4out of7 - Moderate / Challenging You are moderately fit and have an interest in remote or challenging environments. Some previous experience is required for activity based trips.
Trek through primeval jungles and up Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia
Mount Kinabalu towers over the Sulu Sea and sweeping jungles of Borneo. In the east of the third-largest island on the planet, orangutans populate the trees of Sepilok, while on the Malayan Peninsula rivers gush through Taman Negara, cloud forests share the highlands with tea plantations and strawberry farms, and the modern capital is a melting pot of cultures. We peek behind the green curtain of primeval forests as we don hiking boots to trek Borneo and beyond.
Highlights
Explore the jungles of Taman Nagara
Meet the orangutans of Sepilok
Summit Mount Kinabalu
Enjoy a food tour of Kuala Lumpur
Key Information
Six days of walking, some muddy terrain
Altitude maximum: 13,435ft (4,095m); average altitude: 4,920ft (1,500m)
Six hotel nights, five guesthouse nights, two nights in a mountain lodge
Separate leaders in Borneo and the Peninsula
Countries visited: Malaysia
What's Included
All accommodation
All breakfasts, five lunches and two dinners included
Free group arrival and departure transfers available
Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations
Single accommodation
6Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Approximately three to 12 hours of hiking per day
Terrain:
The trails are mostly flat, there are some hilly sections and the walks are often muddy and can be slippery. Paths can be strewn with rocks and roots. Some areas do have leeches (you can wear leech socks or long sports socks as protection).
Day 3
4 km / 2.5 miles
Day 4
5 km / 3.1 miles
Day 6
5 km / 3.1 miles
Day 9
11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 11
6 km / 3.7 miles
Day 12
11 km / 6.8 miles
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that 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-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 by supporting other local enterprises.
We visit food stalls in locations such as Kuala Lumpur, which helps to sustain the local population.
In Taman Negara and Kinabalu national parks, local people are employed by the parks, thereby our trip helps to maintain their livelihood and communities.
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.
We visit and directly support the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary, which rehabilitates injured, orphaned and captured orangutans into the wild. Sepilok is the largest sanctuary of its kind in the world.
While visiting Sepilok, there is the option to 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 reusable bottles.
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 some accommodations 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 reusable 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 (ie 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
Kuala Lumpur
Kota Kinabalu
Depart London
Depart London
Day
1
Start in Kuala Lumpur
Welcome to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, known by many simply as KL. You can arrive at the hotel at any time today, check in at the hotel is from 15:00. There is a welcome meeting with your tour leader this evening, a good chance to ask any questions you may have and to connect with the group.
Accommodation: Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur (or similar)
Day
2
Discover the culinary delights of Malaysia with a food tour of KL before visiting the Batu Caves
Malaysia is proudly diverse and this is reflected in the capital, 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 the city. We discover different neighbourhoods with distinct sights, sounds, smells and, of course, delicacies.
We start our journey at Masjid Jamek and learn how the city started. What better way to enjoy the day by sampling typical food that Malaysians enjoy at a local eatery? Wandering through small streets, we uncover the cultures of the Chinese and Indian communities who came to KL to make their fame and fortune. We also visit the oldest Chinese and Indian temple in KL to understand more about these communities.
Our visit to Chinatown is rewarded with tasty noodles among the local people. After, we take a short ride on the modern local transport system towards Brickfields – the local Little India. As we walk through, our senses are stimulated by colourful architecture, music and food. We sample delicious Indian dishes served on banana leaves and seek out street vendors for snacks to end our food journey.
This afternoon, we take public transport to the Batu Caves. These limestone caves are a holy Hindu site and are guarded by a giant statue of the Hindu god Lord Murugan. Behind the statue are the 272 steps that lead to the caves and large numbers of monkeys.
If you want a drink with amazing views later this evening, head to one of the many rooftop bars in KL and enjoy the cityscape at night.
Accommodation: Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Ketumbar Hill trek; transfer to the Cameron Highlands and visit a tea plantation
We aim to check out of the hotel early this morning to drive about 30 minutes to the start of the trail on Ketumbar Hill, which is part of the Sungei Puteh forest reserve (a popular exercise spot). We follow a loop trail, which starts with a moderate climb up to about 9855ft (300m), where we pause for a packed breakfast before hiking down another trail back to the start (some sections may be a little slippery if it has rained).
We then rejoin our minibus and transfer (five to six hours) to the Cameron Highlands with a lunch stop along the way.
The Cameron Highlands is a British-era hill station and the nights are noticeably cooler here. The area is known for strawberry farms and tea plantations. For those interested, there may be time to visit one of the tea plantations or enjoy tea and scones.
Accommodation: Century Pines (or similar)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
4
Trek through the montane forests of the Cameron Highlands
Meeting our local guide at the hotel at 8.30am, we embark on a jungle trek through the highlands up to Gunung Jasar. The well-maintained trail gradually takes us up the side of a river valley on an undulating path with a fairly steep final ascent to reach the summit (5,580ft/1,700m). The Jasar range is protected primary forest and the air is generally cooler, though it can get very humid. There’s a lot of birdlife and, thanks to the altitude, lots of mosses and lichen.
Reaching the peak, we can enjoy views of the tea plantations below. We head back along a different route, which can be steep in places and you may need to help your balance by grabbing tree roots.
Accommodation: Century Pines (or similar)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 4
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
5
Transfer to Taman Negara; followed by exhilarating boat ride and canopy walk; optional night walk
Leaving the highlands, we drive (about five hours plus stops) to one of the oldest-remaining rainforests in the world. Within in Taman Negara National Park, these 130m-year-old primeval forests are home to rare animals, including Malayan tigers, Indian elephants and crab-eating macaques (though these animals are rarely seen). We should arrive around mid-afternoon.
Later this afternoon, we board motorised canoes to journey along the park’s waterways, navigating several sets of rapids − be ready to get wet! En route, we stop to enjoy a canopy walkway, taking to the treetops on a 985ft (300m) long series of fortified rope bridges that rise 130ft (40m) above the forest floor. After, we get back in the canoe for more rapids.
This evening, you can go on an optional night walk in search of interesting insects and nocturnal animals.
Accommodation: Mutiara Resort (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Teresek Hill and Lata Berkoh
Explore the primary forest of Taman Negara on a four to five-hour trek to Teresek Hill. We take the Bukit Teresek trail, which includes a mix of boardwalks and natural paths, and reaches an elevation of 1,095ft (334m), providing a scenic view of Mount Tahan.
After, we walk back to Lubuk Simpon for a packed lunch. We are then met by boats, which take us along the Tahan River to Lata Berkoh (Cascade Waterfall) some 20 minutes away. En route, we stop by a tualang tree, one of the largest and oldest trees in Taman Negara, and visit the Kelah fish sanctuary.
After visiting Lata Berkoh, we return to our lodge (45 minutes), arriving mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is free to either relax or hike independently along the nearby boardwalks.
Accommodation: Mutiara Resort (or similar)
Distance covered: 4mi (6km)
Activity hours: 4-5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
7
Return to Kuala Lumpur; fly to Sandakan; transfer to Sepilok
Leaving the rainforest, we transfer (four hours) to the urban jungle, KL. Depending on what time we arrive, we may have free time for lunch before we head to the airport to catch our flight to Borneo. Please note, there is a 33lb (15kg) restriction on checked baggage for the domestic flight, but it is possible to pay for excess luggage if you speak with your leader on day one of the tour.
Malaysia is a country of two halves: Malayan Peninsula and Borneo. This afternoon, we leave the Peninsula and our first leader behind and head for the island of Borneo where our next leader waits for us. The flight to Sandakan takes about three hours, arriving in the evening, then we transfer to our lodge in Sepilok.
Accommodation: Sepilok Jungle Resort (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary
This morning, we visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary. Created in 1964, the 16.5sqmi (43sqkm) reserve of primary forest is the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world and rehabilitates orphaned or captured orangutans for release back into the wild. We visit the informative park headquarters and look for orangutans during feeding time. As the ticket is valid all day, we can return for the afternoon feeding if you wish. We may also watch young orangutans in the nursery section. There is also the opportunity to visit the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Accommodation: Sepilok Jungle Resort (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
9
Follow the Sepilok Laut Trail through the rainforest
We have an early start and head out on the Sepilok Laut Trail. This walk, of around 5.5mi (9km), starts from the rainforest discovery centre, where we have a chance to do a canopy walk. From here, the trail journeys through primary forest giving us the opportunity to experience flora and fauna of eastern Borneo’s lowlands. The reserve we walk through is home to 350 tree species, 90 mammal species and 200 bird species. The trek itself includes two fairly steep hills plus several smaller hills and can get particularly muddy during the rainy season. We also recommend wearing leech socks (which can be purchased locally) or tuck your trousers into long sports socks.
