Wo immer möglich, nutzt Intrepid die Möglichkeiten des Nahverkehrs und die traditionellen Verkehrsmittel, die meist weniger umweltbelastend sind, kleine einheimische Betreiber unterstützen und viel mehr Spaß machen. Je nachdem, auf welcher Reise Du Dich in Malaysia befindest, kannst Du Dich auf folgende Verkehrsmittel freuen:
Schulter an Schulter mit anderen abenteuerlustigen Weltenbummlern sein, während man mit einem Bus durch die Gegend fährt – eine einfache und umweltfreundliche Art und Weise, mit der Du preiswert an Dein Ziel gelangst.
Steige ein und fahre mit einem klassischen südostasiatischen Transportmittel – einem Longtailboot – durch Flüsse und Kanäle.
Banne Dir Deinen Weg durch die verwinkelten Gassen des historischen Melaka auf einer Trishaw-Fahrt und entdecke historische Gebäude entlang des Weges.
Mit Intrepid zu reisen ist immer außergewöhnlich. Wir möchten unseren Reisenden ein möglichst authentisches Erlebnis zu bieten und versuchen desalb auch die Unterkunft so einzigartig und traditionell wie möglich zu gestalten. Wenn Du mit uns in Malaysia reisen, kannst Du Dich je nach Reise freuen auf:
Übernachte bei einer einheimischen Familie in ihrem traditionellen Haus am Ufer eines ruhigen Sees. Du hast die Möglichkeit die umliegenden Dörfer zu erkunden und Dich unter Wasserfällen abzukühlen. Nutze die Gelegenheit in die Lebensweise der Einheimischen einzutauchen.
Das Klima in Malaysia ist im Allgemeinen das ganze Jahr über heiß und feucht. Die Temperaturen schwanken nicht sehr stark und bleiben die meiste Zeit des Tages bei ca. 30 Grad und fallen nachts auf die ca. 25 Grad zurück. Dies macht Malaysia zu einem großartigen Ort zum Schwimmen, Schnorcheln und in der Sonne entspannen.
Die Luftfeuchtigkeit ist während der Regenzeit höher und kann für diejenigen, die es nicht gewohnt sind, sehr drückend sein. Die Regenzeit wechselt von Küste zu Küste. Von November bis April ist an der Ostküste Regenzeit und an der Westküste ist es trocken. Von Mai bis Oktober ist es an der Ostküste trocken und im Westen nass.
Einige Menschen in Malaysia fasten am Ramadan. Wenn Sie planen, während des Ramadan zu reisen, ist es wichtig zu bedenken, dass einige Restaurants und Geschäfte während dieser Zeit entweder geschlossen sind oder zu reduzierten Zeiten betrieben werden.
Malaysia ist wirklich ein moderner Schmelztiegel – mit chinesischen, indischen, malaysischen, eurasischen und indigenen Bevölkerungsgruppen. Mit dieser kulturellen Vielfalt kommt eine Mischung aus Religionen, Bräuchen, Speisen und Sprachen. Islam, Christentum, Buddhismus, Taoismus und Hinduismus sind die Hauptreligionen, obwohl die meisten Religionen der Welt irgendwo in Malaysia vertreten sind. Der muslimische Aufruf zum Gebet, hinduistische Feste und buddhistische Zeremonien existieren alle friedlich nebeneinander, da das südostasiatische Konzept der “Gesichtswahrung” die meisten Menschen dazu bringt, nach Harmonie zu streben.
Unabhängig vom kulturellen Hintergrund werden vor allem ältere und hochrangige Menschen (Geschäftsleute, Regierungsbeamte etc.) respektiert. Das Essen spielt eine wichtige Rolle im täglichen Leben, mit religiösen Festen und Feiertagen, die von Familienzusammentreffen und aufwendig zubereiteten Festessen geprägt sind. Alkohol bildet keinen Teil der malaysischen Kultur (wahrscheinlich wegen der großen muslimischen Bevölkerung), aber dennoch ist er fast überall erhältlich.
Intrepid glaubt, dass eine der besten Arten, ein Land zu erleben, das Essen ist! Ob Du nun Straßenessen probieren, eine preiswerte Mahlzeit oder ein Bankett genießen möchtest – es gibt unzählige Möglichkeiten, aus denen Du wählen kannst. Malaysias Schmelztiegel der kulturellen Einflüsse spiegelt sich auch in der Küche wieder.
Was Du in Malaysia unbedintg probieren solltest
Köstlicher Rotwein, Hühchenreis, würzige Sambal-Auberginen und Kopi Peng (Eiskaffee).
Frische Frühlingsrollen, Babikinn (geschmorter Schweinebauch) und Mee Siam (Reisnudeln).
Aromatisches Curry, kühles Lassis, leckeres Daal und süße gebratene Kokosnusskugeln.
Herzhafte Nudelbrühe, Peking-Entenpfannkuchen und Chrysanthementee.
Traumhafte Strände, fischreiche Riffe, wilder Dschungel, grünes Hochland, ruhige Häfen, bunte Städte und kleine Dörfer – Malaysia hat einfach alles. Durch die gemeinsamen Landgrenzen mit Brunei, Indonesien und Thailand ist Malaysias Umwelt so vielfältig wie seine Bevölkerung. Vom modernen Stadtbild Kuala Lumpurs und dem kolonialen Charme Penangs bis hin zu den Straßen der alten Welt von Melaka wird eine Reise durch Malaysia wechselnde Landschaften und sich ständig verändernde Umgebungen offenbaren.
Während die Großstädte typischerweise geschäftig und voller Enerige sind, bleiben Malaysias Provinzstädte und abgelegene Hochländer herrlich entspannt, mit Menschen, die ein einfaches Leben auf der Grundlage von Landwirtschaft, Viehzucht oder anderen kleinen Unternehmen führen. Malaysia bietet eine große Vielfalt an Strände und Inseln zum Schwimmen, Schnorcheln und Tauchen, Dschungel und Hochland für Trekking und Abenteuer sowie Dörfer und Städte zum Erkunden und Entspannen.
