established in 1964 and today covers an incredible 4,000 hectares. The orang-utan is the only species of great ape found outside Africa. A mature male has an impressive arm span of 2.4 metres and weighs up to 100 kilograms! Injured and orphaned orang-utans and those previously illegally-kept as pets are brought to the sanctuary, which aims to rehabilitate them so that they can return to their habitat in the wild. We get to view these rare apes swinging freely in the trees, especially around feeding time. We spend a night at a lodge in Sepilok.

Day 3-4
Kinabatangan River - Miso Walai homestay
We head overland to an area known as Sukau. On arrival we visit the MESCOT Eco-Tourism initiative to learn more of this fascinating project. The Kinabatangan is Sabah’s longest river and one of the best places in South East Asia to observe wildlife. Our accommodation for our stay here is a home stay program with a local family. This is the perfect base from which we can observe the astonishing variety of wildlife in the area - this is truly a nature lover’s paradise! The river is flanked by corridors of tranquil rainforest, which is home to the unique proboscis and leaf monkeys as well as orang-utan and macaques. Giant squirrels, marbled cats and elephants are also present, but very rarely seen. We enjoy a boat ride along the river - the perfect vantage point from which we can marvel at the peaceful wilderness. (2B, L, 2D)

Day 5
Mesilau
Today we take the drive to Kudasang and the Mesilau Nature Resort located at 2,000 metres above sea level and at the foot of Mt. Kinabalu. We have the opportunity today to explore the surrounding area which is home to an estimated 4,500 species of plants, 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies as well as world’s largest pitcher plant, the “Nepenthes Rajah” which grows in abundance here. Please note that the accommodation standard in the hut can be basic (dormitory-style). (B, D)

Day 6
Mount Kinabalu (Laban Rata)
At 4,101 metres, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South East Asia (not including the island of New Guinea). The climb to the summit on the Mesilau trail is tough going, so you will need a good level of fitness. Physical preparation before your tour is highly recommended and will enable you to be in better shape to conquer the mountain. We start our walk in the morning and it takes us about five to six hours to ascend to our hut at Laban Rata (3,353 metres). The trail is well defined as we walk from a tropical rainforest to a more temperate one and finally up to alpine terrain, with stunted bushes. An interesting and diverse array of plant life can be seen along the way, such as orchids, rhododendrons and pitcher plants. If we’re lucky we may even see the Rafflesia - the largest flower in the world. Mount Kinabalu is also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 280 species of birds recorded. Gunting Lagadan is situated at the tree line of Mount Kinabalu and the temperature here can be very cold. Please note that the accommodation standard in the hut can be basic (dormitory-style). You can buy meals at the cafe in the guesthouse, but unfortunately hot water in the showers is in short supply and frequently runs out! Please see the list under ‘Luggage’ for suggested clothing. (Additional note: We repeat that the trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu is quite challenging and a good level of fitness is required. Any prior physical preparation is a definite advantage. Those not wishing to walk to the top can remain behind in Gunting Lagadan and enjoy a sleep-in!) (B, L, D)

Day 7
Mt.Kinabalu (base)
We commence our ascent to the summit very early this morning (about 2:30am!). It usually takes two to three hours to reach the top and our aim is to make it there before sunrise. A head torch and warm clothing are essential, as it will be quite cold. Combined with the altitude factor, this climb can be quite tiring. On a clear morning, you will find your efforts well worthwhile, as once you reach the summit at Low’s Peak the views are absolutely awe-inspiring - with the jungles of Sabah on one side and the South China Sea on the other. After taking in the magic moment we return to Gunting Lagadan and head to the Laban Rata hut for a well-earned breakfast, before continuing our descent to the base. In many ways, this downhill walk is probably the hardest part! During our time we also have the opportunity to take an optional excursion to the Poring Hot Springs. The bathing pools themselves are in poor condition, but optional activities here include an interesting walk along a canopy walkway, located high in the treetops, or a visit to a tropical garden. (B, L)

Day 8-9
Kota Kinabalu
We return to Kota Kinabalu and upon arrival are transferred to our accommodation located right on the edge of Kinarut seashore. The next few days are at your leisure to laze by the pool or, for the more energetic, perhaps hire out a canoe for a paddle on the pristine waters off the South China Sea. The choice is yours!

