Wild Adventures in the Malay Peninsula & Borneo

Arrive in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur (KL) on the Peninsula’s west coast. KL is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing cities and the region’s youngest capital, presenting an intoxicating blend of old-world charm and new-world sophistication.

On day two, our walking tour highlights both ancient and modern aspects that contribute to the vibrancy of this dynamic capital. Take a train ride to Masjid Jamek, one of KL’s oldest mosques located at the confluence of two rivers. From here, explore an urban “living heritage museum” on foot, admiring centuries-old architecture, from colonial arches to lofty minarets and spires. Observe, then sample, some of Malaysia’s most beloved food specialities created before your eyes, such as roti canai (flatbread) and teh tarik (‘pulled tea’). Marvel at the Mughal-style colonial edifices, including Sultan Abdul Samad Building, then discover KL’s other key attractions, such as Central Market, Sri Mahariamman Temple and Chinatown.

Make the five-hour drive to Kuala Tembeling, the gateway to Malaysia’s premier national park, Taman Negara, where the Tembeling and Jelai rivers merge. From here, embark on an unforgettable three-hour voyage by traditional longboat, journeying deep into dense jungle. Dock at Kuala Tahan, located at the confluence of two rivers and the base camp while staying in Taman Negara National Park. This area is home to one of the world’s oldest deciduous rainforests, estimated to be over 130 million-years-old and its richest ecosystems, with a mind-boggling diversity of flora and fauna. After checking-in to your jungle resort, take a guided night-time trek through the rainforest, spotting nocturnal wildlife and insects.

Hike early morning through this amazing prehistoric rainforest. From the summit of Teresek Hill, admire panoramic views across Gunung Tahan, at 2,187m (7175ft), the highest peak on Peninsular Malaysia. Stroll across Taman Negara’s Canopy Walkway, at 530m (1738ft)-long and 50m (164ft)-high above ground level, the world’s longest treetop suspension bridge. From here, admire birds-eye vistas of the abundant flora and fauna. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise to Lata Berkoh’s spectacular rapids that plummet to pools below, en-route passing giant leaning Neram trees and sightings of Kingfisher and Fish-eagle birds. A short trek through the rainforest may be required to reach Lata Berkoh’s cascades, subject to river levels.

Check-out of your jungle resort, take a taxi boat ride across the river and drive back to Kuala Lumpur. The remainder of the day is free at leisure in the Malaysian capital.

On day two, fly to Kota Kinabalu, or KK, the state capital of Sabah, located in East Malaysia on the northern shores of Borneo Island. Nestled between forested hills and the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu is one of Malaysia’s fastest growing cities and dynamic gateway to Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu), which the city was named after. Before hotel check-in, join a fascinating introductory tour of Sabah’s capital, covering such key sights as Signal Hill, the picturesque waterfront mosque and a handicraft market.

Drive northeast to Kinabalu National Park, en-route, passing ethnic villages and the Crocker Range Ridge. We arrive at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu and Kinabalu National Park, the latter, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Park is home to one of the world’s largest collections of flora and fauna, covering a vast number of endemic species, including the planet’s largest pitcher plant. Centrestage is Mount Kinabalu, at 4,095m (13,435ft), one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks and one of the region’s most popular climbing destinations. Take a guided walking tour through Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden, a little-visited mountain oasis packed with endemic botanical treasures. Later, hike along one of the Park’s many nature trails, littered with thousands of bird, butterfly and plant species, including rare orchids.

Take a brief hike to a canopy walkway and experience the thrill of being amongst the treetops and 42m (137ft) off the ground deep in jungle. Proceed to Poring Hot Springs and immerse yourself in steaming hot pools of sulphurous mineral water, renowned for their excellent healing and therapeutic properties. After lunch, embark on a five-hour overland journey to the city of Sandakan. Check-in to your hotel and relax at leisure. Sandikan is infamous for its tragic wartime past; the Memorial Park is built on the site of a former WWII PoW camp and was the starting point of the infamous Death March, where thousands of Allied PoW’s lost their lives.

Visit world-acclaimed Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe the endangered “Wild Men of Borneo” up-close in their natural rainforest habitat. Learn about the Centre’s conservation efforts, where young, orphaned and captured Orangutans are rehabilitated, before being released back into the wild. Observe the morning feeding session, then hike through the surrounding Dipterocarp forest. From Sandakan, take a one-hour boat cruise along meandering Kinabatangan River, home to Southeast Asia’s largest concentration of wildlife and one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems – the natural habitat for Borneo’s indigenous Orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys. Take a boat ride to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary and its forest-covered flood plains. Enjoy a late afternoon, then nighttime expedition by boat along this remote river and its dense mangrove swamps.

Take a boat trip on Pitas Lake, one of several ox-bow lakes on Kinabatangan’s flood plains. Early morning is the best time to spot the stupendous local wildlife and water birds. After breakfast, we offer an optional philanthropic experience at Abai Village, near the Lower Kinabatangan wetlands. Join our tree-planting project with the villagers, followed by lunch. Afterwards, cruise along this muddy river through remote rainforest to Sukau Village, one of Sabah’s premier eco-tourism centres and among Borneo’s finest spots for wildlife viewing. Led by local guides, embark on a Primate spotting adventure, especially, endemic Orangutans. Afterwards, check-in to your riverside eco-lodge at Sukau, then cruise along the Menanggul River, a narrow tributary of the Kinabatangan and another important wildlife habitat.

Explore the Gomantong Caves, a natural habitat for millions of bats and swiftlets. For centuries, highly-prized swiftlet nests have been harvested from the limestone cave’s upper recesses to make the legendary bird’s nest soup. Continue our overland expedition to Lahad Datu, followed by a three-hour drive to a rainforest lodge beside the Danum River. This river flows through Sabah’s largest protected lowland Dipterocarp rainforest, the Danum Valley Conservation Area. One of the planet’s oldest and least explored rainforests, besides one of its most complex eco-systems, Danum Valley’s protected flora and fauna includes endangered wildlife, like the Sumatran Rhinoceros. Join a guided jungle trek along nature trails and canopy walkways. Later, on a night-time jeep safari, spot nocturnal wildlife amid the jungle.

Take an early morning hike through pristine rainforest to the ancient burial site of the Kadazan-Dusun, Sabah’s largest indigenous ethnic group. Also known as “Coffin Cliff,” this remote site reveals the historic remains of coffins and ceramic spirit jars. Continue on to aptly-named “View Point” for a bird’s-eye panorama of Danum Valley, truly, one of Sabah’s extraordinary highlights. Then descend to a natural “Jacuzzi Pool” for a refreshingly cool dip. In the afternoon, hike along nature trails leading to a rainforest canopy walkway. Spend your final night in Sabah, deep amid the jungle at the rainforest lodge.

From Danum Valley, make the overland transfer via Lahad Valley to Lahad Datu Airport, for your onward flight.