Borneo Heritage Cycling Tour – 8 Days | Culture, Coast & Orangutans

Our Contacts

Address

15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000

Email

info@goldentrailtravel.com

Phone

+84(832) - 126 - 699

Borneo Heritage Cycling Tour 8 Days

CODE: GDT2106

Private Tour

Duration: 8 - 12 days

Price from: Contact

Route: Malaysia - Santubong - Kuching

Overview

Embark on an 8‑day guided cycling tour starting from Kuching, Sarawak. Cover approximately 231 km on quiet backroads through lush jungles, rural villages, rice paddies, and coastal wetlands. This immersive journey includes cultural stays in traditional Bidayuh longhouses and a Chinese-Buddhist village near Siniawan. Add excitement with a kayaking trip on the Sarawak River and a visit to the mystical Fairy Cave.

The tour also includes two visits to Semenggoh Nature Reserve, offering excellent opportunities to observe semi-wild orangutans. With full vehicle support, cycling gear, bottled water, and expert English-speaking guides, this adventure is ideal for moderately fit travelers looking for a balance of nature, culture, and comfort.

Highlight

Guided cycling through Kuching’s heritage districts: Discover colonial buildings, temples, and enjoy a sampan boat ride across the river.
Cultural immersion: Explore Annah Rais longhouse, kayak through rivers, and stay in a peaceful village surrounded by jungle.
Orangutan sanctuary visits: Two chances to see orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve, improving your odds of a memorable wildlife encounter.
Fairy Cave adventure: Hike through rainforest trails to reach this ancient limestone cave filled with natural formations and folklore.
Coastal ride to Santubong Peninsula: Cycle through wetland reserves before relaxing at a beach resort with stunning views of the South China Sea.
All-inclusive support: All meals, water, snacks, accommodations, cycling jersey, airport transfers, and full van support are provided.

Service

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Tailor-made trip
As a trusted local bike tour operator, Golden Trail Travel boasts a dedicated team of experienced biking guides, skilled bike mechanics, reliable drivers, knowledgeable cycling tour consultants, and passionate bicycle specialists. We understand that each traveler has unique preferences and requirements. That’s why we offer tailor-made trips that cater to your specific needs, whether you’re traveling solo, with family and friends, or as a group.

The provided itinerary serves as a sample, which can be further customized to align perfectly with your preferences and budget. We welcome your input and can make additions or exclusions to create a selected itinerary or design a completely new program exclusively for you. Click here to share your requirements and begin planning your unforgettable biking adventure in Hanoi with us.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Meet in Kuching

Welcome to Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak! We pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our tour hotel in the city center (please arrive before noon or, if possible, the day before). The tour begins in the early afternoon when, after a bike briefing at our Kuching base, we’ll explore this culturally rich city by bike. Our 12 km loop first takes us through Kuching’s Heritage Zone, known for its fusion of Malay, Chinese, Islamic, British, and modern architecture. We then continue through riverside kampongs (local neighborhoods), visit a market to sample street food, and cross the Sarawak River on a traditional ‘sampan’ boat. In the evening, we reconvene for a welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in town.Ride 12km

Day 2: Kuching – Annah Rais

Today we transfer around 30 km from Kuching into the countryside for our first taste of rural Sarawak. We saddle-up and cycle along fabulous back roads that wind through banana plantations, betel nut tree forests, rice fields, and farming communities. As we head south, the surroundings grow more remote, culminating in our arrival at the indigenous village of Annah Rais, home to the Bidayuh people. The Bidayuh, with a rich cultural heritage tied to the Borneo rainforests, traditionally reside in communal longhouses shared by multiple families. We arrive in time for lunch and then take a leisurely stroll through the village, delving into the unique lifeways of the Bidayuh, which in ancient times, included the intriguing practice of headhunting! In the afternoon, you can cool down with a swim at a nearby stream before we settle down for dinner. Our overnight stay at a village homestay in Annah Rais provides a rustic yet comfortable experience, offering a deeper connection to the local way of life.Ride 35km

