BORNEO: TREASURES, TRADITIONS, AND NATURE'S BOUNTY - Cal Alumni Association
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A Eureka Trip
BORNEO: TREASURES, TRADITIONS,
AND NATURE’S BOUNTY
OCT. 2 – 14, 2021
$8,995 PER PERSON
Borneo is an amalgam of biodiversity that blends uncharted forests Why Eureka?
filled with yet-to-be discovered species, a plethora of endemic trees,
eu·re·ka: a cry of joy or
orchids and other flora, and animals like you’ve never seen anywhere satisfaction when one finds
else. Currently, Borneo is home to 288 mammal species, 394 fresh- or discovers something.
water fish species, 100 amphibian species, 15,000 flowering plant Experience trips built with
species, 3,000 tree species, and 420 resident bird species. To put in you in mind — handcrafted
itineraries created by
another perspective, 40% of the world’s palm species, 50% of the UC Berkeley travel experts.
world’s dipterocarp trees, and 20% of the world’s snakes are found
only in Borneo.
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The island provides the only natural habitat for the endangered CalDiscoveriesTravel
orangutan, and is a refuge for forest species, such as Asian elephant,
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Sumatran rhinoceros, and Borneo clouded leopard. From the waters @caldiscoveries
of the Kinabatangan River, to the primeval forests of Danum Valley,
the romance and mystery of Borneo await you.
510.900.8222 | caldiscoveries@alumni.berkeley.edu | alumni.berkeley.edu/caldiscoveries
A Eureka Trip
ITINERARY
DAYS 1/2 | OCT. 2/3 DAY 4 | OCT. 5
Depart home on your way to Kota Kinabalu. Your morning flight takes you to Sandakan,
En route, you’ll cross the International Date located on the east coast of Sabah. En route
Line and lose one calendar day. Depending to your hotel, enjoy a visit to Sandakan
on where you are flying from, you will most Market, where the locals come to buy fresh
likely depart no later than early morning Oct. produce, fruits, delicacies, crafts, sarongs,
2 and arrive on Oct. 3 at the Kota Kinabalu and seashells. The fish market here is perhaps
Marriott where you will enjoy your day and the biggest and busiest in Sabah and offers a
evening at leisure. stunning array of fresh seafood.
Next, stop at the Sim Sim Water Village on
DAY 3 | OCT. 4
the coast of Sandakan, located a couple of
Today, take a scenic two-hour drive to miles from the main city center. The water
Kinabalu Park. On arrival at Kinabalu Park, village sits on stilts and is reachable by plank
walk along the nature trails in the Botanical walkways. It depicts the lives of some of the
Garden, where you will notice a change in the local fisherman families, their neat wooden
temperature as cool and refreshing air fills houses, and their daily activities.
your lungs. If the day is clear, you may even
spot a majestic view of Mount Kinabalu, the Stay at the Sepilok Nature Resort, near the
highest mountain between New Guinea and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation center. This
the Himalayas! The park boasts an estimated endangered species is only found in Borneo
4,500 species of plants, which include 1,500 and northern Sumatra and is the only repre-
species of orchids (77 of which are endemic sentative of the great apes outside central
to Kinabalu) as well as 289 species of birds, Africa. (B, D)
and 290 different types of butterflies.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the DAY 5 | OCT. 6
Poring Hot Spring in search for Rafflesia. The After breakfast, head to Labuk Bay Proboscis
Rafflesia is the largest flower in the world, Monkey Sanctuary, just a short drive from
with recent flowers found measuring up to Sandakan, located among the mangrove for-
three feet across. There are 55 species of ests of Samawang. As the name suggests, this
Rafflesia, of which nine are found in Borneo. is the place to see one of the most distinc-
You can also try the canopy walk, comprised tive and unusual inhabitants of Borneo—the
of over 500 feet of suspension bridges 130 proboscis monkey. This privately-owned
feet above the tropical jungle. This evening, sanctuary is located within an Oil Palm estate,
return to Kota Kinabalu and enjoy a welcome providing a chance to observe this unique
dinner with your group at Big Fish, overlook- primate at a very close range.
ing the South China Sea. (B, L, D)
510.900.8222 | caldiscoveries@alumni.berkeley.edu | alumni.berkeley.edu/caldiscoveries
A Eureka Trip
ITINERARY, CONTINUED
Later this morning, visit another endangered DAY 7 | OCT. 8
mammal—the Bornean sun bear (Malayanor
Wake up to the raucous calls of gibbons and
honey bear) at the Bornean Sun Bear
hornbills and then take an early morning
Conservation Centre at Sepilok. Here, res-
river cruise on the Kinabatangan River to
cued sun bears will be housed and cared for
view more wildlife. The evenings and early
in a natural setting with the goal to re-release
mornings can be a magical time for view-
them back into a healthy forest.
ing wildlife. If the weather cooperates, go
through a mystical channel to a wonderful
Finally, visit the Sepilok Orangutan LECTURER
oxbow lake teeming with bird activity. Along
Rehabilitation Center. Here, the orangutans
the way, you may see the fierce Stork-billed Dr. Steve Ruzin
undergo a three-step process to learn how to Steve Ruzin received his Ph.D. in
Kingfisher, the Oriental Darter (“snake bird”),
integrate socially and independently with the Botany from UC Berkeley in 1984.
and Gray-headed Fish-Eagles around the lake.
wild population of the forest. Following lunch, He currently directs the Biological
Various reptiles may perch silently in the trees
proceed to the playground area of the young Imaging Facility at UC Berkeley, is
visible only to discerning eyes. The feeling of Curator of the Golub Collection of
orangutans. Return to your lodge in the eve-
tranquility here is exquisite! antique microscopes at UCB, and
ning for dinner. (B, L, D)
teaches two UCB courses. Steve
This afternoon, enjoy another wildlife river has a classical education in Botany
DAY 6 | OCT. 7 cruise and, after dinner, test out your wildlife and is knowledgeable about the
natural history and biogeography of
After checking out of your resort, return to spotting skills as you observe nocturnal plants, especially those of tropical
the Orangutan Center for a morning feed- mammals, crocodiles, and birds during a night and sub-tropical regions around
ing with these magnificent animals and then safari cruise. (B, L, D) the world.
proceed to Sukau village. Relax by the river
Steve has lectured for Cal
before embarking on a boat excursion along DAY 8 | OCT. 9 Discoveries about the plant bio-
Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river, geography of Borneo, Patagonia,
After an early breakfast, proceed to Oxbow
with an opportunity to view wildlife and birds Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam,
Lake to observe wildlife and experience the
in the virgin mangrove and rainforest habi- the Amazon, and Madagascar.
early morning ambience of the longest river in
tat. Search for some of the primate species,
Sabah. Oxbow Lake is a crescent-shaped body
including proboscis monkeys as they settle Cal lecturer’s participation cannot
of water lying alongside the Kinabatangan be guaranteed and is contingent
down on treetops.
River. The lake separated from the main river on a minimum number of paying
as erosion and deposits of soil changed the travelers.
Nestled along the riverbank of Kinabatangan
river’s course. The lake is ideal for bird watch-
River lies Borneo Nature Lodge—an
ing, and sometimes orangutans are spotted in
eco-friendly resort, offering comfort without
this quiet and serene area. Later in the morn-
compromising green standards. In honor of
ing enjoy a special treat, sharing tea at one
the indigenous people, many of the deco-
of the village houses. This is an opportunity
rative items you find here are authentically
to interact with the host and try your hand
handmade. The lodge also has a restaurant,
at playing a local musical instrument. After
giving diners a choice to eat indoors or al fres-
a tour of the village and a short jungle walk
co. (B, L, D)
along the lake, return to the lodge for lunch.
Later in the afternoon depart on another
river cruise to observe the flora and fauna of
the area. (B, L, D)
510.900.8222 | caldiscoveries@alumni.berkeley.edu | alumni.berkeley.edu/caldiscoveries
A Eureka Trip
ITINERARY, CONTINUED
DAY 9 | OCT. 10 DAY 10 | OCT. 11
We’ll drive to Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Trek along the “coffin trail” to an ancient
located in the Danum Valley Conservation Kadazandusun burial site at Coffin Cliff. Hike
Area. This is Sabah’s largest protected low- 40 minutes to a magnificent lookout point for
land forest, comprised of 108,230 acres of a bird’s eye view over the Danum Valley and
pristine virgin rainforest. The dipterocarp the Borneo lowland forest, and then return to
forest found in Borneo is considered to be your lodge for lunch. Optional: Water tubing
the world’s tallest and oldest, having existed for an hour in the Danum River or trekking
for over 100 million years. It is also one of along the Segama River. In the evening, if
the world’s richest areas for species variation weather permits, enjoy a night walk around
with more than 200 tree species per 1,000 the lodge in search of nocturnal animals. This
square feet! Within this paradise is a lodge evening, join your group for a farewell dinner.
designed by naturalists with magnificent views (B, L, D)
of forest, mountains, and the Danum River
just below.
