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Kuala Lumpur & Borneo Explorer

11 days

New Tour

PRIVATE TOUR: Take in the Malaysian capital and northern Borneo on this 11-day private tour. Start in Kuala Lumpur with a great mix of free time and included sightseeing, then fly to Malaysian Borneo. See rescued orangutans and sun bears at a rehabilitation facility and stay for two nights in a jungle lodge, with three included wildlife cruises. Then fly to the resort city of Kota Kinabalu for three free days to relax and explore at your own pace.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.

Download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

11 days

Starts

Kuala Lumpur

Ends

Kota Kinabalu

Tour Guide

Yes - for included sightseeing

Meals included

Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 2

Group Size

Min 2 / Max Private Tour

Departs

Fridays

Hotel Rating

3-5 star hotels & jungle lodge

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Range

Private Tours

Minimum age

No minimum age

Country

Malaysia

Tour Pace

Medium

Physical Rating

Easy

Trip Type

Private Tours
Adults (12+)
Children (0 - 11)
Price Breakdown
Shown in NZD
Per Person From
NZD

$3,795.00

Deposit Per Person From
Final payment
NZD

$1,139.00

$5,312.00
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Tour Highlights

Kuala Lumpur - Enjoy a great mix of guided sightseeing and free time in Malaysia's capital, and visit the Batu Caves
Sepilok - Meet rescued orangutans and sun bears and watch the orangutan feeding at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre & Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Kota Kinabatangan - Spend two nights in a remote jungle lodge surrounded by nature, with three included cruises in search of elephants, orangutans, crocodiles and more
Kota Kinabalu - Relax on the beach and explore the capital of Sabah at your leisure, with three free days

Included

10 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 2 dinners
3 nights 4-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur, 1 night 3 star resort in Sepilok, 2 nights jungle lodge in Kota Kinabatangan & 4 nights 5-star hotel in Kota Kinabalu
Services of expert local guides for all included sightseeing and activities
All relevant transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicles
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and airport departure transfer on day 11
2 internal flights from Kuala Lumpur - Sandakan & Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu (max 1 piece of checked baggage weighing no more than 20kg per person)
Kuala Lumpur heritage walk & Batu Caves visit including all entrance fees & train tickets
Entrance fees to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre & Sun Bear Conservation Centre
1 morning & 2 afternoon river cruises in Kota Kinabatangan & 1 guided daytime nature walk

Not Included

International flights & visas
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities
Tourist taxes

Itinerary

Day 1 - Kuala Lumpur

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.

Overnight: Kuala Lumpur
Day 2 - Kuala Lumpur at Leisure

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!

Overnight: Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Kuala Lumpur Sightseeing

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.

Overnight: Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Fly KL to Sandakan & Sepilok

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!

Overnight: Sepilok
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - The Jungle of Kota Kinabatangan

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).

Overnight: Kota Kinabatangan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Jungle Exploring Continued

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.

Overnight: Kota Kinabatangan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Fly to Kota Kinabalu

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.

Overnight: Kota Kinabalu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Days 8-10 - Kota Kinabalu 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!

Overnight: Kota Kinabalu
Meals: Breakfast x3
Day 11 - Kota Kinabalu

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!

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Batu Caves - Malaysia

Heritage Walk & Batu Caves

Discover the vibrant mix of cultures that makes Kuala Lumpur so unique on this half-day tour exploring the city's rich heritage. Begin with a visit to the iconic Batu Caves, a sacred Hindu site set within a limestone hill, where you’ll marvel at the towering golden statue of Lord Murugan and climb 272 steps to the temple caves above. Back in the city, explore key landmarks reflecting Kuala Lumpur’s multicultural identity, including Jamek Mosque, the colonial-era architecture of Merdeka Square, the colourful stalls of Central Market, and temples representing the city’s Chinese and Hindu communities—Sin Sze Si Ya and Sri Maha Mariamman. Soak up the atmosphere of Little India and Chinatown as you take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of these bustling districts. This enriching tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditions, religions and architecture that define Malaysia’s dynamic capital. Includes: Transportation to/from Batu Caves, Heritage walking tour (shared sightseeing with other travellers), English Speaking Guide, All entrance fees, Lunch

