Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula

Depart London

Those on the group flights generally land in Sandakan early afternoon and from here are taken to nearby Sepilok. Passengers who are making their own way can arrive at Sepilok anytime today. There will be an initial group briefing with your leader later this afternoon. There should be the opportunity for an optional night walk this evening (please ask your leader upon arrival) before dinner. If there is no time this evening we may be able to do the night walk tomorrow evening.

Set up in 1964, the Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary is set within 43 square kms of primary forest. It is the largest Orang-utan sanctuary in the world and aims to rehabilitate and release orphaned and captured Orang-utans into the wild. Walk to the informative headquarters and go see the Orang-utans at feeding time.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre with its impressive canopy walkway offering great views over the Sepilok Reserve. This is a great place to see birds, including hornbills and the Borneo bristlehead, and during fruiting season we may spot the odd Orang-utan along the way.

There is an option to return to the Orang-utan Sanctuary for the second feeding session in the afternoon as well as the nearby Sunbear Conservation Centre. Your leader will discuss this option with your leader in advance for those who wish to do this.

Our first stop this morning is the bizarre Gomantong Caves. These caves are a major source of swiftlet bird nests that are a Chinese delicacy. During the season workers climb up large ladders to harvest the vulnerable nests. We continue to Borneo’s third longest river – Kinabatangan. The wildlife reserve is home to an astonishing array of wildlife including Pygmy elephants, wild Orang-utans, gibbons, Proboscis monkeys and rare birdlife. As dusk approaches we take to the river in search of some of the local fauna.

Up early we head out on a dawn wildlife cruise on the river in search of more wildlife. After breakfast we head out on a walk on one of the surrounding nature trails. This afternoon we will learn a bit more about local conservation efforts and contribute ourselves by taking part in tree-planting. Later we return to the river to look for crocodiles and other residents of the forest. There should be the opportunity, this evening, for an optional nightwalk where we may see night owls or even Western tarsiers.

Leaving after breakfast we make our way to Sandakan (approximately 2.5 hours drive) stopping at the Sandakan War Memorial en route. After checking in at our hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax, swim in the hotel pool, enjoy some local cuisine or explore the vibrant, compact streets of Sandakan.

After breakfast we transfer to Sandakan Airport and bid farewell to Borneo to check in for our flight to Kuala Lumpur on the Malaysian Peninsula (please note there is a 15kg restriction but it is possible to pay for excess luggage at the airport or your leader can arrange this at the start of the tour). Upon arrival into KL, we will meet our leader for this section of the trip. We then take a 2 hour transfer to Malacca. Upon arrival at our hotel in Malacca in the afternoon, there will be time to relax and explore this historic and culturally rich city.

Malacca is a well preserved colonial town boasting a mix of Portuguese, British and Dutch architecture and is a melting pot of different cultures. The quaint China Town neighbourhood is home to numerous antique shops as well as a Hindu temple, Taoist temple and a mosque, whilst Malaysia’s oldest functioning church is nearby across the canal. We explore the city by foot and by using its colourful and distinctive trishaws. This evening we go out to try some of Malacca’s local cuisine. Known as Baba Nyonya, it is a blend of Chinese, Malay and other influences and is a speciality of the town.

From Malacca’s sleepy charm we head to Malaysia’s bustling capital city, Kuala Lumpur. Known as KL for short, this vibrant city shows a completely different side of the country. Upon arrival we take in some of the city’s sites including the National Palace (Istana Negara), the iconic National Monument which is dedicated to those who died in the struggle for Malaysia’s freedom during World War 2 and the Malaysian Emergency (which lasted until 1960); the modernist National Mosque and the nearby Batu Caves. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the city further, visit the Petronas Towers or go do a spot of shopping. Please note, the Petronas Towers these are closed on Mondays (day 9 of itinerary) and advanced booking online is recommended at least a week before arrival to avoid disappointment. Please see the optional excursions section of the trip notes for further details.

Malaysia prides itself in its diversity and this is reflected in its capital, Kuala Lumpur (KL) with its mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese traditions and people. One of the best ways of exploring this diversity is through a food tour of city. We discover different neighbourhoods with their distinct sights, sounds, smells and, of course, delicacies.

We start our journey at Masjid Jamek and learn about how city of Kuala Lumpur started. What better way to enjoy the day by sampling typical food that Malaysians enjoy at a local eatery. Wandering through the small streets of KL, uncover the cultures of the Chinese and Indian communities who came to KL to make their fame & fortune, but stayed on instead to add on another cultural dimension to the Malaysian cultural landscape. We also visit KL’s oldest Chinese and Indian temple to understand more about these communities.

Our visit to Chinatown is rewarded by tasty noodles amongst the locals. After this, take a short ride on KL’s modern local transport system towards Brickfields. This is Little India for KL, and our senses will be assaulted by loud and colourful architecture, music and food as we walk through the Indian neighbourhood. We sample delicious Indian dishes served on banana leaf and seek out street vendors for snacks to end our food journey.

The rest of the day is free to explore more of the city at your own pace. You can go shopping in its malls, go to one of the museums or take in the views from the KL Tower (please note some sites and museums are closed on Mondays, such as the Petronas Towers and Bridge, please see details under optional excursions in the trip notes).

Today we head north by train as we make our way to Butterworth (about 4 hours). From here it’s a short transfer across the bridge to the island of Penang and the town of Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its architectural and cultural landscape. Upon arrival we have an late afternoon orientation tour before an optional dinner at one of the many street-food markets.

This morning we explore more of Malaysia’s diversity on a walking city tour to discover Penang street art, food, culture & heritage. Georgetown, Penang is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage-listed city famed for its cultural sights and natural scenery. Explore on foot to see the city’s well-preserved colonial structures, ornate temples, and colourful street art. Penang is also well-known for its amazing culinary scene. We end our walking with a visit to Khoo Clan House and Museum.

Afterwards, then have free time to explore further on your own. Perhaps go up to the top of Penang Hill or the Botanical Gardens or take a stroll down to the Eastern and Oriental Hotel which has been perfectly restored to its past grandeur. The perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea or gin and tonic.

This morning is free for you to do some last exploration before we take an afternoon transfer to the airport for a short flight from Penang to the island of Langkawi. (Please note there is a 15kg restriction on checked luggage but it is possible to pay for excess luggage at the airport or your leader can help arrange this at the start of your trip). Officially known as ‘Langkawi, the jewel of Kedah’, it is actually an archipelago of almost 100 tropical islands surrounded by the turquoise Andaman Sea with pristine beaches and jungles. After checking in to our hotel, there will be time to relax and enjoy the area at leisure.

Today is a free day to relax on the beach or partake in one of the various optional activities on offer. These options include going on a mangrove tour, kayaking, and exploring the island by bike or taking the cable car.

This evening we will enjoy a group farewell dinner (included) on our final evening in this tropical paradise.