Name: Borneo Discovery Route
Address: Kuching

About Borneo Discovery Route

Our Passion for Exploration

At Borneo Discovery Route, we are passionate travelers, overlanders, off-roaders, and motorcyclists who love sharing our enthusiasm with others. We are a one-family operation, Sarawak born and raised, plus one "imported" husband. We have extensive international experience. We have lived abroad in the United States, Mexico, and the Netherlands, and have visited over 50 countries. We utilize our local expertise and international experience to deliver seamless, authentic Sarawak tours and unforgettable Borneo adventure experiences.

"The Grand Tour" Itinerary

Note: Click on each day to see a small number of highlights for that day. We can't list everything you will see and experience. There are too many additional stops, attractions, temples, and cultural experiences to list.

Day 1: Arrival Day

You can arrive as early as you like, but we strongly recommend that everyone arrive at least one day prior to the tour. Regardless of when you arrive, we will meet you at the airport in our van and deliver you to the hotel. On the way to your 4-star riverfront hotel in the heart of Kuching, we give a driving tour of Kuching's major points of interest. During this drive, you can observe the traffic and how it relates to motorcycling. At the hotel, we stay with you throughout the check-in process to ensure a smooth arrival. In the evening, we will take you to dinner along Kuching's vibrant waterfront. After dinner, you return to your room to rest and recover from the jetlag.

Day 2: Finding Your Feet

We meet you at your hotel for the included hot buffet breakfast. We will answer questions, review logistics, communication, safety, and basic rules. We provide each rider with a map of the entire journey, as well as an explanation of the waypoints. It's a great chance to get to know each other and build some rapport. Your hotel is located in the heart of Kuching, so we will take a walking tour of the ancient Chinese shophouses and British colonial buildings before concluding at the Borneo Cultures Museum. This new museum is rated #1 in all of Southeast Asia and features interactive exhibits that provide a foundation for understanding what you will see over the next 12 days. After the museum, we adjourn to one of the largest local hawker centers. Here you can sample regional, national, and international foods. We teach you basic tips and tricks for ordering and teach you some useful phrases. These hawker centers offer a variety of options to suit everyone's taste, featuring both local and international cuisine. After lunch, we take everyone to the motorcycles. Today is all about finding your perfect fit. We offer high and low seats, as well as different-sized windshields, and can adjust the suspension to suit your personal weight and style. You can choose to ride with or without panniers and/or a top box or just racks for soft luggage (the support vehicle has room for all your luggage). We will conduct a shakedown ride on the bikes and make any necessary adjustments. Tonight we ride back to Kuching's waterfront for a nighttime dinner cruise complete with traditional music and dance. Night at your 4-star riverfront hotel.

Day 3: Orangutans, "Jurassic Park," and Highlands

It starts with a hot buffet breakfast at your hotel. Today is your first long riding day, and we thrust you deep into Borneo. You will see orangutans and other wildlife, explore a secluded mountain lake via boat, wander through a virgin rainforest containing majestic waterfalls, get your first views of Indonesia from an elevation of over 1000 meters, and stay in a traditional Bidayuh longhouse. We will have lunch in an old Chinese gold mining town and a traditional Bidayuh dinner in a longhouse. The fresh highland breeze and sounds of the jungle will ensure a good sleep.

Day 4: The Longest Day

After a traditional Bidayuh breakfast, we jump in the saddle. Today has 6-7 hours of saddle time that will be spent on winding jungle roads that skirt the Indonesian border. We will pass through small villages, stop at tiny roadside shacks for snacks, visit small temples, and have multiple opportunities to spot wildlife. This area is as pristine as a rainforest can be. The higher elevations and shade from the ancient trees make this section an absolute delight. There is so much to see and do on this route and we don't want everything to pass you by at 70 KPH. If the group gets hungry or thirsty, we stop; if you see something interesting, we stop.

We are now deep in Iban country, home to two of our ancestral longhouses. We end the day in Lubok Antu, where we will stay in an Iban longhouse just 1km from the Indonesian border. Tonight's dinner features a variety of food found only in Sarawak. Pansoh, chicken cooked in bamboo as well as a variety of vegetables and fruits collected from the jungle. You will be offered homemade rice alcohol called Tuak and Langkau. It's delicious and smooth, but be careful, as it's strong!

Day 5: Bikes, Boats, and Blue Water

Breakfast in the town of Lubok Antu, where you can choose from a variety of local and western dishes. Then we ride to the giant lake of Batang Ai. This vast lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Far from any large towns and fed by clean mountain streams, fish from this lake command a premium all over Malaysia. Our Iban guide helps us explore the lake and its many islands by boat, as the road only reaches its southern shore. This area is home to the oldest Iban settlements in Sarawak, and the lake is surrounded by traditional Iban longhouses, accessible only by water or jungle trails. We will stop at one of these for lunch. This area is also heavily populated with wildlife. Orangutans and Gibbons are virtually guaranteed, and it’s our best chance to see the Rhinoceros Hornbill, the state bird of Sarawak. We will then spend the night in a Longhouse on the shore of the lake, where we will share a sumptuous dinner with our Iban hosts.

