Malaysia Small Group Tours
Imagine exploring UNESCO-listed Malacca, visiting St. Peter's Kirche, enjoying Malacca River boat rides, discovering Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers, strolling Penang's night markets, watching fireflies in Kuala Selangor, and discovering Kinabalu National Park's flora. Malaysia's kaleidoscope of wonders is yours to embrace.
10 best Malaysia small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaMalaysia travel expert at TourRadar
- Wild Sarawak
- Cameron Highlands Adventure from Kuala Lumpur (Bespoke Private)
- 14-Day Malaysia Escape: Discover the Best of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi
- Best of West Malaysia in 11 Days (Private Custom)
- Premium Borneo in Depth
- Malaysia Highlights
- Splendours of Borneo: Kuching to Kota Kinabalu
- Splendours of Borneo: Kota Kinabalu to Kuching
- Highland and Belum Valley Explorer
- Ulu Muda: A Date with Nature
Wild Sarawak
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Fantástic experience. Definitely recommended.”
Lídia, traveled in November
Duration 10 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Limbang, Labuan Island, Kota Kinabalu Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$2,970
Six travelers share private tours of Masjid Negara and Thean Hou Temple. The group enjoys exclusive Land Rover tours through Cameron Highlands' tea plantations and dedicated guidance at Malacca's UNESCO heritage sites.
Duration 6 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Cameron Highlands Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Odynovo From
- NZ$2,448
Duration 14 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Penang Island, Pulau Langkawi Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Vio Travel From
- NZ$3,461
Best of West Malaysia in 11 Days (Private Custom)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Eleven hotels, five flights, one train, five boat trips. He was very friendly, knew many facts about the different places we visited.”
George, traveled in November
Private tours for 6 travelers offer dedicated attention at iconic sites like Malacca's Dutch Square and Taman Negara's Canopy Walkway. Special experiences include night jungle walks at Mutiara Taman Negara Resort and cooking classes at Penang's Tropical Spice Garden.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands, Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Penang Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Odynovo From
- NZ$4,112
Groups of 12-15 explorers share Malaysia's diverse terrain. Intimate numbers allow close wildlife encounters at Sepilok Orangutan Centre and meaningful cultural experiences with Iban communities at Nanga Sumpa Lodge and Batang Ai National Park.
Duration 12 days Destinations Kuching, Batang Ai National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From $6,830
20% Off- NZ$5,464You save $1,366
Duration 10 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown, Teluk Bahang, Ulu Muda Forest Reserve, Cameron Highlands Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$3,080
Duration 7 days Destinations Kuching, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
20% Off- NZ$2,116
Duration 7 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kuching Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
20% Off- NZ$2,116
Duration 5 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Kangsar, Kuala Sepetang, Royal Belum State Park, Penang Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
20% Off- NZ$2,443
Duration 5 days Destinations Penang Island, Alor Setar, Ulu Muda Forest Reserve, Pulau Langkawi Age Range Ages 13+ Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type Group Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
20% Off- NZ$2,175
Reviews of Small Group tours to Malaysia
- Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
Tour itinerary fabulous and we were very lucky as we saw pygmy elephants and orangutans in the wild as well as turtle hatchlings being released and hawksbill turtle laying eggs. I would love to see a female tour leader although this may be difficult in Malaysia as most of the group was female and the guide was somewhat chauvinistic
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."