Impression of Sarawak

This morning is reserved for an introductory walking tour around Sarawak's historic capital. You'll start by exploring the principal sights on the north bank of the iconic Sarawak River, including Chinatown, Cat Statue, Tua Pek Kong Temple, and Sarawak Museum. Across the river, head over to admire the Astana, the White Rajah's former residence.

On your way back to the hotel, walk by the City Mosque with its gold dome and through the maze-like alleys of Old Kuching, followed by a stroll around Central Market to blend into local life. Finally, glance over the heritage buildings of the White Rajah era, like the Pavilion, the Square Tower, the Court House, the Charles Brooke Monument, and the Post Office. The rest of today is open for your own sightseeing and exploration.

Today, drive out of the city into the countryside and finally to the remote Batang Ai. A 4-hour overland journey grants rural scenery of quaint villages, verdant rice fields, oil palm plantations, and lush jungles, along with a brief stop at Serian Town for a local market visit and coffee break. Continue driving to the next small town of Lachu for lunch. Tonight, settle into your hotel in Simanggang, a major gateway to Batang Ai National Park.

After breakfast, drive about 1.5 hours to Batang Ai Hydro Dam, followed by a 30-minute cruise aboard a motorized longboat to Mengkak Longhouse of the Iban tribe on the bank of the Engkari River. You will be welcomed by a joyful cultural performance by the longhouse dwellers, along with a blowpipe demonstration. There are ample opportunities to chat with locals, learn about their tribal lifestyle, and partake in their activities. After lunch at the longhouse, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of today at leisure.

Leave the rustic Batang Ai behind as you hit the road back to Kuching, stopping at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.

Settle into your hotel in Kuching for the night. Semi-wild orangutans roam freely in the surrounding rainforest and may be seen at the center during the morning or afternoon feeding session. Thanks to the effective breeding initiative, hopefully, you'll be able to witness the heartwarming scene of an orangutan mother caring for her young offspring.

After your visit, continue driving to your hotel in Kuching for the night.

Savor a leisurely morning and travel onward by flight to Mulu in northern Sarawak.

You will be collected from the airport on arrival by your new guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Continue with a short drive to today's highlight, the UNESCO-inscribed Mulu National Park. From the park headquarters, proceed on an elevated plank walk for 45 minutes to Lang Cave, featuring impressive limestone shawls, stalagmites, and stalactites. Move forward to the nearby Deer Cave, which exhibits such a likeness to Abraham Lincoln's profile formed by different layers of rocks. If weather permits, get ready to enjoy the spectacle of thousands of free-tailed bats emerging at dusk.

Return to the park headquarters and experience some night trekking before transferring back to your hotel.

Take a morning cruise up the Melinau River to see Wind Cave's amazing caverns and unique limestone formations, especially in the King's Room. Next, walk along the river to the adjoining Clearwater Cave, where the mighty underground river roaring beneath your feet extends for over 200 km. Outside the cave, take a refreshing dip in crystal clear waters and enjoy a packed lunch at the Clearwater rest hut. Finally, head back to your hotel.