Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Sepilok; optional night walk
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 before dinner (please ask your leader upon arrival). If there is no time this evening, we may be able to do the night walk tomorrow. Accommodation: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (or similar)
Day 2: Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary; optional visit to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Created in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world and aims to rehabilitate and release orphaned and captured orangutans into the wild. This morning, we visit the informative headquarters and see the animals at feeding time. In the afternoon, we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which has an impressive canopy walkway offering great views over the Sepilok Reserve. This is a great place to see birds, including hornbills and Borneo bristleheads, and during fruiting season we may spot the odd orangutan. There is an option to return to the orangutan sanctuary for the second feeding session in the afternoon (return transfer costs not included) as well as the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Speak to your leader for more information on this option. Accommodation: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (or similar)
Day 3: Travel via the Gomantong Caves to Kinabatangan; afternoon river cruise
Our first stop this morning is the bizarre Gomantong Caves, a major source of swiftlet bird nests, which are a Chinese delicacy. During the season, workers climb up large ladders to harvest the vulnerable nests. After, we continue to the third-longest river in Borneo, Kinabatangan. The wildlife reserve here is home to an astonishing array of wildlife including pygmy elephants, wild orangutans, gibbons, proboscis monkeys and rare birdlife. As dusk approaches, we take to the river in search of some of the local animals. Accommodation: 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 cannot 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 can visit again.
Day 4: Explore Kinabatangan river
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 learn a bit more about local conservation efforts and contribute ourselves by planting trees. Later, we return to the river to look for crocodiles and other forest residents. There should be the opportunity this evening for an optional night walk where we may see owls or even Western tarsiers. Accommodation: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (or similar)
Day 5: Drive to Sandakan via the War Memorial; free time
Leaving after breakfast, we head to Sandakan (approximately 2hr 30min 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 local cuisine or explore the vibrant, compact streets of Sandakan. Accommodation: Sabah Hotel (or similar)
Day 6: Fly to Kuala Lumpur and on to Malacca
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 (there is a 33lb/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 in Kuala Lumpur, we meet our leader for this section of the trip. We then take a two-hour transfer to Malacca. Upon arrival at our hotel in the afternoon, there is time to relax and explore this historic and culturally rich city. Accommodation: Ibis Melaka (or similar)
Day 7: Walking and trishaw tour of Malacca
Malacca is a well-preserved colonial town with a mix of Portuguese, British and Dutch architecture. The quaint Chinatown neighbourhood is home to numerous antique shops plus a Hindu temple, Taoist temple and a mosque, while the oldest functioning church in Malaysia 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 Malacca cuisine. Known as Baba Nyonya, it is a blend of Chinese, Malay and other influences and is a speciality of the town. Accommodation: Ibis Melaka (or similar)
Day 8: Transfer to Kuala Lumpur; afternoon city tour
Leaving the sleepy charm of Malacca, we head to Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia. Known as KL, this vibrant city shows a completely different side of the country. Upon arrival, we take in some of the city sights, including: the National Palace (Istana Negara); the National Monument, which is dedicated to those who died in the struggle for Malaysia’s freedom during the Second World War 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 enjoy a spot of shopping. Please note, the Petronas Towers are closed on Mondays (Day 9 of the 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. Accommodation: Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur (or similar)
Day 9: Explore Malaysian cuisine on a city food tour; free afternoon
KL mixes Malay, Indian and Chinese traditions and people; explore this diversity in the best way possible: a city food tour. We discover different neighbourhoods with their distinct sights, sounds, smells and, of course, delicacies. We start at Masjid Jamek and learn how KL started. We also visit the oldest Chinese and Indian temple in the city to learn more about those communities. Our visit to Chinatown is rewarded by tasty noodles. After this, take a short ride on the modern transport system towards Brickfields. This is Little India, 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 leaves and seek 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 shop in the malls, visit one of the museums or take in the views from the KL Tower (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). Accommodation: Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur (or similar)
Day 10: Catch the train to Penang; afternoon walk around the colonial town of Georgetown
Today, we head north by train as we make our way to Butterworth (about four 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 a late afternoon orientation tour before an optional dinner at one of the many street-food markets. Accommodation: Royal Chulan Hotel (or similar)
Day 11: Georgetown walking tour to explore the street art, food, culture and heritage of Penang
This morning, we explore more Malaysian diversity on a walking city tour. Georgetown is known for its cultural sights and natural scenery. Explore on foot to see well-preserved colonial structures, ornate temples and colourful street art. We end our walk with a visit to Khoo Clan House and Museum. After, there is free time to explore further on your own. Perhaps scale Penang Hill or visit the Botanical Gardens. Alternatively, stroll to the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, which has been restored to its past grandeur: the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea or gin and tonic. Accommodation: Royal Chulan Hotel (or similar)
Day 12: Fly to Langkawi island
This morning is free for a final exploration before we take an afternoon transfer to the airport for a short flight from Penang to Langkawi island (there is a 33lb/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 an archipelago of almost 100 tropical islands surrounded by the turquoise Andaman Sea with pristine beaches and jungles. After checking into our hotel, there will be time to relax and enjoy the area at leisure. Accommodation: Nadias Hotel Cenang Langkawi (or similar)
Day 13: Free day to explore the island or just relax on the beach; final group dinner
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 or taking the cable car. This evening, we enjoy a group farewell dinner (included) on our final evening in this tropical paradise. Accommodation: Nadias Hotel Cenang Langkawi (or similar)
Day 14: Trip ends this morning
The trip ends after breakfast today. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Important Information