Frühe Geschichte: Die ersten historischen Erwähnungen Malaysias gehen auf Sanskrit und chinesische Texte des 7. und 8. Jahrhunderts zurück. In den folgenden Jahrhunderten unterlag Malaysia dem Einfluss und der Kontrolle von Indonesien, Thailand und Indien – mit den dazugehörigen Religionen, Küchen und Sprachen. Im 16. Jahrhundert wurde Malaysia von Portugiesen und Niederländern besiedelt, die ihre Reichweite in die gesamte Region ausdehnten. Unter diesem Einfluss entwickelte sich Malaysia stark im Bereich des Handels aufgrung wirtschaftlich vorteilhaften Lage an einer der wichtigsten Handelsrouten der damaligen Zeit.
Aktuelle Geschichte: Im 19. Jahrhundert übernahmen die Briten die Kontrolle über die malaysische Halbinsel. 1865 wurden die föderierten malaysischen Staaten offiziell gegründet. Malaysia blieb unter britischer Herrschaft, bis Japan während des Zweiten Weltkriegs einmarschierte – aber als Japan 1945 besiegt wurde, kehrte die britische Herrschaft zurück und 1948 wurde die Federation of Malay geboren. 1963 entstand die Federation of Malaya mit Singapur, Sarawak und Sabah, um Malaysia zu gründen. Nur zwei Jahre später wurde Singapur ein unabhängiger Staat und verließ Malaysia in seiner heutigen Form. In den 1970er Jahren wuchs die Wirtschaft Malaysias rasant bis Ende der 1990er Jahre, als die asiatische Finanzkrise das Wirtschaftswachstum in der Region verlangsamte. Die Wirtschaft erholte sich schnell und Malaysia genoss die internationale Präsenz, die mit der Ausrichtung der Commonwealth Games 1998 (in Kuala Lumpur) einherging. Derzeit steigt der Lebensstandard in Malaysia weiter an und Kuala Lumpur hat sich zu einer der wichtigsten Städte Asiens entwickelt.
Die Hafenstadt Melaka ist bekannt für ihr einzigartiges Essen im Baba Nyonya Stil. Die Mischung aus chinesischer und malaysischer Küche (mit einem Hauch von Portugiesisch, Thailändisch und Indisch), die in einem Restaurant in Nyonya zubereitet wird, ist eine leckere Angelegenheit.
Die Straßen Malaysias sind voll von Einheimischen, die Straßenkarren schieben und so ziemlich alles verkaufen – von handgemachten Roti bis zu frischem Obst, köstlichem Satay und dampfenden Schalen aus Laksa. Malaysische Straßenküche bietet Gemütlichkeit, Vielfalt und Geschmack zu einem günstigen Preis.
Traditioneller Tee wird in Malaysia etwas anders zubereitet. Bestelle ‘teh tarik’ und schau zu, wie der Kondensmilchtee aufgeschäumt und gekühlt wird, indem er mutig zwischen zwei Metallbechern, die meterweit auseinander gehalten werden, gegossen wird.
Rindfleisch Rendang ist ein kulinarisches Highlight aus Malaysia und wird zu Hause zubereitet, in Restaurants serviert und für besondere Anlässe zubereitet. Dieses würzige Curry ist verpackt mit Zitronengras, Zimt, Nelken, Chili und geschmolzenem Rindfleisch – eine unvergessliche Geschmacksvielfalt!
Die angesagten Cafés und Bars von Kuala Lumpur sind ein großartiger Ort, um sich mit Einheimischen zu vermischen und mit der modernen asiatischen Kultur zu verbinden. Besuche die Jalan Bukit Bintang Gegend in KL und sieh Dir die Teehäuser, coolen Cafés und internationalen Restaurants an.
Bei einer großen indischen Bevölkerung ist es nicht schwer, in Malaysia einen erfrischenden Lassi zu finden. Aus Joghurt und frischen Früchten hergestellt, ist ein kühler Mango Lassi das ideale Gegenmittel zu einem feuchten Sommertag.
Hühnerreis ist bei Einheimischen und Reisenden gleichermaßen beliebt. Erhältlich in kleinen Restaurants, auf Nachtmärkten und in Straßenkarren, ist dies ein großartiges, preiswertes Essen für Reisende.
Huhn, Garnele, Tofu und Fisch – es gibt viele verschiedene Sorten würziger Laksa, die man in Malaysia probieren kann. Nudelsorten und Zutaten können im ganzen Land variieren – eine gute Ausrede, um Laksa in jeder Stadt, die Du besuchst, zu probieren.
Lösch Deinen Durst mit einem frischen Kokosnuss-Saft. Verkauft an vielen Straßenständen, wird ein Strohhalm einfach in eine abgestreifte Kokosnuss geschoben, um nach dem Schwimmen einen erfrischenden Muntermacher zu bekommen.
Kein Besuch in Malaysia ist komplett ohne Roti probiert zu haben. Gehe eine Straße entlang und Du wirst Menschen sehen, die an Straßenständen und Schaufenstern roti Teig kneten. Oft mit Linsen, Kartoffeln, Zwiebeln und Reis serviert, ist Roti eine ausgezeichnete Wahl für Vegetarier, die eine fleischlose Mahlzeit suchen.
Malaysia bietet ein Einkaufserlebnis für Reisende aller Preisklassen. Von schillernden, modernen Einkaufszentren und aufregenden Nachtmärkten bis hin zu Boutique-Fachgeschäften ist die Möglichkeit, etwas Besonderes zu kaufen, nicht weit. Vergewissere Dich bei örtlichen Zollbeamten, ob Du bestimmte Gegenstände in Dein Heimatland mitnehmen darfst.
Was du wo am beste kaufen kannst
Die riesigen Einkaufszentren der Hauptstadt bieten jede Menge Abwechslung und Einkaufsmöglichkeiten. Schuhe, Taschen und Accessoires sind allesamt tolle Einkäufe – von Haute-Couture-Labels bis hin zu schicker Filialmode.
Melaka ist die Heimat einer Vielzahl von Handwerkern. Durchsuche die Märkte, Galerien und Geschäfte, um Antiquitäten, Kunst und Sonderanfertigungen zu entdecken. Handgefertigte Holzornamente, Ledersandalen, bunt gewebte Taschen und antike Münzen sind die beste Wahl.
Hier findest Du eine spannende Mischung aus eleganten Einkaufszentren, kleinen Geschäften, interessanten Boutiquen und Straßenmärkten. Besuche Little India, um indisch inspirierte Saris, Girlanden und Silberschmuck zu besorgen, oder schlendere entlang des Rope Walk, um einzigartige Antiquitäten und Schätze zu finden.
