This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your trip includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
✓ Small group tour, up to 16 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing on this adventure through the tropics, including Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding sights, Penang, Ipoh, and the breathtaking Cameron Highlands, Dinawan Island, visiting endangered orangutans and sun bears in Sepilok, viewing unique birds and wildlife on a safari cruise along the Kinabatangan River, staying at a turtle hatchery island - Selingan Turtle Island and more
✓ Fully escorted by a professional, English-speaking tour guide
✓ 13 nights at 4-star accommodation
✓ 2 nights immersed in nature at a rainforest lodge
✓ 1 night in a chalet on Selingan Turtle Island
✓ Breakfast daily, 10 lunches including a cooking class, 7 dinners and a high-tea experience
✓ Domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, and Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
✓ Group departure transfer to Sandakan Airport (SDK)
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Selamat Datang! Welcome to Malaysia.
Located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, you’ll be only a 5 minute walk from Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, and major shopping malls including Suria KLCC. Once checked in and settled, you’ll have the afternoon to relax at the hotel or explore Kuala Lumpur.
At 6pm you’ll meet the rest of the group and head out on a walking tour nearby KLCC, followed by a local-style welcome dinner at Kampung Baru.
Kampung Baru is the quintessential Malay village in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, and one of the best places to try authentic Malay street food. From the ubiquitous nasi lemak to a variety of hot and spicy dishes and sweet desserts, Kampung Baru is a mix of delicious food in an old-world charm setting.
We’ll return to the hotel where the rest of the night is at leisure.
Note:
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
After an early breakfast, we’ll travel to Gombak to Batu Caves (approximately 50 minutes), our first stop today.
This natural limestone cave is home to a Hindu temple nestled within its depths. We’ll ascend the 272 steps to the cave's entrance, encountering playful monkeys along the way (hold onto your belongings!).
On our way back to the city, we’ll visit the National Palace and Independence Square, or Merdeka Square where Malaysians gather every August 31 to celebrate their independence, before continuing to the River of Life.
The River of Life was featured as one of the top 10 waterways worldwide by The Independent newspaper in London. From here, there’s also stunning views of the city’s oldest mosque, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad. We’ll also explore Central Market, the go-to place for souvenirs. You’ll find plenty of Malaysian handicrafts here, including batik. If time permits, we’ll try our hand at batik painting ourselves, before heading to Chinatown to explore and have lunch.
After our Chinatown visit, we’ll return to the hotel where the rest of the day will be spent as you wish.
This morning you will have some free time before driving to Penang, around 4.5 hours away.
Penang is a UNESCO cultural heritage-listed city famed for its important sights and natural scenery. It’s also known for its amazing culinary scene, beautiful palm-fringed beaches, colonial structures and ornate temples.
At around 6pm, we will walk to our dinner location, around 1.5km. Penang’s food scene is an intoxicating blend of flavours, textures and ingredients introduced by early settlers who brought their own unique food culture with them. At tonight’s dinner, expect plates of tasty noodles, spicy laksa, delicious dumplings, aromatic chicken rice and more, will be served from pushcarts to tables—enjoy!
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Penang Hill. Dating back to the late 1700s, Penang Hill is the oldest British hill station in Southeast Asia. The highest peak of Penang Hill stands at 833 metres.
First, we’ll hop onto the funicular train service (which started in 1923) and enjoy the surrounds and views of Penang Island. The steep gradient adds a touch of excitement to the journey, as does the opportunity to explore the surrounding rainforest. We’ll take a leisurely stroll at the Habitat Penang Hill. This delightful rainforest trail offers a panoramic view of the hill.
On the way back to the hotel, we will visit Georgetown’s Clan Jetties of Penang, historic Chinese villages built out over the water on long jetties. Built in the 19th century as Chinese immigrants arrived in Penang, some jetties have since been destroyed but we will explore a clan house, which is also a temple, and a mansion filled with memorabilia and artefacts which illustrates the Chinese influence on Georgetown’s early history.
We will be dropped off at Armenian Street in the heart of George Town, where we can wander around exploring the street art and historical buildings as we make our way back to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
After breakfast and check out, we will travel to Cameron Highland, around a 3.5 hour drive from Penang.
