Planning your vacation? Can't find something different? Getting sick of big cities? Then you are looking at the right page!
BORNEO WONDER @ GREAT LEAP TOURS SDN BHDwishes to extend our heartiest greetings and warmest welcome to all travelers out there! We promise you our best services in assisting you to explore the many wonders of nature and culture Borneo can offer you, all within your budget. Our foundation is to assure you memorable experiences in Borneo Sarawak, the Land of the Hornbills, a paradise full of unique tropical wildlife & marine life, colourful diverse cultures and magnificent natural beauty.
Every customer is special to us! Our packages are specially designed for you, from a total peace of mind to power packed adventures, you dream it we plan it!
SARAWAKis part of Borneo Island and Malaysia's largest state, located at East of Malaysia and covering an area of 124,450sq km, with Kuching as its capital city. Its population stands at 1.7 million and consists of 27 ethnic groups. Sarawak is best known for its natural and cultural wonders. The majestic hornbill, a protected bird, is the state emblem. Borneo is a tropical paradise, endowed with the world's richest and most diverse ecosystem, from Virgin Rainforest to serene beaches where unique wildlife and marine life can be found within close vicinity to the main cities.
PLACES OF INTEREST
KUCHING The capital of Sarawak, Kuching is a riverine city on the banks of the Sarawak River. It is voted as one of the top ten cleanest cities in the world by WHO and is one of the healthiest and cleanest city in Malaysia. It has landscaped parks and gardens, elegant colonial buildings, colourful markets and a bustling waterfront. There is also a state mosque, churches and temples with artistic architectural features. Kuching has one of Asia's finest museums with excellent collections of Borneo ethnological and archaeological exhibits. Kuching is one of the most unique city in the world, it is a combination of modern city and oldest living ecosystem on earth.
KUCHING WATERFRONT This is a colourful place for soaking up the sights and sounds of the local culture. There are open-air food stalls and stalls selling fruits and vegetables. Within the area is a very interesting hawker and handicraft centre. The sunset cruise along the Sarawak River will totally sooth your mind while an evening stroll along the waterfront will simply build up your appetite for a superb dinner at the famous Top Spot Seafood Centre just across the road.
MATANG WILDLIFE CENTRE Matang Wildlife Centre was established to provide sanctuary for various endangered species of wildlife in Sarawak such as sambar deers, crocodiles, sun bears, civets, bear cats and a host of birds native to Sarawak. This forest reserve is also a natural research centre where training on the friendly apes - Orang Utans are conducted. Waterfalls, rock pools, picnic spots and scenic natural trails make this the perfect camping site.
BAKO NATIONAL PARK Bako National Park, a 30 minutes boat trip from Bako Fishing Village, is a natural wildlife sanctuary for monkeys, bearded boars, monitor lizards, pit viper etc. The well-marked trails take you to pristine beaches where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea water. Bako is also a paradise for bird watcher, where you can be pampered by the beauty of nature.
SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE Sarawak Cultural Village is also known as the 'Living Museum', where the major indigenous tribes in Sarawak can be found dwelling in their individual longhouse or hut. They will introduce their unique cultures and traditions to visitors. Be overwhelmed by the traditional welcoming gestures at each home and the art of making handicrafts. Visitors can also sit back and enjoy the magnificent cultural performances at the air-conditioned theatre.
MULU NATIONAL PARK Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains one of the world's largest and most extensive cave systems, with razor sharp limestone pinnacles. The spectacular view not to be missed would be the exodus of millions of bats from the dim caverns at dusk.
MOUNT KINABALU NATIONAL PARK Mount Kinabalu, the focal point of Kinabalu Park, is nominated as a World Heritage Site. Challengers who make it to the summit will not only earn a certificate of merit, but also a victorious life-enriching experience of watching sunset at the highest peak of Southeast Asia. The Kinabalu Park encompasses the Poring Hot Springs where you can rejuvenate your body and mind in the natural health spa amidst the tropical rainforest.
