Prepare to lose yourself in the wild heart of East Malaysia and Borneo—a land where ancient rainforests harbor untamed wildlife, rivers wind through misty horizons, and islands boast sandy shores brimming with adventure.
Whether it’s tracking orangutans through the jungle, white-water rafting through the Bornean mountainside, or soaking in the beauty of untouched nature, this corner of the world is a spellbinding escape for those seeking something truly extraordinary.
Let your curiosity lead the way – but be sure to first check out our Plan, Maps and Budget for this 21-day trip.
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Miserable in Mersing Malaysia
Mersing is the gateway to Tioman Island, a popular destination for travellers to Malaysia. But avoid spending the night here especially at the Embassy Hotel
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.
Juara Beach -Tioman, Malaysia
Backed up by a mountainous rain forest, 1511 Coconut Grove on Juara beach offers several compact but comfortable raised wooden beach chalets
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 Borneo Wavehunters
The Borneo Wavehunters rapids each have their own character - “Headhunter”, “Cobra”, “Scooby-Doo” and the nerve-wracking "Washing Machine”.
East Malaysia & Borneo
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.
Kuala Lumpur Layover 🛬
Nestled just steps away from your arrival point in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Sama-Sama hotel offers weary travelers a haven of comfort and sophistication.
Kuala Penyu, Borneo
Not far from Kuala Penyu Tempurung Seaside Lodge we were attacked by a Paradisi Flying snake which launched itself from an outhanging tree
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.
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.
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.
Cherating Hotels: Top-end or Budget?
The Legend Resort or Yahya's Payung Guesthouse?
Borneo Rainforest Discovery
In the Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Borneo Rainforest Discovery Centre is one of Sabah's most popular environmental education centres.
Kuala Lumpur 1st 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
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.
Plaza Premium Lounge, KL
There's not much premium about the Plaza Premium Airport Lounge in Kuala Lumpur ...but is it worth the money?
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.
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.
Ipoh & the Lost World of Tambun
Ipoh is rich in history & cultural, but one of its highlights is the Lost World of Tambun, a theme park offering a blend of adventure & relaxation.
East Malaysia & Borneo 🌅 Islands, Rivers & Jungle
Looking for more Inspiration? Take a look at some other highlights for the Free Independent Traveller:
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