Exploring Malaysia & Borneo is an amazing trip between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, combining the natural and cultural aspects of the country.
This adventure will take you from the cosmopolitan metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, famous for its glittering skyscrapers, to the lush rainforest in the state of Sabah in Borneo.
With this trip you will see the best of Malaysia passing through the native villages and cruising the rivers in the jungle.
Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city center.
Check in at the hotel after 2.00pm. The rest of the day is free for your own leisure.
Overnight at the Traders Hotel or equivalent
Meet the hotel and depart for Kuala Lumpur and Batu Caves full day city tour.
Heritage, history and culture await you on this panoramic tour that spotlights the city’s most celebrated landmarks and get to know each of these magnificent sites up close. See places like the gate of the king’s palace, national mosque, national monument and cenotaph, and independence square.
Enjoy a great view of the city from Petronas Twin Towers’ observation deck and sky bridge.
Step back in time with a visit to the national museum, a fascinating centre dedicated to Malaysian history and culture.
Later, explore local crafts at the handicraft centre a for an opportunity to buy souvenirs for family and friends.
In the afternoon head out of the metropolis and visit the spiritual Batu Caves, a limestone hill riddled with caves and cave temples. Climb the 272 steps to the shrine of Hindu Lord Murugan, visited by over a million pilgrims every year on the annual Thaipusam festival.
At the world famous Royal Selangor pewter factory, learn about the production methods of this pioneering pewter maker and enjoy a guided tour of the foundry where you can watch how this alloy is turned into popular souvenirs. The tour wraps up with a visit to a batik workshop and learn how local artists create this exquisite fabric.
After the tour transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Traders Hotel or equivalent
BREAKFAST
Depart for the historical town of Malacca situated about 2-hour drive south of Kuala Lumpur.
Founded in 1403, Malacca is Malaysia’s oldest town, full of fascinating history and multi-cultural heritage.
Visit the Cheong Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese Temple in Malaysia, the Dutch Red Square Stadhuys and walk through the ruins of St. Paul’s Church and Fortress Porta de Santiago.
Then, have time to stroll along the Jonker Street, known for its antiques, souvenirs, arts and crafts.
Overnight at the Traders Hotel or equivalent
BREAKFAST | LUNCH
At 08.00hrs depart for Kuala Tahan (approx. 3.5 hour drive).
Upon arrival in Kuala Tahan, cross the river by boat to Mutiara Taman Negara Resort. On arrival check into your chalet and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
After dinner proceed on a guided night jungle walk. Discover the side of the jungle which comes alive at night. Familiarize yourself with nocturnal plants and insects and savour a chance to spot animals up close at the Observation Hide.
Overnight at the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort.
BREAKFAST | DINNER
After breakfast hike up the 334m Teresek Hill for a panoramic view of Gunung Tahan and the magnificent forest canopies that cover the hills and valleys. It takes about 30 – 45 minutes to reach its peak.
Then, proceed to the Canopy Walkway, the world’s longest suspension bridge, 40 meters above ground and 530 meters long.
After lunch, cruise along Sungai Tahan to relish the riverside flora and fauna and dip into the refreshing cascades at Lata Berkoh which form a natural Jacuzzi.
Overnight at the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort.
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER
After breakfast head back to Kuala Lumpur.
Overnight at the hotel in Kuala Lumpur
BREAKFAST
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Sandakan. On arrival in Sandakan, transfer to your hotel in Sepilok.
Overnight at the My Nature Resort
BREAKFAST
Today transfer to Sim Sim jetty to board the boat to Selingan Turtle Island. Selingan has been designated a national park to protect the newly laid eggs and vulnerable hatchlings from predators. The journey to the island will take approximately one hour.
On arrival check into at the lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can relax on the beach or explore the tropical island’s surrounding.
After dinner, standby at the Cafeteria. Wait for Park Ranger’s signal before proceed in a small group to witness a marine turtle laying the eggs on the beach and the release of the baby turtle into the sea (turtle sightings can never be guaranteed).
Overnight in Turtle island at the park chalets.
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER
Early morning head back to the mainland and proceed to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for up-close orangutan encounter.
Walk 10 minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalk to witness the feeding of orangutans from the platform in the forest.
Continue to the outdoor nursery where the juvenile and baby orangutans are taught the skills they need to survive in the forest.
Proceed to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre where the world’s smallest bears are kept and rehabilitated.
After Sepilok, venture on a 2-day wildlife safari on the Kinabatangan River. First, you will be taken to Sim Sim jetty to board the boat to Abai Jungle Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour cruise, journeying up the river. Upon arrival check into your lodge on the riverbank and then enjoy lunch.
Late afternoon head out on a safari cruise on the Kinabatangan River. At dusk, you may have the chance to see proboscis monkey and other wildlife than the area is famed for.
Before dinner you will experience a night cruise to witness the glittering fireflies on the mangrove trees.
Overnight at the Abai Jungle Lodge
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER
Wake up early and embark on a river cruise to the Pitas Lake in search of wildlife species that are significantly active during pre-dawn or early morning hours.
The rest of the morning is at your leisure to explore the rainforest on a boardwalk located behind the lodge or visit the village of the native “orang sungai” people and take part in a tree planting project.
After lunch head further up the river to Sukau. Switching lodges gives you a great chance to see more wildlife.
Upon arrival at the lodge head out on another safari cruise on the Menanggul River, a tributary of the Kinabatangan River.
Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
BREAKFAST | LUNCH| DINNER
Early morning transfer to Danum Valley Conservation Area office in Lahad Datu (about 2-hour drive). Then after registration continue to Borneo Rainforest Lodge (about 2.5-hour drive).
Enjoy the changing landscape of the regenerated forest to virgin rainforest of a million years old.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge is nestled in the heart of Sabah’s largest protected forest, alongside the Danum River.
The entire Danum Valley Conservation Area is a primary rainforest, which means it has never been logged before and is completely untouched.
After a brief orientation and lunch, proceed for a guided walk along the Nature Trail for an introduction to the rainforest ecosystem.
In the evening see a slide presentation on Danum Valley Conservation Area, then join a night safari on an open-air truck. Using a powerful spot light the guide will point out nocturnal species.
Overnight at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge
BREAKFAST| LUNCH | DINNER
Rise early this morning and enjoy a whole day in the beautiful Danum Valley. Start your day with the Canopy Walkway, a rope-style bridge built 26 meters above the forest floor. The view is magical. In the early mornings, mist hangs over the rainforest, forming a white veil from which only the tallest treetops emerge.
After breakfast hike to View Point Trail and Kadazandusun Burial Site. Stop along the trail to admire the variety of flora and fauna and spectacular views.
On the way down, enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural Jacuzzi pool.
After lunch (if weather permits) enjoy an extended hike to look for orangutan, birds and other wildlife along nature trails or go for a relaxing Water Tubing session down the Danum River.
As darkens falls, proceed for a guided night jungle walk in search of nocturnal species.
Overnight at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER
This morning enjoy a short jungle walk. After lunch, check out and transfer to Lahad Datu airport.
BREAKFAST | LUNCH
