Peninsular Malaysia & Malaysian Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak)
10 Days / 9 Nights
Private tour in English
From €2,230 per person
Tour Overview
A balanced itinerary between the Malay Peninsula and Borneo, designed for those who want to experience Malaysia seamlessly and comfortably. From the skyline of Kuala Lumpur to traditional villages, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Penang to the authentic culture of Sarawak, with the orangutans of Semenggoh and the nature of Bako National Park. The journey concludes with exclusive sea and relaxation on the tropical island of Gaya, amidst rainforest, white beaches, and eco-luxury resorts. A private tour with an English-speaking guide that combines nature, culture, and wellness.
Tour Highlights:
🌃 Kuala Lumpur tra templi e sapori locali
🇲🇾 Esperienza autentica in villaggio malese
🛕 Batu Caves e Ipoh heritage
🦧 Orang Utan Island a Bukit Merah
🍲 Penang UNESCO e street food
🌇 Kuching e cultura del Sarawak
🌳 Bako National Park e fauna tropicale
🍻 Kota Kinabalu waterfront
🏝️ Mare e relax esclusivo a Gaya Island
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Arrivo a Kuala Lumpur
Day 1
Day Description
Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, meet and greet with our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Standard check-in at 3:00 PM. Early check-in available upon request.
Free day to acclimatize and absorb the jet lag.
Overnight: The Stripes Kuala Lumpur 5* – Deluxe Room
Kuala Lumpur City Tour (Breakfast, Star-Lunch)
Day 2
Day Description
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide at 9:00 am for a morning dedicated to discovering the main symbols of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's dynamic and multicultural capital.
The first stop is the Thean Hou Temple, one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. Dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, venerated by the Hainanese community, the temple is a refined example of syncretic architecture combining Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions. Situated on a hill, it offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Continue with a photo stop outside the Royal Palace (Istana Negara), the official residence of the King of Malaysia. The palace, visible only from the outside, is protected by royal guards in traditional uniforms.
The itinerary continues with a panoramic drive in front of the National Mosque (Masjid Negara), a symbol of Malaysia's religious and cultural independence, built in 1965 in a modern architectural style with traditional Islamic influences.
Arrival at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), a symbol of liberation from British rule, where the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time on August 31, 1957. The square is surrounded by some of the city's most significant colonial buildings, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, characterized by its Moorish-style domes.
In the late morning, stop at a local restaurant famous for its chicken rice, an iconic Malaysian dish. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star for the quality and authenticity of the dish, which pairs tender steamed or soy-cooked chicken with flavored rice and traditional sauces. Return to the hotel after lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure for individual activities. We suggest visiting the adjacent Central Market, a historic covered market where you can purchase local handicrafts, batik, and souvenirs, or strolling through nearby Chinatown, a vibrant neighborhood with stalls, street food, and ancient temples such as the Guan Di Temple and Sri Mahamariamman.
Overnight: The Stripes Kuala Lumpur 5* – Deluxe Room.
Note: Optional evening excursions available upon request.
Kuala Lumpur – Batu Caves – Ipoh – Malay Village (traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Day 3
Day Description
Depart at 8:30 a.m. for the Batu Caves, a complex of limestone caves sacred to the Hindu community, known for the monumental golden statue of the god Murugan and the long, colorful staircase leading into the main cave.
Continue to Ipoh (200 km – approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, lunch at a local restaurant on Temersing Lake, where you can sample typical specialties such as nasi lemak, curry mee, and Ipoh's famous white coffee.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Ipoh: visit Concubine Lane, a historic street lined with artisan shops and cafes, and Mural Art's Lane, a street decorated with murals that tell the stories of the city and its people.
Afterward, transfer to a traditional Malay village (approximately 65 km – 1 hour) where you will have the opportunity to experience authentic Malay village life at a charming homestay on the shores of the lake. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a welcome drink, checked into the traditional wooden chalets, and given an introduction to the local culture. During your stay, you'll enjoy cultural activities such as a sarong-making lesson and the traditional game of congkak. Dinner is shared, featuring a traditional Malay menu personally prepared by the hosts, with traditional attire provided.
Overnight stay: Heritage wooden house without air conditioning, private bathroom. Alcohol is prohibited, and shoes are not permitted inside the houses.
Malay Village - Bukit Merah - Penang (breakfast, lunch, street food in Penang)
Day 4
Day Description
After a traditional breakfast in the village, at 9:45 a.m., we leave the tranquil rural setting behind and continue toward the vibrant island of Penang, crossing the hinterland of West Malaysia.
En route, we reach Bukit Merah (80 km - 60 min), home to Orang Utan Island, a conservation project dedicated to protecting Bornean orangutans. A short boat transfer (departure time 11:15 a.m.) takes us to the forest island where orangutans live in semi-freedom. During the visit, we walk through a protected tunnel where we can observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat and learn about the conservation projects for this endangered species. The visit lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
We continue northwest (75 km - 60 min), arriving in Penang via one of Asia's longest bridges, which connects the mainland to the island and offers panoramic views of the strait.
