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Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, many meals, touring and more!

A Taste of Malaysia including Borneo

In this year of Malaysia's 50th anniversary of independence, there are even more wonderful reasons to visit this lush, magnificent Asian destination. Savvy travelers have known about Malaysia's many wonderous touring opportunities for years. Now, Friendly Planet's new 10-day Taste of Malaysia including Borneo tour makes it an irresistable vacation spot for everyone, from adventure seekers who long to see the world's oldest rain forest and its pristine flora and fauna, to sophisticated urbanites who crave great food  and night life, fantastic shopping, and futurestic architecture. It's all there in Malaysia, but don't wait too long to reserve your spot. At these prices, we're sure to sell out quickly.

Have more time and want to see even more of Borneo and Malaysia? Check out our 15-day Borneo Adventure.

Our Touring Program

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey begins tonight as you check-in for your flight bound for Malaysia. Your Malaysia Airlines flight departs shortly after midnight on Day 2.

Day 2: En route. Cross the International Date Line and lose one day en route.

Day 3: Arrive Kuching. Arrive Kuching, the gateway to the legendary island of Borneo. After customs formalities, you'll be escorted to your 5-star hotel to check in and rest from your flight. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your travel companions at the hotel. Merdeka Palace Hotel. (D)

Day 4: Kuching. Today's full day of touring begins with a short scenic drive to the Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Established in 1975, this 1800-acre virgin forest provides sanctuary to some of Malaysia's most protected wildlife, including hornbills, monkeys, and especially, orphaned or rescued orangutans. At the center, the orangutans are carefully nurtured and rehabilitated for eventual release into the jungle, their natural habitat. You will have the opportunity to learn about the rehabilitation process and to observe and photograph the orangutans from a distance. Continue to the Pitcher Plants and Orchid Centre where the awesome carnivorous pitcher plants and elusive wild orchids of Borneo are thriving.

Later, return to Kuching to discover the romance and charm of the city built during the White Rajah era. Your panoramic city tour includes the bustling Kuching Waterfront; Chinatown, where you'll find the oldest street in the city and the heart of old Kuching; the Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple; and the Civic Centre Viewing Platform, where you can take in the best panoramic views of Kuching. Continue to St. Joseph Cathedral, the Syariah (Muslim) Court, the Satok Suspension Bridge, and traditional Malay stilt-houses built along the riverbank. Complete your day of touring with a sunset river cruise. Enjoy the panoramic views of Kuching as you enjoy light refreshments aboard. (B)

Day 5: Kuching. Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore Kuching city further on your own, or take advantage of an optional excursion to the Annah Rais Longhouse, located about 60 km from Kuching City, where you'll visit an authentic village of the Bidayuh tribe. Annah Rais Longhouse is located at about 60km away from Kuching City. The longhouse houses more than 80 families, most of whom still live in the traditional longhouse manner.

This afternoon, enjoy an included visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village, where you'll experience the distinct cultures of Sarawak's many ethnic groups, view the many of the various artisans practicing local handicrafts and enjoy a cultural performance at the village theater. The area of Buntal, where the village is located, has many popular seafood restaurants where you can stay and enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

Day 6: Kuching. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore on your own. An optional tour today takes you to the Gunung Gading National Park in search of the Rafflesia, the largest and one of the most magnificent flowers in the world. Three species of this rare and endangered species, whose buds are believed to have medicinal value, are found in Sarawak. Whether you visit when the flowers are in bloom or you find only the buds, you'll be guaranteed to see the plants in their unique natural rainforest habitat.(B)

Day 7: Kuching & Bako. Today you'll travel to Bako National Park, one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife in its natural surroundings. After arrival at Bako, a Malay fishing village built on stilts over the river, enjoy a 30-minute cruise on the South China Sea to reach this coastal park where beautiful sandy beaches accent sheer cliffs and striking rock formations.

