10-Day Adventure and City Experience in Sarawak, Malaysia on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Kuching Exploration

Kuching, Malaysia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Chong Choon Cafe

Start your day with a classic Sarawak breakfast of kolo mee or laksa at this local favorite café.
Located in the city center, easily accessible by foot.
MYR 10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Kuching Waterfront

Take a leisurely stroll along the Kuching Waterfront, soaking in the sights of the Sarawak River and the surrounding colonial architecture.
Continue walking along the waterfront.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Sarawak Museum

Dive into Sarawak's rich natural history and cultural heritage at this well-curated museum.
A short walk from the waterfront.
MYR 5, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Dyak Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Dayak cuisine at affordable prices, with signature dishes like ikan terubok.
Located nearby the museum.
MYR 15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Volunteer at a Community Project

Engage with the local community by volunteering, which allows you to connect with locals while contributing to ongoing projects.
Arranged through local NGOs, transport may be organized.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Topspot Food Court

Savor a variety of affordable seafood dishes in this bustling food court, perfect for a casual dining experience.
Take a short taxi from the volunteer location.
MYR 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Bau Day Trip

Bau, Malaysia

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Grab a simple breakfast at your accommodation before heading out for the day.
Travel by local bus from Kuching to Bau.
MYR 5, 30 minutes

8:00 AM

Visit Fairy Caves

Explore the stunning limestone formations and bat-filled caves, taking in the mystical atmosphere of the area.
A short 15-minute walk from the bus stop.
MYR 10, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Hiking at Wind Cave

Engage in a short hike to the Wind Cave, marveling at spectacular rock formations.
Accessible by a local trail from Fairy Caves.
MYR 5, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at local stall

Enjoy a traditional Malay meal from a local street vendor while chatting with locals.
Stalls available in the Bau town center.
MYR 10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Volunteer at a Local School

Spend your afternoon engaging with students at a nearby school, helping with English or art projects.
Organized through local community programs.
Free, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at 101 Food Court

Culinary exploration continues with delicious local dishes like chicken rice or fried noodles.
Return to Kuching before dinner.
MYR 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Bako National Park Adventures

Bako, Malaysia

6:30 AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before heading out for a day of adventure.
Prepare for travel to Bako.
MYR 5, 30 minutes

7:00 AM

Travel to Bako National Park

Catch a local bus and a boat to reach this stunning park known for wildlife and unique ecosystems.
Buses leave from Kuching to Telok Assam, where the boat departs.
MYR 30, 1.5 hours

9:00 AM

Guided Nature Walk

Join a ranger-led tour to learn about the amazing flora and fauna of Bako, keeping an eye out for proboscis monkeys.
Tour starts at the park entrance.
MYR 25, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Picnic Lunch in the Park

Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature, with your favorite snacks and drinks.
Bring food with you or purchase from a local vendor.
MYR 10, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Short Trails

Hike through the park’s short trails, discovering beautiful beaches and unique rock formations.
Trail maps available at the park visitor center.
Free, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Kuching

Boat and bus it back to Kuching after a fulfilling day.
Follow the same route used to arrive.
MYR 30, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at James Brooke Bistro

Conclude the day with dinner at this local gem known for its affordable and hearty dishes.
Located along the waterfront.
MYR 25, 1 hour
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Day 4: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

Semenggoh, Malaysia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Street Stall

Start your day with local breakfast such as roti john or kuih-muih.
Find street stalls near your accommodation.
MYR 7, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

Catch a glimpse of rehabilitated orangutans in their natural habitat during the morning feeding.
Travel by local bus to Semenggoh.
MYR 10, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Nature Walk Around the Centre

Explore the surrounding trails and learn about the conservation efforts taking place.
Follow marked trails from the centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy a simple meal of nasi lemak or chicken curry at a nearby restaurant.
Look for local eateries near the bus stop.
MYR 10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Volunteer at a Conservation Project

Engage in hands-on conservation work in the surrounding forests or assist with educational programs.
Arranged through the wildlife centre.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Tom’s Pancake House

Indulge in delicious pancakes and affordable dinner options.
Head back to Kuching before dinner.
MYR 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Experience in Santubong

Santubong, Malaysia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to Santubong.
Travel by local bus.
MYR 5, 30 minutes

9:00 AM

Visit Sarawak Cultural Village

Explore various ethnic houses and learn about Sarawak's diverse cultures, complete with performances.
Entry is located near Santubong.
MYR 60, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Sarkies Corner

Savor local flavors with dishes that reflect Sarawak's culinary diversity.
Part of the cultural village complex.
MYR 20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Volunteer for a Local Community Project

Help with cultural preservation projects or assist in workshops at the cultural village.
Check availability at the culture village office.
Free, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Hike in Santubong National Park

Hike one of the trails leading up to the stunning views of Mount Santubong.
Accessible via the park entrance.
MYR 10, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at a Beachfront Restaurant

End your day with fresh grilled seafood while watching the sunset by the beach.
Choose from several restaurants along the beach.
MYR 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Journey to Sibu

Sibu, Malaysia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Kuching before departing to Sibu.
Prepare for your bus ride.
MYR 10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Sibu

Take a local bus to Sibu, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Board a bus from Kuching's main bus terminal.
MYR 30, 5 hours

2:00 PM

Check-in and Lunch at Sibu Central Market

Explore the vibrant market scene and have lunch sampling local delicacies such as kolo mee.
Market is located near your accommodation.
MYR 15, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Sibu's Historical Sites

Visit landmarks such as the Sibu Town Square and the iconic Sibu St Mary's Cathedral.
Walking distance from the market.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Rejang River

Enjoy a riverside dinner experience with local dishes like the famous Sibu kampua noodles.
Head towards the Rejang River area.
MYR 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Kapit Discovery Day

Kapit, Malaysia

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast at your hotel.
Prepare for your journey to Kapit.
MYR 10, 30 minutes

8:00 AM

Travel to Kapit

Board an express boat for an adventurous ride up the river to Kapit.
Depart from Sibu's riverfront.
MYR 35, 3 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Kapit Town

Wander through the town's quaint streets and enjoy its laid-back charm.
Walking distance from the jetty.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Noodle Shop

Savor local dishes, particularly the belacan fried noodles.
Quite a few noodle shops available.
MYR 10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Volunteer at Local Community Center

Help facilitate activities or assist in teaching at the community center.
Arranged through local NGOs on the ground.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Café

Enjoy a lovely dinner of rice and chicken dishes from a local café.
Find a nearby café after your volunteer work.
MYR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Belaga Adventure

Belaga, Malaysia

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Local Eatery

Start your day with a hearty local breakfast.
Look for eateries near your accommodation.
MYR 8, 30 minutes

8:30 AM

Travel to Belaga

Take a longboat ride across the river to the remote town of Belaga.
Departure from Kapit riverbank.
MYR 60, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch Upon Arrival

Have lunch at a local eatery, sampling traditional Sarawak spirit and dishes.
In Belaga town.
MYR 10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Volunteer with Indigenous Community

Engage in village life by volunteering with a local indigenous group.
Projects are arranged in advance.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner with Belaga Families

Have a unique dining experience with local families, tasting traditional dishes.
Arranged through your volunteer program.
MYR 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Miri City Break

Miri, Malaysia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at a local café.
Available within Belaga.
MYR 10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Miri

Return to Kapit and then take a bus to Miri.
Travel back through the same route.
MYR 35, 6 hours

3:00 PM

Check in and Lunch at Miri City Centre

Explore the Miri City Centre and grab a quick lunch at local food stalls.
Centrally located near your accommodation.
MYR 15, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Miri Market

Stroll through the bustling market where you can sample local fruits and snacks.
Walking distance from the city centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Miri Seafood BBQ

Feast on fresh seafood in an affordable seafood BBQ setup.
Follow signs to the popular seafood street.
MYR 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Last Day in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Miri

Have your final breakfast in Miri featuring local dishes.
Choose a nearby café.
MYR 10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Kota Kinabalu

Fly from Miri to Kota Kinabalu for your last adventure.
Book flights in advance for the best prices.
MYR 100, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Gaya Street

Visit the vibrant Gaya Street market for some last-minute souvenirs.
Accessible via public transport from the airport.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at D’Place Kinabalu

Enjoy a variety of local Malay dishes and vibrant traditional decor.
Located in the heart of the city.
MYR 25, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Beach Time at Tanjung Aru

Spend your final afternoon relaxing at the beautiful Tanjung Aru beach.
Catch a local bus to the beach from the city.
Free, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Bid farewell to Sabah with a delicious dinner, featuring fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
Numerous options along the beach.
MYR 30, 1.5 hours
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