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
Lahad Datu to Danum Valley
Your journey starts at Lahad Datu Airport, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Danum Valley Conservation Area. Book your arrival flight before 9:00 AM to catch the only daily transfer at 9:30 AM. The road is unpaved and rough, so consider bringing motion sickness medication if needed. Pack quick-dry clothing and leech socks since rainforest humidity keeps regular cotton wet for hours. The Canopy Walkway runs 300 meters with heights up to 26 meters. If heights make you nervous, talk to your guide about alternative spots for wildlife viewing.
- Day 2
Danum Valley Exploration
Start your day at 6 AM to hear the morning gibbon calls. You'll trek to the Kadazan-Dusun burial site and Coffin Cliffs, which includes some steep sections. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. River tubing in the afternoon helps cool off after your morning hike. Ask your guide about water levels first as it works best during dry season.
- Day 3
Final Morning & Departure
Join the optional early morning walk between 6:30-8:00 AM when wildlife is most active. Book your departure flight after 3:00 PM since the transfer leaves at 12:30 PM and takes about 2.5 hours to reach the airport.
- 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.
