Compare Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula by Exodus Travels vs Cameron & Mount Brinchang Discovery (3 Days / 2 Nights) by Adventoro Travel

Day 1 Start Sepilok; optional night walk

There will be an initial group briefing with your leader later this afternoon. There should be the opportunity for an optional night walk this evening before dinner (please ask your leader upon arrival). If there is no time this evening, we may be able to do the night walk tomorrow. Accommodation: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (or similar)

Day 2 Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary; optional visit to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Created in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world and aims to rehabilitate and release orphaned and captured orangutans into the wild. This morning, we visit the informative headquarters and see the animals at feeding time. In the afternoon, we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which has an impressive canopy walkway offering great views over the Sepilok Reserve. This is a great place to see birds, including hornbills and Borneo bristleheads, and during fruiting season we may spot the odd orangutan. There is an option to return to the orangutan sanctuary for the second feeding session in the afternoon (return transfer costs not included) as well as the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Speak to your leader for more information on this option. Accommodation: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort (or similar)

Day 3 Travel to Kinabatangan; afternoon river cruise

Day 4 Explore Kinabatangan river

Up early, we head out on a dawn wildlife cruise on the river in search of more wildlife. After breakfast, we head out on a walk on one of the surrounding nature trails. This afternoon, we learn a bit more about local conservation efforts and contribute ourselves by planting trees. Later, we return to the river to look for crocodiles and other forest residents. There should be the opportunity this evening for an optional night walk where we may see owls or even Western tarsiers. Accommodation: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (or similar)

Day 5 Drive to Sandakan via the War Memorial; free time

Leaving after breakfast, we head to Sandakan (approximately 2hr 30min drive) stopping at the Sandakan War Memorial en route. After checking in at our hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax, swim in the hotel pool, enjoy local cuisine or explore the vibrant, compact streets of Sandakan. Accommodation: Sabah Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Fly to Kuala Lumpur and on to Malacca

After breakfast, we transfer to Sandakan Airport and bid farewell to Borneo to check in for our flight to Kuala Lumpur on the Malaysian Peninsula (there is a 33lb/15kg restriction but it is possible to pay for excess luggage at the airport or your leader can arrange this at the start of the tour). Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, we meet our leader for this section of the trip. We then take a two-hour transfer to Malacca. Upon arrival at our hotel in the afternoon, there is time to relax and explore this historic and culturally rich city. Accommodation: Ibis Melaka (or similar)

Day 7 Walking and trishaw tour of Malacca

Malacca is a well-preserved colonial town with a mix of Portuguese, British and Dutch architecture. The quaint Chinatown neighbourhood is home to numerous antique shops plus a Hindu temple, Taoist temple and a mosque, while the oldest functioning church in Malaysia is nearby across the canal. We explore the city by foot and by using its colourful and distinctive trishaws. This evening, we go out to try Malacca cuisine. Known as Baba Nyonya, it is a blend of Chinese, Malay and other influences and is a speciality of the town. Accommodation: Ibis Melaka (or similar)

Day 8 Transfer to Kuala Lumpur via the Batu Caves

Leaving the sleepy charm of Malacca, we first transfer (approximately three hours) to the Batu Caves. These limestone caves are a holy Hindu site and are guarded by a giant statue of the Hindu god Lord Murugan. Behind the statue are the 272 steps that lead to the caves and large numbers of monkeys. We then take a short transfer to Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia. Known as KL, this vibrant city shows a completely different side of the country. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore the city further, visit the Petronas Towers or enjoy a spot of shopping. Please note, the Petronas Towers are closed on Mondays (Day 9 of the itinerary) and advanced booking online is recommended at least a week before arrival to avoid disappointment. Please see the optional excursions section of the Trip Notes for further details. If you want a drink with amazing views later this evening, head to one of the many rooftop bars in KL and enjoy the cityscape at night. Accommodation: Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur (or similar)

Day 9 Orientation walk and explore Malaysian cuisine on a city food tour; free afternoon

After breakfast, we first head out on an orientation walk of Kuala Lumpur followed by a city food tour.  KL mixes Malay, Indian and Chinese traditions and people and the best way to discover this diversity is on a city food tour. We discover different neighbourhoods with their distinct sights, sounds, smells and, of course, delicacies. We start at Masjid Jamek and learn how KL started. We also visit the oldest Chinese and Indian temple in the city to learn more about those communities. Our visit to Chinatown is rewarded by tasty noodles. After this, take a short ride on the modern transport system towards Brickfields. This is Little India, and our senses will be assaulted by loud and colourful architecture, music and food as we walk through the Indian neighbourhood. We sample delicious Indian dishes served on banana leaves and seek street vendors for snacks to end our food journey. The rest of the day is free to explore more of the city at your own pace. You can shop in the malls, visit one of the museums or take in the views from the KL Tower (some sites and museums are closed on Mondays, such as the Petronas Towers and Bridge, please see details under optional excursions in the Trip Notes). Accommodation: Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur (or similar)

