3-Week Malaysia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Malaysia tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaMalaysia travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Days in Malaysia, incl. Kuala Lumpur and Borneo

  A grand 20-day tour covers 12 destinations across Malaysia, including UNESCO-listed Georgetown, Mt Kinabalu National Park, and Turtle Island. Features 19 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners, and diverse accommodations from jungle lodges to homestays.

  

  View itineraryCompare 20 days itineraries
  • Days 1-3

    Kuala Lumpur & George Town

    Plan to arrive in Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon to avoid morning traffic. Visit Petaling Street Market and the River of Life to get your bearings. Take the metro to catch a train to George Town, Penang (4 hours). Spend two days exploring George Town's UNESCO sites and street art. A recent visitor shared: "The blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences in George Town's architecture and food scene is incredible - try the street food at Gurney Drive after 6 PM when it's less crowded."

    
  • Days 4-6

    Traditional Village & Rainforest

    Experience local life with a homestay in Teluk Bahang fishing village. You can learn batik painting and local martial arts from village experts. Take a trip to Ulu Muda Forest where early morning river cruises often spot elephants. Remember to pack quick-dry clothes and leech socks for jungle walks.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Cameron Highlands

    The 3-hour drive up to Cameron Highlands has lots of curves, so consider motion sickness medicine. Visit tea plantations between 9-11 AM before afternoon fog appears. Get to the mossy forest early since paths get slippery after rain. Take time to enjoy fresh local strawberries and tea straight from the source.

    
  • Days 10-14

    Borneo & Mt. Kinabalu

    Fly to Kota Kinabalu in Borneo. Stay in a Dusun village to adjust to the altitude before climbing Mt. Kinabalu. Your summit climb starts at 2 AM. Pack warm clothes since temperatures can drop below 10°C. Bring trekking poles to help with the descent.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Kinabatangan River & Sepilok

    Head to Kinabatangan River for wildlife watching. Look for orangutans and proboscis monkeys during dawn and dusk boat trips. Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok first thing to beat the crowds. Bring binoculars and a good camera with zoom.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Turtle Islands & Sandakan

    Take a boat to Turtle Islands Marine Park. You'll need to follow strict rules for evening turtle viewing. End your trip in Sandakan with stops at historic sites like Agnes Keith House. Pack light clothes that dry quickly since it's hot and humid all year.

    

  View itinerary

• 15 Days in Borneo, incl. Kuching and Sandakan

  The Malaysian expedition stretches from Kuching to Sandakan, visiting 8 destinations including Bako National Park and Mount Kinabalu. Stay at the Sabah Tea Gardens Longhouse and spot wildlife at Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Watch orangutans at Sepilok Sanctuary and trek through UNESCO-listed Mulu National Park's cave systems.

  

  View itineraryCompare 15 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Kuching & Bako National Park

    Begin in Kuching to explore its colonial waterfront and rich culture. A one-hour drive plus boat ride takes you to Bako National Park where you can spot endemic proboscis monkeys. Plan to visit early when wildlife is most active and before the afternoon heat kicks in.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Mulu National Park

    Take a flight to Mulu to see its spectacular cave systems. Check out Deer Cave (the world's largest cave passage) and Lang's Cave with their unique formations. The 3km boardwalk can get slippery so pack shoes with good grip. Try to catch the bat exodus at dusk if weather permits. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The spectacle of millions of bats streaming out of Deer Cave at sunset was absolutely incredible."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Kota Kinabalu

    Move on to KK in Sabah state. You'll have time to visit nearby islands for snorkeling (just 15 minutes by boat) or browse the local markets. Stop by the Filipino Night Market for excellent seafood.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Mount Kinabalu & Tea Plantation

    Visit Mount Kinabalu National Park with stops at local markets. Your stay at Sabah Tea Plantation's traditional longhouse is basic but gives you a real local experience. Get up early to see stunning sunrise views of Mt. Kinabalu.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Sepilok & Kinabatangan River

    Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for both feeding times. A 2-3 hour trip takes you to Kinabatangan River for wildlife cruises. One visitor shared: "The river cruises delivered incredible sightings - pygmy elephants proboscis monkeys and even wild orangutans."

    
  • Days 12-13

    Danum Valley

    Take a 5-6 hour off-road journey to this untouched rainforest. Join guided jungle treks and walk the canopy trails. You'll stay at the excellent Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Pack quick-dry clothes since the humidity keeps everything damp.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Sandakan

    Final 5-6 hour transfer to Sandakan. Spend time at the historic waterfront and markets before leaving. Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic delays.

    

  View itinerary

• 16 Days in Malaysian Borneo, incl. Kota Kinabalu and Kuching

  This 16-day private tour covers 8 destinations including Kota Kinabalu, Sepilok, Sukau Village, Danum Valley, Kuching, Mulu, and Manukan Island. Trek through Kinabalu National Park and Danum Valley's rainforest, then cruise the Kinabatangan and Melinau Rivers to spot proboscis monkeys.

  

  View itineraryCompare 16 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Kota Kinabalu & Kinabalu National Park:

    You'll feel the humidity as soon as you land in Kota Kinabalu (KK). Get to Kinabalu National Park early on day 2 before the UNESCO site gets crowded. Wear long sleeves and dark colors to keep insects away. The Canopy Walkway gives you great views from the treetops but have a backup plan since it closes in rainy weather. Going in the morning gives you the best chance to see hornbills and leaf monkeys.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Sepilok & Kinabatangan River:

    Take the quick 45-minute flight to Sandakan in the morning and drive 30 minutes to Sepilok. Get to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center before the 10 AM feeding for the best experience. After seeing the sun bears, take a boat to Sukau Village. The one-hour ride lets you spot wildlife along the river. A traveler shared: "The early morning Ox-Bow Lake cruise was magical. We spotted countless kingfishers and even a Storm's stork. Bring binoculars!"

    
  • Days 5-7

    Danum Valley:

    The trip from Sukau to Danum Valley takes 4 hours on paved and gravel roads, leading to Malaysia's oldest rainforest. Start your hikes early to beat the heat. The 985-foot viewpoint hike needs good fitness levels. Pack lots of water and snacks. Night safaris show you nocturnal animals but depend on good weather.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Kuching:

    Flying to Sarawak's capital shows you a different Borneo. This waterfront city blends Chinese temples with Malay villages. Get to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre early for orangutan feeding. If you're visiting Bako National Park, your guide will help time the speedboats with the tides.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Mulu National Park:

    A 1.5-hour flight from Kuching takes you to this UNESCO site. Watch the bat exodus from Deer Cave around sunset. Get to the observation point by 5:30 PM. For the Clear Water Cave trip, wear quick-dry clothes as the longboat ride can get splashy when water levels are low.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Manukan Island:

    Head back to KK for your final stop. Take the 20-minute ferry to Manukan mid-morning to avoid crowds. Do water activities early before afternoon winds pick up. One visitor noted: "The coral reefs near the jetty are surprisingly vibrant. Best snorkeling is two hours either side of high tide."

    
  • Day 16

    Departure:

    Leave 45 minutes for the ferry and transfer to KK airport. Book a morning flight when the sea is usually calmer.

    

  View itinerary