14 Days West Malaysia and Borneo
Day 1: Arrival - Kuala Lumpur
Meet and greet services upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and transfer to hotel for check-in. Free at own leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2: Morning Half Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour (B)
Despite the growing skyline of a modern metropolis, Kuala Lumpur has always been charming and full of characters. See the contrast between the Indo-Moorish architecture and the ultra modern edifices. Photo stops at the King’s Palace, a symbol of Malaysian sovereignty, the Independence Square and Petronas Twin-Tower - still the tallest twin-tower in the world! Visit the National Museum and drive pass the Lake Gardens, view National Monument, National Mosque, and the old Railway Station. Final stop is to appreciate the Malaysian pewter arts at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. Free at own leisure for the rest of the day or optional tour. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3: Full Day Historical Malacca Tour (B/L)
Morning depart Kuala Lumpur for Malacca (2-hour by land). Malacca is the oldest trading port in Malaysia which had undergone Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Visit Stadhuys or the Dutch Square and take a walk up St. Paul’s Hill for a panoramic view of the Malacca Straits and the old town of Bandar Hilir. At the top is the ruin of St. Paul’s Church, lined by 17th century Dutch tombstones. Stop for a typical ‘Nyonya’ lunch before taking a stroll through the Antiques Row at Jonker Street. Other visits include the famous Portuguese Porta de Santiago and Cheng Hoon Teng, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Time permitting, photo stop at the Morten Village, a typical Malay. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 4: Malacca - KLIA - Kota Kinabalu (B)
In the morning, transfer to KLIA (2-hour by land) for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. Meet and greet services upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. Free at own leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 5: Full Day Sandakan Wildlife Wonder Tour (B/L/D)
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Sandakan. Upon arrival in Sandakan, transfer to the jetty for a boat trip to Turtle Island. It takes about an hour to reach Selingan Island which is the main nesting area for the green turtles. Afternoon is for relaxation, to swim or snorkel. After dinner, wait for the Park Ranger to signal the sighting of a turtle laying eggs. Learn about the conservation of these turtles, witness the collecting of eggs from the nesting site, planting them in the hatchery and see baby turtles scrambling to the open sea upon released on the shore. Overnight stay at Borneo Nature Lodge.
Day 6: Full Day Sandakan Wildlife Wonder Tour (B/L/D)
After breakfast, return to Sandakan and proceed to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Learn about the rehabilitation of young or strayed orang utans before taking a boardwalk through the lowland rainforest to the viewing platform. Witness the feeding of orphaned orang utans. Continue with about 2.5-hour drive through rustic countryside studded with villages and take a short boat transfer to Borneo Nature Lodge. Time for orientation and check-in. Relax by the river before embarking on a boat trip along Sabah’s longest river, Kinabatangan with opportunity to view wildlife and birds in its virgin mangrove and rainforest habitat. Search for some of the primates species including Proboscis Monkeys as they settle down on treetops. Dinner and overnight stay at Borneo Nature Lodge.
Day 7: Full Day Sandakan Wildlife Wonder Tour (B/L)
Depart early morning and visit the Gomantong Cave, famed for its edible birds’ nests. Take about 15-minute boardwalk to the opening of Semut Hitam cavern and explore the cave system on boardwalk. Return to Sandakan for lunch. Afternoon proceed to city tour, visit Water Village, Central Market, and Buddhist Temple. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8: Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu - Penang (B)
In the morning, transfer to airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu then depart Kota Kinabalu for Penang. Meet and greet services upon arrival at Penang International Airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. Free at own leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 9: Morning Half Day Round Penang Island Tour (B)
Morning explore Penang Island, the “Pearl of the Orient” from its sandy shores to quaint countryside. Stops include an idyllic fishing village, a cottage industry to witness the traditional handicraft of batik painting, the countryside for introduction of tropical spices like clove and nutmeg, local fruits in season and try rubber tapping. Visit a typical Malay Village and feel the air of tranquility, and the legendary Snake Temple, where Pit Vipers adorn the altars. Back to urban areas after completing the 80 km round island journey. Free at own leisure for the rest of the day or optional tour. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Penang (B)
Free at own leisure or optional tour. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11: Penang - Langkawi (B)
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Langkawi. Meet and greet services upon arrival at Langkawi International Airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. Free at own leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12: Langkawi (B)
Free at own leisure or optional tour. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13: Morning Half Day Mangrove Forest and Eagle Watching Tour (B/L)
In the morning, experience the wonders of nature at Langkawi’s coastal mangrove forest. Starting from a fishing village, the boat journey will take you through the thick mangrove forest fringed by limestone caves and hidden canyon, where you can spot monkeys, kingfishers, monitor lizards and mud crabs. The highlight is watching at least 3 different species of eagles being fed, a photo scene not to be missed! Lunch at Fish Farm Restaurant. Free at own leisure for the rest of the day or optional tour. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Departure (B)
Free at own leisure till transfer to Langkawi International Airport for departure flight.