Day 10
Kota Kinabalu
Today we reluctantly leave our beach side retreat and return to our hotel in Kota Kinabalu. The remainder of your day is free for further sightseeing of this wonderful city!

Day 11
Limbang
We board an express boat and make our way to the island of Labuan, where we change to another boat bound for Limbang. Labuan was a place of much activity during World War II, but today it is a place full of modern shops. The boat schedules can vary - sometimes we have a bit of time to walk around, but other times there is only enough time to transfer from one boat to another. Each journey takes between one-and-a-half and two hours. Limbang is in Sarawak, sandwiched between the two parts of Brunei, and is where we spend our last night in a town before heading into the forested Mulu region. It is possible to send some of your heavy luggage (up to 18 kilograms) onwards instead of carrying everything on the Headhunters Trail trek and in Mulu National Park; however, there is a fee of RM35 (US$9.30) payable for this cargo service with the airlines.

Day 12
Iban Longhouse
We travel overland to Medamit, where we continue our journey by longtail boat to our overnight accommodation in a traditional longhouse. Here, we spend a night as guests of our Iban hosts. Please don’t expect any comforts and be prepared for the fact that the living conditions in the longhouse are extremely basic – this night is designed to give you a first-hand taste of how the Iban people live and also provide an insight into their unique customs. We will be sleeping on the ground, on simple mats and it is highly recommended that you bring your own sleeping sheet. The Iban are generally very reserved people unless, of course, they get on to their home-brewed rice wine! (L, D)

Day 13
Headhunters Trail
This morning we farewell our Iban friends and continue our journey on foot. Our trek takes us through a section of lowland forest, known as the Headhunters Trail. This trail was originally used by Kayan warriors, who made their way through the jungle to invade the people of the Limbang region. Although the path is well used by locals, few tourists get the opportunity to experience it. Following this route, we make our way to the Melinau Gorge and to Camp 5, where we stay overnight on the floor in very basic jungle hut accommodation. It is possible to hire simple mats to sleep on. (B, L, D)

Day 14- 15
Mulu National Park
We head off on foot to Long Lutut, where we catch the longboat down the Melinau River to Mulu. Here we explore some of the biggest and most impressive caves in the world. Wind Cave is the starting point for some of the longest tunnels in the world, while Clearwater Cave is an impressive sight, with a river winding through its centre. The enormous chambers of Deer Cave are home to over 32 million bats! At dusk we witness the amazing spectacle of these creatures emerging from the gaping mouth of the cave, as they head out into the forest in search of food. (2B, 2L, 2D)

Day 16
Kuching
Today we fly to Miri, then transfer to another flight for Kuching, one of the most attractive cities in South East Asia. We have ample time to explore this picturesque city and there is much to see. Fort Margherita was built by Charles Brooke in 1879 and sits on a hill opposite the waterfront – the perfect location to guard Kuching against pirates! The Istana is a shingle roofed white palace built by Charles Brook in 1870. Used during the Japanese occupation to house prisoners, it is today the residence of the Governor of Sarawak. You may also wish to visit the famous Sarawak Museum, one of the best in South East Asia, as well as take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront. (B)

Day 17-18
Bako National Park - Kuching
Today we take a day trip to Bako National Park, the oldest in Sarawak. This is a truly beautiful spot with a scenic coastline fringed by mangroves and clean beaches. Bako is renowned for its secluded beauty and we spend the day exploring and observing local flora and wildlife. In Bako National Park it is sometimes possible to see the rare proboscis monkey, as well as four species of pitcher plants. Monitor lizards are also frequently seen. We spend our final evening in Kuching celebrating our adventure and our tour comes to an end on the morning of Day 18.

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