“INTO THE HEART OF BORNEO” – The Vanishing Tribes

“INTO THE HEART OF BORNEO” - The Vanishing Tribes (6D/5N)

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“INTO THE HEART OF BORNEO” - The Vanishing Tribes (6D/5N)

A reclusive tour package retailing the route (and more) of Redmond O’Hanlon, Author of the book “Into the Heart of Borneo”

The upper reaches of the Rejang River, longest in Malaysia has got so much to offer but all these secrets cannot be unveiled all these years due to the absence of trained Tourist Guides in the area. As such, we shall excurse via Kuching with our trained Tourist Guide to bring out the utmost and the best from “Into the Heart of Borneo”©. It’s More Than a Paradise (Copyright © Sarawak Tourism Board) along the majestic Rejang River from the authentic point of view.

Rejang River system possesses a waterway that flows for 560km (+ Balui basin, it totals 720km) allowing you to experience the scenic local express boats and longboat trips; sights of the infamous Pelagus Rapids, Kelirieng and Salong (Orang Ulu Burial Poles and huts respectively) and longhouses of at least 6 different ethnic native groups; witnessing long-eared native women, tattooed men and woman and varied costumed dancers; observing the rarest of small fauna, edible and medicinal plants; and the list goes on…

Tour Informations

Tour Codes : EGH/MHB 06

Duration : 6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS

Group Size : 1-8 paxs

For groups of larger sizes they shall be split up into alternate groups. The departure dates shall remain the same however the journey will be on a stagered basis. This is to insure sustainability & low tourist impact on the places visited.

Via : Sibu (Central Hub of Sarawak)

Itinerary

Meet & greet in Sibu then transfer to hotel for check in. Afternoon, proceed for a walking tour of the Sibu Central Market (biggest in Malaysia), Sibu Heritage Museum and the Pagoda. Evening, general briefing over a local dinner before exploring the Night Market. Overnight in the hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel. Morning – proceed on foot to Sibu Boat Terminal for a 2½-hour exciting express boat journey to Kapit, a small township dominated by Ibans and Chinese, along the bank of Rejang River. Upon arrival at Kapit, proceed direct to visit the Resident’s Office to obtain the Permit for remote travel. Lunch ( own expenses ) Check in to the hotel. Rest of the day, visit Fort Sylvia, Kapit Museum and Teresang native market. ( Dinner own expenses ) Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast, pack and leave for Belaga by express boat for about 3 hours negotiating the infamous Pelagus Rapids. Upon arrival in Belaga Town, have lunch (own expenses) before continuing the journey by longboat (about 1½ hours depending on the water level) to go further upriver to visit a Kejaman Longhouse. Upon arrival, tour the longhouse and its surroundings to observe their lifestyle, witness their daily chores, most notably the ancient burial pole of their paramount chiefs. Evening, have a local dinner followed by witnessing the Kejaman welcome dance. Overnight in the Kejaman longhouse.

After breakfast, start the day with a longhouse hopping spree in a longboat visiting the Kayan, Lahanan and Sekapan Tribes. These are part of the vanishing tribes least heard of by tourist and live in small comunities that even the locals have very little or no knowledge of them.
Along the boat journey, take a vigilant surveillance of the mystical sights of the Keliriengs and Salongs ( Ancient burial grounds ) of the Orang Ulu, dotting the tropical rainforest alongside the gigantic Rejang. Have lunch in one of the longhouses.
Conclude the day with dinner, witnessing Datun Julud, a traditional rhythmic hornbill welcome dance and overnight at a Kenyah Longhouse Village.

After breakfast, depart for Sibu by express boat. Check in to hotel. Rest of the day, free at leisure until a farewell dinner at a local classic restaurant. Overnight in the hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel. Free and easy until pick up for transfer to Sibu Airport for your onwards journey. The tour ends in Sibu

Notes

Things You Should Know :

* Connecting flights to Kuching or Kuala Lumpur are available daily.

* Kindly wear life jackets as the boats will pass through notorious Pelagus rapids and a number of smaller sets of rapids before reaching Belaga.

