Round trip Malaysian Borneo
Cruising along the Kinabatangang River, hornbills fly through the clear blue sky, while a group of rhinoceroses emerge noisily from the green wall. A crocodile scurries away and a kingfisher dives into the water; in the background, the shrill calls of gibbons echo above it all. This is Malaysian Borneo: a walhalla for nature lovers with a huge diversity of flora and fauna in several national parks. Also climb Southeast Asia's highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu and walk the headhunter trail, a 2-day trek through the jungle, spending the night in a forest hut on the banks of the Melinau River. At the end of the trip, you can recover on tropical Pulau Gaya, where there are several diving and snorkeling opportunities.
A guest of the Iban
From the charming tropical town of Kuching, you will visit the interior of Sarawak. The nights spent with the Iban in their traditional longhouses, accessible only by longboat, are an unforgettable experience. In the longhouse, built on stilts, many families of several generations live together. The communal ruai (covered porch) gives access to the many family quarters and is the residents' social gathering place in the evening. There, the older Iban, often adorned with traditional tattoos, quietly drink their tuak or mend fishing nets while the children run around.
Tips & Tops Round trip Malaysia Borneo
- Kuching still has many historic buildings from the time of the "White Rajas," the English Brooke family, who ruled Sarawak for a century
- The Sarawak Museum has a world-renowned collection on the various Dayak cultures and the flora and fauna of Sarawak
- Sarawak Cultural Village is an open-air museum where different types of longhouses of Borneo can be visited
- In Bako National Park, several hikes are possible along jagged rock formations and idyllic beaches; along the way you will encounter carnivorous pitcher plants, proboscis monkeys, silverleaf monkeys and iguanas, among others
- Visit the great apes at the orangutan centers Semonggoh and Sepilok and the Sun-Bear sanctuary
- From the Sky walk in Sepilok, you will see the forest from the perspective of most forest dwellers, who rarely, if ever, get on the ground. The cacophony of sounds from the forest knows no pause
- Gunung Mulu National Park is an immense stretch of rainforest with magnificent stalactite caves
- Wander around the many atmospheric night markets full of street food and durians in Kota Kinabalu
- By boat, explore different ecosystems of Kinabatangang, a paradise for birdwatchers and habitat for the Borneo pygmy elephant and many monkey species
- Marvel at fascinating pitcher plants and the Rafflesia, one of the greatest wonders of the plant world
- In Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is well worth a visit for swimming, snorkeling and diving enthusiasts
- By speedboat you will sail to Gaya Island, to a beautiful beachfront resort. And then there is time for the sea and blissful idleness
- Optionally, you can climb the Pinnacles in Mulu; however, this is a very tough climb, suitable only for very athletic individuals
- Various extension options in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or West Malaysia
- This trip is also perfect for an active, exciting family trip
