Legends & Longhouses

Malaysia & Borneo, 11 Nights

Day 1 - Arrive Kuala Lumpur
On arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport you will be met and driven to your hotel where the remainder of the day is yours to begin explorations among the bustling streets and shining office towers of the Malaysian capital - one of the Orient's most dynamic cities.

Day 2 - Kuala Lumpur
Evidence of the city's past in the British colonial buildings of the Dataran Merdeka is met with constant reminders of its future in its modern skyscrapers. The Menara Kuala Lumpur is the 4th highest telecommunication tower in the world at 421 metres - from the observation platform you have a bird's eye view of the city. Try to spot the King's Palace, Thean Hou Temple and the splendid Moorish architecture of the Railway Station and Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

Evening is the perfect time to enjoy the atmosphere at the oldest Hindu temple in the city, Sri Maha Mariamman. At the Petaling Street night market you can try out your bargaining skills under midnight lamps and Malaysian cultural dancers and dramatists will entertain you in the convivial surroundings of a traditional Malay Restaurant.

Day 3 - Kuala Lumpur/Kuching
To the west of Malaysia in the South China Sea lies Borneo, an island divided politically among Brunei, Indonesia and the two Malaysian states Sarawak and Sabah. The curious riverside city Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, a land of legendary longhouses that retains much of its colonial character in perfectly preserved buildings and has a fascinating mix of ethnic groups. After settling into your hotel, you may like to take the afternoon to visit the uniquely designed City Hall and world renowned Sarawak Museum or stroll through the exotic fruit and vegetable market.

Day 4 - Kuching/Batang Ai
Depart Kuching this morning for a journey overland through pepper, rubber and cocoa plantations to the Batang Ai National Park, the main habitat of the Sarawak Orangutan. From the Jetty a short boat ride takes you to the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort.

Day 5 - Batang Ai
Nearly half of Sarawak's population is made up of various indigenous groups such as the Iban who live in longhouse communities in the Batang Ai. Only an hour's ride by longboat from the Batang Ai Resort, experience true Iban hospitality at the Ukom longhouse on the banks of the Engkari River. Their welcoming ceremony of music, gongs and warrior dancing is not to be missed, nor is a taste of the locally brewed rice wine.

Day 6 - Batang Ai/Kuching
After lunch you will be transferred to Kuching where the remainder of the day is yours to perhaps stroll along the impressive Kuching Waterfront watching the longboats meander past.

Day 7 - Kuching/Mulu
A flight today takes you via Miri to the rich jungle terrain of Mulu National Park, where you may choose to stay at the Royal Mulu Resort. In the afternoon take a longboat to begin your exploration of one of the world's largest and most spectacular cave complexes that are still only partly explored. From the observation platform witness the flight of thousands of bats as they leave Deer Cave at sunset.

Day 8 - Mulu
A longboat trip up the Melinau River takes you past the semi-nomadic Penan settlement to the elegant Wind Cave where stalactites, stalagmites, rock corals and other spectacular formations are illuminated in the King's Room. On a raised plank walk flanking the limestone cliff you can see the amazing 40 mile long passages of Clearwater Cave. Retrace your journey back to the Resort.

Day 9 - Mulu/Kota Kinabalu
Depart after breakfast for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, a serene retreat of inviting beaches on the northern tip of Sabah overlooking the South China Sea that is a world away from the vast jungle.

Day 10 - Kota Kinabalu
The Exhibit Centre and Mount Garden reveal some of nature's miracles in this botanical paradise that is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. Take a guided walk to explore rhododendron, alpine meadow plants, rich lowland forest and coniferous trees, or for the more adventurous perhaps take one of the various marked trails at your own pace.

Day 11 - Kota Kinabalu
Spend the day enjoying the beaches and wonderful views of this tropical paradise. With an abundance of things to see and do, you can be as active or relaxed as you wish, and with a choice of restaurants and bars you can relive the memories of the day under a setting sun.

Day 12 - Depart Kota Kinabalu
Depart Kota Kinabalu this morning with your homeward flight.