Day 6: From the Highlands, to the Rivers, to the Sea

Today is another long day in the saddle, about 6 hours, but packed with sights. We start with a cooked-to-order breakfast before hopping on our bikes. We say goodbye to this Iban stronghold and head down to an area populated by Malay fishing villages. We will see stilt houses, small wooden Mosques, and people fishing the same way they have for centuries. Lunch will be at a hawker center, offering a variety of food options. We will experience everything from dense jungle, to mangroves, to beaches. We will also take a boat tour through dense mangrove swamps to see the world's only viable population of the Red-Banded Langur. Also, keep an eye out for proboscis monkey, silvered langur, and long-tailed macaque, as well as multiple species of hornbills. Back on the bikes, we will cross two rivers by ferry before spending the night at a modern 3-star hotel located near multiple restaurants.

Day 7: National Parks and Beaches

A mix of riding, nature, and relaxation. We start with a hot buffet breakfast at the hotel before saddling up. Today features about 3 hours on the bikes, 45 minutes in a boat, and some optional hikes. We take a scenic motorcycle route to the jetty where we catch a boat to Bako National Park, the oldest park in Sarawak. This park is situated on a peninsula that can only be accessed via the sea. Home to hundreds of proboscis monkeys, you will also see long-tailed macaques, silvered langurs, plantain squirrels, the Bornean bearded pig, giant monitor lizards, snakes, and otters. Don’t worry, our guide knows the best places to spot them. We will have a hot lunch in the park before taking the boat back to the mainland. From the jetty, it's a scenic coastal ride to Damai Beach, where we will spend the next two nights at a 4-star, beachfront resort. This resort has multiple pools, hot tubs, and offers spa services. Its location is within walking distance to several bars and restaurants.

Day 8: Culture and Care

Riders are often exhausted by this stage. Fortunately, this hotel is beautiful, and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding area. After a leisurely morning started by an expansive breakfast featuring almost every western and Asian option under the sun, we will walk to the award-winning Sarawak Cultural Village. This 20-acre village features authentic longhouses and structures from all the cultures of Sarawak. Each building is populated by members of the respective ethnic groups. There are expert weavers, cooks, musicians, craftsmen, and dancers. We will be treated to a captivating performance showcasing local music, traditions, and dance. You may even get a chance to use a blowpipe! After the performance, we adjourn to the on-site restaurant to enjoy the included lunch featuring a tasting menu of local foods showcasing dishes from each ethnic group and the rich culinary heritage of the region. Chicken cooked in bamboo, local jungle ferns stir-fried with garlic, and fish pulled straight from the sea just meters away. You have the balance of the afternoon to explore the cultural village, beach, restaurants, or get a spa treatment. Tomorrow is a long day!

Day 9: Islands, Crocodiles, Sea Turtles, and the Beaches

After another decadent breakfast at our beachfront hotel, we jump on the motorcycles and ride to the fishing village of Santubong. Here we catch a boat that will take us through the mangroves before heading to open waters and Satang Island. The mangroves are teeming with wildlife. We are virtually guaranteed to see saltwater crocodiles as well as various monkeys and rare birds. As we head to open water, we may be greeted by curious Irrawaddy dolphins. We land at Satang Island, home to a government-protected turtle sanctuary. The pristine, clear waters of this island are spawning grounds for Green and Hawksbill sea turtles. We can see their nests, learn about threats, and perhaps even participate in the release of some baby turtles. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, and you are free to snorkel the clear waters (we provide snorkel gear). After lunch, we head back to the mainland and our bikes. Don't worry, there is a freshwater shower at the pier. Next, we ride to one of the only beaches in Sarawak that allows motorcycle riding. We will have fun blasting up and down the sand, take some photos, have some fun, and grab a few snacks from local tent vendors. We end at our 3-star resort hotel and dinner of your choice in the quirky river town of Lundu.

Day 10: Flowers, Kilometers, and the Tip of Borneo

Enjoy the included breakfast in Lundu, which features an array of made-to-order options. We then ride to Gunung Gading National Park in hopes of seeing the world's largest flower, known as the Rafflesia. The park is also home to multiple waterfalls and clean, cold, freshwater swimming holes. Leaving Gunung Gading, we wind along the coast, passing numerous beaches, villages, and farms. Eventually, we arrive at the very tip of Borneo, Kilometer Zero as it's known. This area is virtually unknown to international travelers, but locals are fond of visiting it. This is a tiny yet lively village, featuring a beautiful beach, dozens of food tents, and a charming market. They offer a wide variety of food options for lunch and lots of friendly locals to talk to. After we've had our fill of the lively atmosphere, we return to the bikes for a fun, twisty ride to the 4-star, beachfront hotel, where we will spend the night. This hotel has multiple swimming pools, two restaurants, and a supermarket. It is situated on a secluded 12km-long beach that offers spectacular stargazing at night.

