Malaysia's Beaches, Cities & Wildlife

Day 1  Fly to Kuala Lumpur  

Days 2-3  Kuala Lumpur
Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and transfer to your hotel. Spend the next couple of days discovering this sprawling metropolis. Stroll through the historic Chinatown district, passing evocative street art and savouring mouthwatering local dishes. Discover the city’s history in Merdeka Square, perhaps venture to Batu Caves to experience the spiritual heart of Hinduism in Kuala Lumpur and see the city light up from above at the Petronas Twin Towers.

Day 4  Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan
Transfer to the airport for your short flight to Sandakan on the island of Borneo. Transfer to your hotel and meet your group and guide in the early evening.

Day 5  Sandakan
Start the day with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, which offers the unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. Watch the orangutans swing into view to feast on a diet of fruits that are laid out for them twice a day. After, head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild. Later, roam treetop walkways at the Rainforest Discovery Centre and visit the moving Sandakan War Memorial.

Day 6  Sandakan to Kinabatangan River
Explore a section of the Sandakan Heritage Trail, tasting traditional cuisine like roti canai (flat bread) and the Tarik (hot milk tea) en route. Later, travel to your jungle lodge on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. This protected forest reserve, containing some of Borneo’s highest concentrations of wildlife, is home to elusive wild elephants, crocodiles, orangutans and kingfishers. Set out on a river cruise and keep your eyes peeled as you drift past the rainforest.

Day 7  Kinabatangan River Hop aboard a morning cruise down the river, looking out for proboscis monkeys and macaques. Enjoy time at leisure at your jungle lodge before taking an afternoon wildlife cruise through the heart of the jungle.

Day 8  Kinabatangan River to Kundasang
This morning, visit Gomantong Caves, the most extensive limestone formation in the Lower Kinabatangan region. Home to a thriving community of bats, this cave boasts fascinating biodiversity. In the afternoon, arrive in Kundasang and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 9  Kundasang to Kota Kinabalu
Journey to the rural village of Kampung Kiau and immerse yourself in local life, visiting a coffee production house as well as Everything Pineapple, a community enterprise run by local women which offers delicious handmade pineapple jam, chutney and juice. Enjoy lunch in a shady spot shared by the community before hitting the road to Kota Kinabalu.

Day 10  Kota Kinabalu to Manukan Island
Embark on a short boat ride to Manukan Island, a paradise of white sand beaches and clear waters. Relax with nature walks or cocktails on the beach.

Day 11  Manukan Island
Enjoy snorkelling amongst brightly coloured marine life and coral reefs. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy.

Day 12  Manukan Island to Kota Kinabalu
Head back to Kota Kinabalu by boat. Modern ‘KK’ is a vibrant city having recovered from bombing in World War II. Why not peruse the local handicraft market on the waterfront or check out the Sabah Museum.

Day 13  Kota Kinabalu to Gaya Island
After breakfast, say goodbye to your fellow travellers and transfer to Gaya Island where you’ll spend a few days relaxing on the beach.

Days 14-15  Gaya Island
Boasting palm-fringed sandy beaches and lush jungle, Gaya Island is a tropical paradise perfect for the end of a busy trip. Perhaps enjoy a rejuvenating treatment at the spa or try snorkelling in crystal clear waters.

Days 16-17  Fly home