Grand Tour of Malaysia with Borneo

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Kuala Lumpur

  Upon landing in Malaysia's vibrant capital of Kuala Lumpur, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred swiftly to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your flight time, you have the remainder of the day to relax or explore on your own.

  • Kuala Lumpur

• Day 2: Kuala Lumpur Sightseeing City Tour

  Spend the day exploring the city's major historical landmarks tucked away in modern skyscrapers. The first stop is the remarkable Islamic-style King's Palace, with the chance to see the guard-changing ceremony. Continue with an insightful visit to the National Museum for a crash course in Malaysia's major historical events and cultural activities. Move forward to the National Monument, immortalizing those who died fighting for Malaysia's freedom, before wandering around the nearby Independence Square, surrounded by superb heritage buildings.

  After that, stop by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the Moorish-style railway station, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. The rest of today is free for further sightseeing and exploration on your own.

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  • Kuala Lumpur

• Day 3: Historical Malacca Tour

  Today's tour showcases the unique urban landscape around the UNESCO-inscribed Malacca, combining colonial legacies and temple hopping. Start by visiting the brick-red Dutch-style Stadthuys and the Portuguese-built St Paul's Church before hopping aboard a rickshaw to glance over Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple, Kampong Kling Mosque and Cheng Hoon Teng.

  At lunchtime, sample authentic Nyonya cuisine at a local restaurant. Following this, a relaxing cruise along the historical Melaka River allows you to kick back with a gentle breeze and passing sights. Finally, drive about 2 hours back to your hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

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  • Kuala Lumpur

• Day 4: Kuala Lumpur - Cameron Highlands

  Escape the hustle and bustle of the capital as you hit the road for a 3- to 4-hour scenic drive up to the hilly Cameron Highlands, nestled at elevations ranging from 800 metres to 1,603 metres above sea level. In Malaysia's largest tea-growing region, soak up the fresh mountain air and tranquil atmosphere while admiring endless tea plantations and mist-shrouded hilltops. Check into your local hotel and enjoy the remainder of today at leisure. The vehicle and driver will be at your disposal to take in more of the highland's attractions independently.

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  • Cameron Highlands

• Day 5: Cameron Highlands

  Today, venture out to further explore the Cameron highlands with an excursion to Gunung Brinchang. Hop into a Land Rover through rolling tea plantations along the way and partake in an informative "tea talk" with your guide to learn more about Malaysian tea culture. Next, follow your guide to take an interpretive walk into the lush mossy forest to see some exotic flora, like pitcher plants, primitive ferns, and spices. If weather permits, drive up to the highest mountain accessible by road in Southeast Asia to enjoy magnificent vistas.

  A short drive down the mountain afterward will bring you to the Sungai Palas "BOH" Tea Factory, where you will see tea production and sample varieties of Malaysian tea. Return to your hotel, with the rest of the afternoon to explore more at your disposal.

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  • Cameron Highlands

• Day 6: Cameron Highlands - Penang

  After breakfast, continue your onward journey to Penang, about a 4-hour drive away. Check in to your hotel and freshen up, before heading out in the afternoon for a guided heritage walk to dig into the city's rich history. Start by exploring cultural highlights like the Protestant Cemetery, St Xavier's Institution, St Paul's Cathedral, and Penang Museum. After that, it is a relaxing stroll down the Street of Harmony, which presents the harmonious coexistence of four main religious places of worship - St George's Church, Kuan Yin Temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and Kapitan Keling Mosque. You'll then walk through lively Little India and visit the elaborate Chinese clan house of Khoo Kongsi. Finally, take a trishaw ride back to your hotel.

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  • Penang

• Day 7: Penang

  At the foodie hub of Penang, focus this morning on a hands-on culinary experience to unlock the secrets of Malaysian cuisine. Set off on a short drive into a lush valley to the Tropical Spice Garden, home to over 500 varieties of herbs, spices, and tropical plants. Spend some time strolling around the garden for an introduction to locally-grown produce and ingredients to be used for cooking, and you will then learn how to prepare authentic local dishes and beverages from professional chefs. Following this, relish in your own creations for lunch.

  This afternoon is for you to further explore Penang at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. You might like to conclude this evening at Gurney Drive or Queen Street to feast on delicious hawker food.

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  • Penang

• Day 8: Penang - Kuching

  The next leg of your journey sees you flying into the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the northwestern part of Borneo Island. As you touch down the state capital of Kuching, take a private transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of today at leisure.

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  • Kuching

• Day 9: Kuching Heritage Discovery

  This morning, your guide will lead you on a discovery journey of Kuching's rich heritage and vibrant culture. Along the north bank of the Sarawak River, wander through bustling Chinatown, snap a photo with the famous Cat Statue, admire the intricate architecture of the Tua Pek Kong Temple, and delve into Borneo's past at the Sarawak Museum. Then, cross the river to admire the Astana, once home to the White Rajah. Your journey back to the hotel includes a visit to the striking golden-domed City Mosque, a stroll through the bustling Central Market, and a snapshot of White Rajah-era heritage buildings including Square Tower.

  This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace or relax at your hotel.

