Malaysia Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Malaysia tour packages
- What people love about Malaysia Tours
- Most popular destinations in Malaysia
- Travel Malaysia your way
- Best tour companies for Malaysia tours
- Best places to start your Malaysia tour
- Discover Malaysia tours for every budget
- Malaysia tours for every type of group
- Top Malaysia travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Malaysia
- Contact our Malaysia travel experts
- What our customers ask about Malaysia Tours & Trips
The best Malaysia tour packages
Compiled by
NinaMalaysia travel expert at TourRadar
Real Borneo
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was made amazing by our leader Manuel, who's passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm for his home country was the highlight of my trip.”
Matthew, traveled in December
Over 10 days from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian wildlife comes into focus. The route leads to Sepilok Orangutan Centre, along Kinabatangan River's pygmy elephant territory, and through Pandan Pandan Island. Kiulu Valley villages welcome visitors with authentic cooking lessons and cultural shows.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Sepilok, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$1,540
Discover Malaysia's Borneo through wildlife encounters at Sepilok Sanctuary and Kinabatangan River cruises. Experience 5 unique locations over 10 days, from Sandakan's heritage walks to Manukan Island's snorkeling. Visit Kampung Kiau's coffee production house and Everything Pineapple community project.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sandakan, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kundasang, Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,170
20% Off- NZ$3,336You save $834
Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
78 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything about this trip was exceptional. G adventures put together a very memorable experience.”
Peggy, traveled in January
Malaysian wildlife takes center stage on this 8-day adventure from Kota Kinabalu. Orangutans roam freely at Sepilok, proboscis monkeys swing along the Kinabatangan River, and sea turtles find sanctuary on Libaran Island. Nights split between jungle lodges while days fill with homestays and local cooking classes.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,539
20% Off- NZ$2,031You save $508
Duration 10 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
20% Off- NZ$4,078
Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great sights, great food, and cultural immersion in distinct cities make for an unforgettable experience.”
Philip, traveled in April
Malaysian contrasts emerge at approx. $270 per day: orangutans at Sepilok Sanctuary, wildlife along Kinabatangan River, and Malacca's Baba Nyonya culture. Kuala Lumpur's food scene beckons from Santa Grand Signature Hotel before relaxation at Frangipani Langkawi Resort.
Duration 14 days Destinations Sepilok, Sandakan, Sukau, Pulau Langkawi Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $5,057
13% Off- NZ$4,400You save $657
What people love about Malaysia Tours
Awesome adveturous tour. Includes jungle stay (pic above) where we went spotlighting wildlife at night, slept in a tree house, planted trees for reforestation and went out on the river to look for monkeys and orangutangs along the river banks. We also did a homestay. Due to the earth quake this year we couldnt climb kinabalu but we still did a very challenging trek through cave systems in the junlge and by doing this Geckos were making sure hte mountain guides weren't out of work while the mountain trails were repaired. Our guide was so knowledgable having grown up in the jungle since the age of 4. The country is full of wildlife, the people are friendly and the place is non touristy. Meals and beer were cheap. wifi in the country is dodgy. I would definately go back to see the other half of the country one day... My tip pack lots of quick dry sports clothing because the jungle is HOT! Our group was a good mix of international people, all young, fit, active and most importantly easy going!
Real Borneo
- Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
Good balance for seeing things and time to rest
- Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula
The tour was fantabulous! Great sights, great food, excellent tour guides are ingredients for an unforgettable experience. Close encounters with wildlife in the primeval forest of Borneo as well as the mangrove forest in Langkawi are second to none; the boat rides with the help of local guides make for a thrilling adventure. Complementing the awesome nature discovery is the cultural immersion in the distinct cities of Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown and Langkawi. A candid preview of Malaysia at its awesome best in two weeks! It is hands-down one of the best uses of one's time, energy, money.
Most popular destinations in Malaysia
You'll get incredibly close to orangutans in their natural home in Borneo - it's something our travelers tell us changed how they see wildlife forever. Small boats glide along the Kinabatangan River, giving you prime spots to watch proboscis monkeys jumping through the trees, and if luck's on your side, you might spot wild orangutans right near where you're staying. The local culture really opens up when you spend time in a Dusun village - you can learn to cook linopot and connect with families who've lived there for generations. March through October brings drier weather, which means animals come out more often to the riverbanks, making these experiences even better.
