BORNEO. MALAYSIA

14 Days into the Wild Heart

Borneo: Into the Wild Heart of Malaysia

1 - 14 May 2027

14 days | Kuching . Mulu · Kota Kinabalu Sandakan· Kinabatangan River


Wild places. Meaningful connections.

Borneo is the kind of place that reminds you just how extraordinary the world can be. Ancient rainforest, vast cave systems, turquoise islands, winding rivers and wildlife encounters that stop you in your tracks. This is a journey is for travellers who want to experience somewhere genuinely different.

Over 13 nights, we travel from Kuching through Mulu, Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan to the wildlife-rich Kinabatangan River. Along the way, we’ll meet local communities, explore rainforest and caves, cruise rivers and tropical islands, encounter orangutans and sun bears and share plenty of memorable meals and experiences together. It’s adventurous, immersive and wonderfully varied — with beautiful places to come home to at the end of each day.

The Journey - A Snapshot

Days 1-4

Kuching - Culture, Wildlife & Local Flavours

Begin at Cove 55, where rainforest meets the sea, before exploring Kuching’s culture, markets and wildlife.

Highlights

  • Sarawak cultural Village
  • Traditional longhouses and Indigenous culture
  • Bako National Park
  • Kuching market and local food
  • Borneo Cultures Museum

Days 5-7

Mulu - Caves, Longboats & Life in the Rainforest

Fly into Mulu and slow the pace among ancient rainforest, extraordinary caves and remote communities.

Highlights

  • Deer Cave and Lang Cave
  • Evening bat exodus
  • Longboat through the rainforest
  • Penan Settlement
  • Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave
  • Picnic at Clearwater

Days 8-10

Kota Kinabalu - Islands, Warm Water & Time to Exhale

Swap rainforest for tropical island life, with swimming, snorkelling, white-sand beaches and a beautiful sunset dinner. Enjoy a beautiful sunset dinner by the sea.

Highlights

  • Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
  • Tropical island hopping
  • Swimming and snorkelling
  • Sunset dinner

Days 11-14

Sepilok & Kinabatangan - The Wild Heart of Borneo

Meet Borneo’s remarkable wildlife before heading deep into the Kinabatangan region for river safaris and jungle stays.

Highlights

  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Sun Bear Conservation Centre
  • Rainforest canopy walk
  • Hornbill Lodge
  • Kinabatangan River
  • Wildlife river safari

Borneo Journey Information

Date
1 – 14 May 2027

Start Location
Kuching

End Location
Sandakan

Accommodation
4 – 4.5 star accommodation

  • 4 nights Cove 55
  • 3 nights Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
  • 2 nights The LUMA Hotel
  • 3 nights The Ormond Hotel
  • 1 night Hornbill Lodge

Travellers
Maximum travellers 18

Journey Cost

AUD $7,250  per person twin share 

AUD $8,300 per person single occupancy

What’s Included

  • All breakfasts
  • 10 lunches
  • 11 dinners
  • Bottled water throughout the journey

Travel & Transport

  • Internal flights
  • Private transport throughout the tour
  • Transport for included tours and activities
  • Arrival airport transfer to Cove 55

Experiences & Hosting

    • Fiona and Lisa (Saucy Wench) — travelling with you throughout the journey
    • Local guides for key experiences
    • Surprise welcome gift pack
    • Intimate group,  maximum 18 travellers
What’s Not Included
  • International flights to and from Borneo
  • Personal travel insurance — this is compulsory
  • Personal shopping and expenses
  • Alcohol and additional beverages not included in the itinerary.

Our Hotels

Comfort where it matters. Character where it counts.

Borneo is about getting out and experiencing the destination, but where you return to at the end of the day matters.

Rather than choosing accommodation simply by star rating, we’ve selected stays that work beautifully with the journey – places that put us close to nature, culture and the experiences we’ve come for, while still giving you a comfortable place to unwind.

Cove 55. Kuching

4 Nights

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. Mulu

3 Nights

The LUMA Hotel. Kota Kinabalu

2 Nights

The Ormond. Sandakan

3 Nights

The Hornbill Lodge. Kinabatangan

1 Night

The Full Itinerary

Day 1

Saturday 1 May

Welcome to Borneo

Your journey begins in Kuching, the gateway to Sarawak. We’ll welcome you and transfer you to the stunning Cove 55 Resort in Santubong, where lush rainforest meets the sea. Settle in, exhale, and soak up your first Borneo sunset with drinks and dinner overlooking paradise.

Hotel: Cove 55

Day 2

Sunday 2 May

Culture, Heritage & Kuching by Night

Today we dive into the heart of Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage with a full-day experience at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Discover traditional longhouses, ancient customs, music, and the fascinating stories of Borneo’s Indigenous communities.

After some time to refresh at the resort, we head into vibrant Kuching for an evening along the charming waterfront. Enjoy dinner, local flavours, warm tropical air, and the lively atmosphere of the esplanade.

Hotel: Cove 55

Day 3

Monday 3 May

Into the Wild: Bako National Park

Today the adventure gets real. We head to the breathtaking Bako National Park, one of Borneo’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. Trek through jungle trails, spot native wildlife, encounter proboscis monkeys, and take in dramatic coastal landscapes where rainforest meets rugged cliffs.

Swim, hike, explore, and reconnect with nature before returning to the resort for a relaxing evening.

Hotel: Cove 55

Day 4

Tuesday 4 May

Markets, Food & Local Life

Experience Borneo through its flavours.

We begin with a guided tour of Kuching’s bustling local markets, discovering local produce, herbs, spices, and ingredients unique to the region.

Then something truly special — our market finds become lunch, freshly prepared while we explore the impressive Borneo Cultures Museum. Spend the afternoon wandering Kuching’s charming streets, taking in its heritage architecture, markets, and waterfront.

This is Borneo at street level — authentic, colourful, and unforgettable.

Hotel: Cove 55

Day 5

Wednesday 5 May

Fly to Magical Mulu

Today we journey deeper into Borneo, flying to the extraordinary region of Mulu.

Check into the luxurious Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, nestled in pristine rainforest. The rest of the day is yours to unwind — relax by the river, enjoy the resort, book a spa treatment, or simply take in the magic of being surrounded by ancient jungle.

Hotel: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 6

Thursday 6 May

Ancient Wonders: Niah Caves

Prepare to be amazed.

We journey to the legendary Caves, one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites. Walk through vast limestone caverns, past towering rock formations, and ancient cave systems that hold evidence of human life dating back tens of thousands of years.

This is one of those places that leaves you speechless.

After a day of exploration, we pause for a beautiful afternoon reset before returning to the resort.

Hotel: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 7

Friday 7 May

Penan Village & Waterfall Escape

Today offers one of the most meaningful experiences of the tour.

Travel by longboat through jungle waterways to visit a remote Penan village, home to one of Borneo’s Indigenous communities. Learn about their traditions, way of life, and deep connection to the rainforest.

Then cool off with a refreshing dip in a beautiful natural pool beneath a jungle waterfall.

Connection, culture, and nature – all in one unforgettable day.

Hotel: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Day 8

Saturday 8 May

Welcome to Kota Kinabalu

We fly to vibrant Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s coastal capital.

Check into our hotel and settle into city life with ocean views, tropical energy, and amazing food. Tonight we enjoy a delicious dinner together and ease into the next chapter of our adventure.

Hotel: LUMA Hotel

Day 9

Sunday 9 May

Tropical Island Escape

Think white sand, turquoise water, and island bliss.

Today we explore the spectacular Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, hopping between tropical islands for swimming, snorkelling, and beach relaxation.

Expect crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, marine life, and serious postcard-worthy scenery.

We finish the day with a sunset dinner by the beach — pure magic.

Hotel: Luma Hotel

Day 10

Monday 10 May

Fly to Sandakan

Today we travel to Sandakan, the gateway to Borneo’s incredible wildlife experiences.

Settle into the hotel, relax, and enjoy the slower pace of this historic coastal town before dinner together.

The wildlife encounters begin tomorrow.

Hotel: The Ormond Sandakan

Day 11

Tuesday 11 May

Orangutans & Sun Bears

A bucket-list day.

Visit the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and see these extraordinary creatures up close in their natural environment. Watching orangutans move through the trees is an emotional experience few ever forget.

We also visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bears.

Later, enjoy a stunning rainforest canopy walk high above the jungle floor.

Hotel: The Ormond Sandakan

Day 12

Wednesday 12 May

Into the Rainforest: Kinabatangan River

Today we journey to the legendary Kinabatangan River, one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in Southeast Asia.

Check into our jungle lodge surrounded by rainforest, and prepare for a completely immersive nature experience.

This is wild Borneo.

Hotel: Hornbill Lodge

Day 13

Thursday 13 May

River Safari Adventure

Wake to the sounds of the jungle.

Cruise along the Kinabatangan River, scanning the riverbanks for wildlife — pygmy elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, hornbills, and countless other species.

Every moment feels like a nature documentary.

After our safari, we return to Sandakan for our final dinner together — sharing stories, memories, and the magic of everything we’ve experienced.

Hotel: The Ormond Hotel

Day 14

Friday 14 May

Farewell… or Continue the Adventure

Our Borneo journey comes to an end today as we transfer to Sandakan Airport.

Not ready to leave? You can extend your adventure and continue to Semporna, gateway to some of the world’s most spectacular island and diving experiences.

One thing is certain — you won’t leave Borneo unchanged.

Is this Journey for You?​

For travellers who want to experience a destination, not simply pass through it.

Borneo is made for travellers who enjoy being out in nature, discovering new cultures and saying yes to experiences that may take them slightly outside their everyday world.

You'll love this journey if you:

From jungle trails and a 3 km cave plank walk to longboats, snorkelling and river safaris, there is an active side to this journey, so a reasonable level of mobility and an adventurous spirit will help you enjoy it at its best.

Meet Your Hosts

Fiona (Fi)

Chief organiser. Feeder of people. Keeper of the itinerary.

Fi is the one making sure the details are taken care of so everyone else can simply enjoy being there.

She loves the beautiful hotel and the great meal, but she’s equally excited about the moments that make you feel truly immersed, the unexpected market find, the wildlife sighting nobody saw coming and the conversation that starts over dinner and somehow lasts until bedtime.

On a Wholesome Bellies journey, Fi brings plenty of warmth, care and just the right amount of mama energy. She’s the one quietly making sure everyone is comfortable, well fed and has everything they need — often before they’ve even thought to ask.

If you’re wondering where you’re meant to be tomorrow, she’s got you.

 

Lisa (Saucy Wench)

Malaysian-born. Local insider. Flavour finder. Your secret weapon on the ground.

Born in Malaysia, Lisa brings something to this journey that you simply can’t get from a guidebook.

She understands the culture, can communicate easily, knows how things work on the ground and has connections with local people along the way. She knows what to order, where to look, who to ask and often spots the places and experiences most visitors would pass straight by.

That local knowledge becomes invaluable when we travel. Lisa helps us feel less like tourists and more connected to the place we’re visiting.

Add her love of Malaysian food, her natural curiosity and the unmistakable Saucy Wench personality, and she brings plenty of fun to the journey too.

Borneo. 2027

Ready to Experience Borneo

Wild places. Meaningful connections. One unforgettable journey.

Fourteen days of rainforest, wildlife, islands, culture, food and moments you couldn’t manufacture if you tried.

Some moments will be breathtaking. Some will be delicious.  Some will probably make you laugh.

And a few may change the way you see the world.

We’ll take care of the details.  You just need to come along for the journey.

What our Travellers Say

How It Works

1. Submit your booking request

Complete the form and tell us your preferred accommodation.

2. We'll be in touch

We’ll confirm availability and send your deposit invoice and next steps.

3. Secure your place

Your booking is confirmed once your deposit has been received.

No Payment is taken online.

We’ll guide you through the next steps.

BOOKING

Reserve your place for Borneo 2027

Borneo | 1st- 14th May 2027 | 14Days

Complete the form below to request your place. We’ll confirm availability personally and send you your deposit invoice and next steps.

🔒Your information will only be used in relation to your booking

REAL STORIES. UNFORGETABLE JOURNEYS

“

“What truly elevated this tour, however, were the two incredible women who ran it. Their passion, expertise, and genuine warmth shone through in every moment. They struck the perfect balance between professionalism and personal connection, making everyone feel welcome and cared for. Their deep knowledge of Malaysia’s culinary traditions and cultural history added so much richness to the experience and their enthusiasm was contagious! You can tell they’ve poured their hearts into creating something meaningful and special.

Beyond the food, the cultural immersion was equally unforgettable. We explored bustling markets, discovered hidden gems, and learned about Malaysia’s beautiful blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Every experience felt authentic and thoughtfully designed.”

Lucy Gronow

“

“If you are aprehensive because you have never been on a tour before, or because you are thinking of going on your own – don’t be! This was my first tour, I went on my own and I had so much fun. Never once did I feel like I was on my own. Even on the plane, everyone from our trip who passed me on their way to their seats said hello. All of the activities and meals were so well planned and it was so nice as a vegetarian to be able to go to a restaurant and know that I could eat everything, particularly in a country where I did not speak the language. Even at the night markets, we were shown which foods would be suitable for us to eat. There were buffets and banquets, which meant we could try everything, but even when we ordered our own meal, everyone shared so you got to taste everything. We had down time too, but I don’t thinkI went many places on my own, everyone was welcoming. The activities were a good mix, some markets, shopping, siteseeing, cooking classes, relaxing and even a party cruise (I’m not sure if it was meant to be a party cruise, but with my tour group on board it became one!) Fiona and Saucy made it seem effortless, I’m sure for them it wasn’t, but for me it was easy, nothing was too much trouble.Ren Johnstone. ”

Ren Johnstone

“

“’When my friend asked us if I would like to go on this trip it was a big step out of my comfort zone for sure. Although I can be reserved and sometimes find it hard to fit in I thought Fiona and Lisa created an amazing trip. There wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do to make us feel comfortable and great activities to enjoy. I thought it was great value for money as well. They both fit together like a glove and I appreciated the effort they put in for all of us.  I took home a lot of knowledge from this experience and will enjoy trying the recipes we learnt. We are all on different journeys in our lives and I feel a better person for having met you all. Thank you Fiona and Lisa for an amazing time. I know you will both go on to do more incredible things in your lives.

Estelle

Still Have Questions?

We’re always happy to chat. If there’s anything you’d like to know about the journey, food, accommodation or travelling with us, just get in touch.

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