3 weeks in Borneo

Quick and simple overview on how I spent an amazing 3-weeks in the Malaysian part of Borneo. The primary forest, the animals, the snorkeling, everything was simply spectacular!

Day 1-3: Kuching and around

1 night in Bato national park to spot long probocsis monkeys
Spot orangutans in Semmengoh national reserve
Discover the history of Sarawak and its tribes in the Borneo cultures museum
Stroll on the Kuching waterfront and eat in Chinatown or in the old Courthouse

Day 4-6: Mulu national park

Explore caves and spot animals or bats
Enjoy river journeys, river dips and canopy walks
Get sweaty and listen to the sound of the forest in jungle treks

Day 7-8: Kota Kinabalu

Go snorkeling (and meet a whale shark if you’re as lucky as I was!)
Eat on the waterfront and explore the night market

Day 9-10: Mount Kinabalu park

Trek on the fresh trails of mount Kinabalu park and get ready for your first leeches (and go up if you are trained and have €€€)
Discove the biggest flower in the world, the rafflesia, in a private garden
Stop in Poring for hot springs, a butteferly garden and an impressive canopy walk
Enjoy in curry with a view in Sabah tea plantation

Day 11-12: Sandakan and Turtle island

Spend a marvelous day and night on turtle island. On the agenda: bathe in turquoise waters, watch a mamma turtle lay her eggs, release baby turtles
Discover the old fishing village in Sandakan

Day 13: Sepilok

See sun bears sleeping in trees at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
If you haven’t seen orangutans in Semmengoh, head to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Day 14-15: Kinabatangan river

Boat morning, afternoon and night journeys to spot the Borneo big 5 in the wild: orangutans, saltwater crocodiles, hornbills, pygmy elephants, probocsis monkeys
Jungle walk in the mud to spot small frogs and colourful woodpeckers