National Geographic Journeys
Malaysia
Group / Max 16
Group Tour
Kuching To Kota Kinabalu – 12 Days
Your 12-day Malaysian adventure begins in Kuching, where you'll meet your group and have time to explore the city. On Day 2, immerse yourself in the culture of the Bidayuh tribe, visiting a traditional longhouse and learning about their lifestyle. The next day, journey to the Santubong Peninsula for a river cruise, hoping to spot wildlife like proboscis monkeys and Irrawaddy dolphins, followed by an evening nature walk in Kubah National Park.
The tour then takes you to the UNESCO-listed Gunung Mulu National Park, famous for its biodiversity and massive cave systems. You'll explore incredible caves, witness an awe-inspiring bat exodus, and even visit a Penan settlement. After experiencing Mulu, you'll fly to Kota Kinabalu for a brief stay, then head to Kampung Bilit to observe orangutans and sun bears and enjoy river cruises and wildlife spotting. The final days are spent in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, where you'll embark on jungle treks, wildlife drives, and night safaris, culminating with a return to Kota Kinabalu, leaving you enriched with the diverse natural and cultural treasures of Malaysia.
IMMERSIVE CULTURAL AND WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES: Start your journey in Kuching with a visit to a Bidayuh tribal village, offering a rich cultural immersion. Explore the Santubong Peninsula and Kubah National Park for a fascinating nature and wildlife encounter, including a river cruise and a night walk with an amphibian expert. In Gunung Mulu National Park, marvel at the extraordinary Mulu Caves and enjoy a nocturnal wildlife walk.
EXPLORING BORNEO'S NATURAL SPLENDOUR: Navigate the waters of the Melinau River to a Penan settlement and witness the serene Wind and Clearwater Caves. Enjoy the incredible biodiversity of Tabin Wildlife Reserve with bird walks, a visit to the Lipad mud volcano, and a night safari, providing ample opportunities to observe various species in their natural habitat.
ORANGUTAN AND SUN BEAR CONSERVATION EFFORTS: Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sandakan. These visits offer a close-up look at the conservation efforts for these endangered species and a deeper understanding of the ecological significance of Borneo's rainforests.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition. a
National Geographic Journeys
Moderate
Casual
Embark on a 12-day Best of Borneo tour, exploring lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and indigenous cultures. Visit national parks, witness orangutans at Sepilok, cruise along Kinabatangan River, and experience the natural wonders of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, all while immersing in the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Borneo.
You'll begin your adventure with an arrival in Kuching at any time convenient for you, with a welcome meeting scheduled later in the day to meet the group and discuss the details of the tour. Make sure to check the welcome note at the hotel for the meeting time. Until then, you're free to explore the city and familiarise yourself with your surroundings.
Accommodations: The Waterfront Hotel
Spend the second day on an exciting excursion to a Bidayuh tribal village, where you'll learn about the culture, history, and lifestyle of the indigenous people of southern Sarawak. Visit a traditional bamboo longhouse, take a stroll in the village farmlands, witness a traditional dance performance, and learn how the Bidayuh prepare their meals using fresh local ingredients. On your way to the village, you'll also stop at the local market in the small town of Serian to explore its variety of jungle produce.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: The Waterfront Hotel
Head to the lush Santubong Peninsula and embark on a cruise down the Santubong River. Take in the beautiful mangrove scenery and watch out for proboscis monkeys and the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. In the afternoon, you'll have some leisure time, followed by an evening nature walk in Kubah National Park with an amphibian expert. Enjoy the park's natural symphony at dusk and look for a variety of frog species, including the world's smallest frog, the Kubah or Matang narrow-mouthed frog.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: The Waterfront Hotel
Today, you'll catch a flight to Mulu and transfer to a hotel near Gunung Mulu National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its vast biodiversity, ancient tropical forest, and impressive karst features, including the renowned Mulu Caves, one of the largest and most remarkable cave systems in the world. At night, join a local guide for a walk to explore the park's nocturnal wildlife, spotting fireflies and luminescent fungi. Optional Activities: Mulu Night Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
Embark on a journey aboard a longboat, gliding along the Melinau River to visit a Penan settlement. The Penan, a Sarawak native hunter-gatherer tribe, face increasing threats to their traditional lifestyle due to deforestation. Witness the mesmerising calcite formations and refreshing breezes at the surreal Wind Cave. Ascend a staircase to encounter the awe-inspiring underground river within Clearwater Cave, Asia's longest cave passage. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst enchanting greenery before strolling through the captivating Lang and Deer Caves. Admire the magnificent stalagmites and stalactites in Lang Cave, and venture into Deer Cave—a vast cavern housing over three million bats. If possible, time your visit to witness the captivating bat exodus as these nocturnal creatures soar into the night in search of insects.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