Diese Insel ist zollfrei, was sie zu einem großartigen Ort macht, um Düfte, Uhren, Kameras und andere Technologien zu kaufen. Für Kunstliebhaber präsentiert der Craft Cultural Complex lokal hergestellte Stoffe, Keramiken, Körbe und Schmuck.
Thaipusam
Kuala Lumpurs Batu-Höhlen leuchten zu Ehren der Hindi-Gottheit Subramaniam (auch bekannt als Lord Murugan). Pilger kommen nach Sonnenuntergang und beobachten, wie tapfere Menschen Haken und Spieße durch ihren Körper fädeln, um dekorative Stahlbögen zu den Göttern zu tragen. Das ist anders als alles, was Du je zuvor gesehen hast!
Malaysischer Grand Prix
Du suchst ein bisschen mit hoher Oktanzahl? Dann erlebe die schnellsten Autos der Welt in Aktion beim Grand Prix von Malaysia, der jedes Jahr in der Nähe von Kuala Lumpur stattfindet.
Ramadan und Eid
Ramadan wird von der muslimischen Bevölkerung Malaysias gehalten. Während des neunten und heiligsten Monats im islamischen Kalender fasten Muslime von Sonnenaufgang bis Sonnenuntergang – sie verzichten auf Essen und Trinken während der Tagesstunden. Am Ende des Fastens stehen drei Tage voller Feierlichkeiten.
Intrepid nimmt die Gesundheit und Sicherheit seiner Reisenden ernst und setzt alles daran, dass Reisen für alle sicher, unterhaltsam und angenehm sind. Wir empfehlen allen Reisenden, sich vor der Abreise bei ihrer Regierung oder nationalen Reiseberatung nach den neuesten Informationen zu erkundigen.
Die meisten Nationalitäten benötigen kein Visum, um Malaysia als Tourist für bis zu drei Monate zu besuchen. Bitte erkundige Dich bei der zuständigen malaysischen Botschaft oder dem Konsulat.
Während Trinkgeld in Malaysia nicht obligatorisch ist, gilt es dennoch als höflich, Servicemitarbeitern in Restaurants und Cafés ein Trinkgeld von 10% zu geben, wenn nicht bereits eine Servicegebühr in der Rechnung enthalten ist.
Reisende können in großen Städten auf das Internet zugreifen. Kleinere Städte, abgelegene Gegenden und ländliche Dörfer haben möglicherweise keinen Zugang, also bereite Dich darauf vor, wenn Du die Stadt verlässt.
Die Mobilfunkabdeckung ist in städtischen Gebieten im Allgemeinen gut, kann aber in ländlichen Gebieten deutlich weniger zuverlässig sein. Stelle sicher, dass das globale Roaming auf Deinem Telefon aktiviert ist, bevor Du ankommst.
Malaysische öffentliche Toiletten sind eine Mischung aus westlichen Toiletten und Squat Toiletten. In gehobenen Hotels und Einkaufszentren gibt es in der Regel beide Möglichkeiten, während es in ländlichen Gebieten mit ziemlicher Sicherheit nur Squat Toiletten gibt. Sei Dir bewusst, dass Seife und Papier nicht immer vorhanden ist.
Ein Hawker Food Snack = 3 MYR
Eine Tasse teh tarik (Tee) = 1-2 MYR
Eine Flasche Bier = 8 MYR
Ein Souvenir T-Shirt = 10-20 MYR
Es wird nicht empfohlen, das Leitungswasser in Malaysia zu trinken. Gefiltertes Wasser ist eine bessere Wahl. Bitte verwende eine nachfüllbare Wasserflasche, anstatt abgefülltes Wasser zu kaufen. Die Umwelt wird es Dir danken. Denke bitte auch daran, Eis in Getränken zu vermeiden und Obst vor dem Essen zu schälen.
Kreditkarten werden von Einkaufszentren, Hotels und großen Restaurants in Malaysia weitgehend akzeptiert. Kleinere Gasthäuser, Geschäfte und Cafés akzeptieren keine Kreditkarten, also stelle bitte sicher, dass Du immer ausreichend Bargeld bei dir hast.
Geldautomaten sind in Großstädten leicht zu finden, in ländlichen und abgelegenen Gebieten jedoch weit weniger verbreitet. Stelle bitte sicher, dass Du ausreichend Bargeld bei dir trägst, bevor Du Dich in abgelegene Gebiete begibst, da Geldautomaten hier selten sein können.
Auf jeden Fall. Alle Passagiere, die mit Intrepid reisen, müssen vor Reiseantritt eine Reiseversicherung abschließen. Deine Reiseversicherungsdaten werden vom Reiseleiter am ersten Tag der Reise eingesammelt. Aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Art, Verfügbarkeit und Kosten der Gesundheitsversorgung auf der ganzen Welt ist die Reiseversicherung ein sehr wichtiger und notwendiger Bestandteil jeder Reise.
Bitte beachte, dass diese Daten für 2017 gelten. Eine aktuelle Liste der Feiertage in Malaysia findest Du unter: https://www.worldtravelguide.net/malaysia/public-holidays
Intrepid setzt sich dafür ein, dass Menschen, Kulturen und die Umwelt respektiert werden. Es ist wichtig, sich daran zu erinnern, dass das, was im eigenen Land akzeptabel ist, in einem anderen Land möglicherweise nicht angemessen ist. Bitte versuche während Deiner Reisen immer rücksichtsvoll zu sein.
Top 10 Tipps für verantwortungsbewusstes Reisen:
Die Intrepid Foundation bietet Reisenden die Möglichkeit, den vielen wunderbaren Gemeinschaften, in die wir reisen, etwas zurückzugeben. Mit einer Spende an die Intrepid Foundation kannst Du etwas für die lokale Bevölkerung tun – in den Bereichen Gesundheit, Bildung, Menschenrechte, Kinderfürsorge und Schutz von Wildtieren und Umwelt.
Weitere Informationen findest Du hier.
Sarawak does not disappoint! This trip is a good blend of active hiking, cave exploration, and chances to see native plants and animals in their natural environment. Bako National Park was a highlight because of the number of animals we were able to see (silver leaf monkeys, proboscis monkeys, macaques, bearded pigs, viper, scorpions, flying lemur, etc.) there during our day and evening hikes. Be prepared with a poncho for the frequent rain! Our trip leader, Nik, is a gem!
An excellent well organised and enjoyable trip.
