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Borneo Women's Adventure

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BORNEO WOMEN'S ADVENTURE

Arrive/Depart: Kuching

Date: 30 September - 13 October 2027 - 14 days

Price: USD3900 twin share / single supplement USD600

Note: min 6, max 10 women. All rooms are twin share unless you request a single at an extra cost. Where possible, we change room mates every couple of days, so nobody gets "stuck" with anyone!

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Testimonial: I have been on 3 of Julie's trips - Italy, Cuba and Namibia/Botswana. They are the perfect trip for someone on their own or with a friend or two - they are small in size which appeals and you also make lifelong friends. Most people I've met on the trips have been on other destinations with Julie - that is very telling how good they are. One of the best things about the trips that I loved was it was extremely well organised - takes a lot of stress out of travelling. Kathy, NZ

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Borneo Itinerary

Highlights:

  • Cycle through hidden alleys, heritage temples, kampongs, and bustling open-air markets, sampling street food along the way.

  • Sarawak River Sunset Cruise: Glide along the river on a traditional sampan as the sun sets over Kuching and Mount Serapi.

  • Learn to prepare traditional Bornean dishes in a fun, hands-on culinary experience.

  • Semenggoh Orangutan Centre: Observe semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat during feeding time.

  • Rainforest Kayaking Adventure: Paddle through calm jungle rivers, visit a Bidayuh village, swim in mountain streams, and enjoy a riverside picnic.

  • Bako National Park Excursion: Trek through multiple ecosystems and spot rare wildlife including proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs, and wild boars. Stay overnight and explore by torchlight.

  • Santubong Wildlife Cruise: Search for Irrawaddy dolphins, proboscis monkeys, fireflies, crocodiles, and more along the mangrove-lined rivers.

  • Stay at Nanga Sumpa Longhouse (2 nights)
    Travel by longboat deep into the jungle to stay with the Iban people. Share stories, drink local rice wine, and join in community life on the longhouse veranda.

  • Deer & Lang’s Caves Exploration: Wander through the world’s largest cave passage and admire intricate limestone formations.

  • Bat Exodus at Sunset: Witness millions of bats spiraling out of Deer Cave into the evening sky—a surreal spectacle.

  • Damai Beach Resort Stay: Wind down and relax by the sea, or enjoy an optional spa treatment.

 

Day 1: Welcome to Kuching!

Touch down in the charming city of Kuching! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted and whisked away to your hotel for check-in and a little time to settle in.

Later in the afternoon, meet our local guide in the hotel lobby for a friendly tour briefing—think of it as your gateway to the adventures ahead. Then it's time to dive into the local flavors with a delicious welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant.

If you're up for it, keep the good vibes going with an optional stroll to Carpenter Street, where your guide will show you the best local bars to kick back with a drink.

Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel. Meals: D

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Day 2: Best of Kuching Bike Tour & Sarawak River Sunset Cruise  

Start your day bright and early with a short walk to the bike shop on Wayang Street by 0800 hours. After a quick safety briefing, hop on your bike for an unforgettable 4-hour “Best of Kuching” ride.

This fun-filled cycling tour weaves together iconic city landmarks, hidden alleyways, temples, and quaint villages. You’ll sample authentic Sarawak street foods, enjoy sweet local treats, and catch the rhythm of everyday life in this vibrant town.

Later, drift through the rural edges of Kuching along wooden bridges and stilted homes on a traditional Sampan boat, stopping at the lively Kubah Ria market for a sensory splash of local produce, jungle herbs, and handmade crafts. Return to the city by noon and stroll back to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to roam—explore colonial streets, hunt for souvenirs, or relax at a cozy café.

By late afternoon, head to the Kuching Waterfront promenade jetty by 1730 hours to board the MV Equatorial for a dreamy 1½-hour sunset cruise. Watch the city light up in golden hues with Mount Serapi in the background—an unforgettable way to see Kuching from the water.
Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel. Meals: B

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Day 3: Orangutans & Rainforest Kayaking

Between 0750–0810 hours, get picked up from our hotel and head out to Semenggoh Orangutan Centre—our chance to meet Borneo’s beloved red-haired residents. Watch semi-wild orangutans emerge from the jungle during feeding time while learning about the centre’s inspiring conservation work.