DAYS 11/12/13 | OCT. 12/13/14
Although very difficult to spot, the conserva- Enjoy your morning at leisure before trans-
tion area nonetheless shelters more than 270 ferring to Lahad Datu airport for your flight
species of birds and 109 species of mammals, to Kota Kinabalu. One last overnight at the
including Asian elephant, orangutan, five Kota Kinabalu Marriott before embarking
species of deer, and Bornean rarities such as on your way home via Singapore the next day,
Sumatran rhinoceros, clouded leopard, and bringing with you the wonderful memories of
the impressive Bulwer’s pheasant. Danum this incredible destination. (B)
Valley supports one of the largest remaining
populations of wild orangutans. Although
they are elusive, you will have a good chance
of seeing them under the guidance of the
lodge’s expert trackers. Do remember that
in spite of the diversity and large numbers
of animals, most are extremely well hidden.
But you will nevertheless see an incredible
diversity of flora and fauna, including some of
the world’s largest butterflies and moths. It’s
impossible to say which animals you’ll encoun-
ter but at some time during your visit, you’re
sure to happen upon a delicate mouse deer or
a snorting group of bearded pigs, or awaken
to the haunting call of Bornean gibbons, and
glimpse giant flying squirrels gliding through
the canopy. (B, L, D)
510.900.8222 | caldiscoveries@alumni.berkeley.edu | alumni.berkeley.edu/caldiscoveries
A Eureka Trip
Optional Post-trip Extension: Sarawak
DAY 12 | OCT. 13 will welcome you with a traditional dance
performance, followed by a lunch in the
In the morning, bid the rest of the group
village. We’ll visit the traditional longhouse
goodbye and return to the airport for your
for a short tour to learn about its history.
flight to Kuching and settle into Hilton
Later, take a stroll in the village, learn about
Kuching. This afternoon, enjoy a cruise along
the Bidayuh way of life, and enjoy a guided
the Sarawak River, a relaxing way to view
walk through the nearby farmlands. Return to
the various phases of the city. Take in the
Kuching in the evening where the rest of the
sights of the Waterfront, Brooke Dockyard,
day is at leisure. (B, L, D)
the 100-year-old Malay Kampung, Fort
Margherita, Astana, Square Tower, and the
houses and mansions of Kuching’s affluent DAY 15 | OCT. 16
society. The remainder of the afternoon is This morning, meet at the hotel lobby to
yours to relax, shop for souveniers, or take a commence a full day trip to Gunung Gading
stroll. (B, L, D) National Park, Lundu. Home to the world’s
largest flower, the Rafflesia, the park also
DAY 13 | OCT. 14 boasts picturesque walks and challenging jun-
gle treks. Along the trails, the guide will teach
Your morning excursion is to Kubah National
us about the park’s plant life. Return back to
Park, situated close to Kuching on a small
the hotel after the tour. This evening we’ll
sandstone plateau, which offers an interesting
enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
range of treks and forest walks. Kubah’s ap-
peal lies in its rainforest scenery, its waterfalls,
streams, bathing pools, and its 93 species DAY 16 | OCT. 17
of palms. After lunch, return to Kuching Visit Bako National Park today for a glimpse
for a tour on foot of this riverside city. See of a tropical coastal ecosystem that once sur-
buildings dating back to the days of the White rounded most of the equatorial coasts of the
Rajahs, ancient Chinese temples, and color- world. Lush mangroves give way to soaring
ful markets displaying the produce that first rainforest and short desert-like scrub. Three
brought traders to Borneo. This evening is species of primates are a guarantee: long-
at leisure to sample the wonderful array of tailed macaques, silver-leaf monkeys, and the
cuisine here. (B, L, D) proboscis monkey. Boardwalks through the
mangroves provide an excellent opportunity
DAY 14 | OCT. 15 to examine one of the most endangered hab-
itat-types in the world at close hand. Tonight,
After breakfast, depart for the Semenggoh
enjoy a farewell dinner and reminisce with
Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Observe the