The park is a unique botanical treasure housing 25 distinct types of vegetation that form seven complete ecosystems. Your local guide will help you to explore these ecosystems on the well-marked jungle trails, where you're sure to encounter some of the park's most famous residents such as the rare, long-nosed Proboscis monkeys, macaque monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, sambar deer, Borneo bearded pigs, mousedeer, otter, and monitor lizards. After lunch, trek through the lush forest for more bird watching and wildlife viewing. Bako National Park. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Bako, Kuching & Kuala Lumpur. Say goodbye to exotic, lush Bako and drive to Kuching's airport to board your flight to Malaysia's modern capital, Kuala Lumpur. Your guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your coach to begin your panoramic city tour. A city of contrasts, Kuala Lumpur's modern skyscrapers blend with impressive historic buildings to create a unique cityscape. Despite its rapid modernization, Kuala Lumpur still retains its wonderful mix of people, culture and traditions. Thanks in large part to its multicultural population, the city is a culinary mecca, with excellent restaurants at every turn. Enjoy an optional cultural evening plus dinner. Grand Seasons Hotel (B)

Day 9: Kuala Lumpur. Your last full day is at leisure for independent exploration, last-minute photos or souvenir shopping. You'll definitely want to bring back some of Malaysia's gorgeous, lavishly colored batiks, jewelry and handicrafts as souvenirs, and the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur is a wonderful place to find them. Or, save your last-minute shopping for today's fascinating optional tour to the countryside. The tour begins with a drive along the outskirts of the city passing by Ambassador Row and traditional Malay wooden houses. You'll visit a Batik artist, who will demonstrate how a simple plain cotton cloth is transformed into exotic patterns by freestyle drawing by hand.

Continue to the world's largest pewter factory, the Royal Selangor, where the skilled craftsmen create handcrafted pewter ware. The last stop on the tour is the famous Batu Caves, where over half a million Hind worshippers gather yearly during Thaipusam. Climb the 272 steps up the limestone hill to witness the fascinating cave structures of the Hindu shrine. Later this afternoon, join an optional tour to Kuala Selangor, one of the largest firefly colonies in the world. After dinner in this quiet hamlet, proceed to Kampung Kuantan, where skilled local oarsmen will row you upstream in a small boat (Tongkang) in the darkness to witness this spectacular natural light show as thousands of fireflies produce synchronized, rhythmic flashing that creates the image of a flashing Christmas tree. (B)

Day 10: Kuala Lumpur, USA. Kuala Lumpur/USA. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA, arriving later today. Or, why not take advantage of your already included international airfare and join our Penang Island Extension.

Penang Island 3 Day Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare on the gorgeous island of Penang?

Extend your Taste of Malaysia adventure by adding Penang Island, a tropical paradise off the western coast of Malaysia, famous for its sandy beaches and luxuriant vegetation. Extension includes airfare, 3 nights at the deluxe beach-front Grand Plaza Parkroyal Resort, buffet breakfast daily, a half day guided sightseeing tour and all transfers. Extension begins on the evening of Day 10 and returns to the USA on Day 13.

Day 10: Kuala Lumpur/Penang Island. Depart Kuala Lumpur for beautiful Penang Island. Transfer to your deluxe beachfront hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Grand Plaza Parkroyal Penang or Holiday Inn Penang (B)

Day 11: Penang Island. This morning, set out on a half day tour of Georgetown, the largest city on Penang Island. With its narrow streets and prewar shop houses, the town still maintains its colonial charm, while its diverse Chinese, Indian, and Malay population gives the island unique local flavor. Your tour will bring you to some of the city's most important sites: Fort Cornwallis, the Penang Museum, Little India, and Chinatown. (B)

Day 12: Penang Island. Enjoy a full day at leisure to rest and unwind from your busy vacation. Your resort hotel is nestled amidst tropical gardens with swaying palms. Enjoy beautiful pool or ocean swimming, a first-class spa, and other facilities. (B)

Day 13: Penang Island, USA. After breakfast this morning, bid farewell to Penang Island as you transfer to airport for flight to Kuala Lumpur to catch your return flight to the USA arriving later today. (B)

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Borneo, click here.

