Welcome to Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak! We pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our tour hotel in the city center (please arrive before noon or, if possible, the day before). The tour begins in the early afternoon when, after a bike briefing at our Kuching base, we’ll explore this culturally rich city by bike. Our 12 km loop first takes us through Kuching’s Heritage Zone, known for its fusion of Malay, Chinese, Islamic, British, and modern architecture. We then continue through riverside kampongs (local neighborhoods), visit a market to sample street food, and cross the Sarawak River on a traditional ‘sampan’ boat. In the evening, we reconvene for a welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in town.
The Waterfront Hotel
Dinner
Ride 12km
+49m
-48mToday we transfer around 30 km from Kuching into the countryside for our first taste of rural Sarawak. We saddle-up and cycle along fabulous back roads that wind through banana plantations, betel nut tree forests, rice fields, and farming communities. As we head south, the surroundings grow more remote, culminating in our arrival at the indigenous village of Annah Rais, home to the Bidayuh people. The Bidayuh, with a rich cultural heritage tied to the Borneo rainforests, traditionally reside in communal longhouses shared by multiple families. We arrive in time for lunch and then take a leisurely stroll through the village, delving into the unique lifeways of the Bidayuh, which in ancient times, included the intriguing practice of headhunting! In the afternoon, you can cool down with a swim at a nearby stream before we settle down for dinner. Our overnight stay at a village homestay in Annah Rais provides a rustic yet comfortable experience, offering a deeper connection to the local way of life.
Bidayuh Annah Rais HomestayBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 35km+327m-281mToday we paddle and pedal our way north, enjoying more scenes of rural and wild Sarawak! In the morning, after a short transfer out of Annah Rais, we board kayaks for a relaxing drift down the Sarawak River. This is a great way to soak in the ambiance of the surrounding rainforest and, if we’re lucky, spot some wildlife along the banks. We’ll be kayaking around 10 km and no previous experience is required. After reaching the end-point, we’ll have lunch and then it’s back onto our bikes for a fun and scenic rural ride along the back roads of Sarawak. Our destination is a Chinese-style village offering accommodation surrounded by peaceful gardens. The philosophy here is Buddhist, including an adherence to vegetarianism and abstaining from alcohol. This will be our home for two nights, offering an immersive experience focused on Borneo’s Chinese and Buddhist cultural heritage. Nearby the village is Siniawan, a small historic town on the Sarawak River which retains a distinct old-world charm through its vintage shophouses and colonial-era architecture. This evening, dinner is on your own as we head into Siniawan where you can take your pick of several options in this enchanting little town!
Kuching Buddhist New VillageBreakfast, Lunch
Ride 38km+421m-427mWe begin the day with a 45 minute transfer to Semenggoh Nature Reserve, a rehabilitation center for orangutans that have been injured, orphaned, or rescued from captivity. The goal is to reintroduce them to the wild in the surrounding forests. We arrive in time for the 09:00 AM feeding time, when fruits and other snacks are laid out to supplement their diet. This is one of the best chances to see orangutans up close but please be aware that sightings cannot be guaranteed (the apes may not come out when it rains or during the fruiting season when their favorite snacks are readily available inside the jungle - should we get unlucky, we’ll try again on Day 7!). After our visit we’ll transfer an hour to the fabled Fairy Cave to check out the impressive limestone formations and learn about its religious significance. From here we’ll get on our bikes and loop back to Kuching Buddhist Village via a scenic backcountry route, stopping for lunch along the way.
Kuching Buddhist New VillageBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 39km+369m-368mToday’s ride is the longest of the tour but also one of the most picturesque. Starting directly from the Buddhist Village, we begin riding accompanied by familiar scenes of the quiet Borneon countryside and then, at around 25 km we will have reached the eastern edge of Kubah National Park. The landscape here, characterized by jungle-draped hillsides and prominent peaks like Mount Serapi, paints a lovely backdrop for the rest of our ride. Once we reach the northern point of Kubah National Park, it won’t be long before we reach the estuaries of the Sibu Laut and Salak Rivers where mangrove forests and wetlands sprawl into the distance. We end our ride in the small fishing village of Telaga Air, a favorite hangout for Kuchingites who come here to relax by the waterfront, eat seafood, and enjoy delicious coconut shakes! We’ll do just the same and then transfer one hour further east to the Santubong Peninsula. Jutting into the South China Sea just north of Kuching, Santubong is home to the iconic Santubong Mountain which is surrounded by lush forests and pristine beaches. What better place to base ourselves at an eco-resort for the next two nights!
