18 Days | Explore the ultimate Malaysia from its cityscapes to deep forests
Explore a mystical land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on thIS 18-day adventure in Malaysia. From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, unique animals and tribal villages, Malaysia has something for everyone. Experience the very best of mainland Malaysia and Borneo – hike in the Ulu Muda rainforest, climb Mt Kinabalu and watch sea turtles lay their eggs with an expert local ranger by your side and sharing laughs with your local village hosts. Each moment of this incredible small group adventure will give you a fascinating insight into Malaysia
Trip overview
- Start
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Finish
- Sepilok, Malaysia
- Theme
- Explorer, Wildlife
- Destinations
- Malaysia
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- TMSPC
- You’ll explore the rolling green Carmeron highlands, blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields, and then trek through the mystical Mossy Forest to learn more about the unique plants living beneath the sea of moss
- Stay in a special eco lodge on the edge of the jungle that’s fighting for the preservation of Ulu Muda Forest with research and awareness, low footprint practices and ecotourism principles.
- Take not one but two river cruises deep in the Ulu Muda Forest to double your chances of spotting roaming wildlife like elephants as your guide tells you about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush rainforest haven home.
- Climb Mt Kinabalu – the literal pinnacle of all treks in South East Asia – with local guides whose families have trekked the mountain for generations, witnessing a stunning sunrise after a morning hike.
- Spend time getting to know the unique wildlife of Borneo at conservation sanctuaries for orangutans and sun bears.
- Join a local ranger and witness the special life cycle of sea turtles coming ashore on Turtle Island to lay their eggs on the beach, with the hatchlings making a dash down the beach to their new life.
- Climbing Mt Kinabalu is a challenge that shouldn't be underestimated. Elevation is above 2800 m and we rise early to summit in the dark in order to be able to witness the sunrise. It's an unforgettable climb for sure, but you'll need to have an excellent level of fitness to complete it. Read our blog here for everything you need to know about climbing Mt Kinabalu: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/guide-to-climbing-mt-kinabalu-borneo/
- You'll need to pack some specific items for this trip – check the ‘Packing List’ in the Essential Trip Information for more details so you are prepared.
- You will get to experience a wide range of accommodation types on this trip – shared dormitory rooms in hostels, a homestay, resort, jungle lodge and hotels. Some may be a little more basic than our standard hotels, but their unique locations and close proximity to nature is what makes them special.
- This trip has a focus on nature and wildlife – definitely one for those who enjoy being outdoors. If you are looking for a trip to Borneo with a bit more comfort and without climbing Mt Kinabalu, check out Intrepid’s Classic Borneo adventure – search trip code TMKB on our website for more information.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Inclusions
15 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Private Vehicle, River Boat, Public Bus, Metro, Ferry; Plane
Chalet (1 night), Resort (1 nights), Homestay (2 night), Hostel (3 nights), Hotel (6 nights), Lodge (4 nights)
- Cameron Highlands - hike in mossy forest area
- Cameron Highlands - Tea plantation visit
- Ulu Muda - River Cruise
- Ulu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visit
- Ulu Muda - Hot Spring Saltlick
- Teluk Bahang - traditional games
- Teluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinner
- Teluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tour
- Teluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) Performance
- Teluk Bahang - Local market visit
- Teluk Bahang - Batik factory visit
- George Town - Heritage walking tour
- Dusun Village - Guided village walk
- Dusun Village - Cultural performance
- Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb
- Poring Hot Springs - Conservation Fee
- Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
- Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
- Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
- Sandakan - War Memorial
- Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
- Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit
- Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Kuala Lumpur - City tour - MYR203
- Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower - MYR49
- Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves via train - MYR10
- Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Museum entrance fee - MYR15
- Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul National Marine Park Snorkeling Trip (Minimum 4 people) - MYR355
- Kundasang - War Memorial (Entrance Fee) - MYR10
- Poring Hot Springs - Butterfly Farm - Free
- Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk - MYR10
- Poring Hot Springs - Orchid Conservation Centre - Free
- Poring Hot Springs - Rafflesia Blooming Observation - MYR30
- Poring Hot Springs - Hot Springs (Open Bath Tub) - (3 hours) - MYR10
- Sandakan - Agnes Keith House - MYR15
- Sandakan - St Micheals and All Angels Church - MYR10
- Sandakan - Puu Jih Shih Chinese Temple - Free
- Turtle Island - Snorkel Hire - MYR35
- Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre - MYR30
- Sepilok - Sun Bear Conservation Centre - MYR50
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. Please provide a clear and coloured copy of your passport info page at the time of booking (no later than 3 weeks before your trip), as these are essential for booking services on this trip including permit for Ulu Muda forest and Mt Kinabalu.
2. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 4&5, Day 9-13, & Day 16 where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Eastern Sabah before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. Further information can be found in our "Safety" section of the Essential Trip Information. You can find links to prominent government travel advisories our Travel Alerts page https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
4. As this is a combination trip, your tour leader and group composition may change on Day 8.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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