Day to Day 24D23D , &

An adventure trip, discovering the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. A 24 days, starting from the modern and burstling Capital Kuala Lumpur, before continuing to Kuching for some “jungle survival” camping and visit to the famous Bako National Park. Hop on a propeller plane reach the remote National Park of Mulu, to explore the majestic caves, and go on a multidays trekking across the park before reaching a village of a local tribe, the Iban, for an overnight. Travel by ferry to the State of Sabah for more exploration, overnight at a farmstay to get a glimpse of the culture of this beautiful people. Climb Mount Kinabalu, one of the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, before relaxing in Kota Kinabalu.

ACCOMMODATION OVERVIEW Day Destination Accommodation Room Type 1-3 Kuala Lumpur Verdant Hill Hotel Kuala Lumpur Superior (Queen) 4-8 Kuching The LimeTree Hotel Executive Deluxe 9 Peraya Peraya Homestay Guesthouse 10 Kuching The LimeTree Hotel Executive Deluxe 11 Mulu Mulu National Park Garden Bungalow 12-13 Mulu Mulu National Park Camp 5 14 Iban Guesthouse Iban Guesthouse Dormitory 15-16 Kota Kinabalu Hotel Shangri La Delux 17-18 Kiulu Kiulu Farmstay The Fig Tree 19-20 Kundasang Kinabalu Pine Resort Deluxe 21 Kinabalu Park Panalaban Base Camp Dormitory 22-23 Kota Kinabalu Grandis Hotels & Resorts Superior 24 Departure

Day 01: Arrival Kuala Lumpur

Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, meet with our driver and transfer to Kuala Lumpur. The journey is approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic condition.

Arriva at your hotel, check in. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Kuala Lumpur, or commonly known as KL, is the capital and largest city in . The etymology of Kuala Lumpur, means “the muddy confluence”; “Kuala” is the point to rivers join together or an estuary, and “Lumpur” means mud. Within the suggestion on the name Kuala Lumpur was generated, record that the name was given by the tin-miners, looking for new place to extract the precious metal during the early 1800’s, and apparently starting a

settlement were today lays Masjid , on the confluence of the river and .

Today Kuala Lumpur is the Cultural, Financial and Economic, with its modern glass-and- steel skyline dominated by the Petronas Twin Towers and the Exchange 106, however still maintaining “alive” its colonial-era landmarks around Chinatown and Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square). A vibrant mix in the city is generated by the very cosmopolitan population; Malays, Chinese, Indians, with a growing population of foreign workers and also expatriate.

The well-balanced community is also visible in the mix of temples, mosques and churches. Not to be forgotten, the culinary feast available around the clock, cuisine crafted by a very spicy blend of the three main culture. A “Try a Nasi Lemak” must be on the top of your “things to do” while in KL!

Accommodation Verdant Hill Hotel Kuala Lumpur Meals included: -

Day 02 - 03: Kuala Lumpur

Breakfast at the hotel.

The rest of the day, you can either explore Kuala Lumpur at your own pace, or opt for one of the many activities available.

Optional Activity: Kuala Lumpur City Tour (half day) For first-timers to the city, this is the perfect tour to introduce you to the beauty of old and modern Kuala Lumpur! Travel to the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur, and start the daily tour with the visit of Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, . A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines. Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre.

Monkeys frolic around the caves, and it is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave.

After the visit to the caves, journey back to City Centre, and continue the tour with a visit to Kuala Lumpur heritage sites, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, a stroll around Chinatown (and its wet market time permitting), Independence Square with the colonial buildings and Jamek Mosque, built on the river confluence. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Accommodation Verdant Hill Hotel Kuala Lumpur Meals included: Breakfast

Day 04: Kuala Lumpur – Kuching

After Breakfast, meet with your driver at the hotel lobby, for the transfer to Kuala Intertional Airport, for your connecting flight to Kuching.

Arrive at Kuching Airport, meet with our representative and transfer to Kuching Hotel.

Kuching is located in the island of Borneo and is known as being one of the most charming cities in ‘Malaysia’ with traditions and cultures that have remained fairly unchanged for the last 160 years.