Day 11: Run to the Border

This is a fun riding day peppered with unique experiences. We wake up to a 4-star buffet breakfast before jumping on our machines. The first ride is all the way from the beach to the Indonesian border. We can't take the bikes into Indonesia, but we can park them 10 meters away and walk across. You are actually in Indonesia now, and this border town is as interesting as it is chaotic. A former smugglers' outpost turned legitimate, now it's the place where locals go to buy affordable goods from Indonesia. Sure, it has its share of junk, but there are also real carpenters, artists, and craftsmen selling their goods here. We will also have the opportunity to sample Indonesian food, and we can teach you how to haggle. Don't worry, the sellers here do it with good humor. Once we have our fill of chaos, we ride to the silence and tranquility of the "Fairy Cave" system. This cave system is renowned for its stunning geological formations and breathtaking natural beauty. Climb six flights of stairs to the entrance of the cave on the side of a limestone cliff. A short walk takes you to the massive main chamber featuring beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. We provide LED lights for a deeper exploration of the extensive cave complex. After the caves, we stop in the town of Bau for snacks. Bau is a former gold rush town with a distinct “cowboy” feel. The centerpiece of the town is “Tasik Biru”, which means “Blue Lake”, a former open pit mine that has slowly filled with water. The minerals have leached into the water, giving it a vibrant blue color. The color may be otherworldly, but don't worry, its waters are healthy enough to sustain large populations of fish and waterfowl. We will have refreshments on the shores of this lake while we listen to the local bands play American-style country western music………..seriously. The final leg of our ride will take us to a 100-year-old Chinese gold mining town, where we will spend the night in a 3-star hotel. This authentic town has been transformed into a massive night market. Every variety of food is available here, and the party lasts until the early morning. Stay out as late as you want, listening to music and enjoying the food and beer.

Day 12: Winding Down

The end is in sight, but we still have lots to see and experience. Wake up slowly this morning, then enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Siniawan that is still asleep from the previous night's party. You will savor the included breakfast buffet and wake up with Kopi Gau Gau (extra-strong coffee).

After breakfast, we ride to the huge “Pasar Minggu” or “Weekend Market” in Kuching. This market has long been a part of Sarawak's history and remains massively popular among locals who know it's the only place to purchase certain items. It operates only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and locals from the surrounding villages bring their vegetables, cakes, food, and crafts to sell. Shop for unique handicrafts, see fruits and vegetables native only to Borneo, buy directly from villagers, local artisans, and farmers while exploring the market. You are guaranteed to find fruits, vegetables, and foods you have never seen before. Borneo olives called "Dabai", snake fruit, "crystal", "Dutch durian", midin, paku, and more.

After the market, we return to your hotel in Kuching. You have time to shower, rest, and relax before meeting us for dinner at our favorite restaurant. Here, we will have a small farewell party and discuss our adventures. You have the balance of the evening on your own.

Day 13: Goodbyes?

Today we will meet you at your hotel. We provide you with printed photos of your journey, as well as links to digital versions and a commemorative video of the trip (yes, we filmed the whole thing for you). For those departing, we escort you to the airport and ensure a smooth check-in and departure process.

For those staying, we have an optional complimentary nighttime excursion to the largest night market in Kuching. If you wish to borrow a motorcycle to ride on your own for a few extra days, this can be arranged at a heavily discounted price (applicable only to people who have taken a tour). We provide complimentary airport transfer, regardless of the day you depart.

"The Great 8" Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day

You can arrive as early as you like, but we strongly recommend that everyone arrive at least one day prior to the tour. Regardless of when you arrive, we will meet you at the airport in our van and take you immediately for a motorcycle fitting. On the way to your 4-star riverfront hotel in the heart of Kuching, we give a driving tour of Kuching's major points of interest. During this drive, you can observe the traffic and how it relates to motorcycling. At the hotel, we stay with you throughout the check-in process to ensure a smooth arrival. In the evening, we will take you on a dinner cruise along Kuching's vibrant waterfront. After dinner, you return to your room to rest and recover from the jetlag.

Day 2: Orangutans, Markets, and History

Today is your first long riding day, and we thrust you deep into Borneo. Our first stop is the Orangutan sanctuary, where you will see these beautiful animals in their natural environment. It's also your first experience in virgin rainforest. The trails here are easy to navigate, and we often encounter various other wildlife while exploring them.

Leaving the sanctuary, we ride to the huge “Pasar Minggu” or “Weekend Market” in Kuching. This market has long been a part of Sarawak's history and remains massively popular among locals who know it's the only place to purchase certain items. It operates only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and locals from the surrounding villages bring their vegetables, cakes, food, and crafts to sell. Shop for unique handicrafts, see fruits and vegetables native only to Borneo, buy directly from villagers, local artisans, and farmers while exploring the market. You are guaranteed to find fruits, vegetables, and foods you have never seen before. Borneo olives called "Dabai", snake fruit, "crystal", "Dutch durian", midin, paku, and more. We will have lunch at a large hawker center here, where we will teach you how to order like a local.

