Classic Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

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
• Sip a cup of local tea in the cool and lush Cameron Highlands
• Take a guided stroll through the fascinating archicture 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.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers 
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy read here.

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2 & 3 Kuala Lumpur  architecture and street-food

You’ll be welcomed by your guide for the private transfer 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.

DAY 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 the way there will be time to stop to explore the Batu Caves.

Here you’ll enjoy the cool air of the hills and explore the tea plantations with a tasting tour and afternoon tea.  This area is good for treks and a guided walk will be arranged to suit your fitness level, routes take you through the hills past waterfalls and local villages.

DAY 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 surrounds of your Georgetown hotel and to enjoy a guided stroll in the evening.

There will be two full days exploring Penang, a treasure trove of architecture, artisans and delicious food. A cycle tour of rural parts of the island is included as is a guided tour of Georgetown. Learn about the cities heritage and the fascinating history of the island. 

Day 9-10 Kota Kinabalu  flora and fauna in kinabalu park

Its a direct flight from Penang to the island of Borneo where you'll first explore Kota Kinabalu. You'll take a guided tour of nearby Kinabalu Park, teeming with flora and fauna and home to Malaysia's highest mountain (Mount Kinabalu). There is also time to go back in time on the North Borneo colonial style steam train that passes coffee and rubber plantations and tiny fishing villages. 

Days 11 -13  sepilok and kinabatangan  wildlife in abundance

This morning there will be a quick flight to Sandaka 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. Further opportunities for exploration by foot and on boat are included 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.

DayS 14 - 17 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 18 Fly Home

Depart Kota Kinabalu for your flight back to the UK.