* Some express boats are equipped with central control air conditioning system. As the impact is stronger in the small rooming capacity, participants are advised to bring along their sweater or windbreaker

REMARK:

March – October (Not Recommended during Monsoon Season Nov - Feb & dry season or when the water level is low)

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Recommended

Accommodation

Sunset Kampung Bicycle Tour

Sunset Kampung Bicycle Tour

Tour Introductions

Tour Itinerary

What's Included

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Sunset Kampung Bicycle Tour

In the evening 1545hrs depart from hotel in city to the meeting point at Main Bazaar for Bicycle tour. Explore both the northern and southern banks of the Sarawak River on this unique, half-day Kuching tour.

Learn about Sarawak culture with a visit to a traditional Malay kampong (villages), meet the villagers, and visit typical wooden stilt houses. Watch the sun set over the Sarawak River and then return from your Kuching River cruise on a sampan boat to land for a scrumptious traditional hawker street dinner. Return to your hotel.

Tour Informations

Tour Codes: EGH/K37

Duration : 3 Hours

Remark:
Pick up & drop-off at hotel subject to additional charge.

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Recommended

Accommodation

Heritage Bicycle Tour

Heritage Bicycle Tour

Tour Introductions

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Heritage Bicycle Tour

In the morning, 0745hrs depart from hotel in city to the meeting point at Main Bazaar. 0800hrs safety briefing 0815hrs Explore Kuching’s heritage by both bicycle and boat on a Sarawak River cruise during this unique Kuching day tour. Start the cycling tour passing through Main Bazaar, Post Office, St Thomas Church, Merdeka Palace Hotel, Sarawak Museum, RTM studio, Borneo Cultures Museum, Padang Merdeka, Government Polyclinic, Silk Temple, Kuching Mosque, the Brooke Dock Yard, open air stall, India Street, Gambier Street, Floating Mosque to reach the waterfront.

You will discover temples and monuments in Kuching’s heritage zone. Immerse yourself in Sarawak culture by learning about its people as you cycle along designated paths both through Kuching and rural ‘kampongs’ (villages). Cruise across the river on a traditional ‘sampan’ boat and finish your tour by sampling traditional Sarawak Street food. After the tour, return to hotel.

Tour Informations

Tour Codes: EGH/K36

Duration : 3.5 Hours

Remark:

Pick up & drop-off at hotel subject to additional charge.

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Recommended

Accommodation

Orang Utan & Land Dayak Homestay

Orang Utan & Land Dayak Homestay ( 3D / 2N )

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Tour Itinerary

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Orang Utan & Land Dayak Homestay (3D2N)

Embark on a captivating three-day Borneo adventure. Day 1 takes you to Semenggoh to witness Orangutans' feeding rituals. Drive to Annah Rais Longhouse, a two-century-old architectural marvel, for a cultural immersion. Day 2 explores Bengoh Dam, trekking to Curtain and Susung Waterfalls, followed by a homestay experience.

On Day 3, return to Kuching with a boat ride, relishing lunch en route. This immersive journey offers a glimpse into Borneo's natural wonders and cultural treasures, promising an unforgettable experience in a rich tapestry of landscapes and traditions.

Tour Informations

Tour Codes: EGH/K35

Duration: 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

Itinerary

Depart Kuching for 40mins drive to visit Semenggoh, a 653 hectares forest-home to the Orangutan. Upon arrival, browse to the feeding site to catch a glimpse of these unique “Wild Men of Borneo” during feeding time while our Guide narrates to you their humane behavior, emotion and characteristics attributing to the mere reason for them being called Orang Utan meaning “Men of the Forest”. (Note: they are all free in the wild. Sighting depends on circumstances and luck). 

After the tour, continue the drive through country road for another hour meandering alongside the scenic Penrissen Mountain Range that forms part of the Indonesian Border. The Annah Rais Longhouse which stands on the same site where the longhouse was first built 200 years ago still stand with its unique architecture built largely of bamboo, wood and leaves. The Bidayuh are absolutely warm and gentle people whose previous generations once lived as farmers and believed in animism. After registration, check-in to the guestroom in the longhouse. Lunch will be arranged at your host family house.

 

After lunch, proceed for guided walk within the longhouse to learn more about the local lifestyle. Visit the Baruk (Skulls House), show house and nearby farmlands. Return to your homestay and join them for preparing your dinner & learn how to cook chicken in the bamboo. Bamboo chicken is our world-famous signature dish, which you got to taste it at least once on your trip to Borneo, or your Borneo’s trip will never be completed. After dinner, longhouses folks will dress in their traditional costumes entertain you with their music and dances. They will be more than happy to teach you their traditional dance. Overnight in homestay (basic accommodation with basic amenities only – bed & mattress).

After breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and transfer to Bengoh Dam. After registration, proceed for your short boat ride (15 minutes) across the lake to the mainland, point for hike up to the village of Kampung Sting. Kampung Sting, formerly part of Kampung Bojong, is one of the few villages affected by the construction of Bengoh Dam thas was first built in 2007. The village is resettled on the higher grounds of Bengoh mountain range in Padawan. 

Upon arrival, proceed for the tours and begin 30 minutes hiking to the 1st waterfall, Curtain Waterfall. Take a short break and continue to trek to Susung Waterfall. Arrive at Susung Waterfall, enjoy the scenic view and have some photo taken. Return to Curtain Waterfall. Swim at cool stream before proceed to the Homestay for check in and lunch prepare by the host family. After lunch, free to explore the surrounding area. Evening, dinner and overnight in homestay (basic accommodation with basic amenities only – bed & mattress).

Breakfast at the homestay. Explore and enjoy the surrounding area before return to Kuching. Take a boat back to Bengoh Dam and return to Kuching with lunch en route. Transferring back to your hotel in city or to the airport.

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Recommended

Accommodation

Sarawak Jurassic Park

Sarawak Jurassic Park ( 2D / 1N )

Tour Introductions

Tour Itinerary

What's Included

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Sarawak Jurassic Park ( 2D / 1N )

Embark on a captivating 2-day adventure with the 2D/1N Kampung Sting Tour, offering a unique glimpse into the picturesque landscapes of Sarawak. Your journey begins with an 15-minute boat ride across the scenic lake, leading to a fascinating hike through the Bengoh mountain range.

Marvel at the natural wonders, including the Curtain Waterfall and Susung Waterfall, each unveiling its own charm. Delve into the rich cultural experience of Kampung Sting through a homestay, allowing you to immerse yourself in the warmth of local hospitality. This unforgettable expedition promises a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure.

Tour Informations

Tour Codes: EGH/K34

Duration: 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT

Itinerary

0800hrs pick-up from hotel’s lobby for 2D/1N Kampung Sting Tour. Kampung Sting, formerly part of Kampung Bojong, is one of the few villages affected by the construction of Bengoh Dam that was first built in 2007. The village is resettled on the higher grounds of Bengoh mountain range in Padawan. Upon arrival, registration and proceed for short boat ride (15 minutes) across the lake to the mainland, point for hike up to the Waterfall. 

Continue for the tours and begin 30 minutes hiking to the 1st waterfall, Curtain Waterfall (Pee’an Waterfall – moderate trail). Take a short break and continue to trek approximately 20 minutes to Susung Waterfall – moderate & slippery trail. Arrive at Susung Waterfall, enjoy the scenic view and have some photo taken. Return to back to Curtain Waterfall. Swim at cool stream before proceed to the Homestay for check in. Lunch either at homestay or waterfalls depend on the weather. After lunch, free to explore the surrounding area. Evening, dinner and overnight in homestay (basic accommodation with basic amenities only – bed & mattress).

Breakfast at the homestay. Explore and enjoy the surrounding area before return to Kuching. Take a boat back to Bengoh Dam and return to Kuching with lunch enroute. Transferring back to your hotel in city or to the airport.

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Recommended

Accommodation

Bamboo Rafting Safari

Bamboo Rafting Safari

Tour Introductions

Tour Itinerary

What's Included

Recommendations

Bamboo Rafting Safari

In the morning depart from your hotel in the city to commence a Full day rafting program. Be your own captain in a bamboo raft and rafting through class II water. Your guide will instruct you on river navigation and safety procedures making you feel at home in the turquoise, glacier fed rivers of the Sirin.

You may also enjoy to be an adventurous and scenic rafter to create optimum enjoyment for each individual. Between rapids our guides will share the river’s secret local history, native Borneo plant usage and introduce you to the Peninsula’s invigorating outdoors. The journey is the destination and this journey is unforgettable. Retrace the paddle strokes of native Bidayuh Dayaks and the first settlers to the area.

