Product Description
Highlights
Look for strange and vulnerable wildlife in the thickets of evergreen forests, from swollen-nosed proboscis monkeys to exploding ants and wild boar.. See two different sides of Bandar Sei Begawan in Brunei with a visit to the opulent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque followed by tea with a local in a sleepy water village.. Learn how to craft Sarawak classic umai (marinated raw fish and shallots) and the best way to cook sago worms during a demonstration from a local cook.. Choose to see the virgin rainforest of Ulu Tempurung National Park from the perspective of the birds during a canopy walk.
Overview
One of the last truly wild places on earth, Borneo offers travellers lush forests filled with endemic flora and fauna, untouched coastlines and labyrinthian caves. This 10-day cruise will reveal the cultural and natural treasures of rugged Borneo, skipping between the Malaysian and Bruneian sections of the island on the comfort of the M/S Panaroma II. Spot birds, butterflies and beasts in four different national parks, discover human history in the Niah Caves and taste local delicacies prepared with fresh seafood and produce along the way.
Breakfast Included: 8 Lunches Included: 7 Dinner Included: 5
Kota Kinabalu
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Board your vessel at 4 pm, 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.
Pulau Tiga
Cruise into Pulau 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 Bendar Seri Begawan late in the evening spending overnight at sea.
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, venture on an optional excursion to the Gadong Night Market to try some local dishes. Alternatively, seek out your own foody delights.
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 a 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 granted 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. We sail overnight to Miri.
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.
Mukah
Waking up in Mukah, we will disembark to take a tour of a local village and learn how to make Umai, a local delicacy made from marinated raw fish, shallots, lime juice and chilies. We will have lunch at a local guesthouse before returning to the Panorama II for our overnight sailing to Kuching.
Lakei Island
Before arriving at Kuching, we will make a stop at Pulau Lakei, one of the few swimming beaches in the state of Sarawak. Long popular with deep sea anglers, the island is synonymous with Haji Ibrahim, a hermit who lived here 3 centuries ago. We will have time to swim, and perhaps hike to one of the island's viewpoints for a spectacular view of the South China Sea.
We return to the Panorama II for lunch and a leisurely afternoon of sailing before the final stop in Kuching.
Kuching
Drive to the Sarawak Cultural Village this morning for a performance
featuring music and dance. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Return to Kuching for some free time and the chance for you to explore Kuching. The city is a food capital overflowing withoptions. Perhaps seek out a plate of uwai, a regional dish made up ofraw fish marinated in lime juice and served with shallots. There will be the option to take a sunset cruise along the Sarawak river to enjoy the city skyline.
Kuching
Bid farewell to your crew and disembark. Kuching means 'cat' in Malay
and the city lives up to its animal namesake – dreamy, sophisticated
and just a little bit wild.