Intrepid take all the worry out of travelling.
travel light be prepared to be adventurous and get fit.
We were luck in that we had two “trainee” guides both of whom were well informed and competent, so we had “saturation ” when it came to interaction and the provision of information of plants, animals, and local customs.
Great trip, even though I elected not to climb Mt Kinabalu there was plenty to Do at the National Park and the war memorial a short cab drive away, which was excellent, showing death marches from Sandakan to Ranau, the struggles of both the indigenous and Australian prisoners of war at the hands of the Japanese soldiers.
travel light and enjoy being out of your comfort zone.
Intrepid provide a fantastic balance of adventure and cultural exploration. From staying in the homestay with the locals to scaling Mt Kinabalu, to cruising down rivers wildlife spotting to city exploring, you will experience a wonderfully friendly and rich culture. This was our first Intrepid trip and we throughly enjoyed the format and style of travelling and we really look forward to booking our next adventure with them.
Sarawak is a great destination if you want to get off the tourist trail. Its people are friendly, the natural environment is outstanding, and it is safe. This trip was brilliant, thanks to our fantastic guide Nik.
Don’t hesitate to book with Intrepid. The personal side of the trip, meeting with locals, having them directly benefit from the tour was very rewarding. I am sure all Intrepid guides are amazing but if you are lucky enough to share your trip with Rony, you will go home smiling
The Sabah Adventure provides an excellent introduction to amazing Borneo, with a great combination of stunning mountaineering challenge (optional), a variety of wondrous wildlife and environments and an insight into local communities and local life, in comfort but without touristic excess.
The Sabah Adventure really was an adventure. The Mt Kinabalu climb was hard work but gives you a huge amount of achievement; seeing a green turtle mother lay her eggs and watching newly hatched turtles being released was incredible; then heading into the jungle to spot Pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, orangutans and a huge array of other wildlife was something Ill never forget. I loved this trip and especially thanks to a fantastic group leader (Richard) and an awesome group of fellow intrepid travellers. Sabah wont disappoint!!
This trip was a life changing experience. We came, we saw, we concurred. We left nothing but footprint! Tera makasi Richard and Intrepid.
great introductory tour of malaysia, showcasing the country’s natural beauty, culture, cuisine & fantastic people. well recommended!
This trip really is the best of Malaysia! Great place, fascinating people and culture, and fabulous food. We travelled during Ramadan, and were initially worried that might be a problem, but it was actually a fascinating time to travel in Malaysia, and a real bonus for us.
Great holiday, lots to do and seen in national parks, Mulu especially beautiful. Our guide went to effort to give us as many opportunities to see the bats in Deer cave and the orang-utans which we did! Great trip
A trip that will never be forgotten. The diverse range of activities and experiences was incredible. From climbing Mt. Kinabalu to a locam home stay to a jungle resort and Turtle island. Cannot fault this trip it has everything. Book now!
When my partner and I are selecting a holiday we do our research and decide where we want to visit in a certain country then we look for an intrepid tour that fits (theres always one that matches!).
Intrepid offers tours that give you unique experiences which highlight the culture and way of life of the local people. Their use of local guides enables you to learn more about the countries you visit.
Sabah Adventure was an amazing experience! Hiking Mount Kinabalu was the highlite of the trip. The trip overall is very “nature” based which is what we were looking for. We learned so much about Sabah and many of their conservation programs.
I have been a travel agent for 5 years and my first trip overseas was with Intrepid through South East Asia. What a trip! I fell in love with the Intrepid group instantly. I love everything Intrepid stands for and they way they give back to local communities and businesses no matter what country or region, the passion they have for sustainable and responsible travel and of course offering real life experiences! They have different travel styles and comfort levels so you can really choose the way YOU want to travel!
We have never taken a group tour before but couldn’t have been happier with Intrepid. The organisation, communication and value for money was outstanding. The trip was very well thought out, minimising travel times, allowing for regular breaks in points of interest, including a diversity of things to see and do with optional times for rest, relaxation or further exploring. 16 is a good number of travellers. Not having to worry about arrangements was fantastic. Being given local advice and insights ensured a really authentic and rich experience, creating treasured memories and connections with like minded travellers of all ages and stages of life from a diversity of places. I would highly recommend it to anyone with a sense of curiosity, adventure and thirst to see the wonders of our planet.
if youre up for a true adventure and unforgettable memories this is definitely the right trip for you. it offers a wide variety of activities from climbing mount kinabalu to seeing the great wildlife northern borneo has to offer. there was so much to see and experience and i especially liked how welcoming and friendly the locals were which made you soon forget that youre here only for a few weeks.
The biking and climbing were physically and mentally challenging in the best possible way, and the island is so beautiful.
Great itinerary. A potential extra plus would be if some trip dates included a visit to Danum Valley or Brunei, as these are not places most travelers would otherwise visit and since this trip starts and ends in KK we’re so close to both Danum Valley and Brunei, especially considering most passengers travel long distances to get to Borneo.
I travelled the Best Of Borneo which provided excellent coverage of the wildlife and natural areas of Borneo. You need to be reasonably fit for this trip. The mountain climb can be challenging as can the leeches and endless jungle trek on the Headhunters Trail. Be prepared for relentless hot and humid weather.
I cant recommend the Sabah Adventure tour highly enough! A beautiful country and wildlife seen via a well-considered itinerary and led by a passionate and knowledgeable leader. The Mt Kinabalu climb is so challenging but was a big highlight, as was seeing all the incredible wildlife. Book this trip now!
A wonderful trip full of adventure and wildlife. Climbing the mountain was hard work but was worth it in the end. I loved every minute of it.
Make sure you are fit enough for this trip We spent a lot of hours waiting at the end of trails for people who took a very long time to walk the jungle trails
Trips are well organised and cover most of the essential highlights of the area in a practical but non-stop format. No time to get bored and not much time to rest but you get to cover a lot of the area.
Classic Borneo tour we made in May was a very special experience for me. I learned a lot about local culture, people, their traditions, but also about the rainforest and the wildlife in the jungle. This experience on Kinabatang river I will never forget, we did boat tours every morning and early evening. Certainly I recommend to visit this wonderful and unique place. Thank you to Aldrin, our tour guide how made this experience so wonderful.
