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OVERVIEW

Solos Only

Borneo Solo Travel Tours

** 5 STAR JUNGLE STAY  **  SOFT ADVENTURE  **  SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE **

Borneo, Malaysia is a stand out destination for its unique experiences.  With incredible tropical jungles, it is home to the orangutan, sun bear, pygmy elephant and the endearing proboscis monkey, while the warm welcome from the Malaysian people gives Borneo it’s memorable character. It’s natural beauty leaves visitors in awe, pristine thick tropical jungle, the imposing Mount Kinabalu mountain, and Mulu Caves to name a few.

Conservation projects in Borneo, and their national parks are impressive. Viewing the elusive orangutan and sun bear is easily enjoyed visiting Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, whilst learning about the conservation efforts.

Enjoy the adventure boating up the impressive Kinabatangan River in Sabah and Melinau River, Sarawak, taking in the views of the pristine jungle and wildlife spotting. Be ready to be impressed by the incredible Mulu Caves of Mulu National Park, a world heritage area and one of the most important natural sites in South East Asia. The trip comes to an end in Kuching, a warm and welcoming city with Borneo charm.

Borneo Small Group Adventure

Start near the top in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the state of Sabah, discovering the major highlights, reaching Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. This twelve day visit is ideal if you love wildlife and nature explorations, combined with cultural experiences and exploring a destination ‘less touristed’ compared to some other parts of Asia. This is top on the list for solo travellers that love to explore and enjoy adventure.

PACKAGE DETAILS
  • Ages:
    40+
  • Duration:
    12 Days
  • Status:
    Early bird offer
  • Region:
    Asia
  • Destinations:
    Malaysia
  • Travel Style:
    Discovery
  • Accommodation:
    Quality hotels
  • Prices from:
    AUD$6875 own room
  • Transport:
    Minivan, Air, Boat
  • Pace:
    3
  • Max Group Size:
    14
REVIEWS

'I would highly recommend a holiday with Encounter Travel. My trip was well organised and the co-ordinator was fun and helpful and full of energy. I met some great people of all walks of life. There is a good mix of organised activities and free time. I had a blast.'

Linda, Victoria

'Thank you for your organisation of a great holiday. As a first time traveller with Encounter, I didn't know what to expect. The Red Centre is indescribably beautiful and should be on every Australians' bucket list. We saw every sensational attraction in just the right order - each new experience was more incredible than the last. Thank you for recruiting such a great group of people for my travelling companions. The hotels were clean and very comfortable and it was a pleasure to be transported across such an amazing landscape so comfortably. I learnt so much about our wonderful country and wished I had done such a trip years earlier.'

Sarah, 52 years, Sydney, Australia
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HOLIDAY VIDEO

Mulu, a lesser known destination on the tourist map but in no way a lesser place to visit.
Don’t overlook Mulu - it’s an absolute ‘must visit’ if you’re travelling to Borneo to make her discoveries.

Enjoy our visit to Mulu, a 3 minute window into Mulu.

INCLUSIONS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

  • 11 nights superior & deluxe hotel stays including the five star Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
  • 11 breakfasts
  • 7 lunches
  • 4 dinners 

SIGHTSEEING & GUIDES

  • Bi lingual (English & Malay) locally based tour guides
  • Entry to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Entry to Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre
  • Entry and touring of Mulu Caves
  • All other entrance fees and touring as per itinerary 

TRAVEL

  • Private touring vehicle for road transfers and travel
  • Return economy airfare Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
  • One way economy airfare Kota Kinabalu to Mulu
  • One way economy airfare Mulu to Kuching
  • Speed boat transfer Sandakan to Sukau Rainforest Lodge
  • Arrival and departure transfers # 

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

  • Porterage in and out of hotels included where available
  • Small group, not more than 14 travellers 

# transfer terms see GETTING THERE page
Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for joining this tour and is in addition to the package price.

Not included: 

  • International airfares (unless requested) 
  • Tipping for any tour personnel and services
  • Travel insurance
  • Excess baggage
  • Visa fees
  • Meals and beverages not specified on itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry & medical expenses
  • Incidental expenses such as taxi fares, telecommunications

Departure Dates for this tour

Departure
Status
Price from
Get a quote
3 - 14 JUN 25
Early bird offer
AUD$6875 own room
REQUEST QUOTE

EARLY BIRD SAVING - $200

Book by 3 October 2024 and SAVE $200 on the tour package.

