mmichellesb

I'm heading to Malaysia next week and I would really appreciate some help on my itinerary. The primary reason for my trip is to visit my boyfriend's brother in Cambodia, but we will have just over a week (7-8 nights) to spend in Malaysia. We already have our flight to KL, and would like to stay there for 1-2 nights (Westin?) to see the city and the Batu caves.

The question is, what to do from there? We were thinking about going to another destination on Peninsular Malaysia (Penang or Melaka), then we would definitely like to visit Borneo for at least 3 nights.

We're leaning toward Sarawak over Sabah but haven't decided for sure. The main reason is that I've heard Kuching is a better city and Bako National Park sounds great, and because we don't really have time to climb Mt. Kinabulu and the BRL is closed for renovations.

Is Penang or another destination near KL worth it or would we be better off spending 5-6 nights in Borneo? What are the "must-sees" in Borneo? We love nature and beaches with some mix of local history. Also, do you have any lodging recommendations under about $150 per night?

Thank you!

rhkkmk

its really up to you but we liked maleka a lot...but its only worth about 2-3 days....

langkawi is a nice destination, as is penang....

the imperial hotel in K/L is quite nice too

crellston

With only 1-2 nights in KL I really would not bother with Batu -IMHO just not worth it. Spend the time in the city as it is quite easy to get around and more than enough to keep you interested for 2 days.

Like Bob, we really like Melaka, and would agree that 2/3 days is plenty. Penang is also worth a couple of days although you need to factor in the travelling time between the two which is a lot in only 7 days. 5-6 nights in Borneo sound better to me.
For a relatively short trip Kota Kinabalu would seem a sensible place to base yourselves. You may not have time to climb Mount K (definitely worth it if you can squeeze it in!) but a visit to the Kinabalu park is worthwhile.

Highlight for me in Borneo were the Kelabit highlands and Mulu national park (inc. the Pinnacles). Both are amazing but flights in and out are often subject change/delay due to the vagaries of the weather.

mmichellesb

Thank you both for your advice. I booked the Sheraton Imperial in KL for two nights at the beginning of our trip, but I'm still undecided about where to go next. I did some more research on Kota Kinabalu and the Kinabulu Park looks great. Do you have any recommendations for hotels or other things to do in that area? It sounds like it would be difficult to visit other regions of Borneo due to the potential for flight delays/changes.

crellston

We stayed at the Shangri La Tanjung Aru

http://www.shangri-la.com/en/propert...njungaruresort

It was a few years ago but it was a lovely hotel and I see from there website that it has recently been refurbished. There is also teh Shangri La Rasa Ria which is nearby and has a golf and I think an Orangutan centre.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a small group of islands close to the shore fro swimming, snorkelling etc.

Kinabalu prk and Poring hot springs. I think KK itself is quite large these days and has some good restaurants and markets.

Check out http://www.tourism.gov.my/ for more info.

You are correct that travel to the more remote parts of Sabah and Sarawak can be a little problematic. We flew from Miri to the Kelabit highlands with a group of friends for a naming ceremony. After a few days (and THE most amazing ceremony!) we were to fly out in two groups from the grass airstrip. We got out ok and then the weather closed in. The others were stuck there for another two days - but there are wosrse places to be stranded!!