Malaysia

Sukau Safari Experience

See baby Orang Utans being fed in their sanctuary, and explore the largest birds’ nests cave

Sepilok is a sanctuary for Orang Utans where 200 primates, rescued from illegal captivity, have been retrained for jungle living. Get close to them in their natural habitat during the twice-daily feedings. Located in the middle of the Sepilok Forest Reserve, a visit to this Orang Utan Sanctuary offers a fascinating insight into how young and orphan Orang Utans are taught surviving skills before being set free to roam in the reserve. Drive through the scenic Sepilok countryside, enjoying the oil palm and cocoa estates and the thick rainforest. Take a short river cruise which will take you the habitat of Borneo’s famous Proboscis monkey. This habitat also houses an array of birds, reptiles, insects and a diverse rainforest flora.

Explore the Gomantong Caves on the way back to Sandakan. The Gomantong Caves, the largest cave system in Sabah, are about 110 kilometres south of Sandakan, and are home to over one million swiftlets. The swiftlets’ nests are collected for the famous Chinese Delicacy, bird’s nest soup. Top it up with a short city tour of busy Sandakan to finish the tour.

Turtle Island & Sepilok Experience

See the Green Turtles lay eggs and baby Orang Utans being fed in their sanctuary in Sandakan

Visit Sandakan, known as the gateway for ecotourism destinations in Sabah, such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Turtle Islands Park, and Gomantong Caves. Explore the Seligan Turtle Island, home and nesting ground to Green and Hawksbill turtles, its star attractions. Laze and relax on the beautiful beach or just watch the incredible variety of birds. In the evening, you can see the turtles laying eggs and observe the hatchlings being released into the ocean.

Head towards the Sepilong Orang Utan Sanctuary, located in the middle of the Sepilok Forest Reserve for a fascinating insight into where young and orphan Orang Utans are taught surviving skills before being set free to roam in the reserve. See baby Orang Utans being fed. Drive through the Sepilok countryside, enjoying the oil palm and cocoa estates and the thick rainforest. Take a short river cruise which will take you the habitat of Borneo’s famous Proboscis monkey. This habitat also houses an array of birds, reptiles, insects and a diverse rainforest flora.

Mount Kinabalu Trekking & Poring

Scale the peak of Mount Kinabalu, and bathe in the therapeutic waters of the hot springs at Poring

If roughing it out in the wild and being close to Nature is what attracts you, then trek to Mount Kinabalu – the highest peak in Southeast Asia. Travel past the beautiful Crocker Mountains to reach the Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the domain of the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia and the world’s oldest rainforests. The Kinabalu National Park is also home to the Poring Hot Springs. Visit the Hot Springs that have been named after a species of giant bamboo that grows in the area. The sulphur hot springs provide a therapeutic bath and marked trails lead to small waterfalls and caves.

Your journey to the summit of Mount Kinabalu will begin at Timpohon Gate and lead you on a day long trek to Laban Rata which is 3345 metres above sea level. Rise before dawn if you want to reach the summit in time to catch a spectacular sunrise. Reach out and you could almost touch the clouds from a height of close to 4000 meters! Begin the descent before the mists of the morning roll in, and carry back memories of a memorable mountain climb.

3 Day/ 2 Nts Mount Kinabalu Trekking

Climb Southeast Asia’s tallest mountain at the Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Trek to the summit of South East Asia’s tallest mountain, Mount Kinabalu. Standing tall at 4095.2 metres, it towers over the Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is also the domain of the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. However, it will require luck to see the latter, for they flower occasionally and only for a short period of time. Travel past the beautiful Crocker Mountains to reach the Kinabalu National Park, which is also home to the Poring Hot Springs.

Be prepared for some tough hiking and climbing, but if roughing it out in the wild is what sets your pulses racing, then every ounce of effort put in here to reach the summit is worth it! Feast your eyes on the spectacular natural vistas that await you at the summit of this mighty mountain. Rise before dawn if you want to be in time to catch a glorious sunrise. Reach out and you could almost touch the clouds from a height of close to 4000 meters! Begin the descent before the mists of the morning roll in, and carry back memories of a memorable mountain climb.

Poring & Kinabalu

Take a mineral bath, see Mount Kinabalu and take a canopy walk at the Kinabalu National Park

Get close to the jagged granite peaks of the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu (4095 metres), towering above one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, the Kinabalu National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kinabalu National Park is a natural wonder that offers visitors a glimpse into the fascinating, and often unique, world of plant and animal life within the park. Take a guided nature walk along one of the Park’s various graded trails. Visit the Exhibit Centre and Mountain Garden and learn about some of the natural wonders of the park or enjoy a completely different perspective of the forest by taking the Canopy Walk (100 – 200 feet above the forest floor).

The hot springs of Poring in the Kinabalu National Park are another major tourist attraction in Malaysia. Named after a species of giant bamboo that grows in the area, the sulphur hot springs provide a therapeutic bath and marked trails lead to small waterfalls and caves.