Day 3: Annah Rais – Kuching Buddhist Village

Today we paddle and pedal our way north, enjoying more scenes of rural and wild Sarawak! In the morning, after a short transfer out of Annah Rais, we board kayaks for a relaxing drift down the Sarawak River. This is a great way to soak in the ambiance of the surrounding rainforest and, if we’re lucky, spot some wildlife along the banks. We’ll be kayaking around 10 km and no previous experience is required. After reaching the end-point, we’ll have lunch and then it’s back onto our bikes for a fun and scenic rural ride along the back roads of Sarawak. Our destination is a Chinese-style village offering accommodation surrounded by peaceful gardens. The philosophy here is Buddhist, including an adherence to vegetarianism and abstaining from alcohol. This will be our home for two nights, offering an immersive experience focused on Borneo’s Chinese and Buddhist cultural heritage. Nearby the village is Siniawan, a small historic town on the Sarawak River which retains a distinct old-world charm through its vintage shophouses and colonial-era architecture. This evening, dinner is on your own as we head into Siniawan where you can take your pick of several options in this enchanting little town!Ride 38km

Day 4: Orangutan Sanctuary – Fairy Cave – Kuching Buddhist Village

We begin the day with a 45 minute transfer to Semenggoh Nature Reserve, a rehabilitation center for orangutans that have been injured, orphaned, or rescued from captivity. The goal is to reintroduce them to the wild in the surrounding forests. We arrive in time for the 09:00 AM feeding time, when fruits and other snacks are laid out to supplement their diet. This is one of the best chances to see orangutans up close but please be aware that sightings cannot be guaranteed (the apes may not come out when it rains or during the fruiting season when their favorite snacks are readily available inside the jungle - should we get unlucky, we’ll try again on Day 7!). After our visit we’ll transfer an hour to the fabled Fairy Cave to check out the impressive limestone formations and learn about its religious significance. From here we’ll get on our bikes and loop back to Kuching Buddhist Village via a scenic backcountry route, stopping for lunch along the way.Ride 39km

Day 5: Kuching Buddhist Village - Telaga Air – Santubong

Today’s ride is the longest of the tour but also one of the most picturesque. Starting directly from the Buddhist Village, we begin riding accompanied by familiar scenes of the quiet Borneon countryside and then, at around 25 km we will have reached the eastern edge of Kubah National Park. The landscape here, characterized by jungle-draped hillsides and prominent peaks like Mount Serapi, paints a lovely backdrop for the rest of our ride. Once we reach the northern point of Kubah National Park, it won’t be long before we reach the estuaries of the Sibu Laut and Salak Rivers where mangrove forests and wetlands sprawl into the distance. We end our ride in the small fishing village of Telaga Air, a favorite hangout for Kuchingites who come here to relax by the waterfront, eat seafood, and enjoy delicious coconut shakes! We’ll do just the same and then transfer one hour further east to the Santubong Peninsula. Jutting into the South China Sea just north of Kuching, Santubong is home to the iconic Santubong Mountain which is surrounded by lush forests and pristine beaches. What better place to base ourselves at an eco-resort for the next two nights!Ride 63km

Day 6: Santubong Free Day

The Santubong Peninsula is the ideal place for a free day, offering opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. If you want to take it easy, then you can get cozy in the golden sands of one of the nearby beaches overlooking the South China Sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, then rise early for a trek up the steep cliffs of Mount Santubong. Shorter, more leisurely hikes are also available. One of the most recommended activities in the area is a wetland cruise. Available in both the mornings and evenings, this is a fun outing into the rivers and mangroves of Santubong for a chance to see Irrawaddy dolphins, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and other wildlife. Any activities today are at your own expense to be paid locally.

Day 7: Santubong – Kuching

Beginning from our resort, we first cycle down the Santubong Peninsula to get back onto the mainland. Over the course of roughly 35 km we’ll then make our way back to Kuching, entering the city through the “backdoor” as we transition from the quiet roads of the wetlands and hinterlands to the busy urban streets! We’ll arrive in Kuching in time for lunch with the rest of the afternoon at leisure. If we didn’t see any orangutans on the morning of Day 4 then today, after lunch in Kuching, we will drive out to Semenggoh Nature Reserve for a second chance, this time during the afternoon feeding time (fingers crossed!). Whichever way the afternoon takes shape, in the evening we celebrate our Bornean adventure with a goodbye dinner in Kuching.Ride 44km

Day 8: Kuching Departure

Time to head home, extend your stay in Kuching, or travel to your next destination in Southeast Asia. There are plenty more places to explore! If you have a flight out today, we’ll bring you to the airport.

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

Reviews

5.0

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

0 reviews