Permai Rainforest ResortBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 63km+561m-584mThe Santubong Peninsula is the ideal place for a free day, offering opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. If you want to take it easy, then you can get cozy in the golden sands of one of the nearby beaches overlooking the South China Sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, then rise early for a trek up the steep cliffs of Mount Santubong. Shorter, more leisurely hikes are also available. One of the most recommended activities in the area is a wetland cruise. Available in both the mornings and evenings, this is a fun outing into the rivers and mangroves of Santubong for a chance to see Irrawaddy dolphins, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and other wildlife. Any activities today are at your own expense to be paid locally.
Permai Rainforest ResortBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerBeginning from our resort, we first cycle down the Santubong Peninsula to get back onto the mainland. Over the course of roughly 35 km we’ll then make our way back to Kuching, entering the city through the “backdoor” as we transition from the quiet roads of the wetlands and hinterlands to the busy urban streets! We’ll arrive in Kuching in time for lunch with the rest of the afternoon at leisure. If we didn’t see any orangutans on the morning of Day 4 then today, after lunch in Kuching, we will drive out to Semenggoh Nature Reserve for a second chance, this time during the afternoon feeding time (fingers crossed!). Whichever way the afternoon takes shape, in the evening we celebrate our Bornean adventure with a goodbye dinner in Kuching.
The Waterfront HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 44km+132m-128mTime to head home, extend your stay in Kuching, or travel to your next destination in Southeast Asia. There are plenty more places to explore! If you have a flight out today, we’ll bring you to the airport.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
DestinationsMalaysia
Tour MeetsKuching, Malaysia 
Fly in toKuching International Airport (KCH)
Group Size2-16 riders
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)Airport pick upAirport drop offAccommodationSnacks and drinksKayaking
International flightsDomestic flightsVisa feesAlcoholTips
We ride 231 km over 6 cycling days. We designed the route to experience a wide variety of Sarawak’s terrain and scenery including rural areas, jungles, wetlands and coasts. The daily distances are between 30 - 60 km, keeping a leisurely pace to soak in our surroundings and leave time for other activities. To avoid busy highways and keep riding distances manageable, most days include some time in the support van before or after the ride. Your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way. This tour is fully supported with a vehicle following us at all times, except on Day 1 when we ride in Kuching.
The cycling is complemented with a wide variety of opportunities to be immersed in Sarawak’s natural and cultural heritage, including spending a night in the indigenous village of Annah Rais and two nights in the Chinese-Buddhist village near Siniawan. We also include a kayaking trip and a visit to Fairy Cave! The highlight for many people coming on this tour is, of course, the opportunity to see the famous orangutans - but it is important to be aware that encounters cannot be guaranteed. If we do not see orangutans the first time on day 4 we will try again a second time on day 7, so rest-assured we’ll do our best.
Suitability: This tour is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Although the distances are not that long, the heat and humidity of equatorial Borneo ensure things feel hot. Most days include undulations but gradients are gentle so the climbing is not too strenuous. There is no technical riding required on this tour. A support vehicle is always nearby to offer refuge to any weary cyclists. All of the riding takes place on paved roads, so this tour is not suitable for any riders seeking off-road experiences.
Biking Conditions: The roads surfaces are all paved and mostly in good condition, though potholes and loose gravel can present themselves. We have designed this route to feature quiet roads with little traffic, though at times - especially near towns or popular attractions - you should expect to share the road with cars, motorbikes, and buses. Rainfall is not uncommon in Borneo and can affect cycling conditions - we generally ride rain or shine though, based on the guide’s discretion or your level of comfort, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!
