Borneo with Teenagers

Itinerary

Itinerary:
Kota Kinabalu - Semenggoh - Santubong - Bako National Park - Kuching - Batang Ai - Damai Beach
Duration:
11 days / 10 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 1,879.- per adult (excluding flights)

We've designed this Borneo itinerary with adventurous teenagers in mind. The itinerary begins in Sabah with an adrenaline pumping white water rafting experience. A short flight takes you to Sarawak where you'll spot wildlife on a jungle boat cruise and visit the orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve. You'll stay in a real-life tree house and venture deep into the rainforest to stay with the Iban headhunter tribe. Finally, round off your trip with some well-deserved relaxation on Damai Beach. If your family are ready to explore the wild side of Borneo - this is the trip for you.

Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu

Upon arrival in Borneo, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. This bustling coastal city at the foot of the immense Mount Kinabalu is the starting point for your Borneo adventure. You’ll be staying in a centrally located hotel which is walking distance to the waterfront. At night the Kota Kinabalu waterfront is transformed into a bustling night market, with food stalls selling everything from BBQ fish and fried rice, to sweet doughnuts and banana fritters.

Day 2 – Whitewater rafting

Today you’ll take a drive through the countryside to the Kiulu River. This river has a gentle flow and a number of small rapids, making it perfect for the novice rafter. Once you’re kitted out with life jackets and helmets, there will be a safety briefing before you hit the water, accompanied by an expert local guide. You’ll paddle through scenic countryside, passing forest, small villages and farms. Enjoy lunch at the riverbank, before returning to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu.

If you’d prefer to stay on dry land we can arrange a guided mountain bike tour. You’ll pedal past local villages and farms, and even tackle some fun jungle trails and hanging bridges. Ask your Travel Specialist for more information.

Day 3 – Orangutans at Semenggoh & sleep in a treehouse

Today you’ll take an early flight to Kuching. You’ll be met on arrival and driven directly to the Semenggoh Rehabilitation Centre. Semenggoh is a temporary home for orangutans who have been orphaned or rescued, and here they teach them all the survival skills needed for life back out in the wild. We’ll make sure to get you here for their feeding time.

Once you’ve visited Borneo’s most famous residents, you’ll be transferred to your home for the next couple of nights, a real-life tree-house! You’ll be staying in a jungle resort located in the heart of the rainforest, and right next to the beach. You can rent paddle-boards, kayaks and head out on nature-watching tours.

Day 4 – Wildlife spotting boat cruise

Your morning is free to relax and explore. In the afternoon we’ve arranged a boat trip on the mangrove-lined Santubong River. Keep your eyes peeled for all the wildlife hiding along these shores. There’s Proboscis monkeys, Irrawaddy dolphins, fireflies and you might look down into the water and spot some crocodile eyes looking right back at you. As dusk settles you’ll be able to see the fireflies twinkling in the evening sky, and afterwards, you’ll head back to your treehouse for the night.

From your treehouse, you’ll be picked up and taken to the small village of Kampung Bako. You’ll then hop onto a boat and head to Bako National Park, weaving past unique rock formations that dot the coastline. This protected park is teeming with wildlife, including numerous species of monkey. Settle into your lodge and then your experienced guide will lead you through the winding boardwalks and rainforest trails, spotting the mischievous Macaques, Silver Leaf Monkeys and of course the most famous resident, the funny-faced Proboscis Monkey.

Today, you’ll have the chance to explore the park and spot more of its unique wildlife. There are several different walking trails you can opt to follow, depending on how active you’re feeling. If you choose the popular Tajor Waterfall trek, then pack your swimwear as it leads to an idyllic beach where you can cool off in the surf. After lunch, take the boat back to the mainland and transfer to Kuching city where you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel for the night. It’s perfectly located to head out and grab some dinner at one of the many restaurants.

If you have time why not add another night in Kuching to your trip? This compact, welcoming city (a.k.a Cat City!) is a mix of old and new, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. We can arrange a cycling tour that pedals past the city highlights stopping en-route to sample local street food. Or if you’re a foodie family we can organise a cooking class where you’ll learn how to cook traditional dishes. Ask your travel specialist for more details.

The Batang Ai National Park is home to one of the oldest Iban settlements in Sarawak and this tribe have called this area home for years. Today you’ll bring your tribe to meet their tribe for a taste of culture and to learn about a totally different way of life to yours.

Early this morning your driver will collect you from your hotel. After a couple of hours travelling, you’ll reach the reservoir where your guide from the Iban Tribe will meet you, and you’ll board a longboat to your lodge. You’ll be staying in a newly built lodge by the Batang Ai Reservoir.

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle! After breakfast put on your walking shoes, as you’ll be heading into the jungle and exploring the surrounding area. As you walk through the forest your guide will point out the native trees, plants and if you’re extremely lucky, even wild orangutans. When you’re getting all sweaty from walking, you’ll find yourself at a large, hidden waterfall – the perfect place for a refreshing dip to cool yourselves down!

Once you’re back at your lodge, you have time to freshen up before heading for a shorter afternoon walk. Having built up an appetite it’s time to join the local Iban at a nearby longhouse for an evening of cultural exchanges, drinking rice wine and eating food cooked over the fire dinner. It’s an eye-opening and totally unique experience for all ages.

After breakfast you’ll head out of the jungle to the final stop on your Borneo adventure: the golden sands of Damai Beach. Time to relax, swim in the ocean, and reflect on your amazing experiences. On the second day of your stay we’ll arrange a guided kayaking adventure. You’ll paddle through the beautiful rainforest surroundings and stop off at local villages where you’ll meet the Bidayuh tribe.

Today you’ll be transferred from the beach to Kuching airport (approx 45 minutes drive) in time for your flight home. If two nights on the beach is not enough, let your travel specialist know and we can extend your stay.