MA4 14 Day Malaysia Tour & Brunei

Featuring Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sarawak & The Kingdom of Brunei

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Bustling Kuala Lumpur - city tour; Historic Malacca tour; Kuching: City Tour & Sarawak Cultural Village; Kinabatangan River nature cruise; Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary; Brunei Darussalam area tour

INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR

DATES & PRICES
FULL ITINERARY
MAP & HOTELS
TRIP INFORMATION

Dates & Prices

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to the entries under the blue box below.

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How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?

The easiest way to make a reservation is online via our website; you can also call us at 1800 665 3998, Monday-Friday 9-5 Pacific Time.

A non-refundable $500 deposit is payable at the time of booking (some tours require a higher deposit); if a reservation is made within 60 days, full payment is required immediately. Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require considerable preparation time.

Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and provide a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and online forms for you to complete and submit to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be provided approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.

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What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?

Should you need to cancel your trip, you must notify us in writing (e-mail preferred) immediately. Deposits are non-refundable, though if you cancel more than 90 days prior to tour departure date, the deposit is transferable to any other tour taken within 12 months of the original tour start date, minus a per person transfer fee (some tours have a 100% non-refundable/non-transferable deposit; you will be informed of this at the time of booking). Less than 90 days prior to departure, all monies paid are 100% non-refundable, non-transferable. Name changes are not permitted. We will not grant partial refunds for any unused trip arrangements—voluntarily missed meals, sightseeing, transport, etc—after the trip has commenced, or any refunds to trip members who do not complete any portion of the itinerary for whatever reason. All air tickets are non-refundable and valid only for the flight(s) indicated.

We may cancel departures if forced to do so by unforeseen circumstances such as war, civil unrest, pandemics/disease outbreaks (ie Ebola, Zika, Covid-19 etc), catastrophic events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, etc -- things beyond our control that are commonly referred to as “force majeure.” In these instances we will offer 100% credits for all deposits if cancellation takes place more than 60 days prior to tour start date. Such credits can be applied to any future scheduled or custom tour (time limits may apply).

If cancellation occurs within the 60 day period, we will offer to postpone your trip to another departure of the same tour code within 12 months of the original tour start date and your full payment on the postponed tour will remain non-refundable.

Regardless of the timing of cancellation (outside or inside 60 days), we will not be responsible for costs associated with re-issuance or extension of visas, airline policies pertaining to cancellation/change fees, any trip component/s that may be non-refundable from our suppliers, or for any compensation. We strongly recommend that all travellers purchase trip cancellation insurance, either through Adventures Abroad or elsewhere, as this may provide coverage for the above listed circumstances and other perils.

If we cancel your tour due to insufficient enrolment, we will endeavour to find an alternative tour for you, either the same tour on a different date or another tour of your choice. If this is not acceptable, your deposit/s will be refunded in full and will constitute full settlement. We will not be responsible for any expenses incurred, such as visas, vaccinations, independently purchase airfare, or any compensation. Notice of cancellation due to insufficient enrolment in any program will be given no later than 60 days prior to trip start date.

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Do you have a shared accommodation program?

Yes! Most tours have a single-share program in which we match you with another single traveller of the same gender. If we are unable to pair you, we will usually absorb the cost of a single room. On some tours a "forced single" will apply; please enquire at time of booking. You will normally be informed of this charge 60 days prior to departure; however, we reserve the right to charge this fee up to your departure and, in rare cases, once you have departed. Upgrading to single room once the tour has begun is subject to availability in each overnight point, and payment must be made immediately to our office or locally to the Tour Leader. If you want to guarantee your own room, a single supplement applies. Payment of single supplement does not, however, guarantee that you will receive a twin size, twin-bedded room.

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I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?

All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.

This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.

The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.

On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.

Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

Start Date	End Date	Price
Mon 21 Feb 2022	Sun 06 Mar 2022	$3430 USD

Mon 20 Feb 2023	Sun 05 Mar 2023	$3530 USD

The above prices are subject to an additional $105 for taxes/fees levied on flights that occur as part of the tour. The internal airfares ARE included (any exceptions are listed in red below), but we list the taxes separately on your invoice as they are beyond our control and can change at any time.

Optional Single Supplement: $770 USD (number of singles limited).

Tour Overview

We get off to a strong start on this extraordinary fortnight Malaysia & Brunei tour through two remarkable countries by exploring what is perhaps one of the most attractive cities in Southeast Asia; Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur.

There's also no shortage of attractions to be toured in Kuching, with the Cat Monument, the Taoist temple, the majestic Catholic cathedral and street markets that are reminiscent of the world as it was in the 19th century.

Our route takes us past pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantations, above jungle rainforest on treetop canopies, into caves and across waters to explore secluded islands and channels.

Along with massive arrays of rare and endemic flora and teeming fauna that we come across as we make our way through the glorious sceneries of Malaysia, we pay visits to an orangutan sanctuary, where we can get up-close and personal with these remarkable creatures and learn about the ecological issues the country faces.

Crossing into the heavily-forested country of Brunei, once a very powerful sultanate, we have the chance to tour beautiful mosques, the royal palace and museums that detail the country's fascinating history.

Regions visited: Southeast Asia
Countries visited: Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam

Testimonials

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Marilyn S. (Ney York, NY, US)

Excellent trip. There was a lot of variety, from city tours to natural habitat that made it an interesting trip. Hotels exceeded my expectations. All the the local guides were knowledgeable but our Kuala Lumpur guide was exceptional. The buses were very comfortable and the flights went well. I really enjoyed the meals which exceeded expectations. Our tour leader selected wonderful restaurants and selected exceptional dishes.. There was even opportunities to order from the menu.. I also appreciated the nice selection of places for lunch where we were paying on our own. Just loved our leader because she is both professional and fun. She was there for us, solving problems and making sure that everything went smoothly. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Our group was outstanding. Will definitely travel again with Adventures Abroad.

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Shashikant P. (Carlisle, PA, US)

Kuala Lumpur city tour and Malacca next day. Tour guide was excellent. Kuching in Sarawak and esp tour of tribal village, folk dance and their life style. Enjoyed rice wine. Grand cave in Miri was really in adventure.It was amazing to see bats. It was nice to see happy people in Brunei. It was amazing and gratifying to walk on Canopy walkway. Erin always took good care of us.Boat journey in Sabah's longest river was very enjoyable.

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What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?

Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 60-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.

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Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?

Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.

Full Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur
Today we arrive in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Malaysia's capital is a curious blend of the old and new. It is also a blend of cultures; the Malay capital has a vibrant Chinatown and an Indian quarter. Kuala Lumpur means "muddy confluence" which is an apt description of this town which grew up as a trading post and tin mining shanty town, and later became a modern cosmopolitan business hub.

Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
Included Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2 Kuala Lumpur: City Tour
Despite rapid development, Kuala Lumpur has managed to retain her charm, with a skyline that blends the Old World with the New. We start the day with a visit to the Menara Kuala Lumpur that offers a birds-eye view of the entire city and its surrounds. We will see the contrast of the distinctive Indo-Moorish architecture and the ultra modern edifices, the Petronas Twin Towers. Later we drive past the elegant Jamek Mosque, which occupies the symbolic birthplace of Kuala Lumpur and the bustling Chinatown at Petaling Street before a photo stop at the majestic Royal Palace.

After lunch we visit the National Museum where historical Malaysian artifacts and replicas among others are on display. Time permitting we will take a stroll at the beautiful Lake Gardens located within the vicinity of National Monument and Merdeka Square.

Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 Kuala Lumpur - Malacca - Kuala Lumpur
We depart after breakfast for a visit to the historic town of Malacca, founded by a fleeing prince from Sumatra in 14th century. Later it developed into a major trading port for ships from India and China. From its early days as a traders meeting point to the successive colonial occupation by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and Japanese, each culture left behind its mark or monument creating a historical showcase. Today you will find many remnants of the mixed history of this city dating back more than 500 years.

