3-Day Borneo Tour Packages
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3 Day Tanjung Puting National Park Itinerary, incl. Kumai and Camp Leakey
The rich wildlife of Borneo unfolds over three days. Day one features river ecosystem observations, day two takes you to two orangutan stations with forest walks, and the final morning includes a return cruise to Kumai.
- Day 1
Pangkalan Bun to Kumai River Safari
Land at Pangkalan Bun airport and take a 30-minute taxi to Kumai port. Board your klotok (traditional river boat) in late morning. These wooden boats are simple but perfect for river travel. As you cruise up the Sekonyer River you'll watch the scenery change from mangroves to thick jungle. Late afternoon is the best time to spot proboscis monkeys near the riverbanks. A good tip is to bring binoculars and stay on the upper deck where it's quieter. You'll spend the night on the boat under mosquito nets. It's basic accommodation but sleeping in the jungle is an experience you won't forget.
- Day 2
Orangutan Encounters and Camp Leakey
The jungle wakes you early for a visit to Pondok Tanggui feeding station at 9 AM. Get there 15 minutes before feeding starts to grab the best viewing spot. The boardwalk path can be slippery from morning dew so wear shoes with good grip. After watching the morning feeding take a 2-hour cruise upriver to Camp Leakey, the oldest orangutan research station in the world. You'll usually see more orangutans at the afternoon feeding here. As one traveler put it: "The journey to Camp Leakey felt like going back in time—we saw several wild orangutans swinging through the trees right from our boat."
- Day 3
Kumai Return and Departure
Start your final day with an early morning cruise back to Kumai. The water is calmer at dawn and you might spot some last wildlife along the banks. The boat ride takes about 2 hours plus a 30-minute drive to the airport. Book an afternoon flight from Pangkalan Bun to give yourself extra time in case of river delays.
- Day 1
Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island
Plan to land in Sandakan by 9 AM to catch your boat connection. The boat ride to Selingan Island (Turtle Island) takes about an hour. You'll have the afternoon free for snorkeling. The turtle-watching program begins around 8 PM. Wear dark clothes and keep quiet to avoid disturbing the nesting turtles. You won't be able to use phones or cameras until the rangers give you permission.
- Day 2
Sepilok and Kinabatangan River
Take an early boat back to the mainland and head to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Get there by 9:30 AM to secure a good spot for the 10 AM feeding session. The orangutans can be shy so staying quiet is important. Visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door to see the world's smallest bears up close. In the afternoon you'll travel to Kinabatangan River for a sunset cruise. Pack quick-dry clothes and bring binoculars. The humidity is strong and you'll need patience to spot wildlife.
- Day 3
River Safari and Rainforest Discovery
Get up early for a 6 AM river cruise. The morning mist creates beautiful photo opportunities as proboscis monkeys become active along the riverbank. After breakfast visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre and walk the canopy walkway for a top-down view of the forest. Book your departure flight from Sandakan after 6 PM to allow enough time to get back.
- Day 1
Arrival & Deer Cave
Take a morning flight to Mulu Airport from Kuching or Kota Kinabalu. Morning arrivals work best since afternoon thunderstorms are typical in Borneo. The airport is just 15 minutes from your lodging options: choose between the simple but convenient Mulu National Park Lodge or the upscale Mulu Marriott Resort. Your first day features a 3km plank walk through peat swamp forest to Deer Cave and Lang Cave. The boardwalk is well-maintained but watch your step after rain. Head to Deer Cave around 4pm to see the park's most incredible natural show: millions of wrinkle-lipped bats spiraling out of the cave at dusk.
- Day 2
Clearwater Cave & Wind Cave
Start your day with a longboat journey up the Melinau River. The 30-40 minute ride shows off stunning limestone cliffs and jungle views. You might get splashed so pack a light raincoat. While Clearwater Cave system stretches an amazing 107 kilometers you will explore a small but impressive section. Later visit Wind Cave, which is famous for its cool natural breeze and the stunning "King's Room" formation chamber. Stop at Batu Bungan Penan Settlement to see traditional crafts. Bring small Malaysian Ringgit notes if you want to buy handmade items.
- Day 3
Departure
Most visitors fly out in the morning. If time allows before your flight take an early walk on the park's canopy walkway. At 480 meters it ranks among the world's longest tree-based walkways.
