Highlights
- Witness Melaka's blend of culture, colonial architecture, and ancient temples
- See Kuala Lumpur's iconic monuments and discover the city's green spaces by bike
- Spot endemic wildlife as you explore Bako National Park
- Observe orangutans up close at Semenggoh Orangutan Center
- Go snorkeling at Kota Kinabalu and then cruise on the Kinabatangan River
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Kuala Lumpur, Transfer to Melaka, Optional Walking Tour | Melaka |
| Day 2 | Return to Kuala Lumpur, Walking City Tour | Kuala Lumpur |
| Day 3 | Kuala Lumpur City Cycling Tour | Kuala Lumpur |
| Day 4 | Fly to Kuching, Best of Kuching Cycling Tour | Kuching |
| Day 5 | Bako National Park Excursion | Kuching |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Kampung Sadir via Semenggoh Orangutan Center | Kampung Sadir |
| Day 7 | Explore Bidayuh Village & Jungle Trek | Kampung Sadir |
| Day 8 | Morning Jungle Trek, Return to Kuching | Kuching |
| Day 9 | Fly to Kota Kinabalu | Kota Kinabalu |
| Day 10 | Snorkeling Adventure in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park | Kota Kinabalu |
| Day 11 | Fly to Sandakan, Afternoon Kinabatangan River Cruise | Kinabatangan |
| Day 12 | Kinabatangan River Wildlife Safari Cruises | Kinabatangan |
| Day 13 | Fly to Kuala Lumpur | Kuala Lumpur |
| Day 14 | Depart Kuala Lumpur |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kuala Lumpur, Transfer to Melaka, Optional Walking Tour
Welcome to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. You won't be visiting the capital yet, because after touching down at the airport, you'll meet your driver for a two-hour transfer that takes you directly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka. Located in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia, the city is known for its rich heritage, ancient landmarks, and colonial buildings—past British, Dutch, and Portuguese rule have all left imprints on the city's architecture and culture.
Later today, you'll have the option to take a walking tour of the city. Start with the Stadthuys, which was once the official residence of the Dutch Governor and is now a museum showcasing historical artifacts. See the A'Famosa Fort, which the Portuguese built in the 16th century to protect their interests. Admire St. Paul's Church, a historical monument that served as a burial ground for Dutch nobles. Visit the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Additionally, the Jonker Street Night Market is a popular spot, showcasing an array of local delicacies, souvenirs, and handicrafts.Day 2: Return to Kuala Lumpur, Walking City Tour
Meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a two-hour transfer to Kuala Lumpur. Once settled, join a walking city tour to explore the rich cultural heritage with a local tour guide. During the tour, you'll visit some of the city's iconic historic buildings and landmarks and discover the stories behind them. Start with Sultan Street, famous for its colorful buildings and murals, and learn about the origins of the street's name and the significance of the murals. Next, visit the Rust Market, a bustling bazaar that sells a wide range of products at bargain prices.
Petaling Street, also known as Chinatown, is home to numerous shops and eateries that offer a taste of Chinese culture. You'll get to explore the street's hidden alleys and learn about the history of Chinese immigration to Malaysia. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the Wet Market, and see the Kwong Siew Temple, a traditional Chinese temple that dates back to the 19th century.
It's on to the Mahamariamman Temple next, the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur that boasts intricate carvings and colorful statues depicting Hindu mythology. Continue to the Jamek Mosque, the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur and a testament to the city's religious diversity. During your visit here, you'll learn about Islamic culture and customs and discover the mosque's unique architecture and history. Finally, visit the KL City Gallery, which showcases the history and development of Kuala Lumpur through interactive exhibits and displays.
Day 3: Kuala Lumpur City Cycling Tour
Have breakfast this morning and make your way to the meeting point for today's cycling tour. After a comprehensive briefing by your expert cycling guide, hop in the saddle for a fun ride through the city. As you pedal along, you'll discover Kuala Lumpur from a unique perspective, navigating through bustling thoroughfares and serene lanes.
Immerse yourself in the city's rich history as your guide shares fascinating local tales, and stop at various points of interest to capture memorable snapshots against the backdrop of iconic landmarks. Enchant your senses further with a stop at a colorful local market, where fresh produce and tasty snacks await.Day 4: Fly to Kuching, Best of Kuching Cycling Tour
It's time to head to East Malaysia! Meet your driver for a transfer to the airport to catch a five-hour flight east to Kuching. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the city. Kuching is the capital and largest city of the East Malaysian state of Sarawak and the largest city on the island of Borneo.
After checking in to your hotel, you'll head to Paradesa Cycling shop in downtown Kuching to meet your cycling guide and have a safety briefing. Hit the saddle and start exploring Kuching on two wheels! You'll make many stops along the way to learn more about its history and admire the beautiful colonial buildings, numerous museums, riverfront, parks, and diverse restaurants. Your guide will take you along small streets and alleys while telling you all about the capital of Sarawak.
Day 5: Bako National Park Excursion
It's time to strike out into nature today, as your driver takes you on the 45-minute drive to the small fishing village of Kampung Bako. Here, you'll board a motorized boat to cruise down the river into the wilds of Bako National Park, one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak but also one of the most diverse. Within its 10.5 square miles (27 sq km), you'll find dramatic coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, lush mangrove swamps, and jungle waterfalls.
