3-Week Malaysia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Malaysia tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaMalaysia travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Day Borneo Itinerary, incl. Kuching and Sandakan

  This 20-day adventure visits 9 key destinations from Kuching to Sepilok, including UNESCO-listed Gunong Mulu caves and Mt Kinabalu (4,095m). Accommodations vary with 7 nights in hotels, 2 nights each in hostels, lodges, and homestays. Includes 16 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners, featuring traditional Bornean cuisine like Pansoh.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Kuching & Around

    Begin in Kuching, Sarawak's capital. Take a morning boat to Bako National Park. One traveler shared: "The proboscis monkeys were incredibly active around 4 PM near the mangroves. Bring good grippy shoes as the trails get slippery." Visit Semenggoh Wildlife Centre early at 8 AM for the morning orangutan feeding session. End your days at the waterfront night markets sampling fresh local seafood.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Gunung Mulu National Park

    Fly to Mulu for three days exploring its UNESCO-listed caves. Time your Deer Cave visit for dusk to see millions of bats flying out. Pack water shoes for wading through shallow sections of Clearwater Cave. The basic park accommodation puts you close to all attractions.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Headhunters Trail & Labuan

    Take on the Headhunters Trail with plenty of water and leech socks. After a full day hiking through jungle, travel by boat and bus to Labuan Island for some beach time.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Kota Kinabalu

    Catch the ferry to KK. Spend your evenings at the night markets trying grilled fish with sambal. Use your time here to get ready for Mt Kinabalu.

    
  • Days 11-14

    Mt Kinabalu Trek

    Spend two nights in a Dusun village to adjust to the altitude. About the summit climb, one hiker noted: "Starting at 2 AM was tough but essential. Bring layers as temperature drops below 10°C at the top. The sunrise view made every step worth it." Watch your knees on the way down; the descent can be more challenging than ascending.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Kinabatangan River

    Book a riverside lodge for wildlife viewing. Take 6 AM boat safaris for the best chances to spot pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys. Join night walks to see nocturnal animals. Remember closed shoes and a headlamp.

    
  • Days 17-20

    Sepilok & Turtle Island

    Get to Sepilok Orangutan Centre before the crowds. Visit Turtle Island next (travel light; main bags stay behind). A recent visitor shared: "Watching giant turtles lay eggs under moonlight was magical. Keep voices low and no flash photography." End your trip in Sandakan with a visit to the War Memorial.

    

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• 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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• 16 Days in Malaysian Borneo, incl. Kota Kinabalu and Kuching

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Kota Kinabalu & Kinabalu National Park:

    You'll feel the humidity as soon as you land in Kota Kinabalu (KK). Get to Kinabalu National Park early on day 2 before the UNESCO site gets crowded. Wear long sleeves and dark colors to keep insects away. The Canopy Walkway gives you great views from the treetops but have a backup plan since it closes in rainy weather. Going in the morning gives you the best chance to see hornbills and leaf monkeys.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Sepilok & Kinabatangan River:

    Take the quick 45-minute flight to Sandakan in the morning and drive 30 minutes to Sepilok. Get to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center before the 10 AM feeding for the best experience. After seeing the sun bears, take a boat to Sukau Village. The one-hour ride lets you spot wildlife along the river. A traveler shared: "The early morning Ox-Bow Lake cruise was magical. We spotted countless kingfishers and even a Storm's stork. Bring binoculars!"

    
  • Days 5-7

    Danum Valley:

    The trip from Sukau to Danum Valley takes 4 hours on paved and gravel roads, leading to Malaysia's oldest rainforest. Start your hikes early to beat the heat. The 985-foot viewpoint hike needs good fitness levels. Pack lots of water and snacks. Night safaris show you nocturnal animals but depend on good weather.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Kuching:

    Flying to Sarawak's capital shows you a different Borneo. This waterfront city blends Chinese temples with Malay villages. Get to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre early for orangutan feeding. If you're visiting Bako National Park, your guide will help time the speedboats with the tides.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Mulu National Park:

    A 1.5-hour flight from Kuching takes you to this UNESCO site. Watch the bat exodus from Deer Cave around sunset. Get to the observation point by 5:30 PM. For the Clear Water Cave trip, wear quick-dry clothes as the longboat ride can get splashy when water levels are low.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Manukan Island:

    Head back to KK for your final stop. Take the 20-minute ferry to Manukan mid-morning to avoid crowds. Do water activities early before afternoon winds pick up. One visitor noted: "The coral reefs near the jetty are surprisingly vibrant. Best snorkeling is two hours either side of high tide."

    
  • Day 16

    Departure:

    Leave 45 minutes for the ferry and transfer to KK airport. Book a morning flight when the sea is usually calmer.

    

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