0203 111 1315
0203 111 1315
Enquire
Change Location
USA

Borneo’s Hidden Trails

Duration
12 days
Price from
£1,640 pp.
Location
Borneo, Asia
Kurching landscape stram Borneo Destination Asia photo

Trip Highlights

  • Discover Kuching’s heritage
  • Meet orangutans
  • Trek waterfalls and cruise Kinabatangan

What's Included

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • Guided cultural and heritage tours
  • Wildlife encounters
Borneo’s Hidden Trails

Off-the-Beaten-Track Borneo: Wildlife, Culture & Jungle Adventures

Our experts created this itinerary with curious travellers in mind – those who want to experience Borneo beyond its well-trodden paths. If you’re looking for a trip where you can hike through rainforest, meet indigenous communities, and witness wildlife in its natural habitat, this is it.

Our Borneo specialist, Nia, says: “I believe this trip is ideal for travellers seeking a deeper connection with Borneo’s rich culture and wilderness. Staying in homestays and longhouses offers a genuine insight into local life, while the careful pace allows time to appreciate the natural beauty and traditions that make this region so unique.”

From the cultural heritage of Kuching to the remote longhouses of the Iban people, this itinerary is about authentic immersion, not just sightseeing. You’ll explore traditional villages, trek to hidden waterfalls, and enjoy wildlife encounters that few travellers experience.

We’ve included experiences that connect you to the heart of Borneo, like hiking through jungle trails, sampling local delicacies, and joining cultural performances in a traditional longhouse. It’s a carefully crafted journey that balances adventure with comfort, giving you space to explore while every detail is thoughtfully managed.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kuching

Mountains in Kurching Borneo Destination Asia photo

Arrive at Kuching Airport where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon settling in and soaking up the riverside atmosphere. You’ll stay for two nights at Riverside Majestic Kuching, Astana Wing, Superior River View.

Day 2 Kuching Heritage Walk and Food Trail

Architecture Kurching Borneo Destination Asia photo

Explore Kuching’s rich cultural tapestry on a guided heritage walk. Visit historic temples, museums, colonial buildings, and bustling markets. Sample local delicacies on a food trail that brings Sarawak’s multicultural flavours to life.

Day 3 Semenggoh Wildlife and Journey to Bengoh

Day 4 Hiking to Kling and Susung Waterfalls

Day 5 Trek to Ukom Longhouse

Day 6 Longhouse Culture and Return to Kuching

Day 7 Flight to Kota Kinabalu

Day 8 Mari-Mari Cultural Village

Day 9 Kinabalu Park and Transfer to Sepilok

Day 10 Sepilok Orangutan Centre and Abai Jungle Lodge

Day 11 Pitas Oxbow Lake and Village Visit

Day 12 Return to Sandakan and Departure

Nia
Speak to an expert
Contact Nia

Speak to a Borneo expert today.

Start planning
or call 0203 111 1315
ATOL Logo Transparent
Ecologi Logo Black
1 percent logo horizontal png
Reviews io png

Duration

12 days

Location

Borneo, Asia

Price from

£1,640 pp.

Price Includes

  • Internal flights and all transfers
  • Activities mentioned
  • Private guides where mentioned

Price Excludes

  • Single Supplements
  • International flights to/from UK
  • Any activities, meals or drinks not mentioned as included
  • Anything else e.g. park fees not mentioned as included

Price per person is based on two people sharing, excluding international flights.

The trip includes all accommodations and activities specified above. Rooms and meals are as below:

2 nights at Riverside Majestic Kuching, Astana Wing Superior River View – breakfast and meals as mentioned.
3 nights at Homestay and Longhouse accommodations with basic amenities – all meals included.
1 night at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, Urban Room – breakfast and meals as mentioned.
1 night at MY Nature Resort, Standard Chalet – breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
3 nights at Abai Jungle Lodge, Standard Chalet – breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Trips in Borneo

Borneo Trip Inspiration

Speak to a Borneo expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
or
Nia pictures

Nia

Borneo Expert

When to go to Borneo

Find out the best time to visit Borneo with our month-by-month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is part of the rainy season, particularly in the northern parts of the island. Cultural events such as Chinese New Year (depending on the cycles of the moon this can be January or February) are a good bet to attend rather than venturing into the jungles where wildlife will largely be hiding from the intense weather.

February

There is still rainfall in the southern parts of the island but the north is starting to dry up so a good time to head to the beaches around Kota Kinabalu for underwater activities such as snorkelling if you want fewer crowds. Potential Chinese New Year celebrations are good to look out for (check the calendar for the year for when the celebrations start)

March

Good for wildlife viewing, especially orangutans. Cooler temperatures for jungle treks. As the weather cools down a bit, it's prime time to explore Borneo's diverse flora and fauna with fewer crowds before tourist seasons ramps up.

April

Great weather, dry and good for trekking. Head out to the rainforests to try and spot orangutans. Visit cultural festivals and enjoy water-based activities. Join in the festivities during various cultural celebrations and explore the island's rivers and coastlines.

May

Experience vibrant local cultures. Weather is favourable for outdoor adventures, especially wildlife viewing. Connect with the indigenous communities and take part in their customs while enjoying outdoor activities in comfortable temperatures.

June

Great for hiking and exploring the rainforests. Wildlife is active. See orangutans in the jungles and sea turtles in the ocean. The lush rainforests are alive with wildlife, making it an excellent time for nature enthusiasts.

July

Warm temperatures make July the most popular month to visit Borneo, meaning prices are often higher and crowds larger. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Ideal for river cruises and exploring markets. Enjoy the warmth and explore the island's waterways and vibrant markets.

August

Warm and dry weather. Possibly the best month to visit Borneo, as it is perfect for outdoor adventures. The dry season ensures excellent conditions for hiking, jungle exploration, and other outdoor pursuits. Turtle hatching season begins in August so head to Lankayan Island to watch this adorable event.

September

Tourist season slows down so there are fewer crowds and lower prices but September is still a good time for jungle treks and wildlife spotting. September maintains favourable weather for outdoor activities and wildlife encounters.

October

Octobers marks the start of the wet season so if you want to visit in this month, try to get in in the first few weeks. Outdoor activities can be challenging. The onset of the wet season means more rainfall and the need to plan outdoor adventures more carefully. A great time for diving around the coral reefs.

November

Rainy season persists. Limited outdoor options. The wet season continues, which can limit outdoor activities, so plan accordingly.

December

Middle of the rainy season, bringing storms and heavy rainfall. Large parts of the island become inaccessible due to weather constraints so avoid visiting in December if you can.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315

A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.