Malaysia's Ultimate Adventure

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Carbon neutral

20 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ends

Sandakan, Malaysia

Highlights

Stay in an 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 haven home.

Explore the rolling green Cameron Highlands, blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields, and then trek through the mossy forest to learn more about the unique plants living beneath this sea of moss.

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.

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.

Itinerary

Malaysia’s wild side awaits on the "Malaysia's Ultimate Adventure," a 20-day guided tour designed for those seeking a challenging and deeply immersive experience. From the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur to the rainforests of Borneo, this explorer trip showcases the country’s exceptional biodiversity and vibrant cultures.

Trek through the Ulu Muda rainforest, conquer Mt Kinabalu’s exhilarating heights, and witness sea turtles nesting with expert local guides. Unique village stays and wildlife encounters offer authentic insights, while city visits to George Town and Sandakan reveal Malaysia’s rich heritage.

The unique selling point here is the tour’s rare access to both mainland and Bornean Malaysia—combining adventure, culture, and wildlife in a single, action-packed package ideal for the intrepid traveler.

day 1 - Kuala Lumpur

Selamat Datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Here, you can expect streets lined with colourful food stalls, friendly locals and fast-paced energy. You have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, why not check out the Petaling Street Market – the vibrant hub of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown – or wander along the River of Life. After your meeting, maybe join your leader for an optional group dinner at Jalan Alor to experience the vibrant food scene in Kuala Lumpur and maybe explore the charming Bukit Bintang together before heading back to the hotel.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - George Town

This morning, you’ll take the local metro to the train station for your journey to Butterworth. From here, take a private transfer to George Town – the port city turned UNESCO World Heritage site and the multicultural capital of the island of Penang. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings. Then, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. George Town has some great cuisine on offer, and your leader can always point you in the right direction for some great eats! You might also like to check out some of the hidden temples, Little India or go on a self-paced street art tour.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - George Town

Hit the streets with your leader for a walking tour of George Town. You’ll notice a certain charm about this city as you wander by the historical building and ancient shopfronts and admire the fascinating street art at every turn. You’ll also explore Pinang Peranakan Museum – home to over 1000 pieces of antiques and collectables. This afternoon is free for you to explore or relax – maybe visit the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, The Clan Community of Penang or the Wonderfood Museum.

included:George Town - Heritage walking tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Teluk Bahang

After a leisurely morning, take a private transfer to Teluk Bahang – a small fishing village in Penang. When you arrive, be welcomed into the homes of your homestay hosts, then tuck into some lunch. Visit a Batik factory where you’ll learn about the art of hand painting Batik patterns onto materials, before enjoying some fun with your group with a selection of traditional games. Then, take a late afternoon walk around the fishing village, learn how the locals make their nets and discover the life of a fisherman. Dinner tonight will be prepared especially for you by your hosts. Watch a cooking demonstration, then enjoy some local cuisine as a group, taking some time getting to know your hosts. Later, sit down for a special Silat (local martial art) performance where you can learn a few tricks from the local masters.

included:Teluk Bahang - traditional games, Teluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinner, Teluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tour, Teluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) Performance, Teluk Bahang - Batik factory visit

accommodation:Homestay

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 5 - Ulu Muda Forest

Say goodbye to your homestay hosts this morning after breakfast. Take a private transfer to Ulu Muda Forest – your home away from home for the next two nights. You’ll arrive at the Lake Muda Jetty just in time for a bite to eat, freshly prepared by the locals. Then, you’ll board a boat to Earth Lodge in Kuala Labua – this socially conscious organisation fights for the preservation of the forest with research and awareness, low carbon footprint practices and ecotourism principles. Your accommodation tonight is surrounded by nature, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect launching pad to explore the nearby jungle trails, winding rivers and lush tropical rainforest. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a river cruise where you’ll have the chance to spot local wildlife (you might even see some elephants if you’re lucky!) before a free evening to settle in and make yourself at home.

included:Ulu Muda - River Cruise, Teluk Bahang - Local market visit

accommodation:Jungle Eco Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Ulu Muda Forest

