The Natural Wonders of Malaysia
Seasonal Information
Admire the mystical beauty of Malaysia as you discover some of the best-preserved landscapes throughout the entire nation. Lose yourself inside the endless rainforest, rivers and national parks that are surrounded by native creatures and vast vibrant ecology which bring life to these untouched regions. For the traveller who wants to immerse themselves in a truly serene and authentic trip away from the hustle and bustle of city life and metropolitan tourism, this one of a kind adventure in Malaysia encompasses rural landscapes which creates a formative experience for anyone willing to trek, kayak and travel in exchange for unmissable views.
After a phenomenal journey through the jungles and mangroves of Malaysia, finish your trip on the peaceful island of Langkawi, where you can look back on the amazing experience of your past week with a refreshing beverage in hand.
- Leisurely cruise along one of the most biodiverse area in the world
- Stay inside one of the most unique resort recognized by National Geographic – Sukau Rainforest Lodge
- 2 nights stay in Borneo’s amazing Borneo Rainforest Lodge, the only resort inside Danum Valley
- Explore the tropical island – Gaya Island located inside the Marine Park
- Fun kayaking tour inside the first UNESCO Geopark in Langkawi
- End your trip in the wonderful sunset dinner cruise
Your journey through the natural landmarks of Malaysia will take you to some of the best regions of the nation.
Langkawi
Langkawi is a 100-island archipelago, a rugged beauty frequented by beach and nature lovers alike. Come here to relax on powdery sand beaches, swim in calm turquoise water and sip on the cheapest alcohol in the country – the whole island is duty-free. The touristy shorelines are well developed enough to be comfortable, but the interior has retained its traditional homes and lifestyle. Mountains, forest parks, hot springs and waterfalls lie to the north.
Perhentian Islands
Malaysia is home to many islands other than Penang and Langkawi. The Perhentian Islands are two of the most famous. The larger of the two, Besar, is more upscale, better developed, and popular with luxury travellers and honeymooners. The smaller island, Kecil, is more casual, catering to locals and backpackers. The islands are part of a National Marine Park, so the beaches, marine life and jungles have remained pristine and prime for conscientious exploring.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, a state in Malaysian Borneo. Compared to the Peninsular, East Malaysia is much more rural, thick with jungle and alive with wildlife. Kota Kinabalu itself is an interesting place to spend some time cruising seafood markets and sampling street food, but many travellers come here to head onwards to Mount Kinabalu and answer the call of the wild that lies just outside the city lines.
Kinabatangan River
The second-longest river in Malaysia hosts one of the richest ecosystems in the world. The surrounding area is part of the Sukau-Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rare animals like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, elephants, crocodiles and many bird species. This biodiversity is made possible in part by the wide range of habitats supported by the Kinabatangan River, from freshwater swamp forests to lakes, limestone caves, mangrove swamps and more.
Jungle Valleys
Danum Valley is a thick jungle that hosts one of the world’s most complex ecosystems within its dark canopy of tall, densely packed trees. There are various hiking trails to choose from, ranging in length and difficulty, as well as a treetop walkway. The foliage in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve is less dense, making it easier to see wildlife. Many of Tabin’s inhabitants are nocturnal, and a night safari can be an otherworldly experience.
Welcome to Island under the Wind!
Upon your arrival at Sandakan Airport, you will be greeted by our driver who will transfer you directly to Sepilok. The journey takes approximately twenty minutes, and afterwards, you can relax for your first day in Malaysia.
After breakfast, a driver will pick you up for a half-day tour around Sandakan City. Visit Sandakan Memorial Park, once a prisoner of war camp for 1500 Australian soldiers during Japanese colonial time, now the park is a vibrant memorial located in the main city. Continue the tour by visiting the city’s main tourist landmarks, first a giant Chinese Temple, Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, before heading to St. Michael’s Church, the oldest church in the region. The last stop of the day is at the beautiful but mystical hilltop museum, the Agnes Keith House.
Highlights:
- Leisurely stroll around the beautiful Memorial Park
- Photo stop at the beautiful religious centres
- A visit to mystical haunted Agnes Keith House
In the morning, head to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. There, you will be treated to an enlightening presentation about the centre’s conservation efforts. Enjoy a ten-minute walk in the rainforest and witness the orangutans as they eat at the feeding platform, before moving to the outdoor nursery where you can observe the adorable younger orangutans. Afterwards, head to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, located next door, where you will learn more about the smallest bears in the world – which are unfortunately endangered in these regions.
Depart for a two-hour overland journey to the multi-award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Delight in a river cruise, searching for glimpses of Borneo’s wildlife, before returning to the lodge where you will savour a candlelit dinner on the pier.
Highlights:
- Make a visit to the Orangutan & Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok
- Explore the mystical Kinabatangan river on boat in the evening
- Delight in a wide range of culinary dishes at the floating restaurant next to the river
Rise and shine for a morning cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake, where you may get the chance to witness native birds and wildlife. After breakfast, join in the nature walk along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with the in-house naturalist. After a spot of lunch, you are free to spend the next few hours at your own leisure, before proceeding on another river cruise in the afternoon.
Feel free to explore the boardwalk at the back of the lodge. If you are lucky, you may even spot a wild orangutan! Experience profound relaxation and comfort at the Halia Spa, Sukau which provides an ‘escape from the ordinary’ with a blend of both traditional and modern Spa treatments.
The night cruise comes highly recommended to all guests – available for a small fee.