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  • Kuching

• Day 10: Kuching - Batang Ai, Ukom Longhouse of Iban Tribe

  Depart today on a 4-hour scenic drive through charming villages, green rice fields, and lush palm plantations towards Batang Ai Hydro Lake, stopping at Serian Town and Lachau Town for a break and lunch. A 40-minute boat ride across the lake into the Engkari River takes you to the Iban longhouse of Ukom. Traditionally, 30 to 40 "bilek," each representing a unique family, live in a row of raised dwellings under a single roof. Your guide will help you check into a longhouse with basic facilities to experience communal dormitory-style living. After dinner, mingle with the fun-loving longhouse residents, try a glass or two of 'tuak' (homemade rice wine), and enjoy a short but delightful cultural performance.

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  • Batang Ai

• Day 11: Batang Ai - Kuching

  Wake up to the soothing sounds of the remote countryside. Following a hearty breakfast, witness a blowpipe demonstration and test your skills in shooting one. Your guide will then lead you to explore the longhouse and its lush surroundings and assist in communication with the locals, discovering the significance of rainforest plants in Iban culture.

  After your visit, transfer back to Kuching via the same route, stopping for lunch.

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  • Kuching

• Day 12: Kuching - Kota Kinabalu

  Travel onward by flight to Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Malaysian Borneo's Sabah state.

  Upon landing, you will be collected from the airport and transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel for check-in. The rest of today is at your leisure, either relaxing at your comfortable hotel, exploring the city's major sights like the "floating" Masjid Bandaraya, or admiring the magical sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach.

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  • Kota Kinabalu

• Day 13: Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park with Poring Hot Spring

  The UNESCO-recognized Kinabalu Park invites you to explore its geological wonders on a full-day excursion. After breakfast, set off on a two-hour scenic drive along mountain roads passing quaint villages and paddy paddies, with an en-route visit to the lively Nabalu Market. Once you reach the park, start your adventure with a stroll along the Botanical Garden's nature trails to take in the cooler climate and enjoy an abundance of flora and fauna sightings. On a clear day, you may even spot a majestic view of Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia's highest mountain, rising to 4095 meters.

  In the afternoon, you'll take a one-hour drive to Poring Hot Spring, another highlight of the park, where you can relax in the mineral-rich water. Next, try a canopy walk, about 40 meters above the ground and 157 meters in length, through the lush treetops to take in the sights and sounds of the tropical jungle. Finally, take a three-hour road transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.

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  • Kota Kinabalu

• Day 14: Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan

  Today, travel onward by flight to your next destination, Sandakan.

  On arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your accommodation, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

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  • Sandakan

• Day 15: Sandakan - Sukau Village, Boat Cruise along Kinabatangan River

  Kickstart with a morning visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, observing semi-wild orangutans at the free-roaming area and feeding platform. The nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre promises the chance to meet endangered sun bears, native to Malaysia's rainforest.

  Next, head to the jetty for a 2.5-hour boat cruise along the Kinabatangan River to your lodge in Sukau Village. Check in, rest, and refresh before venturing on a river safari to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Once back to the lodge, enjoy dinner by the river, partake in a slide presentation by your naturalist guide, and stay overnight in the peaceful surroundings.

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  • Sukau Village

• Day 16: Kinabatangan River (Sukau Village)

  Rise early for a morning cruise up the Kinabatangan River to witness Kelenanap Oxbow Lake coming to life when local wildlife and water birds emerge from their nighttime hideaways. After breakfast, your in-house naturalist will lead you on an interpretive walk along the lodge's Hornbill Boardwalk.

  This afternoon goes with an informative Orang Utan Talk to learn more about Borneo's famous primates and take another river cruise to search for more wildlife while admiring the stunning river landscape as the sun sets.

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  • Sukau Village

• Day 17: Sukau Village - Lahad Datu - Danum Valley

  This morning, drive about 2.5 hours to Lahad Datu town for registration at the Borneo Nature Tours office, followed by another 2.5-hour overland journey on gravel road to Danum Valley. Upon checking into your lodge, receive a special "welcome drink" and a briefing about the facilities.

  After lunch, immerse yourself in the wonders of Danum Valley through a captivating slideshow in the Conference Room. Led by your knowledgeable guide, venture on a jungle trek along the "Nature Trails" and traverse the treetop "Canopy Walkway" to discover the rich flora and fauna.

  Return to the lodge for dinner. Round off the day with an open-top vehicle safari to observe the nocturnal creatures.

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  • Danum Valley

• Day 18: Danum Valley

  Another exciting day unfolds as you trek the historic Kadazandusun burial site known as "Coffin Cliff," an ancient Southeast Asian funeral tradition. Then at the "View Point", you have the reward of enjoying a panoramic vista of the surroundings.

  This afternoon, extend your jungle exploration or take a leisurely "tubing" down the Danum River, depending on the weather and water level conditions.

  Closing out the day, head out on a night walk to spot nocturnal animals.

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  • Danum Valley

• Day 19: Danum Valley - Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu

  Savor a leisurely morning, relaxing in your hotel or exploring the lush surroundings independently. At the appointed time, depart for a 2.5-hour drive to Lahad Datu Airport for your flight back to Kota Kinabalu.

  Upon landing, you'll be met and taken to your hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

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  • Kota Kinabalu

• Day 20: Kota Kinabalu, Departure

  Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Time will be free until your private car arrives to take you to the airport for your homebound flight.

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