3-Week Malaysia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Malaysia tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaMalaysia travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Days in Malaysia, incl. Kuala Lumpur and Borneo

  A grand 20-day tour covers 12 destinations across Malaysia, including UNESCO-listed Georgetown, Mt Kinabalu National Park, and Turtle Island. Features 19 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners, and diverse accommodations from jungle lodges to homestays.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Kuala Lumpur & George Town

    Plan to arrive in Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon to avoid morning traffic. Visit Petaling Street Market and the River of Life to get your bearings. Take the metro to catch a train to George Town, Penang (4 hours). Spend two days exploring George Town's UNESCO sites and street art. A recent visitor shared: "The blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences in George Town's architecture and food scene is incredible - try the street food at Gurney Drive after 6 PM when it's less crowded."

    
  • Days 4-6

    Traditional Village & Rainforest

    Experience local life with a homestay in Teluk Bahang fishing village. You can learn batik painting and local martial arts from village experts. Take a trip to Ulu Muda Forest where early morning river cruises often spot elephants. Remember to pack quick-dry clothes and leech socks for jungle walks.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Cameron Highlands

    The 3-hour drive up to Cameron Highlands has lots of curves, so consider motion sickness medicine. Visit tea plantations between 9-11 AM before afternoon fog appears. Get to the mossy forest early since paths get slippery after rain. Take time to enjoy fresh local strawberries and tea straight from the source.

    
  • Days 10-14

    Borneo & Mt. Kinabalu

    Fly to Kota Kinabalu in Borneo. Stay in a Dusun village to adjust to the altitude before climbing Mt. Kinabalu. Your summit climb starts at 2 AM. Pack warm clothes since temperatures can drop below 10°C. Bring trekking poles to help with the descent.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Kinabatangan River & Sepilok

    Head to Kinabatangan River for wildlife watching. Look for orangutans and proboscis monkeys during dawn and dusk boat trips. Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok first thing to beat the crowds. Bring binoculars and a good camera with zoom.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Turtle Islands & Sandakan

    Take a boat to Turtle Islands Marine Park. You'll need to follow strict rules for evening turtle viewing. End your trip in Sandakan with stops at historic sites like Agnes Keith House. Pack light clothes that dry quickly since it's hot and humid all year.

    

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• 15 Days in Borneo, incl. Kuching and Sandakan

  The Malaysian expedition stretches from Kuching to Sandakan, visiting 8 destinations including Bako National Park and Mount Kinabalu. Stay at the Sabah Tea Gardens Longhouse and spot wildlife at Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Watch orangutans at Sepilok Sanctuary and trek through UNESCO-listed Mulu National Park's cave systems.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Kuching & Bako National Park

    Begin in Kuching to explore its colonial waterfront and rich culture. A one-hour drive plus boat ride takes you to Bako National Park where you can spot endemic proboscis monkeys. Plan to visit early when wildlife is most active and before the afternoon heat kicks in.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Mulu National Park

    Take a flight to Mulu to see its spectacular cave systems. Check out Deer Cave (the world's largest cave passage) and Lang's Cave with their unique formations. The 3km boardwalk can get slippery so pack shoes with good grip. Try to catch the bat exodus at dusk if weather permits. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The spectacle of millions of bats streaming out of Deer Cave at sunset was absolutely incredible."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Kota Kinabalu

    Move on to KK in Sabah state. You'll have time to visit nearby islands for snorkeling (just 15 minutes by boat) or browse the local markets. Stop by the Filipino Night Market for excellent seafood.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Mount Kinabalu & Tea Plantation

    Visit Mount Kinabalu National Park with stops at local markets. Your stay at Sabah Tea Plantation's traditional longhouse is basic but gives you a real local experience. Get up early to see stunning sunrise views of Mt. Kinabalu.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Sepilok & Kinabatangan River

    Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for both feeding times. A 2-3 hour trip takes you to Kinabatangan River for wildlife cruises. One visitor shared: "The river cruises delivered incredible sightings - pygmy elephants proboscis monkeys and even wild orangutans."

    
  • Days 12-13

    Danum Valley

    Take a 5-6 hour off-road journey to this untouched rainforest. Join guided jungle treks and walk the canopy trails. You'll stay at the excellent Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Pack quick-dry clothes since the humidity keeps everything damp.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Sandakan

    Final 5-6 hour transfer to Sandakan. Spend time at the historic waterfront and markets before leaving. Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic delays.

    

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• 15 Days in Borneo Wildlife, incl. Kuching and Kota Kinabalu

  A 15-day wildlife tour showcases Sepilok Sanctuary, Kinabatangan River, and Tabin Reserve. Visit 4 key destinations including Kota Kinabalu and Mount Kinabalu National Park. Includes wildlife cruises, night walks, and stays at Tabin Wildlife Resort, approx. $400 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Kuching

    Begin in Sarawak's capital. Take a morning flight to beat the midday heat. Spend day 2 walking through historic India Street and Main Bazaar. Take a Sampan boat ride to see the city from the river. On day 3 head to Bako National Park. It's a 45-minute drive plus 30-minute boat ride. Get there early to see proboscis monkeys before they hide from the heat.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Mulu National Park

    Take a flight to Mulu to explore its stunning caves. Visit Deer Cave around 5pm to watch thousands of bats fly out at dusk. Wear shoes with good grip since limestone cave floors get slippery. A visitor noted: "The night safaris, by boat and vehicle, were incredible with amazing places to stay."

    
  • Days 6-8

    Kota Kinabalu

    KK is your starting point for Mount Kinabalu adventures. Try the local food scene and don't miss the waterfront night market's seafood. The drive to Kinabalu National Park takes 2.5 hours. Stop at the Dusan village for lunch. Visit the botanical gardens and their orchids in the morning before afternoon rain hits.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Sepilok and Kinabatangan River

    Time your visit to catch the 10am orangutan feeding at Sepilok Sanctuary. For wildlife viewing on the Kinabatangan River, go at 6am or 4pm. Bring binoculars to spot hornbills and proboscis monkeys up close.

    
  • Days 12-15

    Tabin Wildlife Reserve and Sandakan

    The 3.5-hour drive to Tabin goes through palm oil plantations. Join the 6:30am bird walks for the best sightings. Night walks are worth your time. As one traveler said: "The night rides and walks were fantastic for spotting nocturnal wildlife."

    

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