After breakfast this morning, you’ll pull on your walking shoes for a trek into Bukit Labu where you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide. Listen carefully as your guide tells you all about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush rainforest home. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants! Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river before trekking back to your accommodation and visiting Salt-lick hot springs, where the local animals, including the elephants, go to get their minerals. In the late afternoon, maximise your chances of seeing wildlife with another river cruise.

included:Ulu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visit, Ulu Muda - Hot Spring Saltlick

accommodation:Jungle Eco Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 7 - Cameron Highlands

Say goodbye to the forest this morning and head back to the jetty, where your private transfer will be waiting for your journey towards the Cameron Highlands. A serene spot, the rolling green highlands are blanketed by tea plantations and boast a refreshingly cool climate. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon and have some have free time to wander the local market stalls and tuck into some typical Malay cuisine.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Cameron Highlands

Have breakfast just like the locals and treat your tastebuds to some traditional eats straight from a local street stall. This is breakfast on the go – Malay style! After you’ve fuelled up, hit the road to a track of mossy forested area to stretch your legs on a trek through this mist-shrouded spot. Your guide will point out the unique plants living here, under the blanket of rich, green moss. After, you’ll step back into reality and explore one of the local tea plantations to learn more about tea production here and see the endless rows of green shrubs that seem to hug the hillside. This afternoon is free and you might like to visit the Cameron Floral Park or indulge in some high tea at the Jim Thompson Tea Room.

included:Cameron Highlands - hike in mossy forest area, Cameron Highlands - Tea plantation visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 9 - Kuala Lumpur

Today it’s back to Kuala Lumpur by a local express bus, then a metro back to your hotel. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon, then the rest of the day is free to explore this energetic city. Maybe head to the observation deck on the 451-m tall Petronas Twin Towers or see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Tonight, maybe head out to an optional farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 10 - Kota Kinabalu

Today, you’ll have a private transfer taking you to KL airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, your driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time and tonight you’ll have a group meeting at 6pm to meet your new group member.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 11 - Dusun Village

Travel by minivan to a Dusun village that sits in the shadow of Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea – and enjoy a welcome lunch in your homestay with your hosts before visiting a local vegetable farm. Learn about planting and harvesting seasonal produce and then take some of these fresh vegetables home for dinner – a proper farm-to-table experience. Tonight, enjoy a special village cultural performance.

included:Dusun Village - Guided village walk, Dusun Village - Cultural performance, Dusun Village – Local Vegetable Farm Visit

accommodation:Homestay

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 12 - Dusun Village

Start your day by walking to the local vegetable market in Kundasang with your leader. Located in the heart of the community, this market showcases an array of freshly harvested produce, from locally grown vegetables to unique regional seasonal fruits like tarap and rambutan. You'll also find local snacks, wild honey and traditional Borneo crafts. Take the opportunity to chat with vendors to learn about the local produce and how it’s used in traditional Sabah cuisine. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure – perhaps visit Poring Hot Springs to relax in the open-air baths before heading back to your homestay.

included:Kundasang - Market Visit

accommodation:Homestay

meals:1 Breakfast

day 13 - Kinabalu National Park

Eat a good breakfast this morning and say goodbye to your friends in the village as it’s time to drive to Timpohon Gate to begin your trek up Mt Kinabalu. It’s no small feat – prepare for an uphill trail made of steep steps that vary considerably in size – but along the way you can take in the remarkable variety of plant life, including about 1000 species of orchid and the carnivorous pitcher plant (yes, really). After covering 6 km (approximately 4 to 6 hours), spend the night at a hostel near Laban Rata, located at 3,272m (10,735 ft) above sea level. Rest up for the final ascent (very!) early tomorrow morning.

included:Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb

accommodation:Hostel

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 14 - Kinabalu National Park

Rise at around 2 am this morning to continue your trek – it’s tough, but the sunrise at the summit will be well worth it. At the top, take in the jungles of Borneo in one direction and the South China Sea in the other. After a well-deserved rest and plenty of pictures, return to Laban Rata for breakfast. Then, get started on the descent which can take between 3 - 6 hours. This evening, enjoy your overnight stay at a hostel within Kinabalu National Park.

