Malaysia Holidays

 

In the morning, pick up from Orchid Garden Hotel. Proceed to visit the spectacular Jam’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. It is made of Italian marble, gold mosaic and English stained glass with craftsmanship that reflects classical Islamic architecture. The Royal Regalia Exhibition Hall displays collection of Borneo Ethnography, natural history displays and Islamic art documenting the origins of much of Brunei’s culture. This tour will also include a view of the magnificent Istana Nurul Iman, official residence of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam. After lunch, proceed to Kampung Ayer, the "Venice of the East". It is the world’s largest water village with 30,000 people living in houses on stilts snaking along the banks of the Brunei River in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. The village includes several schools, a fire brigade, a police station and several shops. Return to Orchid Garden Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

 

Depart Brunei for Temburong National Park by road (150km 2.5 hrs). En route enter into the town of Limbang in Sarawak where you can see countryside, villages, rice fields, mud volcanoes and water buffaloes along the road. Visit the museum, Chinese temple and local market in town centre where they sell jungle produce, their catches and wares, cross Temburong River on a vehicle ferry and drive to Temburong National Park where virgin rainforest still exists. Overnight Resthouse (private room with share facility, no air conditioning)(B/L/D)

 

Experience the long boat ride in shallow water with pebble river bank and tiny ripples of rapids to Park Headquarters and walk up the 1,226 steps to the canopy walkway to see the rainforest scenery, Orchids, birds and insects. Return to base and proceed to the waterfall to cool off or go for a swim. Depart Temburong and proceed to Lawas in Sarawak and then enter Sindumin in Sabah. Drive to Tenom along mountain range with spectacular views of valleys, forest, villages, rice fields and rubber plantations (150km 2.5 hrs). Overnight Perkasa Hotel Tenom. (B/L/D)

 

Visit the Sabah Agriculture Park which boasts an amazing collection of native and introduced flowers and plants such as orchids, hoyas and cannas in the most beautifully and best landscaped gardens in Malaysia and Borneo. Discover the magic of the tropics from the evolution of plants to today’s incredible diversities of species. More than 400 plant species of economic value are planted systematically based on their uses as medicines, spices and condiments, beverage, fibre fruit and perfume. Flowers of the Kenanga plant are reputed to be an important ingredient in producing the signature scent of internationally well-know perfumeries. Visit the coffee, cocoa and rubber factories before taking the train to Beaufort (80km 2.5 hrs). This is the only railway in Borneo since 1800 and snake through hill ridges on one side and the fast flowing Padas river with fast rapids on the other. Overnight MelDe Hotel, Beaufort. (B/L/D)  NOTE: The railway line is currently out of service. Tenom to Beaufort will be travelled by road.

 

Explore the shops on stilts in Beaufort. Visit the local market famous for pineapple and jungle produce. Also visit the monument of Thomas L. Starcavich who single handedly defeated three Japanese Platoons during WW2. Drive to Kota Kinabalu along country side road with rice fields, villages on stilts, water buffalo and the route of the railway line and overseeing the South China Sea. Check in Tuaran Beach Resort. Dinner and overnight (120km 1.5 hr). (B/L/D)

 

After breakfast, proceed to the jetty for a boat trip to the mangrove forest. Observe species of plants in this unique vegetation and explore how mankind benefits from it. A good chance to see macaques, birds, reptiles, mudskippers, fiddlers’ crabs, mussel and oysters. Return to the resort for lunch.

 

In the late afternoon, walk to the jetty for a boat trip to see the romantic sunset and hear the sound of cicada and birds returning to their nests as darkness set in. Thousands of fireflies can be seen hovering above the water like a Christmas tree. Enjoy the cool night breeze and the tranquility of the night. Look up and see thousands of stars above you. Return to the jetty and transfer back to Tuaran Beach Resort for dinner and overnight (Sunset and fireflies are subject to weather condition)  (B/L/D)

 

Early morning, pick up from Tuaran Beach Resort and transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight to Sandakan. Upon arrival, transfer to Sepilok Orang Utan Centre. Witness the feeding of the orphaned orang utans. Walk along a jungle trail and observe the tropical lowland rainforest. Numerous wildlife may be seen.

 

Check in Sabah Hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, pick up from Sabah Hotel proceed to the jetty for a boat trip to the mangrove forest. Learn about the complex mangrove vegetation system and look out for wildlife, birdlife and reptiles which depend on this unique vegetation system. Return to the jetty and transfer to Sabah Hotel for dinner and overnight.  (B/L/D)

 

In the morning, pick up from Sabah Hotel and proceed to the Observation Pavillion for a bird eye view of Sandakan. Proceed to the Central Market where produce from the hinterland and fresh seafood are on sales here. The market is also the focal point for socialising among the locals. Drive up to the Chinese Temple located on a hill where you can see the colourful interior decoration of this magnificant temple with a commanding view. Continue the journey to St.Michael’s Church where you can see a colonial style building where Christianity is preached. Drive to Sim Sim where you can see houses on stilt above the water occupied by local tribes. Transfer to the airport and fly to Kota Kinabalu.

 

Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu airport, transfer to Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu for check in. Free at leisure until early evening when you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to a local Seafood Restaurant for a local seafood dinner. The menu includes fish, prawn, crab and vegetable and serves in a local open air atmosphere. You will be entertained by a cultural troop which performs dances of the ethnic tribes of Sabah. Return to Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu for overnight.  (B/L/D)
 

Day 10 Kota Kinabalu/ Australia (B)
Depart hotel and transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your departure flight. (B)