One of Southeast Asia’s smallest yet wealthiest nations, Brunei is known for its deep-rooted traditions, Islamic heritage, and remarkable prosperity. Upon arrival at Brunei International Airport, we are greeted by our local guide and transferred to our hotel (check in from 3 PM). In the evening, we head out on a Brunei by Night tour, enjoying a local dinner before exploring Bandar Seri Begawan illuminated after dark, with photo stops at the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. We end the evening at a lively night market, sampling traditional Bruneian street food.

Overnight: Radisson Hotel (4-star), Brunei (2 nights)

After breakfast, we head out on a full-day tour of this fascinating kingdom. We’ll drive past the Lapau ceremonial hall and Dewan Majlis (parliament house) to admire their traditional motifs before stopping at Tamu Kianggeh, a lively riverside market visited by Queen Elizabeth II. Next, we explore the Malay Technology Museum to see traditional boatmaking and metalworking, followed by a visit to the Tomb of Sultan Bolkiah and the Royal Regalia Museum, home to the Sultan’s jubilee treasures. We’ll also visit the stunning Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, famous for its white marble and lagoon setting.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, we cruise the Brunei River to Kampong Ayer, the "Venice of the East." We’ll explore this massive stilt village on foot and enjoy tea and cakes at a local home. Our day continues at the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque with its 29 golden domes, followed by a photo stop at the gates of Istana Nurul Iman, the world’s largest residential palace. After a short rest at the hotel, we'll head out for dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Note: On Thursdays, Fridays, and religious holidays, non-Muslims may only visit the mosque gardens and compounds.

After breakfast, we enjoy a free morning at our leisure before transferring to the airport for our flight to Kuching. Upon arrival, we'll be met and transferred to our hotel in the city center.

As the capital of Sarawak, Kuching is famous for its rich history under the White Rajahs and its unique name, which means "Cat" in Malay—you'll notice the city's love for its feline namesakes everywhere you look!

Overnight: The Waterfront Hotel (4-star), Kuching (1 night) (B)

After our flight to Mulu and a transfer to this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its massive karst formations and cave systems, we join the daily tour departing from the park headquarters to explore the southern hill area. We start at Lang Cave, known for its beautiful stalactites and rim stone pools, before entering the overwhelming Deer Cave, home to one of the largest cave passages on Earth. We’ve timed our trek to coincide with the spectacular bat exodus at dusk before heading back to the hotel.

Overnight: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa (5-star), Mulu (2 nights) (B, D)

We begin our morning with a longboat cruise up the Melinau River, stopping at the Penan Longhouse Market on the way. Our exploration takes us to Wind Cave, famous for the "King’s Room" where stalactites and stalagmites look like polished chandeliers. We then follow a riverside path to Clearwater Cave, home to one of the world's longest underground rivers. After enjoying a packed lunch at the rest hut and a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters outside where the river emerges, we return to the park. (B, L, D)

Please note: Due to past rock falls, the pathway via Moonmilk Cave remains closed.

After breakfast, we enjoy a relaxing morning at our leisure before departing for Mulu Airport and our flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, we’ll take a private 20-minute transfer into the heart of the city to check into our downtown accommodation. As the bustling capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu serves as the gateway to the majestic Mount Kinabalu and is famous for its vibrant night markets and spectacular waterfront sunsets over the South China Sea.

Overnight: The Luma Hotel (4-star), Kota Kinabalu (2 nights) (B)

We set off on a scenic two-hour drive through the winding mountain roads of the Crocker Range, passing lush paddy fields and local villages on our way to Kinabalu Park. We’ll stop briefly at the Nabalu Market to browse local handicrafts and fresh produce before arriving at the park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its incredible biodiversity. We’ll enjoy the crisp mountain air as we walk the nature trails of the Botanical Garden, and if the skies are clear, we’ll catch a breathtaking view of the 4,095-meter Mount Kinabalu before returning to the city. (B, L)

Please note: The canopy walk is currently suspended until further notice.

After a private transfer to the airport and a flight to Sandakan, we board a scheduled boat for a scenic ride to Selingan Island, where we'll check into our beachside chalet and enjoy a free afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear Sulu Sea. As night falls, we join park rangers for a truly magical experience, observing sea turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs and witnessing the hatchery process. If we are lucky, we may even see tiny hatchlings being released into the ocean.

Overnight: Selingan Chalet, Selingan (1 night) (B, L, D)

Note: Since there are no porters on the island, we recommend using the jetty’s luggage room and carrying only essentials. To protect the wildlife, flash photography and lights are strictly prohibited during our evening turtle encounter.

After a 7:00 am boat from Selingan Island and breakfast at the jetty, we drive to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe these incredible primates during their morning feeding. We also visit the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the rescue and release of the world’s smallest bears. At midday, we cruise through the mangroves of the Kinabatangan River Sanctuary to reach Abai Jungle Lodge, where we'll spend the afternoon spotting wildlife by boat. Keep a keen eye out for the endemic Proboscis monkey with its distinctive nose, vibrant kingfishers, and if we are truly fortunate, the rare Pygmy elephant or the elusive Clouded leopard roaming the riverbanks. As darkness falls, we’ll witness the riverbanks lighting up with fireflies before heading into the forest with our guide for a night trek to discover Borneo's nocturnal birds, snakes, and insects.

Overnight: Abai Jungle Lodge, Abai (1 night) (B, L, D)

Waking early to the symphony of the jungle, we embark on a dawn river cruise to Pitas Lake to observe local wildlife as the forest springs to life. We then head to the Abai Jungle Platform, an elevated boardwalk system nestled deep within the rainforest canopy that allows us to enjoy breakfast while surrounded by birds and primates in their natural habitat. At 10:00 am, we cruise toward Sukau Village to check into the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge before our late afternoon exploration of the Menanggul River. This quiet tributary is a prime spot for observing wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, and the rare proboscis monkeys that frequent the water's edge, concluding our day with dinner back at the lodge at 7:30 pm.

Overnight: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, Sukau (1 night) (B, L, D)

We wake one final time to the calls of the jungle before boarding our 7:30 am boat for the return cruise to Sandakan. Upon arrival, we enjoy a final local lunch together before transferring to the airport for our onward flight or to our hotel. As we leave the Kinabatangan behind, we carry with us the remarkable memories of the biodiversity and unique wildlife encounters that make this corner of Borneo so extraordinary. (B)

Note: Flight from Sandakan should depart 1:30 PM or later.