Malaysia's Ultimate Adventure
Malaysia's Ultimate Adventure
Malaysia's Ultimate Adventure
20 Days Starting in Kuala Lumpur and ending in Sandakan
Visiting: Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Teluk Bahang, Ulu Muda Forest, Cameron Highlands, Kota Kinabalu, Dusun Village, Mt Kinabalu National Park, Kinabatangan River, Kinabatangan River, Sepilok, Turtle Island, Sandakan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TMSPC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Explore a land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on this 20-day adventure in Malaysia. From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, unique animals and tribal villages, Malaysia has something for everyone. Experience the very best of mainland Malaysia and Borneo – hike in the Ulu Muda rainforest, climb Mt Kinabalu, share some laughs with your local village hosts and watch sea turtles lay their eggs with an expert local ranger by your side. Each moment of this incredible small group adventure will give you a fascinating insight into Malaysia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kuala Lumpur
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Accommodation: Hotel
Selamat Datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Here, you can expect streets lined with colourful food stalls, friendly locals and fast-paced energy. You have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, why not check out the Petaling Street Market – the vibrant hub of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown – or wander along the River of Life. After your meeting, you have the option to explore Kampung Baru – a Malay village where you can tuck into some local food. On the way back from the village, you’ll stop for a striking view of the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers from Saloma Bridge.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: George Town
Location: George Town
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, you’ll take the local metro to the train station for your journey to Butterworth. From here, take a private transfer to George Town – the port city turned UNESCO World Heritage site and the multicultural capital of the island of Penang. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings. Then, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. George Town has some great cuisine on offer, and your leader can always point you in the right direction for some great eats! You might also like to check out some of the hidden temples, Little India or go on a self-paced street art tour.
Day 3: George Town
Location: George Town
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Hit the streets with your leader for a walking tour of George Town. You’ll notice a certain charm about this city as you wander by the historical building and ancient shopfronts and admire the fascinating street art at every turn. You’ll also explore Pinang Peranakan Museum – home to over 1000 pieces of antiques and collectables. This afternoon is free for you to explore or relax – maybe visit the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, The Clan Community of Penang or the Wonderfood Museum.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Teluk Bahang
Location: Teluk Bahang
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After a leisurely morning, take a private transfer to Teluk Bahang – a small fishing village in Penang. When you arrive, be welcomed into the homes of your homestay hosts, then tuck into some lunch. Visit a Batik factory where you’ll learn about the art of hand painting Batik patterns onto materials, before enjoying some fun with your group with a selection of traditional games. Then, take a late afternoon walk around the fishing village, learn how the locals make their nets and discover the life of a fisherman. Dinner tonight will be prepared especially for you by your hosts. Watch a cooking demonstration, then enjoy some local cuisine as a group, taking some time getting to know your hosts. Later, sit down for a special Silat (local martial art) performance where you can learn a few tricks from the local masters.
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Day 5: Ulu Muda Forest
Location: Ulu Muda Forest
Accommodation: Jungle Eco Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Visit a local market this morning for breakfast, then say goodbye to your homestay hosts. Take a private transfer to Ulu Muda Forest – your home away from home for the next two nights. You’ll arrive at the Lake Muda Jetty just in time for a bite to eat, freshly prepared by the locals. Then, you’ll board a boat to Earth Lodge in Kuala Labua – this socially conscious organisation fights for the preservation of the forest with research and awareness, low carbon footprint practices and ecotourism principles. Your accommodation tonight is surrounded by nature, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect launching pad to explore the nearby jungle trails, winding rivers and lush tropical rainforest. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a river cruise where you’ll have the chance to spot local wildlife (you might even see some elephants if you’re lucky!) before a free evening to settle in and make yourself at home.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Ulu Muda Forest
Location: Ulu Muda Forest
Accommodation: Jungle Eco Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast this morning, you’ll pull on your walking shoes for a trek into Bukit Labu where you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide. Listen carefully as your guide tells you all about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush rainforest home. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants! Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river before trekking back to your accommodation and visiting Salt-lick hot springs, where the local animals, including the elephants, go to get their minerals. In the late afternoon, maximise your chances of seeing wildlife with another river cruise.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Cameron Highlands
Location: Cameron Highlands
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to the forest this morning and head back to the jetty, where your private transfer will be waiting for your journey towards the Cameron Highlands. A serene spot, the rolling green highlands are blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields and boast a refreshingly cool climate. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon and have some have free time to wander the local market stalls and tuck into some typical Malay cuisine.
