Asian Trails unveils the wonders of Northern Borneo

25 Apr 2025

Julien Collot, General Manager of Asian Trails Malaysia and Singapore, recently hosted a group of top travel professionals on an expedition through the wild landscapes of Northern Borneo.

The tour focused on the natural wonders, the rich biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the states of Sarawak and Sabah. Starting in Sarawak with a two-night stay in the heritage city of Kuching, the group explored the lush coastal rainforests of Bako National Park, a sanctuary renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rare proboscis monkey.

They continued to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah to experience a blend of lively city life and island tranquillity. A stop at the Mari Mari Cultural Village offered a fascinating insight into the lifestyles of Sabah’s indigenous communities, followed by a view of the aqua waters of Gaya Island Marine Park. They took in exclusive luxury retreats and eco-conscious resorts along the way.

After visiting four top lodges in Sepilok, a guided night walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre offered rare glimpses of nocturnal creatures. Next day at sunrise, the team visited the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see pioneering animal protection approaches.

Next, a scenic river journey into the Kinabatangan River basin divulged one of South-East Asia’s most biodiverse ecosystems. With overnight stays in Abai and Bilit, the group visited five lodges over two days, encountering wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and crocodiles, between their inspections.

The final segment of the trip, from Bilit Jetty, via private transfer, to Lahad Datu, revealed lush plantations en route to Tabin Wildlife Reserve, where the sightings included wild orangutans, jungle cats and the iconic rhinoceros hornbill.

A fun wellness experience included a trek to a mud volcano to absorb the healing properties of a mineral-rich mud mask

This intensive journey uncovered the natural and cultural characteristics that make Northern Borneo a premier destination for those with adventure in their hearts.

For more information about Asian Trails’ bespoke travel experiences in Northern Borneo, contact Asian Trails Malaysia

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INCLUSIONS

A full day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
Transportation by car / mini-van with professional driver.
All entrance and donation fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
All applicable taxes and service charges
Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)

EXCLUSIONS

Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
Transfers are only operated within the downtown Chiang Mai areas and restricted to main hotels only.
Regions outside the central business district such as Mae Rim, Hang Dong, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng and Chiang Mai International Airport are excluded and supplementary charges apply.
We regret that are unable to provide pick-up and drop-off transfer services from and to apartment complexes, local guest houses or private apartments. We advise you kindly to head on your own arrangement to the nearest hotel inside the downtown Chiang Mai area.
We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
The road up and down Doi Angkhang is not suitable for large coaches; for group travel, note that the group needs to be split up into mini-vans. We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation.
For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
Due to the absence of ATM machines and credit cards payment portals, we highly recommend to bring sufficient cash with you. Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
It is recommendable to bring a jacket / sweater with you as temperatures on Doi Angkhang are often much cooler than around Chiang Mai.
It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package.
Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.