Compare Wild Sarawak by Intrepid Travel vs Borneo: On the Trail of the Headhunters by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,862 | $ 3,850 |
| Price Per Day | $ 186 | $ 321 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Wild, tropical and remote – think of Borneo as South East Asia's answer to the Amazon. This 10-day tour 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. Follow the Headhunters' Trail through dense jungle in Sarawak, wander along Kuching's riverside promenade and relax on golden-sand beaches on Labuan Island. |
Rich equatorial rainforest, wild orangutan and the Kinabatangan River... On a tailor-made vacation to Borneo with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Borneo specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. |
Day 1 Kuching
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Kuching, meaning 'cat' in Malay, is arguably the most pleasant city in Malaysian Borneo. It was home to the infamous White Raja 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, which you can find details about at the hotel’s reception. In any free time before the meeting, check out this cosmopolitan city rich in architecture, where the waterfront houses a wealth of curious shops and local vegetable, spice and fish markets. This city of skyscrapers sitting near lush green jungle is easily walked around, so maybe relish the mellow vibe and head out with your new travel companions to try some local dishes like Sarawak Laksa and Kolok mee.
Day 2 Bako National Park - Kuching
Hop in a private van to the fishing village of Kampung Bako (approximately 1 hour), then a local boat up the coast to Bako National Park (approximately 20 minutes). Bako is the oldest national park in Sarawak and features rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, interesting plant life, secluded beaches and trekking trails. Millions of years of erosion formed a coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands and stretches of white, sandy bays. Waves have carved the cliffs into fantastically shaped sea arches and sea-stacks, with coloured patterns formed by iron deposits. Weather permitting, you’ll take a leader-led walk through one of the jungle trails where you will witness different kinds of vegetation or may spot wildlife like proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkey and the elusive Bornean bearded pigs if you are lucky. It can be a hot, but always rewarding hike. Return to Kuching in the late afternoon and spend the evening in a hotel.
Day 3 Kuching
Head to the Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary – 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 via a walkway, where from a viewing platform you can watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view and eat the supplementary diet of bananas and milk that is laid out for them twice a day. Take some time to savour the special moments in these animals’ company. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential that you follow your leader's instructions. Afterwards, return to Kuching and the hotel, where you can freshen up from the heat. This evening perhaps 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.
Day 4 Mulu National Park
Fly to Mulu, sending your large bag on to Limbang and packing a day bag with the essentials for the next four days. 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 (2 kilometres) where you’ll stay for the next 2 nights. Your leader will go through some of the options for your free time here. You can take to the some of the self-guided trails around the park, or to the treetops on the world’s longest tree based canopy walkway. Or maybe simply kick back with a book and enjoy the sounds of the nearby jungle. Later there is the chance of an optional night walk to search for some weird and wonderful insects and reptiles. Tonight you’ll stay in the park headquarters, which has its own restaurant and Information Centre. Accommodation is multishare rooms with private bathroom.
Day 5 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. The World Heritage-listed park has absolutely spectacular limestone geology, with enormous caves, vast cave networks, rock pinnacles, cliffs and gorges. In fact, its system of caves is the largest known in the world, 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 in the world, 2.2 kilometres long and 220 metres 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 running off the heaps of guano. The guano comes from the millions of bats who call the cave home, and at dusk there’s a mass exodus as they emerge for their nightly feeding, like a seemingly endless black plume of smoke twisting across the sky. In nearby Lang cave you can appreciate the work that the water does on the limestone, sculpting waves on the ceiling, drawing stalagmites, columns and stalactites.
Day 6 Mulu National Park
Leave Park HQ behind and head into the jungle. Take boats for around 30 minutes upriver to the amazing Clearwater and Wind caves, which contain Asia’s longest underwater river. The Clearwater cave system runs for more than 200 kilometres, over 100 of which have been explored. The system gets its name from the bright jungle pool at the base of the steps that lead up to the cave mouth. 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 that is unique to the park and offers a real opportunity to see the water at work on the rock. Afterwards, take a longboat downriver before disembarking to hike through undisturbed jungle to Camp 5, nestled at the end of Melinau Gorge (approximately 9 kilometres). During dry season, the boats may need to be pushed over certain sections of the river, so it is advisable to wear strap on sandals or shoes that can get wet. At Camp 5 you will sleep in these wonderful surrounds, on mats on raised open-air platforms in a mixed gender dormitory, with shared bathroom facilities and cold water showers. Bedding is not provided so bring your own sleeping sheet and a warm layer for cool nights. Mosquito nets are available to rent for a small charge. Please be aware that at certain times of the year there can be many bees around Camp 5.
