The Ultimate Backpacking Malaysia Itinerary & Route (Including Borneo!)

Ancient rainforests, unique wildlife, and a diverse melting pot of cultures and food. Backpacking Malaysia is an amazing adventure. As the country is split into two; Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, it can be difficult figuring out how to fit all the best places to visit in Malaysia into one trip.

So, if you’re looking for the ultimate Malaysia itinerary, or ideas for an epic Malaysia backpacking route, then you’re in the right place! I’ve put together this blog post after several trips around this amazing, yet still underrated, country to help you out.

I’m going to share all my tips for backpacking in Malaysia, from where to go, where to stay, what to do and how to get there. I hope it will help you plan an unforgettable trip and that you’ll fall in love with this country as much as I have.

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Malaysia

Why I Loved Backpacking in Malaysia

Malaysia is so diverse and has so much to offer. From vibrant and multicultural modern cities, to charming, historic towns, tropical islands, scenic tea plantations, the oldest rainforest in the world, and Borneo!

I love the captivating fusion of Malay, South Indian and Chinese cultures, religions and food all over Malaysia. The people are really nice, many speak English, and are always happy to help you out.

Multicultural Malaysia is one of the most underrated countries in South East Asia. It’s no way near as touristy as neighbouring Thailand, but it ought to be with the diverse amount of incredible things to see and do here.

Backpacking Malaysia is easy, fun, affordable and safe – even for solo female travelers. There are plenty of cheap backpacker hostels, amazing and cheap street food, and lots of free things to do.

Malaysia is one of the easiest countries to travel around, with a modern and efficient bus and flight system. You’ll find taxis and Ubers in some of the bigger cities, along with metros and boats.

Tips for Planning Your Malaysia itinerary

Before you start planning your trip to Malaysia, keep in mind that Malaysia is divided into two parts, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. The two are connected with low cost flights but it’s still like visiting two different worlds.

Entering Borneo from Peninsular Malaysia is like arriving in another country, with its secluded beaches, orang-utan sanctuaries, and national parks with caves and dense jungles.

If you’re not fussy and prefer to go with the flow you could probably wing it in the popular places in Peninsula Malaysia. However, if you want to visit the National Parks in Borneo accommodation and transport can be limited so you should book in advance.

How Long Should You Backpack Malaysia

The amount of time you have to backpack Malaysia will determine the best itinerary for you. Here’s some suggestions depending on how much time you have:

1 Month

If you want to see everything and follow this ultimate Malaysia backpacking route you’ll probably need about 1 month to travel the length of Peninsula Malaysia and then travel across Borneo. You could do it quicker,  if you don’t mind traveling at a faster pace.

1 month is ideal though and this will allow you spend a few days at each destination. This way you are not limited to just seeing the main sights but you can relax and really soak up each place and get off the beaten track to find some hidden gems and meet interesting people.

2 Weeks

If you only have time to spend 2 weeks in Malaysia and don’t want to rush around too much then chose either peninsula Malaysia or Borneo Malaysia to explore and just follow half of this epic Malaysia itinerary.

Another option to see the best of both sides in only 14 days would be to just visit Kuala Lumpur and Penang and then head over to Kota Kinabalu and explore the North of Borneo.

7 – 10 Days

If you have planning a 1 week/ 7 days or 10 days Malaysia itinerary I would recommend sticking to one side and choosing three or four destinations to explore. You can take some day trips from Kuala Lumpur or domestic flights to enable you to see more in a short time too.

Or you could create your own Malaysia itinerary using the destinations and parts of my backpacker route that appeal to you the most.

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Essential Info for Backpacking Malaysia

Best time to visit Malaysia

The weather differs on the west coast and east coast of Malaysia. It’s recommended to visit the west coast during the winter months of December to February, while islands on the east side are better during summer, from June to August.

The driest months in Kuala Lumpur are during summer, May to August, while in Penang it’s driest during November to January. Borneo has the best weather during the summer months, June to August. More info here.

Getting to Malaysia

Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a popular flight hub with plenty of transport connections. You can also reach Malaysia by bus, train or boat from Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

The huge Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLCC – the low cost carrier airport have cheap flights from around the world, so getting to Malaysia is really easy.

Visas for Malaysia

Many nationals from countries such as U.K., U.S.A., Australia, Canada, and New Zealand get 90 days visa free entry to Malaysia.

