4D3N Sarawak Wildlife & Culture: Bako National Park, Kuching River Cruise, Irrawaddy Dolphins, & Cove 55

Upon arrival at Kuching International Airport, enjoy a convenient transfer to your hotel for check-in. 

In the late afternoon, head to the Kuching Waterfront to board a scenic sunset river cruise. Sail along the Sarawak River for 1.5 hours, passing historical landmarks such as the Astana, Brooke Dockyard, Kuching State Mosque, Old Court House, Square Tower, Main Bazaar, Chinese Museum, Fort Margherita, and several Malay villages along the riverbanks, while soaking in the beautiful sunset. 

After disembarking, indulge in a local dinner before returning to your hotel for the night. 

After breakfast, transfer 45 minutes to Bako Fishing Village, where you will catch a boat to Bako National Park, known for its rich biodiversity across seven distinct ecosystems. 

The park features dense mangroves, waterfalls, peat swamp forests, mixed dipterocarp forests, heath forests, and grasslands, a wildly diverse region with some trails leading to secluded beaches or steep coastal cliffs that offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding ocean. 

Trek through mangrove forests and spot wildlife like Proboscis Monkeys, Bearded Pigs, and more. 

After a morning of exploration, transfer to Cove 55, a luxurious boutique hotel nestled at the base of Mount Santubong, where local indigenous elements blend with modern design. 

Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, taking in the peaceful surroundings and scenic views of the South China Sea. 

Begin the day with a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village, an award-winning ‘living museum’ that showcases the lifestyle and traditions of Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups. 

Experience traditional crafts, games, and performances in the village’s theatre. 

Later, transfer to Santubong Jetty to embark on a 3-hour wildlife cruise along the Santubong and Salak Rivers, where you’ll have the chance to spot the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphins. 

Other wildlife you may encounter on your evening river cruise include estuarine crocodiles, macaques, mudskippers, monitor lizards, and silvered-leaf monkeys. The wetlands are also home to a wide range of birds including the White Belly Eagle, White Egret, Seagull, Kingfisher, and more. 

As evening falls, enjoy the magical sight of fireflies illuminating the mangrove forests. 

Return to Santubong Jetty and transfer back to your accommodation in Kuching city. 

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kuching International Airport for your departure. 

Alternatively, you may extend your stay with a Kuching City Tour or visit the Borneo Cultural Museum (with lunch) for an additional fee.