14 Day Borneo, Nature, Diversity & Grace

Transcription

1 14 Day Borneo, Nature, Diversity & Grace 14 days/13 nights - MyDiscoveries Discover buzzing cities, culinary sensations and national parks with wildlife-packed rainforests. Begin in fantastic Malaysia and move on to explore all that Borneo has to offer. This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day from Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre's to Mari Mari Cultural Village. By the end of the trip, you'll be asking yourself why you didn't visit this Southeast Asian gem sooner! HIGHLIGHTS Visit magnificent sightseeing locations such as Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Thanks to small group size, you can see the heart of Borneo and get to know the locals MyDiscoveries customers save $600pp 28 meals included Up to 12 set departure dates available in 2018 Looking for flights? Call us at MyDiscoveries to arrange flights on Itinerary

2 DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Malaysia Welcome to Malaysia, a country of extraordinary contrasts ranging from sophisticated bustling cities to the wild jungles of Borneo with its orangutans, monkeys and remote tribes. Arrive at the airport in Kuala Lumpur and make your way to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to adjust to your new time zone in this city with its space-age skyline punctuated by minarets and Mogul-style domes. Overnight: Kuala Lumpur DAY 2, Friday - Discover Kuala Lumpur The day begins with a tour of Kuala Lumpur, the frenetic capital of Malaysia. Visit the imposing six-tiered Thean Hou Temple, one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. View the beautiful architecture of the Houses of Parliament en route to the National Monument, a striking statue that commemorates heroes of the country s struggle for freedom. Driving past the uniquely designed railway station, arrive at majestic Merdeka Square (Independence Square) the famous stretch of green where independence was declared in Next, on to the Jamek Mosque, the oldest in the city with its graceful arches and domes reminiscent of fine Moorish architecture. At the astonishing KL Tower, ascend to the observation deck for astounding panoramic views from this 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, a briefing with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers on the incredible journey that lies ahead. A Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers celebrates your arrival. Overnight: Kuala Lumpur Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 3, Saturday - Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Cruise the Sarawak River In the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Known as Borneo s most stylish and sophisticated city, here you find a multitude of cultures, handmade crafts, and cuisines. Settle in at the hotel with free time for personal pursuits. Later, a delightful sunset cruise on the Sarawak River reveals unobstructed views of the city and its surroundings. Admire the affluent mansions typical of Kuching. Enjoy the backdrop of a setting sun and the colourful lights along the waterfront before returning to the hotel for dinner. Overnight: Kuching Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 4, Sunday - Walking Tour in Kuching, Evening Lecture The morning walking tour in this historic capital begins in Chinatown. View the famous Cat Statue before heading to the colorful Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple on the waterfront promenade. After, continue to the Chinese Historical Museum, Textile Museum, Masjid India, Gambier Street, the Brooke Dockyard and St. Thomas Cathedral at Merdeka Square. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. In the early evening, don t miss the fascinating lecture on Sarawak tribal mythology led by one of Kuching s important scholars. Tonight, perhaps opt to dine at one of the city s renowned multicultural restaurants or cafes.

3 Overnight: Kuching Meals: Breakfast DAY 5, Monday - Travel to Batang Ai Today, journey along undulating winding roads through the magnificent countryside dotted with quaint little towns, villages, paddy fields and pepper and palm plantations. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the small town of Lachau before continuing to Hydro Lake where you board a boat at the Lubok Antu jetty that transports you to your remote resort on the edge of glorious Batang Ai National Park. Leisure time at your resort before dinner together. Overnight: Batang Ai Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 6, Tuesday - Batang Ai Longboat Excursion, Return to Kuching A short journey in a traditional motorized native longboat takes you to the Mengkak Longhouse, set in a hillside wilderness beside the river. Here, learn more about Borneo s native Iban people and their community. You ll be treated to a cultural performance by the villagers in full regalia, along with a blow pipe demonstration. Time to view the unusual handicrafts and meet with the villagers that were once considered a strong tribe notorious for their culture of headhunting. After lunch, return to Kuching arriving in the late afternoon. Evening is at leisure. Overnight: Kuching Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 7, Wednesday - Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site An early morning flight from Kuching to Mulu via Miri. Upon arrival, drive to a lovely resort at the edge of the tropical rainforest where you re warmly welcomed with a delectable lunch. After time to relax, an excursion to majestic Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an extraordinary collection of rare birds, diverse wildlife, and exotic plants. Follow the plank walk into the magnificent rainforest, with its gorgeous foliage and rushing streams that leads to the ancient Deer & Lang Caves. The caves are home to many species of bats you may be treated to the spectacular sight of free-tailed bats emerging from the cave in search of food! A lovely dinner at the resort caps the day. Overnight: Mulu Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 8, Thursday - Wind Caves, Clearwater Cave A cruise on the Melinau River by longboat whisks you to the famous Wind Caves. Upon entering, you ll marvel at the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, flow rocks and rock corals, some of which are illuminated in the King s Room. Then, a stop at the semi-nomadic Penan Settlement before arriving at the amazing Clearwater Cave with its raised plank walk that flanks the limestone cliffs. Perhaps opt to swim in the crystal-clear waters! After a picnic lunch, return to the resort. Relax this afternoon at the resort before dinner together. Overnight: Mulu