The oldest established town in Malaysia, Malacca is particularly famous for its Town Square and surrounding monuments. Our tour visits the red coloured Stadhuys, Cheng Hoon Teng, the oldest Chinese temple on the Malay peninsula, the Portuguese fortress Porta de Santiago built in 1511 and St Paul's Church where St Francis Xavier was buried.

Malacca is well-known for its eclectic food. Most notable of all is the Nyonya-Baba cuisine which is a mixture of Chinese (mostly southern Hokkien or Fujian influence), Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, British and Malay cooking with most dishes being spicy in nature.

Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 Kuala Lumpur - Kuching (Sarawak)
Today we fly to Kuching. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel.

This afternoon we travel to the award winning "Sarawak Cultural Village". This living museum depicts the heritage of the major racial groups in Sarawak and conveniently portrays the respective lifestyle amidst 14 acres of equatorial vegetation. Here it is possible to see Sarawak's ethnic diversity at a glance.

We end the day at the Kuching waterfront. The river is important as a transport link in the past, is still a central feature of the city with a beautifully landscaped waterfront promenade providing a superb and relaxing venue for strolls any time of the day.

Overnight in Kuching.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 Kuching - Longhouse Visit - Kuching
Early this morning we depart Kuching by road, passing pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantations. As we continue upcountry we make a few stops to see where a variety of jungle produce, such as edible ferns, bamboo shoots and unusual tropical fruit are on display. Our destination is a longhouse, which is, as its name suggests, an extended family environment where many families live out their existence under a single roof. The longhouse has an open verandah that offers a marvelous view of rural life in the form of paddy fields, rubber plantations and the like. Today in the more rural areas of Sarawak, there are longhouse dwellings where life is more simple, idyllic and nature-oriented.

We will be greeted with a glass of tuak (rice wine) and a welcome dance. Following that we will be shown around and treated to various cultural performances, including dancing and drumming.

Return to Kuching in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Kuching.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 Kuching: City Tour - Miri
This morning we embark on a tour of Kuching. Arguably one of the most attractive cities in Southeast Asia, Kuching has adapted modern amenities without losing its old trading centre charm. Once the home of the Rajahs Brooke, their legacy is evident in the old buildings still in use today. Included on our tour: the Cat Monument, Sarawak's oldest Tua Pek Kong Taoist Temple, the Civic Center, the award winning Catholic Cathedral, and the the multi-purpose market where tin smiths, rattan workers, coffin makers, Chinese herbalists and gold smiths ply their specialised trades in a setting little changed from the 19th century. A highlight of the day is a visit to the renowned Sarawak Museum, one of the finest in Asia, with its wonderful collection of Borneo artifacts.

This afternoon, we fly to Miri located in Northern Sarawak of Borneo island. Miri City is the gateway to Borneo and is also adjacent to the neighboring country of Brunei.

Overnight in Miri.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 Miri & Niah National Park and the Great Cave
This morning we drive 110 km to the world famous Niah National Park. Although one of Sarawak's smallest national parks, it is one of the most important and unusual with its main claim to fame being known as the birthplace of human civilization in the region. The oldest modern human remains in Southeast Asia along with many other relics of prehistoric man dating from 40,000 years ago were discovered here in 1958 making the park one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

After registration at the park headquarters, and a brief look at the information centre we take a short boat to cross the river to visit Niah Museum. After our museum visit we walk 3 km along a level boardwalk to the main cave entrance.* The walk to the Grand Cave takes about 45 minutes and is fascinating in its own right as you pass close to giant Tapang trees (Koompassia excelsa) with their enormous buttressed roots, pandanus plants twice the size of a person and colourful orchids and tree fungi.