Getting around Malaysia

Malaysia’s transportation system is comparable to Western standards. Kuala Lumpur has a metro, and there are hundreds of flights every day around the country and some trains too.

Modern, high speed rail services connect Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Thailand on the West Coast. You can also take the Jungle Train to explore the less developed East Coast.

Luxury buses reach every part of peninsular Malaysia, and Uber operates in both peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. You can book buses and trains in Malaysia easily online using 12 Go Asia

Malaysia Backpacking Budget

From $25/day. Read More: My Malaysia backpacking budget.

Backpacker Accommodation in Malaysia

You’ll find everything from backpacker hostels and campgrounds to luxurious resorts in Malaysia. Backpacker hostels are great ways to meet other travellers and stay on a budget.

The best backpacker hostels often have a choice of dormitories and private budget rooms. There’s usually a communal area to hang out and make friends and a shared kitchen so you can save some money by cooking your own food.

Cities like Penang and Kuala Lumpur have everything from tiny guesthouses to modern hotels and upscale resorts. While more offbeat places like Borneo and the Cameron Highlands have mostly cosy guesthouses and budget hotels.

I use Hostelworld and Booking.com to find accommodation, check reviews and book at affordable prices online.

Tours of Malaysia

Day Tours and Trips

City tours are popular in Malaysia; you’ll find tons of them in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, ranging from street food and history tours, to rainforest and tribal adventures. Having a local guide can bring the history to life and help you understand more about the culture.

Sometimes, public transport won’t get you everywhere so you might need to book a boat trip or jeep tour. You can book tours, trips and tickets online with Klook, a popular Southeast Asia travel site with affordable prices. Klook Passes offer good deals if you want to see multiple attractions.

You can also use Viator or GetYourGuide. Good backpacker hostels can often help to arrange tours too.

Multi Day Small Group Tours

If you want to join a group of like minded people to travel with (and let someone else do all the organising)  then you could also join a small group multi day tour.

This is especially worthwhile if you are solo traveler and don’t want to travel alone. Taking a tour also allows you to see more in a shorter time without any stress. You can see all the Malaysia tours available and check reviews on Tour Radar.

Peninsular Malaysia is well developed, safe and easy to travel independently, but Borneo is a bit more difficult. Intrepid Travel run an amazing and affordable 10 day Real Borneo adventure tour from Kota Kinabalu specifically for young travellers and backpackers.

If you want to fun way to travel across mainland Malaysia with a young, fun group check out the 8 Day Malaysia to Singapore Highlights with Contiki.

Volunteering in Malaysia

Malaysia is an amazing country but there are still many poor communities who could really do with your help. Instead of paying 1000’s to volunteer sign up with Worldpackers and you can exchange your skills and time for free accommodation, food and many other benefits. Read more about volunteering for free with Worldpackers here. 

By volunteering when backpacking in Malaysia you can get immersed into the local culture, make friends with the locals, learn new skills all while helping those in need and saving yourself money so you can travel for longer.

I prefer Worldpackers over other platforms as they offer great support and customer service, all hosts are verified to ensure they offer a safe and rewarding experience and you can also take advantage of the Worldpacker’s insurance should anything go wrong with your host.

If you want to join, click on this link and use my discount code GLOBALGALLIVANTING to save $20 on the membership fee.

Best Guide Book: The Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Guidebook is packed with loads of essential information for pretty much every tourist destination in Malaysia.

The Ultimate 1 Month Malaysia Backpacking Route

Most Malaysia itineraries will start in the capital Kuala Lumpur (KL.) But this Malaysia backpacking route gives a more relaxing introduction to Malaysia by starting on Langkawi island in the north.

My Malaysia backpacker route includes: Langkawi – Penang – Cameron Highlands – Kuala Lumpur – Taman Negara National Park – Melaka/ Malacca – Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan – Kinabatangan – Semporna and the Sipadan islands – Mulu National Park – Kuching.

This is the best route because it fits in all the highlights and avoids traveling back on yourself. This route is ideal if you are backpacking Malaysia after Thailand. (Check out the ultimate Thailand backpacking route here)

You can literally island hop your way from Thailand to Malaysia! Just get a boat from Koh Lipe island in Thailand to Langkawi in Malaysia. It only takes about 1 hour and you can book it on 12 Go Asia here.

