Malaysia Small Group Tours & Trips

105 Malaysia trips. Tours from 64 tour companies. 216 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

40 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Group Tour
Epic Bangkok to Singapore
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ao Nang, Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Georgetown, Khao Sok, Krabi, Kuala Lumpur, Surat Thani

Highlights

  • Trek deep – super deep – into the northern Thai hinterland with two days of trekking and two nights staying in a traditional hilltribe village, laughing with the locals and learning about their lifestyle.
  • Immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes, from cascading waterfalls, stunning beaches and mountainside views to a kayaking adventure on Mae Taeng River (followed by a spot of white-water rafting if you dare).
  • Settle into local life with a homestay in Phrom Lok. Cycle around the countryside, cool off in a waterfall and tuck into some delicious home-cooked meals.
  • Eat on the roadside in Bangkok, Penang and Singapore, with included and optional street food experiences and plenty of free time (not to mention your trusty local leader) to find all the best food stalls.
  • Enjoy loads of free time to choose your own adventure, whether that’s a bit of rest and relaxation with a Thai massage or discovering new friends at the Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary.

Themes

18 - 30's

What travelers are saying

"Michelle Middleton is an asset to the customer care team. Easy and honest communication throughout!"

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Best of Borneo
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

Highlights

  • See wild orangutans at the Semenggoh sanctuary and look for proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park. One of the last truly wild places on earth, Borneo offers rare treats for nature lovers.
  • Follow in the infamous footsteps of tribal warriors on a trek through wild, dense jungle on the Headhunter’s Trail – rich with wildlife like hornbills and monkeys.
  • Climb Mt Kinabalu – the literal pinnacle of all treks in South East Asia – with local guides whose families have trekked the mountain for generations. Witness the sunrise at the peak after a morning hike and spot diverse flora and fauna along the way.
  • Join a local ranger to witness the life cycle of sea turtles, who come ashore on Turtle Island to lay their eggs on the beach. At night, you’ll watch the hatchlings make a dash down the beach on the way to their new life.
  • Cruise down the Kinabatangan River and search for wildlife in this rich and unique jungle ecosystem – if you’re lucky, you may even spot wild pygmy elephants!

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Michelle Middleton is an asset to the customer care team. Easy and honest communication throughout!"

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Bangkok to Bali
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ao Nang, Bali, Bangkok, Georgetown, Jakarta, Khao Sok, Krabi, Kuala Lumpur, Surat Thani, Ubud, Yogyakarta

Highlights

  • Discover a different side of Kuala Lumpur – away from the skyscrapers – on a half-day street food tour through the alleyways, uncovering flavours you need to be a local to know.
  • Dive into a nature lover’s paradise at Khao Sok National Park, exploring, hiking, relaxing, and cruising by longtail boat on a limestone cliff-circled lake.
  • Find a slice of paradise on an included sea kayaking trip through the stunning inlets, caves and hidden lagoons of the Ao Thalane mangrove forests.
  • Climbing Mt Bromo in the early hours of the morning is an adventure to remember. If the conditions are right, you'll be rewarded with a dazzling sunset over mist-laden volcanoes.
  • Get behind the scenes of some of Java's fascinating local industries – from coffee, cocoa and palm sugar to traditional Javanese medicine.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Michelle Middleton is an asset to the customer care team. Easy and honest communication throughout!"

Trip dates & details
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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $150 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Borneo Expedition: Maliau Basin - Sabah's Lost World Trek
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Borneo

Highlights

  • Spend three-and-a-half days trekking in one of the most pristine self-contained environments on earth, parts of which are still yet to be explored.
  • Begin your adventure with a homestay with a Dusun family in Tambunan, including a local village tour to a house filled with headhunter skulls.
  • The myriad waterways that flow into the basin’s Maliau River have created dozens of known waterfalls. Take in their hidden beauty during your trek, including the seven gorgeous tiers of Maliau Waterfall.
  • Wonder at the bizarre flora that has adapted to this environment, like ‘ant plants’ that survive and grow by feeding on the waste of the ants that live on them.
  • Tourism to the basin is restricted, which means after this trip you’ll be part of a very exclusive group of people to have experienced the majesty of this wilderness.

Themes

Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Michelle Middleton is an asset to the customer care team. Easy and honest communication throughout!"

