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The Contrasts of Malaysia

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The Contrasts of Malaysia
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      • Lankayan Island
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      • Mount Kinabalu
      • Sandakan
      • Sepilok
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      • Sipadan, Mabul & Kapalai Islands
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      • Bako National Park
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Experience Travel Group

The Contrasts of Malaysia

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This holiday covers Malaysia's striking contrasts and diverse land and cityscapes. You’ll take in the highlights of Peninsular Malaysia before visiting both states of Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak).

Get up close and personal with exotic wildlife and traverse the jungle in Borneo, experience big city thrills in Kuala Lumpur and witness a melting pot of culture, food and architecture like no other in Malacca and Penang. This tour is a colourful combination of the country’s most striking contrasts featuring a well-balanced mix of nature, hiking, relaxing, city sightseeing, island relaxation, vibrant culture and spectacular food.

 Highlights include:

  • Soak up the colourful ethnic mix in beautiful Malacca
  • Bike through the countryside with the wind in your hair
  • Marvel at the old and the new in dynamic Kuala Lumpur
  • Enjoy the colourful street art and terrific food in cultural Penang
  • Explore Mulu’s most spectacular caves at dusk by torchlight (watch out for bats!)
  • Experience typical Borneo village life
  • Get up close and personal with Borneo’s orangutans, primates and pygmy elephants
  • Snorkelling, sun-soaking and sea turtle spotting on tropical 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   Fly to Malaysia

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Malaysia.

Days 2 & 3 Malacca

You’ll be met in Kuala Lumpur for the drive you to Malacca, a colourful UNESCO World Heritage site. After an evening to recover from the flight, you’ll have a full day to explore. You’ll enjoy a morning bike ride through scenic countryside tailored to your ability. Whiz past rubber plantations and watch Malay village life. Spend the remainder of your time in Malacca exploring this cultural melting pot at your leisure: marvel at the Dutch, Indian, British and Portuguese legacies that permeate the architecture and street life of the vibrant historic centre.

Days 4 & 5 Kuala Lumpur

 You’ll transfer to Kuala Lumpur for a two-night stay. During your stay in this incredible city, you’ll take in the sweeping contemporary buildings, colonial charm and age-old mosques and religious centres. There will be a fascinating and comprehensive guided tour of some well-known and unexpected highlights: the morning market, the old centre, the grand old Indian mosque, the colonial centre and of course, Chinatown. Leave plenty of time for sampling Malay, Chinese and Indian culinary specialities - there is no shortage of fabulous food here.

Days 6 & 7 Penang

 Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Penang, a thriving hub for culture, art, architecture and food. The Evening Street Food tour is a real highlight: an al fresco dining experience under the stars in the balmy evening among locals and visitors and a trip to the market for a run-down on the best snacks and dishes Penang has to offer. Early on Day 7, embark on a half-day “Dim Sum and Street Art” adventure in Georgetown before visiting the Chow Rasta morning Wet Market and marvelling at the interactive street art murals commissioned by the city.

Days 8 & 9 Kuching

Depart Peninsular Malaysia on a direct flight to Kuching in Malaysian Borneo’s Sarawak state. On arrival, your guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel for a two-night stay.  Explore Kuching itself and taking a thrilling trip to Bako National Park, with a stop at a quintessential Malaysian fishing village on the way. Complete the journey to Bako National Park by boat. Right at the top of the Muara Tebas Peninsula, this large and verdant forest area is home to fascinating carnivorous plant life and cheeky (yet elusive) proboscis monkeys.

Days 10 & 11 Mulu National Park

It's a short flight from Kuching to Mulu, and within minutes you’ll be in your resort near the Mulu National Park headquarters. Highlights of a visit here include a sensational Tree Top Walk, beautiful Nature Heritage Trails, Pukau Waterfall, and of course, the caves. Wait for the thrill of seeing thousands of bats emerge from the caves at dusk, and experience nocturnal life in the forest by torchlight in the evening. Day 11 is a day for detailed cave exploration, with the two most famous caves, Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave, at the top of the list.

Day 12-14 Sepilok & Kinabatangan

Today you’ll fly to Sandakan to begin your adventures in Borneo’s rainforest.  

Over three days you’ll explore Kabili-Sepilok Forest, renowned for its orchids, ancient trees, and of course, it's orangutan community before heading to the Kinabatangan River where you’ll pass mangroves, wetlands and lush rainforests with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. Your stay is split between two lodges, both of which have boardwalks extending into the jungle interiors, offering a way to explore this fantastic part of the world with ease.

