Borneo and Peninsula Discovery

We begin in Sepilok, a renowned rainforest sanctuary where we observe rescued orangutans in their jungle habitat. Around 6pm we meet the tour leader and fellow travellers to get to know one another and hear about the journey ahead. There is usually time for an optional night walk before dinner – occasionally this takes place tomorrow. We enjoy a warm Malaysian welcome over a group dinner. If you want extra time, you can arrange additional nights before the tour through your sales representative.

Founded in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is the largest of its kind and works to return orphaned and captured orangutans to the wild. This morning we visit the informative headquarters and watch feeding time, then continue to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Afterward we return to the hotel where you can relax by the pool for the afternoon, or you can opt to head back to the orangutan sanctuary for the second feeding session – return transfers are not included, so speak to the tour leader for details. This evening we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre and its impressive canopy walkway overlooking the Sepilok Reserve, a fine spot for birdlife including hornbills and Borneo bristleheads – and during fruiting season we may even glimpse an orangutan.

After breakfast we leave Sepilok and transfer approximately two to three hours to the Kinabatangan, the third longest river in Borneo, whose reserve shelters pygmy elephants, wild orangutans, gibbons, proboscis monkeys and rare birds. As dusk approaches we take to the river to search for wildlife.

We rise early for a dawn wildlife cruise. After breakfast we either walk the surrounding nature trails or visit a nearby village to learn about the indigenous Orang Sungai community. Later we return to the river to look for crocodiles and other forest residents. This evening you can opt for a guided night walk – with luck we may encounter owls or even Western tarsiers.

After breakfast we drive to Sandakan, around 2hr 30min, stopping en route at the Sandakan War Memorial. After checking in at our hotel, the rest of the day is free – you can relax, swim in the pool, sample local cuisine or explore the compact, vibrant streets.

We transfer to Sandakan Airport and bid farewell to Borneo for our flight to Kuala Lumpur on the Malaysian Peninsula. There is a 44lb/20kg checked luggage allowance – it is possible to pay for excess at the airport, and the leader can help arrange this at the start of the tour. On arrival we meet the leader for this section and transfer about two hours to Malacca. After checking in, there is time to relax and begin exploring this historic, culturally rich city.

Malacca is a well preserved colonial town with Portuguese, British and Dutch influences. We explore on foot and by colourful, distinctive trishaw through Chinatown, with its antique shops and places of worship, and we pass the oldest functioning church in Malaysia across the canal. This evening we dine on Malacca’s celebrated cuisine known as Baba Nyonya – a delicious blend of Chinese, Malay and other influences.

Leaving the sleepy charm of Malacca, we transfer about three hours to the Batu Caves, a holy Hindu site guarded by a giant statue of Lord Murugan. Behind it rise 272 steps leading into limestone caverns frequented by macaques. We then make a short transfer to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s bustling capital. The rest of the afternoon is free – you can explore further, visit the Petronas Towers or enjoy some shopping. Note that the Petronas Towers are closed on Mondays, which falls on Day 9, and advance online booking is recommended at least a week before arrival. Later, if you fancy a drink with a view, you can head to one of KL’s rooftop bars to take in the cityscape at night.

This morning we uncover traces of Kuala Lumpur’s early history on a heritage walk – from the colonial era buildings around Merdeka Square to the Moorish influenced Masjid Jamek and other notable landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore at your own pace – you can browse the malls, visit museums or take in the views from the KL Tower. Some sites and museums close on Mondays, including the Petronas Towers and Bridge – see the optional excursions in the Trip Notes for details.

Today we travel north about 4hr 15min to Penang and George Town, a World Heritage site recognised for its architectural and cultural landscape. On arrival we take a late afternoon orientation walk.

We dive deeper into Malaysia’s diversity on a combined heritage and food walking tour in Penang. We explore George Town’s well preserved colonial buildings, ornate temples and colourful street art, ending at the Khoo Clan House and Museum, and we enjoy lunch. This afternoon is free – you can scale Penang Hill, wander the Botanical Gardens or stroll to the restored Eastern and Oriental Hotel for tea or a gin and tonic.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Penang before we head to the airport for a short flight to Langkawi. The checked luggage limit is 44lb/20kg – excess can be paid at the airport, and your tour leader can help arrange this at the start of your trip. Officially known as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is an archipelago of almost 100 tropical islands fringed by the turquoise Andaman Sea, with pristine beaches and jungle. If you would like to upgrade to a pool terrace room, speak to your sales representative.

Today is free to relax on the beach or join optional activities – you can take a mangrove tour, go kayaking or ride the cable car. This evening we come together for a farewell dinner included on our final night in this tropical paradise. If you would like to upgrade to a pool terrace room, speak to your sales representative.

The trip ends after breakfast today. If you would like to explore further, your sales representative can help extend your stay.