What to expect
Natural Wonders
Explore Borneo's ancient rainforests in Bako National Park and Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Animal Encounters
Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, observing these endangered species in rehab environments.
Unique Experiences
Embark on captivating boat cruises along the Kinabatangan River, spotting diverse wildlife like pygmy elephants and crocodiles.
Relaxation
Conclude your trip with luxurious relaxation at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort, a retreat where the lush jungle meets the South China Sea.
About this trip...
What's Included
Airport return transfers-
Internal flights
Private Room
Solos board - Breakfast daily, seven lunches and eight dinners
Explore Kuching and Sandakan on guided tours-
Visit the National Parks of Bako and Kinabalu
-
Safari river cruises in search of wildlife
-
Orangutan and Sunbear Conservation Centers
-
Relax in resort on the final day to wind down or explore more
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
What's extra:
- International flights are not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
- National Tourism Tax, MYR 10 per room per night to be paid at the hotel directly.
- Penang Tourism Tax, MYR 3 per room per night to be paid at the hotel directly.
- Pahang Sustainability Tourism Tax, MYR 3 per room per night to be paid at the hotel directly.
Itinerary
- Arrival in Kuching
- Kuching
- Bako National Park
- Kuching to Kota Kinabalu
- Kinabalu National Park
- Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
- Orangutan and Sun Bear Centres with boat cruise
- River cruise
- Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
- Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort
- Departure day
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrival in Kuching
- Dinner included.
Day Two: Kuching
After this we will proceed on a culinary tour through Kuching and we will be introduced to Sarawak’s signature dishes. Nothing reflects Sarawak’s unique mixture of cultures better than the great variety of its cuisine. The guide will bring you to a typical coffee shop, tasting some local dishes of our choice, such as famous Sarawak noodles “Kolo Mee”, “Sarawak Laksa” or Malaysian Indian “Roti Canai”.
Finally, we will walk down to Kuching’s Waterfront to board a traditional sampan, a small gable-roofed wooden boat which serves as water taxi, and cross the river to visit a Malay village. We will be awed by the striking contrast of the bustling modern city center on one side of the river, and the serenity of the typical Malay villages on the other side.
This evening we will gather for our welcome dinner.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day Three: Bako National Park
After breakfast, we depart Kuching and head to the small Malay village of Bako, where we will venture on a 20 minutes’ boat ride to reach the national park. This is a day with plenty of opportunities to trek through the beautiful park and explore flora and fauna at its best. Get to see various animals, such as wild boars, silver leaf monkeys, macaques or monitor lizards. If we are lucky you might also spot the odd-nosed proboscis monkeys that can only be found on the island of Borneo.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day Four: Kuching to Kota Kinabalu
Following breakfast this morning, we depart the hotel and head to the airport to catch our flight to Kota Kinabalu, a vibrant coastal city facing the South China Sea, backed by lush rainforests and the majestic Mount Kinabalu—Malaysia's highest peak. Once we arrive, we will transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
- Breakfast Included
Day Five: Kinabalu National Park
This morning after breakfast, we will head to Kinabalu National Park. Kinabalu National Park (also known as Taman Kinabalu) is Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with over 5,000 plant species. We will have a guided walk along one of the forest trails to get a first-hand impression of the Park and its unique flora before visiting the Mountain Garden with its collection of orchids and plants that are unique to Kinabalu.
- Breakfast and lunch included.
Day Six: Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Today we start a little earlier as we head to the airport for our flight to Sandakan. Once we arrive into Sandakan, we will transfer to the Sandakan Memorial Park, which is adjacent to the site of the original Sandakan Prisoner of War (POW) Camp. The park commemorates the sacrifice and suffering endured by both Australian and British soldiers who were held by the Japanese as Prisoners of War between 1942 and 1945. We will then continue on towards Sandakan Town. We will have a tour and will learn more about what was once known as Little Hong Kong. Passing by the William Pryer Monument and the Sandakan Liberation Monument. We will then head towards a nearby English Tea House for lunch.
- Breakfast Included
Day Seven: Orangutan and Sun Bear Centers with boat cruise
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day Eight: River cruise
Today early morning, we will head to the Ox-Bow Lake in search of wildlife, hopefully proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, orangutans, crocodiles, hornbills, and experience the early morning river ambience of the longest river of Sabah. These rivers flow through rainforests, floodplains, mangroves, and coastal wetlands, supporting incredible biodiversity and local indigenous communities.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day Nine: Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
This morning we have a bit of free time to relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings further. We will then take a boat ride to Sandakan and then continue onto the airport for our flight to Kota Kinabalu. Once we arrive we will transfer to our resort where we will spend the next couple of nights at the beach.
- Breakfast and lunch included.
Day Ten: Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort
Today we have a free day to spend how we wish in the area where the sea meets the rainforest. The resort is located in acres of untouched natural beauty from a wide sandy beach to the tropocal rainforest. While there we can relax in resort, on the beach, or take up an option when there to head out on one of the many walks, bird watching, water sports or even book onto experience a Mari Mari Cultural Village.
- Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day Eleven: Departure day
This morning we will gather one final time for breakfast before transfering to Kota Kinabalu Airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast Included
Accommodation
- Kuching: The Waterfront Four Star
- Kota Kinabalu: The Luma Four Star
- Sepilok: My Nature Reserve Three Star
- Abai: Abai Jungle Lodge
- Dalit Bay: Shangri - La Risa Ria Resort & Spa Five Star
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.
- National Tourism Tax, MYR 10 per room per night to be paid at the hotel directly.
- Penang Tourism Tax, MYR 3 per room per night to be paid at the hotel directly.
- Pahang Sustainability Tourism Tax, MYR 3 per room per night to be paid at the hotel directly.