Add-on

$245per passenger
Malay food 3 - rustic travel

Kuala Lumpur Night Food Trail

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its diverse range of local delicacies. With its rich blend of cultures, the variety of food available truly reflects the country’s multicultural heritage. In the late afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel to begin your culinary adventure. The tour lasts around 4 hours, offering not only a chance to sample a variety of dishes but also an immersion in the vibrant local night market culture. Must-try dishes include the iconic Nasi Lemak, Satay, Cendol, Roti Canai, and many more. If you opt for a private tour, it can be customized to suit your food preferences and schedule. Includes: Return transfer (public transport), English speaking guide, Dinner (Street food).

Add-on

$215per passenger
Malaysia fireflies

Kuala Selangor Fireflies

In the afternoon, leave behind the bustle of Kuala Lumpur and journey to the peaceful riverside village of Kuala Selangor. Begin with a visit to historic Malawati Hill, where you’ll find the remains of an old fort and a colonial-era lighthouse, along with sweeping views across the surrounding landscape. As evening approaches, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a riverside restaurant while watching the sunset over the water. Once night falls, set off on a tranquil river cruise through the mangroves, where you’ll witness the magical sight of thousands of fireflies lighting up the trees—a natural spectacle not to be missed. Includes: Return transfer from Kuala Lumpur (shared with other travellers), English Speaking Guide, River Cruise (shared with other travellers).

Add-on

$305per passenger
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia

Petronas Twin Tower (tickets only)

At 451.9 metres and 88 storeys high, the Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world and a striking symbol of modern Malaysia. Discover this architectural landmark up close on a guided visit. Begin with interactive displays that trace the journey from concept to completion. Then take a high-speed lift to the Skybridge – a remarkable double-decker structure linking the two towers and the highest 2-storey bridge in the world. Continue to the observation deck on level 86 for panoramic views over Kuala Lumpur and a deeper insight into Malaysia’s ambitious vision for the future. Includes: Admission tickets (non-guided)

Add-on

$135per passenger
Malay food 4 - rustic travel

LaZat Cooking Class in Kuala Lumpur

Begin your day with a morning pick-up from your hotel and head to a local wet market, where you’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast of roti canai and teh tarik. Accompanied by your host, explore the market while selecting fresh ingredients for your cooking class. Continue to LaZat Cooking School, where you’ll be welcomed with local snacks and homemade herbal tea. After a brief introduction to the property’s health and safety guidelines, your chef will introduce the herbs and spices commonly used in Malaysian cuisine. The hands-on class guides you through the preparation of three dishes—a starter, main course and dessert—while sharing helpful tips and techniques along the way. Afterwards, sit down to enjoy your own creations before returning to your hotel. Includes: Return Hotel Transfers, Market Tour, English Speaking Chefs, Cooking Materials & Ingredients.

Add-on

$405per passenger
Malay food 2 - rustic travel

Kota Kinabulu Culinary Tour

Start your day with a morning pick-up from your hotel and head to the local market with your host to select fresh ingredients. Upon arrival at a local family house, you’ll begin preparing lunch together. Discover some traditional Sabahan dishes and learn how they are cooked. The cooking session and lunch will feature a mix of different Sabahan recipes, all prepared by you with the help of your host. After enjoying your delicious meal, return to your hotel. Includes: Transportation, English speaking host, Ingredients, Lunch.

Add-on

$285per passenger
Mari Mari cultural village - rustic travel

Mari Mari Cultural Village

Choose from either a 10 AM morning or 2 PM afternoon tour. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu at 9 AM and transfer you to the peaceful countryside of Kionsom, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Upon arrival at Mari Mari Cultural Village, your guide will provide a briefing on the do’s and don’ts before the welcome ceremony led by the Murut Tribe Chief. Enjoy a guided tour of the traditional houses, learning about the history of the indigenous tribes, and watch demonstrations of bamboo cooking, fire-making, blowpipe skills, and traditional dances. You’ll also have the chance to participate in some light activities. After a delicious meal, it’s time to bid farewell to the villagers and return to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Includes: Return Hotel Transfers, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide, Lunch / High-Tea

