We get off to a strong start on this extraordinary fortnight Malaysia & Brunei tour through two remarkable countries by exploring what is perhaps one of the most attractive cities in Southeast Asia; Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur.
There's also no shortage of attractions to be toured in Kuching, with the Cat Monument, the Taoist temple, the majestic Catholic cathedral and street markets that are reminiscent of the world as it was in the 19th century.
Our route takes us past pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantations, above jungle rainforest on treetop canopies, into caves and across waters to explore secluded islands and channels.
Along with massive arrays of rare and endemic flora and teeming fauna that we come across as we make our way through the glorious sceneries of Malaysia, we pay visits to an orangutan sanctuary, where we can get up-close and personal with these remarkable creatures and learn about the ecological issues the country faces.
Crossing into the heavily-forested country of Brunei, once a very powerful sultanate, we have the chance to tour beautiful mosques, the royal palace and museums that detail the country's fascinating history.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
The above prices are subject to an additional $105 for taxes/fees levied on flights that occur as part of the tour. The internal airfares ARE included (any exceptions are listed in red below), but we list the taxes separately on your invoice as they are beyond our control and can change at any time.
Optional Single Supplement: $860 USD (number of singles limited).
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Day 1 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur
Today we arrive in Kuala Lumpur, (Peninsular) Malaysia.
Malaysia's capital is a curious blend of the old and new. It is also a blend of cultures; the Malay capital has a vibrant Chinatown and an Indian quarter. Kuala Lumpur means "muddy confluence" which is an apt description of this town which grew up as a trading post and tin mining shanty town, and later became a modern cosmopolitan business hub.
Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Kuala Lumpur: City Tour
Despite rapid development, Kuala Lumpur has managed to retain her charm, with a skyline that blends the Old World with the New. We start the day with a visit to the Menara Kuala Lumpur that offers a birds-eye view of the entire city and its surrounds. We will see the contrast of the distinctive Indo-Moorish architecture and the ultra modern edifices, the Petronas Twin Towers. Later we drive past the elegant Jamek Mosque, which occupies the symbolic birthplace of Kuala Lumpur and the bustling Chinatown at Petaling Street before a photo stop at the majestic Royal Palace.
After lunch we visit the National Museum where historical Malaysian artifacts and replicas among others are on display. Time permitting we will take a stroll at the beautiful Lake Gardens located within the vicinity of National Monument and Merdeka Square.
Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 Kuala Lumpur & Malacca
We depart after breakfast for a visit to the historic town of Malacca, founded by a fleeing prince from Sumatra in 14th century. Later it developed into a major trading port for ships from India and China. From its early days as a traders meeting point to the successive colonial occupation by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and Japanese, each culture left behind its mark or monument creating a historical showcase. Today you will find many remnants of the mixed history of this city dating back more than 500 years.
The oldest established town in Malaysia, Malacca is particularly famous for its Town Square and surrounding monuments. Our tour visits the red coloured Stadhuys, Cheng Hoon Teng, the oldest Chinese temple on the Malay peninsula, the Portuguese fortress Porta de Santiago built in 1511 and St Paul's Church where St Francis Xavier was buried.
Malacca is well-known for its eclectic food. Most notable of all is the Nyonya-Baba cuisine which is a mixture of Chinese (mostly southern Hokkien or Fujian influence), Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, British and Malay cooking with most dishes being spicy in nature.
DUE TO OUR (LIKELY) EARLY DEPARTURE tomorrow morning, we are including lunch today instead of dinner.
Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 Kuala Lumpur - Fly to Kuching, Sarawak (Borneo)
Today we fly to Kuching in Sarawak in northwestern Borneo. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel.
This afternoon we travel to the award winning "Sarawak Cultural Village". This living museum depicts the heritage of the major racial groups in Sarawak and conveniently portrays the respective lifestyle amidst 14 acres of equatorial vegetation. Here it is possible to see Sarawak's ethnic diversity at a glance.
We end the day at the Kuching waterfront. The river is important as a transport link in the past, is still a central feature of the city with a beautifully landscaped waterfront promenade providing a superb and relaxing venue for strolls any time of the day.
Overnight in Kuching.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Kuching & Longhouse Visit
Early this morning we depart Kuching by road, passing pepper gardens, cocoa and rubber plantations. As we continue upcountry we make a few stops to see where a variety of jungle produce, such as edible ferns, bamboo shoots and unusual tropical fruit are on display. Our destination is a longhouse, which is, as its name suggests, an extended family environment where many families live out their existence under a single roof. The longhouse has an open verandah that offers a marvelous view of rural life in the form of paddy fields, rubber plantations and the like. Today in the more rural areas of Sarawak, there are longhouse dwellings where life is more simple, idyllic and nature-oriented.
We will be greeted with a welcome dance followed by a walk about during which we are treated to various cultural performances, including dancing and drumming.
