Malaysia & Borneo
Escorted Group Departure from Calgary
February 16 - March 01, 2012
$2545/Land Only - $1020/Airfare + Tax
The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur , enjoys a rich heritage steeped in traditions of its colonial past, as well as the multi-cultures of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other indigenous peoples. It provides an amazing combination of high tech industry while still maintaining its friendly local flavour.
Borneo is the largest island in the world and the entire area including Malaysia. Singapore & Borneo were originally known as Malaya. Sarawak and Sabah on the island have been retained by Malaysia. Borneo offers lush rainforests inhabited by near extinct wildlife. The indigenous peoples of Sarawak and Sabah still live as they have for centuries. This area offers much to the traveller and for the well travelled it is a refreshingly authentic experience.
FEBRUARY 16/17 - CANADA/KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Today we board our Cathay Pacific Airlines flight to Malaysia. We will cross the International dateline enroute. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for some well deserved rest. Overnight Impiana Hotel. (In-flight meals included)
FEBRUARY 18 - KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (B,L)
This morning join your tour leader for a city tour. Our first visit will be Masjid Jamek Mosque built in the Moorish style in the early 20th century, then continue on to visit other landmarks including the Mughal-style Federal Courts, Old City Hall and Dataan Merdeka Independence Square) which is flanked by St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Royal Selangor Club. Visit the Moorish-style Malaysian Railway Station and the National Monument before a stop at the Petronas Twin Towers for a photo opportunity. Our group will enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the Old China Cafe. The cafe itself is a lesson in Malaysia history. In the afternoon visit the National Museum.
FEBRUARY 19 - KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (B,D)
Today is a free day for independent activities. Whether you want to kick back by the pool, shop or book another tour your tour leader will help! This evening join your tour leader on a visit to the Cultural Night Market. The tour starts in vivacious Chinatown; known to locals as Pealing Street. There is much to bargain for here from local delicacies to “branded” label goods. Next, continue on to the fabulous Sri Mahamariamman Temple; dating back to 1873, this historic temple is a large and ornate house of worship for the Hindu community. We end our evening with a fabulous Malay dinner and cultural show.
FEBRUARY 20 - KUALA LUMPUR/KUCHING, BORNEO (B)
Upon arrival in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, we will transfer to our hotel and check in. Time to freshen up and have lunch before beginning a tour of the city. Your tour will visit all the main sites of Kuching and include the Chinese and Sarawak museums which will give you a good understanding of the ancient history of this area. Stroll along the waterfront to view St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Syariah (Muslim) Court and traditional Malay houses built on stilts before returning to the hotel. Overnight Riverside Majestic Hotel.
FEBRUARY 21 - RAINFOREST/LONGHOUSE (B,L)
This morning we travel deep into the rainforest to spend our next few days on the adventure of a lifetime. Our visits today will include Serian – a predominantly DAYAK tribe) town, then a Chinese farmhouse to learn how pepper and cocoa are grown. Our journey continues through scenic countryside viewing rice paddies, rubber, cocoa, pepper and oil palm plantations intermingled with lush rainforest, rivers and mountain ranges. After a late lunch, proceed to beautiful Batang Ai Lake to board the ferry for a thirty minute ride to the hotel. Overnight Hilton Batang Ali Longhouse Resort.
FEBRUARY 22 - RAINFOREST/LONGHOUSE (B,L)
The hospitable tribesman, decked out in full ceremonial regalia, will welcome you into their homes and entertain you with their musical instruments and traditional war dances. Lunch will be served by the ladies of the village before departing on a jungle walk to visit the local farms and dense rainforest.
FEBRUARY 23 - BATANG ALI NATIONAL PARK (B,L)
This morning depart by longboat for a two hour crossing to Batang Ali National Park. Today we hope to see the rare and endangered species indigenous to Borneo. Our trekking today will be through some of the most beautiful flora and fauna in the world. Whilst visiting the rainforest enjoy a picnic lunch on the bank of the river.
FEBRUARY 24 - BATANG ALI/KUCHING/ KOTA KINABULU (B,L)
After breakfast this morning return to Kuching, visiting local sites and having lunch enroute. Dinner will be served in Kuching before going to the airport for the flight to Kota Kinabulu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight. Le Meridien Hotel.
FEBRUARY 25 - KOTA KINABULU/TUARAN COUNTRYSIDE (B, HI TEA)
The morning will be free today to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, relax by the pool or read a book! In the mid afternoon transfer to Batangan Baru Lagoon by boat. Upon arrival enjoy a batik painting demonstration before relaxing at Hi-Tea. After tea, board launches for a river cruise exploring water villages, mangroves, oyster and mussel farms and more.
FEBRUARY 26 - KINABALU NATIONAL PARK TOUR (B,L)
Our picturesque drive this morning meanders through Dusun (tribal) villages and over the ridges of the Crocker Range to Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site. Enroute to the park we will visit the Nabal village to try local fruits and bargain for handicrafts. The park lies at the base of Mt. Kinabalu at an altitude of 1500 metres and is a treasure trove for botanists and bird watchers. Here you will be able to identify a wide variety of orchids, pitcher plants, carnivorous pitcher plants, rhododendrons, oak trees, ferns and birds.
FEBRUARY 27 - FULL DAY MANGROVE & WILDLIFE TOUR (B,D)
This morning will be free for independent activities. Your hotel has a lovely pool area and beach so enjoy! This afternoon commence your river cruise in search of wildlife such as the proboscis monkeys, numerous varieties of birds, monitor lizards, bornean rats and crocodiles. Return to the jetty to enjoy a Traditional Malay dinner. After dinner we will cruise to the swamp area to catch a glimpse of fireflies decorating the mangrove like a Christmas tree.
FEBRUARY 28 FULL DAY SANDAKAN SEPILOK ORANG-UTAN TOUR (B,L)
An early start this morning as we head to the airport to fly to Sandakan. Upon arrival in Sandakan transfer directly to the famous
Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Spend the morning at the centre with lectures, films and then a trek through the lowland rainforest to view the feeding platform and the orang-utans at large. In the afternoon your city tour of Sandakan will show a fascinating light on life in the area today as you visit Sim Sim Water Village, colourful markets and Agnes Keith House a heritage house providing interesting insight into life during British North Borneo. Return to Kota Kinabalu in the late afternoon.
FEBRUARY 29 - FREE DAY KOTA KINABALU (B,D)
Today is the last day of this amazing adventure so why not enjoy it as you choose. This evening join your tour leader for a sumptuous seafood dinner with lively traditional music and dancing. This exceptional performance will leave you with a lasting impression of Borneo’s rich cultural diversity.
MARCH 1 - KOTA KINABALU/CANADA (B)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Canada.
Price Includes:
All transfers between airports and hotels
Domestic airfares
All touring as specified in the itinerary
All accommodations as specified in the itinerary
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Exceptional local driver/guides throughout
Services of tour director from Calgary
Price:
Land Only: $ 2545.00 per person, twin sharing.
International airfare $1020.00.
Departure taxes $470.00
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