Escorted Tours 2022-23

extraordinary birds famed for their peculiar beaks. Explore the jungle by foot in search of enchanting wildlife under the watch of macaque colonies. Exuding blissful serenity and nestled within a remote region of dense forestland, spend the afternoon at leisure in the sleepy village of Sukau before heading back out onto the river for another chance to observe Borneo’s biodiversity. Day 6: Sukau to Kota Kinabalu B/L Today, travel back to Sandakan and visit the spectacular Puu Jih Shih Temple, which boasts stunning panoramic views overlooking Sandakan Bay from its privileged position on the hilltop of Tanah Merah. Illuminated by an explosion of red and gold, the temple’s elaborately embellished interior hosts a magnificent collection of gilded Buddha statues, dragon-entwined pillars and ornate Chinese dragons. Following a tasty lunch, transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu. A melting pot of culture, Sabah’s captivating capital is a bustling city whose Chinese, Kadazan and Malaysian influences are displayed through its architecture and tasted in its night markets. Day 7: Kota Kinabalu B/L This morning, discover the home of five tribes at the Mari Mari Cultural Village to gain a fascinating insight into Borneo’s indigenous people. Witness the sculpting of blowpipes, learn traditional bamboo cooking, sample the curiously shaped Jala ‘net’ cake and encounter the Murut people who were the last tribe to renounce head-hunting. Following lunch, spend an afternoon at leisure exploring the many sights that Kota Kinabalu has to offer. Choose to study Sabah’s diverse culture and history showcased within the captivating exhibits of the Sabah Museum, wander aromatic night markets to enjoy delicious street eats, or head to the grand Imago Mall for a unique South East Asian shopping experience. Day 8: Kota Kinabalu B/L Journey to Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest mountain. Enjoy a guided nature trek to spot Borneo’s dynamic bio-diversity including tiny mouse-deer, playful gibbon troops and the unusual Nepenthes rajah, a carnivorous plant that attracts birds and small mammals into its deadly urn-shaped trap. Continue to the nearby Poring Hot Springs to relax in the natural warm baths, whose sulphuric water is believed to contain healing properties, before traversing a 134ft Menggaris tree canopy walkway, which provides a breathtaking view across one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Return to Kota Kinabalu for your final evening in Borneo. Day 9: Kota Kinabalu to the UK B Depart for your return flight, via Kuala Lumpur or continue to your chosen extension. Extend your tour Kuala Lumpur city stay, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £269 Kota Kinabalu beach stay, 3 nights, B&B 3.5 H from £239 or 5 H from £399 Tour includes • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 2 dinners • 3 and 4 H accommodation: Sandakan-Four Point Sheraton Sandakan, Sukau-Rainforest Lodge, Kota Kinabalu- Horizon Hotel Kota Kinabalu • Flights from London Heathrow with Malaysia Airways (via Kuala Lumpur) Tour pace: Intermediate Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Elephant, Kinabatangan River Mount Kinabalu Proboscis Monkeys Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £99 Departures & from prices 8 Jun 22 £1,829 17 May 23 £1,799 6 Jul 22 £1,979 7 Jun 23 £1,949 7 Sep 22 £1,849 5 Jul 23 £1,999 28 Sep 22 £1,949 30 Aug 23 £2,049 5 Oct 22 £2,039 6 Sep 23 £1,899 9 Nov 22 £1,949 13 Sep 23 £1,999 22 Feb 23 £1,699 27 Sep 23 £1,949 8 Mar 23 £1,899 4 Oct 23 £1,999 12 Apr 23 £2,049 18 Oct 23 £1,969 26 Apr 23 £1,949 8 Nov 23 £1,949 • A single supplement starts from £359 45 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk Southeast Asia