your fellow travelers about all the amazing
feeding of orangutans that have been rescued
sites you’ve seen on this trip. (B, L, D)
from captivity and are being trained to survive
independently and ultimately be returned to
the forest. Continue on to Mongkos Bidayuh DAY 17 | OCT. 18
Longhouse, which is about two hours away Transfer to Kuching airport for you return
from Kuching. We’ll stop to visit the Serian flight home. (B)
Fish Market while en route to the Mongkos
village. Upon arrival, the Bidayuh community
510.900.8222 | caldiscoveries@alumni.berkeley.edu | alumni.berkeley.edu/caldiscoveries
A Eureka Trip
Optional Pre-trip Extension: Singapore
DAYS 1/2 | SEP. 28/29 DAY 4 | OCT. 1
Late this afternoon board your overnight Start your day at the Singapore Zoo, spread
flight to Singapore. En route, you’ll cross the over 70 acres, home to over 3,600 mam-
International Date Line and lose one calen- mals, birds, and reptiles. Natural barriers
dar day. Depending on where you are flying such as streams, rock walls, and beautiful
from, you will most likely depart the US no landscaping are used to separate the animals
later than early morning Sep. 28 and arrive in from visitors, thus creating an “open zoo”
Singapore on Sep. 29. Upon arrival at Changi effect. Later, be dazzled by the magnificent
International Airport, you will be met by sight of the Supertrees and let the music and
your guide and transferred to your hotel, the lights entertain you during the daily Garden
Fullerton Hotel Singapore, where the rest Rhapsody light and sound shows! (B, D)
of your day is at leisure.
DAY 5 | OCT. 2
DAY 3 | SEP. 30 Step into Jurong Bird Park, Asia’s largest,
with a collection of over 5,000 birds from
The morning is at leisure to explore on your
400 species. You’ll meet the many feath-
own. In the afternoon, experience the various
ered residents during daily feeding sessions,
cultures as you explore each ethnic heritage
even glimpsing elusive birds like the crested
enclave and the temples. At Kampong Glam,
guinea fowl, iridescent starling, and turaco.
admire the quiet majesty of the Sultan’s
Your afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy a farewell
Mosque with its unmistakable golden dome.
Singapore dinner tonight. (B, D)
Take a stroll along Arab Street, which was
well known as a textile haven in the 1950s and
1960s. Travel to the heart of Chinatown and DAY 6 | OCT. 3
experience the rows of streets and traditional Your morning is devoted to the Singapore
shophouses lovingly restored into tempting Botanic Garden. Enjoy a walk through the
eateries, teahouses, and shops. Little India Orchid Garden, which boasts a colorful dis-
completes the cultural kaleidoscope with its play of 60,000 orchid plants, with 400 species
bustling streets showcasing aromatic and and more than 2,000 varieties in bloom. In
exotic spices, colorful flower-garland shops, the afternoon, transfer to the airport for
vegetable vendors, and busy curry houses. your flight to Kota Kinabalu where you will
meet up with the rest of the group, enjoy the
End your day with Singapore’s famed Night evening at leisure, and continue on your tour
Safari. As dusk falls over the tropical rainfor- of Borneo. (B)
est, the animals come alive at the world’s first
open-concept nocturnal zoo. Experience it all
Meals included as listed above: B=Breakfast;
via a tram ride, on foot, and during entertain-
L=Lunch; D=Dinner
ing shows featuring an all-star cast of noctur-
nal animals. (B)
510.900.8222 | caldiscoveries@alumni.berkeley.edu | alumni.berkeley.edu/caldiscoveries
A Eureka Trip
REGISTRATION FORM:
BORNEO: TREASURES, TRADITIONS, AND NATURE’S BOUNTY | OCT. 2 – 14, 2021
SEND TO: Cal Discoveries Travel Direct Line: 510.900.8222
1 Alumni House Email: caldiscoveries@alumni.berkeley.edu
Berkeley, CA 94720-7520
Please enter the names of each traveler exactly as they appear on your passport:
1 Name Cal Class Year
Email Date of Birth
2 Name Cal Class Year
Email Date of Birth
Name for Name Badge 1
2
Address
City State Zip
Primary Phone Cell Phone
I request a standard single room and will pay the $2,195 supplement.
