Malaysia Small Group Tours
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10 best Malaysia small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaMalaysia travel expert at TourRadar
- Classic Borneo (from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu)
- 15 days Highlights Peninsula Malaysia with beach vacation
- Highlights Malaysia and Singapore - Guided Private Tour
- Between Rainforests, Orangutans and Street Food
- Malaysia Kaleidoscope (group tour)
- Best of Malaysia (group tour)
- The Island of the Forest People
- Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
- Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
- Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
Perfect for groups of 15-99 year olds, this Malaysian adventure maintains an intimate atmosphere across 5 destinations. Small group size allows exclusive access to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and personalized wildlife spotting along Kinabatangan River. Enjoy community interaction at Kampung Kiau's coffee production house.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sandakan, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kundasang, Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,090
10% Off- NZ$3,681You save $409
Local German-speaking guide leads intimate groups through Malaysia's cultural treasures. The setting caters to an older demographic, offering in-depth exploration of Cheng Hoon Teng temple and Ubudiah Mosque. Activities include hands-on cooking classes at Tropical Spice Garden.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands, Ipoh, Georgetown, Penang Island Age Range 8 to 80 year olds Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Oasis Travel From
10% Off- NZ$5,347
Your private party receives dedicated attention at every stop. English-speaking driver-guide accompanies you through Malaysia's highlights, from Malacca's historic center to Taman Negara's jungle trails, with flexible timing at sites like Batu Caves and Georgetown's temples.
Duration 14 days Destinations Singapore, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands, Ipoh, Penang Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 9 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Ventus Touristik GmbH From
10% Off- NZ$6,256
Small group dynamics enable genuine connections during cooking classes in Kuching and street food tours in Georgetown. Limited numbers provide better wildlife viewing opportunities in Taman Negara and close encounters with orangutans in Semenggoh.
Duration 16 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands, Ipoh, Penang Island, Georgetown, Kuching, Bako National Park Age Range up to 85 year olds Operated in English, German Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
10% Off- NZ$7,327
Malaysian cultural sites come alive in small groups, from Batu Caves to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. A German-speaking guide provides rich cultural context, while intimate numbers allow special activities like firefly watching in Kuala Selangor and local market visits.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Kuala Selangor, Cameron Highlands, Lata Iskandar, Tanah Rata, Georgetown Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$3,340
Personal attention flourishes in small groups visiting Batu Caves and Malacca's historic Stadthuys. Cultural immersion reaches new depths during Bidayuh longhouse visits and Georgetown heritage walks, with nights spent at 4-star Swiss Garden Bukit Bintang.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Kuala Selangor, Cameron Highlands, Lata Iskandar, Tanah Rata, Georgetown Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$6,445
Small groups traverse Malaysia's natural wonders, from Bako National Park's coastal trails to Mulu's cave networks. Limited numbers enhance wildlife encounters at Sepilok Orangutan Center and Kinabatangan River safaris, with meaningful cultural exchanges at Iban longhouses.
Duration 16 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Sepilok, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Kuala Lumpur Age Range up to 85 year olds Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
10% Off- NZ$7,748
Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
76 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw some rare sights, such as pygmy elephants and orangutan mom and baby in the wild.”
Gladys, traveled in October
Groups of 15-18 adventurers share Malaysian wildlife encounters together. Intimate settings allow for close-up wildlife viewing on Kinabatangan River cruises and authentic interactions during the Tambatuon village homestay, led by an expert CEO guide.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,779
25% Off- NZ$2,084You save $694
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We came so close to wildlife it was awesome. The wild orang-utans were also an amazing sight.”
Marie, traveled in August
Groups of 16 or fewer share immersive Malaysian wildlife experiences. Remote areas like Danum Valley become accessible, with close wildlife encounters at Sepilok Orangutan Centre, Kinabatangan River, and Bako National Park.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sandakan, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $9,457
10% Off- NZ$8,535You save $922
Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great trip with tons of great activities.”
Melissa, traveled in February
Groups of 12-14 people share Malaysia's diverse landscapes, enabling close wildlife encounters at Sepilok Orangutan Centre and Kinabatangan River safaris. Authentic homestay experiences in Tambatuon village and guided Mt Kinabalu summit attempts become more personal.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran, Mount Kinabalu National Park Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$3,779
Reviews of Small Group tours to Malaysia
- Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
Excellent tour, well paced, tons of interesting places and wild life. Wonderful tour guide Leroy or Roy, friendly, well informed, eager to share his knowledge and generally very helpful. Despite that we were quite a mixed bunch of people he managed to keep all of us happily together.
What our customers ask about Malaysia Small Group Tours
What is the typical group size for small group tours in Malaysia?
Small group tours in Malaysia keep numbers between 2-8 participants allowing for personal attention at key wildlife spots. Groups visiting the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and Sepilok Orangutan Centre benefit from the intimate size. The Classic Borneo tour keeps numbers low to enhance wildlife viewing along the river. Recent travelers note the advantage of small numbers saying "our small group had a wonderful up-close encounter watching orangutans at the rehabilitation center" at locations like Sepilok Nature Resort.
What accommodations can I expect on a small group tour in Malaysia?
Accommodations range from city hotels to wilderness lodges that cater to small groups. The Angsana Teluk Bahang in Batu Feringgi provides ocean-view rooms while the Sukau Rainforest Lodge sits along the Kinabatangan River. In Kuching the Waterfront Hotel offers centrally located rooms. The Mutiara Taman Negara Resort puts guests in the heart of the rainforest. A recent guest noted "The accommodations were well-chosen for their locations and provided great bases for our daily activities."
How long should I plan for a small group tour in Malaysia?
Most tours run 8-11 days which allows time to explore key destinations at a comfortable pace. The Borneo - East Sabah Adventure takes 8 days to visit essential spots like the Sepilok Orangutan Center and Kinabatangan River while staying at places like the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort. As noted by a recent traveler "The trip provided a great overview of Sabah in a relatively short period of time - we weren't rushed but saw all the highlights."
How does transportation work for small group tours in Malaysia?
Private air-conditioned vehicles sized for small groups handle road transfers between places like Kuching and Batang Ai. River sections use smaller boats ideal for wildlife viewing on the Kinabatangan River. In Taman Negara National Park private longboats transport groups through the jungle. A recent visitor shared: "Having a dedicated van for our small group meant we could stop whenever we wanted for photos or wildlife spotting."
Which areas of Malaysia are best suited for small group travel?
Borneo's wildlife zones including the Kinabatangan River Sepilok and Danum Valley work well for small groups. Cultural sites like the Iban longhouses also benefit from limited numbers. Small eco-lodges such as Borneo Rainforest Lodge and Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort provide access to rainforest areas where orangutans proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants live naturally.
How does dining work on small group tours in Malaysia?
Tours mix included meals with independent dining. The Sukau Rainforest Lodge serves riverside dinners by candlelight. In Kuching groups can explore local restaurants and street food together. The Strawberry Park Resort in Cameron Highlands has six restaurant options suited for small groups. One traveler commented: "The small group size meant we could try local restaurants that couldn't accommodate larger tours."