 

PER PERSON AUD$

OWN ROOM

STANDARD Package per person

AUD $6875

PRE TOUR: Group hotel @ Kota Kinabalu with breakfast, & airport arrival transfer
rate applies: 02 & 03JUN

AUD $235

POST TOUR: Group hotel @ Kuching with breakfast, & airport departure transfer
rate applies:  14 & 15 JUN

AUD $185

Airport Arrival Transfer & Departure (meet all flights)
given it connects to day one or pre tour booked with us

Included


Trip Code: borneo25-6

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Itinerary

BORNEO HIGHLIGHTS

  • Small group guided adventure of Borneo, Malaysia
  • 3 internal airfares avoiding long distance road travel
  • Visit the Mari-Mari Cultural Village - teleport back to the time of ancient Borneo
  • Kota Kinabalu city sightseeing and food tour
  • Sandakan city touring including a visit to a water village
  • Visit the Sandakan war memorial, a site dedicated to the memory of the prisoners of war who died during the Sandakan Death Marches of World War II
  • Visit the impressive Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Enjoy the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world's smallest bear
  • An amazing speed boat journey to your rainforest lodge stay along Sabah's longest river, Kinabatangan - just making your way to the lodge is a discovery of its own
  • The best of river safaris along the Kinabatangan to spot wildlife including the proboscis monkey, birds and if lucky the elusive Orang Utan, and also the pygmy elephant with a safari specialist guide
  • Visit Mulu Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage area in the state of Sarawak
  • Guided cave visits of the four incredible Mulu Caves
  • Experience a spectacular 5 star stay at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
  • Take a local longboat up the Melinau River to visit a local Penan settlement, less visited than other nearby villages
  • A boat tour for dolphin spotting the unusual Irrawaddy dolphin
  • Visit the capital of Sarawak with local sightseeing

DAY 1

Arrival in Kota Kinabalu

Welcome to Borneo! 

Arrive on your chosen flight and be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel with the day at leisure. At the end of the day join with your local guide for a tour briefing then onto a group welcome dinner.

Meals: Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Group briefing
  • Group welcome dinner

DAY 2

Kota Kinabalu & Mari-Mari Cultural Village

This morning we visit the Mari-Mari Cultural Village - teleport back to the time of ancient Borneo through the display of ingenious architectures, simulated lives and ritualistic ceremonies. Each of the tribal homes are built by their descendants and offer a genuine experience of living amongst the ingenious tribes of Sabah. A simulation of the traditional Sabahan life comes alive at Mari-Mari Cultural Village and enjoy a a cultural performance by the members of the tribes.  A traditional meal for lunch is included with your visit.  

After the cultural tour, it’s a short driver back to Kota Kinabalu to explore the city with some highlight food experiences, with the chance to try some of the best delicacies that Sabah can offer. We include a visit to the Sabah State Museum that offers  historical and cultural insights of the indigenous people. Afterwards, enjoy your tea break with local delicacies in a local restaurant around Gaya Street.

Take in a stop at Signal Hill for an awesome bird’s eye view of the city skyline and nearby islands, plus there’s a short visit to the Puh Tze Temple – the largest temple in Kota Kinabalu, a visit of the City Mosque also known Floating Mosque. You’ll also have the chance to stop at handicraft market if time permits.

Dinner tonight is a local traditional menu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Hotel breakfast
  • Escorted day touring with your group guide
  • Transfer from hotel to Mari Mari Cultural Village
  • Entry to Marimari Cultural Village
  • Kota Kinabalu sightseeing and food tour
  • Local restaurant for dinner 

DAY 3

Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan

Today, we make our way to the jungle. We are picked up from the hotel and transferred to nearby Kota Kinabalu International Airport for departure to Sandakan.

Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport we begin our tour with a visit to one of the major town markets; there you will see the locals trading a wide array of food items such as fish, snacks, fruits, and other consumer products. Next, we will visit the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple which is located on the hilltop and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Sandakan Bay. Then we will proceed to visit the St. Michael's and All Angels Church for a brief history of one the oldest buildings in Sandakan. Our next stop will be the historical Agnes Keith House, formerly home to the famous American author who penned the book ‘Land below the Wind’.