Return to Kuching in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Kuching.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 Kuching: City Tour - Fly to Miri
This morning we embark on a tour of Kuching.
Arguably one of the most attractive cities in Southeast Asia, Kuching has adapted modern amenities without losing its old trading centre charm. Once the home of the Rajahs Brooke, their legacy is evident in the old buildings still in use today. Included on our tour: the Cat Monument, Sarawak's oldest Tua Pek Kong Taoist Temple, the Civic Center, the award winning Catholic Cathedral, and the the multi-purpose market where tin smiths, rattan workers, coffin makers, Chinese herbalists and gold smiths ply their specialised trades in a setting little changed from the 19th century. A highlight of the day is a visit to the Borneo Cultures Museum.
This afternoon, we fly to Miri (still in Sarawak, Borneo), an interesting place unto itself and the gateway for the neighbouring country of Brunei.
Overnight in Miri.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Miri & Niah National Park and the Great Cave
This morning we drive 110 km to the world famous Niah National Park. Although one of Sarawak's smallest national parks, it is one of the most important and unusual with its main claim to fame being known as the birthplace of human civilization in the region. The oldest modern human remains in Southeast Asia along with many other relics of prehistoric man dating from 40,000 years ago were discovered here in 1958 making the park one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
After registration at the park headquarters, and a brief look at the information centre we take a short boat to cross the river to visit Niah Museum. After our museum visit we walk 3 km along a level boardwalk to the main cave entrance.* The walk to the Grand Cave takes about 45 minutes and is fascinating in its own right as you pass close to giant Tapang trees (Koompassia excelsa) with their enormous buttressed roots, pandanus plants twice the size of a person and colourful orchids and tree fungi.
In the Painted Cave you see the prehistoric wall drawing as well as the preserved remains of stone age people dating back 40,000 years. The Great Cave as the name suggests, is an enormous cavern surrounded by dense primary rainforest. The Great Cave is not only important archaeological site, where it was inhabited by man for 40,000 years, but the cave is also full bats and birds, especially the Black-nest Swiftlets.
Return to Miri.
* Please note that this requires stamina and an ability to be steady on one's feet, to be able to navigate uneven, possibily wet/slippery surfaces, and to endure some heat over the course of several hours.
Overnight in Miri.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Miri, Malaysia - Brunei Darussalam
A 2-hour drive this morning takes us to Brunei is a small oil rich country just 443 km (277 miles) north of the equator in the northwest corner of Borneo, bounded on all landward sides by Sarawak (Malaysia) which splits Brunei into two parts. The landscape is mainly equatorial jungle cut by rivers. It is a heavily forested state and most human activity is restricted either to coastal areas or estuaries.
Today our sightseeing tour will include the magnificent golden-domed Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.* The mosque with its domes, mosaic patterns, surrounding gardens and imposing minarets plated with 24 carat gold, was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the King's reign.
In the afternoon we will take a cruise to visit the Kampung Ayer water village, said to be the largest water village in the world. This village has been in continuous habitation since 1521. Here we will witness a traditional way of life, with stilt houses built over the Brunei River (though today most of the inhabitants enjoy modern facilities).
Our tour of the city today will also include a view of the spectacular Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and a visit to one of the local markets.
* Though unlikely, it is possible that mosques can be closed at any time without notice. This could be due to security concerns, maintenance, or for official visits by dignitaries or members of the royal family.
Overnight in Brunei.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Brunei Darussalam Touring - Fly to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
We have most of the day in Brunei to continue with our sightseeing tour. Today we visit to the Royal Regalia Building, with its amazing array of chariots, weapons, crowns, thrones and other paraphenalia.
There will be a chance for a photo opportunity of the magnificent Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan's Royal Palace for his first wife, and also the largest residential palace in the world.
Later this afternoon we fly back to Borneo and Kota Kinabalu, the main city in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Time-permitting we will have a brief city sightseeing drive tour including a visit to the excellent State Museum.
Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Kota Kinabalu: Mt Kinabalu & Poring
Today we drive through paddy-fields and Dusun villages, over the ridges of the Crocker Range to the foothills of the 1500 m / 5,000 foot high Mt. Kinabalu. We arrive at the park headquarters at the Kundasang Visitor Centre and Mountain Garden, home to some of the 24 species of flowering rhododendrons, 10 species of carnivorous pitcher plants, an estimated 1,400 species of orchids, over 600 species of ferns, and more than 40 species of oak trees and over 300 species of birds.
We continue 40 km / 25 mi journey to Poring where we explore tropical rainforest on a treetop canopy walkway suspended 41 m / 135 ft above the forest floor. After our visit we return to Kota Kinabalu.
Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Kota Kinabalu - Fly to Sandakan - Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary - Sukau
A short flight takes us to Sandakan on the far northern tip of Borneo, from where we transfer to Sepilok, the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world.* The sanctuary was founded in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans. The site is 43 sq km of protected land at the edge of Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve, and today around 60 to 80 orangutans are living free in the reserve. The facility provides medical care for orphaned and confiscated orangutans as well as dozens of other wildlife species. Some of the other animals which have been treated at the centre include sun bears, gibbons, Sumatran rhinos, and elephants.
Later we continue by road to our rainforest lodge.
* Depending on our timing for today, we may visit the orangutans this afternoon or on the morning of Day 13.
Overnight in Sukau region.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Oxbow Lakes & Sukau
Today we wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. Early this morning we have a river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to view more birds and wildlife. We proceed to the Kelenanap ox-bow lake while searching for more wildlife. In the afternoon, we take a river cruise in search of wild proboscis monkeys as they settle down on treetops along the Kinabatangan River.
After dinner there is an optional night cruise for spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds.
Overnight in Sukau region.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13 Sukau - Sandakan - Fly to Kota Kinabalu
Today we return to Sandakan and, time-permitting, have some sightseeing in Sandakan before catching our flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Sandakan's main attraction is its hot, steamy waterfront -- a teeming, chaotic multi-purpose place where the fish and central market, hawker stalls and transport all seem to combine a profusion of colour and activity. In the market's dark aisles can be found conches and fish bigger than shovels.
Later today we transfer to the airport for our flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14 Departure
Today we transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for our flight home.
SELAMAT JALAN!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (at local restaurants and some hotels) are included daily. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for drivers, restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, most lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international (if applicable) air taxes, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals, and locally paid departure taxes.
Seasonality and Weather
Two main seasons are experienced in Borneo (Kalimantan), a rainy season and a dry. The rainy season generally lasts from Oct to Feb while the drier, cooler period spans from March/April to Sept with a transitional period in between. Anyone travelling in any part of Borneo should be aware, however, that rain still does fall frequently even during the 'dry season' and visitors should pack good quality wet-weather gear.
August/September is a good time for orangutans as they tend to be more active at this time.
The best time to visit Borneo is between February/March and Sept when less constant rain is likely, although this is far from guaranteed. Though the above mentions seasonal differences, the entire region covered by our tour will feature hot and humid conditions at any time.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport throughout will be by private air-conditioned bus. Most of the driving days are not long, usually no more than four hours. Internal flights via scheduled regional carriers.
The tour is not strenuous though it is busy; you must be steady on your feet and be able to endure some heat and long days. We have numerous walking tours (especially at Miri) and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces.
Porters are available at hotels but you must be able to manage with your baggage at airports.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
Hotels used on tour are modern, comfortable, well-located, air-conditioned, 3-4 star properties with en suite bath / toilet. Single rooms are limited and possibly smaller than twins. Laundry facilities are available at most hotels for a reasonable price. Safe deposit boxes are available in most hotels either free or for a nominal fee. All are air-conditioned.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, local guides, local driver/s.
Group Size
Maximum 18 (plus Tour Leader)
Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 3 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Diverse doesn't begin to describe the wonders in store during this 27 day Malaysia and Indonesia tour.
National parks teeming with wildlife, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Malacca, a teeming potpourri of Asian and aboriginal culture and the Old and New World collision that is Kuala Lumpur beckons in Malaysia.
Indonesia, for its part, offers far more than just the legendary beach in Bali. This equatorial country features awe inspiring sights at every turn, whether it's an intricate Hindu temple surrounded by lush, terraced rice paddies or a laconic orangutan reaching for a tender shoot in the jungles of Borneo.
Combined, the countries form the crux of a once in a lifetime vacation that should be on any adventurous traveller's to do list.
In Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, you'll be hard pressed to miss the iconic Petronas Towers, the tallest pair in the world at 88 stories each. Particularly impressive at night, Islamic influences can be seen in each of the tower's five tiers representing the five pillars of Islam. Unparalleled shopping experiences can be found in the glittery malls or street-side in bustling Chinatown. Included in the city tour is a visit to the National Museum.
Up next, Malacca, that features a dizzying array of cultural touchstones owing to its history as a trading port and successive colonial occupations, each one leaving its mark. See the Stadhuys, a collection of red hued buildings from the 1650s that once housed the Dutch town hall.
Also in the famous town square is the Portuguese fortress of Porta de Santiago and St. Paul's Church, resting place of St Francis Xavier. Nearby, the 17th-century Chinese Cheng Hoon Teng temple has ornate decorations and multiple prayer halls. And don't forget to try some of the ubiquitous spicy food that often combines influences from disparate culinary traditions.
