Sarawak - 5 Days

You will be picked up from Kuching Airport and transferred to Kuching City. Please note that this is transfer only and stops along the way are not included.

Accommodation:
Backpacker: The LimeTree Hotel or similar
Comfort: Grand Margherita Hotel or similar

Experience the jungle trekking through the tropical forest at Bako National Park. You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven to Bako Village. At Bako Village, board one of the local motor-boats for a twenty-minute ride to Bako National Park. Bako National Park is situated on a peninsula, and despite being the smallest national park in Malaysia, it offers a large variety of different vegetation. Bako is also the best place in Sarawak to spot wildlife, however as wildlife is free to roam around freely, sightings are not guaranteed. Look out for Proboscis Monkeys, a species of Monkey endemic to Borneo, long-tailed Macaques, Silver-leaf Monkeys, Monitor Lizards, Bearded Pigs, and many bird species. Rainforests and mangroves give way to Kerangas (heath forest), swamps, cliffs, and beach vegetation. Follow one of the nature trails, depending on your fitness and interest. You will see species of carnivorous pitcher plants. Return to Kuching in the late afternoon. We advise that you dress casually in loose and light clothing and proper trekking boots. You might also want to bring along a swimsuit with a towel and flip-flops, a pair of binoculars, insect repellent, a torchlight, and a raincoat.

Accommodation:
Backpacker: The LimeTree Hotel or similar
Comfort: Grand Margherita Hotel or similar

Experience the local culture with a visit to one of the local tribes. Spend a night in a homestay, mingling with the locals at Mongkos Longhouse. Depart from your accommodation in Kuching by van to Mongkos Bidayuh Village, which is located near the Sarawak-Kalimantan border (103 kilometres from Kuching). Along the way, stop at the colourful native market in the small town of Serian (optional) where a variety of jungle produce such as edible ferns, bamboo shoots and tropical fruits are on display. Mongkos is a thriving rural community and home to one of the few remaining traditional Bidayuh longhouses in Sarawak. The Bidayuh, or Land Dayak, are the second largest Dayak tribe in Sarawak. Traditionally, they lived in longhouses, but nowadays most Bidayuh settlements consist of individual houses rather than longhouses. Upon arrival at the 24-door traditional longhouse which is made of wood and bamboo, proceed for a guided tour and learn about the history of the longhouse. Enjoy a Bidayuh-style lunch, followed by a tour of the village, meeting local villagers running daily chores. Proceed to explore the surrounding farms (rice field, pepper, rubber, cocoa, fruits, vegetable garden and visit the legendary "Batu Kapal", accompanied by the storytelling of the local host. Late afternoon, free to explore the village, and mingle with the people before dinner is served. Overnight at the homestay.

Accommodation:
Homestay

After a local breakfast at the homestay, depart on a guided walk along village trails and farms to reach a riverside picnic spot. Arrive at the picnic area, located near a small waterfall, relax, and have a swim in the cool waters before enjoying a local-style lunch of bamboo chicken, rice and jungle ferns. Return to the village, say goodbye to your hosts, depart for Kuching and transfer to your hotel in Kuching.

Accommodation:
Backpacker: The LimeTree Hotel or similar
Comfort: Grand Margherita Hotel or similar

You will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to Kuching Airport. Please note that this is transfer only and stops along the way are not included.