We will stop at Ipoh for a short tour and lunch. Ipoh was built on the fortunes of its tin mines in the 19th century which peaked during the British colonial era in the 1950s. Much of the city’s architectural past can be seen in the old Chinese shop houses, government buildings, private residences and historical landmarks. Its food culture is richly influenced by these early settlers and is one of main drawcards. Famous Ipoh dishes include chicken rice, Ipoh curry mee (noodles), and chicken ho fun (chicken and prawn noodle soup).
After lunch, we’ll continue our journey, enjoying the picturesque drive to the historic British hill station and tea producing area of the Highlands. Renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas cloaked in lush jungle and pleasant weather, we will check in on arrival and have the chance to relax for the rest of the day.
After breakfast, we will explore the mossy forest. Wisps of mist wafting through the treetops in the mossy forest surrounding Mt. Brinchang is both surreal and exciting as you walk the 2 kilometre-long boardwalk through the forest where orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants can be seen.
Return to the starting point and travel to our next destination. Cameron Highlands is picture-perfect with stunning vistas of rolling hills carpeted by lush greenery and tea plantations. This former colonial hill station is the main producer of tea in Malaysia. We’ll enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the gorgeous mountain landscape.
Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon can be spent as you wish. At 6pm we’ll meet for dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, we’ll check out and begin our return journey to Kuala Lumpur, where you will have the day to spend as you wish.
At 6pm, we will walk to a local restaurant for our farewell dinner.
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Kuala Lumpur Airport for your flight onwards to Borneo.
On arrival, you will be transferred to your Kota Kinabalu Hotel where you will have the day to explore on your own before your 6pm tour briefing, orientation walk of the surrounding areas and dinner (not included).
Just a 30-minute boat trip from Kota Kinabalu, is a tiny gem of an island with secluded beaches and clear waters to snorkel or explore on a kayak. Ara Dinawan Island is an exquisite addition to Sabah's natural marvels, boasting untouched and pristine beauty that is exclusive to its location. It is now considered one of the most stunning islands in Sabah, unspoiled and untainted by human interference.
Your boat will take you directly to the coral reefs where your experienced snorkelling guide will point out the best sport to see what’s lurking underwater. Alternatively, you can choose to take a kayak for a paddle through the crystal clear waters. This is the perfect island getaway for a day or a weekend for those looking for some peace and tranquillity to totally unwind and rejuvenate the senses.
Return to Kota Kinabalu by boat and spend the evening at your leisure.
After breakfast, you will drive to the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. En route, you will stop at local vendor’s shops for refreshment breaks and to also sample the local produce.
Your first stop will be Poring Hot Springs, a popular destination for locals on the weekend and public holidays. There is a canopy walk, butterfly garden and orchid garden which you will have time to explore. The canopy walk is a steep 15 min walk to the start of the canopy, but views are magnificent.
Continue onto Kinabalu National Park where you will meet an experienced guide who will take us along trails in Malaysia’s first world heritage site. There are a few different options depending on your fitness level and interest. The mountain and its surroundings are among the most important biological sites in the world, with over 800 species of orchid, 600 species of ferns, 326 species of birds, and is the richest place in the world for the Nepenthes insectivorous pitcher plants (five of the thirteen are found nowhere else on earth).
Return to Kota Kinabalu and have the evening at your leisure.
Today you will head into the countryside, approximately 1 hour from Kota Kinabalu, to explore the local customs.
Embark on a captivating excursion to explore the local community and their rich cultural heritage, fully immersing yourself in their customs and way of life. Experience a profound sense of tranquillity as you embrace the serene allure of Kiulu, with its breathtaking vistas of vibrant paddy fields, picturesque farms, rejuvenating woodlands, and undulating verdant peaks. This enlightening day trip will undoubtedly enthral you, leaving an indelible impression that will beckon you to return for further exploration.
You will stop by a local market to buy basic ingredients before we proceed to the location of your cooking class, guided by a local chef who will teach you how to prepare traditional Sabahan dishes. Here is where you will have lunch, enjoying your culinary masterpieces, along with other traditional Sabahan delicacies.
