Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: the best of borneo tour at Melaka

Located in Southeast Asia's Malay Archipelago, the island of Borneo is renowned for its idyllic beaches, biodiverse rainforest, and an abundance of rare and endemic flora and fauna. Experience the exquisite beauty, flavours, and culture of Borneo during this immersive, four-night island getaway. After travelling from Malacca to Sandakan via Kuala Lumpur, explore the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation and  RASIG Project Site, lush, verdant rainforest, and incredibly diverse wildlife and bird species during scenic and relaxing sunrise and day cruises along the Kinabatangan River. Continuing to Kota Kinabalu unwind and enjoy afternoon tea at the  Shangri-La hotel before your farewell dinner . Elegant accommodations, breath-taking panoramic vistas, important historical venues, and sumptuous island cuisine at popular local venues round out your visit to Borneo in grand style. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes with the flight to Kuala Lumpur where you will re-embark the ship at Port Klang.

FULL DESCRIPTION:

(04MIDSIN-D) The Best of Borneo

Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights

Departs from: Malacca at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Re-join ship: Port Klang at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

 VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Malaysia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR); US Dollars are not accepted. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and major credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (shopping stops are planned during this programme).

Experience the exquisite beauty, flavours, and culture of Borneo during this immersive, four-night getaway.

DAY ONE - Sunday, February 16, 2025 – Malacca - Kuala Lumpur

Disembark the ship for a Heritage Malacca Tour and lunch before your flight to Kuala Lumpur

After breakfast onboard depart for a Heritage Malacca Tour, a profound journey through Malacca's cultural landmarks. We will begin at Villa Sentosa in Kg Morten, where the Malay Living Museum offers a captivating exploration of traditional Malay life. Meet Tuan Haji Ibrahim, the caretaker of the house who will guide us around and provides insights into the rich heritage and customs of the local Malay community, particularly his family heritage. Proceed onward to heart of Malacca, and visit A’ Famosa, symbolizing the city's colonial past, Red Square; Dutch architecture and Christ Church, revealing Malacca's evolution. Continue walking to vibrant Jonker Street and visit Baba Nyonya Heritage Gallery, unveiling the opulent lifestyle of the Peranakan community. Continue for an early lunch at nearby Peranakan Restaurant to conclude your exploration in Malacca, by savoring local dishes before we head to Kuala Lumpur – approx. 2 hours bus ride.  Before drop off at the hotel, proceed for an introduction tour of the metropolitan Kuala Lumpur. We will visit the old town Independence Square, then walk to Central Market; a hub of Malaysia’s craft before photo stop Petronas Twin Towers. Head to hotel, welcome drinks and cold towels awaits on arrival; proceed for check in and freshen up before the dinner.

In the early evening depart from hotel to EQ Kuala Lumpur, for a sunset cocktail at Blue and continue for dinner at the award-winning rooftop restaurant, Sabayon with the stunning view of the city’s skyline. Return to hotel afterward and overnight.

Overnight at The RuMa Hotel in Kuala Lumpur (Deluxe Room).

DAY TWO - Monday, February 17, 2025 - Kuala Lumpur – Sandakan – Kinabatangan, Sukau

Start your day with an early/packed breakfast from the hotel, before departing to Kuala Lumpur Airport at approx. 6:30am  for your onward flight to Sandakan by MH 2710 (10:15/13:05 hrs). Lunch will be served onboard.

On arrival to Sandakan meet your local guide and proceed to Sandakan Jetty for your onward boat to Sukau. Embark a boat for an approximately 2.5-hours journey to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge situated along Sabah's longest river, the Kinabatangan, with ample opportunities to spot abundant and diverse bird and wildlife species en route. On arrival at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, enjoy a brief orientation about this multi-award-winning lodge before check-in and short rest. Later, proceed for dinner at the lodge’s restaurant overlooking the riverbank, followed by a slide-show presentation and interpretation by a naturalist guide.

Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge (Borneo Villa).

DAY THREE – Tuesday, February 18, 2025 Kinabatangan - Sukau

An early-morning wake-up call, to start your day. Meet your guide and embark on an early-morning river-cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. Here, relax with a cup of coffee or tea whilst enjoying the beauty and serenity of your surrounds just before sunrise, and be on the look-out for more birds and wildlife. Return to the lodge to freshen-up before breakfast.

After breakfast at the lodge, meet your guide and embark a boat for a short ride along the Kinabatangan River to the RASIG project site, a community-based eco-tourism initiative to promote nature conservation through eco-tourism. Along the way, observe bird and wildlife species, and experience the tranquility of the rainforest at its best. Guided by a RASIG naturalist, trek on the migration path of Borneo's pygmy elephants. You will also plant a tree, and learn about the habitat and biodiversity conservation of the Kinabatangan River.

Return to back to the lodge for lunch. Later in the afternoon, embark a boat for a private river-cruise in search of abundant bird and wildlife species of Borneo. Following your cruise, return to the lodge for some free time to freshen up before dinner. Rest of the day at leisure and overnight.

Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge (Borneo Villa).