If you’re not coming from Thailand don’t worry, just connect to a quick domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi’s airport. If you are coming from Singapore then simply take a bus to Malacca and start there instead and reverse the route.

Carry on reading and I’ll go through the route in more detail, letting you know what to do, where to stay and how to get to each destination.

Peninsula Malaysia

Langkawi Island: 2 – 3 days

Why not start your Malaysia backpacking trip on a beautiful tropical island!

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands surrounded by turquoise seas, abundant nature and a dramatic mountainous jungle interior that glistens with a hundred shades of green.

Unlike some of Thailand’s islands, Langkawi has not been ruined by tourism and still has a lot of natural beauty to explore and wildlife to spot.

One of the best ways to see the archipelago is with an island hopping boat trip for a fun day out on the sea visiting the beautiful islands and beaches and seeing the eagles soar over the water.

Another thing not to miss is a Mangrove Boat Trip in Kilim Geoforest Park where you’ll be able to spot wildlife and be immersed in the unique ecosystem.

You could spend a week or more chilling out on Langkawi island, but a couple of days is enough to relax, explore the beaches, jungles, national park and main attractions.

The most popular attraction on the island is the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a suspension bridge high above the jungle. It’s reached via the Langkawi Sky Cab, the steepest cable car in the world.

You get amazing views over the jungle and ocean from the cable car and the sky bridge feels like you are walking in the clouds. There’s also a waterfall and other attractions up here. (The cable car gets busy so book your tickets in advance here to avoid the queues.)

Where to stay in Langkawi:

The best place to stay in Langkawi is Cenang Beach which has plenty of eating options and accommodation for all budgets. Here’s my top 3 picks:

• Bed Attitude Hostel Cenang: A huge, sleek, modern hostel with a lively vibe and a coworking space on Cenang beach. Choose from luxurious dorms or private budget rooms. Check Prices and Book Here.
• The Cottage Langkawi: If you prefer something more low key and relaxed I loved The Cottage Langkawi. They have cute beach huts, dorms and budget rooms in tropical gardens with plenty of hammocks and lovely owners. It’s a short walk from Cenang Beach. Check Review and Book here.
• Telaga Terrace Boutique Resort: A lovely little budget friendly resort with a swimming pool in a peaceful area near Cenang beach. Check Availability and Book Here.

How to get to Langkawi:

Langkawi island is about 1 hour by speedboat from Koh Lipe in Thailand and about 2 and a half hours by ferry to Penang. Book your ferry ticket here with 12 Go Asia.

Langkawi also has an airport with flights to Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and other cities in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Penang: 3 – 4 days

One of the best places to visit in Malaysia is Penang Island – a melting pot of Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian culture, food and tropical natural beauty that is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia.

The main town in Penang is UNESCO world heritage listed George Town – a compact, walkable, historic colonial trading port that boasts the best and most diverse cuisine in Malaysia.

There’s so much to do in Penang that you should spend at least 4 days here roaming the historic lanes, admiring the cool street art and eating yummy street food in George Town.

Head to the hawker centres or Chulia street night market for the best and cheapest street food. Or join the Georgetown Food Tour for a fun and tasty way to explore and learn about the city and it’s interesting fusion of cultures, food and heritage.

Wander around George Town exploring the historic houses, museums, cafes. Don’t miss Harmony Street where temples, churches and mosques can all be found on one street, and look out for the street art.

Also check out Fort Cornwallis, the Penang Botanical Gardens, and stroll down the Esplanade. The clan jetties – traditional stilt houses on the waterfront where Chinese communities still live are also interesting to see.

It’s also worth making a short trip out of the city to see the amazing Kek Lok Si temple – the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.

Penang Hill is one of the top attractions on the island. Hike up or take the funicular railway – avoid the long queues by booking your ticket in advance here.

You can spend all day at Penang Hill soaking up the spectacular views of the city and exploring the nature trails. Don’t miss The Habitat – a rainforest discovery center, you can also check out the art galleries, temples, mosques and cafes.

If you want to spend more time in nature go trekking through the jungle to the unspoiled beaches of Penang National Park.  Or just chill out at Batu Ferringhi beach which has cafes, bars and tourist amenities.

