Malaysia Small Group Tours & Trip Packages

Malaysia Small Group Tours & Trips

52 Malaysia trips. Tours from 10 tour companies. 185 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

21 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Group Tour
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Borneo, Mount Kinabalu

Highlights

  • Spot orangutans and proboscis monkeys
  • Visit Mulu National Park, home to the impressive Deer Cave bat exodus
  • Enjoy a river cruise in Kinabatangan
  • Stay at a luxury jungle lodge in Danum Valley

Themes

Birding, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident that Rick understood what I wanted from the trip and reassured me."

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Wild Sarawak
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

Highlights

  • See wild orangutans at the Semenggoh sanctuary and look for proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park. One of the last truly wild places on earth, Borneo offers rare treats for nature lovers.
  • Explore labyrinthian cave systems, some of the largest in the world, and watch as millions of bats emerge from their depths at sunset, darkening the sky like a plume of black smoke.
  • Follow in the infamous footsteps of tribal warriors on a trek through wild, dense jungle on the Headhunter’s Trail – rich with wildlife like hornbills and monkeys.
  • Unwind after days spent trekking through jungle with a stay on tranquil Labuan Island. Relax with a well-earned beer or cocktail at your beach resort accommodation.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

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Trekking Borneo & Beyond
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Borneo, Kuala Lumpur, Mount Kinabalu

Highlights

  • Explore the jungles of Taman Nagara
  • Meet the orangutans of Sepilok
  • Summit Mount Kinabalu
  • Enjoy a food tour of Kuala Lumpur

Themes

Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident that Rick understood what I wanted from the trip and reassured me."

Trip dates & details
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Borneo Family Holiday
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

Highlights

  • Take a leisurely walk along the scenic canopy walkway at Poring Hot Springs.
  • Stay overnight among the birds and beasts of the jungle, right next to an oxbow lake, at Kinabatangan Eco Camp.
  • Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and, if you're lucky, watch baby orangutans learn to swing in a special enclosure.
  • Enjoy a special opportunity to watch protected turtle hatchlings scatter across the beach to the water under the cover of night.

Themes

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
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Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Borneo, Georgetown, Kuala Lumpur

Highlights

  • Experience Malaysia’s two faces: the cosmopolitan Malaysian Peninsula and the natural wonders of Borneo
  • Get your culture fix in the historic cities of Penang and Malacca
  • Witness the great spectacle of feeding time at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
  • Cruise Kinabatangan River at dusk and dawn searching for pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys
  • Discover the culinary and cultural diversity of Kuala Lumpur on a foodie tour

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident that Rick understood what I wanted from the trip and reassured me."

Trip dates & details
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Classic Borneo
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

Highlights

  • Visit endangered orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – a facility that provides care for orphaned and confiscated primates and other local wildlife.
  • Learn about a social enterprise that empowers women in the mountainous village of Kampung Kiau and enjoy a traditional lunch of regional favourites.
  • Soak up the calm beach vibes with two relaxing days on Manukan Island where you’ll get up close to diverse marine life on a snorkelling trip.
  • Search for pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys as you cruise the Kinabatangan River on a water safari.
  • Savour local cuisine, like roticanai and tai tarik, during food tastings on a heritage walk in Sandakan.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
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Borneo Family Wildlife Adventure
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

Highlights

  • Stay at a Kinabatangan jungle lodge with jungle walks and wildlife river cruises
  • Visit Kinabalu National Park, trekking and bathing in hot springs
  • See the orangutans of Sepilok and proboscis monkeys of Labuk Bay
  • Spectacular snorkelling and relax on white-sand beaches in Tunku Abdul Marine Park

Themes

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident that Rick understood what I wanted from the trip and reassured me."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Malaysia Highlights
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
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.
  • Really slip into the local way of life, staying with a family on a homestay that gives real insight into village culture – play traditional games, learn fishing techniques and tuck into a home-cooked dinner.
  • Wander the historic mural-lined streets of Georgetown, the vibrant cultural hub of Penang, and marvel at contemporary art galleries and boutiques, traditional temples and churches.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Malaysia Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
185  Reviews
See all Malaysia tour reviews
Excellent
101
Great
25
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Excellent wildlife

A fantastic trip to a beautiful country. My main purpose was to see orang utans in the wild, although I was prepared to be disappointed. However expectations wer...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Awesome adventure

If you want to see the best of Borneo this trip's for you. Beautiful country, great food, lovely friendly people and oh boy did we see wildlife! So many highlights...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great trip to Borneo

I've been on plenty of Exodus hiking holidays, but this was my first wildlife trip. I was a bit nervous in case my fellow travellers were a bit serious about both...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wildlife and More

We knew December was the wettest month, but hearts sank when our first wildlife trip had to be abandoned as the river was too high for safety to take us there. Ho...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

borneo

Very enjoyable well organised trip to a fabulous country. Orang-utans and proboscis monkeys. Ronnie was super. Be prepared to experience high humidity - book ext...

