Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula

14 Days Starting in Sepilok, Malaysia and ending in Langkawi, Malaysia

Visiting: Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

ALM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $3448 $3150 Operator discount: -$298

NB: Prices correct on 10-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Malaysia is a country of two halves. To the east is the island of Borneo with orangutans, jungles and rivers. To the west is the Malaysian Peninsula with a blend of cultures, religion, colonial history and modern flair. Discover the highlights of both, with a chance to spot orangutans and pygmy elephants in Borneo, before diving into culture in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Georgetown. We finish on the tropical beaches of Langkawi island – a scenic finale to this adventure of contrasts.

Highlights

  • Discover Kuala Lumpur's culinary and cultural diversity

  • Explore colonial Penang and Malacca

  • Look for Orang-utans and Pygmy elephants

  • Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

  • Take a river cruise on the Kinabatangan River

  • Tour the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur

  • Enjoy a walking and trishaw tour of Malacca

  • Relax on the beaches of Langkawi Island

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Depart London

Location: Sepilok

Accommodation: Hotel

Depart London

Day 2 :

Location: Sepilok

Accommodation Name: Sepilok Jungle Resort or Similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Those on the group flights generally land in Sandakan early afternoon and from here are taken to nearby Sepilok. Passengers who are making their own way can arrive at Sepilok anytime today. There will be an initial group briefing with your leader later this afternoon. There should be the opportunity for an optional night walk this evening (please ask your leader upon arrival) before dinner. If there is no time this evening we may be able to do the night walk tomorrow evening.

Day 3 :

Location: Sepilok

Accommodation Name: Sepilok Jungle Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set up in 1964, the Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary is set within 43 square kms of primary forest. It is the largest Orang-utan sanctuary in the world and aims to rehabilitate and release orphaned and captured Orang-utans into the wild. Walk to the informative headquarters and go see the Orang-utans at feeding time.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre with its impressive canopy walkway offering great views over the Sepilok Reserve. This is a great place to see birds, including hornbills and the Borneo bristlehead, and during fruiting season we may spot the odd Orang-utan along the way.

There is an option to return to the Orang-utan Sanctuary for the second feeding session in the afternoon as well as the nearby Sunbear Conservation Centre. Your leader will discuss this option with your leader in advance for those who wish to do this.

Day 4 :

Location: Kinabatangan

Accommodation Name: Bilit Adventure Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our first stop this morning is the bizarre Gomantong Caves. These caves are a major source of swiftlet bird nests that are a Chinese delicacy. During the season workers climb up large ladders to harvest the vulnerable nests. We continue to Borneo’s third longest river – Kinabatangan. The wildlife reserve is home to an astonishing array of wildlife including Pygmy elephants, wild Orang-utans, gibbons, Proboscis monkeys and rare birdlife. As dusk approaches we take to the river in search of some of the local fauna.

Day 5

Location: Sandakan

Accommodation Name: Bilit Adventure Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Up early we head out on a dawn wildlife cruise on the river in search of more wildlife. After breakfast we head out on a walk on one of the surrounding nature trails. This afternoon we will learn a bit more about local conservation efforts and contribute ourselves by taking part in tree-planting. Later we return to the river to look for crocodiles and other residents of the forest. There should be the opportunity, this evening, for an optional nightwalk where we may see night owls or even Western tarsiers.

Day 6

Location: Sandakan

Accommodation Name: Sabah Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving after breakfast we make our way to Sandakan (approximately 2.5 hours drive) stopping at the Sandakan War Memorial en route. After checking in at our hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax, swim in the hotel pool, enjoy some local cuisine or explore the vibrant, compact streets of Sandakan.

Day 7

Location: Malacca

Accommodation Name: Ibis Melaka or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we transfer to Sandakan Airport and bid farewell to Borneo to check in for our flight to Kuala Lumpur on the Malaysian Peninsula (please note there is a 15kg restriction but it is possible to pay for excess luggage at the airport or your leader can arrange this at the start of the tour). Upon arrival into KL, we will meet our leader for this section of the trip. We then take a 2 hour transfer to Malacca. Upon arrival at our hotel in Malacca in the afternoon, there will be time to relax and explore this historic and culturally rich city.

Day 8

Location: Malacca

Accommodation Name: Ibis Melaka or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Malacca is a well preserved colonial town boasting a mix of Portuguese, British and Dutch architecture and is a melting pot of different cultures. The quaint China Town neighbourhood is home to numerous antique shops as well as a Hindu temple, Taoist temple and a mosque, whilst Malaysia’s oldest functioning church is nearby across the canal. We explore the city by foot and by using its colourful and distinctive trishaws. This evening we go out to try some of Malacca’s local cuisine. Known as Baba Nyonya, it is a blend of Chinese, Malay and other influences and is a speciality of the town.

Day 9

Location: Kuala Lumpur

Accommodation Name: Capitol Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

From Malacca’s sleepy charm we head to Malaysia’s bustling capital city, Kuala Lumpur. Known as KL for short, this vibrant city shows a completely different side of the country. Upon arrival we take in some of the city’s sites including the National Palace (Istana Negara), the iconic National Monument which is dedicated to those who died in the struggle for Malaysia’s freedom during World War 2 and the Malaysian Emergency (which lasted until 1960); the modernist National Mosque and the nearby Batu Caves. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the city further, visit the Petronas Towers or go do a spot of shopping. Please note, the Petronas Towers these are closed on Mondays (day 9 of itinerary) and advanced booking online is recommended at least a week before arrival to avoid disappointment. Please see the optional excursions section of the trip notes for further details.

Day 10 :

Location: Kuala Lumpur

Accommodation Name: Capitol Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Malaysia prides itself in its diversity and this is reflected in its capital, Kuala Lumpur (KL) with its mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese traditions and people. One of the best ways of exploring this diversity is through a food tour of city. We discover different neighbourhoods with their distinct sights, sounds, smells and, of course, delicacies.

We start our journey at Masjid Jamek and learn about how city of Kuala Lumpur started. What better way to enjoy the day by sampling typical food that Malaysians enjoy at a local eatery. Wandering through the small streets of KL, uncover the cultures of the Chinese and Indian communities who came to KL to make their fame & fortune, but stayed on instead to add on another cultural dimension to the Malaysian cultural landscape. We also visit KL’s oldest Chinese and Indian temple to understand more about these communities.

Our visit to Chinatown is rewarded by tasty noodles amongst the locals. After this, take a short ride on KL’s modern local transport system towards Brickfields. This is Little India for KL, and our senses will be assaulted by loud and colourful architecture, music and food as we walk through the Indian neighbourhood. We sample delicious Indian dishes served on banana leaf and seek out street vendors for snacks to end our food journey.

The rest of the day is free to explore more of the city at your own pace. You can go shopping in its malls, go to one of the museums or take in the views from the KL Tower (please note some sites and museums are closed on Mondays, such as the Petronas Towers and Bridge, please see details under optional excursions in the trip notes).

Day 11 :

Location: Penang

Accommodation Name: Royal Chulan Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we head north by train as we make our way to Butterworth (about 4 hours). From here it’s a short transfer across the bridge to the island of Penang and the town of Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its architectural and cultural landscape. Upon arrival we have an late afternoon orientation tour before an optional dinner at one of the many street-food markets.

Day 12 :

Location: Penang

Accommodation Name: Royal Chulan Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we explore more of Malaysia’s diversity on a walking city tour to discover Penang street art, food, culture & heritage. Georgetown, Penang is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage-listed city famed for its cultural sights and natural scenery. Explore on foot to see the city’s well-preserved colonial structures, ornate temples, and colourful street art. Penang is also well-known for its amazing culinary scene. We end our walking with a visit to Khoo Clan House and Museum.

Afterwards, then have free time to explore further on your own. Perhaps go up to the top of Penang Hill or the Botanical Gardens or take a stroll down to the Eastern and Oriental Hotel which has been perfectly restored to its past grandeur. The perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea or gin and tonic.