Visitors to Kuching will be welcomed with open arms and are encourage to be a part the charm that this city is exudes effortlessly. With a compact city centre where one can find stores selling a multitude of unique goods to restaurants and cafes all serving a wide variety of local delicacies with some featuring wild deer, jungle ferns and Buah Mata Kuching (Cat eye fruit, similar to a lychee) which some believe is the reason behind the name of this City.

For those seeking for nature, there are many National Parks that surround Kuching and ready to be explored. The most famous one being Bako where the impressive proboscis monkey (large nosed monkey), and a wide array of other unique flora and fauna can be found. Come to Kuching for a quaint and exhilarating adventure full of unique sights and experiences.

Accommodation The LimeTree Hotel Meals included: Breakfast

Day 05: Kuching

Breakfast at the hotel.

Explore Kuching at your leisure, or opt for one of the many activities available to best discover this beautiful city.

Optional activity: Best of Kuching Bike Tour

A must ride to catch the sight, sound and taste of authentic Sarawak! Come ride the pioneering 4.5 hours Bike Discovery tour of Kuching, the first in Sarawak! Confront the early morning rush to work, eat and pray, see our temples and monuments through the hidden lanes inside the heritage zone before we guide you through off-the beaten country paths of rural Kampong and smell smelly fishes.

You will experince first hand how people of different religions and races in Sarawak live in harmony side by side for generations! A relaxing cruise across the romantic Sarawak River on a traditional Sampan boat will give you a taste of how Kuchingnite commute each day across the two halves of the city!

On top of it all, you can indulge in a wide variety of popular Authentic Sarawak local street foods, drinks and desserts! We’ll try to limit the food so that you will be able to ride back! Open up your senses and discover the Authentic Sarawak! You will go home with both your mind and soul enriched.....and your stomach fulfilled!

Accommodation The LimeTree Hotel Meals included: Breakfast

Day 06: Kuching – Bako – Kuching

Experience the jungle trekking through the tropical forest at Bako National Park.

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven to Bako village. At Bako Village, board one of the local motor- boat, for a twenty minutes ride to Bako National Park.

Bako National Park is situated on a peninsular, and despite being the smallest National Park in Malaysia, offer a large variety of different vegetation.

Bako is also the best place in Sarawak to spot wildlife, however as wildlife is free to roam around freely, sight is not guaranteed. Look out for Proboscis Monkeys, a specie of Monkey endemic to Borneo, long-tailed Macaques, Silver-leaf Monkeys, Monitor Lizards, Bearded Pigs, and many bird species.

Rainforests and mangroves give way to Kerangas (heath forest), swamp, cliff, and beach vegetation. Follow one of the nature trails, depending on your fitness and interest. You will see species of carnivorous pitcher plants. Take a swim in the South China Sea at one of the secluded beaches. The coastline of the park is indented by sandy bays providing excellent swimming ground. Return to Kuching in late afternoon. We advise that you dress casually in loose and light clothing and proper trekking boots. You might also want to bring along a swimsuit with a towel and flip-flops, a pair of binoculars, insect repellent, torchlight, and raincoat.

Accommodation The LimeTree Hotel Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 07: Kuching (Rainforest Kayaking)

Discover the beauty of the Bornean Rainforest, with an exciting kayaking tour in some of the most beautiful natural settings in Kuching! In the morning you will be picked up from your city centre hotel, and our representative will drive you to the Borneo Highlands, starting point of the activity.

After a health and safety briefing, begin paddling leisurely from the upper reaches of the Sarawak River. Savour the sights of unique limestone formations and towering riverine trees while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the rainforest. You will have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip on at the river. A packed lunch will be served on a sandy bank (kindly inform any dietary restriction upon confirmation of the booking).

This unique experience ends at Kampung Semadang, from where you will continue back to the hotel. Please be aware that during days of heavy rain, tour might be cancelled for safety reason. During dry weather, you might be required to push the kayak around areas with significant low water. Note that additional charges may be added for pick up from Santubong Area.

Accommodation The LimeTree Hotel Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 08: Kuching – Semenggoh – Kuching

In the morning you will depart for a ½ hour drive from Kuching to the Semenggoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Here, Orang Utans are being nurtured to readapt themselves to the jungle life.

If you have always wanted to get up close and personal or simply observe these precious primates, you will stand a chance to witness them come out of the forest and onto the feeding platform. Upon arrival go on a 1.6 kilometre walk snaking thru lush tropical rainforest.