Absolutely brilliant tour. I’ve traveled in Asia extensively and believe this tour is a great option for all, from those who have been to Asia before and are looking for a relaxing holiday to those who’ve never been to Asia and want to get adventurous. Jeremy is excellent and makes the trip a breeze while also providing opportunities to learn and experience some slightly hidden aspects of Malaysia. I wish I had the time to start the tour again from the beginning instead of coming home
I’m so happy about that i choosed this trip and i’m sad about that’s over.
The Wild Sarawak tour was an excellent overview of this part of Malaysia. Mulu was my key interest and we spend good time there, and the other destinations, journeys and experiences were all worthwhile. Our leader, Nizam, was excellent – professional, helpful and friendly.
Our Sabah Adventure was superb. The Leadership was outstanding with quality connections everywhere we went. Our small group was moulded into a very compatible unit with heaps of support and humour. Every day had new experiences, frequently many. Responsible access to flora and fauna was wonderful. We were delighted with the whole expedition, especially of course with KinaBalu which we senior citizens summited with excellent assistance from our guides! Intrepid..you rock!
This trip was awesome – it had just the right balance of adventure and wildlife, and you don’t feel like your spending all your time on the road. Rony is an extremely knowledgeable, passionate and friendly trip leader. The mountain climb is tough going, I was so glad I did lots of weight training and cardio in the lead up. The most useful things I had for the mountain were good hiking boots (waterproof, good grip and ankle support) and an umbrella (all the mountain guides use them and only wear a jacket if it’s sideways rain). There was a wide range of accommodation, but even the most basic places were clean and comfortable. Book this trip – you won’t regret it!
This trip rocks! The mountain climb is tough, make sure youre ready for a gruelling (but amazing) couple of days. The whole trip after that is a series of amazing adventures. Youll see wildlife, meet the locals, and see gorgeous landscapes.
Lovely trip with a good mix of different activities. Time to do your own thing. Good standing accommodation throughout
Excellent tour, perfect mix of active and relaxation. Great culture and amazing guides, plenty of animal sightings. I would recommend a reasonable level of fitness
To be open minded to different culture’s, and accept people as they are, they do not need to be a clone of your country.
I knew this trip would be unforgettable but it exceeded all expectations I had. The Kinabatangan River cruise and Manukan island at the end were highlights but everything was amazing. Make sure you take binoculars otherwise you might miss some of the wildlife but some macaques and proboscis monkeys can be seen quite close. Our guide Manuel, was exceptional in his wildlife knowledge and the whole experience was completely magical.
A great variety of landscapes in Northern Borneo, lush jungle, beautiful corals and wonderful beaches to end on a high. Our group was rewarded with many sightings of wild animals which will long live in the memory. Our leader Manuel made sure everything ran smoothly and we had a lovely time. Recommended!
Very helpful trip notes
The Classic Borneo tour was the best trip I have done and Manny is the best tour guide EVER! Everything was brilliantly organised from jungle safaris with wild elephants and orangutans to snorkeling on tropical island paradises to cocktails on rooftop bars watching the sunset. Thank you Manny!
We were so lucky and got to see many orangutans in the wild and a herd of elephants along the river. The tour ran so smoothly and there was such attention to detail ! Our guide Manuel was outstanding.. he brought Borneo to life for us all x
Be prepared to open your heart and mind. See and experience our world as it is
This trip was awesome! I saw so much wildlife, even lucky enough to see elephants which was totally unexpected. I felt completely safe at all times. I was really lucky to have an exceptional guide with a huge knowledge of the places and wildlife we saw. Sabah is beautiful and the mix of places and experiences was really good. Manamukan Island was a really pleasant surprise and a great way to end an already amazing trip. My only complaint was it could have been longer, I want to come back and see more
Absolutely amazing experience in such an awesome place. Could not recommend this trip highly enough! Do yourself a favour and go!
Intrepid provide everything needed for a top-rate experience amongst the chosen culture, whether that be a people or wildlife focus. Having the hassle of accommodation, travel and many meal arrangements taken care of frees up the traveller to enjoy the experience without added stresses. The local group leaders are a wonderful point of difference to other travelling companies – and believe me, make all the difference to the enjoyment of the holiday. Intrepid – you ROCK! We WILL be using you again.
An excellent trip, especially if you’re interested in the wildlife of Borneo. The river cruises were a highlight especially as we saw Orang-utan and Proboscis monkeys in the wild. The end on the island resort was a wonderful way to end the trip.
This was my first trip with Intrepid, everything was well planned and organized. The activities were as expected and daily updates kept me on track with packing. Our guide Edwin was available for questions and always went above and beyond with requests. I’m looking forward to my next Intrepid trip and the great people you meet on the way.
Jammed packed trip of amazing experiences! From the exhilarating challenge of conquering Mt Kinabalu to the wonder of seeing turtles emerge from the sand on Turtle Island, this trip has it all!
An excellent trip, very informative, great value for money and plenty to do and see throughout. Highly recommend!
Bring a good overnight backpackyoull use it extensively.
Very professionally put together tour package. 2 thumbs up!
The only thing that I would suggest is that Day 1 and Day and Day 10 can hardly be called part of the trip. Otherwise the trip met expectations with the highlight being the sighting of orang utans in the wild on the Kinabatangan River and at the Sepilok Sanctuary.
I absolutely loved this trip! Perfect trip if you want to challenge yourself while still having the comforts of a nice hotel and warm shower most days. Our guide Nik was fantastic providing support and knowledge throughout the tour and the best food recommendations. The tour involves a lot of walking so make sure you’re prepared for that and pack light. It’s a good idea to bring some healthy snacks with you like muesli bars for the hikes. I just wish I had more time at the end of the tour in Kota Kinabalu, would recommend some extra time here to get to the beach!
Very boring vegetarian food, compared to our Intrepid trip to Vietnam. Hotels need to be encouraged to do Malay ( or local ) breakfasts. A swimming pool at the Horizon hotel was paradise.
This was an excellent trip with an itinerary which has something for everyone.
I would definitely recommend Intrepid to friends and family for travelling to exotic destinations.
Japan, Botswana, Russia and Eastern Europe.
Sabah is a fascinating place with a range of experiences . Intrepid small groups are the way to travel. Our group comprise like minded people looking for similar experiences and all interested in the natural world and the local culture.
Excellent and varied trip with lots of opportunity to see wildlife, relax on the beach and experience local culture.
Brilliant but eco camp takes a little resilience
This was a wonderful trip for our family. We required resilience but learnt a whole new culture and plenty of new skills.
