Malaysia's Ultimate Adventure

18 days
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Small Group Tour
Explore a mystical land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on thIS 18-day adventure in Malaysia. From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, unique animals and tribal villages, Malaysia has something for everyone. Experience the very best of mainland Malaysia and Borneo – hike in the Ulu Muda rainforest, climb Mt Kin...
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$4,876
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • You’ll explore the rolling green Carmeron highlands, blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields, and then trek through the mystical Mossy Forest to learn more about the unique plants living beneath the sea of moss
    • Stay in a special eco lodge on the edge of the jungle that’s fighting for the preservation of Ulu Muda Forest with research and awareness, low footprint practices and ecotourism principles.
    • Take not one but two river cruises deep in the Ulu Muda Forest to double your chances of spotting roaming wildlife like elephants as your guide tells you about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush rainforest haven home.
    • Climb Mt Kinabalu – the literal pinnacle of all treks in South East Asia – with local guides whose families have trekked the mountain for generations, witnessing a stunning sunrise after a morning hike.
    • Spend time getting to know the unique wildlife of Borneo at conservation sanctuaries for orangutans and sun bears.
    • Join a local ranger and witness the special life cycle of sea turtles coming ashore on Turtle Island to lay their eggs on the beach, with the hatchlings making a dash down the beach to their new life.

What's this trip about?

    Explore a mystical land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on thIS 18-day adventure in Malaysia. From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, unique animals and tribal villages, Malaysia has something for everyone. Experience the very best of mainland Malaysia and Borneo – hike in the Ulu Muda rainforest, climb Mt Kinabalu and watch sea turtles lay their eggs with an expert local ranger by your side and sharing laughs with your local village hosts. Each moment of this incredible small group adventure will give you a fascinating insight into Malaysia

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityKuala Lumpur
End CitySepilok

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Malaysia

Attractions

  • Borneo
  • Georgetown
  • Kota Kinabalu

Trip includes

    • Cameron Highlands - hike in mossy forest area
    • Cameron Highlands - Tea plantation visit
    • Ulu Muda - River Cruise
    • Ulu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visit
    • Ulu Muda - Hot Spring Saltlick
    • Teluk Bahang - traditional games
    • Teluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinner
    • Teluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tour
    • Teluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) Performance
    • Teluk Bahang - Local market visit
    • Teluk Bahang - Batik factory visit
    • George Town - Heritage walking tour
    • Dusun Village - Guided village walk
    • Dusun Village - Cultural performance
    • Mt Kinabalu National Park - Mt Kinabalu Climb
    • Poring Hot Springs - Poring Conservation Fee
    • Kinabatangan River - Night jungle walk
    • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Cruise
    • Kinabatangan River - Dawn wildlife cruise
    • Sandakan - War Memorial
    • Turtle Island - Turtle Island Marine Park
    • Turtle Island - Turtle Hatchery Visit
    • Sepilok - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Kuala Lumpur

Selamat Datang! Welcome to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the bustling capital of Malaysia, you can expect streets lined with colourful food stalls, friendly locals and fast-paced energy flowing throughout the city. Your adventure officially kicks off with a Welcome Meeti...

Day 2 Cameron Highlands

After a short and sweet stay, you’ll wave Kuala Lumpur goodbye after breakfast this morning as you make your way to the Cameron Highlands. A serene spot, the rolling green highlands are blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields and boast a refreshingly cool c...

Day 3 Butterworth

This morning you’ll enjoy breakfast just like the locals and treat your tastebuds to some traditional eats straight from a local street stall. This is breakfast on the go – Malay style! After you’ve fueled up with food, we’ll hit the road for a section off the beaten ...

Day 4 Ulu Muda Forest

Today, you’ll be heading to Kuala Labua, your home away from home, for the next two nights. With a slower start today, you’ll arrive at the Lake Muda Jetty just in time for a bite to eat, prepared freshly for you by the locals. Then, you’ll board a boat ride to Earth ...

Day 5 Ulu Muda Forest

After breakfast this morning, you’ll pull on your walking shoes for a trek into Bukit Labu where you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide. Listen carefully as your guide tells you all about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush rainforest haven home. Keep...

Day 6 Teluk Bahang

You’ll kiss the ecolodge goodbye after breakfast this morning and begin an epic overland journey to Teluk Bahang, a small fishing village in Penang. Tuck into lunch before enjoying some fun with a selection of traditional games. Then, take a late afternoon walk around...

Day 7 George Town

You’ll explore the local market this morning before breakfast and then visit a Batik factory where you’ll learn about the art of hand painting Batik patterns onto materials. Then, you’ll enjoy a photography session and souvenir giving ceremony before waving your homes...

Day 8 Kota Kinabalu

Fly unescorted from George Town to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. Transfers to and from the airport are provided, and on arrival in KK you can immerse yourself in the history of this intriguing city located between the Bornean jungle and the South China Sea. Vis...

Day 9 Dusun Village

Today, travel by minivan to a Dusun village, nestled amid picturesque hills in the shadow of imposing Mt Kinabalu – the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea (approximately 2 hours). The Dusun people, the ethnic group of our guides on Mt Kinabalu, are ...

Day 10 Mt Kinabalu National Park

This morning say goodbye to your new friends from the village and travel into the unspoiled wilderness of the World Heritage-Listed Kinabalu National Park (approximately 1 hour). Take some time to enjoy the surroundings and prepare for the climb. There are nature trai...

