Spice Road: Borneo Heritage By Bicycle

Day 1: Arrive in Kuching

On arrival in Kuching, we transfer to our hotel at the edge center of town. Kuching is a fascinating, bustling city with a mix of old and new world cultures. In the afternoon, we have a bike fitting at No. 1 Wayang Street, 10 minutes walk from your hotel and from here, we ride the Best of Kuching Cycling Tour, and a good opportunity to test out the bike. We head back to the hotel early in the evening for a welcome dinner (James Brooke Cafe at the Kuching waterfront). 

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel or equivalent 4* Hotel

Meals: - / - / D

Day 2: Kuching – Annah Rais

Transfer out of town, and the ride starts early at a very scenic spot near Kampong Benuk. The cycling today is on a fabulous backroad that winds up and down, meandering around countless curves and bends. It takes us through banana plantations, betel nut tree forests, rice fields, and farming villages, giving us a real feel for rural Sarawak. We ride all the way to Annah Rais, where we spend our second night.  After lunch and longhouse tour, take a short drive in the late afternoon to soak in the river.

Accommodation: Bidayuh Annah Rais Homestay

Meals: B / L / D

Day 3: Annah Rais – Kayak & Bikes – Siniawan

We are up early today for another full day of cycling, starting with a gorgeous trip down the river paddling kayaks. After breakfast,we make a quick transfer to the start of the kayak adventure. The adventure begins as we head out into the crystal-clear waters of the Sarawak River and have a relaxing paddle downstream. This is a great way to spot the river wildlife along the banks, like kingfishers and monkeys, so keep your eyes peeled. We'll savor more views of the tranquil river and rainforest. After lunch, it’s back onto the bikes to cycle to the Kuching Buddhist Village. In the evening, make a quick transfer to the  Siniawan old town for dinner. This evening is free and easy (dinner at own expense), at one nice bar in the old town that is run by a Brit and his local wife, with nice cold draft beer and western / local food.  At 10:30pm,  transfer back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Roxy Siniawan Hotel

Meals: B / L / -

Day 4: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre - Fairy Cave - Ride back to 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 cycle to Kuching Buddhist Village via a scenic backcountry route, stopping for lunch along the way. Kuching Buddhist Village 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 tonight, offering an immersive experience focused on Borneo’s Chinese and Buddhist cultural heritage. Along the cycling route today, you will notice some of the popular farm products such as baby corns, tropical fruits such as papaya, pinapple as well as oil palm plantation etc.

Accommodation: Kuching Buddhist Village 

NB:  alcohol free at the Buddhist Village, breakfast here is vegetarian.

Meals: B / L / D

Day 5: Kuching Buddhist Village - Telaga Air

Cycle from Kuching Buddhist Village to Telaga Air, a delightful seaside destination. Along the scenic route, savor a delicious coconut milkshake. Enjoy a seaside lunch at Telaga Air before proceeding to Permai with a 60-minute transfer.

Accommodation:Permai Rainforest Resort

Meals: B / L / D

Day 6: Permai (Free and Easy)

Today is free and easy day. Alternatively, choose to relax by the beach or embark on a self-guided jungle trek to a waterfall lasting 1.5 to 2 hours or opt for the optional tours of Morning/Evening Wildlife Wetlands Cruise.

Optional tour:-

Morning Wetlands Cruise Price:

Adults (12+): MYR 210.00

Children (3-11): MYR 105.00

Evening Wetlands Cruise Price:

Adults (12+): MYR 225.00

Children (3-11): MYR 113.00

Accommodation: Permai Rainforest Resort 

Meals: B / L / D

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! 

Along the cycling route today, we will drop in the villages of Santubong and Buntal that offers glimpses of Malay fishing villages. You will also have a chance to visit one of the Archaeological Parks in the area, ie Bongkissam and Bukit Maras to reveal Santubong's early days as an India-China trading port. The strategic trade route between India and China indirectly aided the spread of Hindu-Buddhism throughout the Malay Archipelago, especially in Borneo. 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.

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel or equivalent 4* Hotel

Meals: B / L / D

Day 8: Departure

We head home but you can continue your Borneo adventure with a trip to Mulu World Heritage Park and its giant caves or even to the wilds of Sabah in North Borneo.

Meals: B / - / -