Tour Informations

Tour Codes: EGH/K32

Duration : 1 DAY

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Recommended

Accommodation

Sea Turtle Adoption Program

Sea Turtle Adoption Program ( 3D / 2N )

Tour Introductions

Tour Itinerary

What's Included

Recommendations

Sea Turtle Adoption Program (3D/2N)

Graceful swimmers that spend most of their time underwater, they have survived almost unchanged since the Triassic period, some 200 million years ago. However, the breeding habits that have served them so well for so long are now contributing to their extinction. Sea turtles mature slowly and only start to breed between 15 to 50 years of age. Females usually produce eggs once in every four or five years.

They largely migrate back to their beach of birth, sometimes across distances of more than 3000 km. The peak seasons for sea turtles nesting range from the month of May to September each year. Sea Turtle Adoption Program (STAP) is a unique eco tourism initiative to save this endangered species which allows volunteers to actively participate in turtle conservation efforts. This program aims to create awareness among public on the importance of sea turtles conservation and at the same time to encourage knowledge sharing on this noble conservation efforts.

Tour Informations

Tour Codes: EGH/K27

Duration: 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

Itinerary

0930hrs Depart from hotel in Kuching by road (95km) to Sematan town (lunch en route). After lunch, proceed to Pulau Talang -Talang Besar by a 30 minutes speed boat ride.

1400hrs Upon arrival, welcome briefing by Park Warden in “’Get to Know” session. Free at own leisure.

1900hrs Dinner After dinner, Roll call by Park Warden / Conservation Assistant in ‘’Technical Briefing’’ / Turtle Conservation Programme.

2100hrs Turtle Watch on nesting beach (Timing depend on low or high tide schedules).

0800hrs Breakfast, free at own leisure
Proceed for Turtle Management and Hatchery management activities


1200hrs Lunch


1600hrs Beach Work


1900hrs Dinner
After dinner, Roll call by Park Warden / Conservation Assistant.
Sea Turtle Walk and release of hatchlings

0800hrs Breakfast
Continuous with ‘Adopt a Turtle’ program (with a surcharge)


1100hrs Depart from Pulau Talang-Talang Besar by boat to Sematan Jetty, then return overland to Kuching
city via the same route with a stopover at a local restaurant for lunch and transferring to the hotel in Kuching or airport.

Notes

Things You Should Know :

* Please note that the Sarawak Sea Turtle Volunteer Programme is not suitable for everyone. Accommodation facilities are basic (dorm style hostel rooms, simple toilet, bathrooms, etc) and everyone is expected to help with cooking and cleaning-up. Volunteers join a team of dedicated conservation experts whose mission is to monitor every turtle landing on the island and thus help to preserve Sarawak’s natural heritage. Volunteers can expect a rewarding ‘Back to Nature’ experience but should bear in mind that the programme is not a beach holiday.

Sarawak Forestry offers a set number of volunteer slots per year. These run from May to September each year.
Please let us know which slots you prefer so we can confirm the availability.

Remark: The turtle volunteer programme is for adults (18 years and above). Sarawak Forestry do not allow children to participate.
These tours operate on the principle that you may be in a small group of other people.

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Recommended

Accommodation

Heart To Heart Program

Heart To Heart Program

Tour Introductions

Tour Itinerary

What's Included

Recommendations

Heart To Heart Program

Heart 2 Heart with Orang utan is a one (1) day program which gives participants a closer look to behind the scene orangutan conservation work. The program starts with briefing on the conservation program in a “Get to know” session before proceeding for a guided tour of the Wildlife center.

They will be introducing and assigned tasks and areas of responsibilities or duties which include cages cleaning, food preparations for orang utans, orang utan enrichment program, assisting in related research and education or other tasks will be assigned to each participant. At the end of the day a Heart 2 Heart Participation Certificate will be issued to acknowledge their contributions to the Centre’s activities.

Tour Informations

Tour Codes: EGH/K26

Duration : 1 DAY

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Recommended

Accommodation

Tanjung Datu National Park

Tanjung Datu National Park

Tour Introductions

Tour Itinerary

What's Included

Recommendations

Tanjung Datu National Park

Embark on an exhilarating 3-day journey from Kuching to Tanjung Datu National Park, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of Borneo. Day 1 begins with a scenic drive to Sematan, followed by a boat ride to the park. After settling in at the park HQ, explore trails like Telok Upas and Belian, with a chance to witness nocturnal wildlife.

