Explore the heart of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo on this unforgettable 5 day journey. Begin in Kuching, where you can soak in the charm of Sarawak’s capital before visiting the Semenggoh Nature Reserve to witness rehabilitated orangutans in their natural habitat. Travel to Sri Aman, stopping at native markets and a pepper plantation along the way. Discover the historic Fort Alice, marvel at the rare tidal bore phenomenon, and experience life in an Iban longhouse with traditional dances and rice wine tasting. End your adventure with a visit to Bako National Park, home to stunning coastal landscapes, carnivorous plants and rare wildlife.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Kuching
Upon arrival at Kuching International Airport, a representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel in Kuching. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
For those arriving in the morning, an optional city tour is available.
Overnight: Kuching
Orangutans & Sri Aman
Kuching - Semenggoh Nature Reserve - Sri Aman. After an early breakfast, we head to Semenggoh Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned orangutans. Observe these fascinating primates during their scheduled feeding sessions (sightings are not guaranteed as they roam freely in the reserve).
We then continue our journey to Sri Aman, with stops along the way. We'll visit the Serian Market to browse for local produce and traditional goods. We'll also stop at a pepper plantation (may take place on the return journey instead, depending on timings) and will make a lunch stop in the Chinese village of Lachua.
On arrival in Sri Aman, check in to the hotel, then take a guided tour of the town. Visit Fort Alice (closed on Mondays) and the historic Tze Yin Khor Chinese Temple, located along the Lupar River.
Estimated driving time & distance: 4 hours / 193 kilometres.
Overnight: Sri Aman | Breakfast, Lunch
Iban Longhouse Experience
Sri Aman - Iban Longhouse - Sri Aman. We embark on a cultural adventure to an Iban Longhouse. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle for approximately 1.5 hours before boarding a traditional longboat for a 45-minute journey along the river to the longhouse. As a sign of respect, it is customary to bring gifts for the Iban families. Your guide can assist in selecting suitable presents during a stop en route. This tradition applies specifically to Iban longhouse visits.
Upon arrival, take a guided tour and meet the Iban villagers. Experience their warm hospitality as they perform a traditional war dance in full ceremonial attire. If invited, join the dance—it’s a fun and interactive way to immerse yourself in their culture! Before departing, sample their locally brewed rice wine, "tuak", and enjoy a native-style lunch by the river (weather permitting) or inside the longhouse.
After lunch, return to Sri Aman via boat and vehicle, with the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Sri Aman Tidal Bore (Benak):
If our time in Sri Aman coincides with the tidal bore (which occurs twice daily at different times), we recommend you take a short walk from the hotel to the Batang Lupar waterfront to witness this rare natural phenomenon, where waves as high as five metres roll upriver against the current.
Overnight: Sri Aman | Breakfast, Lunch
Journey Through Sarawak
Sri Aman - Kuching. Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing back to Kuching. Lunch will be provided en route. The remainder of the day is at leisure in Kuching.
Estimated driving time & distance: 4 hours / 193 kilometres.
Overnight: Kuching | Breakfast, Lunch
Bako National Park Adventure & Kuching
Kuching - Bako National Park - Kuching. After breakfast, check out of the hotel. But we have one more destination to visit (you can leave your luggage at the hotel). We head to Bako National Park, Sarawak’s oldest national park, known for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. Look out for the carnivorous pitcher plant which can be seen. The park is also home to a healthy population of endangered proboscis monkeys, found only in Borneo.
After the tour, transfer back to Kuching and on to Kuching International Airport for your departure flight or choose to extend your stay.
Breakfast, Lunch
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching
In a stately building adjacent to the Plaza Merdeka mall, this modern hotel is 3 minutes' walk from the Kuching Waterfront's restaurants and shops along the Sarawak River, and 10 km from Kuching International Airport. Warm rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities; some add views of the waterfront. An airy restaurant has views of the river, and there's a laid-back lounge offering light fare. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a gym and a ballroom.
Seri Simanggang, Sri Aman
This relaxed hotel is an 8-minute walk from Fort Alice, 9 minutes on foot from the Taman Panorama Benak riverside park and 10 km from Highway 1. Unpretentious rooms come with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Guests can enjoy halal Malaysian, local, and international cuisines at the on-site restaurant. The hotel provides free WiFi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. The hotel features a lift, 24-hour front desk, housekeeping service, room service, and luggage storage. Paid on-site parking is available for guests.
At a Glance
