Borneo 8 day tour, the wild heart of Borneo

One of our bestselling Borneo trips combines beach time with adventure in the jungle, visiting a renowned orangutan rescue centre and being hosted by indigenous Iban tribes, staying in a long house and exploring with a local 'headhunter'.
Sarawak Kuching Semengoh Orangutan Centre Bako National Park Headhunters or Iban tribe Batang Ai
Price
£1130excluding flights
Duration
8 Days
Countries
Borneo, Malaysia
Type
Tailor made
Reviews
More info
Price per person based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room with breakfast.
Tailor made, fully flexible itinerary to suit your departure dates with in country assistance included.
Ask for an international flight quote too.
Make enquiry

Description of Borneo 8 day tour, the wild heart of Borneo

This week long, Borneo tour is a tailor made holiday focussing on Sarawak, a state in Malaysian Borneo. This is, therefore, only our suggested itinerary, which of course we can adapt according to your interests. Although we believe it captures many of Malaysian Borneo’s highlights, particularly with a view to wildlife watching and cultural highlights in the state of Sarawak. Never having to travel too far, but making the most of the time that you have to discover the wonders of jungle life here, your trip starts in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. A fascinating waterfront city boasting a mix of cultures, there are Chinese temples, grand mosques, bazaars and traditional houses on stilts to enjoy here.

Just an hour away from Kuching, you will visit the very important Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary, a leading player in conservation of these exquisite and endangered species. Home to semi-wild orangutans that have been rescued from illegal captivity, orphaned or injured, they are taught how to survive in the forest again in these safe environs.

Back to the wild environs to explore Bako National Park, home to proboscis monkeys and long tailed macaques, to name but a few. Batang Ai National Park is another very special place, mainly because it is on the lands of the indigenous Iban tribes, also known as headhunters, who work in partnership with government as ancestral custodians of the park and its rare wildlife. Stay in an Iban longhouse and explore the jungles with Iban guides on foot or perhaps on one of their long boats.

Price information

£1130excluding flights
Price per person based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room with breakfast.
Tailor made, fully flexible itinerary to suit your departure dates with in country assistance included.
Ask for an international flight quote too.
Make enquiry

Departure information

Everything is tweak-able, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all - or just part - of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way

Travel guides

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Holiday information

Indigenous communities:
A holiday in Batang Ai National Park, Borneo, benefits the Iban indigenous community through homestays, employing trained Iban guides and boatmen, and providing education for Iban tribespeople. Local suppliers support the Iban community, including rebuilding a longhouse that recently burned down, and are committed to environmental and community support, choosing indigenous guides who share these values.

Reviews

13 Reviews of Borneo 8 day tour, the wild heart of Borneo

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Reviewed on 28 May 2024 by

Very good; especially once in Borneo. Local guides were all excellent. Read full review

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2023 by

Excellent, loved it, the experience was quite magical. Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Aug 2019 by

Seeing all the wildlife was great especially for the kids -- monkeys & wild boar at Bako National Park, Semenggoh Orangutans' Center, & seeing the Irawaddy Dolphins on the Santubong Wildlife Cruise. And the rainforest kayaking was definitely fun for the whole family. For my 14 yr old daughter, she would say that having her half drunk can of Lychee drink stolen by a Macaque monkey at Bako was the highlight. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2019 by

Seeing the Orangutans was the most exciting part our holiday. Read full review

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2019 by

Staying in the rainforest with the Iban tribe was the most memorable part of the holiday. Read full review

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2019 by

Very personal service from booking, to the resort & host and the wonderful guide. Everyone knew my name and checked that everything was ok and could they help in anyway. Very nice. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Nov 2018 by

Unique and wonderful adventure. Read full review

Reviewed on 08 Oct 2018 by

It was all excellent but the experience with the Iban Headhunters was fantastic. Read full review

Reviewed on 06 Aug 2018 by

The holiday was...Fantastic - everything went like clockwork. Guides and drivers were all terrific...Five stars! Read full review

Reviewed on 01 Sep 2017 by

We enjoyed all the different parts to our trip, own visit to see my sister in Brunei, Mulu caves, Kuching bike ride, trip to see the Orangutans and visit to Bako National Park. Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Jul 2017 by

The initial introduction to Sarawak in the Permai treehouse. Lovely house set high amongst the trees with glimpses of the sea from the balcony through the leaves. Read full review

Reviewed on 19 May 2017 by

The highlight was seeing a wild orangutan. It was a great holiday. The team were fantastic to book with and great communication between everyone. Read full review

Reviewed on 06 Dec 2016 by

As a child I loved animals and dreamed about seeing the orang u tangs in their natural environment. As a 54 year old man I realised that childhood dream the first day of my holiday to Borneo. Read full review

Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.

Planet

In Borneo we encourage our guests to respect the wildlife in each destination. All guides are trained and qualified, and we visit only National Parks and rehabilitation centres where the animals are supported or left on their own.

Before travel, our clients receive a Know Before You Go pack which states to keep water use at a minimum as usable water is a rare commodity.

At the longhouse the power is supplied by solar paneling on the roof. The solar panels would not have been there without the income the tourists generate by visiting the longhouse.

The local suppliers we use in Borneo support local Iban communities in the area and are currently supporting the rebuild of a longhouse which recently burnt down in the fire. They are passionate about supporting the local environment and community and only choose guides who share their same values.

In our Brighton office we have a strict recycling system, where we are recycling nearly 80% of our overall waste. All our paper is then bought from our recycling company to complete the circle.

People

During this trip you will be injecting money straight into the local community. The overnight stay at the longhouse goes straight to the longhouse family who hosts the client, and then other people in the longhouse who have helped out during the client's stay. All food is bought at the local market to be cooked and eaten so the client is not using the resources of the longhouse. Gifts are also encouraged to be bought from a local market on the way.

We have first hand experience in the city of Kuching and know plenty of local restaurants and cafes which we encourage our guests to support. Trips to the National Park help support the up keep, the protection of wildlife, and the local guides.

All of our guides and local partners are provided with a fair wage and secure job. We love to send them on feedback from clients to encourage their good work and work with them, as a team to provide great service.

A staff member travelled to the longhouse and wrote a blog post about their experience to encourage future clients to visit and how to act or feel to be welcomed and respected locally. We also send a Know Before You Go pack, with a few phrases and information on local etiquette and tipping.

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