Welcome to Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak! We pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our tour hotel in the city center (please arrive before noon or, if possible, the day before). The tour begins in the early afternoon when, after a bike briefing at our Kuching base, we’ll explore this culturally rich city by bike. Our 12 km loop first takes us through Kuching’s Heritage Zone, known for its fusion of Malay, Chinese, Islamic, British, and modern architecture. We then continue through riverside kampongs (local neighborhoods), visit a market to sample street food, and cross the Sarawak River on a traditional ‘sampan’ boat. In the evening, we reconvene for a welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in town.
The Waterfront HotelDinnerRide 12km+49m-48mToday we transfer around 30 km from Kuching into the countryside for our first taste of rural Sarawak. We saddle-up and cycle along fabulous back roads that wind through banana plantations, betel nut tree forests, rice fields, and farming communities. As we head south, the surroundings grow more remote, culminating in our arrival at the indigenous village of Annah Rais, home to the Bidayuh people. The Bidayuh, with a rich cultural heritage tied to the Borneo rainforests, traditionally reside in communal longhouses shared by multiple families. We arrive in time for lunch and then take a leisurely stroll through the village, delving into the unique lifeways of the Bidayuh, which in ancient times, included the intriguing practice of headhunting! In the afternoon, you can cool down with a swim at a nearby stream before we settle down for dinner. Our overnight stay at a village homestay in Annah Rais provides a rustic yet comfortable experience, offering a deeper connection to the local way of life.
Bidayuh Annah Rais HomestayBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 35km+327m-281mToday we paddle and pedal our way north, enjoying more scenes of rural and wild Sarawak! In the morning, after a short transfer out of Annah Rais, we board kayaks for a relaxing drift down the Sarawak River. This is a great way to soak in the ambiance of the surrounding rainforest and, if we’re lucky, spot some wildlife along the banks. We’ll be kayaking around 10 km and no previous experience is required. After reaching the end-point, we’ll have lunch and then it’s back onto our bikes for a fun and scenic rural ride along the back roads of Sarawak. Our destination is a Chinese-style village offering accommodation surrounded by peaceful gardens. The philosophy here is Buddhist, including an adherence to vegetarianism and abstaining from alcohol. This will be our home for two nights, offering an immersive experience focused on Borneo’s Chinese and Buddhist cultural heritage. Nearby the village is Siniawan, a small historic town on the Sarawak River which retains a distinct old-world charm through its vintage shophouses and colonial-era architecture. This evening, dinner is on your own as we head into Siniawan where you can take your pick of several options in this enchanting little town!
Kuching Buddhist New VillageBreakfast, LunchRide 38km+421m-427mWe begin the day with a 45 minute transfer to Semenggoh Nature Reserve, a rehabilitation center for orangutans that have been injured, orphaned, or rescued from captivity. The goal is to reintroduce them to the wild in the surrounding forests. We arrive in time for the 09:00 AM feeding time, when fruits and other snacks are laid out to supplement their diet. This is one of the best chances to see orangutans up close but please be aware that sightings cannot be guaranteed (the apes may not come out when it rains or during the fruiting season when their favorite snacks are readily available inside the jungle - should we get unlucky, we’ll try again on Day 7!). After our visit we’ll transfer an hour to the fabled Fairy Cave to check out the impressive limestone formations and learn about its religious significance. From here we’ll get on our bikes and loop back to Kuching Buddhist Village via a scenic backcountry route, stopping for lunch along the way.
Kuching Buddhist New VillageBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 39km+369m-368mToday’s ride is the longest of the tour but also one of the most picturesque. Starting directly from the Buddhist Village, we begin riding accompanied by familiar scenes of the quiet Borneon countryside and then, at around 25 km we will have reached the eastern edge of Kubah National Park. The landscape here, characterized by jungle-draped hillsides and prominent peaks like Mount Serapi, paints a lovely backdrop for the rest of our ride. Once we reach the northern point of Kubah National Park, it won’t be long before we reach the estuaries of the Sibu Laut and Salak Rivers where mangrove forests and wetlands sprawl into the distance. We end our ride in the small fishing village of Telaga Air, a favorite hangout for Kuchingites who come here to relax by the waterfront, eat seafood, and enjoy delicious coconut shakes! We’ll do just the same and then transfer one hour further east to the Santubong Peninsula. Jutting into the South China Sea just north of Kuching, Santubong is home to the iconic Santubong Mountain which is surrounded by lush forests and pristine beaches. What better place to base ourselves at an eco-resort for the next two nights!