Upon arrival, disembark and follow your guide in search of the park's abundant and unique wildlife. Trek along rainforest boardwalks and mangrove trails as you keep an eye out for proboscis and silvered leaf monkeys, macaques, mudskippers, and blue fiddler crabs. You'll also find colorful birdlife, exotic snakes, and remarkable insects as you make your way deeper into the forest. In the afternoon, head back onto the boat and return to Kampung Bako, where a van will be waiting to take you back to Kuching.
Day 6: Transfer to Kampung Sadir via Semenggoh Orangutan Center
This morning you'll visit Semenggoh Nature Reserve, located just outside of Kuching. Renowned for its efforts in rehabilitating and conserving orangutans, the reserve is home to a semi-wild population of orangutans who roam freely in their natural habitat. Upon arrival, enter the forest and witness them up close during feeding time as they swing through the trees.
Next, you'll hop back in the vehicle and continue an hour south to the highland village of Kampung Sadir, where you'll stay for the night. During the ride, you'll witness the thick Borneo jungle as you drive along small roads. Arrive at your homestay around lunchtime. As you make yourself comfortable, your Indigenous Bidayuh hosts will prepare a lunch for you, which you'll enjoy together. After lunch, visit a Bidayuh longhouse to experience the daily life of the people here and see how bamboo plays an integral part in their lives. Then, return to your homestay and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Explore Bidayuh Village & Jungle Trek
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before hiking to two magnificent waterfalls deep in the Borneo jungle. Learn about the Bidayuh tribe, who live in harmony with the forest and find all they need for survival in the woods around them. Next, you'll take a refreshing dip in the cool waters and try local snacks provided by your guide. Enjoy the lush rainforest as you have a picnic lunch at one of the waterfalls or head back to the homestay for a traditional meal. If you're up for it, there will be time to explore another nearby waterfall later in the day.
Day 8: Morning Jungle Trek, Return to Kuching
Wake up to the sounds of the jungle, and enjoy some leisure time at your own pace. Stroll the village one last time or go for a final trek through the forest. After lunch, bid farewell to your host family and board a vehicle for a scenic two-hour journey to your hotel in Kuching. Upon arrival, the remainder of your day is free to explore.
Day 9: Fly to Kota Kinabalu
It's an early start to meet your driver for a transfer to the airport for the 1.5-hour flight to Kota Kinabalu, a city on Borneo's northwest coast. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Settle in, then head out to explore this bustling capital of East Malaysia's Sabah state that overlooks the South China Sea. You'll find stunning beaches, trendy bars, and restaurants, as well as traditional markets, fishing boats, and hawker stalls in the city center.
Day 10: Snorkeling Adventure in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Grab your swimsuits and sunscreen this morning as you transfer to the jetty and board a boat bound for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and a day of island hopping and snorkeling. Renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs, this UNESCO-listed park is an aquatic paradise of crystal-clear waters, rainbow-colored marine life, and unspoiled islands dotted with jungle trails. Take your time exploring hidden beaches and snorkeling through pristine reefs, and step ashore to explore some of the many coral islands. In the afternoon, you'll return to the jetty and have the rest of the day free.
Day 11: Fly to Sandakan, Afternoon Kinabatangan River Cruise
Today you'll head to the airport and catch a short 50-minute flight across Borneo to the east coast city of Sandakan. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you on the 1.5-hour journey south to the Kinabatangan River. Malaysia's second-longest river is famed for its biodiversity, with lush surrounding rainforests that sustain one of the world's richest ecosystems.
After check-in at your hotel, go for a boat cruise to explore the resplendent flora and fauna of this wildlife haven. Keep your eyes on the banks as you cruise, spotting monkeys and orangutans in the treetops, pygmy elephants swimming along the shores, and colorful birdlife soaring overhead.
Day 12: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Safari Cruises
Embark on two river cruises today—one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Both cruises offer an opportunity to spot more of the magnificent wildlife that congregates along the river's edge at dawn and dusk.
Keep your eyes peeled for orangutans swinging through the treetops, elephants foraging along the riverbanks, and playful proboscis monkeys leaping from branch to branch. In addition, you might see crocodiles sunbathing on the river's edge and exotic birds in the canopy. Between the cruises, you can explore the rainforest on an invigorating jungle walk or find a peaceful spot by the river to observe the wildlife on your own.
Day 13: Fly to Kuala Lumpur
Say your goodbyes to the jungle as it's time to head to the airport for the three-hour flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, a driver will take you to your hotel in the city, and you'll have the remainder of your penultimate day in Malaysia free to explore.
After settling in, head out to explore this exotic and bustling metropolis at your own pace. Malaysia's capital is known for its famous landmarks, shopping malls, and diverse culinary scene, including street food stalls, cafés, and restaurants. Don't miss a visit to the 1,479-foot (451 m) tall Petronas Twin Towers, a pair of glass-and-steel-clad skyscrapers with Islamic motifs. The towers also offer a public sky bridge and an observation deck where you'll witness superb city views.
Day 14: Depart Kuala Lumpur
Your Kuala Lumpur adventure draws to a close today. Spend your morning shopping for souvenirs or browsing for more street food delicacies, then meet your driver for your transfer to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!
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