When to go
February – April, June and August, and October – December
Price
From £3,199 pp (including flights)
Flight time
14hrs 39mins
Introduction
Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and the largest island in Asia. It is located in eastern Malaysia, and is home to a series of long mountain ranges, the tallest peak in Malaysia (13,455 feet), and navigable rivers. To the east of Borneo is the Malaysian Peninsula, which has a strong religious and colonial history, unique wildlife, and Asian influences.
Good For
At a Glance
Duration
14 days & 13 nights
Guide price
Group: £3,199pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Sandakan – Sepilok – Kinabatangan – Sandakan – Kuala Lumpur – Malacca – Kuala Lumpur – Penang – Georgetown – Langkawi
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
Age Range
16+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort | Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort | Sabah Hotel | Ibis Melaka | Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur | Royal Chulan Hotel | Tropical Resort Langkawi
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 5 people with a maximum of 16
Start/Finish
Sandakan – Langkawi
Extensions
Highlights
Explore Colonial Penang and Malacca
Penang and Malacca are two of the four Strait Settlements, a group of territories in Southeast Asia occupied by the British. The settlements were established between 1786 and 1907, before being broken up in 1946 when Singapore became a separate crown colony.
Marvel at the Culinary and Cultural Diversity of Kuala Lumpur
Enjoy a food tour of Kuala Lumpur on Day 9 of your Borneo & Malaysian Peninsula trip. You will explore the different neighborhoods, city streets, and back alleys. Along the way, you will learn about the origins of the city, and then visit Chinatown for tasty noodles, followed by free leisure in the afternoon.
Keep Your Eyes Open for Pygmy Elephants and Orangutans
Also known as Bornean Elephants, the Pygmy Elephant is the smallest Asian elephant subspecies. Their appearance is characterized by their long tails, large ears, and straight tusks. Meanwhile, the Orangutans are located at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. Here, orphaned and captured orangutans are rehabilitated, and then released back into the wild when they are ready. You may also spot wild Orangutan during your travels.
Recommended Hotels
Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort | Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort | Sabah Hotel | Ibis Melaka | Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur | Royal Chulan Hotel | Tropical Resort Langkawi
Sample Itinerary
Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula
On this memorable 14-day long sample itinerary, you will visit both the east and west side of Malaysia. Borneo is home to ancient rainforests, distinctive wildlife, a varied ethnical and culture background, and age-old traditions. Meanwhile the Malaysian Peninsula features dynamic cities, incredible beaches, and rainforests packed with unique wildlife. You will find something to love in both regions, and the journey to each part of the country will be just as exciting as the respective destination.
Day 1: Fly to Sandaken | Sepilok
Fly from London to Sandaken. Then transfer to Sepilok. Take an optional night walk in the evening before dinner. If time is short, then the optional night walk may take place the following evening.
Stay at the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort or similar for 2 nights.
(N)
Day 2: Sepilok
Visit the Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary. The sanctuary was established in 1964 and occupies about 43 square kms of primary forest. In the morning, you will visit the headquarters of the sanctuary, and then see the orang-utan at feeding time.
In the afternoon, visit the Rainforest Discovery Center, which provides stunning views over the Sepilok Reserve. Enjoy birdwatching and the occasional orang-utan. There is an optional return to the Orang-utan Sanctuary for the second feeding session in the afternoon.
(B)
Day 3: Kinabatangan
Visit the Gomantong Caves in the morning. The caves are home to a large volume of swiftlet birds nest, a Chinese delicacy. You may see season workers climb up tall structures to harvest this ingredient. Then proceed to Kinabatangan, the third-longest river in Borneo. The wildlife reserves features a wide range of impressive wildlife, such as Pygmy elephants, gibbons, Orang-utans, and Proboscis monkeys.
Stay for 2 nights at the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort or similar.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Kinabatangan | River Cruise
Early in the morning, go for a wildlife cruise along the Kinabatangan River and marvel at the majestic animals. After breakfast, go for a scenic nature walk on a popular trail.
In the afternoon, learn about the local conservation efforts and even take part in a tree-planting session. Then return to the river in search of crocodiles and other wildlife. There may be the opportunity for an optional evening walk, where you can see night owls.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Sandakan
Enjoy breakfast then start your journey to Sandakan. Stop at the Sandakan War Memorial on the way.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy free leisure in the afternoon. Stay overnight at the Sabah Hotel or similar.
(B)
Day 6: Kuala Lumpur | Malacca
After breakfast, head to the Sandakan Airport and travel to Kuala Lumpur. Thus begins the Malaysian Peninsula portion of your trip. After arriving at Kuala Lumpur, take a 2-hour journey to Malacca. Then check in at your hotel and stay for 2 nights at the Ibis Melaka or similar.
(B)
Day 7: Malacca
Go on a day-long foot talk of Malacca. Try out the local cuisine, visit the Chinatown neighborhood, and explore the many markets and antique shops. And also marvel at the Dutch, British, and Portuguese architecture.
(B, D)
Day 8: Kuala Lumpur City Tour
Transfer to Kuala Lumpur and explore the city. Visit the many landmarks including the National Palace and the National Monument. The monument is dedicated to those who died in struggle for Malaysia’s freedom during World War 2 and the Anti-British National Liberation War, also known as the Malayan Emergency. Also visit the National Mosque and Batu Caves.
Enjoy free leisure in the afternoon.
Stay for 2 nights at the Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur or similar.
(B)
Day 9: Kuala Lumpur
Go on a day-long food tour of Kuala Lumpur. Along the way you will sample Malaysian cuisine, which combines Chinese, Indian, and Malay traditions to deliver all kinds of exciting dishes. You will also visit the oldest Chinese and Indian temple in Kuala Lumpur and learn more about these unique communities.
Visit Chinatown for delicious noodles and other assorted dishes. Then use the local transport system to visit Brickfields; essentially Little India. Sample authentic Indian cuisine and marvel at the lively, colorful, vibrant architecture.
Enjoy free leisure in the afternoon.
(B)
Day 10: Penang | Georgetown
Travel to Butterworth by train for about 4 hours. Then transfer to the island of Penang by bridge and then Georgetown. Enjoy a late-afternoon orientation session and then an optional dinner at a street food market.
Stay for 2 nights at the Royal Chulan Hotel or similar.
(B)
Day 11: Georgetown
Enjoy a morning walking tour of Georgetown. Explore the Pinang food markets and cuisine, graffiti art, cultural landmarks, and unique architecture. The city has many colonial structures that have been delicately preserved.
Enjoy free leisure in the afternoon.
(B)
Day 12: Langkawi
Enjoy free leisure of Georgetown in the morning. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and fly to the island of Langkawi. The region is actually comprised of nearly 100 identical tropical islands, which are surrounded by lush jungle forests and pristine beaches.
Stay for 2 nights at the Tropical Resort Langkawi or similar.
(B)
Day 13: Langkawi
Enjoy free leisure at Langkawi. Explore the local beaches, go for a swim, or partake in optional activities such as kayaking, an island bike (or cable car) tour, or a mangrove tour.
Enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening.
(B, D)
Day 14: Langkawi
Head to the airport and return to London.
(B)