Day 8: Cameron Highlands
Location: Cameron Highlands
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Have breakfast just like the locals and treat your tastebuds to some traditional eats straight from a local street stall. This is breakfast on the go – Malay style! After you’ve fuelled up, hit the road to a track of mossy forested area to stretch your legs on a trek through this mist-shrouded spot. Your guide will point out the unique plants living here, under the blanket of rich, green moss. After, you’ll step back into reality and explore one of the local tea plantations to learn more about tea production here and see the endless rows of green shrubs that seem to hug the hillside. This afternoon is free and you might like to visit the Cameron Floral Park or indulge in some high tea at the Jim Thompson Tea Room.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Kuala Lumpur
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today it’s back to Kuala Lumpur by a local express bus, then a metro back to your hotel. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon, then the rest of the day is free to explore this energetic city. Maybe head to the observation deck on the 451-m tall Petronas Twin Towers or see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Tonight, maybe head out to an optional farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure.
Day 10: Kota Kinabalu
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Fly unescorted from Kuala Lumpurto Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. Transfers to and from the airport are provided. When you arrive in KK, why not jump straight into the culture and history of this intriguing city that sits between the Bornean jungle and the South China Sea, with a visit to the Sabah State Museum or the Mari Mari Cultural Village. You can also opt to explore the islands off Kota Kinabalu, which are excellent for swimming and snorkelling. There will be another group meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new members joining your group.
Optional Activities:
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Day 11: Dusun Village
Location: Dusun Village
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Travel by minivan to a Dusun village that sits in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea – and enjoy a welcome lunch in your homestay with your host before visiting a local vegetable farm. Learn about planting and harvesting seasonal produce and then take some of these fresh vegetables home for dinner – a proper farm-to-table experience. After, head out to the local village for a special cultural performance.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Dusun Village
Location: Dusun Village
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Start your day by walking to the local vegetable market in Kundasang with your leader. Located in the heart of the community, this market showcases an array of freshly harvested produce, from locally grown vegetables to unique regional seasonal fruits like tarap and rambutan. You'll also find local snacks, wild honey and traditional Borneo crafts. Take the opportunity to chat with vendors to learn about the local produce and how it’s used in traditional Sabah cuisine. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure – perhaps visit Poring Hot Springs to relax in the open-air baths before heading back to your homestay.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 13: Mt Kinabalu National Park
Location: Mt Kinabalu National Park
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Eat a good breakfast this morning and say goodbye to your friends in the village as it’s time to drive to Timpohon Gate to begin your trek up Mt Kinabalu. It’s no small feat – prepare for an uphill trail made of steep steps that vary considerably in size – but along the way you can take in the remarkable variety of plant life, including about 1000 species of orchid and the carnivorous pitcher plant (yes, really). After covering 6 km (approximately 4 to 6 hours), spend the night at a rest house near Laban Rata, located at 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level. Rest up for the final ascent early tomorrow morning.
Included Activities:
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Day 14: Mt Kinabalu National Park
Location: Mt Kinabalu National Park
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Rise at around 2 am this morning to continue your trek – it’s tough, but the sunrise at the summit will be well worth it. At the top, take in the jungles of Borneo in one direction and the South China Sea in the other. After a well-deserved rest and plenty of pictures, return to Laban Rata for breakfast. Then, get started on the descent which can take between 3 - 6 hours. This evening, enjoy your overnight stay within Kinabalu National Park.
Day 15: Kinabatangan River
Location: Kinabatangan River
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Journey by private bus into the steamy rainforest to Bilit – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River – and then take a short boat ride to the comfortable jungle lodge where you’ll spend the night. Located on the riverbanks, the lodge is a brilliant place to spot wildlife. For an even better place, head out on a sunset boat ride and look out for macaques, orangutan, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. End your day by searching for nocturnal wildlife like civets, owls and the rare slow loris on a night walk.
Included Activities:
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Day 16: Kinabatangan River
Location: Kinabatangan River
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Embark on another boat safari early this morning – different species come out at different times, so keep your eyes peeled! After breakfast, join the in-house guide for an insightful journey into the historical Kinabatangan community, which thrived long before tourism developed in the area. Explore traditional practices and craftsmanship and actively engage in the crafting of traditional fish traps. This hands-on experience provides a profound understanding of the local culture and heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for their sustainable way of life. Then, head back on the boat for another river excursion in the afternoon.