Our Malaysia and Indonesia tours continues on to Kuching and a visit to the nearby, living museum of Sarawak Cultural Village that depicts the heritage of the myriad ethnic groups known to the region amid a spectacular equatorial backdrop. A second day trip from Kuching saves time along the way to better understand some of the jungle produce so crucial to the local economies and culminates with a visit to a longhouse dwelling typical of the area. Finally there's a tour of Kuching proper, a city noted for the bustle of its many artisans and tradespeople practicing their craft in ways virtually unchanged since the 19th century. Other highlights here include a Taoist temple and the breathtaking Catholic Cathedral.
Onwards to Miri, the gateway to Borneo, for an overnight before driving to Niah National Park. Featuring remains of people dating back 40,00 years, and the spectacular Grand Cave with its Iron Age cave paintings, the site is among the world's most important archeological sites.
Day 8 brings you to the heavily forested Brunei and a sightseeing tour of the imposing golden-domed Jame Asr Hassani Bolkiah Mosque, ahead of an afternoon cruise to the enormous water village of Kampung Ayer. Also on the itinerary in Brunei is Istana Nurul Iman, largest, residential palace on Earth and a visit to the Royal Regalia Building.
A drive through the Crocker Range soon immerses tour participants in the abundant biodiversity of Kundasang's Mountain Garden, followed by an exhilarating rainforest canopy walk in Poring.
Your immersion in the jungle continues in Sandakan, home to the world's largest orangutan sanctuary with plenty of time allotted to familiarize yourself with these iconic, orange, forest dwellers and their care. That's followed by stay at a rainforest lodge and a cruise up the Kinabatangan River to view even more of the fauna and flora of this astonishing region including the aptly named proboscis monkey.
Following a return to the teeming waterfront markets of Sandakan, our Malaysia and Indonesia tour continues in Sumatra's largest city, Medan, with its remnants of Dutch colonialism and plethora of shops. A short city tour is followed by a boat cruise and full day at Samosir Island; an island within an island in Lake Toba formed by a super volcano some 75,000 years ago. Of note here is the distinctive animist culture of the local Batak people.
Next, it's on to Beraslagi, after crossing from the island on a narrow land bridge and with time for a stop at the impressive and picturesque (nearly 400 foot tall) Si Piso-Piso Waterfalls. On the same day visit a Karo Batak village in this highly volcanic area.
Yogyakarta, in the heart of Java at the base of a volcano, is the next destination. It's the base for visitation of Indonesia's most famous and extensive Hindu temple site Prambanan. Built in the 10th century, this UNESCO Heritage site is the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia.
Three tall and pointed temples are decorated with reliefs illustrating the epic of the Ramayana, in honour of the three great Hindu divinities and three temples are dedicated to the animals who serve them. Back in Yogyakarta sightseeing continues with The Sultan's Palace -that includes the Golden Pavilion - and the nearby Taman Sari (Water Castle) with its ruins, pools and underground passages among the highlights.
Prepare to be impressed by the next attraction, Borobudur, largest stupa-style Buddhist monument in the world. Laid out in the form of a lotus, the temple compounds with its stepped, unroofed pyramid consisting of ten terraces, crowned by a large, bell-shaped dome is a harmonious marriage of stupas, temple and mountain and a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture.
Iconic Bali (home to the majority of Indonesia's Hindu population) follows, beginning in the east coast town of Candidasa. After a visit to the native, walled village of Tenganan, its on to the ancient law courts of Klung Klung and finally Bali's most significant temple Besakih.
En route to Lovina, located on the northeastern side of the island, stops are made at the village of Penglipuran; Kintamani, with its scenic views of Mt. Batur and Lake Batur and Beji Temple, notable for its Barong architecture and stunning relief carvings.
A day is then set aside back in Lovina for exploration of nearby markets and exploration of the Buddhist monastery Brahma Arama Vihara.
After travel through the amazing rice terraces at Pupuan, it's on to the mysterious and alluring artists' village of Ubud. Ubud is known for its spiritualists and seekers. The size of the town's expat community attests to this, as do the many novels and films set here.
It's a place where traditional Balinese culture imbues every waking moment. An artist's haven, it's the best place to buy Balinese handicrafts and a fitting place to end what will surely be remembered as the holiday of a lifetime.
Regions visited: Southeast Asia
Countries visited: Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
With 523 well-appointed guestrooms, Concorde Hotel KL offers a collection of Superior, Deluxe, Premier and Premier Classic Suites. Each of our elegant guestrooms comes with unlimited free Wi-Fi as standard.
The Klagan Hotel is complemented by its 296 guest rooms, restaurant and lounge. A banquet hall on the top floor with a seating capacity of 280 persons for sit-down dinner functions and four other function rooms.
The ... is safe from flood all year round that can be reach by vehicle or boat. All the walkway is flat in and out made by “Belian” hard wood plank. We use Kimberly-Clark Biodegradable and Environmentally friendly shampoo, soap and papers, all rooms are with attached bathroom, hot shower, ceiling fan, Smoke Detector, Emergency Action Plan and netted windows.
