Green Sarawak and Sabah
Sail through the dense jungle in a narrow longboat in search of proboscis monkeys, orangutans and perhaps pygmy elephants, while flapping hornbills fly overhead. Malaysian Borneo is ideal for a very adventurous family trip with plenty of nature, as well as idyllic beaches, not to mention delicious food at the many night markets. Attractive Kuching still has many historic buildings from the time of the "White Rajas," the English Brooke family, who ruled Sarawak for a century. The Sarawak Museum is a good introduction before you head further inland, visiting the orangutans in Semonggoh and Sepilok. In Gunung Mulu National Park, an immense stretch of rainforest you will visit magnificent stalactite caves, the largest in the world. With any luck you will see millions of bats fly out at dusk, an enormous natural spectacle. By boat you will explore the Kinabatangang, a paradise for bird lovers and home to the Borneo pygmy elephant and many monkey species. Finish with snorkeling or diving at the beautiful beaches around Kota Kinabalu.
World cities Kuala Lumpur and Singapore
The global cities of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are the ideal starting and ending points to contrast this journey: a fascinating combination of modernity, innovation and worldly flair. Kuala Lumpur surprises with a mix of modern skyscrapers, vibrant street markets and a rich melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. Singapore is known for its futuristic skyline, perfectly maintained city parks, excellent gastronomy and vibrant neighborhoods such as Marina Bay and Chinatown.
Tips & Tops family trip Malaysian Borneo:
- Among other things, Kuching means "cat" in Malay: that is why the city is full of cat statues
- The Sarawak Museum has a world-renowned collection on the various Dayak cultures and the flora and fauna of Sarawak
- Sarawak Cultural Village is an open-air museum where different types of longhouses of Borneo can be visited
- In Bako National Park, several hikes are possible along jagged rock formations and idyllic beaches; along the way, you can spot carnivorous pitcher plants, proboscis monkeys, silverleaf monkeys and iguanas
- Meet local people such as the Iban in their traditional longhouses: an unforgettable experience
- At Kota Kinabalu's many atmospheric evening markets, be sure to try durian, the much-loved stink fruit
- If you like a challenge, you can also go to the top of Mount KinabaluSoutheast Asia's highest mountain (4095 meters).
- From the Sky walk in Sepilok, you will see the forest from the perspective of most forest dwellers, who rarely, if ever, get on the ground. The cacophony of sounds from the forest knows no pause
- The Sun-Bear center is home to dozens of these adorable animals
- On Pulau Selingan (turtle island), you can witness the green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs (most likely July through October).
- In Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is well worth a visit for swimming, snorkeling and diving enthusiasts
- By speedboat you will sail to Gaya Island, to a beautiful beachfront resort. And then there is time for the sea and blissful idleness
