Grand tour of Borneo

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Kuching.

Day 2 : Kuching

Arriving into Kuching you will be met and taken to your hotel. In the afternoon you will head out to start exploring the town, on a short walking tour. Wander along the waterfront jetty, past colonial architecture and mosques with an experienced guide, you might like to try a few local delicacies at one of the street-food stalls.

Day 3 : Kuching

Your guide will take you over to Bako - Sarawak's oldest national park on the northwestern tip of Borneo - for your first introduction to Borneo's flora and fauna. After hiking through jungle, you'll emerge onto untouched beaches and coves. You will have the evening back in Kuching. You might like to visit the night market this evening which has a lively local atmosphere.

Day 4 : Lemanak River

You will be met by your driver and guide after breakfast and taken to the Lemanak River by road, stopping at Semenggok Orang-utan Sanctuary for a chance to see orang-utan at feeding time, a traditional market in Serian, a pepper farm and a local restaurant on the way. The final 40 minutes of your journey will be on the river, by traditional long-tail boat. On arrival at the Iban longhouse you will learn about the local customs, dine and dance with the families before bed.

Day 5 : Kuching

After breakfast your guide will take you on a nature trail in the area surrounding the longhouse. You will also be given a blowpipe demonstration, which you are welcome to try for yourself. Weather permitting, lunch will be served on the riverbank where you also have the chance for a swim. You will then head back to Kuching, with the evening at leisure.

Day 6 : Mulu National Park

You will be taken to the airport for your short flight to Mulu. Once you are checked in to your hotel, your guide will take you in to the rainforest to explore the huge caves that the area is famous for. Deer cave is the largest, named because deer use the cave in to shelter from poor weather. Lang's cave is smaller but is home to some unique rock formations and bats. Linger until dusk and you can watch the massive bat exodus as the colony sets off to hunt for the night.

Day 7 : Mulu National Park

Experience shared a jungle canopy walkway and get a different view of the rainforest, right above the trees. Head back to your hotel for lunch before visiting the remaining show caves on a private basis, and Batu Mulong village by boat in the afternoon. Your specialist can upgrade both experiences to be private if you wish.

Day 8 : Kota Kinabalu

You have this morning to spend as you wish at the resort without a guide. If you are still feeling active, perhaps take further walks, cycle rides or kayak through the national park independently.Fly on to Kota Kinabalu for two days of relaxation, exploring the town or visiting the beach.

Day 9 : Kota Kinabalu

Day at leisure. Today you might like to explore Kota Kinabalu. The Museum of Islamic Architecture is particularly interesting. An ideal city for shopping, you'll find a selection of modern shopping malls and markets selling unique handicrafts.

Day 10 : Danum Valley

This morning you will fly early to Lahad Datu, in the heart of Sabah. It is worth struggling through the bumpy journey to Danum Valley so just cling on to the door handle, watch your head on the vehicle roof and look forward to arriving at your lodge in the middle of the rainforest!Once you arrive you will have a delicious lunch and then meet your guide who will discuss the plan for your time here.This afternoon you will visit the canopy walkway and learn about the flora and fauna in the area on one of the many nature trails.This evening you can head out on a night drive where you may be lucky enough to spot some of the area's nocturnal animals. Your activities at Borneo Rainforest Lodge are on a shared basis, ask your specialist about upgrading to private if you prefer.

Day 11 : Danum Valley

Why not rise early to see and hear the rainforest come alive. After breakfast you will head back out in to the rainforest for the trek to Coffin Cliff where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lodge and Danum Valley. Stop off at a waterfall on your way back to cool off!This afternoon you can spend more time on the trails trying to track wildlife or you may have the option to go tubing down the Danum River - a brilliant way to experience the area.A night walk this evening will give you a new experience of the area around the lodge.

Day 12 : Kinabatangan River

Today you leave the rainforest, heading back to Lahad Datu and on to the Kinabatangan River. In the afternoon you will be out on the water, spending your time spotting a huge array of wildlife. Paddling down tributaries of the Kinabatangan River in a boat, your experienced naturalist will help you spot crocodiles, proboscis monkeys and hopefully, orangutan.

Day 13 : Kinabatangan River

Rise early for a second trip on the river and the chance to visit the nearby ox-bow lake. Breakfast is served back at the lodge.You have free time back at the lodge to catch up on some sleep or for the more energetic take the jungle trail behind the lodge. Lunch will be served at the lodge.Enjoy a final trip on the river this afternoon and try to tick some more animals off your list before a final dinner at your lodge.

Day 14 : Sandakan

This morning you will travel by shared boat to the town of Sandakan, with the afternoon at leisure to explore Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary.If you have time, you might like to visit the nearby sun bear Sun Bear Conservation Centre or Rainforest Discovery Center, all within walking distance.

Day 15 : Kota Kinabalu

Head to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, and on to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria. Here you will have 3 nights to relax in paradise, snorkelling and enjoying time on the beach, in the exclusive Ocean Wing.

Day 16 : Kota Kinabalu

Full day at leisure. The Shangri-La's Rasa Ria has a large pool to relax around, as well a spa and gym.With 3 km (1.9 miles) of private beach, there is plenty of space to explore.

Day 17 : Kota Kinabalu

Today is free to explore. The hotel runs a number of excursions including horse riding along the beach, walks into the surrounding jungle and cooking lessons in the hotel's kitchen.

Day 18 : International return flight

A final day at leisure before you head back to the airport for your flight home.

Day 19 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.