Afterwards, we take you to explore Sim Sim Water Village, a unique floating village with houses built on stilts with a short walk inside the water village. Finally, our tour also includes a visit to the Sandakan War Memorial; created to commemorate the World War II events that took place in Sandakan and North Borneo.  As we reach the end of the day there’s the option to transfer to a roof top bar for an evening drink and meal (on your own account).

Meals: Breakfast

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Hotel breakfast
  • Airport transfers
  • Escorted day touring with your group guide
  • Sandakan city touring including a visit to a water village
  • Sandakan War Memorial
  • Return transfer to a Sandakan rooftop bar and bistro for sunset 

DAY 4

Sandakan to Rainforest

This morning we visit Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. You will have the opportunity to watch the orangutans up close in their natural habitat. Take a boardwalk through the rainforest to the feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas at 10am. Then, visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world's smallest bear.

After lunch, we depart for an approximately 1.5 hours boat transfer along Sabah's longest river – The Kinabatangan to Abai Village. From our lodge take an afternoon river cruise in search of wildlife and birds. 

After dinner, we shall take a night stroll along the boardwalk on a lookout for nocturnal animals and other wildlife. Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetland Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Hotel breakfast
  • Escorted day touring with your group guide
  • Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre
  • Boat transfer to rainforest
  • Afternoon river cruising safari 

DAY 5

River Safari

Take an early morning cruise to observe more wildlife and birdlife. We shall cruise to the nearby oxbow lake, Danau Pitas, to explore the area. Enjoy your packed breakfast while admiring the natural surroundings. We continue on to visit the local fishing village, Kampung Abai. Interact with local Orang sungai river people and observe the daily activities in this tiny fishing village.

We will have another afternoon river cruise for more wildlife watching opportunity. After dinner, we take the night river safari on a lookout for our target species. We will remain calmly at the river after that to witness the fireflies lighting up the mangrove trees. Return to the lodge for overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Hotel breakfast
  • Escorted touring with your group guide
  • River cruise safari 

­­­­­­­

DAY 6

Rainforest to Kota Kinabalu

After breakfast, we make our way back to Sandakan. Enjoy take a quick lunch before we proceed to the airport for our flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu International Airport, we are met and transferred back to our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Hotel breakfast
  • Casual lunch
  • Airport Transfers 

DAY 7

Kota Kinabalu / Mulu

Today we travel from Sabah to Sarawak state.  We transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for a short flight to Mulu. Upon arrival in Mulu Airport, we are picked up by the hotel transfer to reach our stunning jungle resort. In the afternoon, we take a longboat up the river to visit a local settlement. Enjoy the scenery as your ride up the river by long boat arriving to a Penan Settlement, less visited than other near villages.

Meals: Breakfast 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Hotel breakfast
  • Meet and greet with our local guide, Sarawak
  • Airport transfer
  • Return Boat to visit the Local Settlement 

DAY 8

Mulu Caves Tour

You’re staying at a beautiful five star jungle resort and you have the morning to enjoy the resort, the facilities and surrounds. In the afternoon, you will take your first tour to the incredible Mulu Caves. You will start on a three-kilometre plank walk through the rainforest to reach the biggest caves system in the world: Deer Cave and Lang cave.  At the end of the afternoon, you take the plank walk to back to the park headquarters and transfer back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Hotel breakfast
  • Guided cave visit with our group guide
  • National Park entry fees
  • Mulu Caves visit
  • Airport transfer
  • Return Boat to visit the Local Settlement 

DAY 9

Mulu Caves Tour

Transfer by longboat to Batu Bungan – a Penan Settlement. The journey by longboat to the Wind Cave, with its slender stalagmites and then onto the Clearwater Cave and see the underground river before ending the day with a swim in the clear water springs. After lunch return to your accommodation and the rest of the day is free.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED: 

  • Hotel breakfast
  • Longboat transfer to a Penan Settlement
  • Guided cave visit with our group guide
  • National Park entry fees
  • Mulu Caves visit 

DAY 10:

Mulu to Kuching

Today we depart Mulu for a short flight to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak Borneo.

Greeted at the airport, transfer to Kuching city for lunch and a city tour. In the exciting buzz of Chinatown, proceed to Tua Pek Kong Temple, one of the oldest temples in Sarawak. Also, spot the Margherita Fort; it’s hard to miss such a stunning structure. En route, you’ll see the traditional Malay houses built on stilts, winding through the heart of the city see the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak, the Clock Tower and a granite obelisk built in memory of Rajah Brooke. The tour comes to a close with a visit to the Sarawak Museum, one of finest museum in Malaysia.