See all Borneo toursCheck our Malaysia tours and find the right tour package for you through Western Malaysia. We've got 11 adventures going to Western Malaysia, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 13 days. The most popular month to go is July, which has the most number of tour departures.
See all Western Malaysia toursCheck out Sabah's lush rainforests, packed with wildlife, or tackle Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia's tallest peaks. Dive into crystal-clear waters and discover vibrant coral reefs, or kick back on pristine, sandy beaches. Adventure or relaxation—Sabah’s got you covered!
See all Sabah toursDiscover amazing wildlife and landscapes in Taman Negara National Park. Most travelers enjoy exploring our Taman Negara National Park adventures in September, making it the most popular time of the year.
See all Taman Negara National Park tours
More exciting destinations:
Travel Malaysia your way
If you're looking to really get into Borneo's wild places, our most requested trips blend jungle walks with wildlife watching. The setup works well - you'll stay at riverside lodges along the Kinabatangan, heading out early by boat when orangutans, proboscis monkeys and hornbills are active. These tours typically run 10-12 days and include quality time at both the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary and sun bear center, where you can watch these fascinating animals up close. Our travelers particularly enjoy mixing guided walks through the limestone caves at Gomantong with snorkeling around Manukan Island. The local village stops are a nice touch too - you'll learn about coffee growing and get to try specialties like fresh pineapple jam right where it's made.
Select from our extensive range of 127 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Malaysia with our expert guides leading the way.
Find the right partially guided tour for you in Malaysia. There are 55 trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 20 days. The month with the most departures is October, making it the most popular time to visit Malaysia.
Our most popular cultural immersion tours weave together heritage landmarks and authentic local encounters across peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Travelers share daily life with families during village homestays in Teluk Bahang, where they join in traditional games, watch silat martial arts and learn to cook with fresh market ingredients. Starting in Kuala Lumpur, the journeys wind through Malacca's UNESCO district, where guided walks reveal Portuguese, Dutch and also British colonial layers. In Penang's George Town, visits combine the antique treasures of Pinang Peranakan Museum with wandering past traditional shophouses, hidden temples and local markets. Our travelers tell us they especially value how we balance cultural landmarks with personal moments - from batik painting workshops to longhouse stays and shared family meals. For those seeking extra refinement, premium tours include private cooking classes in heritage buildings, guided visits to Cameron Highlands tea plantations and a gentler pace that allows cultural experiences to unfold naturally.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Malaysia tours
Looking at Borneo tour operators, Intrepid comes out strong with consistently good feedback from folks who've actually taken their trips. Their guides know their stuff - especially on popular routes like "Classic Borneo" and "Sabah Adventure", where travelers regularly point out how smooth everything runs from start to finish. G Adventures matches up well too, with their "East Sabah Adventure" and "Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu" getting solid marks from past guests. People particularly like how they balance the schedule between activities and downtime, and their local guides tend to have deep connections in each area they visit. Exodus Travels has some interesting options like their "Borneo Wildlife Discoverer" but the experience can vary depending on which local operator they're working with in different regions. Some of our travelers have mentioned this inconsistency, so it's worth doing your homework on specific routes and dates. All three companies run solid Borneo programs, but what really matters is picking the right trip style for you. The guides at Intrepid and G Adventures clearly know their territories well, while Exodus offers unique wildlife-focused itineraries that might suit nature enthusiasts despite occasional operational hiccups.
View Malaysia operators
Best places to start your Malaysia tour
Most Malaysia trips kick off from Kuala Lumpur, with 36 of our tours starting in the capital. Borneo's Kota Kinabalu and Kuching each serve as launch points for about 15 departures, and some travelers opt to start from Singapore. We've noticed tours typically fill up around 66 days before departure, so it's smart to book 2-3 months ahead, particularly if you're traveling in peak season. Our travelers consistently mention how much they appreciate our local guides, who share personal stories and know exactly where to find those special spots - from quiet waterfalls to family-run restaurants that tourists rarely discover. The itineraries strike a nice balance, giving you time to spot wildlife and explore Malaysia's diverse cities without feeling like you're rushing from place to place.
