Grand tour of Borneo

Today you will head out with your guide to explore Kuching on a short walking tour. Wander along the waterfront jetty, past colonial architecture and mosques with an experienced guide; you might like to try a few local delicacies at one of the street food stalls. In the evening, you will be transported to the coastline for an evening cruise along Santubong's waterways to watch the fireflies light up the evening sky as the sun falls.

You will be met by your driver and guide after breakfast for your visit to an authentic longhouse experience, stopping at Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary for a chance to see orangutans at feeding time, a traditional market in Serian, a pepper farm and a local restaurant on the way. The final 40 minutes of your journey will be on the river by a traditional long-tail boat. On arrival at the Iban longhouse, you will learn about the local customs and dine and dance with the families before bed.

You will be taken to the airport for your short flight to Mulu. Once you are checked in to your hotel, your guide will take you into the rainforest to explore the huge caves that the area is famous for. Deer Cave is the largest, named because deer use the cave to shelter from poor weather. Lang's Cave is smaller but is home to some unique rock formations and bats. Linger until dusk, and you can watch the massive bat exodus as the colony sets off to hunt for the night.

Experience a jungle canopy walkway and get a different view of the rainforest right above the trees. Head back to your hotel for lunch before visiting the remaining show caves on a shared basis, and Batu Mulong village by boat in the afternoon. Your specialist can upgrade both experiences to be private if you wish.

This morning, you have the opportunity to spend as you wish at the resort without a guide. If you are still feeling active, perhaps you can take further walks, cycle rides, or kayak through the national park independently. Then, fly on to Kota Kinabalu for an overnight stay before starting your river and jungle discovery. The city is an ideal stop for shopping, where you'll find a selection of modern shopping malls and markets selling unique handicrafts.

Today, fly to Sandakan to begin your exploration of Sabah. On arrival, head to Sepilok, which is home to the world-renowned Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Arrive at your lodge, which borders a protected forest reserve and is within easy access to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which is worth a visit. If you prefer, ask your specialist to add to your trip.

Today, head to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in time for the morning feeding session, and if you have time, you might like to visit the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Then travel along bumpy roads and past palm tree plantations as you venture to the Kinabatangan River. In the afternoon you will be out on the water, spending your time spotting a huge array of wildlife. Cruise down tributaries of the river by boat, as your experienced naturalist will help spot crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and hopefully, orangutans.

Rise early for a second trip on the river and the chance to visit the nearby oxbow lake. Breakfast is served back at the lodge. Then transfer to your second river lodge located further south in the Sukau area, where you have another opportunity to head out by boat as you keep a lookout for the elusive pygmy elephants and try to tick some more animals off your list before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Today you leave the river behind as you head for Lahad Datu to join your onward transfer to the Danum Valley. Hop on the 4x4 vehicles and hold on tight as you bound off-road into the deep jungle to arrive at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Once you arrive, you will have a delicious lunch and then meet your guide, who will discuss the plan for your time here. This afternoon, you will visit the canopy walkway and learn about the flora and fauna in the area on one of the many nature trails. This evening, you can head out on a night drive, and you may be lucky enough to spot some of the area's nocturnal animals.

Why not rise early to see and hear the rainforest come alive. After breakfast, you will head back into the rainforest for the trek to Coffin Cliff, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lodge and Danum Valley. Stop off at a waterfall on your way back to cool off. This afternoon, you can spend more time on the trails trying to track wildlife, or you may have the option to go tubing down the Danum River — a brilliant way to experience the area. A night walk this evening will give you a new experience of the area around the lodge.

After your river and jungle adventure, it's time for some relaxation as you head to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, and on to Gaya Island for your stay at Bunga Raya Resort. Here, you will have three nights to relax in a tropical paradise, where you can enjoy your time on the beach or snorkeling in the sea.

Full day at leisure. Bunga Raya offers a host of activities, with an outdoor infinity pool, spa and gym on-site, combined with various activities outside the resort. Surrounded by verdant rainforest, why not explore the jungle by zip-line or stay on foot with various trails on hand, as well as running a Marine Ecology Research Centre which contributes to meaningful marine conservation efforts.

Today is another day free to explore. With time to enjoy the resort's facilities and excursions, or simply pamper with a spa treatment and dine on local cuisine.

A final day at leisure before you head back to the airport for your flight home.