Unverfälschtes Borneo

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

Day 1: Kuching
On arrival in Kuching check into our Harbour hotel. Other members of the group will be arriving at different times of the day and at 18.00pm the tour leader will hold a Pre Departure briefing in the hotel reception. The rest of the evening is free to explore Kuching

Day 2: Kuching – Semengoh Wildlife Centre – Bako National Park
From our hotel we depart for the Semengoh Wildlife Centre located a short drive from the centre of Kuching. The wildlife centre is a temporary home for various endangered wildlife of Sarawak which have either been found injured in the forest, or have been kept as illegal pets. The centre houses a number of different species including rescued hornbills, honey bears, gibbons and porcupines, and of course Orang Utans. After initial care, they are again taught to fend for themselves and when the wardens feel that the animal is fully rehabilitated, it is caught and then returned to the wild - usually deep in the forest or to one of Sarawak's National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries.

After visiting the centre, we then take a 35-minute drive to Bako Village, and from the village, take a 25-minute boat ride to the National park. Bako National Park is Sarawak’s oldest National Park and one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife in a natural surrounding. The park contains an amazing variety of plant and animal life, and almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo.

After check in at the park chalets, you have free time to do some hiking through jungle trails, swimming in the sea by secluded beaches, and enjoying the beautiful sunset. The park chalets have mosquito screens on the bedrooms, and fans. Bathrooms are shared.

Lunch and dinner are included.

Day 3: Bako N.P - Kuching
Following an early breakfast, we take a short walk to the mangrove forest for bird watching and to search for the local wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, long tailed macaque monkeys, silvered leaf monkeys, monitor lizards and squirrels.

We then depart Bako by boat and continue overland to Kuching. In Kuching we will do a city tour and discover the charms of this riverine city established by Sir James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak. Kuching has all the modern amenities without losing its old world charm. Multi-storey buildings blend with structures from colonial days, ancient Chinese temples and colourful 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 artefacts and is reputed to be the best in South East Asia.

Following the city tour, you have the remainder of the day at your leisure, we overnight in Kuching.

Packed lunch and dinner are included.

Day 4: Mulu N.P - Mulu Deer and Lang Caves.
After an early breakfast we depart for the airport and our flight to Mulu. Upon arrival, we meet and then transfer to Park Headquarters of Mulu National Park for check-in to our Cabins.

Mulu National Park is Sarawak’s largest national park, and is a world heritage site that encompasses incredible caves and karst formations in a mountainous equatorial rainforest setting. The park is famous for its caves and the expeditions that have been mounted to explore them and their surrounding rainforest. We take a scenic 3 km plank walk through primary rainforest to the entrance of Deer Cave. Deer Cave has the world's largest cave entrance and is the largest single cave passage in the world - about 120m to 150m in diameter or it can fit St. Pauls’ Cathedral under its massive archway. The cave has a moon-like landscape and from one vantage point a perfect profile of President Lincoln can be observed. Most evenings at sundown, a spectacular exodus of about 2 million of bats can be observed as they leave the cave in search of food.

A short walk from Deer Cave is Lang’s Cave. The stalactites and stalagmites inside this cave are representative of the very best limestone formations in the park.

After exploring these amazing caves, we return to Park Headquarters by torchlight for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Clearwater and Wind Caves - Trekking to Camp 5 The next day we continue our exploration of the park. After breakfast, we depart upriver to Wind Cave with its impressive Kings Chamber. Here stalactites and stalagmites with delicate lace like patterns are found. The cave was named for the cool breezes, which can be felt at the narrow parts of the cave. A short walk along a plank walk suspended to the limestone cliff leads to Clearwater Cave.

Clearwater Cave, with its subterranean river, is Southeast Asia's longest cave passage at 107 km. 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 light. Clearwater Cave also has a wonderful swimming area shaded by giant rainforest trees.

After lunch, we continue upriver for 1 hour to Long Litut. At this point we begin trekking through a mixed dipterocarp and riparian forest to our overnight campsite, known as Camp 5. The accommodation at Camp 5 is a jungle shelter with basic facilities, including flush toilet. There is a raised platform 2-3 feet above the ground and guests sleep on this platform. Sleeping mattresses and blankets are provided. Washing, bathing and swimming is in a mountain stream.

All meals included.

Please Note: Excess luggage not needed for the Headhunter Trail and Pinnacles Trek may be sent directly to Limbang or Kota Kinabalu. Please ensure that you have a day pack for use on the Pinnacles Trek.

Day 6: Pinnacles - Camp 5
Following Breakfast, we embark on a full day trip to the Pinnacles. The Pinnacles are reached from Camp 5 and although the trail is only 2.4 kilometres, it is a trip that requires reasonable levels of fitness, as it rises in height over 1,200 metres. The trek takes about 3-4 hours one way. The climb is well worthwhile though as it culminates in spectacular views of the pinnacle formations, some of which tower up to 40 metres high. The trail itself passes through some intriguing limestone forest and as you reach the higher altitudes includes some spectacular pitcher plants and sightings of rare orchids.

The pinnacle formations are spectacular examples of karst formations. The Pinnacles have been formed in tensional joints in the limestone bed at Mulu, which often occur at the edges of plateaux or valleys as pressure is released, as the rock above is eroded and the weight decreases. The reason for the spectacular nature of the formations at Mulu lies in the consistent nature of its limestone beds and the even joints that were formed as a result, and the high levels of rainfall that the area has experienced in geological time. Today the pinnacles tower above the surrounding landscape, some reaching heights of 40 to 50 metres. As water has continued to erode and dissolve the rock, the formations have taken on their razor-like appearance.

Although physically challenging, most trekkers with reasonable levels of fitness are able to accomplish the climb to the Pinnacles and all find it a hugely rewarding experience. It is advisable that climbers take sufficient food and water (usually about three litres per person), as the conditions are generally hot and humid. Although it is unusual for it to rain in the mornings, if it is raining, the tours that day will be cancelled for safety reasons. Your local guide will also give you more specific instructions regarding the trek prior to beginning.

After this fantastic day, we descend back to Camp 5 for our overnight stay.

Packed lunch and dinner included.

Day 7: Iban Longhouse
After breakfast, we trek to Kuala Terikan – a trek of about 5 hours. We then proceed downriver by boat to Rumah Penghulu Sigah or Rumah Bala Lasong, an Iban Longhouse. Here you have time to meet the Iban people and learn about their culture. The Iban Longhouse consists of about 14 families, but you will find that many of the villagers may be travelling or working somewhere else. The longhouse is located along the Mendalam River.

Bedding and mosquito nets are provided as well as all meals.

Day 8: Iban Longhouse - Limbang Town
We depart by boat to Nanga Medamit, the boat ride taking about 1 to 2 hours. We then proceed overland to Limbang Town. We check in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free at leisure.

Limbang Town is at the northeastern tip of Sarawak, located between the two parts of Brunei Darussalam, and only a 45 minute speed boat ride from Brunei City. The town has a population of less than 10,000.

Day 9: Limbang – Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast the following day, we transfer to the jetty and depart by Express Boat across the South China Sea to the island of Labuan. This takes about 1.5 hours The Federal Territory of Labuan acts as a duty free centre for day tripping Bruneians and Malaysians. We do not stop for long here, but continue by another Express Boat to Kota Kinabalu.

Upon arrival, we meet and transfer to our hotel in Kota Kinabalu.

Please Note - On occasion, if the Express Boat to Labuan is not available, it may be necessary to take an alternative route back to Kota Kinabalu via Lawas. In bad weather the Express Boat from Labuan to Kota Kinabalu may berth at Sipatang Jetty, and from there we will continue by road to Kota Kinabalu.

The next section of our exciting trip begins here in Kota Kinabalu in the Sabah region of Borneo.

This tour is made up of 2 shorter tours, so this evening at 18.00pm in the reception of the hotel, you will be able to meet your new fellow travellers, and learn more about the next fantastic section of this tour.

Day 10: Mount Kinabalu National Park - Laban Rata Depart in the early morning for a 2-hour journey through breathtaking scenery to the World Heritage site of Kinabalu National Park with a short stop at Nabalu to savour the local fruits and to bargain prices for the handicrafts that the villagers sell.

Kinabalu National Park offers a rich array of flora and fauna and guided walks take you through this botanical paradise. The park boasts the Rafflesia, the world's largest flowering plant, pitcher plants and many bird species.

Upon arrival at Mt. Kinabalu Park (88 km from Kota Kinabalu), check-in at the Park’s office and then the real adventure starts as we continue to the Power Station by coach for the start of our 2-day climb of mighty Mount Kinabalu.

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South-east Asia at 4,101 metres, and offers a unique climb from tropical luxuriance through oak forest to the rocky sub-alpine summit plateau. One of the biggest attractions of Kinabalu is the range of exotic plants. As one ascends the mountain the climate changes and so do the plants. Bamboo, mosses, orchids, rotans, lichens and pitcher plants are in abundance. The insect life is also very impressive and an immensely rich variety of bird and animal species are encountered.

We commence our climb on this first day to the guesthouse at Laban Rata. The climb will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, we check-in at the Laban Rata Guesthouse and the rest of the day is free at leisure, and rest before the final ascent the following morning. The guesthouse has rooms wth bunk beds

A packed lunch is included and also dinner at the guesthouse.

Day 11: Mount Kinabalu Summit
Before dawn next morning everybody is up, and we begin our ascent by torchlight towards the summit. A steep rock step is aided by a fixed rope, which continues all the way to the summit. The early start allows us to enjoy the views before the regular mist descends on the summit. Be sure to wear warm clothes as the wait for sunrise at the summit is exceedingly cold. The arrival of daylight reveals the remarkable summit plateau of the mountain, a vast expanse of smooth rock with a weird assortment of rocky pinnacles rising from it. With the early start the descent to Park Headquarters is easily done, now with the glow of satisfaction of having climbed one of the worlds’ most spectacular and interesting mountains.

We descend to Laban Rattan for breakfast, and then continue down to the Power Station where we are transferred back to Park HQ. Upon our arrival at Park headquarters, we have lunch and we collect our climbing certificates. The rest of the day is free to relax.

Days 12-13: Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
After breakfast, we depart by vehicle to Sukau and a short briefing on the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary lies within the vast floodplain of the Kinabatangan river - one of the longest rivers in Malaysia. With a rich array of unique habitats, a diverse wildlife fauna and a rich culture: the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is by far the most fascinating of natural protected areas in Sabah. Visiting this area can be the most amazing experience for any nature lover. It is not surprising that given this rich mosaic of habitats, the abundance and rich diversity of wildlife are so apparent in the floodplain. The exceptional variety of primates that share these forests are astounding: Orang Utans, the agile Gibbon, Borneo"s Proboscis Monkey are three of its most charismatic primates. With the large network of swamps and lakes in the region, this area is also home to a large number of aquatic animals, including freshwater fish, crocodiles and wild otters.

Upon arrival in this area, in the late afternoon we take a river cruise down the Menanggul River in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife.

We return at dusk for dinner and overnight stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside lodge. The lodge provides basic facilities with ceiling fans, windows screened with mosquito nets, attached bathrooms and twin beds.

The following day we take an early morning boat trip for bird watching and viewing wildlife at the Ox Bow Lake nearby the lodge. The early morning is often when the wildlife is at its most active, and so the chances of seeing the animals and bird life are increased. We then trek through the lush riverine forest along the lake and then return to the lodge for breakfast. In the late afternoon, venture on another river cruise down the Menanggul River and along the Kinabatangan River.

We once again return to the lodge at dusk, dinner and an evening at leisure.

Day 14: Kinabatangan to Sandakan, Boat To Selingan Island
We set off early today for our boat to Sandakan, followed by an hour's speedboat trip out to Selingan Island. We check in at chalets on the island and have lunch in the restaurant before spending the afternoon at our leisure – swimming, snorkelling in the clear sea or just lazing on the beach.

Selingan Island is part of the Turtle Islands Park, located 40km off the coast from Sandakan. The islands and waters surrounding the park have been designated for the protection of the Green and Hawksbill turtles that come ashore to nest. You can be almost certain that at least one turtle will come up to lay its eggs every night of the year. There is also a hatchery on Selingan where turtle eggs are incubated and after 50-60 days, the hatchlings are released into the open sea. In the evening a park ranger takes us for a nature walk in search of the turtles, as they come ashore to lay their eggs.

Day 15: Sandakan to Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary to Kota Kinabalu
We return by boat to Sandakan and then travel to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. This is only one of four such sanctuaries in the world. The orang utans are living free in the trees but twice a day they come swinging in to special platforms where they can collect fruits. Get your camera ready for a feeding frenzy – other primates like to muscle in on the act. Our local naturalist guide explains the rehabilitation programme at the sanctuary where injured and orphaned orang utans are brought for treatment before being released into the wild.

After this amazing experience, we depart for a sightseeing tour around Sandakan’s various scenic sites including the Chinese Temple, Australian War Memorial, the water villages and houses on stilts.

Later in the afternoon we transfer to the Sandakan airport for our flight to Kota Kinabalu to arrive early evening. The tour ends on arrival back into Kota Kinabalu. Accommodation is not included in Kota Kinabalu.