Day 10 Catch the train to Penang; afternoon walk around the colonial town of Georgetown

Today, we head north by train as we make our way to Butterworth (about four hours). From here, it’s a short transfer across the bridge to the island of Penang and the town of Georgetown, a Unesco World Heritage site due to its architectural and cultural landscape. Upon arrival, we have a late afternoon orientation tour. Accommodation: Royal Chulan Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Georgetown walking tour to explore the street art, culture and heritage of Penang

This morning, we explore more Malaysian diversity on a walking city tour. Georgetown is known for its cultural sights and natural scenery. Explore on foot to see well-preserved colonial structures, ornate temples and colourful street art. We end our walk with a visit to Khoo Clan House and Museum. This afternoon, there is free time to explore further on your own. Perhaps scale Penang Hill or visit the Botanical Gardens. Alternatively, stroll to the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, which has been restored to its past grandeur: the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea or gin and tonic. Accommodation: Royal Chulan Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Fly to Langkawi island

This morning is free for a final exploration before we take an afternoon transfer to the airport for a short flight from Penang to Langkawi island (there is a 33lb/15kg restriction on checked luggage but it is possible to pay for excess luggage at the airport or your leader can help arrange this at the start of your trip). Officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah, it is an archipelago of almost 100 tropical islands surrounded by the turquoise Andaman Sea with pristine beaches and jungles. After checking into our hotel, there will be time to relax and enjoy the area at leisure. Accommodation: Tropical Resort Langkawi (or similar)

Day 13 Free day to explore the island or just relax on the beach; final group dinner

Today is a free day to relax on the beach or partake in one of the various optional activities on offer. These options include going on a mangrove tour, kayaking or taking the cable car. This evening, we enjoy a group farewell dinner (included) on our final evening in this tropical paradise. Accommodation: Tropical Resort Langkawi (or similar)

Day 14 Trip ends this morning

The trip ends after breakfast today. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1: Depart For Cameron Highlands (220km)

Begin your journey at 8.30am for Cameron Highlands, located 1,542 metres above sea level. Though that is the destination, it will not stop us from stopping by the famed Batu Caves, a sacred Hindu cave temple that sits atop 272 steps; built into limestone. We will also visit a cottage industry of basket weaving, a native settlement and the Lata Iskandar cascade for a full experience. Making use of the rest of the day, enjoy an afternoon tea at the hotel, relax or explore the grounds upon arrival, sometime between 4 pm to 5 pm.

Day 2: Cameron Highlands (Discover Cameron Tour – soft adventure)

Once you have had a good night’s sleep and munched on some light breakfast, it is time to explore the highland retreat that was meant for the British during the colonial days. As this is a nature tour, proceed to Mount Brinchang, the highest peak (6,666 ft) in Cameron Highlands where you will get a terrific view from the observation tower. As you will be there early in the morning, the sight of soothing mists blanketing the dense, moss-covered forest is enough to put you in an excellent mood.

Continuing the adventure, tour one of the strawberry farms where you can pluck fresh, crimson strawberries by hand for only a small fee. Then, breathe in the lovely scent of tea at the scenic tea plantation (Sungai Palas Boh estate), one of the more prominent tea estate here. The vista before you, covered with tea bushes, is indeed a sight that will remain in memory for a long time. Take a tea break after the guided tour of the factory and enjoy some scones to go along with it. Then, proceed to the Butterfly & Reptiles Farm to observe dazzling butterflies such as the Raja Brooke butterfly flitting about among the vegetation. After that, explore the day market and try some of the fresh pearl corn sold by roadside vendors.

The last leg of the tour will have you traversing unmarked trails (1.5 hours’ walk) for some 2.5km. Experience the simplistic lifestyle of the highland natives who have called this area home for more than a century. Along the way, glimpse pitcher plants, fungi, various tree-bound epiphytes and beautiful wild orchids as well as a host of other native faunas. Stop for lunch at a traditional hut built by the natives for a little R&R while listening to the sounds of the virgin forest. Then, it is time to head back to the resort in the evening to call it a day.

Day 3: Depart From Cameron Highlands

Since it is the last day of the tour, enjoy a hearty breakfast and explore as much as you want. At 1 pm, you will have to embark on the coach to return to Kuala Lumpur so make the most of your morning before spending the next 3 hours (220km) sitting and wondering when will you ever get to return.