First trip with my 6 year old on our own and can’t recommend It enough
Make sure you find out the demographics of the tour group before booking. You don’t want to tour with old people who need naps, unfortunately this was experience at times, my group was at least 23 years older than me, so no staying out late, tour was complaining of sore muscles and aches).. On the whole I made the best of the situation, however had I known in advance, I would have booked a different date so I could have been with travelers closer to my age group…. this did disappoint me. I’m not sure if I’d take such a gamble again and book an intrepid.
An excellent trip and guide. After 10 days we feel we have a real taste of Borneo and we saw lots of wildlife! The Orangutangs were of course the highlight.
This trip was great for experiencing lots of what Malaysia has to offer, from the cities to jungle walks, river rides, spectacular snorkelling and a wonderful home stay with the warmest welcome ever! Knowing that the activities and transport was well organised made the trip relaxing. Be prepared to take a while to acclimatize to the heat if travelling in March/April.
Great combination of wildlife and trekking in the Sarawak part of Borneo!
Sabah Discovery is a new tour, which does not visit Turtle Island (my agent would not allow me to book a tour which included it). I was on the first group on this tour, and there were 7 of us. Tour is amazing and our guide Johmin was excellent, youll be very lucky to get his wealth of local and cultural knowledge. Mount Kinabalu climb is definitely worth it. It was cold at the top but a base layer, fleece hoodie, windcheater and waterproof shell are sufficient. Bring ski gloves. Going up is hard work but exhilarating. The accommodation on the mountain is much better than I expected. Coming down is very hard work on the knees, take two poles if you suffer with knee problems. The mountain guides are excellent. We did almost all the optional activities. Do the night time walks/safaris. The boat safaris in Kinabatangan are brilliant for the wildlife. Come a day earlier and go to the Mari Mari village from KK. If you want to go snorkelling on a tour, they last all day, I couldnt find any organised for just a morning, but you can make your own way across. Overall an excellent mix of physical activity, landscapes, wildlife and Borneo culture.
This is a super comfortable tour, we witnessed some beautiful wildlife while in Kinabatangan River, including a wild orangutan! Borneo is an absolutely beautiful part of the world and those looking for wildlife and adventure should definitely consider this tour. It was an incredible trip, I would even do it again. My only advice would be to take a decent camera, you’ll see many thing you wish you captured on film.
The Borneo Family Adventure was a fantastic trip for the whole family and had something for everyone. We all loved the wildlife, and the kids enjoyed being able to play with the other children. A good mix of culture, history and wildlife in a beautiful country with friendly people.
Want to know what it feels like to be in an episode of BBC’s Planet Earth?!? Then prepare yourself for an incredible adventure in Borneo with Intrepid Tours!
An incredible adventure in wild Sarawak and Sabah. This trip is recommened for those who want to appreciate the diverse nautral wonders of Borneo – highlights include treking through the jungle, the amazing Mount Kinabalu climb, a night with the Iban people in a longhouse, watch a turtle lay her eggs on turtle island and all the incredible orangutans and proboscis monkeys.
Do a bit of research the check which tour is most suitebal to you.
A fantastic tour! Very informative and fun. it’s great to travel with a group of like minded individuals. There is considerable moving around on this tour – so unless you MUST take alot of luggage, keep it to a minmum (there are plenty of opportunities for shopping along the way)!
This trip was brilliant, there’s a lot of moving around but that just means you see so much!!! I would recommend it to anyone!!
The Best of Malaysia trip was everything I could have asked for and more. Transport was good – local buses, train, private mini bus – and the accommodation was great (comfy with all the necessities such as wifi, air conditioning, nice bed/shower and a good breakfast!) Best of Malaysia covers all the touristy spots as well as more traditional experiences such as the local homestay. We were a group of eight with a variety of backgrounds and ages. The small size of the group definitely helped create a warm and friendly travelling environment. The tour was well-paced with a nice balance of relaxation and adventure. Highly recommended!
This trip is a wild and wonderful experience. We saw so much wildlife (the orangutans and proboscis monkeys were my favourites) and some stunning scenery. The head hunters trail isn’t too hard but be prepared with good shoes and bug spray. Bako is very hot and humid but great fun and the caves in Mulu were a highlight. The best part of the trip was the great camaraderie in our group and the exceptional leadership of Manuel who is one of the best leaders anywhere. If you want an adventure, book this trip!
One of the best trips I have taken. My advice if you are climbing please be prepared with fitness training. This is not a easy hike. Plus day one you will do 40 Km bike ride and then 3rd day hike. So your legs need to be strong. Overall i loved the trip soo much and will come back to Intrepid for more
Great tour if you want a holiday with a difference. You get to visit places you may not normally think about going. Experience and try new activities and food. Get to meet the locals and understand the culture of the places you visit. Also make wonderful new friends as you travel in small groups.
make sure that the sites of interest to you are visited.
Wild Sarawak was a fantastic mix of activities. We were lucky to see a number of animals, including the orangutan and proboscis monkey! Lots of walking, so you need to be prepared for that, particularly hot weather walking! Mulu was my favourite place and the glorious boat ride after the trek! The weather, I imagine could make or break your experience. Ours was pretty perfect!
We had a great time on our Wild Sarawack trip. There were loads of different activities packed in to our holiday, but without it feeling rushed. The leaders and local guides were excellent and it’s a great trip if you want to experience the jungle and wonderful wildlife of Borneo.
I absolutely recommend this trip as you get to know three cultures that are very different from each other. The stay at the guesthouse is an awesome experience!
10 outta 10. Fantastic way to see and taste a special part of South East Asia. We can highly recommend the local beers.
My trip to Malaysia was surprisingly great. Tour leader Jeremy made it so with his enthusiasm and energy. I enjoyed every aspect of this trip from the jungle to the islands. The canopy walk a highlight. The home stay was enjoyable and Georgetown a highlight. Great trip.
This trip great way to enjoy the the natural beauty of the area and gain insight into the environmental issues that are facing the region, whilst experiencing a culture that is fascinating and diverse.
I would recommend Intrepid. They deliver on what they promise. They are absolutely for ethical tourism, a real plus. Their staff on the ground cannot be faulted. You really connect with the locals and you feel as if you are off the beaten track. I would have no hesitation in traveling with them again.
