malaysia small group tour

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Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

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Malaysia Tours in 2024 & 2025

Nature and civilization, together at last

A cultural fusion marrying the best of three cultures, Malaysia's native Malay, South Indian, and Chinese influences combine like a delicious Penang soup. Blessed with modern cities, ample nature, and the solid infrastructure required to get you between the two, Malaysia is varied and stress-free. Hike through tea plantations to jungle waterfalls, stroll the white-sand beaches of Langkawi or scuba dive off idyllic Tioman island. Spot jungle wildlife from treetop hideouts in Teman Negara National Park, digest Penang's open-air food stall markets or live it up in modern, vibrant KL. Think you've seen it all? There's still the "other" Malaysia: the states of Sabah and Sarawak, separated by 1,000km (621 mi) of sea, carved out of Borneo's enormous jungle expanse.

What our travellers are saying about Malaysia tours

Recommended tours, malaysia tour photos from our travellers.

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Malaysia Group Tours 2024/2025

A Malaysia group trip is the best way to travel with your friends or make new ones with like-minded people. Whether you are an individual looking to meet other travelers or a group of friends looking to vacation together, a group trip to Malaysia provides pre-arranged itineraries designed to suit your style. From diving on Tioman Island to trekking Mount Kinabalu to exploring Sarawak by bicycle, Malaysia group tour offers like-minded people a trip to enjoy. A group tour package to Malaysia is perfect for those seeking a hassle-free holiday because all the hard work has been done for you. There is a wide choice of options for self-guided, partially, and fully guided tours to Malaysia . Why not search for the best Malaysia group trip now?

Showing  39 Trips in Malaysia  with 101 Reviews

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Sabah Adventure

Borneo & the Malaysian Peninsula

Borneo – East Sabah Adventure

Malaysia Highlights

Journeys: Best of Borneo

Borneo Wildlife Discoverer

Wild Sarawak

Sabah Highlights Adventure 7D/6N

Malaysia Encompassed Adventure 9D/8N

Premium Borneo in Depth

Classic Borneo

Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu

Borneo Family Holiday

Best of Borneo

• Malaysia Tours
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• Malaysia Tailor-made Vacation Packages
• Malaysia Luxury Tours
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• Malaysia Tour Operators

Popular Destinations

• Kota Kinabalu Tours
• Sandakan Tours
• Kuala Lumpur Tours
• Kuching Tours
• Penang Tours

Popular Activities

• Adventure Tours
• Caves Tours
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• Countryside and village visits Tours
• Cultural, religious and historic sites Tours
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• Trekking and Hiking Tours
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Trending Travel Guides

• Things to Do in Malaysia
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• Great Malaysia Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?
• Malaysia in January: Weather, Attractions and More
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Malaysia Group Tour Reviews

Malaysia Small Group Tours & Trips

106 malaysia trips. tours from 64 tour companies. 170 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating..

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Private Guided

Small Group

Self-Guided

Large Ship Cruise

Borneo Wildlife Discoverer

Borneo, Mount Kinabalu

• Spot orangutans and proboscis monkeys
• Visit Mulu National Park, home to the impressive Deer Cave bat exodus
• Enjoy a river cruise in Kinabatangan
• Stay at a luxury jungle lodge in Danum Valley

Birding, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Excellent trek doing the Tour du Mont Blanc (camping trip). I have done a number of Exodus trips in the past and all have been brilliant. This one was no exception, well run, exceptional staff and a great itinerary!"

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

Bangkok to Bali Adventure: Street Eats & Beaches

Bali, Jakarta, Khao Sok, Koh Samui, Kuala Lumpur, Ubud

• Eat your way through a street food crawl in bangkok
• Explore khao sok national park
• Connect with locals during a scenic homestay
• Time to see singapore your way
• Trek along the ancestor trail to mt bromo

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

Wild Sarawak

Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

• 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.
• Explore labyrinthian cave systems, some of the largest in the world, and watch as millions of bats emerge from their depths at sunset, darkening the sky like a plume of black smoke.
• 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.
• Unwind after days spent trekking through jungle with a stay on tranquil Labuan Island. Relax with a well-earned beer or cocktail at your beach resort accommodation.

Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

"Fantastic! I got to see a lot of Kenya. Not just the animals but also the people and their cultures. We had a group of 10 (plus the Intrepid crew) which was just right. Everyone got along and helped each other with chores, We all had a love of adventure and positive attitude, Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable and our meals were really nice. I loved everything about it and I highly recommend this trip."

All Malaysia , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Malaysia

Trekking Borneo & Beyond

Borneo, Kuala Lumpur, Mount Kinabalu

• Explore the jungles of Taman Nagara
• Meet the orangutans of Sepilok
• Summit Mount Kinabalu
• Enjoy a food tour of Kuala Lumpur

Hiking & Walking

Borneo Family Holiday

• Take a leisurely walk along the scenic canopy walkway at Poring Hot Springs.
• Stay overnight among the birds and beasts of the jungle, right next to an oxbow lake, at Kinabatangan Eco Camp.
• Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and, if you're lucky, watch baby orangutans learn to swing in a special enclosure.
• Enjoy a special opportunity to watch protected turtle hatchlings scatter across the beach to the water under the cover of night.

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu

Himalayas, Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu

• Gather local ingredients and take a cooking demonstration
• Enjoy a river safari
• Visit an orangutan rehabilitation centre
• Watch the sunrise from the summit of mt kinabalu
• Spot wildlife in an oxbow lake

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

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Indochina in 35 days - 5 Country Southeast Asian Discovery - Superior

Angkor Wat, Bali, Bangkok, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh , Siem Reap

• Kuala Lumpur

50 plus, Around the World, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

"Melani listened to my questions and was very kind and professional in getting them all Answered so I could plan and purchase the perfect trip at a great price!"

Borneo Wildlife Highlights

Borneo, Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu

• A two week wildlife full immersion in Borneo's jungles of Sabah and Sarawak
• Cruise along Bako's rainforest and marvel at Mulu National park's pinnacles
• Visit Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary and spend three nights in a lush wildlife reserve

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

"If you love the outdoors, stunning scenery and diversity then this trip is for you. There is a lot of travelling, as in the trip notes, but this passes quickly with the beauty of the landscape. There is a surprise around every corner from Glaciers to Mines and mosquitos to bears. Layers (lightweight) of clothing are essential as is a rain coat and mozzie head net. For the included Kayak trip all equipment/clothing is provided. It is suitable for all abilities and a highlight of the trip. Hotels are varied but all spotlessly clean and some offered a complimentary breakfast. The opportunity of going to a grocery store for supplies for packed lunches (any other forgotten items and mosquito repellent) and the large cooler box in the vehicle was brilliant. A re-useable water bottle is essential. I highly recommend the optional flight over Denali and the boat trip from Seward, we opted for the 9 hour boat trip and it was brilliant. Matt was our guide and made sure we got the most out of our trip."

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Best Malaysia Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

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Related Tours

Malaysia reviews & ratings, 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...

Tour:   Borneo Wildlife Discoverer

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...

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...

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...

It’s a jungle out there!

A very enjoyable two weeks spent in the company of 15 other Exodus travellers who embraced the spirit of adventure and discovery in Malaysian Borneo. Together we j...

See all Malaysia reviews

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
• A lightweight long-sleeve layer
• Dual USB travel adaptor

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

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 106 trips to Malaysia and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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Single Traveller

8 Day Peninsular Malaysia Discovery Premium Small Group Tour

This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.

