BORNEO (MALAYSIA)
BORNEO (INDONESIA)
Sabah
Sabah
Sarawak
Sarawak
North Kalimantan
North Kalimantan
East Kalimantan
East Kalimantan
West Kalimantan
West Kalimantan
BORNEO INDONESIA
Central Kalimantan
Central Kalimantan South Kalimantan
South Kalimantan
Immerse in exceptional experiences across the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.
The Borneo-based products featured in this guide seamlessly blend adventure with responsible tourism, enabling us to give back to our host communities.
A core principle of Asian Trails’ philosophy is offering products crafted by those who know their destination best – our passionate Borneo experts!
Whether exploring the soul of Sabah through a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, where multiple indigenous groups share their vibrant cultures or diving into history and heritage on a walking tour around the state capital of Kuching, Borneo leaves lasting memories.
Emir Cherif Managing Director Malaysia & Singapore
All manner of wildlife roams this terrain, including deer the size of a domestic cat. Borneo also contains diverse ethnic heritage. For example, Sabah is home to 33 different
Sarawak is famed for its abundant adventure opportunities in 14 national parks. For cultural enlightenment, Kuching city has thousands of exhibits in a museum focused on history, heritage and indigenous life. This massive
8 HOURS
Pioneering conservation work is showcased at three different sites. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre prepares orangutans for their rehabilitation into the forest; the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre cares for rescued bears; and the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary protects primates that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Visitors’ fees help fund this conservation.
Visitors not only learn about conservation – they also contribute directly to animal welfare through their patronage.
A three-day adventure exploring Borneo’s pristine nature delivers exceptional experiences. Highlights include a visit to the world’s largest orangutan rehabilitation sanctuary, a night trek and a cruise on Pitas Lake as the early morning nature comes to life. Multiple hikes are undertaken to spot wild orangutans, rare proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
Diverse experiences help animal and nature conservation through visitor fees.
3 DAYS
3 DAYS
Explore Sabah’s largest protected area of lowland forest, a sanctuary that is home to abundant wildlife, including orangutans, red leaf monkeys and elephants. Cultural discovery includes a visit to Coffin Cliff to visit an ancient burial site wedged on a cliff side. For fun, guests enjoy a tube ride down the Danum River.
Multiple activities reveal natural and cultural attractions through responsible tourism practices.
The journey is often part of the adventure and this excursion commences with a twohour drive through spectacular countryside on the way to Kinabalu Park. We enjoy mingling with the locals at Nabalu Market, followed by an invigorating walk along the Park’s beautiful nature trails.
Absorb local life and escape to pristine nature.
7 HOURS
Experience an unforgettable journey on the Sabah State Railway. This is the only railway in East Malaysia and the 134-kmlong ride provides an ever-changing view of paddy fields and pictureque villages. On arrival, time is spent browsing Papar Market, with plenty of relaxation time for coffee, ahead of the return journey.
Train travel presents an exciting and eco-friendly way to see amazing scenery.
Watch Kota Kinabalu come alive at night on a fun night time excursion. The exploration begins at the colourful night market where trinkets and souvenirs are in abundance. After a sumptuous dinner enhanced by a lively cultural performance of Sabah dances, the rest of the evening is free to enjoy the lively nightlife.
Abundant activities ensure local communities benefit while guests have fun.
4 HOURS
4 HOURS
Savour the soul of Sabah with a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, home to diverse ethnic groups. Each property showcases the unique architectural style of a different indigenous group. The experience is enriched by demonstration huts, where traditional activities are brought to life.
Absorb unique cultural traditions on this immersive tour.
Absorb unique flora and fauna in Tabin Wildlife Reserve. This became a sanctuary because of the large number of endangered native animals. Some of Sabah’s most iconic creatures, including the Borneo pygmy elephant and the banteng, are found within this reserve.
Enjoy an exceptional safari and help support animal conservation
3 DAYS
6 HOURS
Laid-back life is experienced on Manukan Island, the second largest of the five islands within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The active can enjoy treks along designated trails and for under water adventurers, the sea is packed with colourful reefs. A highlight is a sumptuous lunch served on the beach.
Exploration of island life is undertaken responsibly and local people gain from providing lunch.
$ = 1-3 USD per dish
$$ = 4-7 USD per dish
$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish
$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish
Oitom, which means ‘black’ in the KadazanDusun indigenous group language, honours local ethnic heritage. This is a theme celebrated in every dish on the menu. The restaurant supports local suppliers through working with small-scale farmers and producers. This results in exceptional favours and an interesting ever-changing menu that mirrors the supply of seasonal produce.
