Wild Sarawak

Intrepid Travel · 10 days

4.7

20 Reviews

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Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Wild, tropical and remote – Borneo is South East Asia's answer to the Amazon. This 10-day trip is full of active adventure set in natural paradise. See orangutans swinging through the rainforest treetops at a sanctuary in Semenggoh and venture into the vast Mulu cave systems.

Highlights

Kick back in Kuching and maybe try a bowl of the local laksa – Anthony Bourdain called it 'the breakfast of the Gods' – and explore the neighbourhoods full of Chinese and Malay influences.
See semi-wild orangutans at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and look for proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park. One of the last truly wild places on earth, Borneo offers rare treats for nature lovers.
Explore labyrinthian cave systems, some of the largest in the world, and watch as millions of bats emerge from their depths at sunset, darkening the sky like a plume of black smoke.
Follow in the footsteps of tribal warriors on a trek through wild, dense jungle on the Headhunter’s Trail – rich with wildlife like hornbills and monkeys.
Gain some unique insights into Berawan people, indigenous to the Mulu region, learning about their life and food through a family visit and home-cooked dinner.
Unwind after days spent trekking through jungle with a stay on tranquil Labuan Island. Relax with a well-earned drink or a good book at your beach resort accommodation.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

4x4,Ferry,Longtail boat,Plane,Taxi,Mini van

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kuching, Malaysia

Finishes

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

Day 1: Kuching

Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Kuching, meaning 'cat' in Malay, is the capital and most populous city in the state of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. It was home to the infamous White Rajah of Sarawak, whose mysterious rule in this remote corner of the world sparked the imagination of many people who dreamt of becoming royalty. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe check out the waterfront, home to local vegetable, spice and fish markets. After the meeting, maybe head out with your new travel companions to try some local dishes like Sarawak laksa and kolok mee.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Bako National Park - Kuching

Hop in a private van to the fishing village of Kampung Bako, then a local boat up the coast to Bako National Park. Bako is the oldest national park in Sarawak and features rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, diverse plant life, secluded beaches and trekking trails. Millions of years of erosion form a coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands and stretches of white, sandy bays. Waves have carved the cliffs into sea arches and sea-stacks, with coloured patterns formed by iron deposits. When you arrive, you’ll take a leader-led walk through one of the jungle trails, looking out for proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys and the elusive Bornean bearded pigs. Return to Kuching in the late afternoon and spend the evening in relaxing your hotel.

Included Activities:

Bako National Park - Wildlife Trail Trek

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre - Kuching

Head to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre – a government-funded rehabilitation centre set in lush surrounds. The centre was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. Head into the jungle to a viewing platform where you can watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view, eating bananas and milk that’s laid out for them twice a day. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential you follow your leader's instructions. After, return to Kuching where you can freshen up. Tonight, maybe mosey down to the riverbank and watch tambang ferries glide by, or head out to one of the many Chinese-influenced hawker markets for dinner and experience the range of local seafood.

Included Activities:

Kuching - Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

Optional Activities:

Kuching - Sarawak Cultural Village (95 MYR)
Sarawak River cruise (65 MYR)
Kuching - Borneo Cultures Museum (50 MYR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Gunung Mulu National Park

Fly to Mulu today. When you arrive in Mulu, head into the heart of one of the most spectacular national parks in Asia – Gunung Mulu National Park. Transfer the short distance to Mulu HQ where you’ll stay for the next two nights. In your free time, you can take a self-guided trail around the park or head to the treetops on the world’s longest canopy walkway. Or maybe simply kick back with a book and enjoy the sounds of the nearby jungle. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner prepared by the indigenous tribe here - Berawan people, trying the signature jungle dishes like Pansoh (fish or chicken cooked in bamboo) or 'Midin' (sauteed wild fern) and learning about their unique cultural insights while the family sit down and have dinner with you. Later, there’s the chance to take an optional night walk to search for some weird and wonderful insects and reptiles.