If you want an adrenaline rush brave Gravityz – the world’s highest rope course. And if you want to see ‘real Malaysia’ a great way to explore the lush tropical countryside and traditional villages around Penang is on this Penang cycling tour. You even get to try goat milk ice cream!

Where to stay in Penang:

The best place to stay in Penang is Georgetown where there are plenty of backpacker hostels and affordable boutique hotels. Here’s my top 3 picks:

• Red Inn Court: Located in an old shophouse in the heart of Georgetown, this popular backpacker hostel offers female and mixed dormitories and private rooms with shared bathrooms. There’s also a shared kitchen and a sociable friendly atmosphere which makes it the best place to stay for backpackers in Penang. Book here.
• Aayu Chulia: One of the best value accommodations in all of Malaysia. They have clean and comfortable dormitories and private rooms in a great location close to all the best parts of Georgetown. There’s a shared kitchen a lounge and the owner is super helpful. Book here.
• Muntri Mews: A beautiful boutique heritage hotel in the heart of Georgetown if you want something a bit more upscale. It’s decorated with artwork from local artists. Book here.

How to get to Penang:

From Langkawi, the best way to get to Penang is by short flight or ferry. You can also get to Penang from Singapore or Thailand by land, or neighbouring islands via boat

Penang island is easily accessible from the mainland via two bridges. You can reach Penang from Kuala Lumpur via a short flight, bus or train via Butterworth Station. Sungai Nibong is the main bus station in Penang. Book your tickets online with 12 Go Asia.

Cameron Highlands: 2 – 3 days

Rolling green hills, tea plantations, and valleys make up the Cameron Highlands, where you’ll find the freshest and coolest climate in all of Malaysia.

If you enjoy beautiful nature and the humid, tropical heat is getting to you then don’t miss the Cameron Highlands from your Malaysia itinerary.

Some of the best places to visit here include the Mossy Forest, BOH Tea Garden and Factory, and Strawberry Farms. There’s limited public transport so I visited these places with this fun Jeep Tour.

You can also pick your own fruit, enjoy fresh strawberry ice cream at the strawberry fields, taste honey at the honey farm, and see colourful butterflies at the butterfly farms. If you love flowers check out the new, and very instagramable, Cameron Flora Park.

There are also tons of treks and hiking trails in the Cameron Highlands to choose from, the most popular is trail 6- 10. In the evening there is a night market in Tanah Rata.

Where to stay in the Cameron Highlands:

The main town in the Cameron Highlands is Tanah Rata which has a range of budget guesthouses, hostels and luxurious vintage country resorts like The Cameron Highlands Resort.

Here’s my top picks for backpackers:

• Traveller Bunker Hostel: Sociable backpacker hostel in Tanah Rata with well equipped dorms, a common area and cafe. They organise free morning hikes too. Book here.
• Backyard Glamping Cameron Highlands: Stay immersed in nature at this cute campground just outside Tanah Rata. They have furnished bell tents with a shared bathroom, kitchen and lovely views. Book here.
• Highlanders Garden Guesthouse: This peaceful guesthouse is surrounded by nature yet still within easy walking distance to the center of Tanah Rata. There’s a variety of private rooms, a communal lounge and kitchen, plus friendly owners who will help you out. Book here.

How to get to the Cameron Highlands:

Multiple daily buses leave from Penang to Tanah Rata for the Cameron Highlands. The bus takes about 5 hours. Book your bus online here.

Kuala Lumpur: 3 – 4 days

No Malaysia itinerary or backpacking trip is complete without a visit to the capital Kuala Lumpur, often simply called KL.

Malaysia’s capital is a business oriented, multicultural modern city with interesting skyscrapers, mosques and temples, lively nightlife and a diverse food scene.

One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur is simply to walk around soaking up the city’s mix of cultures. It’s quite easy to walk around the main sights. Start by exploring places like Petaling street in Chinatown, the Central Market, Merdeka Square and Little India.

You’ll see beautiful Chinese temples, mosques, Hindu temples, colonial architecture and churches, all within walking distance of each other. There’s plenty of street art to spot and street food to try too. Take the Sambal Streets – Kuala Lumpur food tour to discover where and what the locals eat.

My favorite experience in KL was visiting the Batu Caves, one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India. The cave temple is accessed by 272 rainbow coloured steps which are guarded by a huge golden statue. Also don’t miss the most impressive Chinese temple, the six tiered Thean Hou Temple. 