Headhunter’s Trail

Follow the ancient headhunters’ trail and visit the world’s largest limestone caves in Sarawak

Visit the Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and trek along the famous Headhunter’s Trail, which follows the route taken by the ancient Kayan tribes on their headhunting raids to a neighbouring river valley. They then dragged their longboats through the forest for about 3 kilometres until they reached the banks of the Terikan River, where they launched headhunting raids against the people of the Limbang area.

Sleep over at an Iban Longhouse and you might get the older men of this indigenous aboriginal tribe of Malaysia relating tales of the grisly exploits of their not-too-distant ancestors. Listen to the myriad sounds as the rainforest comes alive at night.

Explore one of Malaysia’s most popular holiday destinations in the Gunung Mulu National Park, the Mulu Caves, one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world. This breath-taking natural wonder contains the world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the world’s largest natural chamber (Sarawak Chamber), and the longest cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater Cave). These are reached by a comfortable 3-km plank walk through the jungle. Don’t miss the sight of a thousand bats exiting a cave all at once that can be seen from a viewing platform.

Coral Island (BL)

Choose from a whole list of activities on the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park region

Situated just off the west shore of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, the five emerald isles that comprise the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park are fringed with white sandy beaches, surrounded by the sparkling aqua waters of the South China Sea. The islands’ offshore reefs are filled with exotic corals and sponges and abound in tropical marine life. The islands are easily accessible, and each of the five possesses its own particular charms.

Caves & Trekking

Visit the famous limestone caves and trek up to see the Pinnacles at the Mulu National Park

Malaysia’s national parks are one of its main tourist attractions. The Gunung Mulu National Park is no exception. It is one of Nature’s more spectacular achievements and Sarawak’s largest national park, covering an enormous area of primary rainforest criss-crossed by fast flowing rivers and clear jungle streams. The Mulu Caves are one of Malaysia’s most popular holiday destinations. They are the largest limestone cave system in the world, a natural wonder, and lie hidden underneath the forested slopes of the mountains in Mulu. This system also contains the world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the world’s largest natural chamber (Sarawak Chamber) and the longest cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater Cave). Don’t miss the sight of a thousand bats exiting a cave all at once that can be seen from a viewing platform.

Kinabalu National Park (L)

Visit the picturesque Kinabalu National Park and take a walk along its many colour-coded trails

The Kinabalu National Park is one of the first national parks that came up in Malaysia and also its first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the west coast of Sabah, it is 754 square kilometres large and surrounds the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-East Asia at 4,095.2 metres. The Kinabalu Park is a nature-lover’s paradise and is home to a wide range of tropical flora and fauna. The mountain is famous for its many carnivorous plant and orchid species. A nature walk along one of the Park’s various graded trails is an ideal way to explore this abundant bounty of Nature.

Mulu River Safari

Visit the world’s largest limestone cave system and see hundreds of bats at the Mulu National Park

Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Nature’s most spectacular achievements and the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Sarawak’s expanding network of national parks. It is also the largest national park in this Malaysia state, covering an enormous area of primary rainforest criss-crossed by fast flowing rivers and clear jungle streams. The Mulu Caves are one of Malaysia’s most popular holiday destinations. They are the largest limestone cave system in the world, a natural wonder, and lie hidden underneath the forested slopes of the mountains in Mulu. This system also contains the world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the world’s largest natural chamber (Sarawak Chamber) and the longest cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater Cave). Don’t miss the sight of a thousand bats exiting a cave all at once that can be seen from a viewing platform.

Kinabalu Park & Poring (L)

Visit the hot water springs at Poring and see the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia at Kinabalu

The hot springs of Poring are a major tourist attraction in Malaysia. Named after a species of giant bamboo that grows in the area, the Poring Hot Ssprings have a very high sulphur content which makes the water very therapeutic. The Kinabalu National Park is one of the first national parks that came up in Malaysia and also its first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a nature-lover’s paradise and is home to a wide range of tropical flora and fauna, including carnivorous pitcher plants and exotic orchids.

Niah National Park

Explore the world-famous Niah Caves at the Niah National Park and see its prehistoric cave drawings

The Niah National Park, Sarawak is the site of the Niah Caves, one of the largest limestone caves in the world. The Park covers 7,756 acres of forest and limestone. The peak of Gunung Subis, which is 394 meters high, dominates the landscape. In fact, the prehistoric Niah Caves are famed for their role as one of the birthplaces of civilisation in Asia. The oldest human remains were found in Niah making the park one of the most important archaeological sites of the world. One may explore the vastness of the Great Cave, where archaeologists have discovered evidence of man’s existence in Borneo dating as far back as 40,000 years ago. On display are the skull of a young Homo Sapien, some tools made out of stone, bone and iron, and cave drawings.

Whitewater Rafting Padas River (L)

Ride the internationally renowned rapids of the Padas river, on this white water rafting adventure

Padas river is one of the internationally best-recognised white water rivers in Malaysia, with its Grade 3 and 4 rapids offering some of the most interesting courses for rafters. For those seeking thrills and adventure, the Padas River offers a heart-pounding experience, one recommended for the more adventurous rafter. On this tour, tame the rapids of Padas and enjoy a wet, rough and tumble ride in the ultimate white water rafting adventure in Sabah, Malaysia.