Included Activities:

Mulu National Park - Berawan people family visit and home-cooked dinner

Accommodation:

Cabin (multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Gunung Mulu National Park

Today, you have a free morning to explore or have a sleep in. Spend the afternoon strolling the walkways of this 180-million-year-old rainforest, and then catch the sunset flight of the bats at Deer Cave. This UNESCO World Heritage site has the world’s largest known system of caves, formed when surface water worked its way through the rock, carving gigantic passages through the bedrock. Deer Cave has one of the single largest cave passages, 2.2 km long and 220 m tall at its highest point. Before it was part of the park, the cave was a well-known hunting ground for deer, who were attracted to the pools of salty water. The millions of bats who call the cave home all emerge at dusk for their nightly feeding, which is a sight to behold.

Included Activities:

Mulu National Park - Deer & Lang Caves

Optional Activities:

Mulu National Park - Canopy Walk (50 MYR)

Accommodation:

Cabin (multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Gunung Mulu National Park

Leave Park HQ behind and head into the jungle. Take a boat upriver to the Clearwater and Wind Caves, which contain Asia’s longest underwater river. The Clearwater Cave system runs for more than 200 km, over 100 of which have been explored. Wind Cave draws a cooling breeze through its lengths and features some of Gunung Mulu’s best cave formations, while Clearwater is covered in a species of bright green plant unique to the park. After exploring, take a longboat downriver before disembarking for a hike through undisturbed jungle to Camp 5, at the end of Melinau Gorge.

Included Activities:

Mulu National Park - Wind & Clearwater Caves
Mulu National Park - Picnic Lunch
Mulu National Park - Local Dinner

Accommodation:

Dormitory (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Headhunters Trail - Limbang

Today, you’ll tackle the infamous Headhunter’s Trail. Located in an isolated area of the Bornean jungle, the trail used to be the route used by warring parties between the Tutoh and Limbang Rivers. Cross streams by rope bridges, wooden walkways and logs, surrounded by the diverse flora, bird-filled trees and the sounds of the forest – a hornbill flying overhead, the cries of monkeys and the pulse of cicadas and crickets. Then, take a boat from Kuala Terikan to Kuala Mendalam. Depending on how much rainfall there’s been, you may be required to help push the boat over shallow parts of the river. Stop at a ranger station for lunch, then travel to Limbang by private vehicle, where you can freshen up and enjoy a good night's rest after two long days of trekking.

Included Activities:

Mulu National Park - Guided trek along Headhunters' Trails
Mulu National Park - Longboat ride along the Melinau & Terikan Rivers

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Labuan Island

After breakfast this morning, take a short walk to the ferry terminal for a boat to Labuan Island. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening at a beach resort. Relax and recover after yesterday’s trek, going for a swim, chilling out with a cold drink or reading a good book.

Accommodation:

Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Kota Kinabalu

Enjoy some more free time on the island before catching a ferry and express bus to Kota Kinabalu – the capital of Sabah and a modern metropolis that rebounded from multiple bombings during WWII. Tonight, maybe head out for a final meal with your group to celebrate your Borneo adventure – the night market is filled with fresh grilled seafood.

Optional Activities:

Labuan - Historical tour (Minimum 2 People) (177 MYR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Kota Kinabalu

After breakfast, there are no activities planned and your trip comes to an end. You can depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. If you’d like to spend more time in Kota Kinabalu, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Optional Activities:

Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul National Marine Park Snorkeling Trip (min. 2 - without transport) per person (345 MYR)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,595

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 26 Feb 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Imelda Ruth

Traveled, March 2024

04/11/2024

Seeing the orangutans in their natural habitat was the highlight of this trip.

4.5

Suzie

Traveled, March 2024

04/05/2024

Borneo - the trip of a lifetime. From the moment we joined the Intrepid group the adventure began. Highly recommend this for those who love wildlife and also want to explore the wilder side of Borneo. A must if you want to see the Orangutan’s and trek the jungle.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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