Upon arrival in Georgetown, the historic heart of Penang and a UNESCO World Heritage site, we'll stop for lunch at a typical local food court. Here, you'll be able to sample some of the island's most famous specialties, such as Char Kway Teow, Assam Laksa, and Penang Rojak, an expression of the region's multicultural cuisine.
After lunch, we'll continue with a visit to Penang's most famous water village, Chew Jetty, part of the Clan Jetties, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consisting of historic Chinese settlements built on stilts over the water, they showcase a unique way of life and offer a glimpse into Penang's past.
The tour continues with a discovery of the island's historical and religious heritage.
A visit to the exterior of Fort Cornwallis, the oldest British fortification in Malaysia, built by Sir Francis Light in the 18th century. From the fort's ramparts, you can observe the harbor and the numerous colonial buildings surrounding the square, a testament to the British imperial era.
We then enter the beating heart of the city by visiting Khoo Kongsi, one of the most impressive Chinese clan houses in the country, adorned with elaborate wooden carvings and architectural details typical of southern Chinese communities.
The tour continues on foot through the alleys of the historic center, passing art galleries, artisan cafes, and historic shops, where Chinese temples, mosques, and Christian churches coexist. The spice-scented streets lead to Little India, a neighborhood bustling with shops selling colorful fabrics, spices, and Indian street food.
At the end of the tour, check-in to your hotel and enjoy free time to rest or explore the city on your own.
Overnight stay: The George Boutique Hotel 5* – Deluxe Room
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that the visit to Orang Utan Island is not possible due to the lowering of the Bukit Merah lake, the guide will arrange additional visits on the same day to Georgetown on Penang Island, including visits to the interesting Thai and Burmese temples.
Penang - Kuching (breakfast)
Day 5
Day Description
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free to explore Georgetown on your own until transfer to Penang Airport for your flight to Kuching. Arrival at Kuching Airport, meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel.
2:30 PM Departure from the hotel for a city tour, Sarawak's charming capital with beautiful ancient buildings, open-air markets, Chinese temples, and mosques. The tour concludes with a visit to the Sarawak Natural History and Ethnography Museum, built by the second White Rajah, Charles Brooke.
Overnight stay at Waterfront Hotel Kuching 4* - Deluxe room
Kuching (Breakfast)
Day 6
Day Description
Breakfast at the hotel. 9:00 AM Departure for the Semenggoh Conservation Center, home to several wild and semi-wild orangutans. You'll be able to observe the animals in their habitat and approach the platforms where rangers will place food to supplement the orangutans' natural food sources in the forest. You'll learn about the fascinating world of these primates, among the most human-like. Return to the hotel.
2:00 PM Departure for the Sarawak Cultural Village. This village is a "living museum" of Sarawak's history and culture, displaying traditional dwellings, daily activities, and crafts of all Sarawak's indigenous races. The guided tour will take you to discover the homes of local tribes, and in a special theater, you'll be able to watch some traditional dances. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Waterfront Hotel Kuching 4* - Deluxe room
Kuching - Bako - Kuching (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 7
Day Description
Breakfast at the resort. Visit the National Park north of Kuching. A wide variety of botanical treasures awaits you in this pristine tropical forest. The road to the park passes through rural landscapes and rivers. You can hike along one of the park's many trails, including the popular Lintang. Exotic plants and animals such as proboscis monkeys, langurs, macaques, monitor lizards, wild boars, and deer can be encountered along the trails. You can swim, birdwatch, or simply relax in the park's pristine nature. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
Waterfront Hotel Kuching 4* - Deluxe room
Kuching - Kota Kinabalu - Gaya Island (Breakfast)
Day 8
Day Description
After breakfast, you'll have free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a modern city overlooking the South China Sea, yet it retains an authentic soul that reveals itself as you stroll through the local markets, downtown streets, and the waterfront.
Upon arrival, you'll meet with the local staff and transfer to the pier for a 20-minute ferry ride to Gaya Island. Check-in at the resort.
Sun, sea, and relaxation await at the resort, nestled between tropical rainforest and white-sand beaches with views of the South China Sea and Mount Kinabalu on the horizon. Each villa is elegantly designed and eco-luxuriously integrated with the surrounding nature, and many offer panoramic balconies overlooking the mangroves, forest, or sea. The resort offers gourmet restaurants, an award-winning Spa Village surrounded by nature, a seafront pool, marine activities, and conservation and nature programs, for a rejuvenating stay immersed in the surrounding environment.
Overnight stay at Gaya Island Resort 5* - Bayu Villa
Note: Gaya Island Resort can be substituted with the Bunga Raya Boutique Resort 5* or properties on the coast in Kota Kinabalu, such as the Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai 4* or the Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort 5*.
Gaya Island (Breakfast)
Day 9
Day Description
Breakfast at the resort. Sun, sea, and relaxation, or the option to participate in one of the various activities offered daily.
Overnight stay at Gaya Island Resort 5* - Bayu Villa
Gaya Island - Kota Kinabalu airport(Breakfast)
Day 10
Day Description
Breakfast at the resort and free time (standard check-out time 11:00 am) until the transfer by boat and land to the airport.
Day 11
Day Description
Day 12
Day Description