If you want to understand more about the different cultures and religions, take this Batu Caves and Cultural Tour which visits the most important places of worship.

The landmark of the city is the famous Petronas Twin Towers, once the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers. You can go up to the skybridge and observation deck for amazing views.

If you want to go up the Petronas Towers or the KL Tower you can save money and skip the queues if you buy your tickets in advance here.  A Klook KL Pass could be better value if you want to see several attractions.

It’s also great to just admire the towers from KLCC park below. There is a free sound, light and water show every evening and the towers are illuminated at night. KL is also now home to the new second tallest building in the world – Merdeka 118.

For nightlife, check out the bars and clubs at Bukit Bintang, treat yourself to cocktails at one of the rooftop bars, or have dinner with 360 degree views in the revolving restaurant at the Menara / KL Tower. 

Kuala Lumpur also has many parks and museums. The KL Forest Eco Park has nature trails and canopy walks. There’s also a huge botanical gardens near the National Museum of Malaysia.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur:

The best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur for backpackers is Chinatown or Bukit Bintang. This is where you’ll find plenty of backpacker hostels and budget hotels, street food and nightlife with easy access to the rest of the city via public transport.

• China Town Hostel by Mingle: Friendly, laidback backpacker hostel in a super convenient location. It has a cafe and a cool rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi where it’s easy to meet other travellers. Choose from shared dorm rooms or affordable private rooms. Book here.
• La Vista @ Regalia Residence: Sociable hostel located in a luxury penthouse apartment with amazing views of the skyline from the rooftop infinity pool. Choose from dorms or private rooms and share the lounge, kitchen and pool. Not the most central location but the views are worth it. Book here.
• Eaton Suites KLCC: Apartments with iconic Petronas Tower views from the pool! These private fully equipped modern apartments and suites are conveniently located for KLCC and Bukit Bintang. The stunning views from the infinity swimming pool on the 52^nd floor are the highlight. Rates start at only $45 making it amazing value, but book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Book here.

See more recommendations – The 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Kuala Lumpur.

How to get to Kuala Lumpur:

KL is 5 hours by bus from the Cameron Highlands. Click this link to book tickets. 

KL is easily accessible via flight from hundreds of international locations, as well as domestic locations over the entire country. The city has a good public transport network making it easy to get around.

There are two main international airports in Kuala Lumpur, KLIA and KLIA2. There are buses from KL sentral to and from Singapore and Thailand.

Taman Negara National Park: 2 – 3 days

Taman Negara National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It’s an astonishing 130 million year old tropical rainforest, older than the Amazon!

If you’re a nature lover, this is somewhere not to miss when backpacking Malaysia – especially if you aren’t able to make it over to Borneo.

The national park boasts exotic wildlife, flora, and fauna, and some of the best opportunities for trekking in the entire country. You’ll find tigers, elephants, rare birds, and more in Taman Negara.

There’s loads to do in Taman Negara National Park. It’s home to the longest canopy walkway in the world where you can walk above the rainforest amongst the towering trees. There is also river safaris and rapids, ziplines, indigenous villages and floating restaurants.

You can also do multi-day trekking trips in Taman Negara where you sleep overnight in a tribal village or cave, or you could climb Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in peninsular Malaysia.

The easiest way to see the highlights is to visit Taman Negara on a day tour from Kuala Lumpur. But if you have time it’s cheaper and less rushed to spend a few days here.

Where to stay in Taman Negara:

The small town of Kuala Tahan is the gateway to the national park and has some hotels and restaurants along the riverside. Accommodation is limited so book in advance.

• Tekoma Resort: Affordable resort near the riverside with an outdoor swimming pool, simple private chalets, dorm rooms and a restaurant. Book here.
• Tebing Guest House: Great family run guesthouse with a restaurant overlooking the river and comfortable private rooms. Book here.
• Mutiara Taman Negara Resort: The only accommodation within the national park offers cute jungle chalets and can arrange trekking tours and activities. Book here.

How to get to Taman Negara:

Getting to Taman Negara can be a bit of an adventure.

From Kuala Lumpur, you’ll need to take a bus to Jerantut, which takes 3 hours. Then take another 1 hour bus to Kuala Tahan.

There’s also a bus from the Cameron Highlands but it takes 6 hours.

