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Classic Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo

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Classic Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo
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Experience Travel Group

Classic Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo

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Malaysia has an incredible range of spectacular natural and cultural highlights across both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. This tour captures the spirit of the whole country over 18 adventure-filled days.

This trip is packed with nature, wildlife, and unique cultural adventures but is well-paced to allow plenty of time for relaxation and leisure. It's the ideal way to absorb the varied Malaysian landscapes, meet the people, taste the food, and see some of the world's best wildlife.  

  • Explore the diverse food and history of Kuala Lumpur with an expert guide
  • Take a guided stroll through the fascinating architecture and street art of Penang Island
  • Step back in time with a journey on a Bornean colonial style steam train
  • Cruise along the Kinabatangan River keeping watch for orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants
  • Relax in style on beautiful Gaya Island

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style, and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Days 2 & 3 Kuala Lumpur  architecture and street-food

Meet your guide on arrival for the journey to your hotel. During your time in KL, a guided walking tour will show you the cities varied monuments, markets, and architecture with time to sample some of Malaysia’s famous street-food.

DAYS 4 & 5 The CAMERON HIGHLANDS  explore the tea plantations

Venture north of Kuala Lumpur into the hills towards the plantations of the Cameron Highlands. On route, there is time to stop to explore the Batu Caves.

Here you’ll enjoy the fresh air of the hills and explore the tea plantations with a tasting tour and afternoon tea.  This area is excellent for trekking, and you can take a guided walk to suit your fitness level; all the routes take you through the hills past waterfalls and local villages.

DAYS 6-8 Penang  discover historic Georgetown

It’s around a 4-hour journey from the Cameron Highlands to Penang. En route, there will be stops to explore, and for a snack, the town of Ipoh is a good place to have lunch.  In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Penang, and there is time to relax in the surroundings of your Georgetown hotel and to enjoy a guided stroll in the evening.

Spend two full days exploring Penang, a treasure trove of architecture, artisans, and delicious food. We suggest a cycle tour of rural parts of the island and a guided tour of Georgetown. Learn about Penang's heritage and the fascinating history of the island. 

DayS 9 Kota Kinabalu  flora and fauna in Kinabalu park

It's a direct flight from Penang to Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo. Spend an afternoon and evening here relaxing before heading off into the jungle. If you'd like to spend longer in and around the city, then this can be arranged. 

Days 10 -12  Sepilok and Kinabatangan  wildlife in abundance

This morning there will be a quick flight to Sandakan, and on arrival, you'll transfer with your guide to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. A highlight is the daily feeding of the orang-utans and the outdoor nursery where baby orangutans have been rescued. Next door is the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. After lunch, a cruise to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary takes you through beautiful mangroves, wetlands, and lush rainforests, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting.

There will be plenty more opportunities for exploration on foot and on a boat during your stay in this fantastic region. On day 13, take in the scenery on Pitas oxbow lake. You might get to plant a tree at Abai village, enjoy lunch prepared by the villagers, and spot pygmy elephants on the journey upstream.

If time permits, then we highly recommend adding a couple of days in here to explore Danum Valley, a nature enthusiasts dream. The journey from the Kinabatangan area to Danum Valley takes 4-5 hours, and you can return to Kota Kinabalu by a short flight from Lahad Datu airport. 

DayS 13 - 16 GAYA ISLAND  hit the beach

 After an action-packed fortnight, it’s time to check-in at Gaya Island Resort. The next few days are to spend at your leisure: explore the idyllic island, snorkel, dive, spot wildlife, or never leave the pool area! The choice is yours. 

Day 17 Fly Home

Depart Kota Kinabalu for your flight back to the UK.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week tip-inclusive holidays start from roughly £4,000 per adult. We offer substantial child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Cameron Highlands Resort

Cameron Highlands Resort , Cameron Highlands

In the rolling hills of this region, Cameron Highlands Resort is full of character with airy rooms and good service.

Gaya Island Resort

Gaya Island Resort, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Luxurious and relaxing beach spot on the stunning shores of Pulau Gaya, off Kota Kinabalu.

Hyatt Regency

Hyatt Regency , Kota Kinabalu

Great quality accommodation with an enviable position on Kota Kinabalu's waterfront.

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Kinabatangan River

This tranquil off-the-beaten-track resort is wonderful for wildlife spotting and relaxing.

Seven Terraces Penang

Seven Terraces Penang, Penang

A lovingly resorted set of seven Ango-Chinese terraces in lively Georgetown: come here for romance, luxury and heritage.

The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

A grand old colonial-style building with plenty of atmosphere, wonderful service and a fantastic location in the heart of KL.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park , Kota Kinabalu

Visit Kinabalu Park - Malaysia's first World Heritage Site.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari, Kinabatangan River

One of South East Asia's best wildlife viewing locations, a great place to see Orangutans in the wild.

North Borneo Railway

North Borneo Railway, Kota Kinabalu

Ride along the British North Borneo railway, giving you an insight into the colonial administration and old trade routes.

Orang Utan and Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Orang Utan and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok

See Orang Utans and Sun Bears close up at Sepilok's rehabilitation and conservation centre.

Call us to find out how a stroll through the unique streets of Malacca with a taste of some of the best traditional local dishes, can be incorporated into your holiday to Malaysia.   

The Majestic, Malacca

The Majestic, Malacca , Malacca

This grand old riverside hotel in Malacca is a 1920s colonial mansion which has been lovingly restored to its former glory.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Classic Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo '

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
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  • Guide to Borneo
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    • Weather & When to go
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    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Borneo
    • Visit Borneo
  • Regions of Borneo
    • Sabah
      • Overview
      • Danum Valley
      • Gaya Island
      • Kinabalu National Park
      • Kinabatangan River
      • Kota Kinabalu
      • Kudat Peninsula
      • Lankayan Island
      • Manukan Island
      • Mount Kinabalu
      • Sandakan
      • Sepilok
      • Turtle Islands National Park
      • Sipadan, Mabul & Kapalai Islands
      • Tabin Wildlife Reserve
    • Sarawak
      • Overview
      • Bako National Park
      • Batang Ai
      • Kuching
      • Mulu National Park
    • Peninsular Malaysia
  • About us
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  • How it works
    • Why choose us?
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Trip planning process
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
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