Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah Borneo
10 Days / 9 Nights
Group tour in Italian with limited number of participants (max 10 people) / Private tour in English
From €3,265 per person
Tour Overview
A comprehensive itinerary between the Malay Peninsula and Sabah Borneo, designed for those seeking a profound and authentic Asian experience. From the skyline of Kuala Lumpur to traditional villages, from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Penang to the wild nature of Borneo, including orangutans, sun bears, and river cruises on the Kinabatangan. The journey concludes on a truly private tropical island in Lankayan, nestled between turquoise seas and white sand. A small-group tour with an Italian guide, seamless, exclusive, and packed with excitement.
Tour Highlights:
🍝 Temples and Street Food in Kuala Lumpur
🛕 Batu Caves and Ipoh Heritage Site
🥻 Authentic Malay Village Experience
🏛️ Penang UNESCO World Heritage Site and Clan Houses
🌅 Kota Kinabalu and Sunsets over the Sea
🌳 Kinabalu Park UNESCO World Heritage Site
🦧 Sepilok Orangutan Centre & 🐻 Sun Bear Conservation Centre
🛶 Kinabatangan River Cruises
🐘 Borneo Wildlife
🏝️ Lankayan Private Island
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Arrival in 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 acclimatise and absorb 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
Partenza alle 08:30 in direzione Batu Caves, un complesso di grotte calcaree sacre alla comunità induista, noto per la monumentale statua dorata del dio Murugan e per la lunga scalinata colorata che conduce all’interno della grotta principale.
Proseguimento verso Ipoh (200 km – circa 3 ore). All’arrivo, pranzo in un ristorante locale sul lago di Temersing, dove sarà possibile assaggiare specialità tipiche come il nasi lemak, curry mee e il famoso white coffee di Ipoh.
Nel pomeriggio, tour a piedi di Ipoh: si visitano Concubine Lane, storica via costellata di negozi artigianali e caffetterie, e la Mural Art’s Lane, strada decorata da murales che raccontano storie della città e della sua gente.
Al termine, trasferimento al villaggio tradizionale malese (circa 65 km – 1 ora) dove si avrà l’occasione di vivere un’esperienza autentica di vita da villaggio Malese presso una incantevole Homestay sulle sponde del lago. All’arrivo, accoglienza con bevanda di benvenuto, check-in nei tipici chalet in legno e introduzione alla cultura locale. Durante il soggiorno, attività culturali come la lezione sul sarong e il gioco tradizionale congkak. Si cena tutti insieme, il menù è quello tradizionale Malay preparato personalmente dai proprietari di casa, con abbigliamento tipico fornito in loco.
Pernottamento: Heritage wooden house senza aria condizionata, bagno privato. Vietato l’uso di alcolici, non è consentito indossare scarpe all’interno delle abitazioni.
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
Penang - Kota Kinabalu (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 Kota Kinabalu.
Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, meet local staff and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a modern city overlooking the South China Sea, yet retains an authentic soul that reveals itself as you stroll through the local markets, downtown streets, and waterfront.
Free time for your first exploration: we recommend a stroll to the Waterfront Esplanade, a lively area of restaurants and cafes overlooking the sea, or to Tanjung Aru Beach for a breathtaking sunset.
For dinner, we recommend one of the many stalls at the Filipino Market, where you can enjoy grilled seafood and local specialties, or one of the various restaurants along the Waterfront.
Overnight stay: Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre 4* – Superior Room.
Kinabalu Park (breakfast, lunch)
Day 6
Day Description
After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary biodiversity. Located about 90 km from Kota Kinabalu (about a 2-hour drive), the park is home to Mount Kinabalu (4,095 meters), the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. The first stop is the local Nabalu Market, which sells fresh produce and handcrafted souvenirs, before continuing to the park entrance. Throughout the day, hike along easy nature trails within the park, visiting the Botanical Garden, where you can admire rare orchids, giant ferns, carnivorous plants, and many other endemic species. Lunch is served at a local restaurant near the park. Return to the city in the late afternoon. Dinner is free.
Overnight stay: Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre 4* – Superior Room.
Note: Request a takeaway breakfast at reception, ready by 4:45 am the following day.
Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan -Sepilok - Abai Kinabatangan River (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 7
Day Description
4:45 a.m. Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Sandakan AK6492 BKI SDK 0625 0710 (not included)
Upon arrival, we recommend guests wait at the Starbucks at the airport for the driver to arrive for the transfer to Sepilok (30 minutes). 9:00 a.m. Opening of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, one of Borneo's most important conservation projects, where orphaned orangutans rescued from the illegal trade are rehabilitated. Here, you can witness the orangutan feeding session and visit the nursery housing the reintroduction cubs.
The visit continues to the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the sun bear, the smallest of the bears and a species endemic to Southeast Asia. From elevated walkways, you can observe these fascinating animals, who, after being rescued from poaching, live here in a protected environment.
After the visits, transfer to the nearby Sandakan Jetty and board at 12:00 for a river cruise to the Abai Forest, along the lower Kinabatangan River. The transfer takes approximately 1.5 hours, passing through mangroves and floodplain forest.
Upon arrival at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, lunch is served and guests settle into a lodge immersed in nature.
In the afternoon, depart for a picturesque sunset river cruise, the perfect time to observe wildlife along the riverbanks. Proboscidean monkeys, the symbol of Borneo, are often spotted among the treetops, along with colorful birds and, occasionally, rare pygmy elephants. Dinner at the lodge and the evening is free to relax while listening to the sounds of the nocturnal jungle.
Overnight: Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort – Deluxe Chalet.
Abai Kinabatangan River - Sandakan - Lankayan Island (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 8
Day Description
Early in the morning, embark on another boat excursion to explore the river and observe wildlife during the busiest hours of the day.
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 am by boat for the Sandakan jetty, from where at 10:00 am we continue by boat (about 90 minutes) to the idyllic Lankayan Island. Lankayan Island Resort is an exclusive eco-friendly resort located on a small private island in the Sulu Sea. Here, pristine nature, white sand beaches, and turquoise water combine with a relaxed atmosphere and simple luxury.
🌴 Key Features:
• The only resort on the island, nestled in a marine protected area with a strong commitment to environmental conservation.
• Accommodations in wooden beachfront chalets with ocean-facing balconies and essential comforts for relaxation. 
• Ideal destination for diving and snorkeling: numerous nearby dive sites, rich in coral and marine life, with the possibility of spotting sea turtles, whale sharks (seasonal), and macro life.
• Peaceful and natural environment, perfect for those seeking peace, families, or honeymooners. 
Sun, sea, and relaxation on full board. Full board accommodation at Lankayan Island Resort - Beach Chalet (non-divers)
Note: Lankayan Island Resort can be substituted with the other islands of Mataking, Pom Pom, Kapalai, or Mabul on the Semporna side, or with Gaya Island in Kota Kinabalu. Lankayan Island Resort is closed during the months of January and February.
Lankayan Island (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 9
Day Description
Sun, sea, and relaxation with full board. Full-board accommodation at Lankayan Island Resort - Beach Chalet (non-diver)
Lankayan Island - Sandakan Pier - Sandakan Airport (Breakfast)
Day 10
Day Description
Breakfast and 7:00 a.m. boat departure to Sandakan Pier.
Upon arrival, transfer to Sandakan Airport, arriving around 9:30 a.m.
Day 11
Day Description
Day 12
Day Description