A Circumnavigation of Borneo

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

Straddling the equator, the island of Borneo is the third largest in the world. It is not one country but shared by the states of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. By far the largest is Kalimantan which is part of the island nation of Indonesia. To the north the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah reside with their tiny neighbour of Brunei.

Over the years we have operated a number of trips to specific regions of Borneo, but never before offered a complete circumnavigation. The few cruises that operate in this region usually dip into Borneo for a few days and then head for some Indonesian Islands or up to South East Asia. However, to get the measure of this extraordinary island with its vast rain forests, endangered wildlife and diverse culture, something longer than a few days is required.

Borneo is home to half of all known plant and animal species in the world and although it is true that some areas have suffered from deforestation, the island is so large that vast areas of jungle remain untouched, raw and unexplored. In the coastal national parks we will encounter the ‘wild man of Borneo’ – the orangutan and along its rivers we encounter the Dyaks and their age-old culture.

Marvellous experiences are to be had as we explore remote jungle on foot or by boat, but how wonderful it is to return to the considerable comforts of our vessel the MS Caledonian Sky and then sail on to our next adventure.

A Circumnavigation of Borneo itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO SANDAKAN

Fly by scheduled flight via Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2 - SANDAKAN, SABAH

Arrive this afternoon and drive to our vessel the MS Caledonian Sky, embark and sail.

Day 3 - SEMPORNA & SIPADAN.

This morning we sail into the Celebes Sea, stopping at Semporna which is inhabited by the Bajau, sometimes referred to as ‘Sea Gypsies’. See their coastal stilted houses, houseboats and their unique Lepa boats. Later, sail out to the island of Sipadan, an offshore archipelago of great beauty which Jacques Cousteau described as “an untouched piece of art”.

Day 4 - PALAU KAKABAN

Here in the idyllic Derawan Islands, we spend the day either ashore or snorkelling over the amazing reefs. The island is well known to divers and a lake in the centre of the island is home to many types of non-stinging jellyfish which are strangely beautiful.

Day 5 - SANGATTA RIVER.

Our first call on the Kalimantan mainland is to the Kutai National Park. We explore the river by Zodiac looking out for orangutans and numerous mammals which reside in the mangrove and fresh water swamp forest as well as the kerangas. Amongst the varied vegetation (over 900 species) we look for the Malayan sun bear, clouded leopard, flying squirrel, and a host of monkeys including the maroon leaf, whitefronted leaf monkey, proboscis monkey and Bornean gibbon.

Day 6 - SAMBOJA.

Continuing south along the Kalimantan coast we reach Samboja Lestari, an area of restored tropical jungle, just to the north of the city of Balikpapan. This once barren area has seen a remarkable regeneration with the planting of over a million trees. Wildlife has returned and the density of the forest has increased cloud cover, lowered temperatures and increased rainfall. This great work by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, led by Dr Smits has profoundly changed for the local people and the wildlife.

Day 7 - DAY AT SEA.

We sail around the south east corner of Borneo past the island of Laut and into the Java Sea.

Day 8 - BANJARMASIN.

Land this morning in the harbour of Trisakti for a day in Banjarmasin, thought by many to be the most beguiling city in Kalimantan. This regional capital sits over a labyrinth of canals, lined with mosques and houses perched on stilts or bundles of floating logs.

Day 9 - TANJUNG PUTING NATIONAL PARK.

Be up early this morning as we board local klotok boats for a cruise through the narrow backwaters under a jungle canopy looking for primates, birdlife and crocodiles. Later, visit one of the four orangutan rehabilitation centres in the park.

Day 10 - AT SEA.

Cruise along the western shores of Borneo heading north to Sarawak.

Day 11 - KUCHING, SARAWAK

Arrive this afternoon in the capital of Sarawak and Borneo’s largest city. An excellent introduction to this lively and attractive city will be an afternoon visit to the Sarawak Museum. Moor overnight.

KUCHING

A morning to explore this most charming of Asian cities that sits astride the Sarawak River. On our guided tour we will learn more about the exploits of the Brooke family who, some 200 years ago, were awarded Sarawak by the former owner, the Sultan of Brunei, in recognition for the aid given in putting down a rebellion.

Day 13 - SIMILAJAU NATIONAL PARK, SARAWAK.

Land this morning on the deserted sandy beaches of the Similajau National Park. The park occupies a thin strip of land about 20 miles in length. Its position and size makes it a haven for wildlife with over 230 bird species recorded and 24 species of mammal. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the coastal rainforest and along the beach.

Day 14 - BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI.

We arrive this morning in oil-rich Brunei. A morning excursion will include the water village and the Royal Regalia Building, which is home to the Sultan’s marvellous collection of royal gifts. Also, see the golden domes of the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque and the magnificent Sultan’s Palace. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat ride under mangrove trees to view a myriad of marine life. We continue to Brunei Museum, a fine example of Islamic architecture with a collection of Islamic art, manuscripts and artifacts dating to the 9th and 10th centuries.

Day 15 - KOTA KINABALU, SABAH.

This morning join a tour of the city’s main highlights including a visit to the colourful Poh Toh Tze Chinese Buddhist temple, the Tun Mustapha Building which is the tallest building in Sabah and the state museum. After lunch onboard take an excursion to the district of Penhampang which is the heartland of the Kadazan tribe.

Day 16 - KUDAT, SABAH.

This morning we reach the far northern tip of Borneo and the quiet port town of Kudat. The area is home to the friendly Rungus people, tribal cousins of the Kadazan. We drive west to a typical Rungus Longhouse, which are unique to this area. Many Rungus still live in long houses, sharing a communal area set aside for socialising and work.

Day 17 - SANDAKAN, SABAH TO LONDON.

Arriving back to our starting point, we can claim to be one of the very few who have accomplished a circumnavigation of Borneo. Disembark in the morning and return to London via Kuala Lumpur by scheduled flight.

Day 18 - LONDON.

Morning arrival.

Caledonian Sky

The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows.

If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub.

Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort.

Your space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request.

Your dining
With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

For your comfort, safety and security
The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.

Gratuities
Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.