We Love —
- Venturing into Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, witnessing these gentle primates up close in their natural habitat.
- Cruising along the Kinabatangan River, where proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and hornbills appear amidst dense rainforest.
- Sinking into serenity during a massage on Gaya Island, with the scent of the jungle in the air and the gentle rhythm of the sea in the background.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Dive into Malaysia’s magic, starting with Kuala Lumpur’s dazzling Petronas Towers and vibrant street food scene. In Borneo, encounter adorable orangutans in Sepilok and cruise the wildlife-rich Kinabatangan River from Sandakan. End in Kota Kinabalu, where stunning beaches and Mount Kinabalu’s trails beckon. Special mention to the Gaya Island Resort, which is simply magnificent.
Your itinerary in brief —
Experience the essence of Malaysian Borneo, beginning in Kuala Lumpur, where glittering skyscrapers meet vibrant heritage. Journey on to Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River for unforgettable wildlife encounters, from orangutans to proboscis monkeys.
Finally, unwind in barefoot luxury at Gaya Island Resort 5*, where pristine beaches and coral reefs provide the perfect tropical finale.
Your itinerary (departure date every Saturday):
Day 1: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur
Day 2: Leisure day in Kuala Lumpur
Day 3: Kuala Lumpur - Sandakan
Day 4: Sandakan - Sepilok - Bilit
Day 5: Bilit
Day 6: Bilit - Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu - Gaya Island
Days 7 to 10: Gaya Island
Day 11: Departure from Kota Kinabalu (or extension on Gaya Island)
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Your itinerary in detail —
Days 1 to 4
Day 1: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur
- Be welcomed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and transferred to the stylish Melia Kuala Lumpur 4*, your comfortable base in the heart of the city.
- Spend the day at your own pace, relaxing or wandering through the city’s vibrant streets, markets, and hidden gems.
Day 2: Leisure day in Kuala Lumpur
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out to explore the city at your own pace.
- We recommend experiencing a guided city tour, a visit to the Petronas Twin Towers, a stroll through Chinatown, or a tasting tour of Malaysia’s renowned street food (not included).
- Return to your hotel to unwind, or explore the city’s nightlife and dining scene at your own pace.
Breakfast included.
Day 3: Kuala Lumpur - Sandakan
- Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan, the gateway to Borneo’s wild heart.
- Discover Borneo’s lush rainforests and extraordinary biodiversity, a true paradise for nature lovers.
- Wander among towering trees and winding forest trails, listening to tropical birds and soaking in the untouched beauty of this ecological jewel.
- Stay at the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort, an eco-friendly retreat with serene gardens, natural pools, and stunning views, perfectly immersed in the rainforest.
Breakfast included.
Day 4: Sandakan - Sepilok - Bilit
- Begin your day with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, starting with a fascinating video presentation on orangutan conservation and the incredible journey of these majestic primates.
- Take a leisurely ten-minute walk through vibrant rainforest trails to the feeding platform, witnessing orangutans as they emerge from their jungle sanctuary and enjoy their meals.
- Visit the outdoor nursery for an up-close encounter with young orangutans learning vital survival skills.
- Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to observe the world’s smallest bears and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
- After lunch, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour overland drive to Bilit Adventure Lodge, nestled along the banks of the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river.
- Settle into your lodge, surrounded by lush rainforest, and enjoy afternoon tea with local bites at 03:30 pm.
- Join your knowledgeable nature guide for an afternoon river cruise along the Kinabatangan, spotting wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and possibly wild orangutans in the treetops.
- Return to the lodge for a hearty dinner and let the sounds of the jungle lull you into a peaceful night’s rest.
Things to bring: Poncho or raincoat, hat or cap, sturdy walking shoes or sandals, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, headlamp or torch, long trousers, and personal toiletries.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Days 5 to 11
Day 5: Bilit
- Rise early for a 6:00 am river cruise, enjoying the tranquil morning atmosphere along the Kinabatangan River.
- Return to Bilit Adventure Lodge for a hearty breakfast.
- Late morning, set out on a guided jungle walk to explore the lush riverine forest and discover its rich flora and fauna.
- Trek back to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy lunch, followed by a short siesta.
- Relish afternoon tea at a local house, sampling regional treats and soaking in the surroundings.