Highlights:
- A boat cruising experience to Kelenanap oxbow lake in the early morning
- Witness the interesting efforts of wildlife protection
- Evening cruise offered until sunset
Have an early morning breakfast before proceeding to Lahad Datu around 6.30 am. Upon your early morning arrival in Lahad Datu, you will meet a driver and make your way to the Borneo Nature Tours office for your official registration and debriefing. At 9.30 am, make your way overland to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, which is the largest protected area of lowland rainforest in Sabah – covering almost 43,800 hectares.
After dinner at the hotel, experience a night drive in an open-top vehicle to search for nocturnal animals moving around in their natural environment.
Highlights:
- Exciting 4WD road trip to the heart of the jungle with some chances to spot wildlife
- Introduction jungle walk around the resort area
- Nighttime safari in search of nocturnal animals
Stock up your energy levels with an early breakfast at the Lodge before trekking into the Danum Valley towards the Orang Sungai burial site. Soak up the historic and spiritual beauty of ‘Coffin Cliff’, hidden amongst traces of the ancient culture that once dwelled here. Ascend through the dense jungle canopy to the main viewpoint, where you can embrace an astonishing birds-eye view of the surrounding area.
Take a well-earned refreshing dip into the jacuzzi pool, shortly followed by a replenishing lunch provided back at the lodge. Go your own way in the afternoon as you choose between a jungle trail trek across the land, or a thrilling tubing ride down the Danum River. Retreat to the Lodge for dinner in the evening, before taking an evening stroll in the welcoming darkness of the jungle as you join the nocturnal creatures alongside a guide.
Highlights:
- Wild jungle trekking to a viewpoint outlooking the entire valley
- A dip in the cool natural jacuzzi after the walk
- Be amazed by the diverse insect species during the night walk
Prepare to leave this heavenly landscape behind, for now, as you settle into an early breakfast at the lodge and spend the morning at your leisure. Exchange amazing wildlife snapshots with your fellow guests, surrender to your slovenly side and snooze in bed or catch a final look around the picturesque lodge grounds before lunch. Enjoy the drive on the narrow dirt trail back to Lahad Datu airport before boarding your early evening flight back to Kota Kinabalu.
Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport, you will be greeted by our driver who will transfer you directly to Jesselton Jetty. Here, the resort shared transfer boat will pick you up for a 15-minute ride to Gaya Island. Once at the resort, relax ready for the next half of your adventure.
Highlights:
- Spot wildlife in the 4WD ride to Lahad Datu
- Scenic flight transfer from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu
- Relax in your beautiful Borneo resort
These next two days on the island are to be spent at your own leisure. For adventure seekers, book a complimentary guided walk around the island in search of precious flora and wildlife. A friendly on-site naturalist will introduce you to some of the tropical plants such as vines, looping rattans, palms, shrubs and massive hardwood trees.
The resort additionally runs a conservation centre, protecting marine life, which is worth a visit during your stay.
Highlights:
- Enjoy your time in the private resort
- Nature guided tour around the island
- A boat journey to the nearby conservation centre
Take the island speedboat to Jesselton Jetty where a driver will pick you up and transfer you to Kota Kinabalu. You will then take a flight via Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi where a driver will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
Highlights:
- Scenic flight to Langkawi Island
Enjoy the mangroves of Langkawi with a taste of adventure during a day-long kayak trip. Experience a close look at the ecology of the mangroves while gliding with your kayak through smaller waterways in the dense and vibrant jungle. During the five-hour kayaking tour, you might be lucky enough to witness some of the native wildlife which includes; monkeys, snakes, eagles, otters, and other special birds or monitor lizards. Once the tour has finished you will be able to head back to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Highlights:
- Calm your mind in the quiet mangrove area
- Get a closer perspective of the ecological system along the river
- Professional nature guide alongside you during the tour
After a relaxing day on the island, sip on an icy cold beer, a chilled glass of wine or sample a variety of cocktails with great company, the perfect way to start the evening. As the sun sets and the temperature cools, the ocean provides a perfectly serene environment to venture into aboard the boat. Feel the cool wind in your hair and listen to the sound of the waves lapping the boat. Experience the relaxing, yet exciting feeling of traditionally traversing the Andaman Sea, and viewing the many beautiful islands of Langkawi.
Encounter flying fish, graceful eagles, palm-lined beaches and friendly dolphins which add to the beautiful surprises found on the trip. The breathtaking sight of the tropical sun sinking into the horizon of the Andaman Sea present the chance to witness the natural phenomena of the fabled ‘green flash’. Do not forget to take the opportunity of cooling off in the onboard famous saltwater jacuzzi with a cocktail in your hand.
Highlights:
- Tasty buffet dinner and bottomless drinks on the boat
- Enjoy the perfect golden hour at the “sea jacuzzi” at the back of the boat
On the final day, say goodbye to the island as you get ready to leave Malaysia. A driver will pick you up and take you to the airport for your final flight.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- Accommodation listed in the itinerary with daily breakfast
- Early or late service is subject to availability with surcharges
- English-speaking Guide and English-speaking Nature Guide on activity days
- Transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicle & English-speaking driver
- Sightseeing fees, boat trips and permits during guided time
- Service charge and current government VAT tax
- International Flights
- VISA – must be arranged for non-ASEAN citizens. Please make sure you have 6 months passport validity
- VISA stamp fee at the arrival airport (the fee is varied based on nationality and destination)
- Early/late check in/out service at hotels (surcharge if request)
- Tips and gratuities
- Services and meals if not mentioned in itinerary
- All drinks, including water, soft drink, and alcohol on all included or optional excursion
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
Details of the flights included in the above prices.
- LHD – BKI / Malaysia Airlines 3019 / 1615 – 1710 / 20kg
- BKI – KUL / Malaysia Airlines 2613 – KUL / LGK Malaysia Airlines 1436 / 0955 – 1435 / 35kg