After lunch, feel free to dip into the cooling river water before we return to Kota Kinabalu.
This morning, you will be transferred to Kota Kinabalu Airport in time for your included flight to Sandakan.
On arrival into Sandakan, you will be transferred by road to the local jetty, in time for your boat transfer to Selingan Island, famous for its turtle hatchery. The boat transfer will take approximately 1 hour as you pass small fishing villages and bamboo fishing traps.
On Selingan Turtle Island, green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs every night of the year. In the afternoon, there's time for swimming, snorkelling or some quality time lazing about on the beach of this tropical island. Snorkelling gear is available for hire.
In the evening, be touched by the sight of giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight and watch the researchers as they release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. Beware that this is a very delicate environment, and you must follow instructions from your leader and the local rangers to ensure minimal impact on the turtles.
You will spend tonight on the island.
Please note that a Single Supplement is not available on this night - solo travelers will be roomed with other solo travelers of the same gender.
After breakfast, take the return 1 hour boat trip to the mainland where you will commence your touring of Sandakan and its surrounding places of interest.
Visit Sandakan Memorial Park, which is adjacent to the site of the original Sandakan Prisoner of War (POW) Camp. The park commemorates the sacrifice and suffering endured by both Australian and British soldiers who were held by the Japanese as Prisoners of War between 1942 and 1945.
Next, you will visit the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, located on a steep hilltop where you can have a magnificent view overlooking Sandakan Bay and the Town Centre. From here, continue to one of the oldest churches in Sabah, St. Michael's Church where you can see a century old building where Christianity is preached.
You will also visit the Agnes Keith Museum to learn about life in the colonial days of Agnes & Harry Keith. Harry was the first conservator of the Forestry Department in Sabah and Agnes was the author of the three famous books called Land Below the Wind, Three Came Home and White Man Returns.
Stop at the nearby English tea house where you may have another spectacular view of Sandakan Nature City and have lunch before checking in at your hotel.
Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Today you will visit one of the most popular locations in Malaysia - The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre was set up to help re-introduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. There's also a short film about the orangutan rehabilitation process to watch in the reserve's Interpretation Centre.
From one animal to another, The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center is within walking distance. We will visit this wonderful new centre that is taking care of rescued Sun Bears that have spent many years mistreated and locked away in cages.
Return to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel facilities.
Today you will journey into the heart of Borneo at Gomantong Cave. At this massive limestone cave, you can walk along the boardwalk in one of the two main cave complexes, observe skilled harvesters, and marvel at the rich wildlife, including bats, kingfishers, and wild orangutans. This adventure is packed with natural beauty and intriguing discoveries.
Transfer to your lodge for the next 2 nights.
Upon arrival at the rainforest lodge, check into your accommodation before having lunch. This afternoon, you will embark on your first river safari to view wildlife and birds in its virgin rainforest habitat. Arrive back at the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner.
Spend today fully immersed within Borean nature as you have early morning and evening river safaris.
The Kinabatangan River wildlife includes rarities such as the Bornean gibbon, Borneo pygmy elephant, orangutan and proboscis monkey with myriad species of birds that will keep you glued to your binoculars.
Tonight, you will have the chance to go on a nature walk around the lodge to spot nocturnal creatures.
Today, we say farewell to Borneo as you are transferred to Sandakan Airport (SDK), arriving at approximately 11am, in time for your departure flight.
Note:
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Inspiring Sights
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Stays
The island is a natural habitat for green and hawksbill turtles. Both species are currently endangered, however the island serves as a safe haven for laying their eggs. Whilst here, you will need to adhere to the strict rules and regulations dictated by the staff.
It is necessary to travel light to the island for various reasons including capacity of the boat and the island having no permanent jetty. We strongly recommend taking an overnight bag with only necessities - your remaining luggage will be securely stored and returned to you upon arriving back into Sandakan.
Due to limited capacity of accommodation, solo travellers will be roomed with other solo travellers of the same gender whilst staying at the chalet.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a Land Only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,013.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip.
Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after the tour.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Group Size
Minimum of 2 and maximum 16 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