We finish the day in a 110-year-old wooden gold mining town of Siniawan. This town is now home to one of the most vibrant and unique nighttime experiences in Sarawak. Live music, amazing food, and cool bars all housed inside the vintage shophouses and homes. The party goes late into the night, but you are free to retire to your 3-star hotel at any time.

Day 3: Buddhism, Bau, and the Border

Wake up slowly this morning, then enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a Siniawan that is still asleep from the previous night's party. You will savor the included breakfast buffet and wake up with Kopi Gau Gau (extra-strong coffee).

After breakfast, we ride to a Buddhist Village that offers a tranquil atmosphere for visitors to relax and reflect in nature. The beautiful grounds here offer some great photo opportunities as well as a chance to better understand the local Chinese community.

After a bit of tranquility, we ride all the way to the Indonesian border. We can't take the bikes into Indonesia, but we can park them 10 meters away and walk across. You are actually in Indonesia now, and this border town is as interesting as it is chaotic. A former smugglers' outpost turned legitimate, now it's the place where locals go to buy affordable goods from Indonesia. Sure, it has its share of junk, but there are also real carpenters, artists, and craftsmen selling their goods here. We will also have the opportunity to sample Indonesian food, and we can teach you how to haggle. Don't worry, the sellers here do it with good humor.

Once we have our fill of chaos, we ride to the silence and tranquility of the "Fairy Cave" system. This cave system is renowned for its stunning geological formations and breathtaking natural beauty. Climb six flights of stairs to the entrance of the cave on the side of a limestone cliff. A short walk takes you to the massive main chamber featuring beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. We provide LED lights for a deeper exploration of the extensive cave complex. After the caves, we stop in the town of Bau for snacks. Bau is a former gold rush town with a distinct “cowboy” feel. The centerpiece of the town is “Tasik Biru”, which means “Blue Lake”, a former open pit mine that has slowly filled with water. The minerals have leached into the water, giving it a vibrant blue color. The color may be otherworldly, but don't worry, its waters are healthy enough to sustain large populations of fish and waterfowl. We will have refreshments on the shores of this lake while we listen to the local bands play American-style country western music………..seriously.

The night will be spent in a longhouse. The accommodations immerse you in traditional lifestyles and customs. You can even take some target practice with a blowpipe and sample some honey from the multiple hives of Borneo stingless bees harvesting on this property! Don’t worry, the rooms are air-conditioned and bee-free!

Day 4: Kilometers and Beaches

It starts with a traditional hot breakfast in the longhouse.

Saddling up, we wind along the coast, passing numerous beaches, villages, and farms. Eventually, we arrive at the very tip of Borneo, Kilometer Zero as it's known. This area is virtually unknown to international travelers, but locals are fond of visiting it. This is a tiny yet lively village, featuring a beautiful beach, dozens of food tents, and a charming market. They offer a wide variety of food options for lunch and lots of friendly locals to talk to.

After we've had our fill of the lively atmosphere, we return to the bikes for a fun, twisty ride to the 4-star, beachfront hotel, where we will spend the night. This hotel has multiple swimming pools, two restaurants, and a supermarket. It is situated on a secluded 12km-long beach that offers spectacular stargazing at night.

Day 5: Natural Wonders

We wake up to a huge breakfast consisting of a hot buffet as well as cooked-to-order options. You will need it as we have a full day ahead.

We first ride to Gunung Gading National Park in hopes of seeing the world's largest flower, known as the Rafflesia. The park is also home to multiple waterfalls and clean, cold, freshwater swimming holes. Feel free to use them to cool down.

Next stop is Golden Beach. Experience the thrill of riding along the scenic, low-traffic backroads of Borneo. This 2-hour ride parallels the coastline, passing through coconut palms, a wild jungle, and offering glimpses of the South China Sea. We will go through tiny villages, take a ferry across a river (keep an eye out for crocodiles), and stop at roadside drink shacks along the way. We ride our motorcycles right onto the beach. This is one of the few beaches in Borneo where one can ride a motorcycle. The sand is fairly compact, and the beach is long, wide, clean, and safe. A small number of locals along the shore sell food, snacks, and drinks that allow us to hydrate and energize. Far out to sea, we see the Satang Island turtle sanctuary. We will visit this tomorrow!

Once we have had our fill of the beach, we ride to a traditional Malay fishing village. Here we will have an oceanfront dinner while watching the sunset. We will spend the night at a modern jungle resort, just a few Kilometers away.

Day 6: Animals, Islands, Boats, and Beaches

Wake up with the rainforest and enjoy your hot, cooked-to-order breakfast. You will need your energy because today has it all: animals, boats, mangroves, islands, and beaches.

