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Amazing Sarawak

Trip Length

Trip Code
9 days GTAS

Activities
Walking (Easy)

Countries Visited
Borneo (Malaysia)

Start City

End City
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Kuching
Amazing Sarawak

Amazing Sarawak

The Malaysian State of Sarawak on the island of Borneo is one of South East Asia’s best-kept secrets and a true adventurer’s paradise. Travelling by longboat on the waterways amidst the pristine rainforests of Gunung Mulu National Park, we explore some of the massive cave systems and attempt a climb of the amazing limestone Pinnacles. We also spend a night in a traditional longhouse as guests of the Iban people – they’re descendents of headhunters, who only last century had killed their enemies with blowpipes! These days the welcome is far more pleasant.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kota Kinabalu

Your trip begins today with your arrival in Kota Kinabalu. There are no activities planned for today, so you are free to settle in and do your own exploration of Sabah’s capital city. Kota Kinabalu is located on the edge of the South China Sea and overlooks a beautiful cluster of coral-fringed islands. Its location is quite striking, set against a backdrop of the Crocker Range with the granite peaks of Mount Kinabalu in the distance. The population is a unique blend of European, Malay and Chinese cultures, with a recent influx of Filipino. There are many optional things you can do in your free time such as visiting the Sabah Museum, with its collection of tribal and historical artifacts, and the State Mosque, an outstanding example of contemporary Islamic architecture. Alternatively you could escape the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu and take a walk up Signal Hill, which offers stunning views over the city and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Make sure you are back at the hotel for your pre-departure briefing this evening.

Day 2: Limbang

Meals included: 1 breakfast

We board an express boat and make our way to the island of Labuan, where we change to another boat bound for Limbang. Labuan was a place of much activity during World War II, but today it is a place full of modern shops. The boat schedules can vary - sometimes we have a bit of time to walk around, but other times there is only enough time to transfer from one boat to another. Each journey takes between one-and-a-half and two hours. Limbang is in Sarawak, sandwiched between the two parts of Brunei, and is where we spend our last night in a town before heading into the forested Mulu region. It is possible to send some of your heavy luggage (up to 18 kilograms) onwards instead of carrying everything on the Headhunters Trail trek and in Mulu National Park; however, there is a fee of RM35 (US$9.30) payable for this cargo service with the airlines.

Day 3: Iban Longhouse

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

We travel overland to Medamit, where we continue our journey by longtail boat to our overnight accommodation in a traditional longhouse. Here, we spend a night as guests of our Iban hosts. Please don’t expect any comforts and be prepared for the fact that the living conditions in the longhouse are extremely basic – this night is designed to give you a first-hand taste of how the Iban people live and also provide an insight into their unique customs. We will be sleeping on the ground, on simple mats and it is highly recommended that you bring your own sleeping sheet. The Iban are generally very reserved people unless, of course, they get on to their home-brewed rice wine!

Day 4: Headhunters Trail

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

This morning we farewell our Iban friends and continue our journey on foot. Our trek takes us through a section of lowland forest, known as the Headhunters Trail. This trail was originally used by Kayan warriors, who made their way through the jungle to invade the people of the Limbang region. Although the path is well used by locals, few tourists get the opportunity to experience it. Following this route, we make our way to the Melinau Gorge and to Camp 5, where we stay overnight on the floor in very basic jungle hut accommodation. It is possible to hire simple mats to sleep on.

Day 5-6: Mulu National Park

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

We head off on foot to Long Lutut, where we catch the longboat down the Melinau River to Mulu. Here we explore some of the biggest and most impressive caves in the world. Wind Cave is the starting point for some of the longest tunnels in the world, while Clearwater Cave is an impressive sight, with a river winding through its centre. The enormous chambers of Deer Cave are home to over 32 million bats! At dusk we witness the amazing spectacle of these creatures emerging from the gaping mouth of the cave, as they head out into the forest in search of food.

Day 7: Kuching

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today we fly to Miri, then transfer to another flight for Kuching, one of the most attractive cities in South East Asia. We have ample time to explore this picturesque city and there is much to see. Fort Margherita was built by Charles Brooke in 1879 and sits on a hill opposite the waterfront – the perfect location to guard Kuching against pirates! The Istana is a shingle roofed white palace built by Charles Brook in 1870. Used during the Japanese occupation to house prisoners, it is today the residence of the Governor of Sarawak. You may also wish to visit the famous Sarawak Museum, one of the best in South East Asia, as well as take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront.

Day 8-9: Bako National Park - Kuching

Today we take a day trip to Bako National Park, the oldest in Sarawak. This is a truly beautiful spot with a scenic coastline fringed by mangroves and clean beaches. Bako is renowned for its secluded beauty and we spend the day exploring and observing local flora and wildlife. In Bako National Park it is sometimes possible to see the rare proboscis monkey, as well as four species of pitcher plants. Monitor lizards are also frequently seen. We spend our final evening in Kuching celebrating our adventure, which ends on the morning of Day 9.

About Gecko's

Sharing the adventure is all part of the fun. Our groups are large enough to remove the hassles of go-it-alone travel, yet small enough for you to enjoy the benefits and freedom of independent travel. The average tour has nine people, with a maximum of sixteen. The exception is Africa which has a maximum of 24 and an average of 17. On group trips you travel with a highly-trained local tour leader, who was raised in the region and can show you a side of their homeland that other travellers miss out on. We include the 'must see' sights, and on many trips we venture off the beaten track for some unforgettably unique and unusual experiences.

Nuts and Bolts

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites.

• Overnight stay in a traditional longhouse as guests of the Iban people.

• Trek on the Headhunters Trail, with an overnight stay in a jungle hut.

• Longboat trip down the Melinau River to Mulu.

• Visit to Gunung Mulu National Park - Wind and Clearwater Caves and the bats of Deer Cave.

• Day trip to Bako National Park.

• Free time to explore Limbang and Kuching.

• Local flights from Mulu to Miri and Miri to Kuching.

• Ferry from Sabah to Sarawak.

Not Included

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.

Optional Extras

Visas and Permits

Borneo (Malaysia)

Please note that visa requirements can and do change. It is essential that you confirm requirements with the nearest relevant embassy or check with your travel agent before you travel. At the time of writing, Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not require a visa for Malaysia. All other nationalities should check with the Malaysian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please ensure that you have the most up-to-date information for your trip. We recommend that you check the trip notes for your tour around one month before departure. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

18 January 2012