Compare Borneo: On the Trail of the Headhunters by Audley Travel

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Kuching.

Day 2 : Kuching

Arriving into Kuching you will be met and taken to your hotel in the heart of Kuching.This evening you might like to take a walk along the waterfront to try a local delicacy from one of the many street-food stalls.

Day 3 : Kuching

Get a taste of Kuching with a city walking tour with your guide learning about the history of the White Rajah's and the influence they had on Sarawak. Kuching means "cat" in Malay - you might spot a number of cat statues, and the cat museum, on your tour of the city.

Day 4 : Lemanak River

You're met by your driver and guide after breakfast and taken to the Lemanak River by road, stopping at Semenggok Orangutan Sanctuary for feeding time, a traditional market in Serian, a pepper farm and a local restaurant on the way. The final 40 minutes of your journey will be on the river, by longboat. On arrival at the Iban longhouse you will learn about the local customs, dine and dance with the families before bed.

Day 5 : Batang Ai

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a nature trail in the area surrounding the longhouse. You will also be given a blowpipe demonstration, which you are welcome to try for yourself. Weather permitting, lunch will be served on the riverbank where you also have the chance for a swim. Following lunch you will be transferred to the Batang Ai Hilton where you can relax and enjoy a hot shower. Your guide will take you on a nature walk in the area which includes a canopy walkway.

Day 6 : Kuching

You have a long day today as you are driven back to Kuching. Your driver will be able to stop along the way if you wish.On arrival in Kuching you have the rest of the day to relax. You might like to visit one of the evening markets where a range of handicraft products are sold.

Day 7 : Mulu National Park

Fly to Mulu today for your first taste of the sheer expanse of Borneo's rainforest. After checking-in to your jungle lodge you will head out to the show caves that the area is famous for. At dusk you will witness one of the most spectacular sights in Southeast Asia - the mass exodus of millions of bats.

Day 8 : Mulu National Park

Begin your journey through the rainforest with the first stop at Camp Five. Following the Headhunter's trail, your guide will be able to tell you the history of this well-journeyed trail. On route through the jungle you will see the fascinating flora and fauna that Borneo is famous for.This evening you will be camping with basic, but comfortable facilities.

Day 9 : Mulu National Park

Continue on through the stunning jungle scenery before reaching the village where you will spend the night at a local longhouse. The route is relatively flat, mainly due to the fact that Kayan headhunting parties used to drag their longboats with them.

Day 10 : Kota Kinabalu

You will journey down river to Limbang early today before taking a flight to Miri and on to Kota Kinabalu. Here you will be met and taken to the excellent Shangri-La Rasa Ria, for a well earned rest. Evening at leisure. The hotel has a number of different restaurants to try this evening, as well as a well-stocked bar.

Day 11 : Kota Kinabalu

Full day at leisure. Your hotel is on a 3km (1.9 mile) stretch of private beach. You might like to take a walk, or enjoy the large swimming pool and spa.

Day 12 : Kota Kinabalu

Second day to enjoy the facilities of the hotel. There are a number of excursions available to enjoy at your hotel including horse riding, golf, yoga and cooking lessons. There are also daily walks into the surrounding jungle.

Day 13 : International return flight

A final day to relax before your transfer back to Kota Kinabalu for your flight home.

Day 14 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.