Posts by Nabb

Hi there Thanks for your advice I’ll take the backpack to avoid the hassle of dragging a suitcase

I asked a silly question, I didn’t expect an even sillier answer! But the point of my question was clearly explained with all the necessary details.

Hey everyone,

Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip? I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.

Thanks! 🙂

I'm leaving this weekend! :) In Sepilok, we'll see the orangutans, Malayan sun bears, and also visit the Rainforest Discovery Center. For the Kinabatangan River, we'll follow the classic activities included in the package.

Thanks! I ended up finding it at Tanini

Hi there,

I’ve done a lot of traveling myself. Don’t forget that every trip takes at least half a day and costs quite a bit of money too. And it doesn’t leave much time to actually enjoy the places or rest.

This is just my opinion, of course! :)

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

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.

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

Hi there,

Could you let me know where you booked for Kinabatangan, please? I’d love to go too, but the prices I’ve found have put me off! Thanks :)

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.

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

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.

Hi everyone, I’m planning a 3-week trip to Malaysia this July with my 6-year-old son. I’d thought we’d go this year, but we ended up returning to Samui instead.

I’ve decided to limit it to 4 stops to avoid moving around too often and to fully enjoy each place without rushing. The travel times between each spot aren’t too long, except for the one between Sandakan and Langkawi.

* 05: Arrival in KL in the afternoon. 06: Day in KL. I’ve been there a few times and know the city a bit.

* 07: Head to Kota Kinabalu 08 – 09: In KK

* 10: Flight from Sandakan to Sepilok 11: In Sepilok

* 12: Flight to Kinabatangan 13 – 14: In Kinabatangan

* 15: Head to Langkawi 15 – 21: In Langkawi

* 22: Return to KL 23 – 24: In KL

* 25: Return flight

Any thoughts on this itinerary? I have a rough idea of what we’ll do at each stop after checking online and with ChatGPT.

Thanks! 🙂

I’ll check that out, thanks

I went to the Perhentian Islands in September 2016 and the weather was gorgeous—over a little more than a week, it only rained once or twice if I remember correctly.

Hi, Thanks for your reply. Well, I think I’ll rework my plans—based on everything I’ve read on the forum and elsewhere, the east coast seems to be the best option.

Thanks for your reply.