Splendors of Malaysia 10 Days
10 Days: Kota Kinabalu - Abai - Sukau - Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu - Kuala Lumpur
Tour overview:
This tour starts in Borneo where you will see the highest peak in Southeast Asia, Mt Kinabalu; the orangutans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Center; and a stay in a rainforest lodge. You then will travel to the Peninsula to the capital city, Kuala Lumpur with its tall twin towers and visit the UNESCO site in Malacca.
Day 1 - Arrive Kota Kinabalu
Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, you will be transferred to hotel
Standard check-in time at 3.00 PM
Overnight at Grandis Hotel / Sutera Harbour Resort (Magellan Wing)
Day 2 - In Kota Kinabalu
Drive 2 hours overland to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu at 1500m above sea level. Have a short stop at Pekan Nabalu market to savor local fruits that are in season. Visit the Kinabalu Geopark Gallery and Mountain Garden in Kinabalu Park Headquarters. If the weather permits, take a guided walk on one of the trails in the cool surroundings to explore the montane forest. Return to Kota Kinabalu.
Overnight at Grandis Hotel / Sutera Harbour Resort (Magellan Wing). Meal: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 3 - Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan – Sepilok – Abai (Flight Is Not Included)
Transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your departure flight to Sandakan via AK 6492 (0625/0710). Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, transfer to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. We proceed to watch a video show about the plight of the Orang Utans and the rehabilitation efforts ongoing at the Centre. Walk ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orang utans at 1000hrs, and then we continue to the newly completed enclosed nursery area for young orang utans. Thereafter, visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the conservation of the world’s smallest bear.
Embark your boat (sharing basis) and cruise to your jungle lodge, where we enjoy lunch before checking into our rooms. Later, join an evening 'safari' cruise along the Kinabatangan River to spot some of the abundant wildlife. The waterway sustains one of the world’s richest ecosystems, including 10 species of primates. As the sun sets, look out for the fireflies that illuminate the forest. Return to the lodge for dinner. Afterwards, you may like to wander around the lodge's boardwalk, keeping an eye out for nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight at Abai Jungle Lodge. Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4 - Abai – Sukau
The early morning is a good time to spot wildlife activity. Embark on a pre-breakfast cruise to the Oxbow Lake, looking out for wildlife or simply enjoying the peaceful ambience. Return to the lodge for breakfast.
Visit a local village before lunch and then return to the lodge and enjoy some time at leisure to nap or explore.
Checkout from your accommodation and depart by boat to Sukau by boat (sharing basis). Take a final wildlife cruise this evening, in search of hornbills, pygmy elephants and orangutans, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Overnight at Kinabatangan Rverside Lodge. Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5 - Sukau – Lahad Datu – Danum Valley
6.30 AM – Check out from Sukau Rainforest Lodge and proceed by overland to Lahad Datu. After a brief orientation and safety overview, enjoy a scenic overland transfer to the coastal gateway of W Bay Payang. Upon arrival, savor a fresh breakfast by the water as our marine experts prepare your professional snorkeling gear and share insights into the unique aquatic ecosystem you are about to explore.
Next, board our vessel for an excursion to the spectacular Blue Ring Reef, Malaysia's only known double marine blue hole, and the vibrant Laila Reef. Immerse yourself in these rare underwater wonders, snorkeling among dazzling coral gardens teeming with exotic marine life. Enjoy a tranquil surface interval on board or soaking in the panoramic beauty of Darvel Bay at the serene Kalung-Kalungan stop.
Continue your coastal exploration to Pulau Baik, where a sunken Japanese cargo vessel from the 1980s has transformed into a thriving marine sanctuary, perfect for an unforgettable snorkeling experience.
After returning to the coast for a freshwater rinse and a relaxed seaside lunch, take a moment to unwind before your journey inland. In the afternoon, travel into the heart of the Dan um Valley Conservation Area. This transition from coast to ancient dipterocarp forest offers a fascinating look at Borneo's diverse landscapes.
Upon arrival at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, settle into your luxurious retreat with a signature welcome drink. Begin with a 5-star facilities introduction by our Front Office team, followed by your Nature Guide's briefing on the evening's adventures. As dusk falls, step into the shadows of the 130-million-year-old jungle for a Guided Night Walk or Night Drive, offering your first encounter with the mysterious nocturnal wildlife of the valley.
Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6 - In Danum Valley
Awaken to the sounds of the rainforest and set off on a morning trek to a scenic viewpoint and the ancient Dusun burial site known as Coffin Cliff. This trail offers both cultural insight and panoramic views of the valley. Cool off in the Natural Jacuzzi Pool before returning to the Lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, explore the 314-meter-long Canopy Walkway, suspended 27 meters above the forest floor, where you can experience the rainforest from a different perspective. Alternatively, for an added adventure, you may choose to enjoy river rafting or jungle cycling, available for an additional fee. If weather conditions limit outdoor activities, engaging in indoor cultural sessions is offered. Or take the time to relax and enjoy the Lodge's serene surroundings.
As night returns, venture out once more on a Night Walk or Night Drive to discover the forest's hidden, nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7 - Danum Valley – Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu (Flight Is Not Included)
Begin your final morning with an optional early walk through the awakening forest. After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time before checking out from the Lodge. Your journey concludes with a return transfer to Lahad Datu, taking you with your unforgettable memories of Borneo's coastal beauty and ancient rainforests. Depart to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, you will be transferred to hotel.
Overnight at Grandis Hotel / Sutera Harbour Resort (Magellan Wing). Meal: Breakfast
Day 8 - Kota Kinabalu – Kualalumpur (Flight Is Not Included)
Transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for flight to Kuala Lumpur. On arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), you will be transferred to hotel.
Overnight at Dorsett Kuala Lumpur / Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. Meal: Breakfast
Day 9 - In Kuala Lumpur
Transfer to Malacca, about 2 hours drives from Kuala Lumpur. Visit St. Paul's Hill, where St. Francis Xavier was interned; Porta de Santiago, left behind by the Portuguese and Dutch during their colonial rule; Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum and Jonker Street, known as 'Antique Row' and famous for its antiques and local arts & crafts.
In the afternoon, you will be taken to the jetty and embark on a scenic Malacca River Cruise (sharing with other customer). This cruise takes you past traditional Malaccan houses and the Kampung Morten.
Overnight at Dorsett Kuala Lumpur / Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. Meal: Breakfast.
Day 10 - Depart Kuala Lumpur
9.00 AM – Pick up from your hotel in Kuala Lumpur and transfer to Petronas Twin Towers and visit Skybridge & 86th Floor Observation Deck. This is a 45 minutes guided tour (visiting time is subject to availability of the ticket & closed on Monday). Continue with an orientation tour of the city covering the major historical landmarks - National Mosque, Merdeka (Independence) Square, Central Market, Masjid Jamek and Chinatown. Much of the history of the city is depicted here as well as the tradition and cultural heritage of the major communities.
Transfer to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) for your departure flight. Meal: Breakfast