10-Day Malaysia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Malaysia itineraries

Compiled by

NinaMalaysia travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Borneo, incl. Kuching and Kota Kinabalu

  A 10-day odyssey across Malaysian Borneo unfolds with 3 nights in Kuching, 3 nights in Mulu National Park, and concludes with beach time on Labuan Island before reaching Kota Kinabalu.

  

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  • Day 1

    Kuching

    Begin your Borneo journey in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. The waterfront promenade comes alive from 4-7 PM when food vendors set up their stalls. Head to the Main Bazaar area to try Sarawak laksa, a local specialty that costs around $3-4 per bowl.

    
  • Day 2

    Bako National Park

    A 45-minute van ride followed by a 20-minute boat trip takes you to Bako National Park. If you're visiting during monsoon season (November-February), consider taking motion sickness pills as the boat ride can get rough. The Lintang Trail stretches 4 km and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Pack proper hiking shoes as the trails get muddy.

    
  • Day 3

    Semenggoh & Kuching

    Start your day at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. Orangutan feedings take place at 9 AM and 3 PM. Remember to stay quiet and keep a 5-meter distance from the animals. Spend your afternoon at the Sarawak Museum learning about local indigenous cultures.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Gunung Mulu National Park

    Book a morning flight to Mulu to avoid weather-related delays common in the afternoon. The famous Deer Cave and Lang Cave are a 3 km walk from park headquarters. A fellow traveler noted: "The bat exodus at sunset was mind-blowing. Get to the observation point by 5:30 PM to secure a good spot."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Headhunter's Trail

    This 12 km trek requires good physical fitness. Pack light but bring leech socks and dry bags for river crossings. Trekking poles will help with slippery wooden walkways. Overnight stays are in basic jungle camps with shared facilities and limited electricity after 10 PM.

    
  • Day 8

    Labuan Island

    Take an early 2-hour ferry to Labuan Island. Spend the afternoon at Pancur Hitam beach known for its crystal-clear waters. Plan your meals around local restaurant hours as many close between 2-4 PM.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Kota Kinabalu

    The journey to Kota Kinabalu takes 3 hours by ferry and bus. Visit the Sunday Market near the waterfront for local crafts. The night market offers excellent seafood but arrive by 7 PM before popular items sell out. If you want to climb Mount Kinabalu, book permits several months in advance.

    

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• 10 Days in Malaysia, incl. Kuala Lumpur and Penang

  Malaysian tour links 5 major cities: Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands, and Penang over 10 days. Luxurious stays include 9 nights in premium hotels, featuring 5-star Ramada Plaza Malacca and Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Malacca and Kuala Lumpur

    Start your journey in historic Malacca, just 2 hours from KL airport. A local traveler shares: "The local guide timed our Malacca River cruise perfectly for sunset, when the old shophouses cast beautiful reflections on the water." Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple early morning before tourist crowds arrive. Explore Jonker Street in late afternoon when temperatures cool down. Head back to KL for your overnight stay.

    
  • Day 3

    Kuala Lumpur

    Beat the heat by visiting Independence Square early in the day. Visit Petronas Towers right before dusk to see both daylight views and evening light shows. Get to Batu Caves by 8AM to avoid crowds and peak humidity. Remember to bring modest clothing for mosque visits.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Taman Negara

    Getting here takes time: a 2.5-hour drive plus a 3-hour boat ride. Consider motion sickness pills if needed. You'll need leech socks for jungle walks and quick-dry clothes. The canopy walkway is spectacular but can be intimidating. Visit early for fewer people and cooler temps. A recent visitor noted: "The night jungle walk was a highlight. Our guide spotted sleeping birds and fluorescent fungi I would have missed completely."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Cameron Highlands

    The 4-hour mountain drive brings you to cooler temperatures. Pack a light jacket. Visit BOH Tea Plantation first thing in the morning (closed Mondays) before clouds appear. Wear proper hiking shoes for the slippery Mossy Forest trails. Schedule strawberry farm visits for afternoon when skies are usually clearer.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Penang

    Stop at Kek Look Tong Temple during your drive from Cameron Highlands. In George Town, photograph the street art early before crowds form. A traveler suggests: "Take the first funicular up Penang Hill around 9AM—the queue gets crazy by mid-morning and the heat can be intense." Experience the famous hawker centers in the evening when they come alive.

    

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• 10 Day Malaysian Borneo Itinerary, incl. Kota Kinabalu and Danum Valley

  Wildlife enthusiasts will find paradise on this 10-day tour visiting Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Sepilok. The route includes UNESCO Kinabalu Park, Danum Valley, and Kinabatangan River. Luxury accommodations feature Borneo Rainforest Lodge and Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort.

  

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  • Day 1

    Kota Kinabalu Arrival

    Fly into Kota Kinabalu (KK) in the morning to make the most of your first day. The airport is just 15 minutes from downtown, but try to avoid traveling after 4 PM when traffic gets heavy. Stop by the City Mosque in late afternoon to see it beautifully reflected in the lagoon. You can also get some great photos of the unique cylindrical Tun Mustapha Tower.

    
  • Day 2

    Kinabalu National Park

    Take the 2-hour drive to UNESCO-listed Kinabalu National Park. Get there early since morning fog usually lifts by 9 AM, giving you clear views of Mount Kinabalu. The canopy walkway requires some steep climbing, so be prepared for a workout. The boardwalks can get slippery from humidity, so good hiking shoes are essential.

    
  • Day 3

    Sepilok Transfer

    Catch the 45-minute morning flight from KK to Sandakan, followed by a 30-minute transfer to Sepilok. The afternoon heat can be intense, so plan for some pool time or indoor activities. If you're staying at Sepilok Jungle Resort, look for hornbills from your balcony around sunset.

    
  • Day 4

    Orangutan & River Adventure

    Start at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. While there are feeding sessions at 10 AM and 3 PM, the morning session usually has more orangutan sightings. Visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre before the crowds arrive at noon. Later, take a boat to Sukau Village on the Kinabatangan River. One visitor shared: "The evening river cruise was magical - we saw wild orangutans making nests and proboscis monkeys jumping through the trees. Bring binoculars!"

    
  • Day 5

    Kinabatangan River Wildlife

    Take the 6 AM cruise to Ox-Bow Lake. Morning mist creates perfect photo opportunities, and wildlife is most active. Afternoon cruises offer different wildlife viewing, especially proboscis monkeys before sunset. Wear quick-dry clothing since regular cotton gets uncomfortable in the humidity.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Danum Valley

    The 4-hour journey to Danum Valley includes a stop in Lahad Datu. Visit the 300-meter canopy walkway early when it's cooler. Wear dark clothing for night drives to avoid attracting insects. The trek to Dusun burial sites involves rough terrain, so consider bringing walking poles.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Beach Relaxation at Dalit

    Unwind at Dalit Beach near KK after your jungle adventures. You can take easy nature walks at the Rasa Ria Reserve if you still want to spot wildlife. The west-facing beach offers beautiful sunsets. Book a spa treatment to help recover from all the hiking.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Plan for an afternoon departure to avoid the mid-morning rush at KK airport and enjoy one last morning at the beach.

    

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