G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
Few travel opportunities are as rare or special as the one to really get out there and explore the must-be-seen-to-be-believed nature and wildlife of the island of Borneo. Start at its heights by summiting UNESCO-designated Mt Kinabalu before descending into the mind-blowing caves of Gunung Mulu National Park. Throw in some unconventional cultural moments like drifting along the water by long boat and overnighting in an Iban longhouse of the Malay people and you've got 16 days of adventure that'll remain with you forever.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Malaysia
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Travel to Mt KinabaluTravel to the base of Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea. In the afternoon, stretch your legs by exploring the trails around the park or check out the visitor centre.
Travel to the base of Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea. In the afternoon, stretch your legs by exploring the trails around the park or check out the visitor centre.
Day 3Head off to conquer Mt KinabaluSet off early to begin the ascent up Mt Kinabalu. It is not an easy walk, but it is incredibly rewarding. Willpower is the main requirement as it's uphill all the way! Spend the night at Laban Rata in basic mountain huts 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level. Turn in early to prepare for the final climb very early in the morning.
Set off early to begin the ascent up Mt Kinabalu. It is not an easy walk, but it is incredibly rewarding. Willpower is the main requirement as it's uphill all the way! Spend the night at Laban Rata in basic mountain huts 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level. Turn in early to prepare for the final climb very early in the morning.
Day 4Summit Mt Kinabalu (3-5hrs) and arrive in time…Kota Kinabalu
Kota KinabaluSummit Mt Kinabalu (3-5hrs) and arrive in time for sunrise. Return to Laban Rata for a rest and to the park headquarters for lunch. Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
Day 5After breakfast enjoy the seaside drive to Beaufort
After breakfast enjoy the seaside drive to Beaufort, a small colonial town of palm-oil plantations, white-water rapids, and interesting looking monkeys. Spot an array of wildlife from a river cruise on the Klias River.
Day 6Catch the local train to Tenom and explore…
Catch the local train to Tenom and explore the scenic town. Visit the Murut Cultural Centre before returning to Beaufort by road. If you prefer, jump off the train early and opt out of the visit to Tenom to instead get your adrenaline pumping on a rafting tour.
Day 7Depart to Menumbok port and take a private…
Depart to Menumbok port and take a private speedboat to Labuan. Fly to Miri and make your way to Mulu National Park. Opt for a night walk on the boardwalks surrounding park headquarters.
Day 8Depart on an easy walk along the river…
Depart on an easy walk along the river to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. After a lunch stop, swim in the crystal clear waters emerging from the mountain. Opt to stop at Iban village's morning market to browse handicrafts by the Pena tribe, descendants from headhunters. Walk on the boardwalk to Lang Cave and Deer Cave before relaxing with a drink at the viewing area for the nightly emergence of 3 million bats.
Day 9Before breakfastKota Kinabalu
Kota KinabaluBefore breakfast, opt to go on a two hour morning mist guided tour in Mulu NP on the worlds longest tree based canopy walk. Enjoy some free time before boarding a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, take a boat to the secluded Sepanggar Island covered in a lush tropical rainforest with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Stay the night in a lodge nestled on a hill hidden in the trees. Enjoy the spectacular view of the sea, the stars, and the Kota Kinabalu city lights from your balcony.
Day 10Enjoy a relaxing morning on Sepanggar paradise islandKota Kinabalu
Kota KinabaluEnjoy a relaxing morning on Sepanggar paradise island. Snorkel through the crystal clear water and follow the tropical fish to the colourful reefs. Opt to get a massage or try stand-up paddle boarding. If you are looking to pump some adrenaline try parasailing or jet skiing. Head back to the mainland in the afternoon and spend the evening in Kota Kinabalu as you please.
Day 11Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching
Kota KinabaluFly from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching. Enjoy some free time in the evening.
Day 12Depart Kuching in the morning
KuchingDepart Kuching in the morning, passing through mangrove forest before arriving at Bako village. Continue along the coast by motorized boat to reach Bako National Park. Hike through the park and experience amazing plant and wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for the proboscis monkey. Return to Kuching in the evening.
Day 13Drive through the scenic countryside
Drive through the scenic countryside, passing plantations, rivers, rainforest to reach the Batang Ai jetty, stopping en route to visit a trading town and a local farmhouse. From the jetty transfer via boat to a local Iban longhouse and enjoy a stay with this welcoming community while learning more about their culture.
Day 14Witness a blowpipe demonstration before setting off by…
Witness a blowpipe demonstration before setting off by longboat for a trip across the lake. Disembark and enjoy a hike through the forest and a local lunch at a scenic locale. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the water before heading to our hotel for the night.
Day 15Return to the jetty by boat and continue…Kuching
KuchingReturn to the jetty by boat and continue overland to Kuching, stopping en route to visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and with some luck spot a wild orangutan passing through.
Day 16Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover Malaysia
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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