Add-on

$145per passenger
Kiulu river rafting

Kiulu River White Water Rafting (Grade 1-2)

Pick-up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu City and proceed to the Kiulu River in the Tamparuli area. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and offers scenic views of Mount Kinabalu on a clear day. Upon arrival at the starting point, a safety briefing will be given by our professional river rafting guides before the adventure begins! The trip down the Kiulu River typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Enjoy the grade I to II rapids (a slow river suitable for all age groups). It’s a beautiful journey down the river, passing stunning scenery along the way. Return to Kota Kinabalu after lunch. Minimum age: 5 years. Includes: Return transfer, English speaking licensed rafting guide, Rafting equipment and safety gear, Lunch.

Add-on

$175per passenger
Kiulu River

Padas River White Water Rafting (Grade 3-4)

Start your day with an early morning pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Beaufort Railway Station. Upon arrival, board the train for a thrilling yet scenic ride into the mountains of Sabah, heading towards Pangi Station, the starting point of your rafting adventure. After a safety briefing from your guide, embark on an exhilarating rafting experience through grade III-IV rapids. Navigate eight exciting rapids, each with its own challenge: Merry-Go-Round, Break Point, Scooby Doo, Cobra, Curve, Lambada, and Head Hunter. Each rapid delivers the thrill promised by its name. After an action-packed rafting session, enjoy a well-deserved lunch before taking the train back to Beaufort and transferring by land to Kota Kinabalu. Minimum age: 13 years. Includes: Land and train transfer, English speaking licensed rafting guide, Rafting equipment and safety gear, Lunch.

Add-on

$345per passenger
Kiulu jungle trek - rustic travel

Kiulu Jungle Trek

We’ll pick you up from your hotel for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Kiulu. On arrival at the Adventure Centre, meet your guide and receive a full safety briefing before setting off on your jungle trek. Walk through local villages, cross hanging bridges, and follow established trails into the rainforest. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the ethnobotany of the Kiulu Valley—highlighting plants traditionally used for food and medicine. The trail leads to a riverside campsite where, with your guide’s help, you’ll prepare a simple lunch over an open fire. While it cooks, learn essential jungle survival skills such as fire-lighting, tying a hammock, and crafting basic tools. Take time to relax and soak in the peaceful sounds of the rainforest before trekking back to the Adventure Centre. After freshening up, we return to Kota Kinabalu. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try the Flying Fox zipline at no extra charge (not available on Mondays). Includes: Transportation, Trekking bag, English speaking guide, Lunch.

Add-on

$195per passenger
Cycling a long River in Kiulu

Kiulu Countryside Cycling

The tour begins and ends in Kota Kinabalu. After a morning pick-up from your hotel, we will drive for around 1 hour and 15 minutes to Kiulu, a scenic countryside area. Following a brief safety briefing and bike assignment, the adventure begins as we cycle through small villages, past rice fields, and perhaps wave hello to a few water buffalo along the way. Some sections of the route are on gravel roads, and we’ll visit areas few tourists get to experience. Along the way, we’ll cross several hanging bridges as we navigate the rivers. We’ll stop at a Native Dusun House in Tombung Village for a light refreshment. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit their farm and learn about the process of rubber tapping. The ride concludes at the riverside, where we’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch. Afterward, take some time to relax and cool off with a refreshing dip in the river. After cleaning up and changing, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel. Part of the tour fare is contributed to the Tombung Village Charity Fund, which prioritises supporting low-income families and their children's education. Minimum age: 7 years. Included: Return transfers, Mountain bike use, Helmet use, Drinking water, First aid, Lunch.

