Malaysia itinerary advice for summer 2027 with 3 kids

Hi there, We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.

After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.

We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.

I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.

Day 1: Departure from France

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral. Just one night.

Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo). Stay in Sepilok

Day 4: Sepilok: * Orangutan Center * Malayan Sun Bear Center * Rainforest Discovery Centre

Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan. Boat safari in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Sunrise safari. Jungle walk. Evening safari.

Day 7: Final safari. Return to Sandakan.

Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).

Day 8: Transfer to the port. Boat to the Perhentian Islands.

Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar 5 full days. * Snorkeling * Hiking * Turtle watching * Wild beaches * Relaxation

Day 14: Return to the mainland. Bus or private car to Taman Negara.

Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.

Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.

Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves

Day 19: Free day.

Day 20: Return flight.

Thanks in advance, everyone!

Baptiste

Hi there, I’ll be following your discussion because we’re thinking of traveling to Malaysia with our two kids (11 and 4 years old) at the end of June 2027. For now, it’s all still just in the planning stage.

Hello, I’ll be following your discussion because we’re planning to go to Malaysia with our two kids (11 and 4 years old) at the end of June 2027. For now, it’s still just a project.

Hi,

Here’s the link to the blog I kept in 2018 when I went there at the same time (July) with my kids, who were 4 and 8 years old ;). It might give you some ideas :)

Malaysia July 2018

Bonjour ,

Merci pour le lien, je vais regarder ça avec attention.

Bonjour,

Jour 3 : Vol matinal vers Sandakan (Bornéo). Installation à Sepilok

Jour 4 : Sepilok : * Centre des orangs-outans * Centre des ours malais * Rainforest Discovery Centre

Jour 5 : Départ vers Kinabatangan. Safari en bateau en fin d’après-midi.

Jour 6 : Safari au lever du soleil. Balade dans la jungle. Safari du soir.

Jour 7 : Dernier safari. Retour vers Sandakan.

Vol vers Kuala Lumpur

De 5h40 à 6h de vol a/r, 4 nuits sur place, 2 jours pleins (non successifs)...

Bonjour,

Merci pour votre réponse. Effectivement cela fait court sur Bornéo. Je peux enlever 2 jours sur la fin du séjour pour rajouter 2 jours à Bornéo. Avez vous des conseils sur les points de chute et activités sur Bornéo ?

Je serais bien en mal de te donner des conseils sur les points de chute et autres activités possibles: je ne connais pas la Malaisie. Je voulais juste te faire prendre conscience du rythme de fou que tu semblais vouloir imposer à ta petite famille. Effectivement, ajouter une à 2 nuits serait à mon avis raisonnable mais pour aérer ce que tu as déjà prévu à Bornéo, pas pour y ajouter une autre étape.