We jump on the motorcycles and ride to the fishing village of Santubong. Here we catch a boat that will take us through the mangroves before heading to open waters and Satang Island. The mangroves are teeming with wildlife. We are virtually guaranteed to see saltwater crocodiles as well as various monkeys and rare birds. As we head to open water, we may be greeted by curious Irrawaddy dolphins, some of which have distinctive pink skin. We land at Satang Island, home to a government-protected turtle sanctuary. The pristine, clear waters of this island are spawning grounds for Green and Hawksbill sea turtles. We can see their nests, learn about threats, and perhaps even participate in the release of some baby turtles. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, and you are free to snorkel the clear waters (we provide snorkel gear). After lunch, we head back to the mainland and our bikes.

Upon returning from Satang Island, we enjoy the short, scenic ride to Damai Beach Resort. This is the most popular beach destination in Sarawak, offering a variety of hotels, pools, bars, an entertainment center, and more. We have booked you the nicest resort, and you have the balance of the evening to swim, enjoy music, get a spa treatment, or just relax.

Day 7: Cultural Immersion and Self Care

After a leisurely morning feasting at an expansive breakfast featuring almost every western and Asian option under the sun, we will walk to the award-winning Sarawak Cultural Village. This 20-acre village features authentic longhouses and structures from all the cultures of Sarawak. Each building is populated by members of the respective ethnic groups. There are expert weavers, cooks, musicians, craftsmen, and dancers. We will be treated to a captivating performance showcasing local music, traditions, and dance. You may even get a chance to use a blowpipe! After the performance, we adjourn to the on-site restaurant to enjoy the included lunch, featuring a tasting menu of local foods that showcases dishes from each ethnic group and the rich culinary heritage of the region. Chicken cooked in bamboo, local jungle ferns stir-fried with garlic, and fish pulled straight from the sea just meters away. You have the balance of the afternoon to explore the cultural village, beach, restaurants, or get a spa treatment. Tomorrow is a long day!

Day 8: National Park

Wake up slowly and enjoy the numerous breakfast options.

Once everyone has had their fill, we take a scenic motorcycle route to the jetty where we catch a boat to Bako National Park, the oldest park in Sarawak. This park is situated on a peninsula that can only be accessed via the sea. Home to hundreds of proboscis monkeys, you will also see long-tailed macaques, silvered langurs, plantain squirrels, the Bornean bearded pig, giant monitor lizards, snakes, and otters. Don’t worry, our native guide knows the best places to spot them. We will have a hot lunch in the park before taking the boat back to the mainland.

Back on the bikes, we take an interesting route back to Kuching and your 4-star riverfront hotel. Tonight we will all have dinner at our favorite restaurant in Kuching. (you are also welcome to catch a nighttime flight out of Kuching)

Day 9: Goodbyes?

"The Grand tour" by van or 4x4

A white Toyota Hiace van parked on a street with other vehicles.

A 1500 km immersion into Cities, Towns, Villages, and Longhouses. National parks, beaches, mountains, rivers, lakes, and the sea. Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, langurs, bearded pigs, crocodiles, dolphins, and sea turtles, along with countless birds. Food, dance, traditional crafts, and hunting techniques. Even the chance to get a hand-tapped tattoo. This tour really has it all.

Our modern vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after each trip. Each seat features its own 3-point seatbelt and air conditioning vent, and there are multiple USB-C and USB-A charging ports for all your cameras, phones, and other devices. We also maintain an icebox with an unlimited supply of cool water and soft drinks.

We can combine a vehicle and motorcycle tour for groups that include people who want to ride motorcycles and those who prefer to travel by vehicle. The motorcycles may take more adventurous routes, but we will all have meals together, sleep in the same places, and everyone gets to see the major highlights of each day.

custom adventures

Do you have something different in mind? We can make it happen. We can do something as small as supporting your group ride to completely designing a custom expedition and everything in between. Tours as long as 90 days and as short as 4 days. Groups as small as 2 bikes or as large as 10. Want a multi-generational tour where some people ride in our van and some ride on motorcycles? That's also possible. Does some of your group have their own motorcycles? We can support them as well. The sky is the limit. We will walk you through the process and give you upfront pricing on your custom tour.

Why Choose us?

Top-Quality Motorcycles

A person riding a motorcycle on a dusty terrain.

We take great pride in offering Malaysia’s newest and best-maintained motorcycle rental fleet, perfect for those seeking reliable motorcycle adventures. All of our motorcycles are less than one year old and remain under full factory warranty, ensuring reliability for your Borneo adventure tours. We proactively retire each bike at 25,000 km and adhere to a rigorous, ahead-of-schedule maintenance program. This includes timely replacement of tires, brakes, cables, clutch components, bearings, seals, and oil—among other critical parts. If a component shows wear, we replace it before it becomes a problem.

We also custom-fit the motorcycle to you. No one-size-fits-all options. We have high seats, low seats, rally seats, high windshields, and low windshields. We can adjust the suspension to suit shorter riders and also adjust the firmness according to your weight and riding style. Each bike offers the option to ride with waterproof aluminum panniers and top box, just the panniers, just the top box, or just the racks for those who prefer soft luggage. No extra charge for custom setups. A comfortable rider is a safe rider. Each bike has 2 USB charging ports and a mounting rail for phones, cameras, or GPS.

inclusive Experience

Top-Quality Motorcycles

Street art of monkeys in a rusty wheelbarrow against a worn wall.

