Malaysia Tours & Trips
Picture climbing Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, and then relaxing in natural hot springs. Don't eat too much ikan panggang, a delicious local dish made with stingray! Hop through Kota Kinabalu, where you'll meet new people who will become like family, and learn about Borneo's amazing biodiversity and the warm hospitality of Malaysians.
Excellent
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Lisa • traveled in November, 2025
My first trip in a non developed country and I was not ready for the abject poverty. The tour was wonderful - all the issues I had were me and my total lack of preparation for the way animals are treated (dogs and cats). The filth and rubbish that is just a part of the country and the water ways including the ocean was more than I was able to process. The lack of effort to clean rooms to a high standard, and the garbage on the beaches was heartbreaking. If you are used to 3rd world destinations you will be fine. It was very cheap and cheerful. Amazing tour guide and group. Very cheap to eat and shop. Overall a wonderful experience. I would not have rated this a comfort tour compared to other intrepid tours I have done. It was a lot more walking and a lot more basic than I was expecting. Again that was about me and not the tour. I chose to not do several activities as they were too physically strenuous for this overweight older woman. And I thought I was prepared for the heat and the bugs - I WASN’T. Sooooo humid. I would suggest it is not suitable for anyone who doesn’t have a good level of fitness and it is a basic and not comfort tour.
Classic Borneo - AT
A • traveled in August
Good balance for seeing things and time to rest
Borneo – East Sabah Adventure - S
Sharon • traveled in April
Borneo was a fabulous trip. Our guide, Nostalia, was knowledgeable, organized, funny, intuitive about our (wonderful) group and made every day and every excursion interesting and fun. I was very pleased by all the flora and fauna we saw, the hikes we took and the lodges we stayed in. Thank you!!!
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
Table of contents
- The best Malaysia tour packages
- 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
Sabah Adventure (including Kundasang)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent value for money given that mountain climb/accomodation nd turtle island Sabah parks fees included.”
DaveHutchinson, traveled in October
Duration 11 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kundasang, Poring, Sepilok, Sandakan Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,090
10% Off- NZ$3,681You save $409
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 $4,295
10% Off- NZ$3,866You save $430
Malaysian heritage and modernity blend as Malacca's UNESCO sites meet Kuala Lumpur's urban pulse. The itinerary connects St. Peter's Church, Porto de Santiago, and Petronas Twin Towers while providing comfort at Holiday Inn Malacca and Novotel Kuala Lumpur with daily breakfast.
Duration 5 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Port Dickson Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,662
30% Off- NZ$1,164You save $499
Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
80 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great Tour, loved every part of it.”
Lydia, traveled in November
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 $2,519
35% Off- NZ$1,637You save $882
Duration 10 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
35% Off- NZ$4,605
6 Days in Penang Including George Town Heritage , Penang Hill & Temple with amazing Leisure Tour Cycling At Balik Pulau then Round Island Discovery
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a great and relaxed way to see Penang, and our tour guides knowledge was insightful.”
janine, traveled in May
Penang's cultural heritage shines over 6 days from approx. $100/day, with stays at OZO George Town. The itinerary features Kek Lok Si Temple, historic Penang Hill Railway rides, and UNESCO-listed George Town's treasures like Chew Jetty and Street of Harmony.
Duration 6 days Destinations Penang Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,123
30% Off- NZ$786You save $337
Sandakan Orangutan Experience 4D/3N
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The bilit ecolodge was fabulous on the river. The air conditioning worked great.”
maria, traveled in June
Malaysian wildlife takes center stage from Sandakan's Sepilok Centre to Kinabatangan River cruises, featuring orangutans, sun bears, and pygmy elephants. Accommodations at Sepilok Jungle Resort and Bilit Adventure Lodge support jungle treks and wildlife watching. Package includes 10 meals and canopy walks 28m above the rainforest.
Duration 4 days Destinations Sandakan Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
30% Off- NZ$1,220
Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great trip with tons of great activities.”
Melissa, traveled in February
Malaysian adventures unfold at approx. $230 per day, pairing wildlife encounters at Sepilok Orangutan Centre with Kinabatangan River safaris. The impressive Mt Kinabalu summit reaches 4,095m, while Libaran Island offers turtle conservation, and Tambatuon village shares traditional cooking wisdom.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran, Mount Kinabalu National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $3,919
30% Off- NZ$2,743You save $1,176
Malaysian highlights range from Malacca's Porta de Santiago to Georgetown's trishaw rides. The route includes Kuala Lumpur's King's Palace, Cameron Highlands' tea plantations, and Penang's Fort Cornwallis. This 7-day tour, at approx. $420 per day, provides 4-star hotels and English-speaking guides for groups of 16 or fewer.
Duration 7 days Destinations Johor Bahru, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang Island, Georgetown Age Range Ages 35+ Operator Tweet World Travel From
30% Off- NZ$2,860
Journeys: Best of Borneo National Geographic Journeys
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Lots of wildlife to see. Guides and accommodation excellent.”
Richard, traveled in September
Malaysian wildlife diversity shines on this 12-day route from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu (total costs around $4,400). Highlights include Gunung Mulu's caves, Sepilok's orangutan sanctuary, and Kinabatangan River cruises. Accommodations vary from Tabin Wildlife Reserve lodges to traditional Bidayuh villages.
Duration 12 days Destinations Kuching, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Sukau, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $6,539
30% Off- NZ$4,577You save $1,962
Most popular destinations in Malaysia
More exciting destinations:
Travel Malaysia your way
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.
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 tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Malaysia travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Best time to visit Malaysia
- 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 93 tours
- 102 tours
- popular 106 tours
- 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.
- popular 132 tours
- 105 tours
- 101 tours
- 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.
- 100 tours
- 98 tours
- popular 103 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
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.
- 94 tours
- popular 96 tours
- 74 tours
Contact our Malaysia travel experts
Joseph
Expert in Malaysia at TourRadar
Joseph 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.