Malaysia and Borneo highlights

Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. You will be met & greeted by your local representative and transferred to the Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur, where you will stay for three nights. Depending on your flight arrival time, you may have the day free to explore the area around the hotel, which is only a five-minute walk away from KL's iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the city centre.

Embark on a captivating half-day KL Cultural & Heritage Tour, exploring Malaysia's rich multi-cultural tapestry. Visit Chan See Shu Yuen Clan House, China Town's pre-war buildings, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Central Market, Sze Yeh Temple, Jamek Mosque, and Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Merdeka Square. After lunch, venture to the limestone hills of Batu Caves. Ascend 272 steps to the temple cave and explore the museum cave with Hindu scriptures' depictions. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, enjoying an evening at leisure for shopping.

After breakfast, you'll be met and taken to Melaka for a full-day historical tour. Explore St. Peter’s Church (1710), the oldest functioning Christian Church in Malaysia. Discover the Sultan’s Well, the Portuguese Settlement, and the iconic 'Port De Santiago' gateway. Visit "Red Square," home to Dutch administrative buildings now housing the Malacca Museum. Explore Christchurch and the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, uniting Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Conclude with a scenic Malacca River boat ride, revealing the city's history. Return to the hotel in the evening.

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and head on a northward journey to the charming hill resort of Cameron Highlands. First mapped by British surveyor William Cameron in 1885, it gained prominence when Sir George Maxwell decided to develop it as a hill station in 1925. A dedicated committee oversaw the construction of the winding road to the highlands, completed by manual labour. Upon arrival in Ringlet in the afternoon, check in at The Lakehouse hotel, where you will stay two nights. The evening is yours to enjoy the rejuvenating cool air.

Today you have a full-day adventure starting at 0900 hours with a hotel pick-up. Cruise in a Land Rover through Cameron Highlands' scenic tea gardens to Gunung Brinchang, reaching 6,666 feet above sea level. Your private guide will explain the history of the tea plantations while you soak in breathtaking views. Explore the exotic Mossy Forest with a nature guide, discovering unique flora. Descend to Sungei Palas ‘BOH’ Tea Factory for a tour, tea bush walk, and factory exploration. Your guide will then lead a tour covering the Rose Garden and vegetable farms. Conclude the day at your hotel.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a check-out at noon. Depart from the scenic Cameron Highlands, heading north towards the picturesque island of Penang. Traverse the impressive 13.5-kilometre Penang Bridge before arriving on the island. Check-in at The Royale Chulan Penang, where you'll spend two nights.

Today you have an early morning wake-up, so make sure you are clad in comfortable attire to explore the lively Georgetown wetmarket's fresh produce, vibrant stalls, and engaging atmosphere. Delve into the art of haggling and immerse yourself in the bustling environment. Traverse Georgetown's streets, beginning with historical landmarks like St. George’s Church and the Goddess of Mercy Temple. Wander through vibrant stalls, spice shops, and traditional eateries, guided by your knowledgeable escort. The exploration concludes with a visit to the iconic Sri Mariamman Temple and the richly adorned Khoo Kongsi, offering a multifaceted glimpse into Georgetown's cultural tapestry.

Following a satisfying breakfast, check out and transfer to Penang International Airport, allowing ample time for the three-hour journey, considering traffic and flight details. Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport, transfer to your HOTEL, where you will stay for two nights. Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore KK's nightlife or visit the nearby Filipino Night Market.

After breakfast today, you will begin with a half-day visit to Mari-Mari Cultural Village. You will be greeted with a warm welcome ceremony by the chief and a briefing on village rules. Traverse traditional homes of Sabah's ethnicities, which have been built by the descendants of the tribes they are representing. Engage in demonstrations, from tobacco cutting to blowpipe making: immerse yourself in the charm of the past with simulated activities and cultural performances. Explore each dwelling, culminating in a delightful buffet. Capture memories at the souvenir shop before bidding farewell and returning to the 21st century, whereupon you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Depart at 0530 for your flight to Sandakan, where the day unfolds in natural wonders. At Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, witness the 10 am feeding of orangutans in their natural habitat and delve into the rainforest's beauty. Continue the journey to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where efforts are dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and release of the world's smallest bear species, the Malayan sun bear. After a local restaurant lunch, explore Sandakan's landmarks on a city tour, including the Central Market, Sim-Sim Water Village, and the panoramic Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple. In the evening, you will be transferred to the Hotel Sabah where you will stay overnight

After a leisurely breakfast, you have the morning to yourself until check out and transfer to Sandakan Airport for your flight back to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to Le Meridien for one more night. Commence your evening adventure at dusk with a delightful exploration of the vibrant night market, brimming with trinkets and souvenirs. Witness the city's nightlife come alive in all its glittering splendour from Singal Hill's observation deck. Indulge in a delectable Malaysian dinner complemented by a lively cultural showcase featuring Sabah dances. Concluding the night on a high note, take the reins of your evening and paint the town red at one of the city's popular nightspots, ensuring a memorable and vibrant end to the Borneo component of your tour.

In the morning, wake up and drink your coffee with the sounds of the rainforest. When it is time to transfer to the airport, check out of your hotel and board your flight to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Hotel Maya once again for a final night. The evening is at your leisure to do some last-minute shopping and maybe to check out the night markets of Kuala Lumpur.

After breakfast, transfer to KLIA. Time to depart Malaysia with amazing memories of a fantastic journey through this incredible place.