Family Fun in Malaysia and Borneo

Ideal suited for families with older children this enticing itinerary will see you uncover the very best of what Borneo has to offer. From exhilarating water sports off Sabah’s coastline to peaceful river cruises along the Kinabatangan River in search of orangutans and proboscis monkeys. The whole family will enjoy exploring our top picks for Malaysia and Borneo.

1. Days 1-4: Kota Kinabulu, Malaysia

   Begin your Malaysian adventure in Kota Kinabalu, the coastal capital city of the Sabah region of Borneo. Unwind and relax after your journey and spend a few days enjoying the golden beaches that line Sabah’s western coastline or for the more adventurous family members a plethora of water-based activities can be enjoyed. For intrepid hikers, head into the dense tropical jungle that surrounds Kota Kinabalu on a guided wildlife walk or simply explore the many varied markets that litter the modern multicultural city.

   Accommodation: Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu (3 nights)

2. Days 4-5: Sandakan and Sepilok

   Continuing east your next destination is Sepilok in the northern region of Sandakan . Known as the gateway to Borneo’s dense interior jungle it is here that you will have your first encounter with Borneo’s most famous inhabitant, the orangutan.  Included in your itinerary is a visit to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre which was founded in 1964 and rescues orphaned, injured or captive orangutans, nurturing them back to health before releasing them back into the native wild. Witness these graceful creatures at feeding time before opting to see the world’s smallest bear - the Bornean Sun Bear, a critically endangered species few have the privilege of seeing.

   Accommodation: Sepilok Nature Resort (1 night)

3. Days 5-7: Kinabatangan River

   On to Kinabatangan which will arguably be the highlight of your trip for the whole family. Offering one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo, the area surrounding the Kinabatangan River offers visitors the chance to explore the winding mangroves by traditional boat looking out for proboscis monkeys swinging from the trees, rare hornbills and even pygmy elephants and wild orangutans.
   
   Here you and your family will enjoy life in a traditional Bornean lodge undertaking daily excursions along the river in search of intrepid wildlife. You will also have the chance to explore the surrounding forests on guided walks both during the day and after dark, allowing you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the inspiring Borneo wilderness.

   Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (2 nights)

4. Days 7-9: Kuala Lumpur

   Next you will return to mainland Malaysia and the cosmopolitan city of Kuala Lumpur. Here you can explore this heritage city at your leisure. Included in your itinerary is a half-day city orientation tour of Kuala Lumpur offering you the chance to discover sites you would like to explore in more depth independently. A must see is the iconic Petronas towers, one of Asia’s most recognisable buildings that offer sweeping views of the multi-cultural city. Alternatively, you can choose to venture outside the city to the area’s most noticeable natural wonder, the remarkable Batu Caves. Admire the many temples and shrines that surround the entrance to the caves here as part of a guided tour or simply explore the city at your leisure visiting the many shopping outlets and local markets.
   

   Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur (2 nights)

5. Days 9-15: Langkawi

   For your final few nights you will fly to the wonderful Langkawi which is an island archipelago in the north of Peninsula Malaysia. Relax in one of Langkawi’s teen-friendly hotels enjoying the huge variety of activities on offer from guided boat cruises to waterfall walks, jet-skiing and even paddle boarding. After an action packed adventure through Borneo you might find you all just want to relax with a good book on a empty beach overlooking a sun-kissed ocean - Langkawi is without doubt the best place in Malaysia to do just that.

   Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Langkawi (6 nights)

• Batu Caves & Royal Selangor Pewter Tour

  This half day tour will take you to the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, where you will visit Malaysia's most prestigious pewter factory as well as the Batu Caves; one of the country's most iconic and holy sites.

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• Forgotten Trails of Kuala Lumpur City

  Kuala Lumpur is often regarded as very much a contemporary city, with modern streets and towering skyscrapers. This tour aims to go behind the scenes, and explore more of the local life within Malaysia's capital.

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• Half Day City Tour of Kuala Lumpur

  For first time visitors to KL this tour is a great introduction to the city taking in the main attractions of the melting pot of a city.

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• Kampung Tour - Kuala Lumpur

  Head out of Kuala Lumpur to gain an insight into Malaysia's rural life. Spend the afternoon visiting a local village before taking a boat trip into a mangrove forest, where there are often thousands of fireflies lighting up the trees on the riverbank.

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• Kinabatangan River - Afternoon River Cruise

  In the late afternoon set off by boat to explore the Kinabatangan River. Enjoy the scenery as the sun sets, watching the colours change across the sky. You may be lucky enough to spot the fireflies begin to twinkle along the riverbanks as night falls.

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• Kinabatangan River - Night Walk

  Accompanied by the lodge's naturalist, enjoy an evening adventure along the boardwalk around the property. This is a great opportunity to spot some of the area's nocturnal wildlife, including snakes, birds and insects.

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• Petaling Street Heritage Food Walk

  Spend a few hours enjoying the sites, smells and flavours of Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown area. This is a fun but fairly gentle introduction into Asian streetfood. You will also have the opportunity to visit nearby temples.

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Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River, Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi