The Hornbill and Heritage Trail

Breakfast at the hotel

0800hrs, pick up from hotel and proceed for a Full Day Bako National Park tour (approx. 6hrs)
This small peninsula, accessible only by boat, is home to seven distinct ecosystems, giving rise to a remarkable diversity of animals and plant life. Bako’s most famous residents are bizarre proboscis monkeys. It is also home to the silvered langurs (leaf monkey), long-tailed macaque monkeys, bearded pigs, flying lemurs, monitor lizards, and many different bird species.
Fascinating plant life includes mangroves, a system unto itself. There are also strangling fig trees, carnivorous pitcher plants, and symbiotic insect-plant relationships. Unique geological features mark the coastline, whilst well-marked trails lead to rugged jungle-covered hilltops and secluded beaches.

Note: The famous iconic Bako’s rock formation already collapsed due to strong winds in early 2024, thus visitors won’t be able to view it anymore
(Timings are approximate only)
0915hrs: Arrive at Bako Terminal. Proceed with 20 minutes boat ride to the park (not including the waiting time for the boat).
0945hrs: Arrive at Bako National Park
1000hrs – 1200hrs: Introduction to the Park by the guide, along with approximately 2 hours trekking through the selected trail (going and return)
12:30 hrs: Very simple lunch at the Park’s Canteen (Note: Please do NOT expect hotel or restaurant’s food quality)
1330hrs: Short walk from the Park’s HQ towards the jetty
1400hrs: Return boat ride from the park to the Terminal
1420hrs: Arrive at Terminal. Return transfer to the city.
1500hrs: Arrive at Hotel. Free at leisure.
Things to bring: Comfortable walking/hiking shoes, umbrellas

Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching 4* (Premier room) or similar.

Hotel/Other Details: The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching (Premier room)

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel.

0730hrs, pick up from hotel and depart to Kuching City & Semenggoh Wildlife Centre (approx. 7hrs). You will have the chance to observe the orangutans coming out of the forest for the feeding time. Located in a 653-hectare forest reserve. Here, an opportunity for you to observe how OrangUtans who are either orphaned or rescued from captivity are being rehabilitated and trained to survive in the wild. Walk the trails with your guide, hopefully to spot the Orangutan nesting site, while enjoying the scenery, the forest's natural noises of the cicadas. Note: Put on good walking shoes, cotton clothing to remain comfortable, a wide-brimmed hat/cap, sun block lotion and insect repellent. Sighting of wildlife depends on the weather conditions & other natural factors. During the fruiting season (December - February), sighting of Orangutans at the feeding area is not guaranteed.

Later, the perfect introduction to Sarawak’s historic capital, this tour includes Kuching’s Chinatown, Tua Pek Kong Temple, Malay Kampong, Kuching Mosque and Kuching Waterfront to view Darul Hana Bridge, the Astana, New Legislative State Assembly of Sarawak, Fort Margherita and other buildings from the past surrounding the Waterfront; namely the old Courthouse (now Sarawak Tourism Complex), General Post Office and the Square Tower. A brief stop will be made at a local souvenir outlet - Main Bazaar. After the tour, return to your hotel.

Overnight at The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching 4* (Premier room) or similar

Hotel/Other Details: The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching (Premier room)

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we depart for Batang AI, passing through scenic countryside consisting of quaint little towns, villages, padi fields, pepper and oil palm plantations, interspersed with secondary and virgin jungle as the road starts to wind and undulate as you go deeper into the interior, with a short stopover at Serian Town. The 2nd Stopover will be for lunch at Lachau, a small town on the way to the resort. Arrive at Batang Ai Hydro Lake. The journey will take you across the lake into the Engkari River, one of the many tributaries flowing into the lake. The journey will take approximately 40-45 minutes before reaching Ukom Longhouse, nestled on a hill beside the river.

Check in to your dormitory-style accommodation and explore the longhouse at your own pace while discovering its people and its surroundings. 

After dinner, join the longhouse residents for a glass or two of tuak (rice wine) and a short cultural performance. The Iban are fun-loving people, and visitors are expected to join in whatever activities are going on at the Longhouse!

Overnight in the basic longhouse dormitory style accommodation built for visitors (Fan only, No air-conditioning).

Hotel/Other Details: basic longhouse dormitory style accommodation

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a blowpipe demonstration and try shooting one yourself. Then take a walk around the vicinity of the longhouse to learn about the traditional uses of plants in Iban culture and observe the longhouse resident go about their daily routine before proceeding for a trek to visit a small waterfall, if the weather permits. A traditional Iban lunch will be served.

Later in the afternoon, head back to the longhouse and prepare to leave for your journey to Sri Aman for your overnight stay at Seri Simanggang Hotel (3 stars).

(Please note that the waterfall is subject to water pressure, so during the dry season, the possibility of a waterfall sighting around that area is extremely low. Afternoon activities such as paddy pounding and pepper deconning are seasonal.

Overnight at Seri Simanggang Hotel 3* (Deluxe room) or similar.

Hotel/Other Details: Seri Simanggang Hotel 3* (Deluxe room)

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Depart for Kuching via the same route. En route, stop for lunch at a small roadside town. Arrival Kuching in the late afternoon and be dropped off at your hotel. Unwind and free time on your own for the rest of the day.

Overnight at The Waterfront Kuching 4* (Premier room) or similar.

Hotel/Other Details: The Waterfront Kuching 4* (Premier room)

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Depart to the airport in time to check-in for your flight to Penang (suggesting flight Air ASIA AK5433 ETD 1155hrs). Upon arrival at Penang International Airport, ETA 1355hrs, meet and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Unwind and relax.

Overnight at St Giles Wembley 4* (Urban room) or similar.

Hotel/Other Details: St Giles Wembley 4* (Urban room)

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

HALF DAY GEORGETOWN HERITAGE WALKING TOUR with 30-minute trishaw ride (approx. 5 hrs)

0900hrs, meet with the local guide and start exploring by walking to the fascinating world of the Straits Chinese. Pass by the incredible Cheong Fatt Tse Mansion, better known as the blue mansion, St. George Church and the High Court. Stop at Yuan Yin Temple, also known as the smoking temple, due to the hundreds of joss sticks that are offered daily.

After a photo stop in front of the Capitan Kling Mosque, originally founded for the Muslim Indian community of the island, visit Khoo Kongsi with intricate carving, woodwork and porcelain décor. Originally established in 1835, the current structure dates back to 1906, and it is considered the finest clan house in all of Malaysia. The site is also part of the set for the famous movie Anna and the King.

Then proceed to the Clan Jetties of Georgetown, originating from settlements of Chinese immigrants who share a common historical, geographical and family lineage. Today, there are still six clan jetties along the waterfront. Take a stroll in their narrow wooden paths surrounded by typical old Asia's decadent charm. Continue the Penang walking tour through the old town, stopping to admire some of the architectural wonders that earned the town a UNESCO World Heritage status. Admire the streets’ mix of old and new. Hear fascinating tales behind some of the historic structures, see modern, whimsical street art and keep an eye out for small workshops where craftsmen may be making items such as joss sticks or weaving rattan items. Return to the hotel around 1300hrs.

Note: When visiting sacred temples or places of worship, it is best to show respect for the dress code. Dress as modestly as possible (shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless tops are inappropriate and must be avoided). A small donation of AUD 1/person is required when entering the Pagoda.

Overnight at St Giles Wembley 4* (Urban room) or similar

Hotel/Other Details: St Giles Wembley 4* (Urban room)

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, departure transfer to Penang Airport for a short domestic flight to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), meet and transfer to your 5-star hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
1600hrs, your local guide is waiting for you for a lovely visit to Chinatown (Petaling Street) by Night. Take a stroll through the open-air market where you can test your bargaining skills for a wide variety of merchandise spread across the street. Visit the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple located in the heart of Chinatown. The smell of burning jasmine, incessant chanting of the Hindu priest, intricately carved deities and the mystical aura combine to give you a lasting impression of this religion. Later, we will bring you to the famous Alor Food Street and let you experience and try a variety of local food before we call it a day. (Note: This half-day guided tour last approx. 5 hrs).

Overnight at The Federal KL 4* (Merdeka room) or similar.

Hotel/Other Details: The Federal KL 4* (Merdeka room)

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

0900hrs, we will have an orientation of the Half Day Kuala Lumpur & countryside tours (approx. 5 hrs).
We travel slightly out of the city to visit the famous Batu Caves, where the shrine of the Hindu deity Lord Subramaniam is set within an outcrop of limestone caves. Back to the city, an insight into old and new, starting from where the city of Kuala Lumpur (KL) started, which is at the confluence of the two rivers, the Gombak River and the Klang River. Highlights: the Petronas Twin Tower (photo stop), King's Palace (photo stop), the National Museum (included entrance fee), National Mosque (drive pass), National Monument (photo stop); the buildings at the Independence Square with the newly renovated historical Sultan Abdul Samad Building before drop-off at your hotel.

1600hrs, pick up from your hotel for the Kuala Selangor & Fireflies tours.
Kuala Selangor is only a 90-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, and yet it has much to offer, especially to those who wish to take a peek at Malaysian rural life.
You will first visit an old Hindu temple, Sri Sakthi Temple, carved from granite stones. Next, visit the Melawati Hills, where you will find the Altingburg Lighthouse, offering a panoramic view of the Straits of Malacca. You may also encounter the semi-wild silver leaf monkeys here.
This is followed by a local seafood dinner at a local restaurant with a great sunset view (order from the menu), after which we treat you to the highlight of the evening: firefly watching. You will be rowed upstream, where you can see thousands of fireflies flickering like Christmas lights in mangrove trees lining the banks of the river. After this tour, you are driven back to the city. Note: Fireflies watching is subject to weather conditions; if it is in raining season, you will not be able to experience it. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and a cap/hat.

Overnight at The Federal KL 4* (Merdeka room) or similar.

Hotel/Other Details: The Federal KL 4* (Merdeka room)

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free at leisure until departure, transfer to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for your flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast