Kuala Lumpur & Borneo Explorer - 11 days

Welcome to Kuala Lumpur! On arrival, you'll be collected and taken to your hotel by private transfer. The rest of your first day in Malaysia is free for you to relax or head out and start exploring.

Spend your day at leisure in Kuala Lumpur exploring at your own pace. Visit the Petronas Twin Towers for skyline views or browse the Suria KLCC mall below. Take a walk through the Bukit Bintang area for shopping and casual dining. If you're interested in culture, the Islamic Arts Museum and National Mosque are nearby. For something more relaxed, unwind in the Lake Gardens or visit the KL Bird Park. Chinatown offers street food and market stalls, while Jalan Alor is ideal for a casual dinner. Getting around is easy by taxi or public transport, with most attractions centrally located. Browse the optional add ons for this tour, which can easily be added to your booking to enjoy on this day!

Today, you will gain an insight into historic Kuala Lumpur, taking a tour of some of the city's centuries-old colonial structures. This tour covers Jamek Mosque, The Colonial Core, Central Market, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Little India, as well as Chinatown. After lunch, you will proceed by train to the Batu Caves. The caves are a Hindu Temple, and the main attraction is the huge statue of a Hindu God at the entrance. To enter the caves, there are 272 steps to climb. After a busy day of sightseeing, you'll head back to the hotel, and your final evening in Kuala Lumpur is at leisure.

Kuala Lumpur - Sandakan. Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Malaysian Borneo. Upon arriving in Sandakan, you will be transferred to your nature resort in the jungles of Sepilok, around 24 kilometres from the city centre.

Borneo, the world’s third-largest island, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from ancient rainforests to exotic wildlife. Sandakan, often called the gateway to Borneo’s wild side, offers access to breathtaking destinations like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan River. Relax in the hotel for the rest of today, before you start exploring in the morning!

Sepilok - Kota Kinabatangan. This morning, you'll be collected and transferred to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Here, you'll be treated to an enlightening video about the conservation efforts of the centre. Then the fun begins as you enjoy a ten-minute walk in the mist of the rainforest and witness the feeding of orangutans at the feeding platform before observing them over at the outdoor nursery. Next, head to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door after to learn more about the smallest bears in the world.

After lunch, depart for an estimated 2.5-hour overland journey to your remote jungle lodge outside the town of Kota Kinabatangan. You'll enjoy afternoon tea and a briefing with a local nature guide before heading out on an afternoon cruise along the Kinabatangan River (Sabah’s longest river). From the boat, you hope to spot wildlife including orangutans, elephants, otters, crocodiles, terrapins and gibbons. Don't forget your binoculars! There's a more detailed packing list for your jungle stay in the Trip Notes.

Please note: Optional night walks or tree planting activity can be booked locally at the lodge for MYR 10.00 per person (USD $2.50).

Wake up early in the morning to start the day with a 6:00 river cruise, in the hope of spotting more of Borneo's wildlife. After the 1-hour boat cruise, you'll head back to the lodge for breakfast.

Late morning, depart for a guided nature jungle walk to experience the riverine forest. Trek back to the lodge for lunch and a quick breather before visiting a local home for afternoon tea. At around 16:00, get ready for another afternoon river cruise to a different part of the river. We're really giving you the best chance to spot some of Borneo's best wildlife! Spend a second night in the jungle lodge.

Kota Kinabatangan - Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu. After breakfast at the resort, it's time for you to check out, with a transfer back to the airport in Sandakan for your included flight to Kota Kinabalu, capital of Sabah state. Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, you will be collected and taken to your hotel. The rest of today is at leisure.

With three days at leisure in Kota Kinabalu, there’s time to explore at a relaxed pace. Spend a day visiting the nearby islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for swimming, snorkelling, or simply enjoying the beach. Another day, consider heading inland to explore the rainforest canopy walkways at Kinabalu Park or take a dip in the Poring Hot Springs. Back in town, stroll along the waterfront, visit the local markets, or enjoy fresh seafood in a casual setting. There’s also time to join an optional cultural experience or take a sunset cruise to enjoy views over the South China Sea. How you spend your time is up to you!

Your tour comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check out. An included transfer takes you to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!