Discover Malaysia tours for every budget
Malaysia delivers real value for budget-conscious travelers through tours that pack in meaningful experiences. The routes linking Kuala Lumpur's cultural sites with Malacca's UNESCO areas and nature spots like Taman Negara are consistently popular. Our guests love the 9-day city and jungle combinations where you can walk through rainforests at night, trek deep into Taman Negara and explore Cameron Highlands' tea plantations. You'll find 5-day cultural circuits through Malacca, Port Dickson and Kuala Lumpur that showcase Malaysia's mixed heritage without high costs. Over in Langkawi, 6-day trips mix mangrove tours with island visits and downtime at the beach, plus guided visits to spots like Eagle Square and also the cable car.
The premium Malaysia tours dial up both the experiences and accommodations. Borneo really shines here with 11-12 day journeys featuring private longboat rides, expert wildlife guides and nights in quality rainforest lodges. Our clients often tell us about the excellent naturalist guides who help spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys and also hornbills around Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River. You get nice extras like night wildlife walks, local village visits and time learning about conservation work. The west coast premium routes feature boutique heritage hotels in Penang, food tours through Georgetown's historic streets and also private cooking sessions using market-fresh ingredients.
Malaysia budget tours
Malaysia tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
120 tours in MalaysiaThe most popular group tours in Malaysia naturally blend urban discovery and immersive nature experiences. Our travelers gravitate towards 9-day journeys starting from Kuala Lumpur, where they join night walks through Taman Negara, explore tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands, and then discover the heritage of Georgetown. For those seeking wildlife encounters, the 10-day Borneo circuit stands apart, as visitors share authentic moments at Sepilok with orangutans, drift along the Kinabatangan River, and venture into Gomantong Cave's complex world before heading to Manukan Island. Groups stay intimate with 12-16 travelers, which proves especially valuable during village homestays and local cooking sessions. Our customers often mention how these tours balance structured activities with independent time to wander markets, sample street food, and bond with their fellow travelers. The shared challenge of summiting Mount Kinabalu or watching dawn break over Borneo's canopy tends to forge lasting connections between group members.
Small Group
66 tours in MalaysiaThese small-group Malaysian tours excel at creating special moments, particularly in Borneo's wilderness areas where close wildlife viewing takes center stage. Our most successful itineraries combine orangutan encounters at Sepilok with extended stays along the Kinabatangan River, where travelers spot proboscis monkeys, macaques, gibbons and often pygmy elephants during river cruises at dawn and dusk. Groups connect deeply in villages like Tambatuon, cooking alongside local families and discovering Dusun traditions firsthand. Mount Kinabalu stands as a physical highlight, where groups bond during the challenging pre-dawn climb to watch sunrise from 4,000 meters up. Our travelers appreciate how these journeys mix active elements like snorkeling Manukan Island's coral gardens with cultural immersion through market exploration in Kota Kinabalu, homestays in mountain communities and also village visits. The small-group approach proves especially valuable for Borneo wildlife viewing, as skilled guides can adjust the timing to maximize animal sightings while sharing detailed insights about the rainforest ecosystems. Tour members consistently note how the intimate size allows for impromptu wildlife stops and creates meaningful connections during village stays.
Private / Personalized
38 tours in MalaysiaPrivate tours give you the flexibility to shape your Malaysia experience with dedicated guides. The popular 9-11 day west coast journeys can move at your tempo, starting from Kuala Lumpur then flowing through Malacca's old quarter, the cool Cameron Highlands and also Penang's cultural treasures. Our travelers tell us they love being able to spend extra time at places they enjoy or adjust plans based on what interests them most. For Borneo wildlife tours, this private format means you can extend your time watching orangutans at Sepilok or take extra river cruises when animals are most active. The guides know exactly when to visit key spots to avoid crowds and can set up special moments like family meals in local homes.
Top Malaysia travel itineraries to fit your plans
A week in Malaysia lets you mix culture and nature nicely. Popular routes kick off from Singapore or KL, taking in Malacca's UNESCO sites before exploring Kuala Lumpur's blend of glass towers and old neighborhoods. You'll head up to see Cameron Highlands tea fields, then cross to Penang for its rich mix of cultures. Our customers really get into the food tours through KL and Georgetown's markets. The Borneo 7-day routes focus on wildlife, spending quality time at Sepilok Orangutan Centre and also along the Kinabatangan River. Groups often spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills and sometimes wild orangutans during the early morning river trips.