Add-on

$255per passenger
kiulu rafting 2 - rustic travel

Kiulu Rafting and Cycling Combo

The tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel lobby, followed by a 1-hour 15-minute drive to Kiulu, a picturesque countryside area outside of Kota Kinabalu. After a safety briefing from your guide, we will embark on a cycling tour through small villages, beautiful landscapes, and across hanging bridges over the river. Experience cycling on gravel roads in areas that are typically inaccessible to tourists. We will take a break at a Native Dusun House in Tombung Village, where a friendly local host will welcome you and offer a light refreshment. You’ll also visit their small farm and learn about the traditional method of rubber tapping. After lunch, we’ll proceed to another exciting activity – water rafting. The trip down the Kiulu River usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Enjoy navigating the grade I to II rapids (suitable for all age groups) as you cruise down the river, passing stunning scenery along the way. Part of the tour fare is contributed to the Tombung Village Charity Fund, which supports low-income families and focuses on improving the village’s standard of living, particularly in relation to children’s education. Minimum age: 7 years. Includes: Return transfers, Water, English speaking licensed rafting & cycling guide, Mountain bike use, Helmets, Rafting/cycling equipment and safety gears, Lunch.

Add-on

$365per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Melia Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur

Melia Kuala Lumpur is located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, directly opposite Berjaya Times Square and adjacent to the Imbi Monorail station, offering easy access to shopping centres like Sungei Wang Plaza and Pavilion KL, as well as attractions such as Jalan Alor food street and the Petronas Twin Towers. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, and an on-site restaurant serving a variety of local and international dishes. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property and benefit from 24-hour front desk services. Its prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring Kuala Lumpur's vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural scenes.​

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Sepilok Nature Resort
Sepilok

Surrounded by verdant tropical forests close to the town of Sepilok, the Sepilok Nature Resort is a wonderful choice for nature lovers and those visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah. Situated on a river, the wooden building draws inspiration from the traditional lodgings of Borneo's ethnic tribes with terraced outer walkways and an open deck over the water. The simply furnished guestrooms feature patterned textile hangings, a balcony and air-conditioning. Free WiFi is offered in the public areas which includes a restaurant and shared lounge.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Bilit Adventure Lodge
Kota Kinabatangan

Bilit Adventure Lodge is a rustic eco-lodge situated along the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Borneo, offering air-conditioned rooms and chalets with private bathrooms, mosquito nets, and ceiling fans. The lodge provides complimentary breakfast, an on-site restaurant serving Malaysian cuisine, and a bar, with additional amenities including luggage storage and tour assistance. Guests can participate in guided river cruises, jungle treks, and night safaris to observe wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and hornbills. Located near the village of Bilit, the lodge is approximately 22 km from Gomantong Caves and 26 km from Batu Tulug, making it an ideal base for exploring the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Lodge
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa
Kota Kinabalu

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu is a beachfront retreat set within a 400-acre nature reserve, featuring a private 3 km beach, two outdoor swimming pools, a spa and wellness centre, a fitness centre, and an 18-hole championship golf course. Dining options include multiple restaurants serving Japanese, international, and local cuisines, complemented by bars and lounges. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, cycling, horse riding, hiking, and eco-tourism experiences within the Rasa Ria Reserve. The resort also offers a kids' club, game room, and evening entertainment.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. Children aged under 2 years travel free of charge. For children aged 2 - 11, child pricing is available - please contact us.

2025
Double/Twin
Single
Triple
16 May - 26 May
$3,795
$5,815
$3,605
23 May - 2 Jun
$3,795
$5,815
$3,605
30 May - 9 Jun
$3,815
$5,845
$3,615
6 Jun - 16 Jun
$3,845
$5,925
$3,635
13 Jun - 23 Jun
$3,845
$5,925
$3,635
20 Jun - 30 Jun
$3,845
$5,925
$3,635
27 Jun - 7 Jul
$3,845
$5,925
$3,635
4 Jul - 14 Jul
$3,845
$5,925
$3,635
2026
Double/Twin
Single
Triple
2 Jan - 12 Jan
$3,795
$5,815
$3,855
9 Jan - 19 Jan
$3,795
$5,815
$3,855
16 Jan - 26 Jan
$4,175
$5,815
$3,855
23 Jan - 2 Feb
$3,795
$5,815
$3,855
30 Jan - 9 Feb
$3,795
$5,815
$3,605
6 Feb - 16 Feb
$4,125
$6,475
$3,825
13 Feb - 23 Feb
$4,175
$6,475
$3,855
20 Feb - 2 Mar
$3,795
$6,575
$3,855

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