The highlight of this trip is definitely the Kinabatangan River. We saw orangutans, long-tailed macaques, proboscis and silver leaf monkeys, crocodiles, a monitor lizard, a variety of birds, and even a pygmy elephant! The tour is a fantastic mix of wildlife, jungles, cities, beaches, and excellent food!
This trip fulfilled all my expectations with regard to wildlife. Amazing to see an orang-utan outside our chalets on the Kinabatangan River and to get a very brief glimpse of a pigmy elephant. Loved the proboscis monkeys and was fascinated by the macaques as they saw off a rogue male. Great!
I really enjoyed this trip, the highlight of the tour was Mt Kinabalu, a demanding climb but doable if you have a good level of fitness and the determination to put one foot in front of the other, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the trip and the summit is amazing like your on a different planet! KK is great for food and the locals are friendly and helpful. Getting off the tourist route and going to the home stays is a great way to experience the culture of the local. A great trip for someone who wants to challenge their self.
A very informative and interesting trip that covered both wildlife and fauna.
Just finished the Best of Malaysia tour which is our 6th Intrepid. Excellent trip. Well organised with good variety of places to see and activities. Intrepid know how to make travel easy by removing the stress involved in organising an itinerary and getting from A to B.
The classic Borneo trip includes such a wide range of experiences, from towns to mountains, rivers, wildlife and beaches, that you come away feeling like you have done so much. We were very lucky to see so much Wildlife, including an orangutan outside our chalet!
Intrepid Travel is the best of both worlds. It offers the convenience of group travel with plenty of free time to explore your own interests. The guides are always professional, friendly, supportive, and helpful. All of the trips I have taken with them have been excellent.
An excellent, undemanding tour of North-Eastern Sabah. Lots of wildlife, plenty of local encounters, and a good variety of activities. Covers all the bases.
Very well organised trip,great accomodation and balance of activities included in the itinerary
A very nice trip for an introduction to Borneo and it people. Small group setting provided a lot of interaction among group members and we all became fast friends. We were all matured travelers but were able to keep up the pace and our guide Rosrand made sure we were comfortable and safe and not dehydrated. There were no challenging or difficult hikes on this trip but be prepared to walk in very hot and humid weather.
great trip for a overview of whats like in southeastasia. Good price level especally for young travelers.
Consider carefully clothing and insect repellent. If going onto another destination you can leave additional luggage in the start/finish hotel left luggage.
When Intrepid say it’s a Physical rating of 4, they mean it. Being as fit as your possible can on one of these adventures makes it a more enjoyable experience!!
We have travelled quite a few times with Family Adventure Company and now realised this is owned by Intepid so was a bit wary to start but now know you have the same approach. Check the ages of other children on the trip as there is a host of different experiences between 5 year old boys and 14 year old girls. Teenage trips please!
Intrepid provided me with everything I needed to know on their website. After comparing prices with other companies I found them to be very competitive. Also, the team leader we had was excellent… the whole trip went like clock work. Comfortable buses and hotels. Already thinking about where my next Intrepid adventure will be. Highly recommended!
A good introduction to Malaysia and Thailand with a nice variety of locations. Travel time was not excessive and hotels were basic but generally clean and pleasant. Excellent leader as always.
No short review but strongly suggest that you remove the trip to the butterfly park when in cameron highlands. They were keeping animals in unethical conditions, which was one thing that i really disliked about the trip. Many of the animals were contained in too small cages, one if the animals was dead and many of the butterflys were also dead.
I found Intrepid to be an ideal way for me to safely travel alone. My husband likes to stay in NZ & go fishing & is not keen to travel these days, so as a 73 year old I needed to find a way to travel safely with like-minded people. The Classic Borneo trip was a wonderful experience, with the Sabah wildlife being the main attraction for me.
This trip has a nice mix of cities and nature and the itinary was great! It’s very fast paced but our tour leader always looked after us and was super organised. The accommodation was all really nice too.
Bangkok to Singapore is a great trip since it allows you to get the most of Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore within 2 weeks time. You could experience from the bustling Bangkok to the slow pace of Malacca with the rick-saw side through the small alleys of Malacca. A must-do trip!
Couldn’t have been happier with the Classic Borneo trip. Went by myself as a mature woman, and was totally included by the friendly group. Saw organutans in the wild, accommodation was top notch, Manuel our guide was so generous in sharing his knowledge and love of Borneo. Best stress free holiday!
If you want to have a nice experiences holiday don’t missed the Intrepid Company, they have everything you need and where ever you want to go. I am highly recommend this company cos they support a lot of children and local peoples in tier areas and most important thing that they are very high responsibilities with what they do.
A very well designed itinerary which ensures you experience much this incredible country has to offer in a short period but without ever feeling it is anything other than a relaxing holiday. We were fortunate that our tour leader, Sheila, was such a delight.
This was a good trip to experience the rain forests and rivers in the area. Mulu National Park was stunning and the caves wonderful. Animal sightings were good in Baku National Park and the night walk was excellent. It was a pity not to have seen the Pinnacles.
Si vous cherchez un organisme de confiance afin de partir en petit groupe pour voyager sans avoir à organiser votre séjour sur place, Intrepid est une bonne solution.
If you are looking for a once in a lifetime adventure, then look no further than an Intrepid trip to Borneo. Not only did we get to see the Orangutans in the wild, there was a varied itinerary that meant that we made the most of he time we had. Just go for it – nothing to lose and what opportunities to be had!
Great introduction to the culture and experiences on offer in northern Borneo!
Travelling with our Grand son was so easy knowing that he would have time with other children. He had a ball!
Great itineraries, love homestays, etc. Quality of the guides is a hit or miss, can be terrific or shoking. 2 out of four guides were unacceptable, the other 2 were fantastic. Got the same impression when talking to other traveler.
This tour is an incredible and eye opening experience to challenge yourself physically and to learn about Borneo exotic culture and history. You will leave it in love with Borneo! We suggest packing light and smart- and to bring plenty of insect repellent and leech socks!
Well thought out trip with brilliant tour guide varied accommodation and wonderful new experiences that young and old can enjoy. It was lovely to finish the trip on a truly tropical island with warm clear blue sea. Carry toilet paper in bag and bring a torch for when staying at the eco lodge.
I decided to include my two teenage girls to a trip from Singapore to Thailand. Everything was great, but I wish we would of wait one more year. My younger daughter did not enjoy it as much as we did.