Next up, it's time for some water fun! Travel to Bengoh, where our easy rainforest kayaking adventure begins. Paddle through peaceful waters surrounded by limestone cliffs and tropical greenery.

Take breaks to swim in cool mountain streams, visit a welcoming Bidayuh village, and enjoy a light picnic lunch on a sandy riverbank.  We end our paddle at the scenic Semadang village before heading back to Kuching. 
Tip: Bring a change of clothes, towel, sunblock, hat, and water-safe shoes. A bottle of mineral water is included.

Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel. Meals B/L

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Day 4: Bako National Park daytrip (5-6 hours). 

Ready for a wild day? Between 0750–0810 hours, depart for Bako National Park—one of the best places in Sarawak to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

After a 35-minute drive to Bako village and a 25-minute boat ride (keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles and sea eagles!), you’ll arrive at the park headquarters. Here, our guide will lead us on forest trails to spot proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs, wild boars, and more.

We will explore the park’s rich ecosystems, from mangroves to tropical swamps.

Return to Kuching mid-afternoon.

Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel. Meals B/L

Day 5: Indah Cooking Class – A Culinary Experience in Kuching 
Dive into the rich flavors of Sarawak with this hands-on cooking class at Indah House, one of Kuching’s most charming and community-focused spots. Begin your experience with a guided tour of the local market, where you’ll discover indigenous herbs, spices, and fresh produce unique to Borneo.
Back at Indah House, you’ll learn to prepare a selection of traditional Sarawakian dishes — from jungle fern salads to aromatic curries and handmade kuih (local desserts). The class is fun and informative, with plenty of tips and stories about the origins of each recipe.
Enjoy your delicious creations in a relaxed, home-style setting with your fellow participants. Vegetarian options are available. 

With your appetite satisfied and your culinary skills upgraded, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Stroll around downtown Kuching in search of spices and souvenirs, unwind at a charming café, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or spa session nearby. Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel. Meals B/L
 


Day 6: Kuching - Nanga Sumpa. 

Between 0750–0810 hours, depart Kuching and begin a scenic journey to the legendary Batang Ai region. Along the way, stop at Lachau Bazaar, a quaint rural market town. Stretch your legs, browse the local shops, and grab an early lunch at a traditional coffee shop.

By early afternoon (around 1330–1400 hours), we arrive at the Batang Ai Lake jetty. Climb aboard a longboat for an upriver journey deep into the rainforest. Glide through serene jungle-lined waterways, arriving at Nanga Sumpa around 1530 hours, depending on river conditions.

Check into Borneo Adventure’s rustic jungle lodge, nestled right by the river. After dinner, visit the nearby Iban longhouse, a cultural experience you won’t forget. Relax on the ruai (the long communal verandah), sip traditional rice wine, and chat with the welcoming Iban people about their unique way of life. Overnight at Nanga Sumpa Lodge Meals: B/L/D

Day 7: Enseluai Waterfall - Nanga Sumpa.

Fuel up with breakfast before hitting the jungle trails. Trek along the lush riverbanks before hopping into a longboat for the journey upstream. Our destination: the beautiful Enseluai Waterfall.

If conditions allow, our boatman might give a live demo of traditional Iban-style fishing using a jala (throw net). Once at the falls, there will be plenty of time to swim, relax by the water, and enjoy the peaceful rainforest atmosphere.

Our Iban hosts will prepare a delicious BBQ lunch by the riverside—grilled over open flames in the heart of the jungle. Afterward, return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest.

As night falls, return once again to the longhouse for more conversation, cultural exchange, and perhaps another round of local rice wine under the stars.

Overnight at Nanga Sumpa lodge. Meals B/L/D

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Day 8: Nanga Sumpa – Kuching.

Enjoy a final breakfast in the lodge before our 0900 hours departure downriver. Glide through the jungle one last time as we head back to Batang Ai Lake jetty, arriving around 1030–1100 hours.