Sign me/us up for the Singapore pre-trip extension ($3,295 per person double occupancy, $1,395 single supplement)
Sign me/us up for the Sarawak post-trip extension ($2,795 per person double occupancy, $695 single supplement)
Enclosed is my/our deposit of $ ($1,000 per person plus $600 per person for each extension)
Make check payable to Cal Alumni Association (CAA), or charge my deposit to:
AMEX VISA MasterCard
Card # Sec. Code Exp. Date
Signature Date
The payment of the deposit, OR any partial payment for a reservation on a program, constitutes consent by all guests covered by that payment to all provisions of the cancellation policy listed
herein. Since no exceptions can be made, Cal Discoveries Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance. Please visit travelinsure.com/calalumni.
TERMS & CONDITIONS | PRICE PER PERSON: Main trip: $8,995 per person (double occu- COST INCLUDES: 10 nights accommodation; daily breakfast, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners; All
pancy), $2,195 single supplement; pre-trip extension (Singapore): $3,295 per person(dou- flights within Malaysia as per itinerary on the main trip: Kota Kinabalu/Sandakan and Lahad
ble occupancy), $1,395 single supplement; post-trip extension (Sarawak): $2,795 per Datu/Kota Kinabalu; Flight between Singapore and Kota Kinabalu on the pre-tour extension;
person (double occupancy), $695 single supplement. Flights between Lahad Datu/Kuching on the post tour-extension; airport transfer if arriving/
departing during recommended windows; transportation via private, luxury bus; all visits and
FINAL PAYMENT: Reservations are to be paid in full by June 3, 2021 (120 days prior to sightseeing as indicated on the itinerary; English-speaking tour director; gratuities for tour
departure). Final payment may be made by personal check, MasterCard, Visa, or American director, local guides, drivers, and service at included restaurants; services of on-site lecturer
Express. Checks may be made payable to Cal Alumni Association. Late payments will be (cannot be guaranteed); complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.
subject to a $100 per person late fee and/or subject to cancellation.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International airfare from home city to Kota Kinabalu; (pre-trip
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations must be submitted in writing to be valid. extension begins in Singapore and the post-trip extension returns from Kuching); ground
Every cancellation, regardless of the reason, will be subject to a $250 per person cancella- transportation; costs of passports and visas (if needed); meals other than those specified;
tion fee, if requested in writing 251 days or more prior to departure. Cancellations made beverages; optional tipping or gratuities; travel insurance; and other expenses of a personal
250–121 days prior to departure will result in the loss of entire deposit, including extension. nature (liquor, laundry, etc.).
Cancellations made 120–91 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation fee equal
to 25% of the trip price. Cancellations made 90–78 days prior to departure will be subject MOBILITY AND FITNESS TO TRAVEL: This trip has a Level 4 activity rating. What to expect:
to a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the trip price. No refunds are granted within 77 days of These tours feature longer touring days and many full-day excursions, plus full, active itinerar-
tour departure or for no-show or early departure from a trip already in progress. ies that move at a faster pace to cover longer distances. Travelers are required to stand and
walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time, and should be comfortable with steep
CAA MEMBERSHIP POLICY: One traveler per room, whether an alumni or friend, must be ascents and descents. Outings last more than 6 hours each day. Suitable for: Travelers who
a current Cal Alumni Association member at the time of departure to participate in Cal are able to comfortably walk six to eight miles, or 9,200–11,500 steps, each day.
Discoveries Travel offerings. Payment of $60 for seniors 65 years and over and $75 for others
establishes a regular or affiliate membership with all other association benefits. Memberships The Cal Alumni Association (CAA) is a self-funded non-profit organization that relies on do-
are for individuals only, and are nonrefundable and non-transferable. A traveling pair and nations to provide programs and services that support students, alumni, and the University.
their children under 21 years of age may travel on one membership. Please make dues pay- To make a gift, please visit alumni.berkeley.edu/give. Thank you for choosing CAA as the
able to CAA by separate check, or, provide a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express number recipient of your generosity.
with expiration date for payment. You can also enroll online at alumni.berkeley.edu/join.
California Seller of Travel #: 2090031-50
510.900.8222 | caldiscoveries@alumni.berkeley.edu | alumni.berkeley.edu/caldiscoveries
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