In the Painted Cave you see the prehistoric wall drawing as well as the preserved remains of stone age people dating back 40,000 years. The Great Cave as the name suggests, is an enormous cavern surrounded by dense primary rainforest. The Great Cave is not only important archaeological site, where it was inhabited by man for 40,000 years, but the cave is also full bats and birds, especially the Black-nest Swiftlets.

Return to Miri.

* Please note that this requires stamina and an ability to be steady on one's feet, to be able to navigate uneven, possibily wet/slippery surfaces, and to endure some heat over the course of several hours.

Overnight in Miri.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 Miri, Malaysia - Brunei Darussalam
A 2 hour drive this morning takes us to Brunei is a small oil rich country just 443 km (277 miles) north of the equator in the northwest corner of Borneo, bounded on all landward sides by Sarawak (Malaysia) which splits Brunei into two parts. The landscape is mainly equatorial jungle cut by rivers. It is a heavily forested state and most human activity is restricted either to coastal areas or estuaries.

Today our sightseeing tour will include the magnificent golden-domed Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.* The mosque with its domes, mosaic patterns, surrounding gardens and imposing minarets plated with 24 carat gold, was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the King's reign.

In the afternoon we will take a cruise to visit the Kampung Ayer water village, said to be the largest water village in the world. This village has been in continuous habitation since 1521. Here we will witness a traditional way of life, with stilt houses built over the Brunei River (though today most of the inhabitants enjoy modern facilities).

Our tour of the city today will also include a view of the spectacular Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and a visit to one of the local markets.

* Though unlikely, it is possible that mosques can be closed at any time without notice. This could be due to security concerns, maintenance, or for official visits by dignitaries or members of the royal family.

Overnight in Brunei.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9 Brunei Darussalam - Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
We have most of the day in Brunei to continue with our sightseeing tour. Today we visit to the Royal Regalia Building, with its amazing array of chariots, weapons, crowns, thrones and other paraphenalia.

There will be a chance for a photo opportunity of the magnificent Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan's Royal Palace for his first wife, and also the largest residential palace in the world.

We fly to Kota Kinabalu, the main city in the Malaysian state of Sabah later this afternoon. Time permitting, upon arrival we will have a brief city sightseeing drive tour including a visit to the excellent State Museum.

Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 Kota Kinabalu - Mt Kinabalu - Poring - Kota Kinabalu
Today we drive through paddy-fields and Dusun villages, over the ridges of the Crocker Range to the foothills of the 1500 m / 5,000 foot high Mt. Kinabalu. We arrive at the park headquarters at the Kundasang Visitor Centre and Mountain Garden, home to some of the 24 species of flowering rhododendrons, 10 species of carnivorous pitcher plants, an estimated 1,400 species of orchids, over 600 species of ferns, and more than 40 species of oak trees and over 300 species of birds.

We continue 40 km / 25 mi journey to Poring where we explore tropical rainforest on a treetop canopy walkway suspended 41 m / 135 ft above the forest floor. After our visit we return to Kota Kinabalu.

Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan - Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary - Sukau
A short flight takes us to Sandakan from where we transfer to Sepilok, the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world.* The sanctuary was founded in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans. The site is 43 sq km of protected land at the edge of Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve, and today around 60 to 80 orangutans are living free in the reserve. The facility provides medical care for orphaned and confiscated orangutans as well as dozens of other wildlife species. Some of the other animals which have been treated at the centre include sun bears, gibbons, Sumatran rhinos, and elephants.

Later we continue by road to our rainforest lodge.

* Depending on our timing for today, we may visit the orangutans this afternoon or on the morning of Day 13.

Overnight in Sukau region.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12 Oxbow Lakes & Sukau
Today we wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. Early this morning we have a river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to view more birds and wildlife. We proceed to the Kelenanap ox-bow lake while searching for more wildlife. In the afternoon, we take a river cruise in search of wild proboscis monkeys as they settle down on treetops along the Kinabatangan River.

After dinner there is an optional night cruise for spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds.

Overnight in Sukau region.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 Sukau - Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu
Today we return to Sandakan and, time-permitting, have some sightseeing in Sandakan before catching our flight to Kota Kinabalu.