4 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 9, Friday - Coastal Sandakan A flight this morning takes you to Sandakan via Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to explore this bustling coastal town that overlooks the Sulu Sea. The population here was once made up of German traders, Dutch and Chinese planters, Arab and Indian traders and pearl divers; until the town was destroyed during WWII. Sandakan s complicated wartime history is punctuated by the serene Memorial Park, a moving tribute to British and Australian prisoners of war. You can also opt to visit the house of author Agnes Keith, now a quaint museum with a proper English Tea House. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Sandakan Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 10, Saturday - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary A day you ve all been waiting for! Morning visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where you ll see Orangutans and learn about extraordinary efforts to rehabilitate these orphaned and injured animals so they can be returned to the wild. After a walk in the tropical forest, on to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to view the world s smallest bear and learn about conservation efforts to protect them. After lunch, an extraordinary visit to the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in Labuk Bay where over four hundred acres of mangrove forest are preserved for the resident monkeys. Walking on the boardwalk to the feeding platforms, you ll be greeted by the spectacle of dozens of Proboscis monkeys sitting in the trees or feeding on the food put out by the guides. View the females with babies clinging to their bellies and huge males galloping across the trees with their yelps permeating the air. Overnight: Sandakan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 11, Sunday - Malaysian Dinner & Show Late morning flight to Kota Kinabalu. Early lunch either in Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu subject to flight details. Leisure time at the hotel before an evening drive past the night lit landmarks of the city to a popular restaurant. Savor a dinner of Malaysian cuisine along with traditional music and dance. The colorful attire of different ethnic groups and the rhythm and beat of local musical instruments will leave lasting memories of Borneo s rich cultural diversity. Overnight: Sandakan Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 12, Monday - Kinabalu Park, Mount Kinabalu, Mountain Gardens View the jagged granite peaks of Mount Kinabalu towering over Kinabalu Park, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia, this natural wonder boasts more than 5,000 different plant species and is home to over 90 mammals. The main attraction at the Park is

5 majestic Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia known for its mountain climbing and the world s highest iron road. Take a short trek through the rainforest before lunch. Afterward, a visit to the Mountain Garden to see rare and priceless collections of plants and orchids including the famous Rothschild's Slipper Orchid, one of the rarest orchids in the world. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight: Kota Kinabalu Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 13, Tuesday - Kota Kinabalu, Mari Mari Cultural Village A morning drive in the lush countryside takes you to the Mari Mari Cultural Village deep in the rainforest to explore the culture and traditions of Sabah s tribal inhabitants. Winding your way through the jungle village, glimpse Malaysian history as you watch tribal dances, learn about Borneo's indigenous groups and participate in cultural demonstrations. This village, an openair museum, is dotted with various tribal dwellings offering insight into the lifestyle of Borneo's five main indigenous groups. See how the island's inhabitants once lived and learn about cultural customs such as fire starting, cooking, and hunting. Enjoy an educational dance show and demonstration and even participate in a few of the rituals and traditions, including bamboo shooting! Snacks will be offered before returning to your hotel for leisure time. At tonight s Farewell Dinner, share wonderful memories together about your discovery of Borneo and bid a fond goodbye to your newfound friends. Overnight: Kota Kinabalu Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 14, Wednesday - Depart Borneo This morning, make your way to Kota Kinabalu airport for your departure flight. Meals: Breakfast INCLUDES Small groups of maximum 22 travellers guaranteed All intra-flights: Kuala Lumpur-Kuching, Kuching-Miri-Mulu, Mulu-Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan, Sandakan-Kota Kinabalu 13 nights accommodation Hotel taxes, fees & service charges including Malaysia tourism taxes Hotel porterage sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles 28 meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners with wine (including Welcome and Farewell dinners) Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary Active itinerary with unique cultural features Gratuities for tour manager and coach driver

6 EXCLUDES Flights Airport tranfers Travel insurance Visas Meals not mentioned items of a personal nature Please note: disability access is limited during the tour, please consider this when making your booking. Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs, walking frames and motorised scooters may not be taken aboard motor coaches. FACILITIES Concorde Hotel: Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious. Each room is well equipped with a range of amenities for a relaxing stay. The hotel is set in a unique location within the city between Bukit Bintang and KLCC which offers easy access to sites and attractions. The Malaysia Tourism Center, Suria KLCC Shopping Center and Petronas Twin Towers all located nearby. Hilton Kuching: Guest rooms are spacious and modern with views of either the city or the river. All rooms are fitted with a variety of amenities for an enjoyable stay. The hotel is located in the city of Kuching, and overlooks the Sarawak River. The Main Bazaar, the Kuching Waterfront and the Tua Pek Kong Temple are within walking distance. Enjoy the hotel's fitness center and pool. Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat: The rustic guest rooms have a traditional Borneo style design and a verandah. All rooms are equipped with a variety of contemporary amenities that will ensure a relaxing stay. The resort is situated on the fringe of Batang Ai National Park. Several activities are offered by the resort, including guided nature walks and longboat fishing trips. Enjoy the resort's spa, tennis court and outdoor pool. Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa: The rooms feature locally crafted furnishings, plush bedding and a balcony with views of either the rainforest or the Melinau River. All rooms are equipped with a range of modern amenities.the hotel is surrounded by a tropical rainforest. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gunung Mulu National Park is about a five minute drive away. The hotel has a Balinese spa, a fitness center and an outdoor pool. Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan: The guest rooms are bright and stylish with modern furnishings and a view of the city or the bay. All are equipped with an assortment of amenities for a comfortable stay. The hotel has magnificent views of Sandakan Bay. Sandakan Harbour Mall is connected to the hotel. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is about a forty minute drive away. Enjoy the hotel's fitness center and infinity pool.

7 Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu: The luxurious guest rooms feature contemporary style furnishings and a marble bathroom. All are fitted with an array of modern amenities for a pleasant stay. The hotel is located in the central business district of Kota Kinabalu, and overlooks the South China Sea. The Handicraft Market and the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront are a short walk away. Enjoy the hotel's fitness center, spa and outdoor pool. TRAVEL PERIOD Departure dates in 2018 Mar: 22 Apr: 19 May: 31 Jun: 28 Jul: 26 Aug: 9 Sep: 6, 20 Oct: 4, 18 Nov: 22 Dec: 20 BOOKING ESSENTIALS Once your MyDiscoveries Voucher has been purchased you will be contacted by the MyDiscoveries Reservations team will work with the tour operator to get you booked onto your preferred travel dates. If for any reason we are unable to book you onto your preferred dates please refer to the MyDiscoveries 30 Day Booking Guarantee to understand our refund policy. When booking in your travel dates, make sure you have your travel voucher number, traveller names and details of any special requirements (e.g. vegetarian etc) The MyDiscoveries team will send an to you confirming all of your booking information. We recommend you purchase travel insurance as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

8 Malaysia visa infomation If you are visiting Malaysia for tourism, you can get a visa on arrival for a stay of up to ninety days. Alternatively, you can contact an external visa provider such as Visa Central directly for more details. FINE PRINT Multiple Departure dates in 2018 Subject to availability at time of booking for new bookings only All prices are subject to change at any time without notice Valid for sales unless sold out prior If you need to cancel your trip after travel has been confirmed, the travel operator will impose cancellation fees. In addition, MyDiscoveries will charge a $100 per person cancellation fee. We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your travel dates so you have protection against emergency cancellations that might be needed. Please note all our holidays are subject to availability at time of booking. Should your dates not be available please note the My Discoveries Booking Guarantee applies. The MyDiscoveries 30 Day Booking Guarantee means that if you can't get the travel dates you want within 30 days of buying the voucher, we'll give you your money back, no questions asked. Travel insurance not included, customers are advised to purchase appropriate cover. MyDiscoveries members receive 10% off any travel insurance policy- Simply mention the promo code: DISCOVERY10 on The MyDiscoveries 30 Day Booking Guarantee means that if you can't get the travel dates you want within 30 days of buying the voucher, we'll give you your money back, no questions asked. Twin / Single Price twin $4, single $5, Promotional prices and offers valid from until or while stocks last. Note: While all due care has been taken in the preparation of this document, MyDiscoveries shall not be liable for any inaccuracies or omissions which may occur. This document has been prepared from material supplied by our Travel Suppliers and from their websites.mydiscoveries reserves the right to change information without notice and the most up to date version will always be found on Reproduction

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