Meals: Breakfast 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Airport transfers 
  • Kuching half day city tour

DAY 11:

Kuching

Santubong Dolphin Tour
This morning, depart your hotel and drive to the Santubong Boat Club where you board a boat and start your cruise towards the mouth of the Santubong & Salak Rivers. This estuary is the home of the elusive and rare Irrawaddy dolphin. The Irrawaddy dolphin lives in rivers, estuaries and shallow coastal waters and Santubong is one of the best places in Sarawak to see this unusual looking dolphin. Return to the boat club around noon and transfer by road back to your hotel in Kuching.

There will be some time at leisure before coming together for our final afternoon and evening.

Cooking Class with Dinner
In the afternoon, walk from our hotel to the waterfront for a cooking class tour. This is a unique learning experience that offers you the opportunity to interact and be taught directly by a local cook. Get yourself busy by helping the chef preparing the food.  What makes this tour interesting is the fact that your dinner will be what you cook during the class. Enjoy dinner before returning to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Cooking Class
  • Dinner

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12:

Depart Kuching

Check-out and transfer to the International Airport for departure flight back home, or extension to Penang, Malaysia.

Meals: Breakfast 

Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance, we aim to inform you prior to travel.  Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.

View Full Itinerary

ACCOMMODATION

HOTELS

Destination

Hotel Name

Nights of Stay

Kota Kinabalu

Grandis Hotel      

2

Sepilok

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort

1

Rainforest/Sandakan region

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

2

Kota Kinabalu

Grandis Hotel      

1

Mulu

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa  ** 5 Star ** 

3

Kuching

 Waterfront Hotel

2

Hotels may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. Should this occur, a hotel of a similar standard will be provided.

Grandis Hotel with Encounter Travel

Superior Room, Grandis Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Deluxe Room, Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, Mulu

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort Encounter Travel

Chalet, Sepilok Forest Edge Resort

The Waterfront Hotel Kuching

Deluxe Room, The Watefront Hotel, Kuching

GRANDIS HOTEL, KOTA KINABALU

Being centrally located in the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu and is within walking distance to major banks, a 5-minute walk to the city jetty, a 10-minute walk to the Gaya Street Sunday market and a 10-minute drive to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The Sky Blu Bar located on the roof top of the hotel is the perfect spot in the city to witness breathtaking sunsets. Hotel Grandis offers 188 rooms designed in a contemporary style. Guests are greeted with spacious and elegantly furnished rooms with tailored amenities such as LED TVs with satellite channels, complimentary high speed internet access, an in-room locker, and a power shower. All rooms are equipped with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that provide either a sprawling view of the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu or a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the magnificent South China Sea and the tranquil islands close to shore. There are three food & beverage outlets: the all-day dining Rosea Café, the Piano Lounge and Sky Blu Bar. 

SEPILOK FOREST EDGE RESORT, SEPILOK

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort features stylish Malay design chalets and a longhouse around lush green surroundings and hills as a backdrop which further embraces an incredible view.  Each chalet is built with recycled wood.  Depending on which Chalets, the rooms are inspired by the minimal design of the locals and indoor and outdoor shower, and rooms are decorated with local drawings, handmade natural art pieces, or pictures of old Sandakan. 

KINABATANGAN WETLANDS RESORT
Tucked away in the wilderness of Lower Kinabatangan surrounding the pristine freshwater swamps and mangrove forest. An exclusive nature retreat, distance away from the crowded city and the busy ‘tourists’ areas. Abai village is the nearest access to Lower Kinabatangan Segama Wetlands, located 50km or about an hour and a half boat ride from Sandakan harbour. It borders the Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain, one of the most important wildlife refuge in Malaysia.

MULU MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA, MULU

Uniquely located in the lush rainforest of Borneo, adjacent to Gunung Mulu National Park, the 5-star Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa features stunning views and elegant finishing touches. Well-appointed rooms and suites sit on raised wooden walkways radiating from the centre of the hotel. Every room features luxury bedding and private balcony with picturesque views. Enjoy a delicious dining experience at the hotel restaurants, serving a variety of local and international cuisine, or relax by our river bar with a refreshing cocktail. After a busy day exploring the rainforest and caves of Borneo, cool off in its outdoor pool, treat yourself to a soothing spa treatment, or workout in the hotel’s state-of-the-art gym.

Unplug at Mulu Marriott – Wi Fi is not in the rooms and only available in common spaces such as the lobby but can slow upload and download speed or intermittently unavailable.

WATERFRONT HOTEL, KUCHING

Perched on top of Plaza Merdeka Shopping Center, The Waterfront Hotel is located in the heart of Kuching City, where decades-old heritage buildings sit side by side with modern buildings. With one of the best views of the Padang Merdeka and the Sarawak River, the hotel is not only a place to rest, but a start of your adventures in Kuching City.

Note:

  • Hotel descriptions are taken from the hotel website and edited to suit our page.
  • If we have confirmation of hotel Wi-Fi inclusion we state it above. However if Wi-Fi is not stated it does not mean that a hotel is without Wi-Fi. Most hotels have Wi-Free;  free or otherwise for a service fee. Our inclusion of free Wi-Fi above is not a guarantee as this can change without notice due to telco service interruptions or changes to hotel policy.


More About Accommodation

GETTING THERE

Starts In: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Ends In: Kuching, Malaysia

Arrival: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Departure: Kuching, Malaysia

HOTEL CHECK IN /CHECK OUT TIMES
Consider the hotel check in time on arrival and the hotel check out time on departure.
Early check in or late check out can be requested but without payment cannot be guaranteed.

FLIGHT INFORMATION
As an Australian travel company we can provide flight assistance for flights originating from Australia. If joining the tour from outside Australia we recommend making your own flight arrangements or to use the service of a travel advisor located within your country of residence for access to best fares.

TRANSFERS
Airport Transfers are included on arrival and departure if;

  • you arrive on day 1 of the tour and/or depart on the final day of the tour,
    or
  • you have extended your stay and you have booked the pre or post tour group hotel with us as part of your package.

If you are making your own flight arrangements, in any case, we require your flight itinerary no later than 45 days priors to travel, even if you are not making airport transfer arrangements with us.

DETAILS

Read on for other key trip information that you should know before you decide on joining the group.

TRIP AVAILABILITY
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to book early and secure your place with a deposit.  Tour space is limited. Also, many services on this tour must be booked well in advance. To ensure your place, please check trip availability at your earliest convenience

FELLOW TRAVELLERS 
You will enjoy this group experience with a maximum of 14 travellers. This is a Solos Only tour (couple free). You are welcome to join with a friend, but couples do not join this tour.

THE PACE  [3 out of 5]
Travellers of 70 years or over will be required to return a Fit to Travel form that is completed by their doctor. More Information > Visit Travel Fitness

Aside from the expectations of regular touring such as walking tours, there are elements of soft adventure included in this tour.  You must be able to embark and disembark from a small speed boat, and also the long boats (like canoes with motors) used for river safaris and transport. The long boats are basic with hard seats. There is one trip of at least 1 hour duration each direction in the long boat.

Note: life jackets are provided on all boats.

Walking Distances
The longest distance is access to two of the Mulu Caves; Deer Cave and Lang Cave. The location of these caves is accessed via a boardwalk through the dense jungle, and is more than 3 kilometres each way. Then on reaching the caves, walking around the caves is a further distance. There are some stairs to climb.  There is no hurry to walk the distance but you are required to have average (and above) mobility and fitness to join the group.

Mulu Boardwalk Encounter Travel

In addition, as a tropical climate touring is in hot and humid conditions however often sheltered by the direct sun with the jungle canopy.

Travellers of 70 years or over will be required to return a Fit to Travel form that is completed by their doctor. 

In the More Information section MORE ABOUT FITNESS.

GROUP GUIDE
This is a private group tour. There are guides for different parts of your itinerary

  1. Your first guide will escort you for touring in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Sukau.
  2. When you travel to Sarawak to visit Mulu Caves, a guide located in Mulu will guide you in Mulu
  3. When you arrive to Kuching a guide from Kuching will support you during the stay.

Group size 9 or less - guiding is a driver-guide
Group size 10 or more - there is a driver and a guide

Note, above does not apply to the Mulu caves visit as road transfers are provided by the hotel shuttle.


TIPPING

Tipping is not included in your tour package. 

Tipping may not be your custom, or the custom of your home country, however it is significant in many parts of the world for roles in tourism. It’s customary to tip tour service personnel including your group tour leader, driver, local guides, restaurant staff, and hotel porters. It’s also appreciated to leave small tips for room attendants and restaurant wait staff.  We appreciate that for many travellers tipping is awkward, and they are unsure about how and what amount to tip. For this reason, we provide a range/guide for tips

As tipping is customary it is an expectation; the amount deemed by you based on the daily range:

Tour Guide & Tour Escort Tips
MYR 10 – 20 per person / per day 
Converts to about AUD3.50-AUD7 per day, or USD2.50-5.00 per day, per person.

Please recognise your tour guide/s, and if applicable tour escort good service through tipping. Your tour guide is away from home for the duration of your visit and tipping is a part of recognising this dedication.


ABOUT THE MEALS   

It’s regular that our trips include a good number of meals including a welcome dinner. There’s nothing better than to share a meal with new friends and discuss the day’s adventures. Daily breakfast is included as are some lunches and dinners. Meals are provided in our hotel restaurants or local venues. For this tour there is also one simple picnic lunch while visit Mulu Caves on one of the days.

Expect the menus to feature Malaysian food. This can also include some Malay Chinese food. While staying at the jungle eco lodge, the meals included are usually buffets. For breakfast there will be some international food choices with the more diverse offer at city hotels.

Are you a flexitarian?
If you have dietary requirements, please advise if it is due to allergies or for medical reasons or if it is a personal preference and if you are flexible. Dietary requirements will limit choices. If a dietary requirement is not essential due to medical reasons and you are a flexitarian, then we recommend that you exclude your personal preferences if not necessary to provide more options with the meal choices.


TRANSPORT

Travel is by road, air and boat. We use internal flights to avoid long road travel and in some cases poor road standards.  While visit the jungle and Mulu Caves there is travel by boat. 

There is a shared boat (may not be private to our group) to travel from Sandakan to the eco lodge, it’s a duration of about  1.5 hours by speed boat. Most of the journey is on the sheltered harbour or upriver. The speed boats have long range radio, GPS and full safety equipment.

There is a safari boat used for the Kinabatangan River Safaris. These boats use a low-smoke, low-noise 4 stroke outboard engine which is used when the river current is strong, and an electric motor which is invaluable when viewing wildlife due to an almost imperceptible noise which doesn't scare the wildlife away.

There is travel by long boat – traditional boats used for travel along the river. These are used for transfers while visiting Mulu Caves. Long boats are basic with hard seats.

While on tour by road, distances are not long. A touring van is used and the vehicle sizes is dependent on the group size. For groups of 8 or less passengers a 9-seater, a group of 9-13 passengers, a 15 seater is used, and a group of 14-16; a 20 seater vehicle is used.

LUGGAGE INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS
Please note that the maximum luggage weight for touring may be less than the international airline maximum limit on your ticket. These limits below are inline with limits for the internal flights within Borneo, Malaysia that are part of your tour.

Checked Luggage Maximum Weight: 20kg
Hand Luggage Maximum Weight/Information: 7kg

Note: if you check luggage above the maximum 20kg on the internal flights, charges by airlines may apply and are due at your own cost.

For international airline luggage restrictions refer to your ticket details. Please note that the maximum luggage weight for touring may be less than the international airline maximum limit.

 

TRAVELLER REVIEWS

'I would highly recommend a holiday with Encounter Travel. My trip was well organised and the co-ordinator was fun and helpful and full of energy. I met some great people of all walks of life. There is a good mix of organised activities and free time. I had a blast.'

Linda, Victoria

'Thank you for your organisation of a great holiday. As a first time traveller with Encounter, I didn't know what to expect. The Red Centre is indescribably beautiful and should be on every Australians' bucket list. We saw every sensational attraction in just the right order - each new experience was more incredible than the last. Thank you for recruiting such a great group of people for my travelling companions. The hotels were clean and very comfortable and it was a pleasure to be transported across such an amazing landscape so comfortably. I learnt so much about our wonderful country and wished I had done such a trip years earlier.'

Sarah, 52 years, Sydney, Australia

'Did a Red Centre solo 7 day tour absolutely fantastic, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Kings Canyon, Palm Valley you have to see it and experience it. The coach drivers were professional, excellent knowledge and with a great sense of humor.'

David, Eschol Park, Sydne, New South Wales
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