This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5

Balanced exploration with walking tours : Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.

As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.

Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

✓ Incredible sightseeing, including Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding sights, Penang, Ipoh, and the breathtaking Cameron Highlands and more ✓ Small group touring, up to 16 passengers only ✓ 7 nights in quality, 4-star hotels throughout Peninsular Malaysia ✓ Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, and 4 Dinners ✓ Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking guide ✓ Dedicated, comfortable coach transportation ✓ 7 Day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information

✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Day 1 Kuala Lumpur

Selamat Datang! Welcome to Malaysia.

Located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, you’ll be only a 5 minute walk from Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, and major shopping malls including Suria KLCC. Once checked in and settled, you’ll have the afternoon to relax at the hotel or explore Kuala Lumpur. 

At 6pm you’ll meet the rest of the group and head out on a walking tour nearby KLCC, followed by a local-style welcome dinner at Kampung Baru. 

Kampung Baru is the quintessential Malay village in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, and one of the best places to try authentic Malay street food. From the ubiquitous nasi lemak to a variety of hot and spicy dishes and sweet desserts, Kampung Baru is a mix of delicious food in an old-world charm setting.

We’ll return to the hotel where the rest of the night is at leisure.

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Day 2 Kuala Lumpur

After an early breakfast, we’ll travel to Gombak to Batu Caves (approximately 50 minutes), our first stop today.

This natural limestone cave is home to a Hindu temple nestled within its depths. We’ll ascend the 272 steps to the cave's entrance, encountering playful monkeys along the way (hold onto your belongings!). 

On our way back to the city, we’ll visit the National Palace and Independence Square, or Merdeka Square where Malaysians gather every August 31 to celebrate their independence, before continuing to the River of Life. 

The River of Life was featured as one of the top 10 waterways worldwide by The Independent newspaper in London. From here, there’s also stunning views of the city’s oldest mosque, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad. We’ll also explore Central Market, the go-to place for souvenirs. You’ll find plenty of Malaysian handicrafts here, including batik. If time permits, we’ll try our hand at batik painting ourselves, before heading to Chinatown to explore and have lunch. 

After our Chinatown visit, we’ll return to the hotel where the rest of the day will be spent as you wish.

Day 3 Kuala Lumpur Penang

This morning you will have some free time before driving to Penang, around 4.5 hours away.

Penang is a UNESCO cultural heritage-listed city famed for its important sights and natural scenery. It’s also known for its amazing culinary scene, beautiful palm-fringed beaches, colonial structures and ornate temples.

At around 6pm, we will walk  to our dinner location, around 1.5km. Penang’s food scene is an intoxicating blend of flavours, textures and ingredients introduced by early settlers who brought their own unique food culture with them. At tonight’s dinner, expect plates of tasty noodles, spicy laksa, delicious dumplings, aromatic chicken rice and more, will be served from pushcarts to tables—enjoy! 

Day 4 Penang

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Penang Hill. Dating back to the late 1700s, Penang Hill is the oldest British hill station in Southeast Asia. The highest peak of Penang Hill stands at 833 metres.

First, we’ll hop onto the funicular train service (which started in 1923) and enjoy the surrounds and views of Penang Island. The steep gradient adds a touch of excitement to the journey, as does the opportunity to explore the surrounding rainforest. We’ll take a leisurely stroll at the Habitat Penang Hill. This delightful rainforest trail offers a panoramic view of the hill.

On the way back to the hotel, we will visit Georgetown’s Clan Jetties of Penang, historic Chinese villages built out over the water on long jetties. Built in the 19th century as Chinese immigrants arrived in Penang, some jetties have since been destroyed but we will explore a clan house, which is also a temple, and a mansion filled with memorabilia and artefacts which illustrates the Chinese influence on Georgetown’s early history.

We will be dropped off at Armenian Street in the heart of George Town, where we can wander around exploring the street art and historical buildings as we make our way back to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 5 Penang Ipoh Cameron Highlands

After breakfast and check out, we will travel to Cameron Highland, around a 3.5 hour drive from Penang. 

We will stop at Ipoh for a short tour and lunch. Ipoh was built on the fortunes of its tin mines in the 19th century which peaked during the British colonial era in the 1950s. Much of the city’s architectural past can be seen in the old Chinese shop houses, government buildings, private residences and historical landmarks. Its food culture is richly influenced by these early settlers and is one of main drawcards. Famous Ipoh dishes include chicken rice, Ipoh curry mee (noodles), and chicken ho fun (chicken and prawn noodle soup).

After lunch, we’ll continue our journey, enjoying the picturesque drive to the historic British hill station and tea producing area of the Highlands. Renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas cloaked in lush jungle and pleasant weather, we will check in on arrival and have the chance to relax for the rest of the day.

Day 6 Cameron Highlands

After breakfast, we will explore the mossy forest. Wisps of mist wafting through the treetops in the mossy forest surrounding Mt. Brinchang is both surreal and exciting as you walk the 2 kilometre-long boardwalk through the forest where orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants can be seen.

Return to the starting point and travel to our next destination. Cameron Highlands is picture-perfect with stunning vistas of rolling hills carpeted by lush greenery and tea plantations. This former colonial hill station is the main producer of tea in Malaysia. We’ll enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the gorgeous mountain landscape.  

Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon can be spent as you wish. At 6pm we’ll meet for dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 7 Cameron Highlands Kuala Lumpur

After breakfast, we’ll check out and begin our return journey to Kuala Lumpur, where you will have the day to spend as you wish.

At 6pm, we will walk to a local restaurant for our farewell dinner.

Day 8 Kuala Lumpur

After breakfast and check out, you will bid Kuala Lumpur and your fellow travellers farewell. 

We hope you enjoyed your tour and can’t wait to welcome you on your next inspiring adventure. 

What's Included

• 7 nights in quality 4-star hotels throughout Malaysia
• Comfortable, dedicated private transportation throughout
• Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, and 4 Dinners
• English-speaking tour leader
• All entrance fees to the sites listed (except optionals)
• All activities listed in the itinerary (unless a paid optional)

Sightseeing Highlights

• Kuala Lumpur - Enjoy a walking tour of the city, and a welcome dinner of quintessential Malay street food
• Kuala Lumpur - Explore Batu Caves and visit the renowned River of Life
• Kuala Lumpur - Shop until you drop at the Kuala Lumpur Central Market, followed by lunch at the world famous Kuala Lumpur ChinaTown
• Penang - Explore the UNESCO World Heritage town on foot with an introductory walking tour
• Penang - Indulge in Penang’s famous food scene, with a food tour and dinner
• Penang - Take a funicular to the top of Penang Hill and enjoy scenic views of Penang Island
• Ipoh - Enjoy a tour of Ipoh town to see the tin mines and learn of the cities history and architectural importance
• Cameron Highlands - Explore the treetops of Cameron Highlands on the incredible 2-km long mossy forest boardwalk.
• Cameron Highlands - Partake in a high tea at one of Malaysia’s main producers of tea, while enjoying the views of the rolling tea fields

Payment Terms

Flight information & booking options.

This is a Land Only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.

Airport Transfers Information

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

Visa & Passport

It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here .

Health & Mobility Requirements

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

Important Information

Fitness Requirements While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a”3”

Moderate Tour : A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Tipping A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.

Accommodation The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement Single supplement is $395.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share Not available.

Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE .

  Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Group Size Minimum of 2 and maximum 16 people

Children Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

• Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Pre and Post-Tour Accommodation & Extra Services

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

• $113.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $113.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

• International airfares
• Airport Transfer
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Departure Dates for 8 Day Peninsular Malaysia Discovery Premium Small Group Tour

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Borneo & Malaysia Highlights with Orangutan Experience & Rainforest River Cruise

Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Sandakan, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sukau, Kota Kinabalu District

Be captivated by the natural beauty of Borneo and experience Malaysia’s vibrant mosaic of culture on this nine-day small-group tour. Get up close and personal with treasured wildlife at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, plus observe Malaysian Proboscis Monkey families in their natural habitat at Labuk Bay. Stay among the rich green rainforest in Sukau, taking in the natural scenery during a river cruise. Wander hidden alleys, taste the multitude of Kuala Lumpur flavours and revel in the sights of Malacca, including ancient Chinese temples and the bustling Jonker Street.

From picturesque scenes in Borneo to Malaysia’s diverse cities, you’ll enjoy unique, handpicked accommodation, private tour-group transport, internal flights, roundtrip airport transfers and naturalist guides to help you make the most of each destination. Whether you’re travelling solo or with family, immerse yourself in the multi-faceted Malaysia and the biodiverse forests of Borneo.

Destinations: Kota Kinabalu District, Sukau, Sandakan, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Labuk Bay Proboscis Mo... +1 more

Destinations: Penang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Ipoh

Selamat Datang: welcome to Kuala Lumpur! Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), you will be met by your driver and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur (or KL, as it’s commonly known). As the capital of Malaysia, the colourful cultural hub is the largest city in the country, with dizzying high-rise buildings, glitzy shopping malls and a multitude of local and international cuisines. The city is defined by its 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world, and home to the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, the Sri Mahamariamman.

Later this afternoon, set off on a walking tour of Kuala Lumpur, before sitting down for a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Today, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before travelling to Malacca, a former colonial outpost and a true melting pot of cultures and influences. Spend a full day exploring the city’s remarkable history and its most significant buildings. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the ruins of St. Paul’s Church and A Famosa, the remains of a Portuguese fortress and the earliest surviving example of European architecture in Asia. Learn about the Chinese influences here with a visit to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, dedicated to the Buddhist deity of mercy, Guan Yin. Not far from the temple is Jonker Street, brimming with antique shops that recall more than 300 years of Malacca’s fusion of influences.

After returning to KL, the rest of the evening is spent at your leisure.

This morning, explore the hidden alleys and shops of Kuala Lumpur, trying traditional street food along the way. Walk the old streets of KL, exploring beyond the tall buildings with their luxe exteriors, and get to know the Malaysian way of life and the city’s history from a local perspective. Return to your hotel to freshen up, before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Sandakan in Borneo.

Welcome to Sandakan, the gateway to Borneo’s wildlife. The city was once the capital of British-administered North Borneo and today is a busy port on the east coast of Sabah, East Malaysia. This port city is also a culinary paradise with amazing seafood and local delicacies unique to the cultural mix of people who have settled here over the centuries.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure as you settle into your hotel.

After breakfast, set off to enjoy a full day among nature. Venture to the centre of the Labuk Bay mangrove forest situated on the coast of Sandakan, and get up close and personal with some unique primates. The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is home to three families of the endangered species, who live harmoniously with other species such as the silver leaf monkey, pig-tailed macaque, otters and kingfishers.

After lunch, visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre and learn about the native flora and fauna. Take a stroll over the suspension bridge and finish with the only Canopy Walk (147 metres long) in Sandakan. Your guide will highlight the varied birdlife and the vast diversity of flora that is endemic to this region. Then, return to your hotel for a restful sleep.

Today, the first stop is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC). Get up close and witness these playful creatures in their natural habitat as your naturalist guide gives you an understanding of the plight of orangutans in today’s world, and the initiatives the rehabilitation centre has in place to ensure their ongoing survival and successful release back into the wild.

Afterwards, take a short walk to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). Founded in 2008, this wildlife conservation centre and research facility aims to improve the welfare and rehabilitation of the Malayan sun bear, a reclusive bear species standing just 70 centimetres tall. It also works to educate about the plight of sun bears and the importance of working to conserve this highly endangered species.

Take a two-hour journey to Sukau for lunch and check-in at the Bilit Rainforest Lodge. Embark on an afternoon river cruise to Menanggul River in search of wildlife and birds, before retiring to your accommodation.

Rise early to the calls of gibbons and hornbills before embarking on an unforgettable morning cruise to observe the area’s wildlife while watching the sun rise. Cruise to the nearby Pitas Oxbow Lake to explore the area and admire the natural surroundings. Return to the lodge for breakfast where you will spend the rest of the morning.

After lunch, you will be free to enjoy an afternoon at your leisure relaxing on the sun deck, exploring the area or enjoying the view, before meeting early evening for another river cruise along the Kinabatangan River. Return to the lodge for dinner.

After enjoying your breakfast, return to Sandakan to be transferred to the airport for the flight to Kota Kinabalu. This bustling waterfront city is surrounded by off-shore coral islands, forest-covered hills, scenic rivers and, of course, Mt. Kinabalu – the highest peak in Southeast Asia.

Settle into your room, and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure before indulging in a buffet dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy a full day at your leisure in beautiful Kota Kinabalu. Wander a short distance from your hotel and explore parklands, take a stroll along the relaxing waterfront, or shop at one of the many nearby shopping malls. Marvel at the ornate mosque or immerse yourself in Sabahan culture at the Muzium Sabah, full of pottery and natural history.

Reconvene for a sumptuous afternoon tea at the hotel’s Deco Cafe.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the beautiful Kota Kinabalu and reminisce on the time spent in Malaysia and Borneo. Your private transfer will bring you to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) for your flight home.

Witness the remarkable journey of the critically endangered orangutans being cared for at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In the vast expanse of lush, protected rainforest, around 70 orangutans live independently, while 25 orphaned orangutans are housed in nurseries until they are well enough to be released. Learn about the efforts of the centre and the plights of these extraordinary primates in an unforgettable visit.

• Eight nights of handpicked accommodation
• Two internal economy-class flights
• 17 meals included – eight breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners
• A visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• Wander the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
• A boat cruise on the Lower Kinabatangan River, spotting wildlife along the way
• A full day in historical Malacca, learning about the ancient spice trade and visiting mosques and temples
• Private roundtrip airport transfers and private transportation throughout the tour
• Expert English-speaking naturalist guides
• Insider experiences, sightseeing and entrance fees throughout the tour
• Drinking water and cold towels provided during sightseeing

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.

• Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
• Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 60 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
• If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
• Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
• Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes’ Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise if the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
• Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected], who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
• For tours that allow children, the child must be 12 years or over and must share a room with an adult.
• Children are the same price as adults.

7-Day Change of ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:

• Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings and flights which are subject to the cancellation terms of the relevant supplier) may be cancelled with a full refund if cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 90 days prior to the departure date.
• All booking Deposits are non-refundable.
• After final payment is received, bookings are non-refundable unless otherwise provided for in our refund policy. Cancellations outside of the 7-Day Change of Mind Guarantee period will not be provided, except as required by Australian Consumer Law, your local law or as otherwise provided for in the Fine Print.
• Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, a service fee of A$300 per person will apply.
• For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

• Any changes or cancellations made within the 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee, where applicable, will not incur any fees unless otherwise restricted to the product Fine Print. Booking changes may include, but are not limited to, name changes or name corrections.
• For date changes made after the 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee, the cost of your new tour must be of equal or greater value than your current tour.
• If the request is a change from a tour of higher value to a tour of lesser value, any difference in the tour prices will not be refunded.
• Changes are not permitted once the final payment has been collected.
• Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

• Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees in respect of flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
• You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).
• After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
• Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be related to currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs, or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions .

Update [4 July, 2024, 9.57AM AEST]: Itinerary for Days 3 & 4 accommodation updated to include Hotel Cura. Itinerary for Days 8, 9 & 10 accommodation updated to include Melekler Evi.

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

• You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your My Escapes.

Please note:

• Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
• Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request. Subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
• Maximum room capacity (Twin Share) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.
• All special requests, such as those regarding bedding preferences, are subject to availability and can only be confirmed upon check-in. Room assignments and bedding configurations may vary based on the destination and hotel policies, and are handled directly by the hotel staff.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] for further information.

• Roundtrip international flights
• Single supplement
• Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
• Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
• Travel insurance (required)
• Transfer surcharge from A$120 per car, for two people maximum incurred for arrival or departure flight between 10pm and 8am
• Tips and gratuities
• Camera/photography fee of MYR10 for lens greater than 100mm at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice

Baggage Restrictions

• Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 20kg on tour.
• Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller hand-piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 7kg on tour.
• Arrival and departure transfers are available on the first and last day of your tour only.
• If you have booked your pre- and post-tour accommodation through Luxury Escapes, transfers may be available for select tours (not available for Trusted Partner operated tours).
• If you have booked pre- or post-tour accommodation outside of Luxury Escapes, you will forfeit your complimentary airport transfers.
• Please note ‘Private Transfers’ refers to transfers that are exclusive for your tour group and may be shared among other members of your group if arriving on the same flight or another flight arriving within a 30-minute window.
• Flight information must be provided to Luxury Escapes 60 days prior to departure in order to book transfers. Please see Destination information for airport pick-up and drop-off information.

Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email  [email protected] .

Passports & Visas

• A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
• You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Traveller Details

• Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller. This information can be added directly to your ’My Escapes’ account.
• Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
• We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact [email protected] so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
• Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
• Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
• If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
• Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .
• Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
• Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
• Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.

Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.

Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

• Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour.
• There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
• Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Your tour begins at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and ends at Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI), with roundtrip airport transfers. The extended tour ends at Kuala Lumpur Aiport (KUL).

Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately.  If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.

Please book your flights to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 11am on Day 1 and depart from Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) after 10am on Day 9. For the extended tour, depart from Kuala Lumpur Aiport (KUL) after 10am on Day 14.

Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only, unless you have booked your pre- and post-accommodation with Luxury Escapes. If you have booked your pre- or post-accommodation with us, please advise our Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] to arrange your transfer.

You must complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct , to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here  to visit the website.

Need flights?  Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact [email protected] .

Important Destination Information:

Time zone: GMT+8

Telephone: +60-8

Currency: Malaysian ringgit (RM)

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.

Language: Bahasa Malaysia

Climate: Straddling the equator, Borneo is subject to an intense tropical climate. In the lowlands, temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C, while at higher elevations things can get a lot cooler. Borneo has 2 monsoon seasons: the ‘dry’ monsoon (May–October) and the ‘wet’ monsoon (November–April).

Optional experiences

• Optional experiences may be cancelled if minimum numbers to operate are not met. Final confirmation of your optional excursions and activities will be provided while on tour.
• Optional experiences can only be booked up to either 60, 90 or 120 days prior to departure depending on each departure.
• Optional experiences may be updated prior to departure to accommodate changes in weather, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• Optional experiences are non-refundable within 60 days of departure, unless cancelled due minimum numbers on tour not being met or unforeseen circumstances on tour.
• Optional experiences can be organised in advance by contacting our dedicated Tours Concierge Team at [email protected] .
• Bookings for optional experiences can be made via My Escapes. After this time, optional experiences can be booked through your tour guide on the tour.
• All optional extras are subject to availability.
• Please note: For complimentary transfers to be fulfilled outside of arrival and departure date, all pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings must be booked through Luxury Escapes no later than 60 days before departure. After this time, any pre- or post-tour accommodation bookings made will not be eligible for complimentary transfers.

Malaysia solo tours

Wildlife lovers unite in the warm and wonderful country of Malaysia

Immerse yourself in a world entirely different from your own when taking part in a small group tour through Malaysia. Solo travelling through  Malaysia  in a small group tour will have you sharing the surprises of sighting a wild ape or monkey, celebrating your climb to the summit of Mt Kinabalu or even just having someone to try your first crunchy jungle fern with! Another benefit is that your tour will be run under the expert guidance of a local leader who'll take care of the nitty-gritty logistics and share with you a unique side of the country that you might not see anywhere else.

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Being on an Intrepid trip means you’ll be led through your trip by a local leader. These leaders are local to the country you’re travelling in and are ready to handle any situations, recommendations, history or cuisine questions (among other things) that arise. They have the insider knowledge to get you the best chance of sighting a proboscis monkey or the world’s largest flower (the rafflesia) while en route. So know you're in good hands when on a tour with us.

We make safety our number one concern so that fun can be your priority. Malaysia hosts many tourists throughout the year and while the odd bag snatching and petty crime does occur, it’s generally a safe area to visit. But travelling in a small tour group can be a great way to enjoy new places. Aside from sharing the joys of travel, it also means there are ready-made travel companions who'll be just as keen to try a few curries at one of the many great street stalls or night markets.

Travelling goes hand-in-hand with new faces, shared stories and memorable sights. Our group tours hold an average of 10 guests from all walks of life, who - just like you - have all ventured from their hometowns for a one-of-a-kind Malaysian adventure. So while checking out the jungle walkways, scenic mountain paths and hidden treasures of the  urban landscapes , you’re sure to collect friends as well as souvenirs from your time on an Intrepid tour.

Are you hoping to hit off the must-see sights on a tour through Malaysia but don’t know where to start? Take a load off and simply travel with us. During an Intrepid tour, your accommodation, transport and daily activities are all handled by your local leader. This only leaves you to choose from a range of non-included activities to take part in or simply wind down and soak up the sun in this beautiful tropical climate. So, put your feet up! Because the next step is already taken care of.

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Borneo Family Holiday

Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

Classic Borneo

Will I have my own room?

It’s completely up to you. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis and we pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. But if you'd like your own room, an individual room is available on the majority of our trips (it’s just a small extra charge). Just mention this to our  customer service team  when booking your trip and they'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please  contact us  so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

How does group time work?

Whether you’re travelling solo or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). The amount of free time depends on the  travel style  - you can ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid's Malaysia tours accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

How to stay safe while travelling solo

Share your itinerary

Good advice for us all, but particularly for people travelling solo. Make copies of your itinerary, contact details, passport and travel insurance, then email them to yourself and to one or two friends/family at home. Check-in on social media when you can so people can keep track of where you are. 

Remember the little things

If you’re arriving late in a city by yourself, book a hotel with a front desk or concierge service (many hotels also offer private transfers that don’t cost the earth from the airport or train station).

If you're travelling with us, we can help you organise an  arrival transfer.  Read your maps before you head out for a walk (you can use a map app on your smartphone – or take screenshots of where you’re going if you don’t want to use up your precious data). If you need to check your map when you’re out and about, duck into a shop or café to do it.

Leave the blingy jewellery, wedding rings and designer clothes at home, and aim to dress like the locals do – hit up the local markets if you haven’t packed the right outfits. Aim to keep track of travel times, so you’re not caught out after dark.