Here, visitors are allowed to study and observe these 'men of the jungle' at a distance. Please note that the Orang Utans at the centre, are at the end of the process of rehabilitation, on a semi-wild life. Sight of the primate is not always guaranteed.

Accommodation The LimeTree Hotel Meals included: Breakfast

Day 09: Kuching – Peraya

After breakfast, you will be picked-up from your hotel and proceed to Peraya village, a Bidayuh settlement, for the exploration of this beautiful location. Enjoy the amazing and beautiful scenery along the journey, captivating your eyes and soul.

Reach a forest patch, where you will start a short hike through the jungle, while learning about rainforest from your local guide, till reaching the site of an old longhouse. Continue the hike through the beautiful rainforest to reach a waterfall. Swimming and relax at waterfall before hiking back to the starting point of your walk, and continue with the transfer to Peraya village.

After a late lunch, proceed to the Sirin river where you will learn how to prepare a raft. Continue the hike to the camp site, with few stops along the way, to look for and pluck some forest vegetables. Scout for the best location to spend the night and prepare camp.

With the supervision of the native guide, prepare dinner.

After dinner, weather permitting, experience the rainforest at night with a short hike or by cruising the river with the raft. After the night activity, the native guide, will share some of the Bidayuh believes, culture, taboos, and tradition long handed down from generation to generation. The Bidayuh is the name of one of the indigenous tribes that form the population of Sarawak and part of the island of Borneo in general.

Accommodation Peraya Homestay – Survival Camping Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Peraya – Kuching

Early morning wake-up, at the call of the birds chirping. Swim in the river to comfort yourself before starting the daily adventure.

After breakfast at the camp, continue the journey by raft. Stop at the at clearance near the river, to collect some vegetables that will be used for the picnic lunch.

After lunch, proceed rafting to Maang village. Once at Maang village, continue the journey back to Kuching and check-in at your hotel.

The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Accommodation The LimeTree Hotel Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11: Kuching – Mulu

After breakfast, meet your driver at the hotel lobby for the short transfer to Kuching Airport, for your connecting flight to Mulu.

Experience the spectacular rainforest at Mulu National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Area, took over 60 million years to create. It is one of the most important natural sites in South East Asia and will leave you in awe of its beauty. Discover the difference…. Understand the importance.

Upon arrival at Mulu Airport, meet with our representative, and join the transfer to you lodge for check-in.

In the afternoon go on a guided tour of Deer and Lang Caves, trekking on walkways through ancient rainforest. The total length of the walk is approximately 9 Kilometres from the Park HQ, with a walk of 800 metres through Deer Caves. After touring the caves, proceed on to the Bat Observatory near the Deer Cave entrance where you can watch the bats exodus at sun- down where swarms of bats will fly out from the caves as they leave on their nocturnal hunt. (Weather permitting; the bats might not make the exodus during rainy days).

Trek back to Park HQ.

The rest of the evening is free at your leisure.

Accommodation Mulu National Park Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12: Mulu

After breakfast board the longboat and start cruising the Melinau River to Wind and Clearwater Caves.

Enroute visit the Penan market at Batu Bungan, where handcraft and souvenirs are on display. In case you are planning to purchase any, remember that to got for something not to bulky, as you have to carry it over the next few days over a 20 kilometres hike.

Explore Wind caves and continue to Clearwater Caves where the river roaring beneath your feet has travelled its subterranean route for over 170km.

Giant logs thrown high on the banks and wedged under boulders are evidence of the power of this mighty underground river. Swimming is not permitted inside the cave. However, once outside of the cave, a beautiful emerald lagoon is waiting for you to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters that emerges from the cliff face.

Float with the fish and enjoy the rainforest around you.

After a light packed lunch and some coffee, board the longboat and travel further upriver to Kuala Litut. If you are in luck with the water level high enough for the longboat to cruise, you will arrive without pushing the boat too many times.

At Kuala Litut start the 8.5km trek, mostly on a flat cleared trail to Camp 5. Make sure to arrive at Camp 5 before dark. Located beside a clear stream, Camp 5 is an ideal place to swim and relax after your walk.

Camp 5 is a basic forest shelter that caters to visitors travelling on the Headhunter’s Trail and to those climbing the Pinnacles, providing accommodation for up to 30 guests per night.

Once at Camp 5 attend the guide briefing on the camp and the next day’s climb.

After a dinner (rice dishes or noodles with some vegetables and eggs) prepare for bed.

Accommodation Mulu National Park (Camp 5) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Mulu

Wake up as early as 5 am to prepaer for the climb. After breakfast and some additinal brefing from the local guides, start the climb at the Pinnacles.

The Pinnacle climb is a high risk and an extreme activity. Due to the risks, the climb will only be possible during dry wheather condition. In case of rain or bad weather, the climb might be cancelled. The steep gradient - 2.4km ascending to 1200m above sea level. (Descending is more challenging than ascending and takes longer!)

The climb is well worthwhile though as it culminates in spectacular views of the pinnacle formations, some of which tower up to 50 metres high. The trail itself, which climbs steeply from the Melinau Gorge passes through some intriguing limestone forest and as you reach the higher altitudes includes some spectacular pitcher plants (Nepenthes sp.), sightings of rare orchids and Mountain Shrews.

The Pinnacle trail is regarded as an extreme climb (not a trek) on a natural route. Man-made assistance comes in the form of vertical steel ladders bolted into the rock faces and ropes. If you suffer from vertigo or fear of heights this is not for you. The visitors that were injured on this trail were people that underestimated the trail and their own fitness levels.

These visitors were often not well equipped and did not adhere to the advice of their guides. Rescues are extreme (and costly) and even more so in the dark.

After the climb, return to Camp5 for a well deserved rest.

Accommodation Mulu National Park (Camp 5) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Mulu – Kuala Terikan

After breakfast, check-out form Camp 5, and continue the journey on foot, across this beautiful National Park.

Take the 11.3 km trail to Kuala Terikan where your longboat waits to bring you to Iban Longhouse for the overnight at the guesthouse. The trail, named “The Headhunter’s Trail”, was used in the past from the Dayak Tribes (mainly Iban), to attack the other comunities along the river.

Arrive at Kuala Terikan, and enjoy a pic-nic lunch before boarding the longboat for the journey downstream to the guesthouse.

Arrive at the guesthouse, set at the facilities and experience the hospitality as you interact with the villagers. Dinners will be served at the guesthouse.

Accommodation Iban Longhouse - Guesthouse Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Kuala Terikan – Limbang – Kota Kinabalu

At 0500hrs, depart overland from the Iban Longhouse to the nearby town of Limbang, where you will board the ferry to (0830hrs). At Labuan, check-in for the connectinig ferry to Kota Kinabalu (1330hrs). Please note that between the two ferry you will have about 1 – 1.5 hours to explore the trading and oil town of Labuan. You can also rest in one of the nearby coffeeshops and have a quick lunch.

At scheduled time, board the second ferry and enjoy cruising accross the south China Sea. Arrive at Jesselton Jetty in Kota Kinabalu and transfer to city hotel for check-in.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state in the northern region of the island of Borneo. Often referred to as KK, it’s a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest. It's known for its bustling markets, beaches and waterfront. It is also a gateway to Kinabalu National Park, home of the 4,095m-highest peak in Malaysia Mount Kinabalu and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

In the evening we recommend to visit the night market for some freshly grilled seafood and some souvenirs.

Accommodation Hotel Shangri-La Meals included: Breakfast

Day 16: Kota Kinabalu

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today explore Kota Kinabalu at your leisure, or opt for one of the many activities available to discover this beautiful city.

Optional Activity: Coral Island Enjoy a day of sun, sea, and sand on an offshore coral island. You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and transfer to jetty for a short-ride boat to one of the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Park islands for a day of relaxation and explore jungle trails on your own. You will snorkel in crystal clear water among coral reefs, and rainbow-colored fishes. A Packed of lunch will be provided. In the afternoon, boat back to Jesselton Jetty, and continue with a transfer back to the hotel.

Accommodation Hotel Shangri-La Meals included: Breakfast

Day 17: Kota Kinabalu – Kiulu

In the morning, meet our driver at the hotel lobby and start the drive to countryside. Drive for about one hour, and stop at Tamparuli Suspension Bridge and the nearby local market, passing the scenic view of the Kiulu Valley. Continue to the Fig Tree in Kampung Mantob, where you will be greeted with a warm welcome by the local guide, and briefed on the program of the day.

Start the venture, trying your hand at some cultural activities such as traditional rice processing, blow pipe, rice planting and rubber tapping before lunch. After enjoying a traditional lunch, proceed for leisure village walk which would offer you stunning landscapes of the scenic valley as you pass through local school, lush paddy fields, hanging bridge, before returning to the village.

Weather permiting, take a dip in the sensationally cooling Kiulu River. After dinner, have a good chat with the local people about the village history and folktales before retiring to bed. Overnight at the Fig Tree.

Accommodation Fig Tree Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: Kiulu

After breakfast, proceed on a jungle trek. You will experience picking local produce the local way, directly from the jungle.

Make your way to the house of a local villager, always accompanied by the local guide, to get you fill of delicious home- cooked lunch before participating in some handicraft making activities and traditional games.

Weather permitting, take a refreshing dip in the river to beat the heat.

After dinner, mingle with the locals. Overnight at Fig Tree.

Accommodation Fig Tree Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: Kiulu – Kundasang

After breakfast, continue your journey across Sabah for about 50 kilometres to Kundasang, at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu at the edge of Kinabalu Park. The journey passes through country roads as well as busy villages. Arrive at your accommodation, relax the rest of the day.

Accommodation Kinabalu Pine Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 20: Kundasang – Kinabalu National Park – Poring – Kota Kinabalu

After breakfast, take the opportunity to enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Kinabalu before arriving at Kinabalu Park HQ. Go on a guided walk along the nature trails with the Park Naturalist and guide, visit the Mountain Garden or Plant Research Centre.

See the smallest orchid in Borneo and discover the diverse vegetation. Visit the Exhibition Centre to learn about the flora and fauna of the Park and see interesting slide shows of animals and plants species unique in Mount Kinabalu.

Continue to Poring Hot spring, on the other side of the park, passing by vegetables farms, roadside stalls and smaller interior towns of Sabah. Upon arrival, take a 20 minutes hike to reach the Canopy Walkway at 200 feet above ground, a rare opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the rainforest.

Lunch will be at local restaurant. After lunch, return to your accommodation.

Accommodation Kinabalu Pine Resort Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 21: Kundasang - Kinabalu National Park - Panalaban

After breakfast, transfer to the national park HQ. Meet with your mountain guide and register at the park head office for the trekking arrangement.

At the park office there are also facilities to store your excessive luggage (at a charge), so that you can easy your climb with a light backpack, with the necessary for the climb and the overnight.

After briefing, continue to Timpohon Gate at 1828m (6,000 ft) to start the 4-7 hours trek to the Rest House, located at 3353m (Laban Rata). Do not forget to look around for exotic birds, tropical plants and monster’s pitcher plants along the trail. During the registration, the guide will hand you a packed lunch, that can be consumed at one of the rest-hut during the climb. Dinner and overnight at the rest house. The accommodation will be dormitory style or private room depending on your package, with shared bathroom. Please expect low temperature at the renthouse, ranging from 0°C-10°C. After dinner, retire to your bedroom to rest.

Accommodation Panalaban Base Camp Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22: Panalaban – Summit - Kinabalu National Park – Kota Kinabalu

Wake up as early as 01:00am. Supper at the canteen, pack your backpack with the necessary for the climb (don’t forget water, headlamp, energy bars, First Aid kit) and meet with your mountain guide to start the ascent. Depending on your fitness, the hike to reach the summit (Low’s Peak) at 4095,2m (13,435 ft) can take you up to 4 hours, with expected arrival at the peak by sunrise.

Catch the achievement on a picture while at the peak. Enjoy the 360 Degrees view from the mountain top before starting the descend to the rest house for a well-deserved breakfast. Check out from the rest house and continue the descent back to the Park HQ for a late lunch (please note that lunch will not be served if you reach the park HQ after 13.00hrs). At 1430hrs, meet with your driver and transfer back to Kota Kinabalu and check-in at the hotel.

Accommodation Grandis Hotels & Resorts Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 23: Kota Kinabalu

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today explore Kota Kinabalu at your leisure, or opt for one of the many activities available to discover this beautiful city.

Accommodation Grandis Hotels & Resorts Meals included: Breakfast

Day 24: Kota Kinabalu Departure

After breakfast, be met by your driver for a transfer to the airport.

Accommodation - Meals included: Breakfast