Our Borneo adventure tours include everything you need for the perfect adventure motorcycle experience at one price. This means airport pick-up and drop-off, modern motorcycles, motorcycle insurance, hotels, homestays, daily breakfast, some lunches and dinners, snacks, unlimited bottled water, a support vehicle, entrance fees, guides, tours, and even fuel. There are no surprise surcharges, no hidden entrance fees, and no additional tips required.

As a leading tour company in Kuching, we have established deep connections throughout Borneo. Our multicultural family has roots in various villages and longhouses throughout the island, allowing you to step off the tourist path and enjoy an authentic tour that provides genuine experiences unavailable to others.

Other than a few lunches and dinners, our trips are virtually all-inclusive. Guests typically spend extra only on alcohol and souvenirs. We do not have any agreements with, nor do we earn commissions from, any shops, hotels, or experiences. Each option is selected based solely on its merit, ensuring there is zero pressure to spend additional money.

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

we are invested in conservation and the community

View from a wooden beach hut overlooking a calm sea and distant mountains.

We're committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience on our Borneo adventure tours. If something goes wrong during your trip, we fix it. We understand this is the trip of a lifetime, so we do whatever it takes to give you a positive impression of Borneo and its discovery route. Our team is always available 24/7 during a tour to assist you.

we are invested in conservation and the community

We are committed to protecting Borneo, its native flora and fauna, and preserving its heritage. We visit conservation programs on our tours, and the entrance fee they charge tour groups support their efforts, but we go above and beyond by donating additional money on top of the entrance fees we pay.

When the option is available, we stay at locations committed to sustainable tourism and frequent artisans who work to preserve traditional techniques. We guide you to places where you can buy items directly from the artisan, skipping the middleman and avoiding mass-produced, imported goods.

Our family also participates in community clean-up days and volunteers at the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).

We are also dedicated to helping the motorcycle community as a whole. We offer free assistance to riders, even those who have spent no money with us (see below).

100% free assistance for long-distance motorcyclists

Illustration of a blue adventure motorcycle with storage boxes and bold text.

planning

Emergency

planning

100% free planning advice.

Not everyone can afford a tour, and many people have their own motorcycle. Perhaps you are taking an RTW motorcycle trip on your own motorcycle. No problem. We love Borneo, and we want you to love it too. No need to join our tour or spend any money with us. We can provide advice on what to see, where to stop, what to eat, road conditions, and GPS waypoints. We have information on the Carne de Passage needed for Indonesia and the ferries that can take you from Borneo to Java. If we're not too busy, we're also happy to meet up at one of our favorite restaurants and share stories or connect you with a local group ride. Meeting interesting people is a real highlight for us.

We also have a comprehensive list of dealers for all major motorcycle brands across Borneo. Whether you ride KTM, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati, Benelli, CFMoto, etc. We can point you to the nearest shop. This is purely to make your life easier. We are not a dealer, and we get no commission.

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Open tool kit with wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and sockets.

Tools

Emergency

planning

100% free use of tools and our location for maintenance for any biker in need.

Performing maintenance? Is your bike broken? This sort of thing can add stress and consume a significant amount of time on the road. Bikers are free to use our tools and location to perform their own maintenance and repairs. No need to spend even 1 Ringgit with

100% free use of tools and our location for maintenance for any biker in need.

Is your bike severely broken? If we have space, you can store it with us for free until you can arrange transport or a fix.

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Side view of a Malaysian ambulance van under clear sky.

Emergency

100% free Emergency Assistance for any biker.

The most important part of the biker's code, one we take VERY seriously.

If you break down within a reasonable distance from us while enjoying your adventure, we will do our best to help you.

If you get hurt, we will go even further to assist you. This could mean collecting you and your bike, go

100% free Emergency Assistance for any biker.

The most important part of the biker's code, one we take VERY seriously.

If you break down within a reasonable distance from us while enjoying your adventure, we will do our best to help you.

If you get hurt, we will go even further to assist you. This could mean collecting you and your bike, going with you to the hospital, guiding you through the medical system, we will do it—even if you haven't spent a single ringgit with us. You are NEVER alone in those scary and stressful times.

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Who we are

Our Story

One family.

Even though most of us were born and raised in Sarawak, we have spent our adult lives traveling the world. Since settling back on Borneo, we often found ourselves hosting friends we met on our travels. Most of our friends are experienced travelers, and many of them are also motorcycle riders.

When our friends visited us, they found existing van tours often didn't have the authenticity they were looking for. Those renting motorcycles found the machines to be lacking in quality. The van tours went to the same, busy places, and the motorcycles they rented were small and often poorly maintained. We started by purchasing two extra bikes just for friends. Word of mouth spread, and "Borneo Discovery Route" was born. Welcome to the Borneo BDR.

