Malaysia & Borneo

One of the tallest buildings in the world; some of the oldest rainforests on earth…these beguiling lands will thrill and delight. A rich fusion of cultures pervades Malaysia. For city lovers there is the soaring splendour of Kuala Lumpur, its iconic Petronas Towers overshadowing the colonial architecture below, the busy night market stalls filling the air with the aroma of spices.

The cooler climes and tranquil tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands offer time to stretch the legs and reflect before heading to the white sand beaches and crystal seas of Langkawi. This is a form of tropical heaven, cocooned in a picture-perfect bay wondering whether to go on a  rainforest walk or succumbing to massage in the spa. For a bit of private romance, beach hedonists can sail to Pangkor Laut, a private island where stilted villas overlook emerald waters.

On Borneo, the tangled mass of tropical vegetation is alive with the sound of chattering parrots, and all manner of colourful creatures. At Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre orange primates stare out from between the trees with large brown eyes, safe in their protected surrounds. Opportunities for adventure abound, from trekking the steamy jungle of mighty Mount Kinabalu to watching turtles hatch on a secluded beach.

Ninety minutes from the mountain lie the lively markets of Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu…but the lure of the ocean is strong many just flop and unwind. Between them, luxury Malaysia and Borneo holidays offer a wealth of experiences, with beach, city, island and highland permutations to suit all desires.

Best Experiences

• Join a private guided walk through Langkawi’s rainforest with a naturalist.
• Fly to the heart of Borneo’s jungle and Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre to view the primates up close.
• Visit the iconic Petronas Towers and 41st floor Skybridge for panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur
• Take in a tea-based spa treatment in the Cameron Highlands, with healing therapies inspired by the locally-grown tea
• Eat delicious freshly caught fish, prepared to order at Kota Kinabalu market
• Switching off…by the beach

Passports & Visas
British passport holders do not require a visa.

Multi-centre Options
Although Malaysia is often visited as a single centre beach holiday, many visitors choose to combine two or three destinations. A city break in Kuala Lumpur followed by a relaxing beach resort makes for the perfect twin centre. Borneo can be included within a Malaysia multi centre itinerary or visited on its own.

When to go
Malaysia and Borneo are generally very hot and humid all year.

• North West Malaysia and Lankawi Island are best visited between November and April, with the monsoon season occurring from July to October.
• Most rain in Kuala Lumpur on the mainland falls from March to April and from September to November.
• Borneo experiences sunshine and rain year round, but the heaviest rainfall normally occurs between November and April.

Time Difference
GMT + 8 hours