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST If you are craving for an escape from the bustling city life, the many beautiful beach resorts throughout Borneo such as Holiday Inn Damai Beach Resort, Damai Lagoon Resort & Spa, Santubong Kuching Resort, Permai Rainforest Resort and Palm Beach Resort, would be the perfect destinations for your getaway holidays. Other than that, nestled deep within the sprawling rainforest at an altitude of 1000 metres, you can let the tranquility and cool surroundings of Borneo Highlands Resort, Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club totally revitalize your heart and soul. A trip to the local natives' longhouses like Annah Rais longhouse or Lemanak longhouse will complete your vacation in Sarawak, and you will experience a close encounter with our very hospitable aboriginal natives and learn about their interesting lifestyle and culture.
For details of more places of interest, please see Our Packages or contact us.
CULTURES
Malaysia, where the East & West cultures meet and where South & North separated. Our colourful culture is a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian and various indigenous tribes dating back to more than 1,500 years ago. Other cultures in the past that influenced heavily on the traditions of Malaysia include the Portuguese, Dutch, Persian, Arabian and British.
In this multiracial nation, freedom in religious beliefs is a direct reflection of peace and harmony. Malays are Muslims while Chinese are predominately Taoists or Buddhists, though some are Christians. The majorities of Malaysia's Indian population are Hindu, though sizable percentages are also Muslims and Christians. Many indigenous tribes of East Malaysia have converted to Christianity although some still follow their animist traditions.
The indigenous tribes in Sarawak consist of Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Kedayan, Murut, Bisayah, Berawan, Penan and Orang Ulu (the upstream tribes). Most of them dwell along the great rivers in longhouses, where the entire population of a village virtually lives under one roof. The Iban, being the largest ethnic group in Sarawak, is once the most feared headhunter. But in this modern civilized world, they are now very hospitable people, especially to visitors.
ACTIVITIES
Borneo offers you never-ending adventure, from mild to vigorous, land to sea. Challenge your adrenaline level with various activities such as cave excursions, rock/mountain climbing, jungle trekking, mountain biking, deep sea fishing, rafting, jet-skiing, paragliding, snorkeling or scuba diving and many more.
For golf enthusiasts, be sure to give it a swing at numerous spectacular courses or driving ranges throughout Borneo. They can be found located high in mountains, along seashores, on tropical islands, amidst towering rainforests or in the heart of cities.
If you are looking for a relaxed vacation, check out the many choices of massage centre, reflexology and health centre in town. If you have great passion for history and art, there are many historical buildings or structures, monuments, museums and also special themed art galleries open for visitors.
Shoppers can experience the different shopping spree in Sarawak, where many exquisite souvenirs, unique handicrafts and quality antiques can be purchased at good bargains. Also be spiced up by the amazing nightlife in Sarawak, from fun pubs to discotheques, music café, karaoke lounge, night market and famous night food hawker stalls.
LOCAL DELICACIES
Sarawak is a total food heaven, offering a good variety of local delicacies that will simply indulge your taste buds. A wide range of food from different culture such as Malay, Chinese, Indian delicacies and also other cuisine from countries all over the world like Thai food, Western food, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Philippines, Middle Eastern, etc. can be found easily. Some worth trying delicacies are our very own SarawakLaksa, meekolok, satay, roti canai, rojak, char kueh tiaw, nasi lemak and many more. Seafood can be found fresh at many restaurants, cooked to perfection with local spices and different styles. Malaysia offers a great variety of mouthwatering tropical fruits like durian, papaya, mango, langsat, rambutan, pineapple, watermelon, coconut and many other fruits that you might never have heard of.
Sarawak is also famous for the quality of its bird's nest, a Chinese delicacy touted to maintain youth and beauty. Harvested from designated caves by special permits, this sweet dessert is available in many Chinese restaurants. For those who are interested to pack home some bird's nest, be rest assured to find the best bargain, yet quality bird's nest.
CULTURES