Day 11 Mt Kinabalu National Park

Rise early and take a quick drive to Timpohon Gate to begin the climb up Mt Kinabalu. It's not an easy trek as it is uphill all the way, and you’ll need to be prepared to tackle a trail made up of steep steps that vary considerably in size. You may get quite hot but r...

Day 12 Mt Kinabalu – Poring Hot Springs

Rise around 2 am in order to catch the sunrise at the summit of Mt Kinabalu (4095 metres). It's difficult walking, but you'll feel a huge sense of achievement once you make it. The view from the summit is incredible – the jungles of Borneo in one direction, the South ...

Day 13 Poring Hot Springs

Poring Hot Springs is an ideal place to kick back for a day to recuperate after the mountain climb. These pools were developed by the Japanese during World War II, where warm sulphur water – believed to have healing properties for the skin – is piped into several man ...

Day 14 Kinabatangan River

Today, journey by private bus into the steamy rainforest to Bilit – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River (approximately 5 hours). Take a short boat ride to the comfortable jungle lodge where you’ll spend the night. The lodge is located right on the r...

Day 15 Sandakan

This morning, take another early boat safari in search of wildlife – different species come out at different times of the day, so keep your eyes peeled. After breakfast, say goodbye to your jungle lodge and hit the road in a private minivan to the coastal city of Sand...

Day 16 Turtle Island

This morning, leave your large bags at the hotel and walk 15 minutes to a nearby jetty. Travel by speedboat, past small fishing villages and bamboo fish traps, to Turtle Island Marine Park (approximately 1 hour), where green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs every...

Day 17 Sepilok

After breakfast, return to the mainland (approximately 1 hour), collect your bags, and continue by minibus to a guesthouse located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (approximately 45 minutes). The centre was set up to help reintroduce these wonderful cr...

Day 18 Sepilok

Your Sabah Adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to stay in Sepilok longer, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability). Flights depart most days from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,612
Price per day$201
Last Updated: 6/4/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
30 Nov 2024
17 Dec 2024
$3,876
14 Dec 2024
31 Dec 2024
$3,838
04 Jan 2025
21 Jan 2025
$5,275
01 Feb 2025
18 Feb 2025
$5,275
08 Mar 2025
25 Mar 2025
$5,275
12 Apr 2025
29 Apr 2025
$5,275
17 May 2025
03 Jun 2025
$5,485
07 Jun 2025
24 Jun 2025
$5,485
21 Jun 2025
08 Jul 2025
$5,485
12 Jul 2025
29 Jul 2025
$5,695

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Chalet (1 night),Resort (1 nights),Homestay (2 night),Hostel (3 nights),Hotel (6 nights),Lodge (4 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private Vehicle,River Boat,Public Bus,Metro,Ferry; Plane,

Transportation & flights

Private Vehicle,River Boat,Public Bus,Metro,Ferry; Plane
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements Please note that both Sarawak and Sabah have their independent immigration checkpoints at the airport even if you are taking a domestic flight within Malaysia. Please make sure that you go through these check points and have your passport properly stamped when travelling between mainland Malaysia (peninsula), Sarawak and Sabah (Borneo). You may be asked to present your return flight ticket as well so it's advised to have it handy.
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines MT KINABALU: Please take time to read the following important notes concerning Mt Kinabalu: It will mainly be hot and humid, whilst the heights of Mt Kinabalu can be freezing. Please be prepared for such conditions and pack accordingly. If you commonly feel discomfort or suffer health issues when experiencing either freezing or extremely hot temperatures, consider if this trip is right for you. On rare occasions weather conditions may prevent us from reaching the summit of the mountain. In this situation, please respect the decision made by your guides and leader. Mt. Kinabalu is a rewarding but difficult climb, please see below the advice given by the Sabah Parks regarding the climbing of Mt. Kinabalu: Travel together in your own group and stay with the mountain guide(s). You should not climb Mount Kinabalu if you have a history of suffering from the following conditions: Heart Disease, Hypertension, Chronic Asthma, Peptic Ulcer, Severe Anaemia, Diabetes, Epileptic fits, Arthritis, Palpitations, Hepatitis, Muscular Cramps, Obesity or any other sickness that may be triggered by severe cold, exertion and high altitude. If you suffer from knee problems and intend to do the climb, please ensure you bring adequate support, i.e. a sports bandage. Please note that porter fees are not included for the climb. Acclimatisation and altitude sickness: Altitude sickness has the potential to affect all trekkers from 2500m and higher. We ascend slowly and give our bodies plenty of time to adjust to the smaller quantities of oxygen in the air. However it is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about: - Periods of sleeplessness - Occasional loss of appetite - Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude - Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night - Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally - Blocked Nose - Dry cough develops - Mild headache If you are feeling nauseous and dizzy be sure to let your group leader or local mountain guide know so that we can monitor your condition. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE FOR EASTERN SABAH Some governments currently have increased foreign travel advice in place for Eastern Sabah. Insurance coverage may be affected by this level of advice. Travel insurance that covers all destinations and activities within your itinerary is compulsory to join this trip. Please check your government’s foreign travel advice before departure and contact your insurance provider to ensure you have the appropriate level of coverage for travel to all destinations and activities within your itinerary.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Sepilok Jungle Resort
  • Jalan Rambutan, Sepilok Mile 14,
  • Sepilok
  • 90723
  • MALAYSIA
  • Phone: +60 89533031
Trip ID
intrepid-TMSPC

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