Malaysia's Wildlife and Nature Encompassed Suggested Holiday Itinerary

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Malaysia is a land of extreme beauty and dramatic contrasts, full of natural wonders and wildlife. If you delight in exotic treasures found on land and water, this 21-day tour is a medley of Malaysia’s most striking natural surroundings, both inland and on the water.

This itinerary is a well-paced mix of action and relaxation, combining hiking, birding, wildlife spotting, and safaris with boat cruises and well-deserved relaxation days on idyllic tropical islands. The trip takes you to some very special places that not all tourists get to see.

Highlights include:

Marvelling at the magical mix of old and new in vibrant Kuala Lumpur
Going deep into the jungle to greet its colourful inhabitants and nocturnal creatures in Taman Negara
Feeling fine white sand between your toes on the tropical Perhentian Islands
Getting up close and personal with Borneo’s orangutans, pygmy elephants and primates
Waking to the melodic sounds of exotic birds in Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Snorkelling, swimming and spa-ing to your heart’s content on 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 Malaysia.

Days 2-4 Kuala Lumpur

Your guide and driver will greet you on your arrival in Kuala Lumpur and transfer you to your hotel in the city for a three night stay.

Let your guide introduce you to the colours and aromas of the local markets before exploring KL’s old centre and vibrant Chinatown in wonderful, leisurely detail. There’s always time for tea along the way. A day trip to Putrajaya is a fascinating mix of striking Islamic architecture and the sweeping green surroundings of the 13 gardens that frame the enormous 600-hectare lake.

Days 5-6 Taman Negara

Today you depart the city for the journey overland to Taman Negara. On arrival you’ll board a longboat to take you deep into the dense and verdant national park, home to plenty of colourful characters: keep your eyes peeled for a rare chance sighting of the bigger mammals as well as plenty of vivid birdlife. The night walk is a thrilling way to get up close and personal with the jungle’s characterful inhabitants and their soundscape. There’s plenty of time for hiking, cool mountain views and a stroll along the one-of-a-kind canopy walk. A relaxing boat cruise to Lata Berkoh is a great way to see the rapids and the falls and to take a dip in the deep pool if you are so inclined.

Days 7-9 Perhentian Islands

After intensive jungle exploration, you’ll begin the guided journey to the east coast by road and boat. Offshore lies the tropical Perhentian Islands, a wonderful destination for snorkelling and some of the finest white sands you’ll ever have between your toes. The days are yours to kick back and soak in the sun and to while away as you please.

Day 10 Kota Bharu

Today you depart the Perhentian Islands for your boat journey back to the mainland where your driver will meet you for the road journey (approx 1 hour) to Kota Bharu. On arrival there will be time to check in at your hotel before joining your guide to explore the cities unique museums and architecture. Learn the secrets of spectacular Malay cuisine at a cooking course, or simply sample it at a local establishment instead.

Day 11 Kota Kinabalu

Today you’ll depart Kota Bharu on a direct flight to Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo. Your guide and driver will meet you on arrival for the transfer to your hotel and there will be time to explore either with your guide or independently. Wander along the riverfront, traverse the boardwalk and pore over local handicrafts at a busy daily market.

Days 12 - 14 Sepilok, Abai and Kinabatangan

Today you’ll take a short flight hop to Sandakan to begin your adventures in Borneo’s rainforest.

Over 3 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 will be 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 15-16 Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Today you’ll transfer by car to Tabin Wildlife Reserve and check in to your unique lodgings nestled right in the thick rainforest. This is a fabulous destination for birding, trekking and of course, scintillating night safaris. Watch out for some of the eight different hornbill species native to Borneo. A real highlight is the day trip to the Lipad mud volcano, and if you’re feeling the need for rejuvenation, give your complexion a good treatment while you’re there. For avid wildlife enthusiasts, the exploration continues at twilight and into the night hours.

Days 17-19 Gaya Island

Fly back to Kota Kinabalu and transfer to Gaya Island. This wonderful rainforest island is a veritable paradise for lovers of the sun, water and nature. The days are yours to spend snorkelling, exploring, learning about sea turtles and coral conservation or indulging in some well-deserved spa treatments.

Day 20 Fly Home

Travel by speedboat and car to Kota Kinabalu for overnight flight back to the UK.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £2,500 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,300. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

Fill in our Quote Request form to get your quick, no-obligations proposal.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 or use the quote request form below for your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

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
Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
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.

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...

Abai Jungle Lodge, Kinabatangan River

A fantastic jungle experience. Stay in wooden chalets on stilts and experience wildlife beside the Kinabatangan River.

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.

Bubu Long Beach Resort, Perhentian Islands

Comfortable resort, right on the beach suitable for those wanting to explore the underwater riches of Malaysia.

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 , Kota Kinabalu

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

Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, Kinabatangan River

Simple, sustainable accommodation perfectly located as a base for exploring the wildlife of the Kinabatangan.

Mutiara Taman Negra , Taman Negara

Get up close and personal with the Malay jungle in these simple rustic chalets and bungalows nestled in the ancient rainforest.

MY Nature Resort, Sepilok

Eco-chalets set in the oldest tropical rainforest in the world only a 10 minute walk from the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre for orangutans.

Renaissance Kota Bharu , Kota Bharu

The Renaissance is right in the heart of the commercial district of Kota Bharu, with 298 spacious rooms furnished in elegant Malay style.

Tabin Wildlife Resort , Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Come here for clean and basic budget lodge accommodation in Borneo's Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

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...

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari, Kinabatangan River

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

Kuala Lumpur Walking Tours, Kuala Lumpur

We can tailor a fast-paced or leisurely guided walking tour of Kuala Lumpur to suit your interests and style.

Orang Utan and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok

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

Pitas Oxbow Lake, Kinabatangan River

Journey through the Pitas Oxbow Lake and absorb Borneo's natural wealth by boat.

Tabin Wildlife Birdwatching, Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Spot and photograph some of the hundreds of bird species in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve's diverse rainforest.

Tabin Wildlife Night Walk, Tabin Wildlife Reserve

The 'Tabin Wildlife Night Walk' allows you to discover the nocturnal species of the reserve with a trained guide.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve Lipad Mud Volcano , Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Try some of the dermatological benefits of a mud volcano and see the array of local wildlife that like a bit of skincare themselves!

Taman Negara Trek, Taman Negara

Take on the Malay Peninsula's highest peak and take a stroll along the Canopy Walkway, elevated 50 metres above the ground.

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.

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Customer Protection

The air holiday packages shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 9324. Please see our booking conditions for more information.