East Malaysia & Borneo 🌅 Islands, Rivers & Jungle
Beyond the Brochure 🗺️ Our Unfiltered Travelogue
Our 21-day journey through Malaysia and Borneo was a gritty, sweaty, and sometimes gloriously chaotic adventure.
We had our share of paradise—pristine beaches and ancient rainforests brimming with wildlife. We also encountered some, shall we say, less-than-idyllic moments, because what’s a trip without a bit of a struggle?
This is our candid account, a story of soaring heights and surprising lows, told with a bit of honest and unvarnished reality. Let your curiosity lead the way – but be sure to first check out our Plan, Maps and Budget for this 3-week trip.
Malaysia & Borneo ☪️ Highlights & Costs
From exploring the bustling cities of Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu to encountering exotic wildlife in the lush rainforests, our travel plan highlights what you need to know about visiting these regions, including the estimated costs for your journey.
Kuala Lumpur 1st Impressions 🍤🍛 The Delicious Aroma of Food…
Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant capital of Malaysia, leaves a lasting impression on travelers. From the iconic Petronas Towers to bustling street markets and mouthwatering street food, this multicultural city offers a delightful blend of tradition and modernity.
Join us as we explore the sights, sounds, and flavors that define Kuala Lumpur’s first impressions! 🌆🥟
Cherating 🛎️ Top-end or Budget Accommodation?
Whether you’re seeking opulence and extravagance or prefer to save your pennies for local adventures, Cherating, a charming coastal town on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, offers accommodation options that cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences.
In this article, we review the pros and cons of both top-end and budget accommodations, helping you decide which one aligns with your travel style.
Miserable in Mersing 😖
When we think of travel, we often picture beautiful landscapes, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable experiences. But not all journeys turn out as idyllic as we hope. Our trip through Mersing painted a starkly different picture than the one we had envisioned.
In this candid account, we share our encounters with the less appealing aspects of Mersing, from persistent odours to disappointing attractions.
Tioman Island Ferry ⛴️
One of the highlights of our trip around Malaysia was our picturesque journey to Tioman island. Offering an idyllic escape for beach lovers and adventurers alike, Tioman boasts pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests.
Discover the convenience and scenic beauty of the ferry voyage to this island gem, as we guide you through the essential information and insider tips for a seamless and memorable travel experience.
Juara Beach 🏄♂️ Tioman Island
Nestled on the eastern coast of Tioman island, Juara Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for surfing, hiking, and exploring the lush rainforest that surrounds the beach.
Juara Beach is also home to a vibrant marine ecosystem, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape or an active holiday, Juara promises an unforgettable experience in one of Malaysia’s most beautiful coastal settings.
Into the Tioman Rainforest 🌴🐒🦋🏞️
The Tioman rainforest takes you deep into one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. This tropical rainforest is home to exotic wildlife, lush vegetation, and breathtaking waterfalls.
Perfect for eco-adventurers and nature lovers, plan your journey to discover hidden trails, spot rare species, and experience the serene ambiance of this tropical haven.
Kuantan by Taxi 🚖 from Mersing
Our 3-week journey through Malaysia and Borneo included some tight connections. One such was our lightning visit through Kuantan in order to catch our connecting flights to Kota Kinabalu in Borneo.
Kota Kinabalu 🐟 Borneo
Welcome to Kota Kinabalu — because who doesn’t dream of visiting a city where you can enjoy the sheer pleasure of never-ending tropical heat while trying to avoid the occasional downpour?
Between the bustling markets, the gloriously sweltering weather, and the dazzling array of sea life at the local aquarium, it’s every traveller’s paradise—just be sure to pack your sunblock and an umbrella, because you’ll definitely need both.
Kuala Penyu Tempurung Seaside Lodge🌴
The Tempurung Seaside Lodge in Kuala Penyu is the ultimate haven for travelers seeking genuine beach-side bliss, with a touch of rugged charm. The lodge boasts unfiltered sea views and rustic accommodations, perfect for those willing to trade modern comforts for a truly immersive experience.
Get ready to embrace nature in all its mosquito-kissed glory while you soak up the coastal serenity and perhaps discover the joys of digital detox.
Borneo Wavehunters 🚣 White Water Rafting
White water rafting is a “must do” activity if you are staying a few days in Borneo in the vicinity of Kota Kinabalu.
After much research, the Borneo Wavehunters were on our agenda from the very beginning of our planned trip to Malaysia, and we were lucky enough to experience it.
Sepilok 🐒 Where to Stay & Eat near the Reserves
If you’re planning a trip to Sepilok, Borneo, you’re in for a wild adventure—quite literally!
Known for its orangutan rehabilitation center and lush tropical reserves, Sepilok offers an extraordinary mix of nature and culture. But beyond the wildlife, your journey isn’t complete without sampling local delicacies and finding the perfect spots to rest your head.
From authentic Sabah cuisine to cozy lodgings close to the jungle, here’s everything you need to know to fuel your adventure and unwind after a day of exploring.
Meet the Apes at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center 🏕️🐵🌳 Borneo
In a world where humans excel at deforestation, Sepilok’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Center attempts to undo the damage—one displaced primate at a time.
Located in Sabah, this sanctuary provides orphaned and injured orangutans with the skills to survive in the wild, because, thanks to us, finding a functioning rainforest isn’t exactly straightforward. Visitors can observe these semi-wild apes clinging to their dwindling habitat, offering a sobering yet fascinating glimpse into conservation efforts.
If you’ve ever wondered how to fix what humanity keeps wrecking, this is ground zero.
Borneo Rainforest Discovery Centre 🏞️
No trip to Malaysia is complete without an extended visit to Borneo. Apart from the wealth of activities this island has to offer, it is fascinating and heart-warming to discover the biodiversity conservation efforts they are making here.
In this article, we explore the wonders of Borneo’s pristine rainforest at the Borneo Rainforest Discovery Centre. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, home to exotic flora and fauna, including the endangered orangutans.
Kinabalu! ⛰️ ‘Warm-Up’ Act for K2 Base Camp 🧗♀️
Forget romantic getaways; our idea of couple’s therapy involves gasping for air above 4,000 meters on the summit of Mount Kinabalu, all to see if our marriage can survive a few days of shared suffering. If we make it down still holding hands (and not a grudge), consider it true love 🥰
Otherwise, well, at least the views are spectacular.
The Ascent of Matrimony ⛰️ Our Kinabalu Climbing Chronicle 💍
The Sandspice team take on Borneo’s Mount Kinabalu in this epic cartoon extravaganza!
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