Sandakan's main attraction is its hot, steamy waterfront -- a teeming, chaotic multi-purpose place where the fish and central market, hawker stalls and transport all seem to combine a profusion of colour and activity. In the market's dark aisles can be found conches and fish bigger than shovels.

Later today we transfer to the airport for our flight to Kota Kinabalu.

Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14 Departure
Today we transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for our flight home.

SELAMAT JALAN!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Tour Map

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

Hotel List

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

Dorsett Regency Hotel

Rating: 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Country: Malaysia

A privileged location in the Kuala Lumpur’s business and commercial centre; the Dorsett Regency Hotel is located right in the ... of Bukit Bintang Golden Triangle area. Rooms: Fully air-conditioned, telephone, satellite television with 32 inch LCD, hair dryer, mini-bar, in-room safe, complimentary coffee and tea making facilities. The photo left was taken from a hotel room.

Read More.

Click here to visit hotel website

Holiday Inn Kuching

Rating: 3 Star Accommodation
Location: Kuching
Country: Malaysia

Kuching's only riverfront hotel, the Holiday Inn Kuching commands an unrivalled view of the picturesque Sarawak River and colourful Malay ... Situated in the heart of the city's business, entertainment and shopping district, the hotel is twenty minutes drive from the Kuching International Airport.

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Hotel Promenade

Rating: 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Country: Malaysia

A 4-star International hotel nestled in the heart of Kota Kinabalu city. Room amenities: Coffee/Tea Making facilities, complimentary drinking water, ... speed internet, minibar, safe deposit box, satellite TV.

Read More.

Click here to visit hotel website

Bilit Rainforest Lodge

Rating: 3 Star Accommodation
Location: Sukau
Country: Malaysia

Bilit Rainforest Lodge offers the best rainforest experience by being a world-leading eco-lodge in the tropical region. Built largely from ... material, the lodge is designed to allow visitors experience the best of the unique local nature. Amidst the enfolding wildlife of flora and fauna, the lodge most importantly provides visitors a clean, safe and lovely environment to make your stay here a remarkable one.

Read More.

Click here to visit hotel website

Trip Information

Inclusions

Breakfast and dinner (at local restaurants and some hotels) are included daily. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for drivers, restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.

Exclusions

International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, most lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international (if applicable) air taxes, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals, and locally paid departure taxes.

Seasonality and Weather

Two main seasons are experienced in Borneo, a rainy season and a dry. The rainy season generally lasts from Oct to Feb while the drier, cooler period spans from March/April to Sept. Anyone travelling in any part of Borneo should be aware, however, that rain still does fall frequently even during the 'dry season' and visitors should pack good quality wet-weather gear.

The best time to visit Borneo is between March and Sept when less constant rain is likely, although this is far from guaranteed. It is generally hot in Borneo all year round with temperatures rarely falling below 20 C/68 F.

Transport and Travel Conditions

Land transport throughout will be by private air-conditioned bus. Most of the driving days are not long, usually no more than four hours. Internal flights via scheduled regional carriers.

The tour is not strenuous though it is busy; you must be steady on your feet and be able to endure some heat and long days. We have numerous walking tours (especially at Miri) and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces.

Porters are available at hotels but you must be able to manage with your baggage at airports.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.

How might Covid-19 impact this tour and your booking? To review our safety protocols, passenger responsibilites, frequently asked questions, and terms governing your reservation, click here.

Review our full booking terms here.

Accommodation

Hotels used on tour are modern, comfortable, well-located, air-conditioned, 3-4 star properties with en suite bath / toilet. Single rooms are limited and possibly smaller than twins. Laundry facilities are available at most hotels for a reasonable price. Safe deposit boxes are available in most hotels either free or for a nominal fee. All are air-conditioned.

Staff and Support

Tour Leader throughout, local guides, local driver/s.

Group Size

10-18 (plus Tour Leader)