Days 1–3
First stop Kuala Lumpur
As Malaysia’s Capital, Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its glitz and glamour. The Asian Super-City features soaring skyscrapers, colonial architecture and up-market shopping malls. This stunning skyline is set alongside vibrant night markets and aromatic street foods, typical to Malaysian culture. In such a vast city there’s a wealth of attractions to see; experience the magnitude of the iconic KL Petronas Towers, or head to the various art galleries and museums to discover the countries hidden heritage.
Top Tip: Don’t Miss out on Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown and Little India! These small sections of the city are cultural hotspots filled with unusual restaurants and captivating museums & art galleries.
Overnight: 2 nights at Hotel Stripes
Days 3-5
Borneo
As an area still riddled in mystery, Borneo is a destination to explore the great outdoors, perfect for nature and wilderness lovers. As well as jungle landscapes generic to the area’s tropical scenery, there are a number of incredible wildlife sanctuaries. The rainforest is steeped in history; Malaysia’s tallest mountain, Mount Kinabalu boasts the World’s highest protected mountain top trail which offers an incredible trekking experience.
Your base in Kota Kinabalu is the relaxing Shangri-La Tanjung Aru for 2 nights
Day 5
Orangutans and Jungle
Depart early morning to the airpot (around 10 minute drive) for a short flight over to the Orangutan sanctuary in Sepilok, here you can enjoy boardwalks through the jungle and enjoy feeding time at 10am with the Orangutans, your next stop will be a visit to the adjacent Sun Bear Conservation centre to observe these unique Asian bears and see their natural behaviour in search of honey.
On leaving the Sepilok Centre you will transfer to the jetty in Sandakan and at noon join an 2.5s hour boat cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Spot wildlife along the way and if lucky, you may even see the Bornean Pygmy Elephants.
Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a refreshing drink and cold towel welcome while you check in. You’ll have the chance to relax with afternoon tea before heading out into the wild on your first river safari until the sun sets, as night falls and you cruise back to the lodge for a candlelight dinner, watch as the fire flies light up the trees.
Overnight: 2 nights at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Day 6
Wake early this morning for a cruise up the river to Kelenap Ox-Bow lake to view more birds and wildlife. After breakfast, join the in-house naturalist for an educational tour along the Hornbill boardwalk situated right behind the lodge.
This afternoon you can enjoy another river cruise to absorb all the nature and wildlife.
Day 7
After breakfast this morning you’ll return to Sandakan overland and enjoy a quick lunch before proceeding to the airport for 14:30pm flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Land at 15:20 and transfer to the Gaya Island lounge before embarking on a 15 minute speedboat transfer over to your home for the next few nights.
Overnight: 5 nights at Gaya Island Resort
Days 8-11
Enjoy your stay on this luscious island set within the beautiful Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, with gorgeous villas tucked away in the hillside, a Spa Village and plenty of snorkelling and marine viewing opportunities - this idyllic resort will certainly take your breath away. Your stilted Villa overlooks the mangrove forests and thick canopies or the South China Sea with the stunning Mount Kinabalu in the distance, and the restaurants here won't disappoint with only the freshest cuisine available caught locally at Fisherman's Cove or try the Omakese restaurant with Japanese delicacies.
The Spa Village is also not to be missed - Rice scrubs and Balinese massages will leave you feeling completely refreshed after spending the day exploring the Marine Centre and learning about the islands conservation programmes, perhaps even take a guided tour of the jungle in search of of proboscis monkeys and giant flying red squirrels. End the day with a Singgah Singgarung Night, where you’ll be given an insight into Borneo’s native arts and activities, alongside tucking into a tribal-style beach BBQ.
Day 12
Departure day – take the speedboat back to the mainland and transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.