6D5N Sarawak Wildlife & Culture Eco-Tour: Bako National Park, Fairy & Wind Caves, Irrawaddy Dolphins & Cove 55

16:30 Hrs: Begin your adventure with a seamless pick-up from your hotel or the airport and embark on an overland transfer to the Kuching Waterfront. 

17:30 Hrs: Step aboard your cruise and set sail along the tranquil Sarawak River. Over the course of 1.5 hours, you will glide past an array of historic landmarks that tell the story of Kuching’s colonial past and vibrant heritage. Witness iconic sites such as The Astana, Brooke Dockyard, Kuching State Mosque, Old Court House, Square Tower, Main Bazaar, Chinese Museum, and Fort Margherita, as well as traditional Malay villages nestled along the riverbanks. 

As the golden hour approaches, soak in the breathtaking views of Kuching’s skyline bathed in the hues of the setting sun. This scenic voyage offers the perfect introduction to Sarawak’s charming capital. 

19:00 Hrs: Return to the jetty and transfer to your hotel in Kuching for check-in and overnight stay. 

Today’s adventure takes you deep into Sarawak’s oldest national park, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and remarkable wildlife encounters. 

The journey unfolds in two parts: first, enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive to Bako Fishing Village, followed by a 30-minute boat ride along the coastline, where the cooling sea breeze sets the tone for an exhilarating day ahead. As you cruise past the wild terrain, keep your hands inside the boat as some of the coastal plants are covered in sharp thorns. 

Upon arrival at Bako National Park, register at the park’s Information Centre and receive an introduction to the park’s unique flora and fauna. Trek through mangrove forests where mudskippers dart between the roots and fiddler crabs flash their vibrant claws. Keep your eyes peeled for Proboscis Monkeys, Bearded Pigs, Silver Leaf Monkeys, and other Bornean primates as they move gracefully through the jungle canopy. 

After an immersive day in the wilderness, transfer to Cove 55 for check-in and overnight stay. 

Nestled at the foot of Mount Santubong, where lush greenery meets the South China Sea, Cove 55 offers a unique blend of ethnic luxury and modern refinement. Originally built as a private Iban family retreat, this award-winning boutique resort boasts 13 rooms, 2 suites, and 13 villas, ensuring an intimate and tranquil escape. 

Start the day with a pick-up from Cove 55 and transfer to the Sarawak Cultural Village—an award-winning living museum 24 km from Kuching City. 

Set against the backdrop of Mount Santubong, this 17-acre village showcases Sarawak’s rich cultural tapestry. Home to around 150 residents, the village offers an immersive glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of seven major ethnic groups, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Melanau. Explore authentic longhouses and tallhouses, watch artisans at work, and participate in traditional games and culinary experiences. 

A highlight of your visit is the vibrant cultural dance performance held at the village’s own theatre. 

Next, transfer to Santubong Jetty for a 3-hour wildlife cruise along the Santubong and Salak Rivers. Keep your camera ready for the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphins, known for their unique, rounded features and found in estuarine and coastal waters. Spot estuarine crocodiles, macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, and diverse bird species such as White Belly Eagles, Egrets, and Kingfishers. 

Opt for the evening cruise session, and you’ll be treated to the mesmerizing sight of fireflies lighting up the mangrove forests. 

Return to Cove 55 for a restful night. 

After a morning pick-up from Cove 55, embark on a scenic drive to the Bau area, where nature’s underground wonders await. 

Explore the Fairy Caves, famous for their majestic limestone formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and rich montane vegetation. The caves also hold spiritual significance, with Taoist shrines and offering altars tucked within their depths. 

Next, visit the Wind Caves, named for the refreshing breeze that sweeps through the caverns. Marvel at the intricate geological formations and serene subterranean landscapes. 

Later, journey to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, a 740-hectare virgin forest reserve and a sanctuary for orphaned and rescued Orangutans. Observe these gentle primates emerging from the jungle during feeding time and learn about the centre's vital conservation efforts. Other wildlife species found in the reserve include gibbons, porcupines, crocodiles, river terrapins, and an array of wild birds. 

Return to Cove 55 for the night. 

Begin the day with a scenic drive to Annah Rais Longhouse, a Bidayuh settlement home to over 80 families. Explore this historical longhouse, renowned for its bamboo construction and communal living spaces. Learn about the Land Dayaks’ headhunting past, their farming traditions, and their sustainable use of bamboo. 

Enjoy a traditional Sarawakian lunch, featuring bamboo chicken and jungle vegetables, served in the communal tanju (patio) of the longhouse. 

Check in at the Waterfront Hotel Kuching, then in the evening, embark on a unique night frogging adventure at Kubah National Park. 

With over 60 species of frogs, including the Wallace’s Flying Frog and the tiny Matang Narrow Mouth Frog, Kubah is a frog enthusiast’s paradise. Accompanied by a park ranger, venture through the rainforest, guided by the symphony of frog calls. 

Return to your hotel in Kuching for a well-earned rest. 

Enjoy a final morning in Kuching before checking out of your hotel. 

Transfer to Kuching Airport for your departure, bringing an end to your unforgettable Sarawak adventure.