The trek ends at the Sepilok Laut reception centre, where boardwalks allow us to explore a mangrove area filled with fiddler crabs, macaques and monitor lizards. We later take a boat for around 20 minutes to Sandakan Jetty before catching a 30-minute transfer back to Sepilok.
Accommodation: Sepilok Jungle Resort (or similar)
Distance covered: 7mi (11km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
10
Transfer to Kinabalu Park with optional visits to Kundasang War Memorial and exploring the Kinabalu Park lower trail
We head towards the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, at 13,345ft (4,095m). The journey takes five to six hours. Depending on time, we should have the opportunity to visit the Kundasang War Memorial (optional), which commemorates prisoners of war who died during the death marches of the Second World War. The memorial is made of four gardens: the Australian, English, Malaysian and the Contemplation Garden that represent the different nationalities. There are also several self-guided trails through the gardens at the base of the mountain.
This evening, we have a briefing about the two-day Mount Kinabalu trek and need to pack our bags for the trek. Our main packs are left behind. Porters are available to carry bags up to the hut that we are staying at tomorrow night, please ask your leader about this. It is recommended each trekker brings a rain jacket, warm hat, waterproof gloves, fleece, personal first-aid kit, headtorch (head lamp), sunscreen, sunglasses, change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, water and earplugs. Ideally you should have a 30-35 litre backpack.
Tonight, we stay in dorms with shared bathrooms and depending on the gender make-up of the group, couples may have to be split into separate dorms.
Accommodation: Kinabalu Park HQ
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
11
Start climbing Mount Kinabalu towards Laban Rata
Due to its great height, Mount Kinabalu has a several climatic zones. It has an enormous variety of plants and animals and is a naturalist’s paradise. There are rhododendrons, innumerable mosses, fungi and ferns, more than 1,200 orchid species and the largest flowering plant in the world, the rafflesia. Particularly interesting are the carnivorous and insectivorous pitcher plants. There are also many animals including badgers, monkeys, squirrels, flying lemurs and deer. However, the chances of seeing many of these on the mountain climb are rare as the trail is well trodden and frequently visited. We are more likely to encounter the many birds, snakes and insects of the region.
The ascent of Mount Kinabalu is not technically difficult but most people find it challenging so you need to be fit and prepared for a tough two days. The path is wide and clear so you can climb at your own walking pace. The altitude makes it tougher the higher you climb but it really only becomes harder on the summit day. The trek climbs up through a multitude of vegetation zones and cloud forest to reach Laban Rata Resthouse at 10,825ft (3,300m). The temperature is noticeably colder due to the altitude and really feels chilly, especially when it clouds over. There is a very eerie feel to the place with the huge summit cliffs looming up behind the mountain huts.
We stay in dorms in the hut and make the summit climb very early the next morning. Again, couples may be split depending on the gender make-up of the group.
Accommodation: Laban Rata Hut
Distance covered: 4mi (6km)
Activity hours: 5-6
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
12
Summit Mount Kinabalu and return to the start; transfer to Kota Kinabalu
We wake around 2am to slowly make our way to the summit. The challenging climb from Laban Rata takes up to five hours, depending on fitness and the impact of altitude. Upon leaving Laban Rata, it is approximately 1,150ft (350m) through the treeline to some viewing decks before a section of wooden steps with handrails all the way to the summit. The path levels out as we pass through a boulder field and join Sayat Sayat, the last checkpoint before the summit, where there are toilets. From Sayat Sayat, a final rope marks the route to the top, a distance of about 1.1mi (1.8km). Waterproof gloves are recommended to protect your hands from rope burn (and to keep them warm). A torch (flashlight), waterproofs and warm layers are essential.
As dawn breaks, we will be close to the summit at Low’s Peak. The momentous summit feeling is matched by the tremendous view stretching across this part of Borneo as the early morning unfolds. On clear days, we can see as far as the southern islands of the Philippines. With a long way to descend and aching legs, we return to the base at Laban Rata to collect any belongings and have breakfast. We continue down the mountain back to the start where there is normally a simple afternoon tea (with fried rice and bread) for trekkers.
Once we have returned to the bottom, we transfer to our hotel in Kota Kinabalu, approximately two to three hours’ drive. The arrival time is determined by when we leave Kinabalu Park, but is in the afternoon or evening.
Accommodation: Grandis Hotel (or similar)
Distance covered: 7mi (11km)
Activity hours: 9-12
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
13
Free day in Kota Kinabalu; optional snorkelling or boat island hopping trip, wetland birdwatching or cultural village
Today you are free to enjoy some of the many activities Kota Kinabalu has to offer. A popular option is to visit one of the tropical islands in the marine park, a 15-minute boat journey from the city and with excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. You can never be bored here, whether you are relaxing on the white sand, snorkelling or swimming in the warm South China Sea.