A family company

Our team is led by our Iban patriarch, grandson of a headhunter, a native of a longhouse in Sibu. He received his early education under the British system and spent over four decades serving in the Royal Malaysian Police force. He held various postings across Sarawak and Sabah before concluding his career as an instructor at the police academy. Following retirement, he became a government-certified tour guide, specializing in authentic Sarawak tours. His deep knowledge of Sarawak’s history, culture, and folklore continues to inspire and educate those around him.

Our matriarch, of Chinese-Malaysian descent, has dedicated more than 40 years to the nursing profession. She remains actively engaged in both clinical practice at the hospital and academic instruction at the university level. Her medical expertise is a vital asset, ensuring the well-being of our team and guests alike.

Their eldest daughter, born on the floor of a traditional longhouse, earned a scholarship to study in the United States. There she met her American husband. After a successful career with Fortune 500 companies, spanning both the U.S. and the Netherlands, the couple embarked on numerous global adventures, traveling to over 50 countries by land, sea, and air. For the past 11 years, they have maintained a residence in Borneo.

Her husband of 25 years is an American. He grew up restoring cars with his uncle and riding ATVs and motorcycles with his brothers. After high school, he spent time working in the construction and automotive industries before attending college to earn a degree in English and pursue a career in teaching. He has spent the last 15 years as a teacher and chef. He rides on our motorcycle tours, and because he holds a commercial driver's license in Malaysia and the USA, he drives on the van tours. He also enjoys sharing a good dad joke so bring earplugs.

The eldest son is a professional engineer and serves as a Major in the Royal Malaysian Army. He is married to a woman of Bidayuh heritage and has been stationed in Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Sibu, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. During their free time, they contribute actively to our tours. He is an expert in jungle survival, offering invaluable insights into local flora, fauna, and safety. His wife provides unique access to Bidayuh communities and longhouses throughout the region, enriching your cultural experiences.

We speak English, Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, and Chinese fluently. We are also working on our Dutch, German, and Spanish!

Contact Us

Better yet, see us in person!

We love our customers and are happy to meet outside of our business hours, whether you're planning an adventure motorcycle trip or looking for authentic Sarawak tours.

Borneo Discovery Route

Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Hours

Mon	07:00 am – 08:00 pm
Tue	07:00 am – 08:00 pm
Wed	07:00 am – 08:00 pm
Thu	07:00 am – 08:00 pm
Fri	07:00 am – 08:00 pm
Sat	07:00 am – 08:00 pm
Sun	07:00 am – 08:00 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of motorcycles do you offer for rent?

We exclusively rent new CFmoto 450MT and 700MT models. Focusing on one brand means we have a deep understanding of the bikes, and also enables us to purchase parts in bulk. This means we always have parts on hand, and we know the fastest way to fix them. This minimizes delays in the event of breakage, wrecks, punctures, or other issues. No waiting for clutch levers, tires, brake levers, lights, turn signals, or other parts to be shipped. We have them in our support vehicle at all times, and we have the knowledge to change them.

What is the minimum age requirement for renting a motorcycle?

The minimum age requirement to rent a motorcycle is 21 years old.

Do I need to have a special license to rent a motorcycle?

Yes, you must have a full and valid motorcycle license from your home country. We do verify. If you arrive without a full and current license, or a fake license (yes, we have seen them), you will not be allowed to ride and will not be entitled to a refund. You may complete the tour in the support vehicle. If you exhibit unsafe riding practices, are a danger to yourself or others, we reserve the right to restrict you from riding and put you in the support vehicle for the remainder of the trip without a refund.

Is it safe to ride in Sarawak?

Sarawak is extremely safe. We also plan our routes to maximize road safety. Our bikes are also fanatically checked for safety. To further minimize issues, our main tour guide will lead the group, relay any issues to riders, and we have a sweeper/tailgunner following to ensure safety. No one gets left behind, and there is no pressure to ride faster than you want. When we stop at attractions, gear and valuables can be stored in the support vehicle with the driver and sweeper/tailgunner.

What about helmets and riding gear?

Helmets are required. We know flying with a helmet can be a pain, but we suggest bringing your own.

That being said, we do have a limited supply of full-face, ECE 22.06-rated helmets we can loan you. We cannot guarantee that we will have your size or preferred style in stock. You are required to supply your own jacket, pants, and boots. We highly recommend all mesh gear, nothing insulated. We find that locally bought, pull-on rain gear, combined with the coolest mesh gear available, is the best combination. People who arrive in waterproof Gore-Tex gear always regret it. Even those who arrive in "vented" 3-season gear often end up wishing for true summer gear.

If you need a full kit or just a few items, we are familiar with all the shops in the area and can help you source gear upon arrival. We know how to avoid fakes and are fanatics about safety. Genuine, ECE-certified helmets can be purchased for under $100 USD, and rain gear is available for less than $15 USD. Boots, jackets, and pants are also available, but it can be challenging to find clothing sizes larger than XL and shoe sizes larger than EU46/US11.5 (if needed, we can request that shops preorder larger sizes for your arrival). We get no commission from the shops and will help you find the best deals on safe gear. Please arrive a bit early if you need/want to source gear.

What if I get hurt?

