East Malaysia

Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan in northern Borneo, with Mount Kinabalu, diving at Sipadan, the caves of Mulu and orangutans, are the natural highlights of Malaysia.

This region covers the states of Sabah and Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan in northern Borneo, separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea and making up about 60% of the country's land area.

Highlights: in Sabah, Mount Kinabalu, which can be climbed in two days and one night, with the Kundasang pastures and Kinabalu Park; Semporna and Sipadan, world-class dive sites with water-village resorts; the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre near Sandakan and proboscis monkeys on the Kinabatangan River; and Kota Kinabalu's beach sunsets and Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. In Sarawak, Kuching, the "Cat City", has a riverfront and longhouse culture, plus Bako National Park; Mulu National Park is a World Heritage Site with Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave and the Pinnacles; and Miri is the gateway to Mulu.

Classic itineraries: Kota Kinabalu–Mount Kinabalu–Sandakan–Semporna in Sabah in 7–10 days; Kuching–Mulu in Sarawak in 5–6 days.

Getting there: Kota Kinabalu and Kuching are the main gateways, with flights to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and many cities in China. Between Sabah and Sarawak and for long distances within each state, domestic flights are the main option.

Good to know: Sabah and Sarawak have their own immigration controls, so your passport is checked even when arriving from Peninsular Malaysia. Climbing Mount Kinabalu and diving at Sipadan both require applying for a permit in advance.

Destinations

Itineraries