Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula

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 before dinner (please ask your leader upon arrival). If there is no time this evening, we may be able to do the night walk tomorrow. Stay: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (or similar).

Created in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world and aims to rehabilitate and release orphaned and captured orangutans into the wild. This morning, we visit the informative headquarters and see the animals at feeding time.

In the afternoon, we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which has an impressive canopy walkway offering great views over the Sepilok Reserve. This is a great place to see birds, including hornbills and Borneo bristleheads, and during fruiting season we may spot the odd orangutan. There is an option to return to the orangutan sanctuary for the second feeding session in the afternoon (return transfer costs not included) as well as the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Speak to your leader for more information on this option. Stay: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (or similar) (B).

After breakfast, we depart Sepilok and transfer (approximately two to three hours) to the third-longest river in Borneo, Kinabatangan. The wildlife reserve here is home to an astonishing array of wildlife including pygmy elephants, wild orangutans, gibbons, proboscis monkeys and rare birdlife. As dusk approaches, we take to the river in search of some of the local animals. Stay: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (or similar) (B/L/D).

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 learn a bit more about local conservation efforts and contribute ourselves by planting trees.

Later, we return to the river to look for crocodiles and other forest residents. There should be the opportunity this evening for an optional night walk where we may see owls or even Western tarsiers. Stay: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (or similar) (B/L/D).

Leaving after breakfast, we head to Sandakan (approximately 2hr 30min 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 local cuisine or explore the vibrant, compact streets of Sandakan. Stay: Sabah Hotel (or similar) (B).

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 (there is a 33lb/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 in Kuala Lumpur, we meet our leader for this section of the trip. We then take a two-hour transfer to Malacca.

Upon arrival at our hotel in the afternoon, there is time to relax and explore this historic and culturally rich city. Stay: Ibis Melaka (or similar) (B).

Malacca is a well-preserved colonial town with a mix of Portuguese, British and Dutch architecture. The quaint Chinatown neighbourhood is home to numerous antique shops plus a Hindu temple, Taoist temple and a mosque, while the oldest functioning church in Malaysia 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 Malacca cuisine. Known as Baba Nyonya, it is a blend of Chinese, Malay and other influences and is a speciality of the town. Stay: Ibis Melaka (or similar) (B/D).

Leaving the sleepy charm of Malacca, we first transfer (approximately three hours) to the Batu Caves. These limestone caves are a holy Hindu site and are guarded by a giant statue of the Hindu god Lord Murugan. Behind the statue are the 272 steps that lead to the caves and large numbers of monkeys. We then take a short transfer to Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia. Known as KL, this vibrant city shows a completely different side of the country.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore the city further, visit the Petronas Towers or enjoy a spot of shopping. Please note, the Petronas Towers are closed on Mondays (Day 9 of the 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. If you want a drink with amazing views later this evening, head to one of the many rooftop bars in KL and enjoy the cityscape at night. Stay: Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur (or similar) (B).

After breakfast, we first head out on an orientation walk of Kuala Lumpur followed by a city food tour. KL mixes Malay, Indian and Chinese traditions and people and the best way to discover this diversity is on a city food tour. We discover different neighbourhoods with their distinct sights, sounds, smells and, of course, delicacies. We start at Masjid Jamek and learn how KL started. We also visit the oldest Chinese and Indian temple in the city to learn more about those communities. Our visit to Chinatown is rewarded by tasty noodles. After this, take a short ride on the modern transport system towards Brickfields.

This is Little India, 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 leaves and seek 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 shop in the malls, visit one of the museums or take in the views from the KL Tower (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). Stay: Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur (or similar) (B).

Today, we head north by train as we make our way to Butterworth (about four 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 a late afternoon orientation tour before an optional dinner at one of the many street-food markets. Stay: Royal Chulan Hotel (or similar) (B).

This morning, we explore more Malaysian diversity on a walking city tour. Georgetown is known for its cultural sights and natural scenery. Explore on foot to see well-preserved colonial structures, ornate temples and colourful street art. We end our walk with a visit to Khoo Clan House and Museum.

This afternoon, there is free time to explore further on your own. Perhaps scale Penang Hill or visit the Botanical Gardens. Alternatively, stroll to the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, which has been restored to its past grandeur: the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea or gin and tonic. Stay: Royal Chulan Hotel (or similar) (B).

This morning is free for a final exploration before we take an afternoon transfer to the airport for a short flight from Penang to Langkawi island (there is a 33lb/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 an archipelago of almost 100 tropical islands surrounded by the turquoise Andaman Sea with pristine beaches and jungles. After checking into our hotel, there will be time to relax and enjoy the area at leisure. Stay: Tropical Resort Langkawi (or similar) (B).

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 or taking the cable car.

This evening, we enjoy a group farewell dinner (included) on our final evening in this tropical paradise. Stay: Tropical Resort Langkawi (or similar) (B/D).

The trip ends after breakfast today. If you'd like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).