Located on Gaya Street, Kedai Kopi Yee Fung has been serving locals and tourists since 1950. Known for its iconic Sang Nyuk Mee (Sabah-style pork noodles) and Laksa Sabah (coconut milk-based noodle soup), it’s a cozy spot offering authentic Sabahan flavors in a casual setting.
This excellent eatery showcases the region’s diverse culinary heritage. The menu is packed with traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, all served in a relaxed venue. From aromatic curries to fiery sambals, Borneo Spice takes diners on a culinary journey through the rich flavours of Malaysian Borneo.
Yuit Cheong is reportedly Kota Kinabalu’s oldest coffee shop and it has been serving kau coffee since 1896. It has continuously operated through five generations of the same family. Some of the older family members are often seen at the coffee shop eagerly sharing anecdotes about the area’s history with tourists and locals.
4.5 HOURS
Borneo’s rich culture is revealed on an exceptional walkabout tour. Highlights include Tua Tek Kong Chinese Temple, attractive architecture built during the Brooke dynasty era and the fascinating Borneo Cultures Museum, the largest museum in Malaysia.
Absorb Borneo, both past and present, on an enjoyable walking tour.
Discover Bako National Park’s rich biodiversity spread across seven distinct rainforest ecosystems. This is home to a wealth of wild animals, such as the proboscis monkey, abundant bird species and fascinating flora, including mangroves, strangling figs and carnivorous pitcher plants. Well-marked trails lead to secluded beaches – this is a true adventurer’s paradise!
Discover a pristine sanctuary and leave only footprints.
6 HOURS
Borneo is seen from a new perspective during a kayak excursion on the Semadang River. This full-day tour is a perfect escape for those who want to enjoy beautiful scenery and the tranquillity of a rainforest. The professional guides will provide background knowledge and the equipment to ensure all guests have a fantastic experience.
Enjoy the river and surrounding nature in an eco-friendly way and learn from an expert guide.
Absorb indigenous culture during a visit to a traditional longhouse in the foothills of the Borneo Highlands, just an hour’s drive from Kuching. Bidayuh village is occupied by the Land Dayaks ethnic minority and they will provide an insight into their culture, including their past as head hunters, with exhibits dating back to this era.
Interacting with the local people is a rewarding experience and it directly benefits host families.
3 HOURS
Head to the best place in Sarawak to see semi-wild orangutans rescued from captivity and trained to survive in the forest. The rehabilitated animals roam freely and then return at feeding times to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. There is a good chance of seeing a female orangutan with a baby – a priceless encounter!
Important conservation work is funded through visitors’ fees.
Discover Kuching by bike to catch the sights, sounds and tastes of authentic Sarawak. This three-and-half hour journey takes guests inside the heritage zone with its temples and monuments. The journey then heads off track to rural enclaves, followed by a relaxing cruise across the Sarawak River on a traditional sampan boat.
This bicycle excursion educates travellers on local heritage in an ecofriendly way.
3.5 HOURS
4 HOURS
Tasting authentic food is one of the best ways to understand a country’s culture. This combined walking and culinary themed tour heads through Kuching’s heritage trails to enjoy the best food available. From street food to local eateries, multiple dishes are tasted on an activity enhanced with stops at cultural and historical landmarks.
Stopping at multiple eateries during this tour helps to spread the benefits of travel to more businesses.
A two-day adventure in Batang Ai National Park gets underway with a boat trip upriver to Nanga Sumpa and the lodge accommodation, followed by interaction with Iban indigenous group members at their traditional longhouse. The next day involves hikes, a demonstration of local fishing techniques and a cooling dip in the Enseluai Waterfall.
Learn from local indigenous groups while directly supporting their livelihoods in a meaningful way.
3 DAYS
Enter an amazing subterranean world during discovery of the Mulu National Park’s cave system. The exploration includes spectacular Lang Cave and the massive Deer Cave, one of the largest cave passages in the world. A highlight is watching millions of bats fly out of the entrance at dusk for their feeding frenzy.
Enjoy an amazing experience in a surreal underground world led by an expert guide.
$ = 1-3 USD per dish
$$ = 4-7 USD per dish
$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish
$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish
Experience authentic ethnic group food. This restaurant serves a variety of traditional dishes influenced by the Orang Ulu and Dayak indigenous groups. Vegetarians are catered for with delicious options such as stir-fried kantan, made with a blend of local herbs and spices. These unique dishes showcase the rich flavours of Sarawak’s ethnic cuisine.
This venue is a sanctuary for coffee lovers who cherish an authentic local experience. It is famed for its diverse selection of coffee beans, including an excellent variety grown in the highlands of Sarawak. Enjoy a no-frills ambiance where the focus is on the quality of the brew, rather than the decor. PRICE GUIDE
The air is filled with the aroma of fresh seafood and local delicacies at Topspot Food Court in Kuching. Savor Sarawak Laksa, a spicy, creamy noodle soup, Kolo Mee, savoury noodles with minced pork, and Ikan Bakar, grilled fish with aromatic spices.
Head to Kek Lapis Warisan for beautifully layered cakes in a variety of vibrant colours and flavours. Popular choices include traditional spice, pandan, chocolate and cheese. The shop maintains high standards, ensuring each cake is a visual delight.
The Mui Xin Laksa $
Recognised as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2021, the first city in Malaysia to receive this accolade and joining a list of just 50 worldwide, Kuching is a destination of culinary excellence. A great place to enjoy authentic local food is Mui Xin Laksa, a gastronomic delight for local people.
Enjoy Sarawak classics, including Langkau Kalamansi, a local homebrew with lime, Daging Salai Tepus, smoked beef cooked with wild herbs and Ayam Pansuh, tender chicken cooked in bamboo at this truly authentic eatery.
Borneo is one of the world’s greatest frontier exploration destinations and nowhere is this felt more than Kalimantan.
While many areas of this region are remote and access is limited, we have carefully selected a few extraordinary activities off the beaten path, such as a visit to Camp Leakey, a jungle sanctuary committed to protecting endangered orangutans.
Another exclusive tour unveils pristine Sebangau National Park, where explorers can interact with ethnic tribes and discover the sustainable living practices of communities who serve as global role models in resource management.
By joining these excursions, travellers directly contribute to wildlife conservation and the preservation of traditional ways of life for indigenous groups. This ensures that future generations will continue to experience true adventure tourism, guided by a responsible and sustainable approach.
Björn Schimanski Managing Director Asian Trails Indonesia
environment, along with other species
Living in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, the Dayak have always co-existed in harmony with the rainforest ecosystem, making their pristine home a prime place to BRUNEI
Cultural pursuits include interaction with the indigenous Dayak people. This experience can be enhanced with a homestay in their
3 DAYS
A journey into the jungle reveals the amazing sight of orangutans foraging for food after their release into the wild by conservationists. The exploration includes a trek to spot other wildlife, including the native proboscis monkey.
This low-impact adventure is sympathetic to the environment.
Absorb pristine nature in Tanjung Puting National Park. This sprawling sanctuary of meandering rivers and a lush tropical rainforest is home to abundant animals. Cultural discovery involves a stay with the indigenous Dayak people in their traditional longhouse homes.
Overnight in a unique setting provides a living heritage experience.
5 DAYS
5 DAYS
An adventure in Sebangau National Park uncovers an indigenous tribe’s unique lifestyle and wild orangutans in their natural habitat. A nighttime canoe ride provides a unique perspective as nocturnal creatures emerge to feed. Birdwatching is also enjoyed on a river cruise.
A deep connection with nature is enjoyed on this absorbing trip.
Spend multiple days observing Borneo’s loveable orangutans. A memorable moment is watching them swing through the treetops to collect food left by rangers for their morning feed. A short boat ride to Camp Leakey reveals a pioneering research centre dedicated to this endangered animal’s conservation.
This tour contributes to the conservation of endangered orangutans and the forests they call home.
SUSTAINABLE TRAILS
Our most impactful excursions follow ESTEEM principles
Eat Locally
Stay Eco-friendly
Transport Alternatively
Experience Meaningfully
Empower Viably
Make a Difference
ETHICAL ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
All of our animal experiences are carefully vetted to ensure guests interact with our planet’s diverse species in responsible ways.
Our Actions on Animal Welfare
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
SAY ‘NO’ TO PLASTIC WASTE
We strive to include local people in meaningful ways throughout our tours and recommend ways to have a positive social impact.
We encourage guests to reduce single-use plastic waste by choosing to use reusable drinking bottles instead.
SUSTAINABLE PARTNERS
Together with other DMCs, we are working to identify our most sustainable hotel partners so our guests can have a positive impact even while sleeping.
To find out more about our company policies, please follow the links below POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
Responsible Travel Annual Sustainability Report Asian Trails Code of Conduct Child Protection Policy Supplier Code of Conduct Sustainability Policy
KOTA KINABALU
No A-10-15A, Block A, Lorong Lebuh Raya Sutera, Sutera Avenue Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu www.asiantrails.travel
Email Asian Trails Malaysia: res@asiantrails.com.my Email Asian Trails Indonesia: res@asiantrails.co.id