Malaysia Cultural Discovery
From £538 per person*
The Red Ape Trail
Overview | Short Trek, 5 Days/4 Nights | Full Trek, 13 Day/12 Night
The Red Ape trail is a remote trekking route in one of the few remaining orangutan habitats left in Borneo that has been established in cooperation with the Orangutan Foundation. The trek has helped to raise orangutan conservation and awareness, both locally and internationally, and the money raised has funded community based orangutan projects in Sarawak. Adventurous travellers are encouraged to use the trail, which will also provide a sustainable source of income for the local people.
The Challenge
The Red Ape Trail is a real challenge. You will be trekking, with Iban guides for 5 days in a rural and remote region of Borneo, surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. The humidity and the temperature will be high and the terrain will be difficult and very hilly. You will have to cross shallow rivers and streams, pick leeches off of your legs and, if it rains (and it most likely will), you will also have to deal with muddy, slippery conditions.
You will be expected to carry your own pack and sleep overnight in the jungle. There will be few amenities, if any, on route. Amenities such as electricity, conventional sanitation, or running water (except where there is a waterfall) will be all but a dream for the duration of your trip. 
Food supplies will have to be carried with the team and cooked over an open fire. For the duration of the trek, you will be totally isolated from the outside world, meaning, it will be impossible to turn back once the trek has started (except for medical emergencies). It will definitely involve a great deal of physical and mental exertion. The Red Ape Trail is for serious participants only.
The Orangutans
Orangutans were one of the first apes known to the western world, yet for many yeas they were the least understood. Often called the neglected ape, they are rarely seen in their natural habitat. Today, there are probably no more than 20000 wild orangutans remaining and their numbers are declining daily. The exploitation of tropical rainforest for timber coupled with the introduction of commercial agriculture, gold mining and poaching has put their existence under serious threat.
The Route
The Red Ape Trail will take you through one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems; one that is also refuge to some of the world’s most endangered species, including the orangutan. As a participant on the trek, you may have a rare opportunity to see many of these amazing animals (although we can’t guarantee it) and increase your understanding of this incredible environment. Although you will not have direct contact with orangutans, you will search for them during the trek.
You will also be taught basic observational skills and learn how to spot and age orangutan nests. Your Iban guides will also share with you many of their traditional jungle skills. Most importantly you will gain an insight into how modern Iban communities interact with the forest and its wildlife. This, in turn, will help us establish a community based orangutan conservation project, which will ultimately help protect and preserve the orangutan and its fragile rainforest habitat.
The Orangutan Foundation
(UK registered charity no: 1095660)
The Orangutan Foundation (UK) was established in 1990 and it aims to protect the orangutan and to conserve its rainforest habitat. The Foundation also cares for, and repatriates ex-captive orangutans back into the wild. The orangutan foundation is a member of the Great Ape Alliance, a coalition of 40 charities worldwide, working for the great ape conservation.
Please note that this trail is for the very fit and serious trekker, and requires participants to be able to hill trek for several hours per day in tropical and humid conditions.
This tough trip is for you if:
➢ You are interested in wildlife, conservation and the natural environment.
➢ You are interested in indigenous people and their way of life.
➢ You are really adventurous.
➢ You are used to outdoor activities.
➢ You are physically very fit and do not mind to rough it out.
➢ You will be able to trek for several hours a day in hot and humid tropical conditions.
➢ You have no problem carrying you own personal belongings.
➢ You do not mind to sleep overnight in the jungle in a hammock just sheltered by a canvas.
➢ You do not mind to get wet and dirty.
➢ Leeches and similar creatures do not put you off.
➢ You will have no problem eating simple meals prepared over an open fire.
➢ You do not mind to return with sore muscles, blisters etc.
How this holiday makes a difference
In line with our commitment to responsible tourism, all guides and assisting staff on this trip are local people from the Iban tribe. All of our guides and assisting staff on this trek are committed to the conservation of Borneo’s primary rainforest and educate each group about the local wildlife, flora and indigenous populations that live in the Sarawak and the surrounding area.
This trek is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint with the majority of the tours using people power such as walking or kayaking. The tours are designed for small groups to ensure minimal impact to the local environment. We also provide clients with a list of things they can do to reduce their impact on the environment whilst on the trek such as using biodegradable soaps and packaging’s.
