Classic Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo

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.

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