Curious to explore the best scenic places in Malaysia? With Expats Holidays, it’s as simple as possible! Although Malaysia is not a huge landmass in size, it consists of two parts as east & west. In this itinerary of 8 days, you are going to experience the most unique destinations of eastern Malaysia and enjoy as much as scenery and wildlife that will eventually make you want to extend your stay a little further.
About This Trip
Price: From 889 USD / per person
Best time to visit: All year round
Experience: Culture, Temple
Tour Highlights
- Discover tropical forest and wildlife
- Experience typical Malaysia islands
- Explore the colors of Eastern Malaysia
Inclusions
Private car: All transfers mention in the itinerary.
Entrance fees: All admission fees and activity expenses as noted in the itinerary.
English Speaking guide: Professional guide will accompany you along your trip.
Hotel with breakfast: All accommodations are based on double-occupancy and including breakfast.
Exclusions
Gratuities: Tips for guides and drivers are not included.
Personal expenses: Meals, travel insurance or activities not mention in the itinerary.
Airplane Transport: International or domestic flights and excess baggage charge.
The private tour could be fully customizable based on your preference. Please feel free to chat with our travel constants, they are here to support you!
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Destination
1
Day 1: Welcome to East Malaysia!
Arrive at Kota Kinabalu airport and meet our guide for your safe transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, have the rest of the day at leisure.
- Pick up from the airport.
- Stay overnight at hotel.
2
Day 2: KK Scenic Ride
Enjoy your morning breakfast and be ready at 08:00 AM for a scenic ride in Kota Kinabalu where you will capture picturesque places in and around the city from flora to fauna and hot spring to milky farm.
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Explore Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an unspoilt paradise for rare flora & fauna as well as several hundred that are native and found only in the park.
- Discover Poring Hot Spring, known for its hot sulphur spring bath, where the hot waters of the spring are piped into open-air baths.
- Spot Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, which is one of the main attractions in Ranau.
- Visit Desa Cattle Dairy Farm to see the cows closer and purchase fresh milks (own expense) from their production.
3
Day 3: Snorkeling Day
After breakfast, get ready for a full day adventure at Mengalum Island, a remote tropical paradise surrounded with white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, known for its rich and diverse marine life.
- Pick up early from the hotel.
- Drive to Mengalum Island.
- Enjoy sun, sand and sea & relax in total tranquility.
- Taste variety of seafood by the seaside.
- Try snorkeling in its crystal clear waters.
4
Day 4: Firefly Experience
After breakfast, enjoy half-day at leisure and transfer to the lush Weston wetland park at 01.30 PM for an unforgettable evening with the proboscis monkeys, fireflies, flying foxes, wild pitcher plants and other wildlife.
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Head to Weston Wetland, one of the very large river-mouth wetlands you can enjoy the most beautiful sunset in Sabah.
- Hop on a boat heading towards the river lodge upon arrival at the river jetty.
- Indulge in a delightful high tea at the river lodge.
- Set out for your adventurous River Safari.
- Be on the look-out for Sabah's endemic Proboscis Monkey, who can be identified by their pot-bellies and unusual nose.
- Cruise pass fisherman village for a look into their simplistic lifestyle.
- Get your camera on stand-by for marvelous sunset you’ll experience next.
- Sail back to the river lodge for an Asian buffet dinner.
- Set out for your final river cruise under the starry sky.
- Spot nocturnal creatures galore when night creeps in, especially the Fireflies!
- Witness Mother Nature at her finest as you cruise pass swarms of fireflies fluttering along the river banks.
- Journey back to the river lodge.
- Drop off at your accommodation.
5
Day 5: Unspoiled Sandakan
Today, you’ll fly to Sandakan and have the remainder of the day at leisure. You can either get some rest at hotel or explore the city on your own to get the most out of your day.
- Transfer to KK international airport.
- Take the flight to Sandakan.
- Pick up from Sandakan airport.
- Proceed to the hotel in Sandakan.
6
Day 6: Island Escape
You’ll most likely be starting your island tour in the Turtle Island Park, which consists of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands. The park is a safe haven for the endangered green & hawksbill turtles and will give you the rare opportunity to watch turtle landings.
