Silver Haired Gappies
Asia
8 day trip to Bali Indonesia
Visit marred by the mountains of tourist rubbish and permanent traffic jams throughout the island. The previous year Gili T authorities forced the demolition of all properties between the circumference road and the sea resulting in lots of rubble, construction plastic and concrete sacks on the seabed. Heartbreaking.
Ubud and environs were beautiful. Seminyak was fun.
Part of a trip: Singapore, Borneo, Bali, Sri Lanka, Oman.
Arranged with Trailfinders
Did not use Ground Staff - hired own taxis/boats
10 day trip to Borneo Malaysia
Day One/Two Kuching
Stay
Perfect position overlooking the Sarawak river in the heart of the colonial city of Kuching.
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Visit
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Sarawak Orchid Garden
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Main Bazaar
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Tua Pek Kong temple
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Kuching City tour
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Semenggoh Wildlife Centre - care centre for orangutans.
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Kuching Waterfront walk
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Sarawak Museum
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St Peter's Catholic Church
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Day Four Danum Valley
Stay. Danum Valley Forest Lodge (Not on Expedia)
Uniquely situated within a 130 million year forest of 43,800 hectares, home to 320 species of birds and 120 species of mammals. Superb, comfortable eco chalets. Orangutans wander freely close to the lodge. A must for visiting Borneo.
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Visit
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Fly to Lahad Datu, driven 2.30 hours to lodge.
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Introductory talk & slideshow
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Canopy walk: 26m high, 300m long.
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Night drive
Day Five/Six Danum Valley
Stay Danum Valley Forest Lodge (Not on Expedia)
Visit
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2.5 hr trek to "Coffin Cliff"
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Refreshing dip in forest streams
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Numerous guided 1 hr treks through forest
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Use of spa
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Guided night walk/drive
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Eat
Lodge food was excellent.
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Day Seven/Eight
Kinabatangan River
Stay Sukau Rainforest Lodge
(Not on Expedia)
A National Geographic Unique Lodge, nestled into the bank of the Kinabatangan River, which boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the region.
*Arrive after 4 hrs drive from Danum Valley.
Visit
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Take private river cruises from early morning to nightfall.
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Spot pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and orangutans.
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Birdlife: kingfishers, oriental darters, bee eaters and hornbills.
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Day Nine Sandakan
Stay Four Points Sheraton
​ (Closed)
Situated overlooking the Sulu Sea and harbour, based in a sad and deprived town centre.
*Arrive after 3.3 hr drive from Danum Valley.
Visit
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Gomatong Caves - home to famous birds' nests and bats.
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Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
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Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre
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St Mary's Cathedral
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Lunch at English Tea House
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Day 10 Fly on to Bali
Both Sabah and Sarawak, the two regions visited, are in Malaysia. Fantastic wildlife. Kuching was most developed city. Sandakan city centre had fallen into disrepair with buildings taken over by the homeless.
Acres of deforestation planted with the 'palm oil dream'. Seas abundant with floating debris , was warned not to visit islands.
The Lodges, in particular Danum Valley. Observing culture and development.
St Peter's Church, Kuching; St. Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan
Part of a trip: Singapore, Borneo, Bali, Sri Lanka, Oman.
Arranged with Trailfinders
Ground Staff - Exo Travel
Singapore
Visit Singapore
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Marina Bay Sands & Merlion Park
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Gardens by the Bay
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Cloud Forest & Supertree Grove
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Botanic Gardens
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Kampong Glam & Arab Street
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Little India
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Clarke Quay
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Sentosa Island: Tanjong Beach Club
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National Museum
Eat Singapore
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The Lantern - Marina Bay
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Lavo - Marina Bay
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Vineyard - Hort Park
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The Populus Cafe - Neil Road
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Open Farm Community - Minden Rd
Bars
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Singapore Cricket Club - guest of member
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Spago Bar & Lounge
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1 Altitude
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CE LA VI
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Loof
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Tanjong Beach Club
Trip enhanced by son's local knowledge residing as undergraduate, and later postgraduate , of NUS. Vibrant modern city - be sure not to miss the historic centre. Gruelling daytime heat can restict sightseeing.
Gardens are outstanding! Food everywhere is exceptional, rooftop bars memorable!
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd; Our Lady of Lourdes; St Joseph's
Part of a trip: Singapore, Borneo, Bali, Sri Lanka, Oman