Spend your morning exploring Gunung Mulu National Park at your leisure. If you choose, take a walk on the Mulu Skywalk, the world's longest canopy walk. In the afternoon, you'll catch a flight to Kota Kinabalu and have the evening to relax and enjoy at your own pace. Optional Activities: Canopy Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Grandis
Catch an early morning flight to Sandakan and venture to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Witness the dedicated care provided to injured, orphaned, and rescued orangutans before their eventual release into the wild. These magnificent creatures are critically endangered, with habitats restricted to Borneo and Sumatra. Next, explore the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you'll meet rescued Malayan sun bears. Engage in an informative session about these elusive bears, the world's smallest bear species, and discover ongoing conservation efforts. Later, transfer to Kampung Bilit, a charming village, and set off on an evening cruise along the Kinabatangan River. Keep a lookout for monkeys, birds, elephants, and crocodiles amidst the captivating river scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In Kampung Bilit, you will enjoy the rich wildlife around the Kinabatangan River. A river cruise is planned where you can spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and even pygmy elephants. A guided trek along the lake will provide more opportunities to spot the diverse wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Lodge (Cottage Room) (ZC) (or similar)
You will travel to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a place teeming with various primate species, cat species, and hundreds of bird species. A hike to the Lipad mud volcano is included, offering you an opportunity to observe the vast animal footprints present there. After dinner, you'll have a presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders and a night safari to spot the nocturnal creatures in the reserve.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Tabin Wildlife Resort
You'll continue exploring Tabin Wildlife Reserve with local guides. Your day starts with an early morning bird walk, providing opportunities to observe a wide variety of avian species. After breakfast, you'll trek to Lipad Waterfall, a beautiful spot where you can swim, relax, or explore the surrounding vegetation. Your day concludes with a wildlife drive at dusk and a night walk to spot sleeping birds, frogs, and insects. Optionally, you may also try the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak, designed to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. Optional Activities: Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Tabin Wildlife Resort (or similar)
The morning is at your leisure. You could watch a video about Tabin Wildlife Reserve or make a souvenir from the mud of the Lipad volcano. You'll then fly back to Kota Kinabalu, where you'll have some free time to explore the city.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Grandis (or similar)
This is your departure day. If you're not ready to leave, your CEO can assist with making travel arrangements for extending your adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
This tour is provided through a partnership between National Geographic Expedition and G Adventures, merging enjoyable, interactive exploration with significant interactions with diverse cultures and individuals. It offers a blend of leisure, options, and activities, all while ensuring the organized and safe experience of traveling in a small group.
Age Requirement: 12+
All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What can you expect when you travel on this tour?
A dedicated Chief Experience Officer and knowledgeable local guides
A group of usually 16 or fewer Travelers
Comfortable and convenient accommodations in each destination
Included activities as indicated in itineraries
Optional activities may be available for an additional cost as indicated in itineraries
Opportunities for on-your-own exploration as indicated in itineraries
Included meals as per itineraries
100% guaranteed departures
Roommate match for Solo Travelers at no additional fee
My Own Room option for Solo Travelers wanting their own room (additional fee applies)
Prices are per person, based on double or single occupancy (unless otherwise noted) and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in US dollars and subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
A minimum level of medical and emergency travel insurance is required in order to travel with National Geographic Journeys. Details are outlined in our Terms and Conditions and you will not be permitted to join the group until you have provided evidence of adequate travel insurance. Please read the trip details to learn more about recommended policy options.
MY OWN ROOM
During your trip, sometimes it's just more convenient and comfortable to have your own room. That's why we offer the My Own Room option - a single room all to yourself.
My Own Room Option: From £4,550
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Embark on a 14-day journey that blends the futuristic architecture of Singapore with Malaysia's cultural richness and natural beauty. Discover Singapore's skyscrapers, lush gardens, and cultural enclaves before exploring Malacca's history, Kuala Lumpur's vibrancy, and Langkawi's pristine shores.
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Birdwatching, Hiking/Trekking, Culinary
Malaysia
PRIVATE
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The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