From there, hit the road for the return trip to Kuching with a lunch stop en route. Expect to arrive back at the hotel by approximately 1630 hours—just in time to relax and reflect on the incredible journey you've just had.


Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel. Meals B/L


Day 9: Kuching - Mulu National Park, Deer & Lang's Caves. 

After breakfast, it's time to trade city vibes for soaring limestone cliffs and prehistoric caves. You’ll transfer to Kuching Airport for your flight to Mulu, one of Borneo’s most iconic natural wonders.

Touch down in this remote rainforest paradise and transfer to your accommodation. After settling in, the real adventure begins.

In the afternoon, head to the Mulu National Park HQ and embark on a scenic 3-kilometer plankwalk deep into the lush primary rainforest. This pathway leads to Deer Cave, the largest cave passage in the world—an awe-inspiring cathedral of stone that’ll leave you speechless. As you approach the enormous entrance (150m wide and 120m high), you’ll understand just how colossal nature can be. Inside, discover a surreal, moon-like landscape and, from the right angle, spot the uncanny profile of President Lincoln etched into the stone.

Next door lies Lang’s Cave, a smaller but equally stunning cave filled with delicate, intricate limestone formations—stalactites and stalagmites that look like they’ve been sculpted by time itself.

As dusk falls, settle in at the Bat Observatory and witness one of Mulu’s most unforgettable sights: around 2 million bats streaming out of Deer Cave in a swirling black ribbon across the sky as they head out to hunt. It’s pure magic.

Return by torchlight through the rainforest, then enjoy a delicious dinner at the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, your tranquil rainforest retreat for the night.

Overnight at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. Meals B/D


Day 10: Mulu National Park, Clearwater & Wind Caves. 

We start our morning with a longboat ride upriver through stunning jungle scenery. First stop is the Wind Cave, home to the regal King’s Chamber—a cavern filled with towering limestone columns and natural sculptures.

Next, climb around 250 steps (worth every step!) to reach Clearwater Cave, where crystal-clear subterranean streams snake through majestic chambers. Look closely and you might spot the one-leafed plant, a rare botanical oddity found only in Mulu. Some rock surfaces even glow with needle-like formations made by photo-sensitive algae, all pointing toward the light.

Near the cave lies a serene swimming spot shaded by towering rainforest trees. Cool off with a refreshing dip and enjoy a picnic lunch in this hidden jungle haven. After lunch, return to the resort, pack up, and head to Mulu Airport for our afternoon flight back to Kuching. Upon landing, we transfer straight to Damai Beach, where golden sand and ocean breezes await.
Overnight at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. Meals B/L/D


Day 11: Mulu National Park – Kuching 
Morning free at leisure until time to transfer to Mulu Airport for the flight to Kuching. Upon arrival in Kuching airport, meet and transfer to Damai Beach.

Overnight at Damai Beach Resort. Meals B

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Day 12: Damai Beach & Santubong Wildlife Cruise 

The morning and early afternoon are all yours to relax at Damai Beach. Around 4:15 PM, set off for the Santubong Boat Club. Board your boat and cruise through the mangroves and rivers of the Santubong Peninsula.

Spot Irrawaddy dolphins, proboscis monkeys, and maybe even crocodiles or fireflies as dusk falls. Watch the trees twinkle with natural lights before heading back to shore and returning to your resort.

Overnight at Damai Beach Resort. Meals B

Note: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and tours may be canceled in rough weather.

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Day 13: Damai Beach 

Free day at leisure at Damai Beach to relax and process all the amazing sights and experiences you have had. We will have a farewell dinner at Damai Beach Resort. Overnight at Damai Beach Resort. Meals B/D

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Day 14: Kuching 

Our Borneo adventure has sadly come to an end! Transfer from Damai Beach Resort to Kuching airport for your departure flight. Meals B

"Without a doubt Julie goes above and beyond for her clients and we leave with a feeling of connection to the country that not all tour companies provide. Four trips so far with Venus Adventures and counting....!" Rhona, Canada

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