You’ll enjoy guided nature walks, a river-boat cruise to Pitas oxbow lake to look out for pygmy elephants and a lunch prepared by local Abai villagers.

Days 15-18 Gaya Island

Head back to Kota Kinabalu and take a short speedboat to glorious Gaya Island for a refreshing four-night stay. Your time here is to free to spend at your leisure: spot sea turtles and spectacular coral on snorkelling expeditions, wander with a guide through the rainforest, take a cooking course, soak up the sun or indulge in a spa treatment.

Day 19 Transfer Home

Today you take the speedboat back to 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...

Anggun Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Anggun Hotel, Kuala Lumpur , Kuala Lumpur

In the heart of the shopping and entertainment district offering classic rooms with antique furnishings & breakfast on the rooftop.

Courtyard@ Hereen Boutique Hotel

[email protected] Hereen Boutique Hotel, Malacca

A homely boutique hotel, ideally located in the heart of Malacca's old town on Heeren Street a fantastic place from which to explore.

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.

Hotel Penaga, Georgetown, Penang

Hotel Penaga, Georgetown, Penang , Penang

Fifteen abandoned double storey shop houses and terrace houses painstakingly lovingly restored as an art deco boutique hotel in Georgetown.

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Kinabatangan River

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

Mulu Park HQ

Mulu Park HQ, Gunung Mulu National Park

A comfortable complex of longhouses and bungalows in Mulu National Park, perfect for experiencing Borneo's natural riches.

Ranee Kuching

Ranee Kuching, Kuching

In the heart of old town, The Ranee is a renovated 19th Century shop converted into a modern and stylish hotel.

Sepilok Nature Resort, Kabili-Sepilok Forest

Sepilok Nature Resort, Kabili-Sepilok Forest , Sepilok

In the Kabili-Sepilok Jungle, lodge-style accommodation, good food, and a very special atmosphere.

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...

Bako National Park

Bako National Park, Bako National Park

A must-see if you wish to experience the wildlife of Borneo without venturing too far from civilisation.

Dim Sum and Street Art

Dim Sum and Street Art, Penang

Great food and great art: what better way to enjoy Penang? This morning tour leads you to the finest Dim Sum Penang has to offer.

Explore Gomantong Caves

Explore Gomantong Caves, Kinabatangan River

Whilst Mulu's great caves may be more famous, Sabah's Gomantong Caves offer an alternative; with huge chasms and wildlife inside.

Explore Mulu's Deer and Lang Caves

Explore Mulu's Deer and Lang Caves, Gunung Mulu National Park

Explore one of the world' biggest famous caves first-hand on a walk through the Deer and Lang Caves.

Exploring Georgetown

Exploring Georgetown , Penang

Chinese shop houses, sweeping mosques and colonial facades exist side by side in this colourful and culturally rich city.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Gunung Mulu National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park

Sarawaks largest national park with excellent wildlife and geology.

Indian Culture and Heritage

Indian Culture and Heritage , Kuala Lumpur

Explore Malaysia's Indian heritage in colourful detail. Places of worship, cultural pursuits, architectural influences, and of course, food.

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.

Kuching City Tour

Kuching City Tour, Kuching

A chance to explore the highlights of Sarawak state's capital city: the Sarawak Museum, and colonial icons of the British occupation.

Penang Heritage Highlights

Penang Heritage Highlights, Penang

A tour full of surprises. In Penang, modern street art initiatives meet 18th century monuments and people still practise age-old artisan trades.

Street Food at Sundown

Street Food at Sundown , Penang

Enjoy a culinary adventure under the stars in the balmy Penang evening.

The Chow Kit Morning Markets

The Chow Kit Morning Markets, Kuala Lumpur

Colourful spices and tasty snacks, exotic fruits and fresh vegetables: the Malaysian morning markets are a feast for the senses.

The iconic Petronas Towers

The iconic Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

We can arrange a day or night-time tour of the Petronas Towers in tandem with a guided tour of other sights in Kuala Lumpur.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'The Contrasts of Malaysia'

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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020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Borneo
    • Classic Holidays
    • Family Holidays & Adventures
    • In Depth Holidays
    • Borneo & Mainland Malaysia
  • Guide to Borneo
    • Why choose Borneo
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • 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
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    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
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