The Red Ape Trail segment of this tour is built up around the Nanga Sumpa longhouse and with the help from the local people from this community. Trekking in this region brings an income to a very remote community. A percentage of the money from the trek goes to support the local communities by using local produce and handicrafts.
The accommodation whilst on the Red Ape trail has been chosen for its responsible environmental policies. The accommodation has been designed to fit in with the natural environment by using native building materials and whilst at the Borneo Adventure Lodge the accommodation is keeping with the traditional designs of longhouses. The accommodation has also been chosen for the minimal impact it has on the environment for example the hotels and lodges do not wash linen every day.
Furthermore the Red Ape Trail tour focus on conservation of the orangutans particularly and the wildlife in general. For each individual tour participant, USD100 will be given to The Orangutan Foundation (UK). This fund was established in 1990 and it aims to protect the orangutan and to conserve its rainforest habitat. The Foundation also cares for, and repatriates ex-captive orangutans back into the wild. The orangutan foundation is a member of the Great Ape Alliance, a coalition of 40 charities worldwide, working for the great ape conservation.
On all of our tours we employ local staff and are committed to the development and education of our staff providing training sessions, travel opportunities and other opportunities to participate in Community Based Tourism Projects within Cambodia. When clients book a tour with us they are also provided with information about local charities they can support and a guide to local restaurants and crafts.
We have been actively implementing green practices which stretch from our offices to our partners throughout the whole of South East Asia. We have spent 13 years enthusiastically researching socially and environmentally sensitive tourism opportunities in South East Asia.
At a local level we actively participates in reducing its environmental impact by recycling and reducing the amount of paper transactions by providing our information to our clients electronically. We also use fans in the office instead of air conditioning.
Notes
This is a trek that can be incorporated into a longer Symbiosis tailor made holiday to Malaysia that can be adapted and tailored to meet your dates, preferences and passions. Please contact one of our bespoke holiday planners to create the ideal itinerary for you.
Short Trek, 5 Days/4 Nights
Day 1: Kuching – Nanga Sumpa Longhouse (L, D)
Pick-up from your hotel lobby at around 0830hrs and proceed to Batang Ai reservoir by road (4.5 hrs). Journey through rural Sarawak, passing pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantation. En-route, a few stops will be made. Visit the colourful native market in Serian town where a variety of jungle produce such as edible ferns, bamboo shoots and unusual tropical fruit are on display. Visit a pepper garden and stop by to view wild orchids and several species of pitcher plants. Lunch en route. Upon arrival at the Batang Ai reservoir, transfer for 1 hour by longboat to Nanga Jelia, the trek starting point. Hike about 20 minutes to the jungle lodge. There will be time for relaxing and swimming later in the day. Following dinner, join your guide for a jungle walk. Civet cats can be spotted in these areas. Large toads, frogs and tortoises can also be found in the nearby stream. Overnight at the Borneo Adventure Lodge, adjacent to the Nanga Sumpa Longhouse.
Day 2: Nanga Jelia – Sungai Mawang (B, L, D)
After morning breakfast, trek for about 4 hours to Mawang, stopping for a pic nic lunch en route. Along the rainforest trails in this area you will spend time to look for wild orangutans and other wildlife like the pig-tailed macaque, giant squirrel and a variety of birds. While the orangutans are only occasionally seen, their nests can usually be observed. Upon arrival, set camp and prepare for evening meal. Dinner and overnight at Sg. Mawang jungle camp along the riverbank.
Day 3: Sungai Mawang – Keladan Pengirup Ai (B, L, D)
After breakfast, start hiking for about 6 hours from Sg. Mawang to Keladan Pengirup Ai. Lunch along the way. Continue hiking to Keladan Pengirup Ai. Upon arrival, set up your camp. You can also help the guides to gather jungle produce like bamboo shoots or edible ferns for your dinner. Orangutans are occasionally seen (at dusk or at dawn) in this area. Dinner and overnight at Keladan Pengirup Ai jungle camp.
Day 4: Keladan Pengirup Ai – Nanga Sumpa Longhouse (B, L, D)
Trekking for about 7 hours from Keladan Pengirup Ai back to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. Have lunch along the route. You will search for wild orangutans and other wildlife in this area before returning to the Delok river and eventually settling in at Borneo Adventure's jungle lodge at Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. After dinner proceed to the longhouse across the river. Spend some time “berandau” (talk) with the longhouse people before retracing for the night. Overnight at Borneo Adventure’s lodge.
Day 5: Nanga Sumpa – Kuching (B, L)
Following breakfast, depart down river by longboat, then overland. Lunch en route. Proceed to Kuching airport directly or drop-off at Kuching hotel.
PRICE IN MALAYSIAN RINGIT
Based on 2 people: RM 3,636
Price includes:
All ground transfers as per itinerary
Trips as indicated above
English speaking guide
Meals as indicated above (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Donation to local conservation project
Not included:
Optional activities
Alcoholic beverages
Items not mentioned above
Accommodation in Kuching
Price is per person, based on minimum 2 persons travelling. If you have a larger group the price may come down so please ask. Maximum 8.
Notes
THIS ITINERARY CAN BE USED AS A COMPONENT WITHIN A LONGER VISIT TO BORNEO AND CAN ALSO BE ADJUSTED TO SUIT YOUR INTERESTS. THE PRICE IS BASED ON MINIMUM 2 PEOPLE, BUT IF YOU HAVE A LARGER GROUP IS LIKELY TO BE LESS - PLEASE ASK.
Full Trek, 13 Day/12 Night
Day 01: Arrival
Arrival in Kuching airport. Meet and transfer to your hotel to check in. In the late afternoon, board the MV Equatorial for a sunset river cruise at Sarawak River. This is an excellent way to start your visit in Sarawak and you will have the opportunity to see Kuching city from a different angle. Overnight Kuching.
Day 02: Kuching - Bako National Park (B, L, D)
Drive about 35 minutes to Bako Village. From the village, take about a 25-minute boat ride (depending on the tide) to the park situated in a peninsula. Bako is one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife in a natural surrounding. The various types of animals that are commonly spotted at Bako include the proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, long tail macaques, wild boars, monitor lizards and numerous species of birds. Tropical rainforest ranges from mangrove to kerangas (heath forest), tropical swamp vegetation, cliff vegetation and beach vegetation. There are several trails inside the park depending on level of fitness and interest. After dinner go for a night walk. Overnight at the park chalet.
Day 03: Bako National Park (B, L, D)
Spend the morning bird watching and observing proboscis monkeys then hike to the Kerangas plateau. Pitcher plants, orchids, antplants and a variety of unusual and unique forest vegetation can be spotted. There is a possibility to swim in the warm waters of the South China Sea by one of the secluded beaches. This is subject to sea and weather condition. Return for more bird watching and wildlife viewing activities in the afternoon. After dinner go for a night walk. Overnight at the park chalet.
Day 04: Bako National Park – Kuching (B, L)
Following breakfast, depart for a final hike on one of the trails spotting rare migratory birds and searching for the rare and elusive proboscis monkey, a primate to be found only in Borneo. Return to Kuching mid-afternoon (schedule may depend on tide). Overnight at Kuching.
Day 05: Mangrove Swamp Cruise. (B)
The morning is free at leisure to explore Kuching city on you own. In the mid-afternoon, drive from Kuching for about 45 mins in the direction of Damai beach. Board a small boat and start your cruise to the mouth of the Salak River and later enter in to the Kuching Wetland National Park. You should be able to spot the elusive and rare schools of Irawaddy dolphins which are quite common in this area. As you continue your cruise along the Salak River, experience the lush mangrove forest. And depending on the tide, you should be able to see the mudskippers, blue crabs, kingfishers and other birds and perhaps the odd small crocodiles. Occasionally, macaque and the proboscis monkeys may be seen. Your cruise will take you by Kampong Salak, a small and traditional Malay fishing village build on stilts. End your cruise at Damai beach or Santubong Village where you drive back to your hotel. Overnight Kuching.
Note: Since you will be exposed to the hot tropical sun, we highly recommend that you bring along a hat, sun glasses and sun screen lotion.
Day 06: Kuching Caving; Big Spaces, Cool Streams (full day). (B,L)
We leave Kuching at 09:00 and drive for about 1 hour to a Bidayuh village. All equipment is provided. You only need to bring a change of T-shirt and underwear, a towel, insect repellant and sun block. Once the equipment and safety briefings are complete we have a 10 minute walk across some of the areas prettiest farmland to the staircase to the cave entrance. In the cave we will provide a briefing on its history and pre-history as you look at the cave paintings that cover the walls. Then we go deep inside the cave. Ceilings in this cave can be as high as 300’ and there are streams, waterfalls and enormous calcite structures to admire as well as a wide range of cave dwellers. The easy route visits two chambers before leaving through the main exit and going to a second cave for a swim. The intermediate route goes much further into the cave including passing through the birds nesting chamber before we retrace our steps. After we’ve cleaned up we have some food either in the Kampung or at a restaurant on the way back to Kuching. We arrive back some time between 17:00 and 18:00. Timings may vary. Overnight Kuching.
