Journey through some of Malaysia’s most captivating destinations, combining cities with sun-kissed beaches plus a fascinating Borneo Explorer tour giving you a deep insight into the rainforest and local wildlife. You can also extend your adventure with a stopover in Singapore on your way back to the UK.
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Itinerary
3 Nights – Kuala Lumpur
1 Night – Sandakan
3 Night – Borneo Explorer Tour
7 Nights – Kota Kinabalu
+ Optional Singapore extension
✈ UK – Kuala Lumpur (3 nights): You’ll kick off your Malaysian adventure in the dazzling city of Kuala Lumpur (or KL as it’s commonly known). Dive headfirst into its bustling streets and head to the top of the awe-inspiring Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower with their fascinating architecture and stunning panoramic views. In the evenings, immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere of the street markets, indulging your taste buds with the delicious local cuisine and street food.
✈ Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan: (1 night): The adventure continues as you delve deeper into the Malaysian wilderness and take your flight from KL to the city of Sandakan, in Borneo. Sandakan, though not a typical tourist hotspot, holds a treasure trove of wonders such as the fascinating Agnes Keith House, which offers a glimpse into the colonial lifestyle and the unique perspective of the expatriate writer. Next door, stop by at the English Tea house for a spot of afternoon tea and a stroll around its lush gardens. As the sun sets, take in the Buli Sim Sim Water Village where you will find some lovely restaurants to enjoy the locally caught seafood while enjoying the view over the harbour.
Borneo Explorer: Selingan Island, Sepilok & Kinabatangan River (3 nights): Today marks the beginning of a big adventure as you join the Borneo Explorer tour from your hotel in Sandakan, allowing you to marvel in the raw beauty of Borneo’s wilderness.
On the first day of the tour, you’ll leave Sandakan and board a boat to Selingan Turtle Island, a nesting area for green turtles. Here you will enjoy swimming and snorkelling before witnessing the conservation efforts of collecting eggs and releasing baby turtles into the sea. The second day begins with a return boat ride to Sandakan, followed by a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Here, you’ll learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned orangutans and watch their feeding time. Afterwards, you’ll embark on a scenic drive and boat transfer to Borneo Nature Lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the river views. From here, you can take an afternoon boat ride along the Kinabatangan River to spot wildlife, including Proboscis Monkeys. On day three, you’ll wake up to the sounds of nature and set off on an early morning cruise along the Kinabatangan River and Kelenanap Ox-Bow Lake for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Explore the jungle on a short walk and return to the lodge for breakfast. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise, taking in the beauty of the rainforest’s flora and fauna. On the final day of your tour, you’ll visit the Gomantong Cave, known for its sustainable harvesting of edible bird nests. Explore the cave and hike to Semut Hitam cave before returning to Sandakan. After a hearty lunch, you’ll have some further time to explore Sandakan, and in the evening, we’ll transport you back to the airport for your short onward flight to Kota Kinabalu.
✈ Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu (7 nights): Kota Kinabalu (or KK as it’s affectionately known) is a coastal city located just a short flight from Sandakan in the north of Borneo. It’s blessed with gorgeous beaches and surrounded by pristine islands with snowy white sand, making it a paradise for beach lovers. Head down to Jesselton Pier where you can choose from several island-hopping trips. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park offers five islands to explore: Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, and Pulau Sulug.
Other than pure beach relaxation, must-sees include the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, known as the Floating Mosque, the lively Filipino Market, and the Tanjung Lipat waterfront promenade.
For a deeper insight into the indigenous cultures of the area, visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village located just outside of the city, where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle, customs, and heritage of Borneo’s ethnic groups.
Optional Singapore stopover: If you’re not quite ready for your adventure to end, why not add a stopover in Singapore on your way back to the UK? Singapore is a beautiful city, with lots to see and do including the iconic Gardens by the Bay with its magnificent Supertrees, stunning floral displays, and immersive indoor gardens or the vibrant neighbourhood of Chinatown and the historic district Kampong Glam. Or head to the top of the luxurious Marina Bay Sands hotel for a panoramic view of the city.
✈ Kota Kinabalu to UK: Home time! We’ll take you back to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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Kaye
Leanne was a delight to work with, proactively suggesting options, whilst remembering they had to be practical. What I appreciated most was how responsive and efficient Leanne was. Everything was handled promptly. Even though we haven’t taken the trip yet, I already feel confident that things will run smoothly thanks to the excellent groundwork that Leanne put in place.
Posted 3 hours ago -
Sally
I’ve now lost count of the trips I’ve booked with Gavin at e-shores and how he always manages to know exactly what we like and gets a great price - always the same or less than I research myself. Our latest was Greek island hopping to Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini and the hotels Gavin booked were all outstanding and the typically small, boutique hotels with less crowds. We went out of season (1st - 13th Sept) and everything went smoothly from the airport transfers, the welcome we had at each hotel and the beauty of each island having its own magic. Looking forward to the next trip already booked through Gavin in November! Thank you everyone-shores - the Napiers!
Posted 1 day ago -
Anonymous
I found your representative very informatative. She listened carefully to our requests and completed every thing we asked for, including changing flight times that were better suited to us.Many thanks. I have already recommended the company already.
Posted 2 days ago -
Alaine
Great care is given to assist with what your looking for in a holiday.
Posted 3 days ago -
Robert
Always get great service from EShores (thank you, Emma). Nothing is ever too much trouble no matter how many times I change my mind! Would not consider using anyone else
Posted 3 days ago -
Christopher
Laura was fanastic, knew just what we needed and found it hassle fre when other agents had struggled :-)
Posted 4 days ago -
Anonymous
Claire Smith offered invaluable support in arranging our travel by air to Portugal pluse trains around the country, offering a choice of three hotels in every stop. She expanded our initial thoughts of Lisbon and Porto to include fantastic destinations that we would not have thought of - Guimaraes, Aveiro and Sintra. And she suggested tours we might enjoy. She listened. She selected hotels on the basis of what we told her we would like, from the feel of them to their location and the facilities they had. She was on the end of the phone when I needed her and made me feel there would be help at the end of the phone in an emergency abroad. We're looking forward to our getaway, secure in the knowledge it has been tailor maide to our requirements.
Posted 4 days ago -
Anonymous
As always, fantastic service from Rob at eShores. He responded quickly to any requests and provided excellent support throughout the booking process. This is the second trip we’ve booked with him, and we’ve even recommended him to family members who are now also booking their holidays with Rob. Highly recommended
Posted 1 week ago -
Stephen
Our travel consultant, whom we have worked with for a few trips now, was given a wide ranging, complex and extensive overseas tour itinerary to quote for my wife and I. Not only did she return the quote within a matter of days but it was an amazing price and the hotels of our choice were mainly booked. The administration backed up the agreed quote with all relevant documents and we paid the deposit. All was done with the utmost efficiency, accuracy and speed. Wiil be back!!
Posted 1 week ago -
Bronwen
Couldn't be happier with the 2 holidays planned. Haven't been yet but the organisation, support and knowledge has been great!
Posted 1 week ago
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