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Influenced by the traditions of the Chinese, Malay, Indians and Europeans, Malaysia is one of the most familiar destination in South East Asia, offering a vibrant fusion of cultures and some of the best food in Asia.

Journeys in Malaysia

The Far East

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generic far east india expert paul taylor

Malaysia Tours

"I highly recommend a few nights in Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant city stretching from the gleaming Petronas Towers to the low flying palms trees of Masjid Jamek Mosque. There are many regions of Peninsula Malaysia to include, and I would start with the cool hill station of Cameron Islands which has jungle walks, tea plantations and gorgeous spicy India food. "

Paul Taylor
one of our Far East Experts

Call our Far East team on 0844 488 1123 or send us an enquiry

Things to do and see

ABAI JUNGLE LODGE

Set amidst an area of natural beauty, the Abai Jungle Lodge, Kinabatangan offers 18 rooms, with en suite facilities and ceiling fans. There are opportunities to take part in local conservation projects, as well as enjoy wildlife boat trips and self-guided walks along the jungle boardwalk.....

BAKO NATIONAL PARK

Close to Kuching, covering nearly 3,000 hectares of rugged coastal landscapes and accessible only by boat from Kampung Bako, the Bako National Park is a spectacular wilderness of bizarre sandstone stacks, pristine beaches, mangrove forests and azure waters. Home to almost all of Borneo’s recorded plant species, as well as rare proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards and long-tailed macaques, the oldest park in Sarawak is rich in a quite staggering variety of natural wonders.....

BATANG AI AND SURROUNDS

Ancestral home of the Iban, one of Borneo’s last true wilderness areas is a land of unsurpassed beauty, its remote National Park, part managed by the local communities, is a haven for endangered orang-utan, gibbons and hornbills. The park surrounds the vast expanse of the Batang Ai hydro-electric reservoir and a highlight of any visit is a relaxing longtail boat ride along the river, taking in the idyllic splendour of its landscapes, passing the friendly locals who wave as you pass by.....

DANUM VALLEY

One of the last preserves of primary lowland rainforest left in Asia and recognised as one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet, the Danum Valley is an exceptional natural haven for a staggering diversity of flora and fauna. This rare landscape is home to the endangered Sumatran rhino, as well as orang-utan and proboscis monkeys, the elusive clouded leopards and over 275 species of birds.....

GUNUNG MULU NATIONAL PARK

Encompassing a breathtaking landscape of spectacular karst formations, expansive caves and mountainous equatorial rainforest, this park is a sanctuary for a vast array of natural biodiversity. Over 3,500 varieties of plants, all of Borneo’s hornbill species and large numbers of animal and insect types have been recorded here. Its cave systems are some of the largest and most spectacular in the world, including the vast Clearwater and Wind Caves and the intimate Lang Cave, whilst the Deer Cave plays host to the incredible nightly egress of thousands of bats. Those looking to explore the rainforest can do so along the Canopy Skywalk, the longest tree-based walkway in the world - 480 metres long and nearly 20 metres above the forest floor.....

HILTON BATANG AI LONGHOUSE RESORT

The Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort is located, some 4 hours’ drive from the capital Kuching, on the shores of a spectacular freshwater lake, surrounded by mountains and the unspoiled rainforests of Sarawak. Its design is based on the traditional timber longhouses of the region's native Iban Tribes. The resort's 11 indigenous timber longhouses contain 100 individually air-conditioned guest rooms, 88 of which are standard rooms. These rooms, all with attached bathrooms, come fully equipped with modern amenities - a welcome luxury in the heart of a rainforest. Facilities include the Nanga Mepi Restaurant, the Wong Irup Bar, an outdoor terrace, a swimming pool, and a boat jetty for arriving guests. Nearby is the 27,000-hectare Batang Ai National Park.....

HILTON KUCHING HOTEL

Overlooking the river front promenade, the Hilton Kuching is conveniently located and offers panoramic views of either the river or the city from its 315 superbly appointed rooms. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, health and fitness centre, a good selection of bars and dining options ranging from international and local cuisine, and you can enjoy the river views whilst sampling local dishes such as Panosh Manuk (bamboo with fragrant rice).....

IBAN TRIBE

Borneo’s tribal diversity is made up of some 33 ethnic tribes, of which the Iban is the largest. Concentrated around the Sarawak region, these once feared headhunters, were formerly known as the Sea Dayaks, occupying longhouses along Borneo’s rivers. Traditionally animistic, they have embraced a unique mix of Christianity and spiritualism and many of their ceremonies are still celebrated in conjunction with their new found beliefs. Descendents of settlers who arrived along Borneo’s coast during the late 17th century, the Iban have retained many of their cultural traditions. They are skilled makers of longboats and famed for their woven cloth, the Pua Kumbu, once associated with ancient religions and head hunting. They also still practice the art of tattooing, a developed skill whose designs cover the arms, legs, and in some instances, throats of the tribal males. A visit to a an Iban longhouse is a great experience.....

KINABATANGAN RIVER SUKAU

The second longest river in Malaysia, the Kinabatangan stretches for some 560km, from the mountains of south western Sabah, to the Sulu Sea. Traversing a remarkable landscape of limestone caves, riverine forests and mangrove swamps, it is home to a staggering diversity of birdlife and wildlife, including orang-utans, crocodiles and proboscis monkeys. A stay in the Sukau region will enable you to fully explore the Kinabatangan river.....

KOTA KINABALU

The gateway into Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is a mix of European, Malay and Chinese influences, lying between the expansive waters of the South China Sea and the imposing shadow of Mount Kinabalu. Founded as a trading post for the British North Borneo Company, the city today is the bustling capital of the province and one of the most vibrant cities in Eastern Malaysia. The nearby islands of the TAR National Park offer excellent diving and snorkelling.....

KUCHING

Sarawak’s bustling capital lies along the banks of the Sarawak River, a city of rich diversity, where Chinese, Malays and Ibans have helped to make Malaysia’s fourth largest city a fascinating and charming ethnic mix. Once the personal kingdom of a British adventurer, this is one of the cleanest and friendliest cities in Asia, its delightful waterfront the thriving centre of modern life, the expansive and interesting Sarawak Museum a fertile repository of its past.....

MOUNT KINABALU AND KINABALU NATIONAL PARK

Located amongst the stunning natural beauty of the Kinabalu National Park, Mount Kinabalu, at 4,095 metres, is the third tallest peak in South East Asia. Its verdant slopes present a landscape of lush vegetation and prime rainforest, blanketed in giant ferns and orchids that make it one of the most important botanical regions on the planet. With over 800 species of orchid, 600 different varieties of fern and the most prolific collection of pitcher plants, it is a veritable paradise. It is possible to ascend to the summit of this natural wonder, although the climb involves a challenging but rewarding 2-day trek with a night stop en route. Alternatively, you can visit the National Park as a day trip from Kota Kinabalu, approximately 2 hours drive away.....

Places to stay

Casa del Mar

The heart of Casa del Mar’s (Spanish for ‘Home by the sea’) philosophy is to tailor a unique experience around individual guests, providing them with a tranquil hideaway. Offering sea view accommodations for all, beachside dining options, Spa facilities & water sports, the 34 room Casa del Mar is the perfect oasis for travellers looking for a private and peaceful retreat within 4 star surrounds. Your home by the sea, Casa del Mar, sits on the island’s lovely Pantai Cenang beach, only 10 minutes drive from the Langkawi airport and within walking distance to local cafés, restaurants and shops.....

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Eastern and Oriental Express Train

Experience the beauty of South East Asia from the unequalled luxury of the Eastern & Oriental Express train. A celebration of Asian tradition, the ‘E & O’ has been built with meticulous attention to detail by master craftsmen, and offers exquisite private compartments, a cuisine combining the best of East and West, and first class service. Travelling regularly throughout the year between Bangkok and Singapore, and vice versa, it also offers additional itineraries to incorporate such as destinations as Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. At its maximum length, the Eastern and Oriental Express consists of 22 carriages, including two restaurant cars, a bar car, boutique and reading room. The Observation car is at the end of the train and everywhere else is centrally air-conditioned. ....