Remarks:
- Food provided is either late lunch or early dinner. - Alcoholic beverages are not included. - We recommend you to bring along some energy bars or other high energy snacks if you have a tendency to get hungry easily or get low blood sugar. - We reserve the right to alter the routing and activities of the trip in the rare case of extreme weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. - Liability release form to be signed by all participants.
Note: Optional tour instead of caving: Rainforest Kayak Adventure, full day.
Day 07: The Red Ape Trail; Kuching - Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. (B,L,D)
Pick-up from hotel lobby at 08.30hrs and proceed to Batang Ai reservoir (41/2hrs). Journey through rural Sarawak, passing pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantation. En-route, a few stops will be made. Visit the colourful native market in Serian town where a variety of jungle produce such as edible ferns, bamboo shoots and unusual tropical fruit are on display. Visit a pepper garden and stop by to view wild orchids and several species of pitcher plants. Lunch en route. Upon arrival at the Batang Ai reservoir, proceed by longboat (1 1/2 hrs) upriver to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. Settle in at Borneo Adventure’s jungle lodge. Dinner is served in the lodge with local delicacies to enhance the meal. After dinner proceed to the longhouse across the river. Relax on the ruai (common verandah) and spend time with the Iban people. Learn about their culture and enjoy some local rice wine. Woven blankets and handicrafts are available for display upon request and may be purchased directly from the longhouse people. Overnight at the Borneo Adventure lodge.
Day 08: Nanga Sumpa Longhouse – Sungai Mawang. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, trek about 4 hours to Mawang. Lunch will be taken en-route. Along the rainforest trails in this area you will spend time to look for wild orangutans and other wildlife like the pig-tailed macaque, giant squirrel and a variety of birds. While the orangutans are only occasionally seen, their nests can usually be observed. Upon arrival, set camp and prepare for evening meal. Dinner and overnight at Sg. Mawang jungle camp along the riverbank.
Day 09: Sungai Mawang - Keladan Pengirup Ai. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, start hiking for about 6 hours from Sg. Mawang to Keladan Pengirup Ai. Lunch along the way. Continue hiking to Keladan Pengirup Ai. Upon arrival, set up your camp. You can also help the guides to gather jungle produce like bamboo shoots or edible ferns for your dinner. Orangutans are occasionally seen (at dusk or at dawn) in this area. Dinner and overnight at Keladan Pengirup Ai jungle camp.
Day 10: Keladan Pengirup Ai – Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. (B, L, D)
Trekking for about 7 hours from Keladan Pengirup Ai back to Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. Have lunch along the route. You will search for wild orangutans and other wildlife in this area before returning to the Delok river and eventually settling in at a jungle lodge adjacent to the Nanga Sumpa Longhouse. After dinner proceed to the longhouse across the river. Spend some time “berandau” (talk) with the longhouse people before retracing for the night. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 11: Nanga Sumpa Longhouse – Kuching. (B, L)
Following breakfast, depart down river by longboat, then overland. Lunch en route. Proceed to Kuching and drop off at your hotel. Overnight in Kuching.
Day 12: Dinner at private home / farewell dinner
The day is a leisure in Kuching. We pick you from your hotel at half past six, transfer you to a private home to have a meal with a local family. This will provide you an intimate interaction with your host family while taking in good Kuching food. What better way to experience first hand genuine Kuching hospitality over local specialities. Discover the customs and ways of your hosts and be surprised by the particular and universal concerns and considerations of the average citizen in Sarawak. Return to the hotel by ten o’clock. Overnight in Kuching.
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to Kuching airport for your departure flight
Included:
- All ground transfers as per itinerary
- Trips as indicated above
- English speaking guide
- Meals as indicated above (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
- Donation to local conservation project
Not included:
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items not mentioned above
- Accommodation in Kuching
Notes
Min group size: 2, max: 8 people. Larger groups will be divided and will follow opposite routes. Prices below are based on 4 people up.
* NOTE. Prices indicated on this website are shown as a guideline only and may be subject to currency fluctuations, banking fees and other changes outside our control. Pricing information is available in
other currencies.