Roam if you want to

Most mobile/cell providers now offer travel passes to help manage your international roaming costs (which, let’s face it, are expensive!).

For a few dollars a day, you’ll have access to data, which means you can log into your apps (like Skype, email and WhatsApp) when you’re out of WiFi zones and quickly get in touch with someone – a friend at home, someone in your group, or the police – if you need to.

It might also be worth checking out the local cell/mobile providers as these can be quite cost effective. 

Fare's fair

Solo travellers are way more likely to be ‘taken for a ride’ at the airport by unscrupulous taxi drivers, so do your research before you arrive. Make sure you get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – if you’re not sure where to go, just head to the information desk for help.

Touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and promise cheaper rates, but can often be dodgy. When you get to the cab rank, ask the driver to use the meter or request a cost estimate before you hop in the car – if it’s way higher than it should be, pick another vehicle.

A lot of airports have train stations attached as well, so consider public transport if you want to save a dollar or two.

Stick together

It’s one of the advantages of travelling solo on a group tour: safety in numbers. The big, 50-person bus groups stand out on the road, but a small  Intrepid group  of eight or nine people, with a local leader showing the way – including areas to avoid and getting around safely – won’t draw much attention.

Plus, it’s a great way to see parts of the world you may feel uncomfortable exploring on your own. If you want to do things on your own, consider a  day tour  to familiarise yourself with a city and get to know the local way of life. 

Trust your instincts

Solo travel is all about confidence. If you’re relaxed and self-assured on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. When you meet new people, don’t assume they’re all out to get you, but be sensible too and trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is.

Remember: the popular tourist areas are often the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a juicier target for pickpockets and scammers. Just use your common sense; half of travel safety is simply being aware of your surroundings.

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Baktrax Tours

Adventure Meets Culture

Baktrax do not go to tourist-only beaches.

All of our beaches will include some level of true local culture as well as the sun and sand.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is the highlight here. Want to get drunk on a beach with your fellow country people? Baktrax is not for you.

Malaysia Masala: Best Holiday Group Tour Package – Tour 20

Meander In Malaysia: Small Group Slow Holiday – Tour 19

Penang & Langkawi Stopover: Malaysia Holiday Tour Package – Tour 16

Best local markets.

These markets will be the highlight of highlights for first-time visitors.

The food markets will be unlike anything back home. Thailand is the king of food markets in the region with every town having at least one.

Just a few of the great ones are an undercover one in Roi Et or street ones in Lopburi, Mukdahan, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phitsanulok & Samut Songkram. Not to mention numerous others in both Bangkok & Chiang Mai.

A Faster Moveable Feast: Vietnam Thailand & Malaysia by Air – Tour 5

Cultural discovery.

This is what Baktrax is all about. Our aim is to show you things that you could never dream up.

Firstly you will be amazed by the friendliness and hospitality of all the different cultures. Those who were worried about the safety factor in regards to crime will soon realize it is far safer in this regard than back home.

So you will find out that not everywhere in the world is like your own back yard. You will learn this in so many different ways. Nothing in the Baktrax world is the same as back home. Maybe you do not live in the best country after all.

With all today’s terrible events we suggest a visit to multicultural Malaysia would be a great starting point to put your cultural doubts to rest.

A Taste of Thailand & Malaysia: Soft Adventure Holiday – Tour 6

Experience malaysia: small group holiday tour – 15.

Everyone has had Asian food.

Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Unless you have been to Asia of course.

A Thai or Vietnamese restaurant may be good back home but they don’t usually even get close to being on the ground.

You will get to taste the food you never even knew existed. Real Thai food that is never seen outside of Thailand. Restaurants in Malaysia where the locals eat every day that will knock your socks off.

You will get a great cross-section of both local and tourist-oriented food depending on the destination. There are just so many great ones. Almost impossible to have a bad meal in the region.

…Insects in Isan anyone?

Having a Cold Beer

Need we say any more? Most people on holiday enjoy an extra drink.

While a Carlsberg in Malaysia, Leo in Thailand, Angkor in Cambodia, Tiger or 333 in Vietnam are all top drops most travellers agree that Beerlao in Laos tops the list for both taste and cost.

But this activity is not a highlight alone.

It is actually more about where you partake in this activity. Everywhere is good but some places are great.

Start at our riverside restaurant in Bangkok on arrival. Then maybe it’s just sitting roadside at the local mini-mart table or a Mekong riverside restaurant in Luang Prabang or Thakek in Laos.

Baktrax is in no way about getting full but rather soaking up the atmosphere with a pre-dinner drink in an exciting destination.

Live Music Venues

All big cities have live music…so these will be easy to find.

But Pai in Northern Thailand is a place worthy of a special mention in this regard; for a small town, it has a number of venues.

Or sit outside our Khon Kaen hotel for nightly live music in an extra relaxed way.

This activity will be easy to find in many places with Thailand having even more choices that others.

Local Experiences

This is our first guarantee.

You will experience local culture on every single tour.

Some more so than others when we leave every other tourist far behind.

Think Isan Insects & Laos or Pure Central Thailand along with Experience Real Cambodia and Cambodia & Laos Combo if you really want cultural experiences with a difference.

You will always have local experiences and these will be the real highlights.

Local Transport

Baktrax only uses local transport. We travel exactly the same as the locals do. Again this will be an eye-opener much of the time.

Have you ever known a local bus to stop to pick up a parcel for delivery?

It is also almost guaranteed you will buy something along the way.

So many chances to shop.

Some of the most amazing markets in the world from the massive Chatuchak market in Bangkok to the no less amazing touristy Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai.

Thailand & Malaysia have the biggest range overall but all countries will have things to tempt you.

The night market in Luang Prabang, Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City or Central Market in Phnom Penh are all worthy of a special mention too.

We trek in the most beautiful mountain scenery in the region.

You will visit minority tribes in the spectacular mountains around Sapa in Vietnam and visit and stay with the minority villagers in the less dramatic but no less beautiful Pai valley area of Northern Thailand.

These are both authentic local experiences.

Malaysia and Thailand Small Group Tours

• Choose from 5 Malaysia and Thailand tours
• 50+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

5 best Malaysia And Thailand small group tours

Compiled by

Melissa Malaysia and Thailand travel expert at TourRadar

Bangkok to Singapore: Jungle Hikes & Island Nights

Bangkok to singapore, southeast asia: hilltribes & street food, real bangkok to singapore, best of thailand & malaysia.

• Christmas & New Year
• Peranakan shophouses in historic Melaka
• Hiking trails of Cameron Highlands
• Colorful Bangkok life along the canals

“A fantastic mix of locations and cultures.”

• In-depth Cultural
• Shop in Bangkok and Singapore
• enjoy the sights in Kuala Lumpur
• Stay in a homestay in a traditional village

“I really enjoyed myself. The tropical storm should have been handled a bit better.”

“Well organized and executed, great people and reasonably priced.”

“I had a fantastic time! I had so much fun the entire time, our group was great!”

• Local Living
• Explore Khao Sok National Park
• Discover Chiang Mai
• See ultra-modern Singapore

Discover TourRadar

Money blog: 'Should I top up my national insurance and could it really get me £6,000 extra?'

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Today's posts include a Money Problem on the benefits or otherwise of topping up your national insurance. Leave your problem or consumer dispute below - remember to include contact details.