Day 2 offers a jungle trek along Pasir Antu Laut, providing glimpses of gibbons and hornbills. Enjoy Antu Laut beach before returning to the park HQ. Day 3 allows leisure time before returning to Kuching, concluding a memorable adventure in the heart of Malaysian biodiversity.

Tour Informations

Tour Codes: EGH/K25

Duration: 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

Itinerary

0900hrs, pick up from hotel’s lobby and proceed by road (approximately 2 hrs) to the small coastal town of Sematan. Lunch will be served in a local food outlet in Sematan. After lunch, continue by road to the Malay fishing village of Telok Melano. Take a speed boat (approximately 15-20 minutes) to Tanjung Datu National Park. Arrive at Tanjung Datu National Park, walk across the beach and settle in at the park HQ.


(Note: when the tide is low or sea conditions prevent boat landings at the park HQ, arrival is at a nearby small bay (Telok Upas) followed by a 15 minutes’ walk to the Park HQ.

After settling in, go on short walk on either the Telok Upas, Viewpoint or Belian trails. Return to the park HQ around 1600 hours. The rest of the day is at your own leisure. Relax on the beach, have a swim or visit the turtle hatchery. Enjoy dinner at the park HQ. After dark go on short night walk and search for wildlife such as wild boar, sambar deer, mouse deer, barking deer, civet cats and other nocturnal creatures. Return to the park HQ. Your guide will inform you if any turtles come ashore at night to nest. If so, the rangers will allow you to watch the turtles but only when they have started laying eggs. Please note turtle sightings are not guaranteed. Overnight at Forest Hut with mattresses, bedding and mosquito netting are provided (very basic accommodation).

After breakfast, 0800hrs depart for a jungle trek along the Pasir Antu Laut trail. Enjoy the forest scenery along the 2.7 km trail and keep a look out for wildlife. Gibbons, banded langurs and hornbills are sometimes spotted on this trail. Midway along the trail you will come to a small stream. Take a short break before continuing through the pristine forest to Antu Laut beach. Have a swim at the beach before returning along the forest trail. 

Half way along the trail turn left onto a small track that leads to the main turtle beach. Huge boulders are found along the coast here where the rainforest runs right down to the beach. Admire the views before walking back along the beach to the park HQ. Have a late lunch at the park HQ. After lunch you will have your time to explore the wildlife and vegetation around the park HQ on your own or take a walk together with your guide along one of the other short trails around the Headquarter. Dinner at the park HQ. Overnight at Forest Hut.

After breakfast, free at own leisure. Alternatively go on a short walk on one of the park trails. Around 1200 hours board a boat and travel to Telok Melano. Then, continue by road to Sematan and have lunch in a local food outlet. Return to Kuching and transfer to your hotel. Expected arrival time around 1600-1700hrs.

Notes

Things You Should Know :

* It is compulsory that life jackets (provided) be worn at all times during boat trips.

* For boats trip you are recommended to put your personal belonging in a small backpack/sling pack and it is advise-able to put all yours belonging under a plastic wrap.

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Recommended

Accommodation

Frogging in Kubah National Park

Frogging in Kubah National Park

Tour Introductions

Tour Itinerary

What's Included

Recommendations

Frogging in Kubah National Park

1800 hours pick up from your hotel to Kubah National Park. Arrival Kubah National Park HQ, start walking up the Summit Road towards the frog pond. Along the way, be on the watch for frogs along the side of the road as well as nocturnal wildlife in the forest. The tiny Matang narrow mouth frog can sometimes be spotted at the side of the road amongst the pitcher plants.

The frogs deposit their eggs on the sides of the pitcher and the tadpoles live in the pitcher plant until they emerge as young frogs. Adult males are only 10.6-12.8 mm in size so vigilance is required. At the frog pond, search for frogs and listen to wonderful frog sounds. Stand in the middle of Borneo rainforest and listen to a living orchestra of wildlife. After your frogging experience, walk back to the park HQ and depart Kubah around 2200 hours returning to Kuching and your hotel.

Tour Informations

Tour Codes: EGH/K24

Duration : 5 - 6 Hours

Notes:

Please ensure you have an early dinner before the tour. Bring a good torch (flashlight) or head lamp, drinking water, mosquito repellent, snacks, poncho or raincoat. Wear good walking shoes.

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Recommended

Accommodation