Malacca/ Melaka: 2 – 3 days

The charming, old colonial trading port city of Melaka (also known as Malacca) shouldn’t be left off your Malaysia itinerary.

Like Penang, it has a UNESCO World Heritage old city. You can see, taste and feel the multicultural history of Malacca by exploring the historic lanes, colorful street art, mosques, temples and churches of the old town.

The best thing to do in Melaka is taking a river cruise and wandering around the historic old town. The Dutch Square is full of red colonial buildings and churches including Stadthuys and Christ Church.

Explore the ruins of A’Famosa Fort and St. Paul’s Church and check out the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum to learn more about Malacca’s unique culture and history.

You can also ride on a colorful trishaw, or go up the Menara Taming Sari for panoramic views. The Melaka Straits Floating Mosque is also worth a visit.

In the evening head to Jonker Street night market to try Nonya food and check out the cute cafes.

Where to stay in Melaka:

The best place to stay in Melaka is inside the old town where there are hostels, boutique heritage hotels and plenty of cafes and street food stalls. Here’s my top 3 picks:

• Sleep Here Hostel: Good backpacker hostel with comfortable dorm beds and a basic breakfast within short walking distance from everything. Book here.
• The Rucksack Caratel: Unique, funky place with a pool near Jonker Street. Choose from ‘caravan style’ cabins and private rooms with floor to ceiling windows. Book here.
• Gingerflower Boutique Hotel: Charming, centrally located, heritage guesthouse with private rooms. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the river. Book here.

How to get to Melaka:

There are many buses that leave from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca and takes 2-3 hours. You can get tickets here.

You can do day tour to Melaka from KL, but I would recommend staying a few days and soaking up the relaxed vibes if you have time.

Malaysian Borneo

Any Ultimate Malaysia itinerary wouldn’t be complete without Borneo! Many travellers only see Peninsula Malaysia but don’t miss you chance to explore Borneo – one of the last remaining really wild places on earth.

To continue your epic backpacking Malaysia Itinerary head back to Kuala Lumpur and get a cheap Air Asia flight over to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo – check Skyscanner for the best prices.

The massive island of Borneo is shared by three countries: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. The Malaysian section is split into two states, Sabah and Sarawak.

Borneo is a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. Backpacking Borneo offers an off the beaten path adventure through exotic natural landscapes, ancient rainforests, incredible dive sites, and pristine beaches.

You can take a river safari to spot wildlife, visit orangutan sanctuary, trek to the island’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, met tribal warriors and mysterious head hunters.

Venture deeper into the jungle to dive at Sipadan Island, or take a propeller airplane to Mulu National Park to trek to bat caves and waterfalls.

The best place to start your Borneo backpacking adventure is in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah or north Borneo.

Kota Kinabalu: 2 – 5 days

Kota Kinabalu (also refereed to as simply KK) is the capital of Sabah state. It’s a great city to fly into and start the Borneo part of your Malaysia itinerary as you’re near most of the best places to visit in Borneo.

There’s plenty to do in Kota Kinabalu, stroll the waterfront, see the impressive waterfront mosque, visit bustling markets and beaches. To learn about Borneo’s indigenous culture visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village to meet tribal people and see a traditional longhouse.

Just off the coast, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of 5 paradise islands with amazing underwater life only 15 mins boat ride away from the city. They make easy day trips or you can stay on Gaya Island for a tropical island escape.

This snorkelling trip takes you by boat to three amazing spots and includes lunch on the beach on one of the islands. If you’re lucky you may even see whale sharks.

If you don’t have time to go further into Borneo, it’s even possible to do a river cruise day trip from KK to spot wildlife and fireflies in the Klias Wetlands.

In the evening stroll along the waterfront, choose your dinner from the seafood markets who will grill it for you, and then check out the bars and nightlife.

About 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu is the starting point for the famous trek to Borneo’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu. A steep 2 day climb where you watch the sunrise above rolling clouds. You need to register before climbing and take a guide.

This G Adventures small group 5 day Trek Mount Kinabalu Tour. Just bring your hiking shoes and arrive in Kota Kinabalu and they will sort everything else out. It’s quite a tough trek so it’s better to have the support and camaraderie of a like minded group.