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Drive to the Jetty in Sandakan.
- Take a boat to Selingan Island.
- Arrive at island and check-in to your room.
- Enjoy a yummy lunch.
- Walk to the beach and relax or enjoy snorkeling.
- Observe turtles hatch and release their baby turtles into the sea.
- Wait for rangers to inform of turtle landings.
- Stay overnight at Turtle Island to experience turtle nesting.
7
Day 7: Bears & Monkeys
After having breakfast, ride back to Sandakan Jetty via boat and transfer to the hotel for rest & relaxation while getting ready for the next adventure in Sepilok after lunch.
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Diver to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), dedicated to save the sun bears.
- Visit the world's second-most endangered bear and rescued sun bears residing at the BSBCC.
- Head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, dedicated to rescuing orangutans.
- Meet the cuddly orangutans and get the best views of these amazing apes.
- Stop by the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary that offers another perfect observation spot for proboscis monkeys.
- Have a closer look at these very unique primates in their natural environment and take some nice close up pictures.
8
Day 8: Goodbye Malaysia!
After enjoying your breakfast in the morning, you will be prepared to go home as you have come to the end of your scenic tour to eastern Malaysia. Wish you all the best until we meet again on another memorable holiday!
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Transfer to Sandakan airport.
- Transit at Kuala Lumpur airport.
- Catch the flight back home.
Tour Location
Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa
Boasting 6 dining options, an exclusive Chi, The Spa and an outdoor pool with water jets, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa offers luxury beachfront accommodation in Tanjung Aru.- 5-star
- Highly recommend by most guests
- Very relaxing environment
- Variety of food selection
- All kinds of activities to enjoy
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport 2.25 km
The Magellan Sutera
Surrounded by landscaped gardens and spacious outdoor pools, The Magellan Sutera features tastefully decorated guest rooms and suites in Kota Kinabalu. This luxury resort is a short distance away from Sutera Harbour Marina and Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club.- 5-star
- Located in the central area
- Plenty dining options
- Comfort to stay
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport 4.5 km
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Boasting 4 dining options and an outdoor pool, Hilton Kota Kinabalu is located 0.6 miles from Gaya Street Sunday Market and Filipino Market. All rooms are elegantly decorated and feature modern furnishings.
Hilton Kota Kinabalu- 5-star
- Diverse restaurants
- Close to local markets
- Variety of facilities
- Recommend by most of the travelers
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport 4.8km
Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan
Offering 5 dining options and an infinity pool, Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan is located next to Sandakan Harbour Mall. The property overlooks the Sandakan Bay and Sulu Sea, with free WiFi is accessible throughout.
Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan- 5-star
- Best value of money
- Easy to access
- Good place to relax
- Close to sea
- Sandakan Airport 9.5km
Sabah Hotel
Perched on top of a hill, this resort is surrounded by the tropical rainforests of Borneo. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy dining options at 4 of the in-house restaurants or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Sabah Hotel - 4-star
- Close to nature
- Good for family
- Variety of facilities
- Kids friendly
- Sandakan Airport 8.4km
Terms & Conditions
- Should you cancel at outside 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, the cost of tour package is refundable.
- Should you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
- Should you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
- Should you cancel after the trip has started, we are unable to refund any amount for cancelled services due to late arrival, early departure, missed days during the tours and non-participation.
Please Note
- Should you wish to book this tour, please send your holiday request to us in the website or contact info@expatsholidays.com for reservations. We also customize itineraries according to your schedule and liking.
- The above tour package includes the listed itinerary and excludes flight tickets, train tickets and hotel booking.
- We can also book your flights and hotel accommodation.
- We can definitely help you find great deals for International and Local Flights and Hotels within and outside China.
- Please note that the cancellation and booking policy of flight tickets and hotel bookings are to be sent to you separately.
- We offer Visa Services and Assistance according to you needs.
- For other travel requirements such as Ski Package, Diving, Weddings - please contact our Hotline:(+86)187-2197-8867.
- To take advantage of the best rates and the best travel options, we highly recommend to secure the booking at least 60 days from the first date of travel.