The trip destination

Travel by minibus, boat and domestic flights
13 nights in hotels, lodges and resorts

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.

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 20C (68F) to highs of 30C (86F), while the highlands generally have lows of 15C (59F) with highs of 25C (77F). Temperatures can get very cold on top of Mount Kinabalu where it can even freeze at night.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated as Activity Level 1 (Leisurely).

Weather and seasons

Malaysia has a tropical climate, which means 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; different parts of the country will be going through dry or wet seasons at different times of the year. Even if a region is in the wet season, it normally gets a mixture of rain and sun.

Walks

We go on several leisurely walks in Borneo, including along canopy walkways in Sepilok and to a viewpoint in Kinabatangan. While these are not challenging, the trails can be muddy.

Travel

We travel by minibus, motorised canoe, train and two internal flights. Most drives are relatively short, with the longest being around five to six hours, but most are under three hours. The train ride from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth is four hours.

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 09 Jun 2024 / Sat, 22 Jun 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	Available
Sun, 23 Jun 2024 / Sat, 06 Jul 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	Available
Sun, 04 Aug 2024 / Sat, 17 Aug 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	Available
Sun, 11 Aug 2024 / Sat, 24 Aug 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	Available
Sun, 29 Sep 2024 / Sat, 12 Oct 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	Available
Sun, 06 Oct 2024 / Sat, 19 Oct 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	Available
Sun, 20 Oct 2024 / Sat, 02 Nov 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	Available
Sun, 03 Nov 2024 / Sat, 16 Nov 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	Available
Sun, 10 Nov 2024 / Sat, 23 Nov 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	Available
Sun, 08 Dec 2024 / Sat, 21 Dec 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 09 Jun 2024 / Sat, 22 Jun 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	On request
Sun, 23 Jun 2024 / Sat, 06 Jul 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	On request
Sun, 04 Aug 2024 / Sat, 17 Aug 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	On request
Sun, 11 Aug 2024 / Sat, 24 Aug 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	On request
Sun, 29 Sep 2024 / Sat, 12 Oct 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	On request
Sun, 06 Oct 2024 / Sat, 19 Oct 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	On request
Sun, 20 Oct 2024 / Sat, 02 Nov 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	On request
Sun, 03 Nov 2024 / Sat, 16 Nov 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	On request
Sun, 10 Nov 2024 / Sat, 23 Nov 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	On request
Sun, 08 Dec 2024 / Sat, 21 Dec 2024	NOK 30 000	On request	NOK 7 230	On request

Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula

Overview

Itinerary

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Important Information

Prices / Dates