This tour offers many interesting contrasts between different countries, and contrasts between forests, beaches and cities. It involves travelling significant distances, and the buses in Thailand are quite small, so if you are a little claustrophobic like me, try to find about more about the travel arrangement and how many people will be on the bus (8 in one small mini bus as in our case was too many in my opinion). The tour offers a good contrast of activities. I enjoyed in particular staying in the Khao Sok National Park, and the cities of Penang and Melaka. I suggest you book extra nights in Bangkok and Singapore for this trip as they are explored very briefly in the tour. I suggest you find a more comfortable hotel in Singapore or at least see if you can book a bigger room with a window!!
The Borneo family trip gave us many happy experiences: the visit to the jungle, the orangutan rescue centre, Pulau Tiga and many more. Don’t forget to bring enough insect repellent. Go for the optional visit to the Sun Bear centre – one of the highlights of our trip!
Best tour group ever, Borneo is a beautiful country and I would highly recomend going there. If you get Aldrin as your tour guide, your very lucky because he’s the best!!!
Excellent basic introduction to Malaysia and Thailand. Intrepid took care of the transportation and accommodations plus gave us many local activity options. Accommodations are basic.
The people of Borneo are beautiful an made us feel so welcome in their homeland. keep your eyes open all the time as the wildlife could be right under your nose.
This is a excellent trip as it really does show you the Best of Malaysia! I really enjoyed the variety offered on this tour as each place that you visit has something different to offer and as a result you leave the trip with different types of experiences. All included activities were great and there was also enough free time should you want any time for yourself to explore.
Whistle stop tour of the Malaysian Peninsula and southern Thailand. A great taster of a diverse country. The raft house was a particular highlight of something I would not have ordinarily have organised but thoroughly enjoyed, including walking up through a waterfall!
A really good trip with a mixture of physical and cultural activities to make for a brilliant, memorable holiday.
This was a very good trip covering the main highlights of all three countries. Be prepared for some early starts and long travel days. It’s best to travel light as you will buy things along the way.
Always ask questions of your team leader as they have alot of knowledge and experience to draw on. Good insect repellant, universal adapters, pack light and buy extra clothes as you need and pack a good attitude to get the most out of your trip.
Best of Thailand & Malaysia is a good three week trip seeing some natural areas and the best big cities along this 1,500 mile journey.
Malaysia is a beautiful country,the food was delicious and the activities were varied and enjoyable.Our leader Yan was a pleasure to travel with.But beware there are quite a few days were you cannot get a beer,but overall it was very good!
Thailand and Malaysia are both interesting countries. This trip offers a good insight into what they have to offer. Singapore at the end is like the jewel in the crown.
The Intrepid Bangkok to Singapore trip was incredible: a great mix of adventure and information about the history of all of the locations. By taking care of the logistics of traveling and accommodations, our professional and knowledgeable guide made our trip so easy!
If you enjoy getting into the thick of it, the culture and the nature, then this is the trip for you! The local guides provide a unique insight into life in Sabah all while you challenge yourself in new ways. Each part of this trip had its own charm and from the homestays to the hike, you will discover just how warm and kind the Malay people are.
This was a trip that I immediately wanted to book when I saw the itinerary. It proved to be very interesting and included very good food, interesting local characters and a great insight into local living in the destination. The hotels and accommodation were varied and good, including a lovely stay in a resort near the Khao Sok National Park. The transport was good and not too demanding and our group leader was excellent.
Great mix of rural and big city exploration. Fabulous food will be the abiding memory of this trip for me, along with friendly people and the great mix of included activities and free time to explore what you want to!
Enjoy what you went to see. (Some get grumpy, when they don’t get their coffee and miss their bed.)
This was my first overseas experience. I am looking forward to travelling with Intrepid again
Borneo Family Adventure was a FANTASTIC and AMAZING experience – we had the most wonderful time and it totally exceeded all our expectations. A fantastic mix of wildlife, beach, jungle, culture, people, fun and adventure. Our leader made things so easy and a lot of fun and his knowledge and passion for his country added so much to our trip. A wonderful adventure for any family who wants to go somewhere a little different.
This was our first Intrepid trip, made with our daughters 9. 7 and 5. We loved it. We couldnt speak more highly of our guide and the itinerary which made for a fantastic trip. We loved feeling like we were backpacking again but with the kids enjoying the company of other children on the tour and us enjoying being guided in the day’s activities as well as having accommodation and travel organised for us.
We really enjoyed our recent family trip to Borneo. It was a perfect blend of adventure, culture, wildlife, rainforest, history, and island time. Big thanks to our Intrepid guide, and also the other families, who made our Borneo experience even more enjoyable. An unforgettable holiday!
Borneo is a wonderful destination. Nature is just amazing and the people of Borneo are so friendly. I recommend this destination for every Natur lover. Get also ready for the heat and humidity.
Edwin is the best headhunter tour guide ever! Bring your sense of adventure and not as much first aid gear. Best suited for kids up to approx 14 years.
Intrepid is a great way to travel ! We didn’t have to organise accommodation or activities and could leave these arrangements in the hands of the experts. We had a lot of fun exploring Malaysia, trying new foods and learning about the country’s culture.
Don’t take this trip unless you like lots of relentless hiking with little chance to appreciate your surroundings. There are some wonderful opportunities to view the local animals.
A great way to travel with kids. We made some good friends along the way and really feel we absorbed the culture and understanding of the local people as well as seeing so much wildlife and nature.
We enjoyed our family tour of Borneo. Our guide Sheila was fantastic, and the other families made wonderful travel companions. Although the accommodations were below our expectations (based on previous travel with Intrepid), our adventures to the jungle camp, Pulau Tiga and the Sepilok sanctuary were truly amazing.
Good apart from wasting the last day travelling. Itinerary could be adapted to avoid this.
This trip provided me with a great overview of Sabah. The activities are quite achievable for the average healthy person but it’s physically not for the faint hearted! The adventure took me through Sabah’s rich jungle life to the top of a magnificent mountain. Cycling through villages, staying with host families and enjoying karaoke with the locals gave me a great cultural experience too. Sea kayaking and snorkelling off tropical islands was great way to finish my trip on. I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing on the speedboat as we bumped our way back Kota Kinabalu.
Great trip! Very challenging and not for the faint of heart, but worth the effort. Borneo is a beautiful country with lovely people. Highly recommend.