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Peregrine Travel Centre

Borneo Coastal Cruising: Kota Kinabalu to Kuching

Borneo Coastal Cruising: Kota Kinabalu to Kuching

From NZD $4,660

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Description

Cruise into the wild heart of Borneo in comfort

One of the last truly wild places on earth, Borneo offers travellers lush forests filled with endemic flora and fauna, untouched coastlines and labyrinthian caves. This 10-day cruise will reveal the cultural and natural treasures of rugged Borneo, skipping between the Malaysian and Bruneian sections of the island on the comfort of the M/S Panaroma II. Spot birds, butterflies and beasts in four different national parks, discover human history in the Niah Caves and taste local delicacies prepared with fresh seafood and produce along the way.

Is this trip right for you?

This is a small ship adventure cruise, which means you’ll be sailing on a yacht with 30–50 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but it focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, we’ve got board games and a good book. There’s also no formal dress code to worry about. Wi-Fi is available for a small charge.

Our ship moves under engine power, rather than sailing, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when we drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

If you’re concerned about seasickness, there are seasickness tablets on-board. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. Your crew will do all they can to minimise any discomfort.

There are no lifts (elevators) on-board our ships, so you’ll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs. Handrails are always available.

Brunei is a conservative Muslim nation and modest dress is required to be respectful of cultural and religious considerations especially when visiting mosques and royal buildings. Sitting on the equator, it is also very humid so wearing lightweight tops that cover your shoulders (for men and women) and trousers over the knee is the most appropriate.

Trip Name
Borneo Coastal Cruising: Kota Kinabalu to Kuching
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Sail Cruiser Length: 50 metres Passenger Capacity: 49 Built / refurbished: 1993 / 2008 / 2012 / 2015 Imagine a place far from home that feels just like home, where the borders are delineated by the golden shores of the sea; and home is wherever the anchors drop. Imagine 164 feet of comfort, sleek beauty, and safety classified by the latest International “Safety of Life at Sea” (SOLAS) standards. Imagine your floating home on board the sleek, classic design Mega Yacht as she spreads her white sails through the seas under the name PANORAMA II, waving her Greek flag through the wind. Discover the world by sea at 10 knots per hour, in her un-rushed pace, one island or seashore at a time on board the ultimate 3 masted motor sailer cruiser. Panorama loves to seduce her select 49 guests with her classic lines and wood paneled lounges redefining what yachting was meant to be. A spacious lounge with ample space, dining areas decorated with warm colors, rich library and two decks for sunbathing, shaded areas and outdoor bar and loungers are just some of the elements that define her essence. 360° views of unobstructed ocean are your eyes’ canvas painted with ocean blue and deep green mountains. Embrace freedom as the Panorama II sets her white sails seduced by the clear winds of the sea. Mingle with likeminded travelers in our public areas, enjoy a moment to yourself in our ample deck space, or retreat to one of our 25 ocean view cabin-sanctuaries all offering windows or portholes connecting you with mother nature’s wonders. Panorama II’s experienced crew of 18 is trained with hospitality at heart to pamper her guests and guarantee the ultimate home away from home experience. Serenity is a state of mind; on board Variety. Home at Sea Single seating dining Indoor & Outdoor Lounge - Bar, Indoor & Outodoor Restaurant, Audiovisual in Lounge, Mini library, Beach Towels, Snorkeling equipment, Kayak, Board Games, Swimming Platform, Wi-Fi Comfort Zone Windows: Upper & Main deck cabins, Portholes: lower deck cabins, Triple Occupancy cabins: Category B, Flat-Screen TV, Mini Safe, Mini Fridge Individually controlled A/C, En suite bathroom with shower, Hairdryers, Telephone for internal use, Central music

