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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*
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*
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. *Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort or similar*
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*
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*
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*
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*
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*
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*
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*
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*
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*
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.
* 14 days land only/ 16 days flight inclusive
* Travel by minibus, boat and domestic flights
* 13 nights hotels, lodges and resorts
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.
* 14 days land only/ 16 days flight inclusive
* Travel by minibus, boat and domestic flights
* 13 nights hotels, lodges and resorts
*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.
Hotels, Lodges & Resorts
13 nights comfortable hotels, lodges and resorts.
We use a combination of standard and comfortable hotels and lodges/resorts on
this trip. All properties are generally picked for their location and may,
in some area, be the only option. They are all, however, well maintained.
Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location on the day
to day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some
departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and
quality.
In Langkawi, our hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and direct access to
Tengah Beach (a more peaceful alternative to Cenang Beach). Rooms here are
equipped with ceiling fans and air-conditioning. If you would like to extend
your time on the beach in Langkawi there is the option to stay in the hotel
we use on tour or upgrade to a 4-star property (Ombak Villa Langkawi). Please
ask our sales team for more details.
Single supplements are available (on request). Please advise the sales team
at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
This trip covers two very distinct parts of Malaysia, the Malayan Peninsula
and Borneo. Depending on scheduling and the availability of leaders, we use
either two separate leaders for each section or a single leader for the
entire trip in order to provide the best leaders for your trip. If using two
leaders, the first leader will meet the group in Sandakan and the second
leader in Kuala Lumpur.
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.
We use a variety of transport on this trip including minibuses, river-boats,
an electric train, and 2 internal flights (from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur
and from Penang to Langkawi) and even rickshaws.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 Days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Malaysian Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
Internal flights during the trip are normally with Malaysian Airlines.
**
*Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Sepilok and ending in Langkawi*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Sepilok in the afternoon
of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are
provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐sent approximately two weeks
before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense
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.
* Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing is
recommended for most of the trip, though it is a good idea to bring a
fleece for some evenings.
* Please note that 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).
* Reasonable walking shoes are advisable for the jungle areas as we may be
on trails which can get a bit muddy (even if only short trails).
* A torch (flash-light) may also come in handy.
* Due to the different seasons in different parts of the country you can
expect sunshine and rain so please be prepared with rain protection as
well as sun protection.
* Please bring layers/fleece or sweater for the train journey
(air-conditioned) to Penang
* Insect repellent will be particularly useful during the Borneo section of
the trip, though you’ll probably also need it for the peninsula section.
Please note that the domestic flights from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur and
Penang to Langkawi have a weight restriction of 15kgs but it is possible to
pay a supplement for additional luggage once your trip commences. If you
would like to pay for additional luggage for the internal flights please
speak to your group leader on day 1 who can arrange this in advance – you
will then need to pay in cash to your group leader. Alternatively you can
purchase additional luggage when checking in at the airports before each
domestic flight. Please ensure you take note of your baggage weight when you
board your flight from home so you will know if purchasing additional luggage
for the internal flights will be required during the trip.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
Malaysia is not as cheap as many other countries in S. E. Asia and you can
expect to spend between 200 and 300 US dollars on meals not included. In
addition to this, alcoholic drinks prices are similar to Western Europe.
There are some souvenirs and t‐shirts available throughout the trip and
there is good shopping in Kuala Lumpur.
*Optional Excursions *
Please note, all prices listed below are 'prices from' and are subject to
change.
*Sandakan* (only available if arriving in Sandakan pre‐tour as no
time is spent here once the tour has started)
Agnes Keith House ‐ MYR 15 (entrance fee only)
St Michaels and All Angels Church ‐ entrance free
Puu Jih Shih Chinese Temple ‐ entrance free
Fire Flies/Mangrove Cruise/Fishing Village Tour (Dinner) 300 MYR
*Sepilok*
Night Walk Rainforest Discovery Centre- 30 MYR (Entrance fee- min 2 pax)
Bornean Sunbear conservation Center ‐ 31.80 MYR
Rainforest Discovery Centre ‐ 15 MYR
Labuk Bay Proboscis monkey sanctuary ‐ 100 MYR (entrance & return transfer
from Sepilok only)
Return transfers for additional optional visit from Sepilok accommodation to
the Rainforest Discovery Centre or Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary 30- 42 MYR
*Malacca*
Riverboat Trip ‐ 30 MYR
Baba Nonya Heritage Museum ‐ 16 MYR-Tours only available at
10am ‐ 1:00pm (last morning tour 12 noon) 2pm ‐ 5:00pm (last
evening tour 4pm)
Menara Taming Sari (360 degree viewing tower) 25 MYR
Straits Chinese Jewellery Museum ‐ 15 MYR
*Kuala Lumpur*
Sky bridge Petronas towers 85 MYR
/Please note, on this tour, you will only have Sunday afternoon (Day 8) to
visit Petronas Bridge and Tower as on Mondays (day 9) it is closed./
/Due to popularity, please book and pay online in advance due to limited
slots if you are interested in visiting this site during your free afternoon.
Recommended time to visit is from 5pm – 7pm on day 8 of the tour.
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KL tower 105 MYR
Batu caves ‐ the cost of the train from KL Sentral station is 2 MYR
each way. The train from Sentral Station to Batu Caves station
takes about 25mins. The caves are right by the station.
KLCC Aquaria 65‐75 MYR
KL bird Park 63 MYR
Islamic arts Museum Malaysia 14 MYR
*Penang*
Cooking class 240 MYR
Blue mansion 17 MYR (Tours are only available DAILY at 11:00am, 2:00pm and
3.30pm)
Funicular Railway ‐ 80 MYR
Eastern Oriental hotel (restored colonial hotel, entrance free and a great
place for a G&T)
*Langkawi*
Cycling trip 140 MYR
Mangrove Kayaking trip 240 MYR
Mangrove boat trip 170 MYR
Night walk 140 MYR
Langkawi sky bridge 6 MYR
Langkawi cable car (entrance fee) 85 MYR
Tipping has become customary in Malaysia but is, of course, entirely at your
own discretion.
The trip is divided into two parts, the Malayan Peninsula section and the
Borneo section and we have separate tour leaders for both sections. A
recommended amount for tipping the leaders is USD 3 per person per day. This
comes to about USD 25 per person for each of the two leaders.
The tour leader will collect local currency to contribute to a 'tipping
kitty' which will be used to tip local guides and staff so you don't need to
worry about it. This is not compulsory but just aimed at making it easier for
you. Each leader will collect per person approx. 30 MYR (8 USD) in Sandakan
for the Borneo portion of the tour, and 65 MYR (16 USD) in Kuala Lumpur for
the Malaysian Peninsula portion for this purpose.
* Travel insurance
* Visas & vaccinations
* Single accommodation
* Airport transport for Land Only bookings
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.