Whitewater Rafting Kiulu River (L)

Get on a raft and get set for an unforgettable ride on the rapids of the Kiulu River.

The Kiulu River is grade II in the international white water rafting grading system and a good spot to begin your adventure. It is an hour and a half by road north of Kota Kinabalu. At the banks of the river, after a briefing on safety procedures, you will be equipped with safety helmets and life jackets. Other than for the thrill and excitement of the adventure, river rafting is also an opportunity to see the forests and landscape from a different vantage point. With headwaters from Mount Kinabalu, this river is suitable for newcomers to this exciting sport. Deep pools punctuate the rapids and you can indulge in body-rafting or swimming. The river journey is between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on river-stage. The adventure will finally end at Kota Kinabalu.

Sepilok Orang Utan

Watch baby Orang Utans being fed and taught survival skills and see the Water Village in Sandakan

The Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan, in the Sabah district of North Borneo is located in the middle of the lush Sepilok Forest Reserve. Spread across 43 sq kilometres of land, it is a sanctuary for about 25 young and orphan Orang Utans apart from 60-80 other Orang Utans who roam freely in the reserve. It is the largest Orang-utan sanctuary in the world and also the scene of an exciting conservation programme.

The orang-utans are not kept in captivity, but rather come and go as they please while becoming used to living in the wild again after being held in captivity by various people. Dozens of other wildlife species are also treated here, including Sun bears, gibbons, Sumatran rhinos and the occasional injured elephant.

Sandakan was once the capital of the British North Borneo Charted Company. Today, it is a bustling town also serving as a gateway to other wonderful destinations on the east coast of Sabah.

Traditional Kuantan

Explore the quiet charms of traditional Kuantan, see its Hindu Temple and the regal State Mosque

Peninsular Malaysia’s largest state, Kuantan, is a place of cultural diversity like most of Malaysia and has a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities. All these communities practise their own religions and customs as is seen clearly from the variety of places of religious worship found all across the city. Worth a visit are the colourful Hindu Temple and the majestic State Mosque. Those interested in shopping can spend time at the Berjaya Mega Mall, the largest shopping mall in the East Coast. Friendly to the explorer on foot, Kuantan also reveals its charms through its street life and attractions around the old and new shops and houses in the town centre. The most famous beach, Telok Chempedak is 4 kilometres out of town with a promenade offering a number of shops, souvenir stalls and restaurants.

Kampung Tour

Get a glimpse into rural Malaysia, see how salted fish is prepared and shop for craft products

Experience a refreshingly different side of Malaysia as you tour its charming rural countryside. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia is specially perfect for leisurely driving. Dotted with numerous Malay fishing villages, one can catch sight of the locals dragging their catch to the shore, and others busy processing the fish to prepare the local delicacy, salted fish. Subsisting totally on whatever Nature gives them, these fishing villages are actually mini rural industries. Touring rural Malaysia can be a fun and an informative experience.

Lake Chini

Explore Malaysian wilderness and the beautiful Lake Chini in Pahang in a traditional river boat

Of the various modes of exploring the diverse topography of Malaysia, a boat excursion is truly unique. This tour allows you to explore Malaysian wilderness and the beautiful Lake Chini in a traditional river boat. The lake, with its fascinating myths, has been attracting tourists from far and near. Legend has it that an ancient Khmer city once existed there and this has since resulted in several scientific expeditions being mounted by both local and foreign archaeologists. It is also popularly believed that a mythical monster lurks in its depths and guards the lake. Lake Chini has a number of wooden chalets and restaurants to cater for overnight visitors. There are also a number of camping spots if you plan to rough it out.

Marang River Safari (Refreshment)

Explore the lush Malaysian countryside and dense mangrove forests with a cruise on the Marang river

Rivers and their tributaries are the lifeblood of Terengganu with early dwellings initially established on riverbanks. The quaint villages along Marang river display the traditional lifestyles of the locals amidst a flourishing fishing industry. Explore the Malaysian countryside and experience its wilderness on a boat cruise on the Marang river. The river winds its way through thick mangrove swamps, its banks home to a variety of animals like monkeys, monitor lizards, crabs, colourful birds, eagles and otters. Along its marshy banks exist numerous traditional villages, many of which are involved in local cottage industries like Attap leaves roof weaving and coconut sugar making.

Hidden Treasures of Rantau Abang

Visit the sanctuary of the endangered giant leatherback turtles and learn more about them

Rantau Abang, located 56 kilometres north of Kuala Terengganu, is a sanctuary for the giant leatherback turtle and a popular tourist destination. This is also one of only six beaches in the world where the giant leatherback turtles come in yearly between May and September to lay their eggs on the beach. This is one of the most famous tourist overnight-stop spot to watch the female turtles lay their eggs at night. The beach has a steep and deep slope that allows the turtles to land straight up the beach and lay their eggs. Leatherback turtles come to the same spot every year to lay their eggs.