Borneo and the Malaysian and Thai Islands by Land and Sea - Phuket to Kota Kinabalu
18 days
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Small Group Tour
Enjoy the stunning west coast of Malaysia and Thailand on a new small-ship adventure cruise. Between the more popular holiday destinations of Phuket and Penang, there’s a medley of smaller islands and villages to explore, each with their own charms – and often far fewer travellers to contend with. Live it up in postcard-perfect Langkawi, choose from leisure a...
Overview
Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Wake up each morning to the clear azure waters of the andaman sea, which you’re free to swim in right off the back of the boat
- Spend an evening at an authentic thai homestay, enjoying home cooked specialties of the region
- Visit the iconic holiday islands of penang, langkawi and phuket, but also enjoy the natural beauty of turatao national park and koh yao yai
- See krabi's bizarre and beautiful limestone karst formations from the comfort of your small cruise ship
- One of the last remaining wild places on earth, borneo offers a rare treat for the nature lover. it's one of the world's last two remaining homes to the orangutan
- This year peregrine adds a new destination to its borneo adventures, mulu national park. here you can hike through spectacular untouched jungle and visit asia's longest cave
- The kinabatangan river is a bird-lover's paradise. all eight of borneo's hornbill varieties are commonly spotted here
- As well visiting the unique endangered sun bears, gain insight into the rehabilitation of primates at the sepilok orangutan rehabilitation centre
- With three internal flights, spend less time travelling and more time taking in the wildlife and natural beauty of your destinations
- Your 2 night feature stay on the kinabatangan river is in an eco-resort that doesn't sacrifice the environment or comfort and allows you to wake to the sounds of the jungle
What's this trip about?
Enjoy the stunning west coast of Malaysia and Thailand on a new small-ship adventure cruise. Between the more popular holiday destinations of Phuket and Penang, there’s a medley of smaller islands and villages to explore, each with their own charms – and often far fewer travellers to contend with. Live it up in postcard-perfect Langkawi, choose from leisure and adventure activities in beachside Ao Nang, join in the relaxed pace of local life in Koi Yao Yai, visit waterfalls hidden in the jungle, and use the Andaman Sea as your swimming pool. Then travel to Borneo. With its dense rainforests, tropical coastal islands and mysterious jungle valleys, Borneo is a rare destination these days. It’s a place where you can still encounter nature in its truest form, with a rich variety of colourful and endangered wildlife amidst amazing natural scenery. This trip to the Malaysian state of Sabah and Sarawak takes you face to face with many unique species, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys and hornbills.
Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 48 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityPhuket
End CityKota Kinabalu
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Popular Trips
Itinerary
Day 1 Embarkation in Phuket
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Embarkation takes place between 2 and 4 pm. After meeting your leader and attending a welcome meeting and safety briefing on board, set sail at 5 pm. Enjoy dinner on arrival in Ko Yao Yai, relaxing and taking in the sunset.
Day 2 Koh Yao Yai to Ao Nang
Climb aboard a songtheaw for a tour with a local guide. Ko Yao Yoi is known for beautiful beaches, friendly Muslim fisherman and diverse birdlife, not to mention some delicious local seafood. We set off in the early afternoon for the short sail to Ao Nang, a lively beach...
Day 3 Ao Nang
With a full day in Ao Nang, you're free to partake in a range of optional activities. Whip up some local specialties in a Thai cooking class, spot colourful tropical fish on a snorkelling trip, take the adventure to the next level with some diving or rock climbing, unwin...
Day 4 Koh Rok Noi
Arrive at around 7 am in beautiful Koh Rok Noi, one of many beautiful islands with white sands and blue-green waters against a jungle backdrop. You'll transfer to the island by Zodiac (a motorised inflatable boat). A full day of beach time is on the agenda, so enjoy some...
Day 5 Tarutao National Park to Langawi
Head over to Adang Island for some swimming and snorkelling. Set sail in the afternoon for Langkawi. You'll see this is a town that has retained its everyday local life and spectacular natural beauty despite it popularity among travellers. The evening is yours to explore the town as you please, so perhaps dabble in the nightlife.
Day 6 Langkawi
Join a local guide for a tour of idyllic Langkawi. This includes a visit to the beautiful Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls – a lovely spot to relax and take in the jungle ambience. In the evening, set sail overnight for Penang.
Day 7 Penang
A leisurely sail brings you to Penang at around midday. Enjoy a delicious and fresh local Malaysian lunch at the market, and split up into smaller groups to join local guides for a walking tour around Penang's old town, taking in the historic shophouses, narrow streets and unique atmosphere of the island. Take a rickshaw back to the ship and enjoy a farewell dinner onboard with fellow travellers.
