A sensory delight in Borneo

Far East specialists Bamboo Travel have put together a special private tour to visit the Borneo Orchid Festival which takes place in Kota Kinabalu between 30th September and 4th October 2009.

More than 1000 spectacular hybrids and the more subtly-coloured native species will be exhibited for five days at this annual floral extravaganza organised by the Borneo Orchid Society. Borneo boasts more than 1000 indigenous orchid species and Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, is home to over 600 species which are endemic to the region.

This 5-night private tour, perfect for botany and wildlife enthusiasts, includes return flights with British Airways, accommodation at the Jesselton Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, tickets to the Orchid festival, private transfers and sightseeing, with an excursion to Kinabalu National Park to visit the botanical garden. Prices are from £895 per person sharing a twin room.

Tour extensions are on offer to further explore the diversity of Borneo’s flora and fauna, its hiking trails, intriguing local culture, tropical islands, luxury beach resorts and many more of its wonders. These extensions include Sepilok’s Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre; the pristine rainforest of the Danum Valley Conservation Area; wildlife and birding tours in the wildlife corridors of the Kinabatangan River; and Mulu National Park with its vast network of caves and famous “head-hunter” trekking trail.
Borneo’s weather is also at its most pleasant in September and October, being some of the driest months, which also correspond with the fruiting season in the rainforest when the wildlife is at its most active and easy to spot.

Bamboo Travel in Borneo
Bamboo Travel also offers a selection of more general interest private tours to suit varying budgets and levels of adventure. These include the North Borneo Explorer, a leisurely 12-day tour which includes Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, an overnight stay at the Turtle Islands National Marine Park, the wildlife at Sukau and 3-nights at the luxurious Shangri-La Rasa Ria on Dalit beach. Prices are from £1,595 per person.

A more comprehensive tour, Into the Heart of Borneo, explores Sarawak and Sabah taking in the very best of Borneo’s wildlife in its National Parks, the culture of the Iban longhouse tribes at Batang Ai, virgin rainforest at Danum Valley and a few days on the idyllic island of Langkayan. Prices are from £3,195 per person for 18 days. Honeymoon itineraries and more adventurous tours which include challenging treks and the legendary island of Sipidan are also available.

For more information on Bamboo Travel’s special tour to visit the Borneo Orchid Festival, or any of the Borneo tours mentioned above, visit Bambootravel.co.uk.