- By 4:00 pm, embark on another afternoon river cruise along a different stretch of the river to spot more wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Return to the lodge for dinner and spend a second night immersed in the sounds and serenity of the rainforest.
Note: An optional night walk or tree-planting activity is available at the lodge for MYR 10 per person, payable directly locally.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 6: Bilit - Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu - Gaya Island
- Enjoy breakfast at your current retreat before checking out and transferring to Sandakan Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu.
- Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the jetty for a speedboat transfer to Gaya Island, where the stunning Gaya Island Resort 5* awaits.
- Nestled in the lush Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the resort blends luxury with nature, offering pristine white-sand beaches, verdant rainforest, abundant marine life, and rich local flora.
- Settle into your elegant villa, designed to reflect the essence of tropical living, and enjoy your choice of relaxation: lounging by the pool, strolling along the beach, or indulging in spa treatments inspired by local traditions.
Gaya Island package includes:
- A daily evening drink (house wine, house beer, or soft drink) per guest at the Pool Bar & Lounge.
- 1 x 50-minute massage for 2 adults per stay (for guests aged 16 and above).
Breakfast & lunch included.
Days 7 to 10: Gaya Island
- Spend these days at your leisure, fully unwinding and soaking in the tranquillity of the resort. We suggest:
- Visiting the resort’s Turtle Rescue Centre to learn about conservation efforts and see these fascinating creatures up close.
- Indulging in pampering at the Spa Village, enjoying treatments inspired by local traditions.
- Exploring the vibrant underwater world by snorkelling at the resort’s house reef, discovering colourful marine life and coral formations.
Breakfast included.
Day 11: Departure from Kota Kinabalu (or extension at Gaya Island Resort 5*)
- Transfer by boat, then to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your return flight.
- Or extension of your stay, depending on the duration chosen.
Breakfast included.
Important information about your tour and visits:
The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
Throughout your journey in Malaysia, you will stay in comfortable accommodation (or similar):
- Kuala Lumpur: Melia Kuala Lumpur 4* - Guest Room
- Sandakan: Sepilok Borneo Rainforest Resort - Deluxe Room
- Bilit: Bilit Adventure Lodge - Chalet
- Gaya Island: Gaya Island Resort 5* - Upgraded Canopy Villa
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
During your trip, enjoy a bed and breakfast, along with two lunches, two dinners, and a daily afternoon drink at Gaya Island Resort 5*.
Your included extras —
3GB included mobile internet data, to make your journey easier
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.
Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.
Your optional services —
Upgrade to full board on Gaya Island
Treat yourself to a full board stay and upgrade at the next step of the booking process. Breakfast, lunch and your evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (drinks excluded, conditions apply.)
Your journey to Malaysia —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Malaysia
Malaysia, an enchanting fusion of tradition and modernity, offers a wealth of experiences for travellers. With its vibrant cities, lush rainforests, and diverse culture, Malaysia seamlessly blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. From bustling Kuala Lumpur to the serene beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia presents an unforgettable journey.
Must-sees:
- Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur: An iconic symbol of modern Malaysia, offering spectacular views of the city.
- George Town in Penang: A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colonial architecture and street art.
- Cameron Highlands: A tranquil retreat with scenic tea plantations, cooling climate, and rich biodiversity.
Culinary culture:
Malaysia’s cuisine reflects its diverse population, with influences from Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. The result is a rich tapestry of flavours, from spicy curries to sweet pastries. Nasi lemak, often considered the national dish, features fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, and a variety of accompaniments. Street food lovers will delight in char kway teow, a smoky stir-fried noodle dish, or roti canai, a flaky Indian flatbread served with curry. Don’t miss the unique Malay dessert, kuih, a selection of colourful, steamed cakes.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the well-trodden paths of Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi, Malaysia offers a wealth of hidden gems. Discover the rainforest in Taman Negara, one of the world’s oldest tropical forests, or the eco-resorts of Borneo’s Sabah region, home to the elusive orangutan. Explore the indigenous cultures of the Iban tribe in Sarawak or the Malay villages nestled within the countryside, where ancient traditions and hospitality thrive.
Good to know:
Malaysia operates on Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). English is widely spoken, but learning a few words in Bahasa Malaysia will enrich your experience. The best time to visit is during the dry season from March to October, although the west coast enjoys year-round sunshine. Transport within cities is convenient with an extensive network of buses, trains, and taxis.