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Flemington Hotel

The Flemington Hotel is located in the town of Taiping, offering breathtaking views of the Lake Garden. The hotel consists of 116 contemporary well appointed rooms, as well as a rooftop bar and swimming pool.....

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G Hotel

The G Hotel is a bold, beautiful creation in homage to modern, contemporary design, G Hotel fuses cool modernity with stylish comfort. Its convenient location overlooking Penang’s most famous boulevard – Gurney Drive – means that guests enjoy the advantages of being close to the sea and all the shopping and dining attractions along the promenade. ....

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Hotel Maya

Hotel Maya, is a contemporary city centre hotel that caters to smart business and leisure travelers. It offers 270 stylishly appointed rooms and suites adjacent to Kuala Lumpur’s famous Petronas Twin Towers.....

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Royal Mulu Resort

Royal Mulu Resort is set in the heart of the Sarawak jungle. The resort is situated on the Melinau River, adjacent to the Mulu National Park, home to the world famous Mulu Caves and the range of mountains forms a spectacular backdrop to the resort. Designed in the style of ethnic longhouses rooms are linked by a series of wooden walkways which are perfect for a pleasant stroll in the evening, also it is constructed on stilts three metres off the ground with the Melinau River and its' tributary passing by. Guestrooms have parquet floors and are complete with a private bath and shower, minibar, colour television with in-house movies, operator assisted telephone, individually controlled air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities. Hot and cold running water which has been filtered in the resort's own water treatment plant. Every room enjoys a spacious verandah. (www.rihgamulu.com) ....

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RV Orient Pandaw

The RV Orient Pandaw has 30 twin bedded cabins distributed over the main and upper decks. All cabins have private facilities including a shower room. She offers a spacious dining room on the middle deck that during the day is open to the river breeze and at night can be closed and air conditioned. On the upper deck there is a spacious bar. There is a large sun deck area above, half covered by an awning, which affords the best views of the river life around. The sun deck also has a bar. She is crewed by a mixture of Cambodian, Vietnamese and Malaysian under the direction of a professional French Cruise Director. The cuisine will be a choice of Asian or Western and there will be permanent English language guides on board and other language guides can be arranged and accommodated on request.....

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Shangri-La Hotel

The Shangri-La Hotel is situated in the bustling capital. Set among lush gardens, it is just 60 minutes from the international airport and 5 minutes from shopping districts. Each of the 701 guestrooms and suites are well equipped, the hotel has a wide choice of restaurants and bars offering a range of international and local cuisine.....

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Sheraton Hotel

The Sheraton Hotel is conveniently located in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan and within walking distance to the shops and many of the city’s major attractions. Each of the rooms feature a mini bar, hairdryer, air conditioning and a coffee and tea maker. Hotel facilities include a choice of restaurants offering both international and local cuisine, an outdoor swimming pool, spa facilities and a gift shop.....

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The Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort

The Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort is located on the shores of a spectacular fresh water lake, surrounded by jungle covered hills. The resort has 100 rooms, the Nanga Mepi Restaurant, Wong Irup Bar, an outdoor terrace, a swimming pool and a boat jetty for arriving guests. (www.hilton.com) ....

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The Kuching Hilton

Positioned along Kuching's spectacular riverfront promenade with panoramic views of the Sarawak River and Fort Margherita is the Kuching Hilton. This 315-room hotel is completely air-conditioned and offers good local cuisine and a selection of facilities including a swimming pool and tennis court. (www.hilton.com) ....

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The Lakehouse

Situated at approximately 1000 meters above sea level in the Cameron Highlands, and about 200km north of Malaysia's capital - Kuala Lumpur - stands The Lake House. This Tudor-styled country house sits atop a hill, overlooking a lake and landscaped green terraces. The decor is warm, and the rooms have four-poster beds, long baths and plush carpets. The Highlands, that were made popular during Malaysia's colonial days by homesick Scottish men, offer a unique holiday in Asia.....

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