Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula

Our adventure begins in Sepilok, a renowned rainforest sanctuary where you can observe rescued orangutans up close in their natural jungle habitat. Around 6pm, say selamat petang to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. There is usually time for an optional night walk this evening before dinner (occasionally this will happen tomorrow). Your tour leader ensures a big Malaysian welcome over a group dinner. Want extra time? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

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, before a visit to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. After, we return to the hotel, where you have a chance to relax by the pool for the afternoon. Alternatively, there is the option to return to the orangutan sanctuary for the second feeding session (return transfer costs not included). Speak to your tour leader for more information on this option. This evening, 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 we may spot the odd orangutan during fruiting season.

After breakfast, we depart Sepilok and transfer (approximately two to three hours) to the third-longest river in Borneo, Kinabatangan. The wildlife reserve here is home to an astonishing array of wildlife including pygmy elephants, wild orangutans, gibbons, proboscis monkeys and rare birdlife. As dusk approaches, we take to the river in search of some of the local animals.

Up early, we head out on a dawn wildlife cruise on the river in search of more wildlife. After breakfast, we either embark on a walk on the surrounding nature trails or visit a nearby village to learn about the indigenous Orang Sungai community. Return to the river this afternoon 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.

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.

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 44lb/20kg 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.

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.