Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula

Name: Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (12 reviews)

Award Winning Adventures

Covid Clear Groups

100m rewilded per person

Expert Local Guides

14 Days from

16 Days from

$ 3,775

4.7/5 from

Culture

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Activity Levels :

1 out of 7 - Leisurely

Group Size :

5 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

ALM

Wander through jungles, colonial towns, modern metropolises and tropical beaches.

Malaysia is very much a country of two halves. To the east is the island of Borneo with its jungles, Orang-utans and rivers. To the west is the Malayan Peninsula with its blend of cultures and religion, colonial history and modern flair. As we make our way through these two distinct regions, we go looking for charismatic wildlife, delve into the country’s European heritage as well as its Asian blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian and enjoy its spectacular beaches. We visit Buddhist temples and mosques, wander through rainforest trails and street-food markets and take in the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of a truly diverse country.

Highlights

Explore colonial Penang and Malacca
Discover Kuala Lumpur's culinary and cultural diversity
Look for Orang-utans and Pygmy elephants

Key Information

14 days land only/ 16 days flight inclusive
Travel by minibus, boat and domestic flights
13 nights hotels, lodges and resorts

Countries visited: Malaysia

Whats Included

All accommodation
13 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners
London flights (if booking incl flights)

Whats Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas & vaccinations
Single accommodation
Airport transport for Land Only bookings

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
During the trip, we visit local food stalls in Kuala Lumpur & Penang, which helps to sustain the local population.
Staying at Kinabatangan provides employment opportunities to the local orang Sungai people who are working as boat men & drivers at the local wildlife lodge.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
This particular trip visits & directly supports the Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary which rehabilitates injured, orphaned and captured Orang-utans into the wild. At 43 square kilometers, Sepilok is the largest sanctuary of its kind in the world.
Whist visiting Sepilok, there is the option to also visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation centre, a wildlife conservation and research centre for improving animal welfare and rehabilitation of the Malayan sun bear.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles. Some of the accommodation we stay at during the trip, will reduce waste by sharing leftover food with their staff and local communities.
The Exodus Travels Foundation has launched the Community Kickstart Project to help our destination communities recover and rebuild following the impact of COVID-19. In Malaysia, we’ve contributed to both the Rainwater Harvesting initiative (more details can be found here) and the Jungle Trek Path initiative (more details can be found here).

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Read about Exodus Travels’ Planet Promise here, including our rewilding and carbon compensation commitments for every customer who travels.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at majority of accommodation and restaurants.
This trip favours locally-owned and run accommodation.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Cultural respect:
- Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country so modest dress is required on this trip when visiting holy sites such as the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur (i.e. legs, shoulders, and upper arms to be covered as well as a headscarf for women).
- One should not show the soles of their feet or touch someone’s head, both are considered disrespectful.

Itinerary

Include Flights

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.
Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort or Similar

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. This morning we visit 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 (return transfer costs not included) 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.

Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.
Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort or similar

August 2022 update:

The Gomantong Caves are currently closed due to maintenance work until further notice. Therefore, we currently will not be able to visit the caves but will instead include an extra lunch for groups on day 2 of the itinerary until the caves re-open and groups are able to visit again.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 night walk where we may see night owls or even Western tarsiers.
Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Sabah Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

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.

Ibis Melaka or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

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).

Capitol 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.
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.

Royal Chulan Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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..

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.

Tropical Resort Langkawi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

For land only passengers, the trip ends after breakfast today in Langkawi. Passengers on the group flight will be taken to the airport in time for their flight, normally late afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Malaysia

A visa is not required for most nationalities including British, EU, US, Canada, Australia and NZ nationals. If you are unsure of the requirements please check with your nearest Malaysian embassy.

Vaccination

Malaysia

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Eating and Drinking

13 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 4 Dinners are included.

You should allow about USD 200-300 for food not included. If you fancy a few drinks then you may want to bring 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 accommodation does offer 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 country’s diverse culinary heritage.

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

Please note that 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.

Weather

Malaysia generally has a tropical climate which is fairly standard year round. Different parts of the country experience wet and dry seasons at different times of the year and you can expect to have sunshine and rain at any time. In the lowlands, temperatures tend to vary from lows of 20’C to highs of 30’C, whilst the highlands generally have lows of 15’C with highs of 25’C. Temperatures can get very cold on top of Mt. Kinabalu where it can even freeze at night.

Weather Charts

Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated as Activity Level 1- Leisurely

Malaysia has a tropical climate which means that it can be quite hot and humid year-round. Due to the wide range of geographical zones visited there is no best time to visit and different parts of the country will be going through dry or wet seasons at different times of year. Though even if a region is going through its wet season, it normally gets a mixture of rain and sun. We go on several leisurely walks in Borneo, including along canopy walkways in Sepilok, and, in particular, to a viewpoint in Kinabatangan. Whilst these are not challenging, the trails can be muddy. We travel by minibus, motorised canoe, train, and 2 internal flights as we make our way from one of place to another and within regions. Most drives are relatively short, with the longest being around 5-6 hours but most are under 3 hours. The train ride from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth is 4 hours.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Graham Dobbie

Reviewed December 2019

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.

Vicky Hau

Reviewed April 2019

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).

Sheila Tilley

Reviewed February 2019

Borneo and the Malaysian Peninsular

A holiday of two different parts-the wildlife of Borneo was amazing and the accommodation at Sepilok was so close to the orang utang sanctuary allowing us to spend lots of time there.To see so much of Malaysia during the second week and take in the diversity as we travelled far exceeded my expectations

da Lloyd

Reviewed January 2019

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.

Joanne Hunt

Reviewed November 2018

A varied trip of wildlife, cities, and food!

This was a highly enjoyable trip covering a wide range of different experiences. The first few days in Borneo were particularly excellent at Sepilok and Kinabatangan. We were lucky enough to see a wild orang-utan, a gibbon and proboscis monkeys. KL was also a highlight - particularly enjoyed the food tour and a (optional) trip to the PETRONAS towers. The food markets at night were also a great experience. A relaxing couple of days on Langkawi was (once we got there!) a really nice end to the trip.

David Parker

Reviewed July 2018

feedback

Good main guides who knew their stuff. Reasonable accommodation.

Lesley Silcock

Reviewed July 2018

Fun trip to Malaysia

Our family thoroughly enjoyed this varied trip. The first week in Borneo was great for seeing wildlife. We were lucky to watch a herd of pygmy elephants on and in the river and a wild orangutan make his nest for the night. The cities were fun and the food was good. The food tour of KL was particularly good. Relaxing by the pool and beach at the end was a a good way to finish

Diane Elford

Reviewed July 2018

A bit of everything

This is a trip of two halves - the first week the focus on the flora and fauna of Borneo and the second week the multicultural nature of Malaysia in the cities on the Peninsula. I enjoyed the variety of the trip and also the chance to try out the different types of Malaysian cuisine.

Nick Rushworth

Reviewed April 2018

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.

Pauline McGeevor

Reviewed April 2018

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.

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Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

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