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu:

The best place to stay in Kota Kinabalu is along the waterfront or near Gaya Street. Here’s my top 3 picks:

• Homy Seafront Hostel: Cosy, centrally located waterfront hostel with friendly, helpful staff. Offers dorms and private rooms – some with sea views. Book here.
• TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu: Large colorful, modern backpacker hostel on the outskirts of the city. Choose from dorms or delux private rooms and enjoy the social vibe, rooftop bar, hang out areas and games. There’s even an indoor slide! Book here.
• Horizon Hotel: Good value centrally located hotel with a pool and multiple dinning options. The more expensive rooms even have sea views. Book here.

How to get to Kota Kinabalu:

Air Asia and Malaysian Airlines operate daily domestic and international flights from KL to Kota Kinabalu, you can also fly from places like Brunei, Jakarta, and Taipei.

There are many buses leaving from Kota Kinabalu to various destinations around the island, as well as a port to take boats to neighbouring islands as well as Brunei.

Sandakan: 2 – 3 days

Sandakan is the former capital of Sabah and makes a great base for exploring some of Borneo’s best wildlife sanctuaries.

Just outside the city is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This renowned sanctuary is a haven for orphaned and injured orangutans. You can see these amazing animals up close during feeding time and support their conversation.

Next to the orangutan sanctuary is the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is also in the area. This Sandakan Tour visits all three wildlife sanctuaries and includes a city tour and lunch.

Sandakan is also the jumping off point for Selingan island, better known as Turtle Island, a conservation project for endangered green and hawksbill turtles.

Stay at Turtle Island Resort and witness turtles laying eggs on the beach at night and help to release the hatchlings into the ocean to help their survival odds.

Where to stay in Sandakan

There’s no hostels in Sandakan, there are some nice jungle resorts and some budget hotels along the waterfront of Sandakan City. Here’s the 3 best options:

• AeCOTEL: Decent budget hotel with comfortable rooms and helpful staff.
• The Elopura Hotel: Popular mid range hotel on the harbour in the heart of Sandakan City with music and movie memorabilia and a great restaurant with sea views.
• The Sabah Hotel: Great resort with landscaped pools, bars and eateries, surrounded by rainforest just above Sandakan City.

How to get to Sandakan

Sandakan is about 7 hours bus ride from KK It’s also possible to fly between the two in less than 1 hour. See the options and book on 12 GO Asia. 

Kinabatangan: 2 – 3 days

One of the best ways to spot wildlife in Borneo is on a river cruise through the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, about a 2 hour drive from Sandakan.

This is one of the highlights of Borneo, so stay a few days in a riverside rainforest eco resort and do a couple of river safaris in the early morning and sunset time.

This gives you a good chance of seeing Borneo’s Big 5:– The great hornbill, proboscis monkey, orangutang, crocodile and pygmy elephant. You can also do a guided night walk to see all the nocturnal creatures.

How to do it

Most people take a 3 day 2 night Kinabatangan package which includes transfers from Sandakan, accommodation in a rainforest eco resort, meals and river safaris.

Book in advance because places are limited and this is the highlight of most travellers Borneo experience.

Some other accommodation options include:

• Sukau Backpackers B&B: Good budget choice on the river with basic air-conditioned rooms. Meals and boat rides can be arranged.
• Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge: Good value jungle lodge. AC rooms have big windows with nature views.
• Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort: Lovely river eco resort on stilts in the jungle with an open-air riverside restaurant. They offer packages for both dorms and wooden cottages.

I didn’t find any public transport into the wildlife sanctuary. You might be able to get a taxi, but better to ask your accommodation to provide transfers – most do as part of a package.

Semporna and The Sipadan Islands: 2 – 3 days

Semporna, on the eastern coast of Sabah, is the gateway to some of the most beautiful islands and diving sites in the world.

Nicknamed the Maldives of Malaysia, you can go island hopping and snorkelling in the Tan Sakaran Marine Park and see  visiting islands like Timba-Timba, Pom Pom and Mataking Island

Sipadan island is one of the best scuba diving sites in the world where you’ll see turtles, sharks and huge schools of fish. There are limited dive permits issued each day which are issued by dive resorts and tour operators so book in advance.

You need to have an Advanced Open Water certification to dive at Sipadan, but you can try scuba diving without any previous experience at other dive sites in the area.

Check out this guide to diving Sipadan on a budget for more info.

