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

Hey everyone, I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July. I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple). Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).

Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees. Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands. Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way). Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan. Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide). Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre. Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island. Day 10 – Head to Semporna. Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai. Day 15 – Bohey Dulang. Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.

I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous. I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing. I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture. But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary. If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.

What do you all think? Thanks in advance!

Hi there, I’m finalizing our next trip to Malaysia and I’m a bit stuck for a few nights in Borneo—can you help? We arrive on July 23rd in Kuching, where we’ll stay for 5 nights (usual visits like Bako, etc.). After that, I’ve got a "6-night gap" before reaching SEPILOK, where we’ll stay for 4 nights (then the Perhentian Islands). Any ideas?

Hi everyone, We’re planning a two-week trip to Borneo, mainly for the wildlife. Do you have any recent experiences or itineraries to suggest? We don’t want to rent a car and are thinking of using public transport, and possibly flights if needed while we’re there. We’re torn between May and June. Thanks for your help! Best, Chantal

We're a family with two kids aged 15 and 12 planning to visit Malaysia and Borneo. We'd like to travel from 23/07/2025 to 20/08/2025, which is almost 4 full weeks on the ground. We've made good progress but would love some advice. We're planning a flight from Paris to Singapore.

Singapore – 2 days Malaysia: Malacca Kuala Lumpur Cameron Highlands Pulau Pangkor Taman Negara National Park Georgetown and Penang Island Perhentian Islands Other islands on the west coast Tioman

Borneo: Semporna Archipelago Turtle Island National Park Traditional village in Sarawak Gunung Mulu National Park Borneo jungles to see orangutans

Do you think this is doable or not?

Thanks in advance for your replies

hi everyone we’d love to visit Borneo and I’m not finding much info on it yet (just starting my research) so I’m reaching out to you, like I do for every trip—it’s worked out great for us so far 😎 we’re a family of 4 with two teens, 14 and 18, and we’re going for 3 weeks. what’s the weather like in August—too much rain? any political issues to be aware of? which little beach paradises should we not miss? we love discovering animals and diving… any top spots? as for airfare—any budget-friendly airlines or easy routes? (Singapore, Denpasar, etc.) I’ve got so many questions! All of this on a reasonable budget… thanks in advance to anyone kind enough to take the time to reply

Hi everyone! We’re a family of 4: 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3 and 6. I’m looking for a nature-beach-culture destination for May 2026. Right now, I’m torn between Mexico and Malaysia. I’ve read about the Yucatán, for example—it’s easy for a first trip to Mexico, but I’m worried I won’t get that authentic Mexican vibe, especially if we have to rent a car. I don’t want our trip to just be a checklist of beautiful sites. I love Asia for the atmosphere and the ease of traveling independently. Anyway, can you share your thoughts on these two destinations and help me with my research? Thanks! Hélène

Hi everyone! Back on this forum!!

I’m planning my trip to Malaysia for June. I arrive in KL on June 3rd and leave on the 19th, also from KL. Here’s my itinerary: June 3: KL to Malacca Days 2, 3, 4: Malacca Evening of Day 4: Malacca to Penang Days 5, 6, 7: Penang Day 8: Flight from Penang to Kota Bharu (I found direct morning flights) Transfer from Kota Bharu to Kuala Besut, then to Perhentian Islands Days 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: Perhentian Islands (still deciding which one) Day 14: Perhentian Islands to Kota Bharu, then flight to KL Days 14, 15, 16: KL Day 17: Return

What do you think of this plan? Is the Malacca to Penang bus trip late at night?

If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears! 😊

Hi everyone! Here’s a rough draft of my itinerary: I’d like to rent a car in KL and return it in Penang. Is there an overnight bus from Langkawi to the Perhentians? Another option: skip one of the two islands to drive back down to KL and stop at Pulau Redang?

Day 1: Arrival at 10 AM, car rental for 7 days, Putrajaya, night in KL Day 2: Batu Caves, Taman Negara, night in TN Day 3: Taman Negara, night in TN Day 4: Drive to Cameron Highlands, night in CH Day 5: Cameron Highlands, Ipoh, night in Penang Day 6: Penang, George Town Day 7: Return rental car in Penang and flight to Langkawi. Night in Langkawi (4 nights) Day 8: Langkawi Day 9: Langkawi Day 10: Langkawi Day 11: Overnight bus? Langkawi to Perhentians (5 nights) Day 12: Perhentians Day 13: Perhentians Day 14: Perhentians Day 15: Perhentians -> KL (flight) Day 17: KL Day 18: KL Day 19: Return flight at 1 PM

Thanks for your expert advice! !

Hi there,

My partner and I are heading to Malaysia in early July. We arrive in KL on 03/07 in the late afternoon and leave from KL on 18/07 in the evening.

We’ve planned: Day 1: KL Day 2: Cameron Highlands day trip from KL Day 3: KL → Taman Negara (bus) Day 4 & 5: Trek in Taman Negara Day 6: Taman Negara → Perhentians (bus + boat) Day 7 & 8: Perhentians Day 9: Perhentians → Pulau Redang (boat + bus + boat) Day 10 & 11: Pulau Redang Day 12: Pulau Redang → George Town (flight) Day 13: George Town Day 14: George Town → KL (flight) Day 15: KL + return flight at 23:45

I feel like this might not be the most efficient route. Any tips on how to optimize the order of things (even though I’d prefer to start with Taman Negara)? How’s the best way to travel between places?

Should we book everything (transport, accommodation, activities) in advance, or can we figure it out day by day? I prefer spontaneous travel to keep things flexible, but will there be availability, or will we be struggling constantly?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can share!

Hi there,

I’m spending 4 days in Kuala Lumpur.

Could you let me know what’s absolutely worth visiting and what’s not really worth the effort?

Any suggested itinerary?

Apart from Batu Caves, I don’t have many ideas...

I’m traveling with my partner and our 16-year-old son.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable? PS: I’m not really into beaches.

D1 Departure on February 17, 2027 D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park D10: Head to Cameron Highlands D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight D20: Morning arrival

Hi there, I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027. We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips. Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids. We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before. Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.

For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.

Thanks in advance for your tips!

🌏 Here’s a little glimpse of my exploration in Malacca! To check out all my adventures across Malaysia, my full itineraries, and travel tips—got any questions? I’m here for ya! https://www.instagram.com/trave.lflow/reels/

Hi there, we’re heading to Thailand and Malaysia for 3 and a half months at the start of 2025, and I’m looking for tips on transport and the best route to get from Kuala Besut to Nakhon Si Thammarat. Thanks

Hi there, This is my first post on this site. I’m planning a 3–4 week trip in July–August 2026 to Malaysia or Indonesia. I’m looking for 1–3 adults who’d be interested in joining the journey. I love traveling by adapting as much as possible to local life. I’m used to organizing the trip: itineraries, accommodations, transport, etc. In the past, I’ve worked in international medical assistance and I’m well-versed in travel medicine.

Hi there

My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!

Sandakan → Sepilok: No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??

Sandakan → Semporna: From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄). Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM. Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?

Semporna → Tawau: Found this via AI—is it legit? No online booking, as far as I can tell. Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly???? And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????

Thanks for any tips—I’m stuck!

Hi there, We’re heading to Malaysia for 10 days (landing in Singapore). We’ll spend 4 or 5 days on Tioman, but what after? I’m really struggling to find an itinerary or a second spot to settle in—any suggestions?