Included Activities:
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Day 17: Sepilok
Location: Sepilok
Accommodation: Jungle Resort
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to your jungle lodge after breakfast and hit the road in a private minivan to a guesthouse located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From the viewing platform, watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view to eat the bananas and milk laid out for them. Observe young orangutans as they learn how to climb a specially constructed jungle gym in a new nursery. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here, rescued sun bears, many of whom have endured years of mistreatment, are given a second chance at life. Learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild. You can also opt to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can roam the treetop walkways while you learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 18: Turtle Island
Location: Turtle Island
Accommodation: Chalet
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, transfer to Sandakan to leave your large bags at the hotel and walk with your overnight bag to a nearby jetty. Travel by speedboat, past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, to Turtle Island Marine Park. In the afternoon, there will be some time for swimming, snorkelling or lazing about on the beach. Snorkelling gear is available for hire. In the evening, you’ll join an expert local ranger and a select group of visitors to watch giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight. Watch the rangers as they release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. This is a moving experience that could inspire you to join the turtle nest adoption program, with a certificate of adoption and updates on the development of your nest.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 19: Sandakan
Location: Sandakan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, return to the mainland and walk back to your hotel. Today is free to explore Sandakan as you wish – perhaps you’ll call into Agnes Keith House, the restored home of an American writer best known for her accounts of life in Borneo during WW1. Or you could visit Sandakan War Memorial, built on the site of a Japanese Prisoners of War camp. Learn about the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, when 2400 prisoners of war were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo and only six survived. Another great option is St Michaels & All Angels Church, a rare stone building in Sabah that managed to avoid major damage in the war.
Optional Activities:
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Day 20: Sandakan
Location: Sandakan
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your adventure ends after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Borneo - just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Chalet (1 night), Resort (1 nights), Homestay (3 night), Hostel (2 nights), Hotel (8 nights), Jungle Lodge (4 nights) -
Cameron Highlands - hike in mossy forest area
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Cameron Highlands - Tea plantation visit
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Ulu Muda - River Cruise
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Ulu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visit
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Ulu Muda - Hot Spring Saltlick
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Teluk Bahang - traditional games
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Teluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinner
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Teluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tour
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Teluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) Performance
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Teluk Bahang - Local market visit
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Transport
- Private Vehicle , River Boat , Public Bus , Metro , Ferry; Plane
Accommodation
- Please note some of the multishare/dormitory accommodation can be mixed gender.
Included Activities
- Melaka - Trishaw sightseeing tour
- Taman Negara - National Park
- Taman Negara NP - Teresek Hill Trek
- Taman Negara NP - Longtail boat trip
- Taman Negara NP - Guided rainforest trek
- Perhentian Islands - Half-day snorkelling trip
- Malay Homestay - Cooking demonstration
- Malay Homestay - Coconut picking demonstration
- Malay Homestay - Village bike tour
- Penang - Georgetown walking tour
- Penang - Clan Jetty & Kek Lok Si Temple
- Dusun Village - Guided village walk
- Dusun Village - Cultural performance
- Mt Kinabalu climb
- Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
- Kinabatangan River - Afternoon wildlife boat trip
- Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
- Turtle Island - National Park
- Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Sandakan - War Memorial
Important Information
- 1. Please provide a clear and coloured copy of your passport info page at the time of booking (no later than 3 weeks before your trip), as these are essential for booking services on this trip including permit for Ulu Muda forest and Mt Kinabalu.
- 2. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 4, Day 11 to 15, and Day 18, where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Eastern Sabah before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. Further information can be found in our "Safety" section of the Essential Trip Information. You can find links to prominent government travel advisories our Travel Alerts page https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
- 4. As this is a combination trip, your tour leader and group composition may change on Day 10.
Mode of Transport
- Private Vehicle , River Boat , Public Bus , Metro , Ferry; Plane
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Climbing Mt Kinabalu is a challenge that shouldn't be underestimated. Elevation is above 2800 m and we rise early to summit in the dark in order to be able to witness the sunrise. It's an unforgettable climb for sure, but you'll need to have an excellent level of fitness to complete it. Read our blog here for everything you need to know about climbing Mt Kinabalu: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/guide-to-climbing-mt-kinabalu-borneo/
You'll need to pack some specific items for this trip – check the ‘Packing List’ in the Essential Trip Information for more details so you are prepared.
You will get to experience a wide range of accommodation types on this trip – shared dormitory rooms in hostels, a homestay, resort, jungle lodge and hotels. Some may be a little more basic than our standard hotels, but their unique locations and close proximity to nature is what makes them special.
This trip has a focus on nature and wildlife – definitely one for those who enjoy being outdoors. If you are looking for a trip to Borneo with a bit more comfort and without climbing Mt Kinabalu, check out Intrepid’s Classic Borneo adventure – search trip code TMKB on our website for more information. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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