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Ten-day tours come in two flavors. The Borneo routes start in Sandakan meeting orangutans, then head into real jungle for riverside wildlife watching. You'll check out Gomantong Cave's rich ecosystem before wrapping up with snorkeling at Manukan Island - our travelers love how this mixes jungle time with beach days. Peninsula tours start in Malacca, explore KL's best spots and take their time in Cameron Highlands before finishing up in Penang. You'll join cooking classes, visit tea plantations and walk through Georgetown's UNESCO heritage zones. Our customers tell us they really value not having to rush between places.
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Two weeks gives you the full Malaysia experience, linking peninsula highlights with Borneo's best bits. Starting in KL, you'll discover Malacca's colonial past and Malaysia's cultural mix before heading north through tea country to Penang and finally Langkawi's islands. Over in Borneo, you'll focus on wildlife around Sepilok and along the Kinabatangan River, where our groups regularly spot wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys and also hornbills. Our travelers often say this combo of culture and nature makes the trip special. You'll get some free days too, perfect for finding Georgetown's street art or taking it easy on Langkawi's beaches.
See all toursDemographics
Solo travelers find real connections on our Sabah tours, where the small group setup naturally brings people together. The journey starts in Kota Kinabalu, where sharing street food and market visits helps everyone bond quickly. Mount Kinabalu's climb creates lasting friendships - travelers help each other reach the top and share that summit feeling. The Kinabatangan River boat trips give plenty to talk about, especially when you spot orangutans or pygmy elephants together. Our solo guests particularly value having local experts handle logistics while still keeping their independence and also mixing guided activities with personal time.
Couples often choose our premium private Malaysia tours that blend wildlife viewing with romantic elements. You'll stay in intimate river lodges along the Kinabatangan, watching wildlife from your private deck and taking sunset river cruises. The days mix active mornings - like watching orangutans at Sepilok - with relaxed afternoons by the pool. Many couples enjoy the cultural touches: private cooking lessons in Penang, rooftop drinks at sunset and also peaceful walks through Cameron Highlands tea fields. With quality hotels and private transfers included, couples can focus completely on sharing experiences.
Young adults in their 20s and 30s pick our Borneo tours for real adventures: climbing Mount Kinabalu tests your limits but rewards you with incredible sunrise views across the island. The schedule keeps moving: you'll snorkel Manukan Island's reefs, spot nocturnal wildlife on night walks and also explore the massive cave networks at Mulu National Park. Village homestays, traditional fishing lessons and family cooking sessions add cultural depth. We use simple but clean accommodations to keep costs reasonable while maximizing authentic experiences.
Senior travelers appreciate our tours that combine cultural insights with comfortable wildlife viewing. The private premium options work well, offering flexible pacing and quality hotels while accessing Malaysia's key sites. Boat trips replace long hikes - you'll cruise the Kinabatangan River from stable platforms to spot orangutans and proboscis monkeys. The cultural program flows nicely through George Town's historic quarter, tea plantation walks and also guided temple visits. Our older guests particularly value how expert guides manage everything while maintaining an unhurried, comfortable pace.
When families book Malaysia tours, they consistently pick itineraries mixing wildlife and culture. The Sepilok Orangutan Centre works perfectly for kids - they love watching young orangutans practice climbing in the nursery. River safaris along the Kinabatangan really suit families since you stay in proper lodges and spot wildlife by boat rather than hiking. Many kids get excited about snorkeling with marine experts around Dinawan Island to learn about reef life. The Mount Kinabalu homestays let families cook together, try farming and also connect with local life. Parents tell us they like how the schedule leaves free afternoons for swimming, resting or joining extra activities based on everyone's energy.
- Solo Travelers114 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples129 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)7 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)40 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family123 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit Malaysia
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall creates perfect conditions for deep-dive Borneo tours. Our premium packages start in Kuching exploring the food markets and local cuisine before taking longboat rides down the Delok River to swim at hidden waterfalls. Many travelers tell us their favorite experiences come from staying with Iban communities in traditional longhouses, sharing rice wine and learning about their customs. The wildlife viewing is excellent too - you'll meet orangutans at Sepilok, spot various monkeys and birds during river safaris and also track nocturnal creatures on guided night walks through the jungle.
