Sabah and Sarawak Run A Round

Sabah and Sarawak are the part of Malaysia located on the island of Borneo.The main part of the areas of Sabah and Sarawak are almost entirely covered by tropical rain forest and many places the nature is still untouched. Because of their position, destroying natural catastrophes such as hurricanes and floods do not plague the states. This has given flora and fauna the best conditions of growth. Along the coast there are beautiful coral reefs which attract colorful fish and adventurous divers. The population of the two states consists of many different peoples and tribes, which still uphold their traditional rituals.We invite you to experience the best of Sabah and Sarawak.

Duration: 13 days/12 nights

Tour Code: MMAT06

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan- Sukau - Sepilok - Miri - Mulu - Kuching

• Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu Arrival

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car
  Meals:

  Arrive at Kota Kinabalu Airport, transfer to the hotel for check in. Free at leisure.

  Day 2 - Visit Mengkabong Village

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast

  Start to visit Mengkabong Village - a village built on water, is 45 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu. You can see the thatched roof houses built on stilts and connected by narrow, wooden planks, rising out of the river are a remarkable sight to be hold. Set amidst mangrove forests, this Bajau Village gives visitors a very good insight into the lifestyle of a fishing village. Have morning coffee with a Bajau family and explore the village. Stay overnight at hotel.

  Day 3 - Poring Hot Spring - Kinabalu Park

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Depart early morning for a 3 hours drive to Poring Hot Spring, calling in at villages where native crafts can be purchased. Explore the many jungle trails and observe wildlife from the canopy walkway 100 feet above the forest floor. Proceed to Kinabalu Park after lunch. There, you will view a slide presentation and visit the mountain garden to explore the unique and endemic plant life found in Kinabalu Park. Return to hotel in the late afternoon.

  Day 4 - Kota Kinabalu - Sadanka

  Place Transport: Car->Airplane->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  After breakfast, we will transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport and fly out to Sandakan. Upon arrival in Sandakan, we will proceed overland to Gomantong Caves (1/2 hours). Then, spend the morning exploring the caves before continuing to Sukau (1 hr) for lunch. In the afternoon, go on a river cruise in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife.

  Day 5 - Sukau - Sepilok Orang Utan - Sandanka

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Depart from Sukau and transfer overland to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary in time for the feeding of the Orang Utans and see a video presentation on the Orang Utan's rehabilitation programm. Return to Sandakan for lunch and a city tour.

  Day 6 - Sandakan - Miri - Mulu

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car
  Meals: Breakfast

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Kota Kinabalu (suggested flight: MH2043 etd 0820/0905hrs) then, connect to Miri (on MH2865 etd 1050/1145hrs) and on to Mulu in the afternoon. A short flight from Miri takes one deep into the heart of Gunung Mulu National Park. About 5 million years ago, the uplifting and folding of the ancient sea floor created impressive limestone mountains. The erosive forces of nature have created an eerie array of pinnacles rising above the forest floor and an extensive system of caverns. Wildlife viewing is fascinating with eight species of hornbills, hundreds species of butterflies and the wonderful early evening spectacle of a twisting black cloud of bats leaving the cave entrance. The vegetation is as impressive as the caves and wildlife. The flora includes over 1,500 species of flowering plants, including 170 species of orchids and ten species of pitcher plants. Upon arrival in Mulu, transfer to Royal Mulu Resort for checking in.

  Day 7 - Wind Cave - Clearwater Cave

  Place Transport: Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Following breakfast, proceed upriver by longboat to Wind Cave with its impressive "King's Chamber". Here, stalactites and stalagmites with delicate lace-like patterns are found. A short walk along a plank walk suspended to the limestone cliff leads to Clearwater Cave. Like most caves in Mulu, Clearwater Cave is the habitat of unique species of plants. One of them, the one-leafed plant can only be found at Mulu, rare species of orchids and pitcher plants can be seen in many locations and photo-sensitive algae grows on certain rocks and have produced needle like formations that point towards the source of lights. Clearwater Cave has a wonderful swimming area shaded by giant rainforest trees. Have a picnic lunch around the clear pool of water emanating from the so named Clearwater Cave.

  Day 8 - Mulu - Kuching

  Place Transport: Car->Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast

  Have breakfast at the resort. Then, transfer to the airport for the flight to Kuching via Miri. Upon arrival in Kuching, transfer to hotel for checking in.

  Day 9 - Bako National Park

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Take a 35 minutes drive to Bako Village. From the village, take a 25 minutes boat ride to the park. Have the time in the park, touch to nature. Return to Kuching in the late afternoon.

  Day 10 - Kuching - Semenggoh Orangutans - Batang Ai Resort

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  After breakfast, board coaches for Semenggoh. Located a short drive from the centre of Kuching, Semenggoh provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe Orang Utans, sun bears, hornbills, gibbon monkeys, the elusive pangolin and other animals from the local forests. The baby orang utans roam wild and return each morning and afternoon to specially designed feeding stations. Serian, about 45 minutes from Semenggoh, typical of many rural Sarawak towns is picturesque and compact. Along the high street are the Chinese variety shops and the upriver agents with agricultural produce of local pepper and cocoa. Along the journey, there will be intermittent stops to visit a pepper garden and to view spectacular flora - rare orchids and 4 species of the carnivorous pitcher plant in an area of 10 square metres. Lunch will be served at a local coffee shop en route. Upon arrival at the Batang Ai reservoir, proceed by boat to a Resort. The evening is at your leisure.

  Day 11 - Day trip to Iban longhouses

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Breakfast at the resort. Then, we proceed upriver to one of the culturally active Iban longhouses in the region. The half hour journey is done on long boats with an Iban boatmen. These river-worthy boats handcrafted by the Ibans are ideal vehicles for taking us into an Iban village where life has changed little in the last hundred years. Spend some time to discover the terrain with your guide and lunch will be provided. Return to the Resort in the late afternoon. This evening is at your leisure.

  Day 12 - Kuching city

  Place Transport: Boat->Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  After breakfast, depart for the jetty to cross the lake by boat (1/2 hour). Overland to Kuching, discover the charms of this riverine city established by Sir James Brooke- the first White Rajah of Sarawak. See buildings dating back to the days of the White Rajahs, ancient Chinese temples and colorful markets displaying the produce that first brought traders to Borneo. A visit to Kuching will not be complete without making a stop at the Sarawak Museum. Completed in 1891, the museum has an excellent collection of Bornean ethnological and archaeological artifacts and is reputed to be the best in South East Asia. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

  Day 13 - Kuching Departure

  Place Transport: Car->Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast

  Let's discover the charm of Kuching, shop for Bornean artifacts in one of the shops, wander the old streets of Kuching. Free at leisure till departure transfer.

  The Tour Inclusion:

   - 12 nights accommodation with daily breakfast.
  
  - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.

  - Domestic flight tickets, including domestic airport taxes.

  - Boat as specified in the program 

  - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
  
  - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program
  
  - Lunches (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants

  The Tour Exclusion:

  - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas.
  
  - Dinners, except as specified above.
  
  - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
  
  - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

  Additional Information

  Importance note
  - The itinerary is just a sample of our Malaysia tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
  
  What to bring?
  - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...
  
  How to start?
  - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
  - You can get Malaysia Visas on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport).