Name: Upriver Borneo
Brand: Kodama Travel
Availability: InStock

Overview

This journey through Malaysian Borneo reveals one of the world’s richest ecosystems—where dense rainforest, Indigenous heritage and rare wildlife exist side by side. From the relaxed, cultural streets of Kuching, you’ll travel deep into Sarawak’s interior and stay among the Iban community on the Batang Ai river, sharing space, stories and traditions that have shaped rainforest life for generations. Here, jungle trails, cascading waterfalls and river journeys offer a peaceful immersion into the natural rhythms of the forest. In Sabah, the journey continues into the heart of Borneo’s wildlife. Between Sepilok’s protected habitats and the Kinabatangan River, you’ll have extraordinary opportunities to encounter Borneo’s iconic wildlife, such as orangutans, sun bears (at the sanctuary), proboscis monkeys, and a host of birds and reptiles. This experience will also introduce you to local conservation efforts and the importance of preserving Borneo’s fragile habitats, and the importance of preserving it for generations to come.

This itinerary is customisable. Let us know at checkout if and how you'd like to personalise the itinerary.

See them in the wild

Community support

What you will be doing

Day 1: Arrival in Kuching

Arrive in Kuching, the State capital of Sarawak. Meet and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure to discover historic Kuching. Overnight at the Waterfront Hotel (or equivalent).

Day 2: Kuching – Nanga Sumpa

We'll pick you up from the hotel in Kuching at 8 am and drive to Batang Ai reservoir. Along the way stop at Lachau Bazaar.Stroll around the shops and the small native market and have an early lunch in a local coffee shop. Then continue your journey, arriving at Batang Ai Lake around 1:30/2:00pm. Board a longboat and travel upriver to Nanga Sumpa, arriving at approx 3:30pm (The time will depend on river conditions). Settle in at Our own lodge and have dinner. After dinner visit Nanga Sumpa longhouse. Relax on the ruai (common verandah) and spend time with the Iban people. Interact with the community and learn about their culture and enjoy some local rice wine. Overnight at Nanga Sumpa lodge.

Day 3: Nanga Sumpa – Enseluai Waterfall

Following breakfast, we'll hike the jungle trails along the river and continue upriver by longboat. Our destination is the scenic Enseluai waterfall. Arrive at the waterfall and have time to relax, swim and enjoy the rainforest surroundings. Enjoy a riverside BBQ lunch prepared by your Iban hosts. Return to the lodge. After dinner visit Nanga Sumpa longhouse. Overnight at Nanga Sumpa lodge.

Day 4: Nanga Sumpa – Kuching

Breakfast in the lodge. At 9 am, we'll travel downriver to the Batang Ai Lake jetty, arriving around 10:30/11 am. Then we'll travel overland back to Kuching with lunch enroute. Arrive in Kuching at c.4:30pm. We'll drop you off at your hotel. Overnight at the Waterfront Hotel (or equivalent).

Day 5: Kuching – Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan – MY Nature Resort, Sepilok

Transfer to Kuching airport to fly to Sandakan in Sabah via Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival in Sandakan, meet and transfer to MY Nature Resort at Sepilok for check in. The reminder of the day is free at leisure. MY Nature Resort is set in 25 acres of rainforest bordering the Sepilok forest reserve, a protected area rich in wildlife. Relax, swim in the pool or go for a walk on the resort’s own 1,050 metre long boardwalk. Dinner will be served at MY Nature Resort. Overnight at MY Nature Resort.

Day 6: Sepilok – Kinabatangan River – Sukau

Pick up from MY Nature Resort and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, where captive orangutans are reintroduced into the wild. You will be able to observe them at their feeding stations in the rainforest and at the nursery (if open). Watch the feeding session at 10am, then proceed to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). This centre rescues captured sun bears and is involved in sun bear conservation, welfare rehabilitation and education. Over 30 sun bears live at the centre in the bear house and outdoor enclosures. At 11.30am, we'll depart Sepilok and proceed overland to Sukau for lunch and check-in. In the afternoon, go on a river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the Menanggul River in search proboscis monkeys, birds, orangutans, pygmy elephants, reptiles and other wildlife. Overnight stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

Day 7: Oxbow Lake - Menanggul River – Sukau

At 6:30 am, take a boat trip for bird watching and wildlife viewing at the nearby Ox Bow Lake. Then return to the lodge for breakfast. Free at leisure to relax. At 4:30am, venture on another river cruise down the Menanggul River in search of wildlife. Return to the lodge at dusk. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside lodge.

Day 8: Sukau – Sandakan

After breakfast, depart overland for Sandakan. If your flight is scheduled after 2 pm, lunch will be provided before transferring to the airport.