Monday 19 August 2024 07:40, UK

Essential reads

• Money Problem : 'Should I top up my national insurance and could it really get me £6,000 extra?'
• Couples on how they split finances when one earns more than other
• What's gone wrong at Asda?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive of features

Tips and advice

• All discounts you get as student or young person
• Save up to half price on top attractions with this trick
• Fines for parents taking kids out of school increasing next month
• TV chef picks best cheap eats in London
• 'I cancelled swimming with plenty of notice - can they keep my money?'

Ask a question or make a comment

By Jimmy Rice, Money blog editor

Every Monday the Money team answers your Money Problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

I'm 62 and have 10 years of gaps in my national insurance record as I worked for my parents' import business without a fixed wage during most of my twenties and thirties, and had periods of unemployment in my fifties. What are the benefits of topping up before I retire in a few years and can I really get £6,000 added to my pension for every £900 I put in? Tony, Palmers Green

This is a question many people approaching retirement will be asking themselves, Tony.

First, it's worth us outlining why your national insurance record matters and who can top up.

If you reached pension age after 6 April 2016 you need 10 years of NI contributions to get a state pension - and 35 years to get the full £221.20 a week. Before that 2016 date, it's 30 years.

People may have gaps in their record for numerous reasons including: being unemployed, on a low income, self-employed, having worked abroad, or having taken a break from work to raise a family.

Ordinarily, you can pay voluntary contributions for the past six years - but currently there's an extended period meaning a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953 can pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016.

The deadline for this is 5 April 2025.

How much could topping up earn you?

It would cost £907.40 to cover all NI contributions from the 2023-24 tax year - each year is different but this is a good guide. Going back to your question, if you went on to enjoy 20 years of retirement, you would get back £6,000. It would take just three years to get your £907.40 back.

Who might want to think twice?

Just to stress, as always, that this post is not intended as financial advice. Instead, we're outlining things you should think about.

The first thing anyone should consider is if they'll fill gaps naturally through working - in which case there'd be no point topping up. Given your age, Tony, it could be an option for you - but check your state pension forecast  here .

There are lots of other things to factor in and you should seek independent financial advice.

Wealth management firm  Charles Stanley  says a key consideration is whether a higher pension would either:

• Drag you into paying tax when you retire;
• Mean you no longer qualify for certain benefits.

"You might not benefit from the full amount of extra money as some will be taken in income tax," they say.

"In addition, boosting state pension income can affect entitlements to means-tested benefits. Notably, if you claim pension credit, which tops up the income of very low earners over state pension age, any increase in the state pension would normally reduce an award. This often means that you would be no better off paying voluntary contributions."

Another consideration - and this isn't something most people want to contemplate - is that if you don't think you'll live long enough into retirement (you might be in ill-health or have a terminal illness) to benefit from topping up, then it's probably not worth it.

People should also look into whether they could transfer contributions from their spouse or civil partner .

One more way to top up

Which? advises: "Ensure that you are getting any NI credits you are entitled to before contemplating paying voluntary NI contributions for a particular year. 

"These are free and will apply, say, if you are caring for a child in the family as a parent or grandparent, claiming statutory sick pay or looking after a sick/disabled person."

If you're below state pension age, you can contact the Future Pension Centre to see if you'll benefit from topping up - they're on 0800 731 0175. If you already claim the state pension, call the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469.

Again, before taking any action you should seek independent financial advice.

If you do decide to top up, you'll need a Government Gateway account.

On there, you can see gaps, the cost of filling them and how much you could benefit - you can then pay online.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via:

• The form above - you need to leave a phone number or email address so we can contact you for further details;
• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog";
• WhatsApp us here.

Winter energy bills are projected to rise by 9%, according to a closely watched forecast.

The price cap from October to December will  go up 9% to £1,714 a year for the average user, according to research from Cornwall Insight.

It's a £146 rise from the current energy cap, which is controlled by energy regulator Ofgem and aims to prevent households on variable tariffs being ripped off.

The cap doesn't represent a maximum bill. Instead it creates an average bill by limiting how much you pay per unit of gas and electricity, as well as setting a maximum daily standing charge (which all households must pay to stay connected to the grid).

Ofgem will announce the October cap this Friday.

"This is not the news households want to hear when moving into the colder months," said the principal consultant at Cornwall, Dr Craig Lowrey.

"Following two consecutive falls in the cap, I'm sure many hoped we were on a steady path back to pre-crisis prices. 

"However, the lingering impact of the energy crisis, has left us with a market that's still highly volatile and quick to react to any bad news on the supply front.

"Despite this, while we don't expect a return to the extreme prices of recent years, it's unlikely that bills will return to what was once considered normal. Without significant intervention, this may well be the new normal."

Cornwall Insight warned that the highly volatile energy market and unexpected global events, such as the recent escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war, could see prices rise further at the start of the new year.

To avoid this vulnerability, Cornwall Insight said domestic renewable energy production should increase and Britain should wean itself off energy imports, if consumers are to avoid future shocks.

Kellogg's appears to have shrunk its packets of Corn Flakes. 

Two of its four different pack sizes have reduced in weight by 50g, according to The Sun. 

What used to be 720g boxes are now 670g, while 500g boxes have become 450g. 

The newspaper says the 670g boxes are being sold for £3.20 in Tesco - the same price customers were paying for the larger box back in May. 

The 450g boxes are being sold for £2.19, only slightly less than the previous price of £2.25.

Other supermarkets have similar pricing, although in Morrisons the price has gone down in proportion to the size reduction.

The 250g and 1kg pack sizes remain unchanged. 

Kellogg's has said it is up to shops to choose what they charge, but Tesco said the manufacturer should comment on pricing. 

Sky News has contacted Kellogg's for comment.

A spokesperson is quoted by The Sun: "Kellogg's Corn Flakes are available in four different box sizes to suit different shopper preferences and needs. 

"As the cost of ingredients and production processes increase, it costs us more to make our products than it used to.

"This can impact the recommended retail price. It's the grocer's absolute discretion and decision what price to charge shoppers."

WHSmith has launched a café brand as it seeks to expand into the food-to-go market.

The first café is in Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton and offers teas and coffees, hot breakfasts and pastries

Its branding is the same as the Smith Family Kitchen food-to-go range launched three months ago.

WHSmith UK travel managing director Andrew Harrison said: "Whether it's in a hospital or on their journeys, customers tell us that quality food and drink options are what they prioritise most in the different locations we serve.

"That's why we have been doubling down on our food ranges and formats to ensure our customers don't need to compromise on quality or value, as demonstrated today with the launch of Smith's Kitchen."

Thanks for popping into Money, our live blog for consumer and personal finance news and tips, as we kick off a new week. Here are five reasons to pop back over the coming days...

Topping up your national insurance

Coming up this morning is this week's Money Problem , focusing on a question from reader Tony, in Palmers Green, who wants to know if he could really add £6,000 to his retirement pot with a £900 top-up to his national insurance.

Bring back Spangles

Thousands of you have got involved in our Bring It Back series in the last few weeks, suggesting the old-school sweets or treats that you'd love to see revived. This week, published first thing tomorrow, we're looking at a classic that's been mentioned time and again in our comments section - Spangles. We'll be hearing what Mars had to say about a potential return.

Why should you pay with credit card?

We'll also take a deeper dive into one of the most common pieces of consumer advice: that you should try to pay on credit card for big purchases. Why do you get extra protection, how does it work and what is and isn't covered - we'll have all the answers in Tuesday's Basically .