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- popular 130 tours
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- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Malaysia brings excellent conditions for our combination wildlife and culture tours. Starting in Kuala Lumpur, you'll join local guides for heritage walks before heading to Malacca where river cruises let you explore the old town and local food scene. Many travelers choose to visit the Cameron Highlands, where cooler temperatures make it perfect for wandering tea plantations and mossy forest trails. The village homestays in Tambatuon are a real highlight - you'll cook with local families and experience genuine Dusun hospitality. Wildlife viewing along the Kinabatangan River works especially well in winter; the clear skies make it easier to spot animals during early morning and evening river safaris.
- December 2025 popular 124 tours
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- Spring 2026
Spring offers ideal weather for active tours in Borneo, with less rain and comfortable temperatures. Our guided Mt Kinabalu climbs are consistently rated as trip highlights by travelers who take on this challenging two-day trek. The Sabah journeys combine quality time watching orangutans at Sepilok, boat trips to see proboscis monkeys and also nights in jungle lodges where gibbon calls wake you at sunrise. What makes these tours special is how they blend wildlife experiences with cultural elements - you'll visit traditional longhouses and meet locals running conservation projects.
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- Summer 2026
Summer tours pair you with expert naturalist guides who know the best spots for wildlife watching in Borneo. You'll spend dedicated time at Sepilok meeting orangutans, visiting the sun bear center and also joining night walks to find nocturnal species. Many clients add time on Manukan Island for coral reef snorkeling and beach relaxation. The premium routes include stays at Mulu National Park in forest bungalows - you can watch millions of bats emerge at dusk and explore some of Asia's most extensive cave networks.
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Contact our Malaysia travel experts
Anita
Expert in Malaysia at TourRadar
Anita is one of our seasoned Malaysia Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Malaysia tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Malaysia Tours & Trips
What's the best way to experience authentic Malaysian culture?
You'll love visiting Kuching where the Iban people welcome visitors into their traditional longhouses along the Batang Lupar river. It's really special - you'll share rice wine on the communal veranda and learn about their daily life firsthand. If you're into cooking head to Tambatuon village where Dusun families show you how to gather fresh ingredients and cook local specialties. They'll teach you to make linopot it's this amazing snack where rice gets wrapped tightly in leaves really traditional stuff.
What natural areas can I explore in Malaysia and how do I get there?
Malaysia's got some incredible parks beyond the cities. Taman Negara National Park is a must-see you'll take this scenic longboat ride from Kuala Tembeling jetty to reach the ancient rainforests. Bako National Park's really special catch a boat from Kampung Bako fishing village to explore it. For something different check out Gunung Mulu's massive cave systems you'll need to fly into Mulu first then join some organized tours. The Kinabatangan River area in Sabah is amazing for wildlife watching get there by boat from Sandakan. Mount Kinabalu National Park starts at Timpohon Gate and takes you through all these different vegetation zones. The Kinabatangan's actually a protected reserve and you'll see some of Borneo's best wildlife concentrations there.
What are some cool alternative routes around Malaysia?
You've got to try the Headhunter's Trail in Sarawak it's this amazing journey where you'll cross rivers by sampan and car ferry while getting deep into Iban culture. You'll pass these traditional longhouse villages farms and paddy fields it's really authentic. Another great option is cruising the Kinabatangan River where wildlife lovers get amazing views of proboscis monkeys orangutans and even pygmy elephants if you're lucky.
Where can I find the best local Malaysian food?
When you're in Kuching don't miss the hawker markets they've got amazing Sarawak Laksa this incredible noodle soup and Kolok Mee with its perfect springy noodles. Up in Tanak Nabalu the Dusun people make this fantastic raw fish dish called Hinava it's kind of like ceviche made with mackerel lime chili ginger shallots Bambangan seeds and prawns super fresh and tasty. Kota Kinabalu's street food stalls serve up the best Nasi Goreng and satay you'll find anywhere.
How do I get around Malaysia?
Getting around's actually pretty easy you've got affordable taxis and ride-shares in the cities and comfortable long-distance buses running frequently between major spots. The train journey from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth's really scenic and it's your gateway to Penang Island. Island hopping's simple too with regular ferries like the ones connecting Penang and Langkawi. If you want something more personal private minivans are great especially in Borneo where they'll take you through Sandakan Sepilok and along the Kinabatangan River.