Images of Borneo & Damai Beach

Orang utans and dolphins; hornbills and rainforest; rivers and lake; city and beach. All these natural wonders can be discovered in Sarawak, on the island of Borneo.

Essential Experiences:

• Watch orang utans in their natural habitat at Semenggoh

• Enjoying the spectacular location of the Batang Ai Longhouse

• A boat trip on the Santubong River in search of Irrawaddy dolphins

The tour: On this Borneo holiday, your time is split between the lush rainforest of Batang Ai, the and the charming city of Kuching. During your holiday we include a visit to Semenggoh where rehabilitated orang utans roam free in the rainforest; a river trip on the Santubong River to search for the Irrawaddy dolphin; and also, an introductory tour to Kuching. There is also time to relax on the coast at Damai Beach, set overlooking the South China Sea and surrounded by rainforest.

Accommodation: Less developed for tourism than neighbouring Sabah, Sarawak has a relatively limited number of hotel options once outside of Kuching. We have chosen hotels which are well located and offer good standards. The holiday includes breakfast throughout or alternatively there is the option to upgrade to half board.

» Day 1 to Day 2: London to Kuching

Fly London to Kuching arriving the next day. Arrive and transfer to your hotel for three nights in Sarawak's capital.

» Day 3: Kuching

Kuching, Sarawak's capital, is amongst our favourite Far Eastern cities, with a charm and atmosphere of times past: it has parks and gardens and an attractive waterfront promenade along the Sarawak River. In the morning explore Kuching on our introductory tour including a drive around the heritage buildings of the days of the White Rajahs, a short boat ride on the river, a walk through the narrow streets of spice merchants and fabric traders and a visit to the Sarawak Museum. In the afternoon take a trip on the Santubong River to search for the Irrawaddy dolphin, often seen swimming and diving around the small fishing boats. These dolphins are found in rivers, estuary and shallow coastal waters. (B)

» Day 4: Kuching

Today visit visit Semenggoh Nature Reserve, a centre noted for its succesful programme for the breeding and rehabilitation of orang utans. Established in 1975 the centre takes orang utans that were rescued from the wild and helps train and condition them to live independently. We visit during the feeding session, offering the opportunity to see these captivating animals in close proximity. Please note that whilst sightings are regular they cannot be guaranteed, especially during the fruiting season (typically November to February), as the animals roam free in the forest and may not return to the centre for feeding - whilst this is obviously disappointing, it is actually a good sign because it means the animals are nearing rehabilitation as they are able to succesfully fend for themselves. (B)

» Day 5: Kuching to Batang Ai

Today, the adventure begins. Leave after breakfast on the 4 hour or so journey to Batang Ai Rainforest Lodge for 3 nights. The last part of the trip is by boat and we always feel there is something rather special about arriving on the water. (B)

» Day 6 to Day 7: Batang Ai

During your stay here, 2 guided walks are included. The first is in the early morning as the sun rises and birds begin their part melodious, part cacophonous morning chorus; returning in time for breakfast. The second, a nature walk, you may choose to take in the morning or afternoon: from the suspended walkway high in the forest canopy, explore the trees from a different angle. There are many optional visits from here: to a traditional longhouse to see the way of life of the Iban people; jungle treking; wildlife spotting boat trips. (B)

» Day 8: Batang Ai to Damai Beach

Return to Kuching and then travel onwards to the coast for 4 nights (or longer should you prefer) at Damai Beach. (B)

» Day 9 to Day 11: Damai Beach

Time to relax and unwind in this beautiful tropical setting or explore the surrounding jungle. (B)

» Day 12: Kuching to London

Return to Kuching for your flight back to London. (B)