Borneo with Teenagers

Itinerary

Itinerary:
Kota Kinabalu - Semenggoh - Santubong - Bako National Park - Kuching - Batang Ai - Damai Beach
Duration:
11 days / 10 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 1,879.- per adult (excluding flights)
From £ 1,529 - per child (up to 11 years)

We've designed this Borneo itinerary with adventurous teenagers in mind. The itinerary begins in Sabah, exploring Kinabalu National Park, home to the mighty Mt Kinabalu. A short flight takes you to Sarawak where you'll spot wildlife on a jungle boat cruise and visit the orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve. You'll stay in a real-life tree house and venture deep into the rainforest to stay with the Iban headhunter tribe. Finally, round off your trip with some well-deserved relaxation on Damai Beach. If your family are ready to explore the wild side of Borneo - this is the trip for you.

Days 1-3 – Kota Kinabalu: canopies & hot springs

Upon arrival in Borneo, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. This bustling coastal city at the foot of the immense Mount Kinabalu is the starting point for your family holiday through Sabah. You’ll be staying in a centrally located hotel which is walking distance to the waterfront. The next day you’ll head to Kinabalu National Park with a guide to discover the wildlife and plants which call this place home, getting a different perspective as you explore from the canopy walks high above the forest floor.

Days 3-5 – Kuching: great apes & waterways

Today you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Kuching. The flight time is around 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll head to the Damai Peninsula – about 1 hour away. The next 3 days are action-packed as you’ll be visiting Semenggoh Rehabilitation Centre and seeing Borneo’s most famous residents, the orangutan. You’ll take a boat cruise down the Santubong River trying to spot all the wildlife that call this area home (monkeys, crocs and fireflies). To top it all off, you’ll be staying in a real-life treehouse, set in an eco-resort. Here you can rent out kayaks or paddleboards if you haven’t yet had your fill of adventure!

From your treehouse, you’ll be picked up and taken to the small village of Kampung Bako. You’ll then hop onto a boat and head to Bako National Park. This protected park is teeming with wildlife, including numerous species of monkey. Settle into your lodge and then your experienced guide will lead you through the winding boardwalks and rainforest trails, spotting the mischievous Macaques, Silver Leaf Monkeys and of course the most famous resident, the funny-faced Proboscis Monkey. For your second night, you’ll return to Kuching city where you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel for the night. It’s perfectly located to head out and grab some dinner at one of the many restaurants.

The Batang Ai National Park is home to one of the oldest Iban settlements in Sarawak and this tribe have called this area home for years. Today you’ll bring your tribe to meet their tribe for a taste of culture and to learn about a totally different way of life to yours. You’ll be staying in a newly built lodge by the Batang Ai Reservoir, and you’ll spend your days being guided through the area, taking in the surrounding nature and even spotting wild orangutans if you’re lucky. Evenings will be spent at a nearby longhouse with the Iban Tribe, eating food cooked over the fire, and drinking rice wine. It’s an eye-opening and totally unique experience for all ages.

Today your driver will be back to transfer you to Damai beach. Over the next few days, you’ll do nothing but take it easy and relax. Swim in the ocean, relax with a book by the pool or perhaps compete with each other on who can make the best sand-castles. During your stay we’ll arrange a guided kayaking adventure. You’ll paddle through the beautiful rainforest surroundings and stop off at local villages where you’ll meet the Bidayuh tribe. This is a great way to help open the kids’ eyes to a totally different culture and way of life. At the end of your holiday, you’ll be transferred from the beach to the airport, which takes about 45 minutes, to begin your journey home.