Borneo, Malaysia

Kinabalu to Langkawi: A Luxury Holiday in Malaysia

When

February-September

Price

From £6,500pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

14 nights ideal length

Malaysia — a country home to lush rainforests, idyllic beaches and one of South East Asia’s most bustling cities. Both active and relaxing, this 14-night Malaysian adventure will take you into dense jungles and to astonishing island retreats, but not before you trek to the summit of the incredible Mount Kinabalu.  Revel in holiday bliss while watching the sunrise from this iconic mountaintop before snorkelling in emerald waters, meeting orangutans deep in the Borneo rainforest and enjoying some of Malaysia’s most diverse sights and sounds.

Skyscrapers to Mountaintops 

Begin your adventure in Kuala Lumpur, spending two nights at the tranquil Villa Samadhi.  This exclusive property serves as a haven from the bustling city, yet just steps from the city’s main attractions, you can also enjoy afternoons spent ascending the famous Petronas Twin Towers, exploring the intricate Sri Mahamariamman Temple and strolling through the Bukit Bintang shopping district.

After a peaceful stay at Villa Samadhi, a quick flight will take you to Kinabalu Park. Take some time to get your bearings and spend a leisurely day walking through this tropical forest, taking in the stunning viewpoints and wild orchids. Take some time to marvel up at Mount Kinabalu from ground level, preparing for tomorrow’s challenge as you begin your trek upwards.

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Rise and shine the next day with the first leg of your journey taking the shape of a stunning four-hour trek to Laban Rata. Immersed in flora and fauna, your private guide will lead you through oak, chestnut and moss forests, stopping for a picnic lunch before reaching your base for the night. Take some time to relax in the sun on the lodge terrace before watching the sun dip below this gigantic mountain formation. Tomorrow, the final stretch to the summit begins.

With an early wake-up call, you’ll spend the pre-dawn hours hiking Mount Kinabalu. Arriving at the summit before sunrise, the first glimpses of deep blues and bright oranges will leave you speechless. Relish in your incredible achievement as you soak in the spectrum of colours from above the clouds, before heading down the mountain to a well-earned cooked meal. From here on out, you’re set for a post-summit, island reward.

Trek to Tranquility

After descending back to Kinabalu Park, we’ll whisk you straight off to Bunga Raya Island Resort. With white sand beaches on one side and jade jungle on the other, this island retreat is an excellent sanctuary to unwind after several active days.  A secluded tree-house villa will be your home away from home – and one you won’t want to leave with its private plunge pool. Spend the following few days indulging in personalised spa treatments, snorkelling with colourful seahorses and floating in transparent waters.

Once you’ve satisfied your island craving, a flight to Sandakan signals the next adventure in the heart of the Borneo wilderness. Deep in the jungle, you’ll come to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center where you’ll be able to see these marvellous creatures in their natural habitat, before continuing onto the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where rescued sun-bears are cared for and released. The day comes to a close on a wonderful Kinabatangan River cruise where elephants and monkeys line the banks to add a final wild touch to the day.

Jungle greens and island blues

The next few days will be spent immersed in the jungle from your luxurious base at Abai Jungle Lodge. Spend your first day here cruising the river, stopping off for private picnics, rewarding hiking trails and incredible sightings. Our tip? Stay onboard until sunset to witness thousands of fireflies filling the surrounding sky — a magical phenomenon. After breakfast the next morning, you’ll head off to Pitas Lake, a popular watering hole for the elephants and silver-leaf monkeys of the area. Whilst in the afternoon, you’ll visit the local village for an intimate meal with the village people before contributing to the local project, created by the villagers to promote sustainable eco-tourism, by planting a tree.

The last days of your adventure-packed holiday will be spent taking things down a notch and relaxing in a private beach villa at The Datai in Langkawi. Easily one of the most luxurious resorts in Malaysia, it’s the perfect place to slip into island nirvana before heading back home. Take advantage of the resort’s indulgent spa, boat trips to secluded bays and romantic candlelight meals as you reflect on this once in a lifetime trip. Mountaintops, rainforests and a coastal paradise all in one trip? You’ll be back for sure.

Where to rest your head

Villa Samadhi, Kuala Lumpur

Tucked away inside the exciting, multicultural metropolis of Kuala Lumpur is the beautiful boutique Villa Samadhi, offering 21 individually-designed rooms. This romantic and modern, Asian-inspired…
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Bungaraya Island Resort, Borneo

Even the previously ‘off the beaten track’ destinations like Borneo have become well-paved tourism paths and that’s why we’ve been busy searching this jungle/beach island…
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Abai Jungle Lodge, Sabah

For those in search of a jungle adventure, you’ve come to the right place. On Borneo's northernmost tip, Abai Jungle Lodge offers an explorer’s paradise…
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The Datai, Langkawi

Searching for an untouched haven where you can get back to nature? On Langkawi island among the lush rainforest you’ll find Malaysia’s best kept secret,…
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