There are good birdwatching opportunities in the wetlands not far from KK and a culturally interesting village in Mari Mari where you can learn about the different cultures of Sabah. Your tour leader can help organise any of these options.
Accommodation: Grandis Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
14
End Kota Kinabalu
The trip ends today after breakfast. We bid a fond farewell and start our return journeys home. If you’d like a bit more time to relax, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Fly to London
The trip ends today after breakfast, those on the group flights transfer will be taken to the airport for their flight home via KL.
Meals included: Breakfast
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
While most of the trails are flat there are some hilly sections and the walks are often muddy and can be slippery. Paths can be strewn with rocks and roots and there may be times when you need to hold onto trees to help your balance. Some areas do have leeches (you can wear leech socks or long sports socks as protection) and the climate can be hot and humid (though it does get cold on top of Mount Kinabalu and in the Cameron Highlands).
Whilst the ascent of Mount Kinabalu is not technically difficult, the trek is the most demanding section of hiking on the itinerary. The terrain is undulating and most people find this challenging, so you need to be fit and prepared for a tough two days. The path is wide and clear, with some uneven steps in sections, but you can climb at your own walking pace. The altitude makes it tougher the higher you climb, but it really only becomes harder on the summit day.
The trip takes in some of the best walking areas in Malaysia, both on the Malayan Peninsula and in Borneo, and shows the diversity between highlands and lowlands. The walks are complemented with time to explore the vibrant capital city, Kuala Lumpur, go on boat rides and finish with time to relax after the hard push up Mount Kinabalu.
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.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Santa Grand Signature Hotel, No.36 Menara Santa, Jalan Ampang Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Phone: +60 3 2027 1969 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. Check in time at the start hotel in Kuala Lumpur is 15:00. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening at 18:00, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately. Airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. A cab from the airport costs approximately 100-125 Malaysian ringgits (US$22-US$27) and should take 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch the KLIA Transit train to KL Sentral and then change to the Kelana Jaya line to Dang Wangi station. The hotel is then only a five-minute walk. This option will cost approximately 22-65 ringgits (US$5-US$14) and takes 50 minutes. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group, and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Kuala Lumpur Location end: Kota Kinabalu
Vaccinations and Health
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 and zika fevers, both spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available; therefore, we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Visa
Malaysia
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
All foreign visitors must now complete and submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days (including date of submission) prior to their arrival in Malaysia.
To complete the MDAC form, you need to add your date of arrival/departure in Malaysia, passport details, and accommodation (the start hotel of your tour). To obtain these details, please refer to the Final Joining Instructions, which are sent one to two weeks before your departure.
Once the MDAC form is submitted, you will receive an email with a PIN to check your registration on the MDAC website where you can download a PDF copy of your authorised MDAC. It is advised to also print a copy of your MDAC for immigration. All visitors must then present their printed, completed form and their passport at immigration upon arrival in Malaysia.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Malaysia.
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, five lunches and two dinners are included.
You should allow about 910-1,370 Malaysian ringgits (US$200-US$300) for food not included. If you fancy a few drinks then you may want to bring a little more as beer and other alcoholic drinks are similar to Western prices.
Most meals will be basic, based around rice and noodles, although most accommodations offer a Western breakfast of beans, toast and eggs. In the bigger hotels and cities, the full range of Western and local foods is available.
You can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. In Kuala Lumpur, we enjoy a food tour and have the opportunity to experience the diverse culinary heritage of the country.
Vegetarians can be catered for but the choice may be limited outside the main cities. Please inform us 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 – 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 are normally 20C-30C (68F-86F) while the highlands are generally 15C-25C (59F-77F). Temperatures can get very cold on top of Mount Kinabalu where it can even freeze at night.
Hotels, guesthouses and mountain lodges
There are six nights in hotels, five guesthouse nights and two nights in a mountain lodge. We stay in a range of accommodations on this trip from city hotels (in Kuala Lumpur) to dormitories in mountain huts (on Mount Kinabalu). Most accommodation has private bathrooms and mosquito nets are provided when necessary. The two nights spent on Mount Kinabalu (at the base of the mountain and at Laban Rata) are in dormitory-style accommodation with shared bathrooms. Depending on the gender make-up of the group, couples may need to be split, though we do our utmost to avoid having to do this.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.