Permai Rainforest ResortBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 63km+561m-584mThe Santubong Peninsula is the ideal place for a free day, offering opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. If you want to take it easy, then you can get cozy in the golden sands of one of the nearby beaches overlooking the South China Sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, then rise early for a trek up the steep cliffs of Mount Santubong. Shorter, more leisurely hikes are also available. One of the most recommended activities in the area is a wetland cruise. Available in both the mornings and evenings, this is a fun outing into the rivers and mangroves of Santubong for a chance to see Irrawaddy dolphins, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and other wildlife. Any activities today are at your own expense to be paid locally.
Permai Rainforest ResortBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerBeginning from our resort, we first cycle down the Santubong Peninsula to get back onto the mainland. Over the course of roughly 35 km we’ll then make our way back to Kuching, entering the city through the “backdoor” as we transition from the quiet roads of the wetlands and hinterlands to the busy urban streets! We’ll arrive in Kuching in time for lunch with the rest of the afternoon at leisure. If we didn’t see any orangutans on the morning of Day 4 then today, after lunch in Kuching, we will drive out to Semenggoh Nature Reserve for a second chance, this time during the afternoon feeding time (fingers crossed!). Whichever way the afternoon takes shape, in the evening we celebrate our Bornean adventure with a goodbye dinner in Kuching.
The Waterfront HotelBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 44km+132m-128mTime to head home, extend your stay in Kuching, or travel to your next destination in Southeast Asia. There are plenty more places to explore! If you have a flight out today, we’ll bring you to the airport.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section.
If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is in good mechanical order.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
UPDATE: Beginning 1 January 2024, all international travelers, whether arriving by land or by air, must pre-apply for a Digital Arrival Card within three days prior to their planned date of entry. This can be done by completing an online registration form. Guests should then bring a printed copy of the completed form to present to immigration officers on arrival. Here is a link to the registration form. Please make sure to fill it out before your planned arrival in Malaysia.
There are no special vaccinations required for Malaysia; however you may want to take Malaria tablets as we will be traveling in Borneo's jungle area. Please check with your doctor prior to departure.
The whole of Malaysia has a classic tropical climate and remains hot and humid throughout the year and rain showers occur almost daily. Average temperature ranges from 15°C/ 59F to 25°C/ 77F at higher elevations and 21°C/ 70F to 32°C/ 90F around the coasts, such as Malacca and surrounding areas. The highlands have a distinctly different climate to the rest of Malaysia. Temperatures average a very pleasant 22°C/ 72F in the daytime and a relatively cool 15°C/ 60F at night – an excellent climate for growing tea, flowers and fruit, and for visitors it offers a pleasant contrast to the hotter lowland areas. A typical day consists of blue skies in the morning, showery afternoons and chilly nights, with rainfall at it’s heaviest between September and early December.
Borneo has an equatorial climate, which is hot and humid year-round. Average daily temperatures are around 30 Celsius and the humidity can be high. Rain is also fairly common though we have scheduled these tours to avoid the monsoon season.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are local Malay food and feature noodles, rice, curries and soups. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. We are riding in a Muslim country and though beer is available, it might not be served in some halal restaurants where we will eat. If you choose to purchase some beer please note it is NOT included in the price.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$10, for incidentals. It is customary to tip local tour guides and drivers, however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide we suggest US$ 3-4 per person per day is appropriate.
The official currency is the Malaysian ringgit (RM). Foreign currencies are not generally accepted. The airport is the best places to exchange money. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, but you’ll need cash in villages and in the jungle. Credit cards can be used only in larger hotels.
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
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