-
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Kokol Hill, Kiulu Valley, Tamparuli areas for daytrips
Island hopping to Manukan, Mamutik and Sapi
Day trip to Mt Kota Kinabalu National Park
Daytrip to Kudat, the tip of Borneo
-
Sepilok, Malaysia
From Kota Kinabalu flight to Sandakan (45 minutes) and from there 30 min drive to Sepilok.
Orangutan Rehibilitation center
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center
Trail in Rainforset Discovery Center
-
Kinabatangan River, Malaysia
2 hour travel from Sandakan.
Stay in some eco-lodge in Kinabatangan river.
Book a small, ethical river safari (2 days 1 night?)
After Kinabatangan river back to Sandakan, and from there bus or flight to Kota Kinabalu
-
Sandakan, Malaysia
Flight from Kota Kinabalu
-
Jetty To Turtle Islands Park, Malaysia
Boat from Sandakan (1 hour) to Turtle Islands (Selingan Island).
-
Turtle Islands Park, Malaysia
Turtle island should be booked beforehand since the amount of visitors is regulated.
-
Tabin Wildlife Resort, Malaysia
Less touristy, quieter, and more natural wildlife experience than Kinabatangan river.
-
Sandakan, Malaysia
Flight from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur
-
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
REXKL
🚌 Bus to Cameron Higlands (~ 4 hours)
-
Penang Island, Malaysia
Cameron Highlands → Pengang :Bus from Tanah Rata → Butterworth (~4.5–5 hours). Then short ferry or Grab to George Town
Culture + food + UNESCO city
Jalan Kek Chuan (17th most beautiful street in the world)
Love Lane bar hopping
Penang Hill (funicular)
-
Langkawi, Malaysia
-
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Penang → Perhentian islands: Bus from Penang → Kuala Besut Jetty (6–7 hrs), then speedboat to Perhentian Islands (30–45 mins)
Less touristic, more peaceful version could be Pulau Kapas & Pulau Gemia?
Pulau Perenthian
Pulau Rawa
Redang
Perhentian Kecil – better for budget, lively
Perhentian Besar – quieter, nicer resorts, families & couples
-
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur → Cameron Highlands: Bus from KL TBS terminal → Tanah Rata (3.5–4.5 hours)
Boh Tea Plantation / Cameron Valley tea plantation
Mossy Forest walk (with guide)
Waterfall hikes (Robinson Falls)
Tea + strawberry farms
Landrover tour
Hiking (for example Trail 2 for shorter hike or trail 6 for a longer one (trail 6 ends at Cameron valley tea plantation))
Hobbitton
-
Tioman Island, Malaysia
-
Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia
Perhentian islands → Taman Negara
Easiest route: Boat to Kuala Besut, then pre-arranged private transfer to Taman Negara (5.5–6 hours)
Budget option: Boat to Kuala Besut, then bus to Jerantut (via Kota Bharu or Gua Musang), then minivan to Taman Negara
Canopy walkway
Night jungle walk
Trek to Bukit Teresek
Boat ride to Lata Berkoh
Visit indigenous Orang Asli village (ethical, small-group operators only)
-
Malacca, Malaysia
UNESCO Historic Town
-
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Taman Negara → Kuala Lumpur: Minivan from Taman Negara to Jerantut (1.5–2 hours), bus from Jerantut to Kuala Lumpur (3–4 hours)
-
Hanoi, Vietnam