Classic Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

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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
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.

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.

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.

As every holiday is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 for an inclusive, personalised quotation for your preferred dates or use the quote request form below...

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
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 aside the Kinabatangan River. Just 1.5 hours from Sandakan.

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, 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.

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, 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 , Kota Kinabalu

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

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, 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, 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 , Malacca

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

Customer Feedback

Our guides were all fantastic - all incredibly knowledgeable, easy to get on with, friendly and professional. All drivers were polite and vehicles comfortable and meticulously clean. The itinerary was well planned and organised and ran like clockwork. The quality of food and service provided in the restaurants we were taken to on the days lunch was provided were also excellent.

- Jacqueline

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.

Malaysia & Borneo Holiday Ideas