Yorkshire pudding secrets from top Yorkshire chef in Cheap Eats

Anyone who makes their own Yorkshire puddings - or wants to - should check back on Wednesday morning as one of Yorkshire's top chefs, James Mackenzie from the Michelin-starred Pipe and Glass in South Dalton, picks his Cheap Eats in East Yorkshire and at home - revealing his secrets for perfect/huge Yorkies, including a common mistake many people make.

Everything to know about savings and mortgages

Every Thursday we hear from Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes, who offers some advice for making the most of your spare cash and reveals the best rates on the market right now. Then on Fridays we do similarly with mortgages, hearing from industry experts on what anyone seeking to borrow needs to know at the minute before rounding up the best rates with the help of the guys from Moneyfacts.

We've got lots of others tips and features planned for this week, so bookmark  news.sky.com/money  and check back from 7am each weekday - or 8am on Saturday for our weekend feature.

The Money blog is produced by the Sky News live team, with contributions from  Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young, Ollie Cooper and Mark Wyatt, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. It is edited by Jimmy Rice.

By Emily Mee , news reporter

Openly discussing how you split your finances with your partner feels pretty taboo - even among friends.

As a consequence, it can be difficult to know how to approach these conversations with our partner or what is largely considered fair - especially if there's a big imbalance salary-wise. 

Research by Hargreaves Lansdown suggests in an average household with a couple, three-quarters of the income is earned by one person. 

Even when there is a large disparity, some couples will want to pay the same amount on bills as they want to contribute equally. 

But for others, one partner can feel resentful if they are spending all of their money on bills while the other has much more to spend and is living a different lifestyle as a result. 

At what stage of the relationship can you talk about money?

"We've kind of formally agreed there is some point in a relationship you start talking about kids - there is no generally agreed time that we start talking about money," says Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown. 

Some couples may never get around to mentioning it, leading to "lopsided finances". 

Ms Coles says if you want to keep on top of finances with your partner, you could set a specific date in the year that you go through it all. 

"If it's in the diary and it's not emotional and it's not personal then you can properly go through it," she says.

"It's not a question of 'you need to pull more weight'.  It's purely just this is what we've agreed, this is the maths and this is how we need to do that."

While many people start talking about finances around Christmas, Ms Coles suggests this can be a "trying time" for couples so February might be a "less emotional time to sit down". 

How do you have the conversation if you feel the current arrangement is unfair?

Relationship counsellor at Relate , Peter Saddington, says that setting out the balance as "unfair" shouldn't be your starting point. 

You need to be honest about your position, he says, but your conversation should be negotiating as a couple what works for both of you. 

Before you have to jump into the conversation, think about: 

• Letting your partner know in advance rather than springing it on them;
• Making sure you and your partner haven't drunk alcohol before having the conversation, as this can make it easy for it to spiral;
• Having all the facts to hand, so you know exactly how much you are spending;
• Using 'I' statements rather than 'you'. For example, you could say to your partner: "I'm really worried about my finances and I would like to sit down and talk about how we manage it. Can we plan a time when we can sit down and do it?"

Mr Saddington says if your partner is not willing to help, you should look at the reasons or question if there are other things in the relationship that need sorting out. 

If you're having repeated arguments about money, he says you might have opposite communication styles causing you to "keep headbutting". 

Another reason could be there is a "big resentment" lurking in the background - and it may be that you need a third party such as a counsellor, therapist or mediator to help resolve it. 

Mr Saddington says there needs to be a "safe space" to have these conversations, and that a third party can help untangle resentments from what is happening now. 

He also suggests considering both of your attitudes to money, which he says can be formed by your early life and your family. 

"If you grew up in a family where there wasn't any money, or it wasn't talked about, or it was pushed that you save instead of spend, and the other person had the opposite, you can see where those conversations go horribly wrong. 

"Understanding what influences each of you when it comes to money is important to do before you have significant conversations about it."

What are the different ways you can split your finances?

There's no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are several ways you can do it - with Money blog readers getting in touch to let us know their approach...

1. Separate personal accounts - both pay the same amount into a joint account regardless of income

Paul Fuller, 40, earns approximately £40,000 a year while his wife earns about £70,000. 

They each have separate accounts, including savings accounts, but they pay the same amount (£900) each a month into a joint account to pay for their bills. 

Paul says this pays for the things they both benefit from or have a responsibility for, but when it comes to other spending his wife should be able to spend as she likes. 

"It's not for me to turn around to my wife and expect her to justify why she thinks it's appropriate to spend £150 in a hairdresser. She works her backside off and she has a very stressful job," he says. 

However, their arrangement is still flexible. Their mortgage is going up by £350 a month soon, so his wife has agreed to pay £200 of that. 

And if his wife wants a takeaway but he can't afford to pay for it, she'll say it's on her.

"Where a lot of people go wrong is being unable to have those conversations," says Paul.

2. Separate personal accounts - whoever earns the most puts more into a joint account

This is a more formal arrangement than the hybrid approach Paul and his wife use, and many Money blog readers seem to do this in one form or another judging by our inbox.

There's no right or wrong way to do the maths - you could both put in the same percentage of your individual salaries, or come up with a figure you think is fair, or ensure you're both left with the same amount of spending money after each payday.

3. Everything is shared

Gordon Hurd and his wife Brenda live by their spreadsheet. 

Brenda earns about £800 more a month as she is working full-time while Gordon is freelance. Previously Gordon had been the breadwinner - so it's a big turnaround.

They each have separate accounts with different banks, but they can both access the two accounts. 

How much is left in each account - and their incomings and outgoings - is all detailed in the spreadsheet, which is managed weekly. 

Whenever they need to buy something, they can see how much is left in each account and pay from either one. 

Gordon says this means "everyone knows how much is available" and "each person's money belongs to the other". 

"We have never in the last decade had a single disagreement about money and that is because of this strategy," he says.

Money blog reader Shredder79 got in touch to say he takes a similar approach. 

"I earn £50k and my wife earns just under £150k. We have one joint bank account that our wages go into and all our outgoings come out of. Some friends can't get their head around that but it's normal for us."

Another reader, Curtis, also puts his wages into a joint account with his wife. 

"After all, when you have a family (three kids) it shouldn't matter who earns more or less!" he says. 

Reader Alec goes further and says he questions "the authenticity of any long-term relationship or the certainly of a marriage if a couple does not completely share a bank account for all earnings and all outgoings". 

"As for earning significantly more than the other, so what? If you are one couple or long-term partnership you are one team and you simply communicate and share everything," he says. 

"Personally I couldn't imagine doing it any other way and I do instinctively wonder what issues or insecurities, whether it be in trust or something else, sit beneath the need to feel like you need to keep your finances separate from one another, especially if you are a married couple." 

A reader going by the name lljdc agrees, saying: "I earn half of what my husband does because I work part-time. Neither of us has a solo account. We have one joint account and everything goes into this and we just spend it however we like. All bills come out of this too. Sometimes I spend more, sometimes he spends more."

4. Separate accounts - but the higher earner pays their partner an 'allowance'

If one partner is earning much more than the other, or one partner isn't earning for whatever reason, they could keep separate accounts and have the higher earner pay their partner an allowance. 

This would see them transfer an agreed amount each week or month to their partner's account.

Let us know how you and your partner talk about and split finances in the comments box - we'll feature some of the best next week

The centre-point of a significant week in the economy was inflation data, released first thing on Wednesday, that showed price rises accelerated in July to 2.2%.