DAY FOUR – Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Kinabatangan, Sukau – Sandakan – Kota Kinabalu

Enjoy your early breakfast at the lodge and check-out, meet with your guide and embark on a short 5-10min boat ride to Lepit Jetty. From there, continue by overland transfer to Sepilok, Sandakan. The journey will take approximately 2hours and we will visit Sepilok Orang Utan Centre, before drop off at the Airport.

Upon arrival at the Orang Utan Centre, view a video about the plight of the orangutans and the ongoing rehabilitation efforts here at the center. Take a guided stroll along wooden boardwalks through the rainforest to observe the orangutans during feeding time at 10:00hrs. After the visit depart to Sandakan Airport for your onward 50-minutes Air Asia  flight to Kota Kinabalu - flight AK 6497 (12:55/13:45 hrs). Lunch will be served onboard.

On arrival in Kota Kinabalu, meet with the local guide for your coach transfer to the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort. Located on the beautiful Tanjung Aru Beach, this resort is a favorite spot where locals and overseas travelers enjoy a wonderful view of the sunset whilst walking on the sandy beach. Proceed for an afternoon tea before check-in, for some free time to freshen-up before meeting your guide again for dinner. Enjoy a refreshing sundowner and amazing sunset scenery at Coco Joe's Bar & Grill at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Beach Resort. Next, proceed for a farewell dinner at the Oitom Restaurant. At Oitom, which means 'black' in the local Kadazan language, the chef and his team celebrate Sabah's flavors and ingredients in the preparation of their dishes. Complete your dinner and transfer back to the hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Overnight Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort (Tanjung Seaview Room).

DAY FIVE – Thursday, February 20, 2025 Kota Kinabalu – Kuala Lumpur – Port Klang

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and embark on  the transfer to airport for onward flight to Kuala Lumpur by MH 2621 (11:55/ 14:35 hrs). Lunch will be served onboard. On arrival at Kuala Lumpur Airport, proceed on approx. 1.5 hours’ drive to Port Klang. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 5 miles (about 8.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, bumpy, rocky, grassy, slippery, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, board/deboard the airplane, and embark/disembark the boat, and many steps at the sites visited; lifts are available at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Kota Kinabalu Airport, and Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort.

This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests who suffer from vertigo, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair.

Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable, long cotton clothing with leech-proofed socks and flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking shoes, sneakers and slippers, and bring sun protection, a light, weatherproof jacket, raingear, an extra change of clothing (in case you get caught in the rain), a towel, swimwear, biodegradable insect repellent (citronella), toiletries, a flashlight or headlamp, knapsack, waist pouch, trekking/hiking pole, plastic bags, camera, first-aid kit, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship.

Please dress conservatively when going ashore. As a rule, women should never wear anything remotely revealing (miniskirts, shorts, capris, beachwear, and sleeveless or low-cut tops), and men should always wear shirts and trousers in public. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages.

Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. For any camera with zoom lens from 100mm-400mm, video camera, or other video recording equipment for personal use are charged at a rate of RM10 per unit. Any camera with a fixed lens from 400mm and above, or any film-making equipment, are charged at a rate of RM1,000 per unit. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Photography/videography may not be permitted inside some areas of the museums.

Expect hot, humid weather. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice, and airline alterations to the flight schedules may affect the tour itinerary, tour sequence and/or programme content. Please be advised that flights may be changed by the local supplier at any time, and without our control, due to operational reasons. As a result, we suggest our guests do not make any private arrangements on the same day of the overland's departure and return to/from the ship. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• One-night stay in a Deluxe Room at The RuMa Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
• Two-nights stay in a Borneo Villa Room at the Sukau Rainforest Resort - Sandakan
• One-night stay in a Tanjung Seaview Room at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort  - Kota Kinabalu
• Scheduled flights: Kuala Lumpur/Sandakan/Kota Kinabalu (Economy-Class). Business-Class might be available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating

AirAsia Airlines limit baggage allowance to approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms) per person + one carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 17 pounds (about eight kilograms), and a maximum size of 9x15x21 inches (about 23x40x55 centimetres). Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter. Passengers with more than approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms) of excess luggage must check-in at least two hours prior to departure.

• Four breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners, with specified drinks included
• Video, rainforest-stroll, care and feeding of orangutans, and nursery visit - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - Sandakan
• Lunch at local Peranakan Restaurant - Malacca
• Sundowner at Blue Bar and Dinner at Sabayon - EQ Kuala Lumpur
• One-way boat-ride Sandakan to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge
• Afternoon cruise along the Kinabatangan River with bird species and wildlife-spotting opportunities - Sandakan
• Greeting, welcome drink, and orientation at the multi-award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan
• Dinner overlooking the riverbank, and a slide-show presentation by a naturalist guide at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan
• Early-morning cruise along the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake - Sandakan
• Boat-ride to the RASIG project site in search of pygmy elephants - Sandakan
• Tree-planting activities, and habitat and biodiversity conservation of the Kinabatangan River - Sandakan
• Optional, in-house orangutang discussion - Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan
• Sundowner at Coco Joe's Bar & Grill - Kota Kinabalu
• Dinner at the Oitom restaurant - Kota Kinabalu

• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.