ASIA
A Taste of China
A Taste of Malaysia & Borneo
Beautiful Bhutan - Festivals Tour
Best of China & Yangtze Cruise
Best of India & Nepal
Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
Borneo Adventure
Japan Panorama
Taj Mahal Express
Treasures of Thailand
AFRICA
Best of Kenya & Tanzania
Discover Morocco
Kenya Wildlife Safari
Pyramids & Petra
Pyramids, Nile Cruise & Petra
South African Explorer
EUROPE
Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Berlin
Classical Greece by Sea
easyCruise Greek Isles, Turkey
Italian Treasures
MEDITERRANEAN
Classical Greece by Sea
easyCruise Greek Isles, Turkey
Greece, Turkey & Croatia Cruise
Italy, Greece & Turkey Cruise
Italy, Greek Isles & Croatia Cruise
Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Malta Cruise
Spain, France & Italy Cruise
MIDDLE EAST
Classic Israel: Land of the Bible
Dazzling Dubai
Pyramids & Petra
SOUTH AMERICA
Amazing Peru
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Exotic Ecuador
Patagonian Explorer
Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos
SOUTH PACIFIC
New Zealand Adventure
CRUISES
Classical Greece by Sea
easyCruise Greek Isles, Turkey
Greece, Turkey & Croatia Cruise
Italy, Greece & Turkey Cruise
Italy, Greek Isles & Croatia Cruise
Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Malta Cruise
Spain, France & Italy Cruise

Region:	-- all regions -- Africa Asia Europe Middle East South America
Country:	-- all countries --
Duration:	-- any length -- Up to 8 days 9 - 12 days 13 - 16 days 17 days or more
Budget:	-- any budget -- Up to $1000 Up to $2000 Up to $3000 Up to $4000
Month:	-- anytime -- January February March April May June July August September October November December

A Taste of Malaysia including Borneo
Included Features

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles via scheduled Malaysia Airlines wide-body jet including fuel surcharges (flight schedule).

• All intra-Malaysia flights and ground transportation

• Accommodations at Deluxe and first class hotels with private bath

• 11 bountiful meals including 8 Full American buffet breakfast (B), 1 lunch (L), & 2 dinners (D)

• Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary

• Professional English speaking tour director throughout

• Optional 3-day extension to Penang Island

A Taste of Malaysia & Borneo Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Aug 15 After Aug 15 2008 DEPARTURES Mar 17 Mar 26 $1629 Apr 7 Apr 16 $1629 May 5 May 14 $1729 Sep 15 Sep 24 $1969 $3339 Oct 13 Oct 22 $1869 $2269

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by Aug. 15, 2008. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $98.

Taxes & Fees * Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee $98

Extensions, Optionals & Supplements Service Price Penang Extension $529 Single Supplements A Taste of Malaysia & Borneo Tour $399 Penang Extension $285

Departure Airport: This tour departs from Los Angeles International (LAX). Ask about availability and prices for connecting flights from other cities.

Travel Insurance: Our comprehensive policy is available for only $129 per person and is strongly recommended to protect your investment.

Shop & Compare

Our tours may look similar to others you've seen, but we invite you to shop & compare. There are important differences that make Friendly Planet tours the best you can find.

No Compromise on Quality: Despite our extraordinary prices, there are no compromises on our Malaysia tours. You'll stay in Superior First Class or Deluxe hotels that are noted for their amenities and service.

Included Features:  Your transfers as well as important visits are included, not expensive extras as in other tours. Optional tours are specially priced to give you the best selection at affordable rates, so you don't miss a single thing - unless you want to!

Credit Cards or Cash :  No extra cost to charge your dream vacation to Malaysia. Whether you pay by check, money order or your favorite major credit card, your tour price on this tour is the same. Credit Card Authorization Form.

Free Comprehensive Destination Guide: To help you prepare for your trip, you will receive a free, comprehensive Friendly Planet Malaysia destination guide - a Friendly Planet exclusive - filled with plenty of helpful information about the destinations themselves (including history and other fascinating facts), weather, tipping, local customs, how to dress, plus insider shopping, nightlife and restaurant suggestions, organized by cuisine and cost.

Personal Service: Most important of all, the extra ingredient that makes our tours stand apart from others—the wonderful, personal attention you'll receive from our friendly staff in the USA and our representatives in Malaysia —is completely free of charge. Compare our Malaysia programs to others, feature for feature. You'll see for yourself that ours are the very best value for money you'll find anywhere.

Important Note: If you are reserving this tour less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.

Waitlisting on Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.

Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.

Already Booked? Print and complete your Tour Registration Form (PDF).

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* Some tour prices reflect an early booking discount on select dates. Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.

Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.