Classic Borneo & Malaysia Itinerary

Nestled between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu is a great location to start this adventure. If arriving early, why not get into holiday mode with a beach excursion.

Visit the first capital of British North Borneo, Kudat, which is also the island’s northernmost tip. Make friends with the Rungus people and discover some of their daily rituals.

The Kinabalu National Park is among the most important biological sites in the world, with around 1,000 species of orchid, 600 species of fern and 320 species of bird. Soak up the sublime views of looming Mt Kinabalu on a walk through this stunning region.

Traipse across the jungle rooftop on a canopy walk before slipping into the steaming Poring Hot Springs to soothe tired muscles. Continue on to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and fall in love with these beautiful creatures.

Hit the road to Sukau, stopping to visit the Gomantong Caves en route. Continue on to a jungle lodge near Kinabatangan River. Spend free time here relaxing and enjoying the surroundings before spotting local wildlife on a river cruise.

Board a plane back to Kota Kinabalu and spend time relaxing at our beachside location. Toast the end of a great journey with new friends during a farewell dinner.

The cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia is the first stop, with its mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures. Perhaps soak up the view from atop the Menara Kuala Lumpur before being treated to a cultural performance and buffet dinner. Be entertained with traditional dances from around the Malaysian Peninsular and Borneo.

Leave urban life behind and travel into the lush and dramatic Cameron Highlands. This area, a former getaway of the colonial British, is a place of tranquillity and a welcomed escape from the humidity of the jungles. Indulge in a steamboat lunch before heading out to tour the verdant tea plantations. Be sure to sample a few cups of steaming local brew.

Travel to Melaka, a former colonial outpost, which retains a distinctive old-world air. Absorb its character on a trishaw ride through its winding streets and sample flavours of the exciting fusion of Chinese and Malay cuisine in a nonya cooking class.

With miles of white, sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforest and plenty of sleepy traditional Malay villages, Pulau Langkawi is the perfect place to get away from it all. Swim with shoals of colourful fish in the Pulau Payar Marine Park, indulge in a barbecue seafood dinner and take a cable car ride to enjoy spectacular views over this tropical haven. Be sure to spend some time channelling holiday vibes while kicking back on a soft, sandy beach.

From its elaborate Indian temples to its Chinese shop houses and statuesque Islamic mosques, Penang is packed with cross-cultural historic attractions. Take time to tour the magnificent Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, poke around the antique shops of Chulia Street or enjoy a final group dinner to celebrate the end of this Malaysian odyssey.