Where to stay in Semporna and the Sipadan Islands:

Semporna town is the cheapest place to stay but for an island escape you can stay in an overwater bungalow or resort on the islands.

For conservation reasons, you’re no longer allowed to stay on Sipadan island, but there are a couple of options on the nearby Mabul island or Kapalai islands.

Here’s my top picks:

• Island Backpackers: Friendly, clean, hostel with dorms and privates centrally located in Semporna.
• Mushroom Inn: Stay in your own toad stall room in a cute mushroom village!
• Dragon Inn Floating Resort: Basic hotel and restaurant on stilts over the water by Semporna jetty.
• Maglami-lami Water House: Top rated reasonably priced over water resort on Bum Bum island
• Sipadan Kapalai Resort: Best dive resort in the area located on Kapalai island.
• Mabul Backpackers: Basic, budget dive resort built on stilts over the water on Mabul island.

How to get to Semporna:

From Sandakan the bus to Semporna takes about 6 hours. Boats to the islands leave from Semporna jetty.

To return to Kota Kinabulu, the quickest way is by a short flight from either Tawau or Lahad Datu.

In KK either change to a plane back to KL or head deeper into the jungle to Mulu National Park – only accessible by flight.

Mulu National Park: 3 or 4 days

Home to Gunung Mulu National Park, Mulu offers spectacular outdoor adventures. From trekking through jungle to climbing through caves, this national park is one of the most unique in the country.

The National Park is home to the biggest underground cave chamber in the world, Sarawak Chamber, as well as Mulu caves and the Deer Cave, the entrance to the largest cave passage in the world.

You can also trek to the Pinnacles at Gunung Api or summit Gunung Mulu Mountain, both multi day treks.

Where to stay near Mulu National Park:

There is a small village around the airport with a handful of homestays. Accommodation is limited and it’s a very remote area so book well in advance.

• Mulu Village: Friendly homestay just outside the national park with incredible hosts.
• The Benarat Lodge: Jungle lodge with air conditioned rooms, a restaurant and refreshing swimming pool.
• Mulu Mariott Resort: The only upscale option. It’s located along the riverside with a beautiful restaurant in the middle of the jungle.

How to get to Mulu National Park:

Getting to Mulu is quite the adventure as it’s not accessible by road. You’ll have to take a small propeller airplane for the 1 hour flight from Kota Kinabalu or Kuching. Check current flight times and prices here.

Kuching: 2 – 3 days

The capital of the state of Sarawak, Kuching is a diverse city located along the beautiful Sarawak River. that’s a mix of colonial and modern architecture. You’ll find massive buildings as well as tiny old houses in this city, which is located along the beautiful Sarawak River.

You can take a two-day trip to Bako National Park for trekking and wildlife, or visit Fort Margherita, The Astana, or even the Kuching Cat Museum.

You should also take a trip to the incredible orang-utan sanctuary, Semenggoh Nature Reserve, where you will get to watch these massive creatures climb the trees and eat.

Where to stay in Kuching:

• Treehouse Hostel: Homely BnB style hostel in a good location near the waterfront. Budget rooms have shared bathrooms and there’s also a kitchen and small terrace.
• Kuching Waterfront Lodge: Good value heritage hotel in an atmospheric old Chinese building on the Sarawak River. Great location close to night markets and everything in Kuching.
• The Borneo Hotel: Modern, mid range hotel if you’re craving mod cons and comfort after your jungle explorations.

How to get there:

Kuching is home to one of Borneo’s busiest airports. You can fly to Kuching from Mulu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and many other destinations.

There are also buses from Kuching that operate around various places in Sarawak.

If you’re Malaysia and Borneo trip ends here then take a flight back to Kuala Lumpur to catch your onward flight home.

Read More: My Ultimate Thailand Itinerary and Backpacking Route.

Final Thoughts on Backpacking Malaysia and Borneo

Wow, that was a long blog! But there’s just so much to see and do in Malaysia. Make sure your itinerary or backpacking route contains a bit of everything this amazing country has to offer.

Visit the buzzing, multi-cultural cities, taste the diverse food, wander historic old trading ports, relax on tropical islands, explore ancient rainforests and spot wildlife – backpacking through Malaysia is sure to be an amazing adventure!

I hope this blog has helped you plan your Malaysia backpacking trip – if you have any questions leave a comment below.