Day 8 Penang
Disembark as the adventure comes to an end after breakfast.
Day 9 Kota Kinabalu
Welcome to Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. An arrival airport transfer is included. Please advise your flight details at time of booking so as we can book this transfer for you. There is an important welcome meeting at 6 pm today, which you can find details abo...
Day 10 Mulu National Park
Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Mulu, travelling via Kota Kinabalu. In the late afternoon, visit Deer Cave and Lang Cave, which are reached by following a scenic jungle walk that follows a three-kilometre plank walk which passes through peat swamp, alluvial flats and limestone...
Day 11 Mulu National Park
Spend the day exploring the stalagmites and columns of Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave. Located along the Melinau River, Wind Cave is named for the cool breeze that blows through it- so make sure you pack a jacket. Later, explore the caverns and crags of Clearwater Cave, one of the longest caves in Asia. For lunch, enjoy a simple picnic with your fellow travellers.
Day 12 Kota Kinabalu
Travel from Mulu to Kota Kinabalu, arriving in KK at 4:30 pm. Enjoy dinner in a local family home, before returning to the Mercure Hotel.
Day 13 Kinabatangan River
Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (approx 50 minute flight) and travel by private mini bus to Kinabatangan River (approx 2 hour road journey) . Your jungle lodge, located beside the river, is ideal for taking in the lush surrounds. At 560 kilometres, the Kinabatangan Ri...
Day 14 Kinabatangan River
You might awake to the call of a Bornean gibbon, or perhaps a hornbill. Enjoy an early morning cruise through the morning fog as the sun rises, searching for more birds and wildlife. Keep an eye out for long tail macaques and pig tail macaques – ask your leader about the...
Day 15 Sandakan
Travel by private minivan to Sandakan (approx 2 hours). Once the capital of British North Borneo, Sandakan traditionally had strong trading ties with Hong Kong. The Cantonese influence is palpable in the lively harbour-side market, the many Chinese temples and the local ...
Day 16 Sandakan
In the morning, visit the orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Watch and photograph these charming creatures as they swing into view on ropes and vines. It is important not to interrupt the orangutans, so as to aid in their successful re-introductio...
Day 17 Kota Kinabalu
Catch an early flight to Kota Kinabalu, arriving at 9:25 am. Travel by private bus to visit the intriguing Mari Mari Cultural Village, nestled deep in the countryside. Here you will see how indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo used to live. The trip there should take less ...
Day 18 Kota Kinabalu
Say goodbye to your new companions as your trip ends after breakfast today.
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Dates & Availability
Price From $4,466
Price per day$248
Last Updated: 0/21/2019
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.
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
It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.
We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.
Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.
At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.
We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.
Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.
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Logistics
Accommodation
Small cruise ship (7 nights),Comfortable Hotel (5 nights),Feature stay in Kinabatanhan River Jungle Lodge (2 nights),Resort (2 nights),
Transportation & Flights
Small cruise ship,zodiac,songtheaw,rickshaw,bus,Plane,Private minibus,4WD vehicle,Longtail boat,
Transportation & flights
Small cruise ship,zodiac,songtheaw,rickshaw,bus,Plane,Private minibus,4WD vehicle,Longtail boat
Guides
On your voyage, as well as the ship and hospitality crew, there will be between 1 and 3 local tour leaders (depending on the total number of passengers). These leaders will be with you on board the ship, and on all included shore activities. They will have good general knowledge of the areas you are passing through including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects, as well as being able to recommend great local eating venues for your on shore meals and what you might like to do with your free time (when you're not relaxing and enjoying the ship's facilities).
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader 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 credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.
As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required.
Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends.
THAILAND:
If entering by air most nationalities will be granted a 30 day stay on arrival.
If entering by a land border, you will be granted a 15 day stay only (some exceptions are citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Germany and Japan who are eligible for 30 day visa at land borders). A visa extension can be obtained in Thailand at an immigration office for approx. 2000THB or alternatively you can apply for a Thailand visa in advance from your embassy or consulate that will allow a 30 day stay when entering at an overland border.
If planning to enter Thailand via a land border multiple times during your travels, we recommend you pre-obtain a 60 day multiple entry visa from you embassy or consulate before you travel rather than attempting to obtain a visa at the border on multiple occasions which may result in being denied re-entry into the country.
MALAYSIA:
Most nationalities do not need visas to visit Malaysia as a tourist for up to three months. Please check with your relevant Malaysian embassy or consulate.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Mercure Hotel Kota Kinabalu 41 Jalan Gaya Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu Sabah 88000 MALAYSIA Phone: +60 88258805 Fax: +60 88258805
Trip ID
peregrine-PAPKC
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