Economists attributed part of the rise to energy prices - which have fallen this year, but at a much slower rate than they did last year. 

As our business correspondent Paul Kelso pointed out, it felt like the kind of mild fluctuation we can probably expect month to month now that sky high price hikes are behind us, though analysts do expect inflation to tick up further through the remainder of the year...

Underneath the bonnet, service inflation, taking in restaurants and hotels, dropped from 5.7% to 5.2%.

This is important because a large part of this is wages - and they've been a concern for the Bank of England as they plot a route for interest rates.

On Tuesday we learned average weekly earnings had also fallen - from 5.7% to 5.4% in the latest statistics.

High wages can be inflationary (1/ people have more to spend, 2/ employers might raise prices to cover staff costs), so any easing will only aid the case for a less restrictive monetary policy. Or, to put it in words most people use, the case for interest rate cuts.

Markets think there'll be two more cuts this year - nothing has changed there.

Away from the economy, official data also illustrated the pain being felt by renters across the UK.

The ONS said:

• Average UK private rents increased by 8.6% in the 12 months to July 2024, unchanged from in the 12 months to June 2024;
• Average rents increased to £1,319 (8.6%) in England, £748 (7.9%) in Wales, and £965 (8.2%) in Scotland;
• In Northern Ireland, average rents increased by 10% in the 12 months to May 2024;
• In England, rents inflation was highest in London (9.7%) and lowest in the North East (6.1%).

Yesterday, we found the UK economy grew 0.6% over three months to the end of June. 

That growth rate was the second highest among the G7 group of industrialised nations - only the United States performed better with 0.7%, though Japan and Germany have yet to released their latest data.

Interestingly, there was no growth at all in June, the Office for National Statistics said, as businesses delayed purchases until after the general election.

"In a range of industries across the economy, businesses stated that customers were delaying placing orders until the outcome of the election was known," the ONS said.

Finally, a shout for this analysis from business presenter Ian King examining what's gone wrong at Asda. It's been one of our most read articles this week and is well worth five minutes of your Friday commute or weekend...

We're signing out of regular updates now until Monday - but do check out our weekend read from 8am on Saturday. This week we're examining how couples who earn different amounts split their finances.

Each week we feature comments from Money blog readers on the story or stories that elicited most correspondence.

Our weekend probe into the myriad reasons for pub closures in the UK prompted hundreds of comments.

Landlords and campaigners, researchers and residents revealed to Sky News the "thousand cuts" killing Britain's boozers - and what it takes to survive the assault.

Here was your take on the subject...

I've been a publican for 19 years. This article is bang on! It's like you've overheard my conversations with my customers - COVID, cost of living, wages - the traditional British boozer going out of fashion. (My place: no food, no small children). Hey Jood

I own a small craft ale bar or micropub as some say. The current climate is sickening for the whole hospitality sector. This summer has been ridiculously quiet compared to previous ones. Micropubs were on the rise pre-COVID, but not now even we're struggling to survive… Lauren

I am an ex-landlord. It's ridiculous you can buy 10 cans for £10 or one pint for £5 now. It's not rocket science, it's a no-brainer: reverse the situation. Make supermarket beer more expensive than pub beer, then people will start to go out and mix again rather than getting drunk at home. Ivanlordpeers

Bought four pints of my regular drink at a supermarket for less than one pint in our local pub. It's becoming a luxury to go to a pub these days. Torquay David

Traditional pubs are being taken over by conglomerates who don't sell traditional beer, only very expensive lager, usually foreign, and other similar gassy drinks. How can they be called traditional pubs? Bronzestraw

The main reason for pubs closing is twofold! 1: The out-of-reach rents that the big groups charge landlords. 2: Landlords are told what stock they can hold and restrict where they can purchase it from. Strange, but most pubs belonged to the same groups! A pub-goer

Less pubs are managed now, pub companies are changing them to managed partnerships, putting the pressure onto inexperienced young ex-managers. Locals complain that their local pub has gone. but they don't use them enough. Can government regulate rents and beer prices for business owners? John Darkins

I was a brewery tenant in Scotland for many years and sequestrated because of the constant grabbing at my money by greedy brewers who wanted more and more. I made my pub very successful and was penalised by the brewery. James MacQuarrie 

The only reason pubs are closing is locals only use them on Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, and one Sunday a year. Plus breweries don't need pubs, they sell enough through supermarkets! Use them or lose them. Peter Smith

The closing of pubs is a terrible shame. I still go to my local and have great memories of getting drunk in many in my hometown. They are important places in society. As someone once said: "No good story ever started with a salad." Kev K

It's the taxman killing pubs. £1 of every £3 sold. Utter disgrace. Stef

I go with my girlfriend, Prue, every day to my local. It's a shame what's happening to prices. It used to be full of people and joy but now it's a ghost town in the pub since prices are too high now. I wish we could turn back time and find out what went wrong. Niall Benson

Minimum wage is around £11 and the tax threshold is £12,600 per year. How can you possibly afford a night in a pub out when a pint costs between £3 and £8 a pint on those wages? Allan7777blue

Unfortunately, the very people who have kept these establishments going over the years (the working man) have been priced out, and they're paying the price. Dandexter

The pubs are too expensive for people to go out regularly as we once did a decade or so ago. People's priorities are on survival, not recreation. Until the living wage increases beyond an inflation that wages haven't risen above in years, then we will see shops, pubs, etc. close JD

Who wants to spend hard-earned money going into a pub that's nearly always empty. It takes away one of the main attractions - socialising. Michael

Monzo has been named the best bank in the UK for customer satisfaction, according to a major survey. 

More than 17,000 personal current account customers rated their bank on the quality of its services and how likely they would be to recommend to friends or family. 

Digital banks made up the top three, with Monzo coming out on top, followed by Starling Bank and then Chase. 

Some 80% of Monzo customers said they would recommend the bank. 

The digital banking app said topping the tables "time and time again" was not something it would "ever take for granted". 

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) was bottom of the ranking for another year. 

The banks with the best services in branches were Nationwide, Lloyds Bank and Metro Bank. 

Gail's bakery chain has come under fire for repurposing unsold pastries into croissants and selling them for almost £4 the next day.

The retailer lists the "twice baked" chocolate almond croissants as part of its "Waste Not" range, which means it is made using leftover croissants that are then "topped with almond frangipane and flaked almonds".

The scheme has been hit with criticism online, with many pointing out the £3.90 price tag is 95p more than the original croissant.

One X user said: "The audacity of bragging about it being part of their 'Waste Not' range like we should be grateful to them and proud of ourselves for contributing to reducing food waste when they could just sell it for less money – not one pound more than yesterday.

"Unsure whether to be impressed or horrified that someone has come up with a concept to capitalise on yellow sticker goods to make more profit."

It should be added, however, that the practice was not invented by Gail's - and almond croissants were originally created by French boulangeries to reuse day-old croissants and stop them going stale.

When factoring in the extra ingredients (almond frangipane and flaked almonds) and baking time, the bakery chain would likely defend the increased price by pointing to the additional costs incurred.

It comes as locals in a trendy London neighbourhood signed a petition against a Gail's bakery setting up shop in their area.

After (unconfirmed) rumours began circulating that the chain was looking to open a site in Walthamstow village, more than 600 have signed a petition opposing the plans.

The petition says the village "faces a threat to its uniqueness" should Gail's move into the area (see yesterday's 11.54am post for more).

Gail's has been contacted for comment.

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