The Ultimate Adventure Through Wild Borneo

Arrive into the state of Sarawak in northwestern Borneo, and transfer to your hotel in Kuching, one of the most beautiful and laid-back cities in Malaysia. If you arrive on an early flight, settle in and relax at the hotel's pool before meeting your guide for an optional ride along the city's heritage trail, cycling through the old bazaars, temples, the central square and along the picturesque waterfront. Continue on to surrounding kampongs (villages) before crossing the waterway in the traditional fashion – on a sampan ferry. Conclude the day with a sunset dinner at the bank of the atmospheric Sarawak River. If you arrive on an evening flight, you can head straight to bed and meet your group on Day 2.

Today you'll venture into Bako National Park for your first proper introduction to Borneo's lush rainforest and iconic wildlife. Led by an expert park guide, you'll walk the extensive maze of jungle trails amongst distinct ecosystems, from mixed dipterocarp and mangrove forests to leafy beach and cliff vegetation overlooking the picturesque coastline. Keep your eyes open for silver-leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, bearded pigs, a variety of colourful birdlife and the endemic proboscis monkeys. After dinner, head out on a night-time stroll in search of nocturnal animals before spending your first peaceful night in the jungle.

Rise early and jump into the van for a two hour transfer to Lobang Batu, a Bidayuh village near the border with Indonesian Borneo. Meet the local community guides, and trek to the entrance of Silabur Cave, one of island's most breathtaking natural wonders. Get your torch lights ready and venture deep into the enormous limestone cave system, where occasional sun rays beam down through cracks and holes in the cavernous roof. In the afternoon, you'll meet the indigenous community of Kampong Mongkos, home to one of the few remaining traditional longhouses in Sarawak. Wander around the village and see daily life in this remote farming location, then settle in for the night – resting the traditional way, on the corridor floor of the 24-door bamboo longhouse.

Say goodbye to your hosts after breakfast and drive to Bengoh Dam jetty (about 90 minutes drive) for a short, exciting boat ride across a tranquil lake surrounded by mountains. Then set off on a spectacular hike to a series of secluded waterfalls immersed in the virgin jungle - think lush greenery, dense forest, pristine wildflowers... it's often likened to Jurassic Park. Sunbathe on giant rocks, take a cool dip in the crystal-clear pools and learn the Dayak culinary arts as you cook with bamboo harvested from the jungle. End your day with an authentic homestay experience at Bidayuh village in Kampung Kandung, overlooking the emerald Bengoh Lake. Rest, relax and tuck into a homemade meal as you watch the sun slowly sink behind the mountains.

Get ready for another adventure-packed day, paddling and pedalling through Borneo's incredible landscape. Float down an untouched stretch of the Sarawak River, kayaking through the rainforest in the shade of overhanging canopies and the sound of chirping insects and birds. Reach a secluded basecamp for a delicious lunch, then hop on the saddle and cycle through lush greenery and spectacular limestone karst landscape to historic Siniawan, a former gold mining town that has retained its traditional wooden buildings for well over a century. Savour some local specialities and taste some local craft beer in the village's old streets before calling it a night. Tonight you'll sleep in a tranquil Buddhist village nearby.

Fuel up on a delicious vegetarian breakfast ready for your visit to the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, an important primate rehabilitation centre which shelters a thriving community of endangered orangutans. Since the semi-wild primates are free to roam in a large protected forest area, there’s no guarantee of a sighting, but they regularly descend from the canopy by the trails during daily supplemental feedings. After your visit, hit the road for an hour to reach the jungle trails of Kubah National Park for a spectacular hike through some of the most pristine tropical rainforest in Sarawak – eyes peeled for crystal-clear jungle streams, rare orchids, palm trees and carnivorous pitcher plants. If you still have energy after dinner, join your guide to experience the darkness of the rainforest and track unique frog species at night.

After breakfast, you'll travel by road and boat for a couple of hours to reach the remote Tanjung Datu National Park, a hidden slice of paradise in the most westerly tip of the island, nicknamed the 'Heaven of Borneo’. Here, rugged mountains and lush rainforest sweep down to clear turquoise seas. Visit the park's turtle hatchery and learn about the local turtle conservation program, before hiking through pristine forest to reach Antu Laut beach where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and admire the huge boulders that dot the coast. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on the beach, swimming or snorkelling Telok Upas with colourful patches of corals just offshore. Settle into simple camping shelters and if you are lucky, watch the turtles nesting at night (sightings are common from April to October).

This morning, enjoy another short hike amongst the pristine beauty of Tanjung Datu, walking along picturesque bays and white sandy beaches – eyes open for pig-tailed macaques and Bornean bearded pigs. Grab lunch in a fishing village, then transfer by road (3 hours) to a secluded eco-lodge nestled in the lush foliage of the Damai Peninsula, dominated by the rainforest-clad slopes of Mount Santubong. Enjoy some well-earned downtime at the resort's beach and catch a beautiful sunset. Tonight, lay back in your cabin and listen to the rainforest come alive with the sounds of insects and frogs.

The Santubong Peninsula is such a beautiful spot – so kick back and enjoy it. Indulge in a relaxed breakfast and then do as you please for the rest of the day – perhaps hit the trails surrounding the lodge and explore the mangrove jungle at your own pace, sunbathe on a private white beach, or grab a paddle for some ocean SUPing or kayaking. You could tackle a challenging climb to Mount Santubong (810m) across rope ladders and dense jungle, venture out to the protected Satang Turtle Island in Talang-Satang National Park for some amazing snorkelling or try to spot Irrawaddy dolphins on a relaxing morning wetland cruise around the Santubong Peninsula. Tonight you'll celebrate the end of your epic adventure with a farewell seafood dinner before falling asleep, serenaded by the hum of the forest, one last time.

Your adventure ends today as you enjoy a final breakfast before transferring to Kuching Airport in time for your onward journey.