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Borneo Heritage by Bicycle
Duration
8 days
Site savings
$69
From
$2,231 USD
Sarawak, a Malaysian state in northeastern Borneo, provides a vivid snapshot of the island’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Taking the state capital of Kuching as a launchpad, this 8-day cycling adventure traverses the surrounding hinterlands, wetlands, jungles, and beaches for a taste of what Asia’s largest island has to offer.
- CategoryAdventurous
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration8 days
- Culture LevelOut There
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance143.5 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance24.2 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration8 days
- Main DestinationMalaysia
- Distance143.5 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance24.2 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Meet in Kuching
Welcome to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak! After being picked up from the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city center (aim to arrive before noon or, if possible, the day before). The adventure begins in the early afternoon with a bike briefing at the base, followed by a ride through the cultural highlights of the city.
You'll cycle a 12 km loop through the Heritage Zone, where Malay, Chinese, Islamic, British, and modern architecture blend together. Afterward, ride through riverside kampongs, visit a local market to sample street food, and cross the Sarawak River on a traditional sampan boat. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.- 7.5 miles
- 3.3 ft
160.8 ft
157.5 ft - The Waterfront Hotel
- Dinner
- Day 2Kuching – Annah Rais
Today, you'll travel about 30 km from Kuching into the countryside for your first taste of rural Sarawak. Once there, you'll saddle up and cycle along scenic back roads that wind through banana plantations, betel nut tree forests, rice fields, and farming communities. As you head south, the landscape becomes more remote, leading you to the indigenous village of Annah Rais, home to the Bidayuh people.
The Bidayuh, with a rich cultural heritage rooted in the Borneo rainforests, traditionally live in communal longhouses shared by multiple families. You'll arrive in time for lunch and then take a relaxed walk through the village, learning about the unique traditions of the Bidayuh, including the ancient practice of headhunting! In the afternoon, you can cool off with a swim in a nearby stream before settling in for dinner. Your overnight stay at a homestay in Annah Rais offers a rustic yet comfortable experience, giving you a deeper connection to the local way of life.- 21.7 miles
- 150.9 ft
1,072.8 ft
921.9 ft - Bidayuh Annah Rais Homestay
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Annah Rais – Kuching Buddhist Village
Today, you’ll paddle and pedal your way north, taking in more of rural and wild Sarawak! In the morning, after a short transfer from Annah Rais, you'll hop into kayaks for a peaceful drift down the Sarawak River. This relaxed paddle allows you to fully absorb the rainforest ambiance, and with some luck, you might spot wildlife along the riverbanks. The kayaking route covers about 10 km, and no prior experience is needed.
After reaching the end point, you'll enjoy lunch before hopping back on your bike for a scenic ride along the quiet back roads of Sarawak. Your destination is a Chinese-style village nestled in peaceful gardens. The community here follows a Buddhist philosophy, with a focus on vegetarianism and abstaining from alcohol. This will be your home for the next two nights, offering an immersive experience into Borneo’s Chinese and Buddhist cultural heritage.
Nearby is Siniawan, a charming historic town along the Sarawak River, known for its vintage shophouses and colonial-era architecture. Tonight, dinner is up to you as you explore Siniawan, with its enchanting old-world charm and various dining options!- 23.6 miles
- -19.7 ft
1,381.2 ft
1,400.9 ft - Kuching Buddhist New Village
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 4Orangutan Sanctuary – Fairy Cave – Kuching Buddhist Village
Your day begins 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 here is to help reintroduce them to the wild in the surrounding forests. You'll arrive just in time for the 9:00 AM feeding, when fruits and other snacks are laid out to supplement their diet. This is one of the best opportunities to see orangutans up close, but please keep in mind that sightings aren't guaranteed—especially if it's raining or during the fruiting season when they can easily find food in the jungle. If you miss them today, there’s another chance on Day 7!
Afterward, you'll transfer about an hour to the Fairy Cave, where you'll explore impressive limestone formations and learn about the cave’s religious significance. From here, you'll hop on your bike and follow a scenic backcountry route back to Kuching Buddhist Village, with a stop for lunch along the way.- 24.2 miles
- 3.3 ft
1,210.6 ft
1,207.3 ft - Kuching Buddhist New Village
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Kuching Buddhist Village - Telaga Air – Santubong
Today's ride is the longest of the tour but also one of the most scenic. You’ll start directly from the Buddhist Village and begin your journey through the tranquil Borneon countryside. After about 25 km, you’ll reach the eastern edge of Kubah National Park. Here, the landscape, with its jungle-covered hills and prominent peaks like Mount Serapi, provides a stunning backdrop for the ride.
As you continue north through the park, you'll soon arrive at the estuaries of the Sibu Laut and Salak Rivers, where expansive mangrove forests and wetlands stretch out before you. The ride concludes in the small fishing village of Telaga Air, a popular spot for locals who come to unwind by the waterfront, savor seafood, and enjoy refreshing coconut shakes. You’ll have the chance to do the same before transferring one hour further east to the Santubong Peninsula.
Jutting into the South China Sea just north of Kuching, Santubong is renowned for its iconic Santubong Mountain, lush forests, and pristine beaches. It’s the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in nature at an eco-resort for the next two nights!- 39.1 miles
- -75.5 ft
1,840.6 ft
1,916 ft - Permai Rainforest Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Santubong Free Day
The Santubong Peninsula is perfect for a free day, offering both relaxation and adventure. If you prefer to unwind, you can relax on the golden sands of a nearby beach with views of the South China Sea. For those seeking adventure, consider an early morning trek up the steep cliffs of Mount Santubong, or opt for shorter, more leisurely hikes.
A highly recommended activity is a wetland cruise. Available in the mornings and evenings, this outing takes you through the rivers and mangroves of Santubong, offering opportunities to spot Irrawaddy dolphins, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and other wildlife. Any activities you choose to do today will be at your own expense and paid locally.- 31.1 miles
- Permai Rainforest Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7Santubong - Kuching
Starting from the resort, you'll cycle down the Santubong Peninsula to reach the mainland. Over the next 35 km, you'll make your way back to Kuching, transitioning from the tranquil roads of the wetlands and countryside to the bustling urban streets. You'll arrive in Kuching in time for lunch, with the rest of the afternoon free for you to explore.
If you didn’t spot any orangutans on the morning of Day 4, you’ll have another chance today. After lunch, you’ll drive out to Semenggoh Nature Reserve for the afternoon feeding session—fingers crossed for a sighting!
No matter how the afternoon unfolds, the evening will be dedicated to celebrating your Bornean adventure with a farewell dinner in Kuching.- 27.3 miles
- 13.1 ft
433.1 ft
419.9 ft - The Waterfront Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 8Departure