Trip dates & details
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Borneo Family Wildlife Adventure
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

Highlights

  • Stay at a Kinabatangan jungle lodge with jungle walks and wildlife river cruises
  • Visit Kinabalu National Park, trekking and bathing in hot springs
  • See the orangutans of Sepilok and proboscis monkeys of Labuk Bay
  • Spectacular snorkelling and relax on white-sand beaches in Tunku Abdul Marine Park

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"The booking process for my forthcoming trip to Peru on the Salkantay trek in November went very smoothly"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Bangkok to Singapore: Jungle Hikes & Island Nights
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore bangkok's busy markets
  • Stop by penang's chinese shop houses
  • Glimpse beautiful green vistas in the cameron highlands
  • Dive into multicultural kuala lumpur
  • Visit three diverse countries in two weeks

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"I booked a trip using travelstride with G Adventure, 2 days before my planned travel date, I got an email from Travelstride that there was an error in the price and I have to pay an extra 370$, otherwise I can get a refund. Because it was only 2 days from my planned travel date, I couldn't argue or change my plan and I had to pay the extra money. When I met the group I was surprised to know that what I originaly paid without the extra 370$ was already 400$ more that what others had paid for the same trip. In addition to that my room mate didn't maintain any hygiene standards in the room and didn't even respond to greeting. When I told G Adventure about it, they said that I need to communicate with him and open my heart and they can't do anything about it!!!! So please don't book with them and if you happen to book with them, then please ensure that you are paying half the advertised price."

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Bangkok to Kuta: Summits & Sunsets
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Sample the street food of bangkok
  • Watch the sunrise from mt bromo
  • Hike through rice terraces
  • Sample java from its namesake island
  • Chill out on stunning beaches
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"I booked a trip using travelstride with G Adventure, 2 days before my planned travel date, I got an email from Travelstride that there was an error in the price and I have to pay an extra 370$, otherwise I can get a refund. Because it was only 2 days from my planned travel date, I couldn't argue or change my plan and I had to pay the extra money. When I met the group I was surprised to know that what I originaly paid without the extra 370$ was already 400$ more that what others had paid for the same trip. In addition to that my room mate didn't maintain any hygiene standards in the room and didn't even respond to greeting. When I told G Adventure about it, they said that I need to communicate with him and open my heart and they can't do anything about it!!!! So please don't book with them and if you happen to book with them, then please ensure that you are paying half the advertised price."

Trip dates & details
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Southeast Asia: Hilltribes & Street Food
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Explore some of asia's largest cities
  • Travel by traditional bamboo raft
  • Trek on foot to visit remote hilltribe villages
  • Enjoy thai beach life in ko samui
  • Visit tea plantations of the cameron highlands
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"I booked a trip using travelstride with G Adventure, 2 days before my planned travel date, I got an email from Travelstride that there was an error in the price and I have to pay an extra 370$, otherwise I can get a refund. Because it was only 2 days from my planned travel date, I couldn't argue or change my plan and I had to pay the extra money. When I met the group I was surprised to know that what I originaly paid without the extra 370$ was already 400$ more that what others had paid for the same trip. In addition to that my room mate didn't maintain any hygiene standards in the room and didn't even respond to greeting. When I told G Adventure about it, they said that I need to communicate with him and open my heart and they can't do anything about it!!!! So please don't book with them and if you happen to book with them, then please ensure that you are paying half the advertised price."

Trip dates & details
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40 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Group Tour
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Malaysia Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
216  Reviews
See all Malaysia tour reviews
Excellent
101
Great
25
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Awesome adventure

If you want to see the best of Borneo this trip's for you. Beautiful country, great food, lovely friendly people and oh boy did we see wildlife! So many highlights...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great trip to Borneo

I've been on plenty of Exodus hiking holidays, but this was my first wildlife trip. I was a bit nervous in case my fellow travellers were a bit serious about both...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Excellent wildlife

A fantastic trip to a beautiful country. My main purpose was to see orang utans in the wild, although I was prepared to be disappointed. However expectations wer...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wildlife and More

We knew December was the wettest month, but hearts sank when our first wildlife trip had to be abandoned as the river was too high for safety to take us there. Ho...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

borneo

Very enjoyable well organised trip to a fabulous country. Orang-utans and proboscis monkeys. Ronnie was super. Be prepared to experience high humidity - book ext...

