• About Us
  • Footloose People
  • Footloose Shop
  • Responsible Tourism
  • Comments
• How We Work
  • Holiday Ideas
  • How to Book
  • Booking Form
  • Booking Conditions
  • Insurance
  • General Information
• News
  • Newsletter
  • Special Offers
• Contact
• Links

BORNEO

BOTANICAL TOUR of BORNEO

Borneo has some of the richest and most diverse fauna in the world and is well known for its extensive rainforest. Borneo also supports complete eco-systems on the flanks of its highest peaks. This tour allows you to experience this great diversity and meet people who have spend the greater part of their lives studying it.

Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
Arrive Kota Kinabalu; the state capital of Sabah. Sabah, formerly known as British North Borneo, is just below the typhoon belt and also popularly called the "land below the wind". Transfer to a lovely beach hotel situated on a peninsula overlooking the South China Sea. Set amid 24 acres of landscaped gardens, the accommodations are tastefully furnished and offer secluded balconies and breathtaking views. We will spend three nights at the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort. Welcome dinner included. (D)

Day 2: Kota Kinabalu - Monsopiad - Sapi Island
Your introduction to Borneo begins with a visit to the village of Monsopiad, named after a real-life headhunter whose descendants still occupy the land where his fame as a local hero was established. Visit one of the outlying islands to enjoy the pristine clear waters of the South China Sea. Overnight at the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Kota Kinabalu - Tambunan
Journey over the Crocker Range to Tambunan. This is the heartland of the Kadazan people, the largest ethnic group in Sabah. Visit a village of rice farmers to witness the life in a traditional home and meet the local people. Later, visit the Rafflesia Research Centre which studies and displays the largest flower in the world. Depending on luck there might be a rafflesia in bloom or a bud to observe at the time of your visit. Overnight at the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Kinabalu National Park
The drive (03 hours) to Kinabalu National Park is a spectacular trip. Journey out of the city into the hills and travel past villages and schools. In the distance from the ridge tops see an endless expanse of virgin forest. In other areas, the controversial clear cutting is evident. As one climbs from sea level, the humidity drops and the air is fresh and fragrant with exotic floral aromas. Explore the park with a local ranger/naturalist this afternoon. Overnight at the Hotel Perkasa just outside the park. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Kinabalu National Park - Sandakan
Kinabalu National Park is about 5,000 feet above sea level and on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu which is over 12,000 feet, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. In the early morning the rugged peak is often visible. The biodiversity so rich that this park has been referred to as the "richest and most remarkable assemblage of plants in the world." Here there are over 1,000 species of orchids and 300 species of birds. Poring, noted for its hot springs, which were developed by the occupying Japanese forces during W.W.II, is also part of the park. At a lower elevation, it provides a different ecosystem. Walk along the forested trails and up into the canopy on a high-suspended walkway. Encounter mountain streams, waterfalls and a variety of bird species. This afternoon travel across the island (a 4 hour drive) to Sandakan. Overnight at Sabah Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Sandakan - Sepilok - Sukau
In the morning, proceed to Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary to watch the feeding of orang utans and see a video presentation of their‚ rehabilitation programme. Walk along a boardwalk into the forest to visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Here orphaned orangutans, of which there are many due to extensive logging, are fed on platforms built into the trees. The animals are not captive and are free to come and go. They are encouraged to learn to forage for themselves and eventually revert to the wild. This is a unique opportunity to observe wild animals at close range.
Proceed overland to Sukau. The journey will take approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, passing by Oil Palm plantations and villages. After checking in upon arrival, lunch will be served. In the late afternoon, go on a river cruise up Kinabatangan River to Menanggul River in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Oxbow Lake - Sandakan
In the early morning visit to the Ox Bow Lake which is teeming with birdlife and host several species of migratory birds. Spend the morning in search of new species to add to your life list, then return to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch, depart by boat to Sandakan, passing Sukau Villages and Mangroves. There will be an opportunity to search for more wildlife on the 2-3 hour boat ride to Sandakan. Upon arrival at the jetty, transfer to Sabah Hotel for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Sandakan - Miri - Lambir National Park
Breakfast at the hotel prior to transferring to airport and for the flight to Miri. This afternoon visit the Harvard research facility at Lambir National Park. This low land rainforest region is the site of a protected plot which is a test area against which other
forests are measured. Adjacent is the Japanese research facility which focuses on the canopy. Overnight at the Everly Hotel or equivalent (B,L,D)

Day 9: Miri - Mulu National Park
The short flight from Miri takes one deep into the heart of Gunung Mulu National Park. About 5 million years ago, uplifting and folding of the ancient sea floor created impressive limestone mountains.
The erosive forces of nature have created an eerie array of pinnacles rising above the forest floor and an extensive system of caverns. Wildlife viewing is fascinating and includes eight species of hornbills, hundreds of species of butterflies and a wonderful early evening spectacle of a twisting black cloud of bats leaving the cave entrance. The Royal Mulu Resort is carefully designed to blend into the natural setting along a rivebank and resembles a traditional Borneo village of longhouses built on stilts. It offers a sense of adventure in the lap of luxury. Dinner and overnight at the Royal Mulu Resort (B,L,D)

Day 10: Mulu National Park
Full day tour of Lang's and Deer Caves. The vegetation is as impressive as the caves and wildlife. The flora includes over 1,500 species of flowering plants, including 170 orchids and ten species of pitcher plants. Dinner and overnight at Royal Mulu Resort. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Mulu National Park - Kuching
Continue to explore the rainforest trails and canopy in search of some of the more than 270 species of birds which inhabit the area. Then travel out of the valley to fly to Kuching. Transfer to Kuching Hilton for check in and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Bako National Park
Following breakfast at hotel, join the full day excursion to Bako National Park. The sea coast setting offers yet another ecosystem. Wave erosion has sculptured steep sandstone cliffs, rocky headlands, sea arches and stretches of white sand beaches. Many rare birds can be observed including the white-bellied sea eagle and the multi-colored barbet.
Return to Kuching in the mid afternoon. Overnight at Kuching Hilton. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Kuching - Batang Ai Longhouse Resort
This morning tour Kuching to see the restored colonial buildings which line the river flowing through the city. This afternoon depart for Batang Ai, an interesting four hour trip. Spend one night at the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Traditional Longhouse
Travel up-river by longboat to visit an Iban village. Meet the people and explore their environment, hike and get acquainted with the local people. Blend with the virgin rainforest, picnic Iban style on a riverbank and take time getting to know the village people during dinner and story telling. Then retire under the mosquito netting in the Borneo Adventure lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 15: Kuching
Return to Kuching this morning. The afternoon is free for independent activities. The shopping in Kuching offers a huge variety of items from all over Borneo so one can save all the shopping to the end of the trip. Enjoy a special farewell dinner tonight at the Hilton Hotel. Overnight at Hilton. (B,L,D)

Day 16: Depart
Depart Kuching. (B)

Return to main Borneo page