Malaysia trip organization in summer with a 6-year-old

Hello, just a heads-up—on the east side of the peninsula, it’s a bit like Thailand: summer is rainy. I’d pick the Perhentians over Langkawi.

Hello, thanks Lolotheo. Indeed, I’ve read that the weather in Langkawi might not be great at this time, but it seems like it’s just short showers based on what people who’ve been there during this period say. But I don’t get it—some sites say the weather is favorable in Langkawi in July and unfavorable on the west coast, while others say the opposite!

It’s so confusing to figure out.

I visited Penang in July years ago, and it rained *a lot*—maybe just bad luck. On the other hand, I always had great weather in the Perhentians in the summer, and I went diving there quite a few times. I’m really skeptical about sites that claim otherwise.

Indeed, the websites say the opposite of what travelers actually experienced weather-wise! It’s really a matter of luck, and it changes from one year to the next.

I went to Perhentian Kecil in September 2016, and the weather was amazing. I dove with Seahorse Diver, and it was fantastic. I’m still in touch with the dive instructor from those years. I really loved it, even though it’s very small and there wasn’t much to do. Maybe I’ll go back someday, who knows

Hi there,

A few tips:

- To get to Sandakan, take a direct flight from KL—you’ll save time (and money). - Stop by KK on the way back. Must-sees: the beautiful "floating mosque" and a day trip to the islands just across (Tunku Abdul Rahman Park). Avoid weekends, as the islands get packed with locals. Some gorgeous beaches and a bit of snorkeling. - There’s an alternative to Sepilok that’s closer: Semenggoh, just 30 minutes from Kuching. I’ve only been to Semenggoh, but I’ve heard Sepilok is less "natural." At Semenggoh, you’re right in the middle of the forest, but there’s a chance you won’t see any orangutans since they feed on their own in the jungle. Between June and September, fruit is scarcer in the forest, so you’ve got a good shot at seeing them come out for food. - Swapping Sepilok for Semenggoh means missing out on the Kinabatangan River, but you can still spot proboscis monkeys and hike in Bako’s forest, wander around the charming city of Kuching, and visit longhouses in the area. - Double-check the weather in Langkawi (as mentioned before). In Borneo, no worries—it rains all the time, any time of day... but it usually only lasts an hour or two, sometimes less.

... after looking online and at ChatGPT

Don’t rely on ChatGPT or AI in general for planning your route—they make a lot of mistakes, especially with AI-generated photos. Some travelers have ended up searching for attractions that don’t even exist!

Hi and thanks for your comments! :)

- The alternative to Sepilok is interesting because it saves me a trip from Sepilok to Kinabantagan, but as you mentioned, I won’t get to go on the river. And I like the idea of being able to do these "cruises" with my son, who’d be thrilled to see lots of animals. Plus, I just saw there are several sites where you can book these trips online. - I’ve thought about maybe skipping Kota Kinabalu, which would save me the trip to Sandakan? I’m still not sure. - Regarding Langkawi, based on comments from people who went there in July this year, the weather seems decent—just a few short showers. But everyone has their own idea of "short" 😄, and the weather varies from year to year. I’m trying to find an alternative on the east coast where I could go scooter rides, but there aren’t many options.

I’ll keep researching to find a nice spot that saves me from spending half a day in transit between two places.

As for ChatGPT/AI, I don’t follow it blindly—I’ve noticed it makes mistakes when I ask it about different things. By the way, it suggested Cherating as a possible stopover.

Hello,

After some research and reading, I’ve managed to finalize the beginning of the trip I’m planning, and here’s what it looks like:

Step 1: Kuala Lumpur (07/05 - 07/07) 07/05: Arrival in KL at 3:10 PM. Hotel Royce KLCC Kuala Lumpur 07/06: Day in Kuala Lumpur Someone also suggested going straight to Borneo upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur—something to consider. Step 2: Borneo - Jungle & Wildlife (07/07 - 07/11) 07/07: Flight to Sandakan to book - Sepilok Jungle Resort for 2 nights 07/08: Day in Sepilok Orangutans and Malayan sun bears + Rainforest Discovery Centre 07/09: Transfer to Kinabatangan River for a 3D/2N trip A few sites I’ve seen to book the trip 07/10: Kinabatangan River 07/11: Return to Sandakan by midday Step 3: 07/11: Sandakan—where to go next? I’m not sure where to spend the next few days! Step 4: Return to Kuala Lumpur (07/23 - 07/25) 07/23: Arrival in KL from ? 07/24: Day in Kuala Lumpur 07/25: Day in Kuala Lumpur, then departure to the airport at 10 PM for a 2 AM flight

I’m struggling to decide on where to go from the 11th to the 23rd. I’m looking for a place to enjoy the beach where it’s easy to get around for sightseeing and scooter rides—something like the Philippines (Bohol, Siquijor, Bantayan) or Thailand. I love taking the scooter, riding around, and stopping whenever I see a spot I like. My son enjoys it just as much. The Perhentians—I’ve been there (Kecil)—it’s beautiful but there’s not much to do and not a lot of beach, in my opinion. Tioman is doable, but it seems like it might be a bit too far, especially with a child. Is it really worth it for what I’m looking for? Another option is staying on the mainland and heading toward Penarik or Cherating, with the possibility of visiting nearby islands for the day.

I’m open to any suggestions. Thanks

If you're looking for beautiful beaches, unfortunately there aren't any on the northeast coast (from Sandakan to Tawau) There are lovely beaches on islands around Semporna and also Sandakan, but I don’t think that’s what you’re after, since either you can’t stay overnight on these islands and have to go for the day by boat, or the only accommodation is a luxury resort (e.g., Kapalai, which is way overpriced).

So what seems to match your plans is the north of Kota Kinabalu (KK) toward the tip of Borneo: Kudat and the area north of Kudat. Gorgeous deserted beaches with small villages where it’s great to take a stroll. A few resorts and mostly homestays. However, I’m not sure if you can easily rent a scooter there.

I’ve heard there are also nice beaches south of KK, especially in the Tempurung area, about 100 km from KK.

And there’s plenty to do in the area!

Thanks for your reply! I’ll check out the area you mentioned (Tempurung region). I’d love to recapture that sense of freedom I feel in Thailand and that I had in the Philippines—just hopping on a scooter, riding wherever, stopping whenever I feel like it, and hitting the road again.

After quite a bit of thought and research, I’ve finally locked in the itinerary for my son and me. In the end, it’ll be Sepilok for 2 nights / Kinabatangan River for 3 nights / Tioman for 10 nights / Kuala Lumpur for 3 nights.

Hope I haven’t messed up the stops!

Now I’ve got a small timing question for Tioman. On the way there: I land at Johor Bahru airport at 9:20 AM. Is that enough time to get to the port and catch a ferry to the island right after? On the way back: My flight leaves Johor Bahru at 4:00 PM. If I take a morning ferry from Tioman, do I have enough of a buffer to make it to the airport and check in my bags?

Thanks so much