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. This modern metropolis of Kota Kinabalu has rebounded from multiple bombings during WWII and boasts several interesting museums to explore, markets to browse and beaches to relax on. Meet your fellow travellers and leaders at a central hotel at 2.30 pm and transfer to the port where you will board your vessel, settle in and attend a welcome meeting and safety briefing. With the formalities out of the way, sit down to dinner with your fellow travellers on board and get to know each other. This evening is spent at port.Special InformationIt is very important that you are at the meeting point on time as we will be collecting insurance details and at this time. Once on board the vessel you will be taken through a safety briefing. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or a Peregrine representative know.An airport transfer is included if you are arriving today, or if you are arriving earlier and have booked pre-voyage accommodation with Peregrine.
Day 2 - Day 2: Pulau Tiga
Cruise into Pulau Tiga National Park this morning and start your day with swimming and snorkelling in clear waters. You’re sure to spot different varieties of tropical fish darting among colourful coral. Next, rejuvenate with a wallow in a volcanic mud pool which is said to help skin conditions. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on the deck of the Panorama II, soaking up views of the incredible coast. Spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure. You can either continue to explore, relax on the beach or enjoy a drink on the deck with unrivalled views of paradise. Set sail for Bendar Seri Begawan late in the evening spending overnight at sea.
Day 3 - Day 3: Bendar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Travel to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei and enjoy a half-day city tour. Visit the Royal Regalia Museum, which is dedicated to the current Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah. You’ll also visit the opulent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. With its gold domes and palatial feel, it is widely considered one of the most arresting mosques in Asia. After sightseeing among the splendour of the city, cruise to a more low-key destination – a water village where you will enjoy tea in a local home. Return to the Panorama II for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure on board or in the city. In the late afternoon, venture on an optional excursion to the Gadong Night Market to try some local dishes. Alternatively, seek out your own foody delights.
Day 4 - Day 4: Ulu Tempurung National Park, Brunei
Spend the day in the lush environs of Ulu Tempurung National Park, a virgin rainforest of the most spectacular order. Take a boat trip through the tributaries that snake through the forest, keeping an eye out for colourful butterflies, gibbons and more. You can choose how to spend the rest of your time in the park. Active types may want to try a canopy walk. Just keep in mind that in order to access the bridges in the canopy you will need to climb up more than 700 steps. Those who brave the heights will be granted views of untouched rainforest as far as the eye can see. Vertigo sufferers (or those who prefer to relax) may wish to unwind at the Ulu Ulu Resort or take a short hike to a mini waterfall. We sail overnight to Miri.
Day 5 - Day 5: Miri
This morning we take a drive of about an hour to Lambir Hills National Park. The forest ecosystem in this park is home to the greatest plant biodiversity on the planet as well as 237 different species of bird, flying squirrels, wild pigs, gibbons and other monkeys. We'll explore one of the trails taking a short hike to a waterfall where there is the opportunity for a refreshing swim. Lunch will be at a local restaurant and we will stop at Canada Hill for panoramic views of the coastline. Return to Miri and enjoy a free evening to explore the city or relax on board. The city offers a diverse range of food options for dinner, from chicken and rice to local variations of laksa.
Day 6 - Day 6: Mukah
Waking up in Mukah, we will disembark to take a tour of a local village and learn how to make Umai, a local delicacy made from marinated raw fish, shallots, lime juice and chilies. We will have lunch at a local guesthouse before returning to the Panorama II for our overnight sailing to Kuching.
Day 7 - Day 7: Lakei Island
Before arriving at Kuching, we will make a stop at Pulau Lakei, one of the few swimming beaches in the state of Sarawak. Long popular with deep sea anglers, the island is synonymous with Haji Ibrahim, a hermit who lived here 3 centuries ago. We will have time to swim, and perhaps hike to one of the island's viewpoints for a spectacular view of the South China Sea. We return to the Panorama II for lunch and a leisurely afternoon of sailing before the final stop in Kuching.
Day 8 - Day 8: Kuching
In the morning head to Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary – a government-funded rehabilitation centre, by private minivan (approx. 1 hour). The centre was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. Head into the jungle via a walkway, where from a viewing platform you can watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view and eat the supplementary diet of bananas and milk that is laid out for them twice a day. Take some time to savour the special moments in these animals’ company. Human contact must be kept to a minimum and it's essential that you follow your leader's instructions. Next, drive to Sarawak Cultural Center (approx. 1-1.5 hours). Watch a lively dance performance and learn about the traditions and histories of the diverse ethnic groups of Sarawak. Get a taste of how the various cultures have influenced the cuisine with lunch at the Cultural Village. Return to Kuching (approx. 45 mins) and enjoy a free afternoon and evening to explore at your leisure. A delicious dinner should not be hard to come by, as Kuching is overflowing with options. Perhaps ask your leader where to seek out the best bowl of kolo mee, a classic dry noodle dish. This evening, you may wish to join an optional sunset cruise along the Sarawak River to enjoy the city skyline, at your own expense.
Day 9 - Day 9: Kuching
Enjoy a final breakfast on board, then bid farewell to your crew before being transferred to a central hotel in Kuching where your tour will end on arrival. Kuching means 'cat' in Malay and the city lives up to its animal namesake – dreamy, sophisticated and just a little bit wild.If you plan to spend more time in Kota Kinabalu, you can speak to your Intrepid representative about booking further accommodation.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-04-202025-04-2020NZD $4,660Lower Deck Standard Double
17-04-202025-04-2020NZD $5,090Lower Deck Twin
17-04-202025-04-2020NZD $5,715Main Deck Premium Double
17-04-202025-04-2020NZD $5,715Main Deck Premium Twin

Inclusions

    • Look for strange and vulnerable wildlife in the thickets of evergreen forests, from swollen-nosed proboscis monkeys to exploding ants and wild boar.
    • See two different sides of Bandar Sei Begawan in Brunei with a visit to the opulent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque followed by tea with a local in a sleepy water village.
    • Learn how to craft Sarawak classic umai (marinated raw fish and shallots) and the best way to cook sago worms during a demonstration from a local cook.
    • Choose to see the virgin rainforest of Ulu Tempurung National Park from the perspective of the birds during a canopy walk.
    • Wash off the humidity by soaking in both the crystal-clear waters of the ocean and the mineral-rich volcanic mud pools of Pulau Tiga.

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