We strongly suggest guests carry travel insurance at all times. The state of healthcare in Sarawak is VERY good, and Kuching is a popular medical tourism destination due to its low cost and modern facilities. Because our matriarch is a nurse, we know how to quickly navigate any medical scenario.

What if it rains?

We ride in all but the hardest rains. If you are riding with a passenger, they are welcome to get off the bike and ride in the support vehicle.

What happens in bad weather?

The weather cannot be controlled, especially in an island rainforest. We have built our itineraries to accommodate weather-related changes and delays. We also have backup locations and activities to replace those that are cancelled due to bad weather. Rain is our most common weather event, and while it can be extremely heavy, it usually clears quickly.

What if my plane gets delayed?

We recommend that all participants arrive 1-2 days in advance to minimize the risk of unexpected interruptions, and we cannot be held responsible for any delays. We will do EVERYTHING we can to help you join the tour at its current location. No refunds can be given for parts of the tour missed due to travel not organized by us. We have found that we can ALWAYS find a solution in this scenario.

How much extra money will I have to spend?

It is dependent on you. Our tours are very inclusive. We have guests spend as little as $100 extra, just purchasing food, drinks, and small souvenirs. Costs in Sarawak are extremely low.

Is the local food safe/will I get sick?

In general, local food is well-prepared and of a very high hygienic standard when compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia. Sarawak and Penang are held up as the two best food destinations in Malaysia. You will encounter exotic spices and flavors, but most dishes we eat are cooked to order and can be prepared without chili and spices if you prefer.

The local food is spectacular, but for those with less exotic taste buds, "Western" options are available about 90% of the time for breakfast and 75% of the time for lunch and dinner. These can include potatoes, eggs, burgers, fries, hot dogs/sausage, etc. Eggs, rice, fried and roasted chicken are almost always available. We strongly caution against consuming uncooked vegetables and salads, as 75% of issues occur with these foods. Severe food allergies can be particularly challenging to accommodate in rural areas. Vegetarian options are widely available but cannot be guaranteed at all locations.

Luggage

You can bring as many bags as you want, but we only allow one 30kg suitcase per motorcycle to be stored in the support vehicle. Additional bags can be stored at the hotel in Kuching and cannot be accessed until the final day of the tour. You are allowed to ride with or without the aluminum panniers and top box on a motorcycle if you have additional gear. The three boxes add an additional 90 liters of storage.

Are the motorcycles properly maintained?

We have the newest and best-maintained fleet in Malaysia. Currently, all our motorcycles are less than 1 year old and also under their full factory warranties. We sell them when they are 2 years old or reach 25,000km. We perform all maintenance ahead of schedule. This includes tires, brakes, valve adjustments, clutch adjustments, bearings, seals, cables, oil changes, and more. If an item shows wear, we replace it; we do not wait for it to break. Bikes are checked before, during, and after each tour. Our support vehicle carries spares for all breakable and wear items.

What happens if I damage a motorcycle?

The first priority is you and your health. Once we check you over, we evaluate the bike.

We understand accidents happen, and we also understand they can ruin a trip. If it’s just a few cosmetic scratches, it’s not a big deal. These bikes are designed for fun and feature full crash bars, full skid plates, and protective films on most of the plastic. We expect them to receive a few cosmetic scratches, and there is no charge for these. If something small breaks, such as a clutch lever or turn signal, we only charge you for the part itself, not the labor to install it. The great news is that these small parts are usually less than $20. Even larger parts, like a fender, are only $50. Extensive damage is covered by the bike insurance, but you are subject to the $500 insurance deductible. If you wish to continue the tour after damaging a motorcycle beyond repair, you may do so in the support vehicle.

Why do we ride fewer than 300 km most days?

To maximize your experience, comfort, and safety. Borneo is a hot, wild place, and the routes we take you on are often scenic backroads. Many of our riders are riding in Asia, on the left side of the road, for the first time in their lives. Riding through a narrow, twisty, jungle road in 35 °C/95°F heat and 100% humidity is quite a challenge, doubly so if everything is new and interesting. A 300km route usually means 5-6 hours in the saddle.

There is also so much to see. Our tours are not about making miles; they are about truly experiencing Borneo. A 300 km stretch of riding may pass by 20 interesting locations.

Borneo Discovery Route

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About Borneo Discovery Route

Our Passion for Exploration

"the grand tour" our signature motorcycle adventure

this 2-week, 1500 kilometer journey gives you everything

"The Grand Tour" Itinerary

"The Great 8" Weekend to weekend adventure

this 8-day, 750 kilometer journey gives you a taste of borneo

"The Great 8" Itinerary

More than a ride, IT'S total immersion

Highlights of our tours

"The Grand tour" by van or 4x4

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Top-Quality Motorcycles

Top-Quality Motorcycles

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Top-Quality Motorcycles

Top-Quality Motorcycles

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we are invested in conservation and the community

we are invested in conservation and the community

we are invested in conservation and the community

we are invested in conservation and the community

we are invested in conservation and the community

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