Majestic Malaysia

Feel free to arrive anytime and explore Kota Kinabalu

From Kota Kinabalu, travel to Tambatuon village and meet the local community. Walk to a nearby river, exploring the landscape surrounding the village along the way. Visit a local farm and gather fresh ingredients for an included dinner. Learn how to cook some local recipes with the host.

Travel towards Sandakan and continue to the immersive jungle lodge on Kinabatangan River, Sabah's longest. After settling in, head out on a river cruise to experience the serenity of evening river life (keep your eyes peeled for birds and monkeys and crocodiles, oh my!). Enjoy dinner then opt for a guided night walk through the jungle.

Begin the day with a river safari to witness the morning wildlife activity. After breakfast, visit the nearby Oxbow Lake with a professional guide and seek out proboscis monkeys, macaques, and gibbons. Enjoy another river cruise for a second chance to spot more wildlife (you never know what you may see) before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Depart in the morning and travel to Sepilok - a wildlife haven. Enjoy a visit to the orangutan rehabilitation centre and the adjacent sun bear conservation centre.

Transfer to Sandakan and continue by boat to Libaran Island, also known as Turtle Island because thousands of sea turtles return to nest each year. Take a guided tour of the island's turtle hatchery and learn about the turtle conservation program. Later, visit the local village and experience what life is like on the island. Opt to go snorkelling or kayaking with some free time.

After breakfast, depart Libaran Island and travel back to the Sandakan jetty. From the jetty, transfer to Sandakan airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to walk and shop at Jesselton Point, a waterfront district lined with shops and street food. Opt to visit the famous Filipino market.

After your guided East Sabah adventure, you'll have a week to discover even more of Borneo on your own terms. Spend your days exploring vibrant local markets, relaxing on idyllic beaches or venturing deeper into the island's incredible natural landscapes. If you're looking for even more adventure, speak to our travel advisors.

Arrive in paradise and settle into island life. Spend the afternoon exploring Coral Bay, relaxing on the beach or enjoying a swim in the warm tropical waters before your diving adventure begins.

Meet your instructors and begin your PADI Open Water course. Learn the fundamentals of scuba diving before taking your first underwater breaths in the calm, clear waters surrounding the islands.

Continue your training and head out to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical marine life. Between sessions, soak up the relaxed island atmosphere and enjoy stunning ocean views.

Complete your open water dives and build your confidence underwater. Keep an eye out for colourful reef fish, turtles and other incredible marine species that call the Perhentians home.

Celebrate becoming a certified PADI Open Water Diver. Spend your final day snorkelling, relaxing on the beach or planning your next underwater adventure before continuing your Malaysian journey.

After earning your PADI certification, it's time to slow down and soak up the magic of the Perhentian Islands. Spend three days exploring at your own pace, whether that's snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, hopping between secluded beaches or simply relaxing with a good book in a beachfront hammock. Wander through the jungle to Long Beach, enjoy fresh seafood by the ocean and take in some of the most spectacular sunsets in Malaysia. With no roads, no rush and endless tropical scenery, these final days are all about embracing island life before continuing your journey to Kuala Lumpur.

After your island escape, make your way from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur and experience a different side of Malaysia.

Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, you'll be greeted by a city where diverse cultures, incredible food and iconic landmarks come together, setting the stage for the final chapter of your Malaysian adventure.