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Malaysia Tour Selection Trips

  • Malaysia is a majority Muslim country, so pack some modest clothing. 
  • If the island of Borneo stirs your wanderlust, keep in mind that the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak are located there. 
  • The heavily Chinese city-state of Singapore is situated at the bottom of peninsular Malaysia and makes for a nice change of pace stop.  
  • Be prepared for the hot and humid weather in Malaysia. No matter what time you tour Southeast Asia and Malaysia, you will encounter an equatorial tropical climate. Pack lightweight clothing, while being sure to include some scarves, light pants or long skirts to wear into places of worship. Learn more about weather and the best time to visit Malaysia here. 
  • Consider what you want to do most on your Malaysia vacation. Look for tours to Rawa Island and Langkawi for the best beach stays. Opt for visits to Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru for a more urban setting or cultural immersion. Consider tours that combine the beaches and culture of Malaysia and explore ways to combine a Malaysia trip with other Southeast Asian destinations. 
  • Even if you’re not a water sports enthusiast, consider taking a half-day or full-day snorkeling or diving tour in Langkawi or elsewhere in Malaysia. The stunningly turquoise sea and abundant marine life are worth exploring for several hours, if not days. 
  • Before you embark on your guided tour of Malaysia, take the time to learn a few Malay words and phrases. English is the country’s other official language, so you’ll hear it quite a bit, but the local residents will appreciate the effort you have put in to learning their language. 
  • Don’t expect raucous nightlife and party-til-the-wee-hours spots in Malaysia. As opposed to some other Southeast Asia destinations - Thailand, Bali, etc. - Malaysia is slightly more sedate. Of course, there are plenty of clubs and rooftop bars, but alcohol is more expensive and they’re not open as late as in Thailand. 
  • Come to Malaysia ready to eat. Even if you’re not on a Southeast Asia culinary-focused tour, you’ll want to indulge in the huge variety of relatively inexpensive and incredibly tasty cuisine found throughout Malaysia. There are typical Malay dishes like Nasi Lemak, Satay and Roti Canai, as well as food influenced by India, China, Singapore and Indonesia.

Additional details

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Travel restrictions have been extended until August 31 for foreign visitors.

Upon arrival, visitors must undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Read more about Countries Reopening for Tourism


When to Travel to Malaysia 

When to travel to Malaysia depends a lot on where in the country you’re staying. The seasons vary from one side of the country to the other, but generally. For the islands on the west side, for example, Penang and Langkawi, the best time to visit Malaysia is from December through February.

If you’re visiting Malaysia's eastern coast, perhaps Perhentians and Tioman Island, aim for traveling from June through August. Most of Malaysia is hot and humid year-round. Prepare to encounter some rainfall, no matter where you visit. The Cameron Highlands are particularly damp and can be colder than other parts of the peninsula. 

Expect tropical weather in Kuala Lumpur with ample rain in the forecast. The driest months during which to tour Kuala Lumpur are June, July and August, with July being the driest. If you’re taking a vacation in Penang, the best time to stay is between December and March, with January and February being the hottest.

Trips to Malaysian Borneo, or East Malaysia, are best timed from June through August, but again, be prepared for rainfall. The popular Perhentian Islands are best visited between June and August. And Langkawi, one of the most-visited destinations in Malaysia, it’s best to time your tour for the high season of December, January or February. 

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Malaysia 

To enter Malaysia for a vacation or guided tour, American citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months. A Malaysian visa is not required for any business or pleasure trip of 90 days or less.

Hold onto your passport at all times when traveling throughout Malaysia as it will be needed between peninsula Malaysia and eastern Malaysia and between Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo. 

What Language Is Spoken in Malaysia 

Throughout your guided tour of Malaysia, you will hear Malay, the national language and one of two official languages - the other is English. You may also hear Chinese dialects, including Mandarin and Hokkien, as well as Tamil. 

Malaysia Packing Suggestions

You’ll experience your fair share of heat and humidity on your vacation in Malaysia, so pack smart, pack lightweight and be prepared for a bit of dampness and you can’t go wrong. Here are a few must-have items for a well-planned Malaysia tour: 

  • Slip-on shoes or sandals
  • A collapsible, reusable water bottle
  • Lightweight pants (as opposed to denim or heavy travel pants)
  • Merino wool t-shirts for wicking sweat (it’s humid in Malaysia!)
  • Insect spray
  • Sunscreen
  • A lightweight long-sleeve layer
  • Daypack
  • Dual USB travel adaptor
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunhat 

With the humidity and the generally casual ambience of Malaysia, the things you won’t want to bother packing for your tour include:

  • Jeans or a lot of pants 
  • Lots of socks
  • Dressy clothing
  • Hiking boots

What should you pack if you happen to be touring Malaysia during monsoon season (April to October on the west coast and November to February on the east coast)? Be sure to pack: 

  • A breathable, lightweight rain jacket 
  • A travel umbrella
  • A dry bag for electronics

Always Find the Best

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