Day 7 Headhunters Trail - Limbang
Today you’ll tackle the infamous Headhunters' Trail. Located in an isolated area of the Bornean jungle, this 12-kilometre (approximately 5-hour) trail takes its name from its historical role as the route taken by warring parties between the Tutoh and Limbang rivers. The trek is through dense jungle along a well-defined, mainly flat track, although the way can be muddy during the rainy season. You'll also have to cross some streams by rope bridges, wooden walkways, logs or by getting your feet wet as you wade through. You’ll be surrounded by stunningly diverse flora, massive bird-filled trees, and the magical sounds of the forest – a hornbill flapping its wings, the cries of monkeys, and the pulse of cicadas and crickets. Then you’ll take a boat from Kuala Terikan to Kuala Mendalam, a journey of around 4 hours. Depending on how much rainfall there’s been, you may be required to help push the boat over shallow parts of the river and there will be a stop at a ranger station for lunch along the way. It’s a long, challenging and rewarding day. Travel on to Limbang by private vehicle (approximately 1.5 – 2 hrs), where you can freshen up and enjoy a good night's rest after two long days of trekking.
Day 8 Labuan Island
After breakfast this morning take a short walk to the ferry terminal for an 8AM ferry to Labuan Island (approx. 2-2.5 hours). On arrival you’ll have a free afternoon and evening at a beach resort. Relax and recover after yesterday’s trek, chilling out with a cold drink and a good book. Maybe head to Layang Layang Beach for a swim and get together for a sunset cocktail by the end of the day.
Day 9 Kota Kinabalu
Enjoy some more free time on the island before catching a ferry and express bus to Kota Kinabalu (approx. 3-4 hours), the capital of Sabah and a modern metropolis that rebounded from multiple bombings during WWII. Tonight, perhaps head out for a final meal with your group to celebrate your Borneo adventure – the night market is filled with fresh grilled seafood.
Day 10 Kota Kinabalu
Aside from breakfast, there are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you wish to spend more time in Kota Kinabalu, your tour leader can also advise on how to best spend your time here.
Day 1 Kuching
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 2 Kuching
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 3 Lemanak River
Kuching , 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 4 Lemanak River
Lemanak River
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.
Day 5 Kuching
Lemanak River , 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 6 Mulu National Park
Kuching , Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park , 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 7 Mulu National Park
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 8 Limbang
Mulu National Park , Limbang
Continue on through the stunning jungle scenery before reaching Limbang by river, where you will spend the evening.
Day 9 Kota Kinabalu
Mulu National Park , Limbang , Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park , Kota Kinabalu
Take a flight to Miri and on to Kota Kinabalu today. 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 10 Kota Kinabalu
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 11 Kota Kinabalu
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 12 Return home
Day 1 Kuching
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 2 Kuching
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 3 Lemanak River
Kuching , 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 4 Lemanak River
Lemanak River
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.
Day 5 Kuching
Lemanak River , 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 6 Mulu National Park
Kuching , Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park , 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 7 Mulu National Park
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 8 Limbang
Mulu National Park , Limbang
Continue on through the stunning jungle scenery before reaching Limbang by river, where you will spend the evening.
Day 9 Kota Kinabalu
Mulu National Park , Limbang , Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park , Kota Kinabalu
Take a flight to Miri and on to Kota Kinabalu today. 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 10 Kota Kinabalu
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 11 Kota Kinabalu
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 12 Return home
Kota Kinabalu
A final day to relax before your transfer back to Kota Kinabalu for your flight home.
Day 1 Kuching
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 2 Kuching
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 3 Lemanak River
Kuching , 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 4 Lemanak River
Lemanak River
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.
Day 5 Kuching
Lemanak River , 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 6 Mulu National Park
Kuching , Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park , 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 7 Mulu National Park
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 8 Limbang
Mulu National Park , Limbang
Continue on through the stunning jungle scenery before reaching Limbang by river, where you will spend the evening.
Day 9 Kota Kinabalu
Mulu National Park , Limbang , Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park , Kota Kinabalu
Take a flight to Miri and on to Kota Kinabalu today. 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 10 Kota Kinabalu
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 11 Kota Kinabalu
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 12 Return home
Kota Kinabalu
A final day to relax before your transfer back to Kota Kinabalu for your flight home.
Day 1 Kuching
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 2 Kuching
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 3 Lemanak River
Kuching , 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 4 Lemanak River
Lemanak River
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.
Day 5 Kuching
Lemanak River , 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 6 Mulu National Park
Kuching , Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park , 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 7 Mulu National Park
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 8 Limbang
Mulu National Park , Limbang
Continue on through the stunning jungle scenery before reaching Limbang by river, where you will spend the evening.
Day 9 Kota Kinabalu
Mulu National Park , Limbang , Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park , Kota Kinabalu
Take a flight to Miri and on to Kota Kinabalu today. 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 10 Kota Kinabalu
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 11 Kota Kinabalu
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 12 Return home
Kota Kinabalu
A final day to relax before your transfer back to Kota Kinabalu for your flight home.
A final day to relax before your transfer back to Kota Kinabalu for your flight home.
