Want to get off the beaten track to find some secluded out-of-the-way places? Our East Malaysia & Borneo travel plan allowed us to enjoy both sea and jungle, with various modes of transport to keep it all interesting. Be sure to first check out our Plan, Maps and Budget for this 21-day trip.
Meet the apes in Borneo
We were keen to get a closeup view of the orangutans. The Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is the reason most visitors go to Sepilok.
The Tioman island ferry ⛴️ from Mersing
Best to know in advance at which jetty or “kampong” you'll need to disembark. The Tioman island ferry boat handlers don't hang around…
Sepilok Borneo - Where to Stay & Eat
Many travellers visit Sepilok Borneo to see the orangutans and nature reserves, but booking a place close to the action saves some leg work.
Rebak Island, Malaysia ⛵
Rebak Island is a hidden gem offering a tranquil escape with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, & rich biodiversity, for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.
Kuantan by Taxi from Mersing
There's not always a morning ferry from Tioman, and the afternoon ferry gets to Mersing at 5pm - too late for a bus to Kuantan.
Juara Beach -Tioman Island, Malaysia
Backed up by a mountainous rain forest, 1511 Coconut Grove on Juara beach offers several compact but comfortable raised wooden beach chalets
Borneo Rainforest Discovery
In the Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Borneo Rainforest Discovery Centre is one of Sabah's most popular environmental education centres.
21-day Borneo & Malaysia Travel Plan
With reasonably priced flights from Amsterdam we worked out a 3-week Borneo & Malaysia travel plan for just €1,671 per person all-in.
Cherating Hotels: Top-end or Budget?
The Legend Resort or Yahya's Payung Guesthouse?
Kuala Penyu Tempurung Seaside Lodge
Not far from Kuala Penyu Tempurung Seaside Lodge we were attacked by a Paradisi Flying snake which launched itself from an outhanging tree
Kuala Lumpur - First Impressions
With plenty to see & do (and some great eating) its worth devoting a few days of a trip through Malaysia to its capital city - Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia & Borneo Highlights & Costs
Highlights and low points of our trip around Malaysia & Borneo: What we would do next time, and what the 21-day trip finally cost us.
The Borneo Wavehunters
The Borneo Wavehunters rapids each have their own character - “Headhunter”, “Cobra”, “Scooby-Doo” and the nerve-wracking "Washing Machine”.
ML2612 to Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu offers a great selection of fresh products as well as stalls selling fried savouries & a good selection of open-air eateries.
Into the Tioman rainforest 🌳
Entering the Tioman rainforest we disturbed a red ant nest & suddenly had dozens crawling into our hair & clothes, biting like they meant it.
Looking for more Travel Plans? Take a look at these other extended, low-cost itineraries:
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