accommodation:Hostel

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 15 - Kinabatangan River

Journey by private bus into the steamy rainforest to Bilit – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River – and then take a short boat ride to the comfortable jungle lodge where you’ll spend the night. Located on the riverbanks, the lodge is a brilliant place to spot wildlife. For even better spotting, head out on a sunset boat ride and look out for macaques, orangutan, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. End your day by searching for nocturnal wildlife like civets, owls and the rare slow loris on a night walk.

included:Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise, Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk

accommodation:Jungle Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 16 - Kinabatangan River

Embark on another boat safari early this morning – different species come out at different times, so keep your eyes peeled! After breakfast, join the in-house guide for an insightful journey into the historical Kinabatangan community, which thrived long before tourism developed in the area. Explore traditional practices and craftsmanship and actively engage in the crafting of traditional fish traps. This hands-on experience provides a profound understanding of the local culture and heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for their sustainable way of life. Then, head back on the boat for another river excursion in the afternoon.

included:Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise, Kinabatangan River - Fish Trap Making & Story Telling, Kinabatangan River - Dawn Wildlife Cruise

accommodation:Jungle Lodge

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 17 - Sepilok

Say goodbye to your jungle lodge after breakfast and hit the road in a private minivan to a guesthouse located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From the viewing platform, watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view onto the feeding platform. Observe young orangutans as they learn how to climb a specially constructed jungle gym in a new nursery. To see more of Borneo’s creatures, there’s the option to visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here, rescued sun bears, many of whom have endured years of mistreatment, are given a second chance at life. Learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild. You can also opt to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can roam the treetop walkways while you learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo.

included:Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

accommodation:Jungle Resort

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 18 - Turtle Island

This morning, transfer to Sandakan to leave your large bags at the hotel and walk with your overnight bag to a nearby jetty. Travel by speedboat, past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, to Turtle Island Marine Park. In the afternoon, there will be some time for swimming, snorkelling or lazing about on the beach. In the evening, you’ll join an expert local ranger and a select group of visitors to watch giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight. Watch the rangers as they release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. This is a moving experience that will stay with you long after your trip is over!

included:Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park, Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit

accommodation:Chalet

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 19 - Sandakan

After breakfast, return to the mainland and walk back to your hotel. Today is free to explore Sandakan as you wish – perhaps you’ll call into Agnes Keith House, the restored home of an American writer best known for her accounts of life in Borneo during WW1. Or you could visit the Sandakan War Memorial, built on the site of a Japanese Prisoners of War camp. Learn about the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, when 2400 prisoners of war were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo and only six survived. Another great option is St Michaels & All Angels Church, a rare stone building in Sabah that managed to avoid major damage in the war.

accommodation:Hotel Sandakan

meals:1 Breakfast

day 20 - Sandakan

Your adventure ends today after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Borneo - just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Chalet (1 night), Resort (1 nights), Homestay (3 night), Hostel (2 nights), Hotel (8 nights), Jungle Lodge (4 nights)

Meals

18 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches

Transport

Private Vehicle, River Boat, Public Bus, Metro, Ferry; Plane

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

George Town - Heritage walking tourTeluk Bahang - traditional gamesTeluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinnerTeluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tourTeluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) PerformanceTeluk Bahang - Batik factory visitUlu Muda - River CruiseTeluk Bahang - Local market visitUlu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visitUlu Muda - Hot Spring SaltlickCameron Highlands - hike in mossy forest areaCameron Highlands - Tea plantation visitDusun Village - Guided village walkDusun Village - Cultural performanceDusun Village – Local Vegetable Farm VisitKundasang - Market VisitMt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu ClimbKinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife CruiseKinabatangan River - Night jungle walkKinabatangan River - Fish Trap Making & Story TellingKinabatangan River - Dawn Wildlife CruiseSepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation CentreTurtle Island - Turtle Island Marine ParkTurtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit

What's Excluded

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