Day 13 :

Location: Langkawi

Accommodation Name: Tropical Resort Langkawi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning is free for you to do some last exploration before we take an afternoon transfer to the airport for a short flight from Penang to the island of Langkawi. (Please note there is a 15kg restriction on checked luggage but it is possible to pay for excess luggage at the airport or your leader can help arrange this at the start of your trip). Officially known as ‘Langkawi, the jewel of Kedah’, it is actually an archipelago of almost 100 tropical islands surrounded by the turquoise Andaman Sea with pristine beaches and jungles. After checking in to our hotel, there will be time to relax and enjoy the area at leisure.

Day 14 :

Location: Langkawi

Accommodation Name: Tropical Resort Langkawi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a free day to relax on the beach or partake in one of the various optional activities on offer. These options include going on a mangrove tour, kayaking, and exploring the island by bike or taking the cable car.

This evening we will enjoy a group farewell dinner (included) on our final evening in this tropical paradise.

What's Included

  • London flights (if booking incl flights)

    Flights from London are included if you book the package with flights.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation is included throughout the trip.

  • 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners

    The trip includes 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners.

  • Fully Guided

    The tour is fully guided.

What's Not Included

  • Airport transport for Land Only bookings

    Airport transport is not included for Land Only bookings.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Visas & vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation

    Single accommodation is not included and may incur additional costs.

  • Airport transports

    General airport transports are not included.

Food

There are 13 breakfasts, two lunches and four dinners included.



You should allow about 880-1,320 Malaysian ringgits (US$200-US$300) for food not included. You need a little more for beer and other alcoholic drinks as you can expect to pay near Western prices.



Most meals will be basic, based around rice and noodles, although most accommodations have a Western breakfast of beans, toast and eggs. In the bigger hotels and cities, the full range of Western and local foods are available. You can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish.



In Kuala Lumpur, there is a food tour providing an opportunity to experience the diverse culinary heritage of the country.



Vegetarians can be catered for but please be aware that choice may be limited outside the main cities. Please inform your sales representative before departure of any special dietary requests.



In Borneo, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent, for example wheat- or dairy-free, please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home.

Accommodation

The accommodation on this trip provides an adventurous variety of places to stay. We spend nine nights in comfortable hotels and, in Borneo, we spend four nights surrounded by nature in resorts. Notable stays include the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort and the Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes flights from London (if booked), internal flights, river cruises, and transfers by bus and train. The tour also features walking tours and trishaw rides in Malacca.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The accommodation on this trip includes a variety of places to stay. You will spend nine nights in comfortable hotels and four nights in nature resorts in Borneo. Notable accommodations include the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort, which is close to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, and the Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur, which is within walking distance of the Petronas Towers.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are several optional activities available during the tour. For example, on the first day, there is an optional night walk in Sepilok. On the second day, you can opt to visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. In Kinabatangan, there is an optional night walk where you may see owls or Western tarsiers. On the free day in Langkawi, you can choose from activities like a mangrove tour, kayaking, or taking the cable car.

  • What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife, especially in Borneo. This includes orangutans, pygmy elephants, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, and rare birdlife. In Kinabatangan, you may also see crocodiles and other forest residents.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners. Most meals will be basic, based around rice and noodles, although most accommodations offer a western breakfast of beans, toast, and eggs. In bigger hotels and cities, a full range of Western and local foods are available.

  • Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?

    Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour. For example, on Day 5 in Sandakan, you have free time to relax, swim, or explore the city. On Day 9 in Kuala Lumpur, the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. On Day 11 in Penang, the afternoon is free for further exploration. Finally, Day 13 in Langkawi is a free day to relax or partake in optional activities.

  • What should I know about the luggage restrictions for internal flights?

    For internal flights, there is a 33lb/15kg restriction on checked luggage. It is possible to pay for excess luggage at the airport, and your tour leader can help arrange this at the start of your trip.

  • What kind of food can I expect during the food tour in Kuala Lumpur?

    During the food tour in Kuala Lumpur, you will experience the city's diverse culinary heritage, which includes Malay, Indian, and Chinese traditions. You will sample typical Malaysian food, including tasty noodles in Chinatown and delicious Indian dishes served on banana leaves in Little India.

  • What are the notable places we will visit in Kuala Lumpur?

    In Kuala Lumpur, you will visit several notable places including the National Palace (Istana Negara), the National Monument, the modernist National Mosque, and the Batu Caves. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Petronas Towers and various neighborhoods during the city food tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

A wonderfully varied, fully immersive experience of Malaysia!

An incredible two weeks on Borneo and the Malaysian peninsula. The first part of the trip involves several days of wildlife cruises, whilst staying deep in the jungle, to search for orangutans, elephants, crocodiles and various exotic birds. We were fortunate enough to spot lots of interesting animals under the guidance of our fantastic leader, Jeffry. The second half of the trip involves visiting various towns and cities on the peninsula, including Malacca, famous for its street market, Kuala Lumpur, and Georgetown, a colonial town on Penang Island. There are plenty of opportunities for tours, sampling traditional food and shopping. Finally, the tour moves onto Langkawi for a relaxing end to the holiday. This serene island, featuring pristine beaches, wonderful restaurants and vibrant nightlife allowed my group plentiful free time to enjoy another part of the country before flying home. A wonderful holiday that encapsulated everything Malaysia has to offer.

Three vacations in one

This trip was excellent. For those wanting variety, it was three trips in one. The jungles and wildlife of Borneo, the culture and history of Melaka and George Town, and the beachs and swimming pools of Langkawi to finish it off.

Exceptional!

I initially booked this trip on a bit of a whim... I'd always fancied seeing the Orangutan's and had been looking online for various trips. This itinerary stuck out a mile - the promise of nature, culture and vibrant cities instantly sucked me in. Just prior to booking I called the Exodus team to ask if anyone else had booked to travel alone, this would be my first holiday of this kind by myself; so needless to say I was a bit apprehensive. After the team confirmed there were other solo travellers, I bit the bullet and I'm so glad I did. The leisurely nature of this trip was perfect, not only did we visit key sites in all locations but the time we had to ourselves provided the opportune moments to explore areas further.

3 for the price of one!

Literally just returned from this trip and have to say it was amazing. the kind of holiday where you get 5 days in and already feel you've been away for 2 weeks and by the end of the actual 2 weeks you can't quite believe you've only been away for a fortnight. it's a trip of 3 parts: a) jungle safari b)cultural foodie city breaks and c) a weekend beach holiday. We got really lucky and saw the Malaysian big 5 i (Orangutan, croc, proboscis monkey, sun bears and pygmy elephant) and all 6 hornbills. the Malay peninsular was a smorgasbord of food and culture (go see the Baba Nonya house in Malacca and the Blue Mansion in Penang).

An all encompassing trip

A great way to see the different parts of Malaysia, from the wildlife in Borneo to the different cultures found throughout Malaysia and finishing the tour on the beach in Langkawi. A memorable experience throughout, assisted by the knowledgeable guides on both parts of the tour and a great group.

A Fantastic Holiday

In the first week, great nature trips in Borneo including Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and river trips/night walks in the jungle. In the second week, fascinating journey round some of the Peninsula's towns and cities finishing with a relaxing couple of days at the beach resort in Langkawi.

Interesting trip

A well balanced trip combining time in northern Borneo with time on the Malaysian peninsula to experience Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi. The accommodation was very good in most places but, whilst the hotel in Langkawi was adequate, it was in need of refurbishment and, coming as it did after an excellent hotel in Penang it was a bit of a let down. In Borneo our guide Felix was good but unfortunately spoke too quietly at times. On the Malaysian peninsula our guide was Andy who is an excellent guide with a wealth of knowledge that he is eager to share. He went out of his way to try to meet the various expectations of the group.

feedback

Good main guides who knew their stuff. Reasonable accommodation.

Good balanced trip.

I picked the trip as it balanced wildlife and the culture. It was a good mix and highlighted the differences between Borneo and 'Malaya' parts. About the right time spent in both areas.

2 holidays in one

A great holiday or rather two in one. The first week was getting close to nature - basic accommodation but that's what you need if you want wildlife on your doorstep. The second week was a good mix of different cities.

Read all 19 reviews

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Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
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Operator discount: -$298

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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