Trips

Kuching

Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Kuching means 'cat' in Malay and the city lives up to its animal namesake – dreamy, sophisticated and just a little bit wild. Meet your fellow travellers and leaders at a central hotel at 2.30 pm and transfer to the port where you will board your vessel, settle in and attend a welcome meeting and safety briefing. With the formalities out of the way, sit down to dinner with your fellow travellers on board and get to know each other. This evening is spent at port.

Kuching

In the morning head to Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary – a government-funded rehabilitation centre, by private minivan (approx. 1 hour). The centre was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. Head into the jungle via a walkway, where from a viewing platform you can watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view and eat the supplementary diet of bananas and milk that is laid out for them twice a day. Take some time to savour the special moments in these animals’ company. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential that you follow your leader's instructions. Next, drive to Sarawak Cultural Center (approx. 1-1.5 hours). Watch a lively dance performance and learn about the traditions and histories of the diverse ethnic groups of Sarawak. Get a taste of how the various cultures have influenced the cuisine with lunch at the Cultural Village. Return to Kuching (approx. 45 mins) and enjoy a free afternoon and evening to explore at your leisure. A delicious dinner should not be hard to come by, as Kuching is overflowing with options. Perhaps ask your leader where to seek out the best bowl of kolo mee, a classic dry noodle dish. This evening, you may wish to join an optional sunset cruise along the Sarawak River to enjoy the city skyline, at your own expense.

Lakei Island

Set sail for Pulau Lakei, a quiet island where a small stretch of sandy beach is backed by lush jungle. Aside from its beauty, this small island is also rich in local legends about a religious hermit called Hajji Ibrahim who is alleged to have lived on the island hundreds of years ago. Cool off with a swim on the beach, and if time allows enjoy a hike to one of the islands clifftops for views of the South China Sea. Return to the Panorama II for lunch and a leisurely afternoon of sailing north towards Mukah.

Mukah

Wake up in Mukah, also known as the Melanau Heartland. Disembark the Panorama II and embark on a tour of a local village, where a local cook will show you how to craft the traditional Melanau fare umai, a raw fish dish you may have already fallen in love with. Enjoy lunch at a local guesthouse and try out some more Mukah favourites. Sago, a starch that comes from palm trees, is bound to make an appearance. Reboard the vessel and spend the afternoon and evening at sea.

Miri

This morning we take a drive of about an hour to Lambir Hills National Park. The forest ecosystem in this park is home to the greatest plant biodiversity on the planet as well as 237 different species of bird, flying squirrels, wild pigs, gibbons and other monkeys. We'll explore one of the trails taking a short hike to a waterfall where there is the opportunity for a refreshing swim. Lunch will be at a local restaurant and we will stop at Canada Hill for panoramic views of the coastline. Return to Miri and enjoy a free evening to explore the city or relax on board. The city offers a diverse range of food options for dinner, from chicken and rice to local variations of laksa.

Bendar Seri Bagawan, Brunei

Travel to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei and enjoy a half-day city tour. Visit the Royal Regalia Museum, which is dedicated to the current Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah. You’ll also visit the opulent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. With its gold domes and palatial feel, it is widely considered one of the most arresting mosques in Asia. After sightseeing among the splendour of the city, cruise to a more low-key destination – a water village where you will enjoy tea in a local home. Return to the Panorama II for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure on board or in the city. In the late afternoon, you can choose whether to join your leader on an optional trip to the Gadong Night Market to purchase some local dishes for dinner. Alternatively, seek out your own culinary delights.

Ulu Tempurung National Park, Brunei

Spend the day in the lush environs of Ulu Tempurung National Park, a virgin rainforest of the most spectacular order. Take a boat trip through the tributaries that snake through the forest, keeping an eye out for colourful butterflies, gibbons and more. You can choose how to spend the rest of your time in the park. Active types may want to try an optional canopy walk. Just keep in mind that in order to access the bridges in the canopy you will need to climb up more than 700 steps. Those who brave the heights will be rewarded with views of untouched rainforest as far as the eye can see. Vertigo sufferers (or those who prefer to relax) may wish to unwind at the Ulu Ulu Resort or take a short hike to a mini waterfall. This evening enjoy a Captain’s dinner in Bandar and then sail overnight to Pulau Tiga National Park.

Pulau Tiga National Park

Cruise into Pulai Tiga National Park this morning and start your day with swimming and snorkelling in clear waters. You’re sure to spot different varieties of tropical fish darting among colourful coral. Next, rejuvenate with a wallow in a volcanic mud pool which is said to help skin conditions. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on the deck of the Panorama II, soaking up views of the incredible coast. Spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure. You can either continue to explore, relax on the beach or enjoy a drink on the deck with unrivalled views of paradise. Set sail for Kota Kinabalu late in the evening.

Kota Kinabalu

Enjoy a final breakfast on board, then bid farewell to your crew before being transferred to a central hotel in Kota Kinabalu where your tour will end on arrival. This modern metropolis has rebounded from multiple bombings during WWII and boasts several interesting museums to explore, markets to browse and beaches to relax on. If you plan to spend more time in Kota Kinabalu, you can speak to your Peregrine representative about booking further accommodation.