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Malaysia Tour Selection Trips

  • Malaysia is a majority Muslim country, so pack some modest clothing. 
  • If the island of Borneo stirs your wanderlust, keep in mind that the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak are located there. 
  • The heavily Chinese city-state of Singapore is situated at the bottom of peninsular Malaysia and makes for a nice change of pace stop.  
  • Be prepared for the hot and humid weather in Malaysia. No matter what time you tour Southeast Asia and Malaysia, you will encounter an equatorial tropical climate. Pack lightweight clothing, while being sure to include some scarves, light pants or long skirts to wear into places of worship. Learn more about weather and the best time to visit Malaysia here. 
  • Consider what you want to do most on your Malaysia vacation. Look for tours to Rawa Island and Langkawi for the best beach stays. Opt for visits to Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru for a more urban setting or cultural immersion. Consider tours that combine the beaches and culture of Malaysia and explore ways to combine a Malaysia trip with other Southeast Asian destinations. 
  • Even if you’re not a water sports enthusiast, consider taking a half-day or full-day snorkeling or diving tour in Langkawi or elsewhere in Malaysia. The stunningly turquoise sea and abundant marine life are worth exploring for several hours, if not days. 
  • Before you embark on your guided tour of Malaysia, take the time to learn a few Malay words and phrases. English is the country’s other official language, so you’ll hear it quite a bit, but the local residents will appreciate the effort you have put in to learning their language. 
  • Don’t expect raucous nightlife and party-til-the-wee-hours spots in Malaysia. As opposed to some other Southeast Asia destinations - Thailand, Bali, etc. - Malaysia is slightly more sedate. Of course, there are plenty of clubs and rooftop bars, but alcohol is more expensive and they’re not open as late as in Thailand. 
  • Come to Malaysia ready to eat. Even if you’re not on a Southeast Asia culinary-focused tour, you’ll want to indulge in the huge variety of relatively inexpensive and incredibly tasty cuisine found throughout Malaysia. There are typical Malay dishes like Nasi Lemak, Satay and Roti Canai, as well as food influenced by India, China, Singapore and Indonesia.

Additional details

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Travel restrictions have been extended until August 31 for foreign visitors.

Upon arrival, visitors must undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Read more about Countries Reopening for Tourism


When to Travel to Malaysia 

When to travel to Malaysia depends a lot on where in the country you’re staying. The seasons vary from one side of the country to the other, but generally. For the islands on the west side, for example, Penang and Langkawi, the best time to visit Malaysia is from December through February.

If you’re visiting Malaysia's eastern coast, perhaps Perhentians and Tioman Island, aim for traveling from June through August. Most of Malaysia is hot and humid year-round. Prepare to encounter some rainfall, no matter where you visit. The Cameron Highlands are particularly damp and can be colder than other parts of the peninsula. 

Expect tropical weather in Kuala Lumpur with ample rain in the forecast. The driest months during which to tour Kuala Lumpur are June, July and August, with July being the driest. If you’re taking a vacation in Penang, the best time to stay is between December and March, with January and February being the hottest.

Trips to Malaysian Borneo, or East Malaysia, are best timed from June through August, but again, be prepared for rainfall. The popular Perhentian Islands are best visited between June and August. And Langkawi, one of the most-visited destinations in Malaysia, it’s best to time your tour for the high season of December, January or February. 

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Malaysia 

To enter Malaysia for a vacation or guided tour, American citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months. A Malaysian visa is not required for any business or pleasure trip of 90 days or less.

Hold onto your passport at all times when traveling throughout Malaysia as it will be needed between peninsula Malaysia and eastern Malaysia and between Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo. 

What Language Is Spoken in Malaysia 

Throughout your guided tour of Malaysia, you will hear Malay, the national language and one of two official languages - the other is English. You may also hear Chinese dialects, including Mandarin and Hokkien, as well as Tamil. 

Malaysia Packing Suggestions

You’ll experience your fair share of heat and humidity on your vacation in Malaysia, so pack smart, pack lightweight and be prepared for a bit of dampness and you can’t go wrong. Here are a few must-have items for a well-planned Malaysia tour: 

  • Slip-on shoes or sandals
  • A collapsible, reusable water bottle
  • Lightweight pants (as opposed to denim or heavy travel pants)
  • Merino wool t-shirts for wicking sweat (it’s humid in Malaysia!)
  • Insect spray
  • Sunscreen
  • A lightweight long-sleeve layer
  • Daypack
  • Dual USB travel adaptor
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunhat 

With the humidity and the generally casual ambience of Malaysia, the things you won’t want to bother packing for your tour include:

  • Jeans or a lot of pants 
  • Lots of socks
  • Dressy clothing
  • Hiking boots

What should you pack if you happen to be touring Malaysia during monsoon season (April to October on the west coast and November to February on the east coast)? Be sure to pack: 

  • A breathable, lightweight rain jacket 
  • A travel umbrella
  • A dry bag for electronics

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