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East Malaysia might not be a name that first comes to mind when you want to plan a vacation in Malaysia with kids. But with just the right East Malaysia tour 5 days itinerary, this stunning island-based region can offer an incredibly enriching Malaysia family tour for you and your loved ones.
East Malaysia, comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, is home to the ancient Borneo rainforest, believed to be over 130 million years old. As a result, this region has many rare and endangered species like the orangutan, pygmy elephant, and proboscis monkey. If your family is full of nature lovers, an East Malaysia family tour will leave you in awe of all the beauty the region has to offer.
East Malaysia is one of the best places in the world for wildlife sightings
Beyond the forest, East Malaysia is also known for its beautiful beaches, particularly around Kota Kinabalu. This region is ideal for Malaysia tours that focus on snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing.
Unlike more touristy destinations such as Thailand or Bali, many parts of East Malaysia remain relatively off-the-beaten-path. This offers a more authentic and enjoyable travel experience in Malaysia with kids, where the landscapes are wild and the pace of life is refreshingly slow.
When planning an East Malaysia family tour, Sabah stands out as the easier, more enjoyable option compared to Sarawak. In Sabah, you can see animals like orangutans, sun bears, crocodiles, and proboscis monkeys without venturing deep into the jungle.
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River cruises along the Kinabatangan will offer close-up wildlife encounters while passengers remain comfortably seated in boats. Those traveling in Malaysia with kids will find that this approach keeps the trip more stress-free and enjoyable.
Cruising the Kinabatangan River gives you the chance to see wildlife up close
Sabah of East Malaysia offers mountain views, stunning rainforest, and wildlife-rich rivers, all without demanding physical effort. Walking trails in Kinabalu Park and Sepilok are short, clearly marked, and easy to manage, making them ideal for Malaysia tours with younger children and older travelers.
Getting around in East Malaysia is relatively simple. Kota Kinabalu is the main arrival point, and flights to Sandakan are quick and frequent. In addition, many eco-lodges near the Kinabatangan River offer East Malaysia family tour packages with airport transfers, boat rides, daily activities, and meals, making them a great choice for families travelling in Malaysia with kids.
This itinerary includes visits to conservation centers and wildlife sanctuaries. These are the kinds of destinations featured in Malaysia tours where kids can learn about endangered species in a safe, well-guided environment. These experiences aren’t just entertaining but also educational and nurture the natural curiosity of young children.
After landing in Kota Kinabalu for your East Malaysia Tour 5 Days, take some time to settle in and unwind. Choosing a hotel with a swimming pool is a great idea, as it gives the kids something to enjoy right away while the adults rest.
KK Waterfront is the city's premier entertainment and dining center
In the late afternoon, after everyone has had a chance to recharge, take a gentle stroll along the KK Waterfront. It’s an easy and scenic spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the sea breeze. For dinner, the area offers a variety of kid-friendly restaurants, so finding something suitable shouldn't be a problem.
On the first full morning of your East Malaysia family tour, take a two-hour drive inland to Kinabalu Park, one of the region’s most iconic natural sites. Established in 1964 as the country’s first national park, it became Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, recognized for its incredible biodiversity and global ecological value.
Spot small mammals, birds, and insects along trails ranging from gentle walks to mossy forest treks
Covering 1.4 hectares, the Botanical Garden in this site has a remarkable collection of native and endemic plants from the East Malaysia Mount Kinabalu region. You'll find miniature orchids (some only a few millimeters tall), pitcher plants, ferns, palms, wild gingers, banana species, and the vibrant pink Medinilla, known for fruiting all year round. There will also be informative signboards to help explain each plant’s uses, whether medicinal, edible, or under conservation.
The park’s climate is cooler and less humid than the coast, making it ideal for walking. However, rain is quite common in East Malaysia, so it’s wise to bring an umbrella or a lightweight raincoat. These short nature trails, from 20 minutes to an hour, are perfect stops on any East Malaysia family tour, whether you pause for photos or join a guided walk.
By midday, head to Kundasang, a peaceful hill town just a short drive from the park. Known for its vegetable farms and cool climate, it’s the closest town to Mount Kinabalu and offers stunning panoramic views. As part of an East Malaysia tour 5 days itinerary, this is an ideal stop for a relaxing family lunch while enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Kundasang is often referred to as the “New Zealand of Borneo” because its distinctive mountainous landscapes
If everyone’s energy levels allow, consider a detour to Poring Hot Springs, a family-friendly stop with shallow warm pools that kids will love. For those not keen on heights, you can skip the canopy walkway and simply enjoy the warm soak or a short nature stroll.
Poring is famous for its hot sulfur spring baths, originally developed by the Japanese during World War II
After that, you should return to Kota Kinabalu by late afternoon, giving everyone time to rest.
Start the morning with a short domestic flight (about 45 minutes) from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, the gateway to some of East Malaysia’s most important wildlife conservation centers. For many, this leg of an East Malaysia tour 5 days is a true highlight.
Your first stop is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, one of the world’s most respected facilities for the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured orangutans. If your visit aligns with the feeding sessions (9:30 AM or 3:00 PM), you’ll have the rare chance to observe the orangutans up close.
The area can get hot and crowded during peak hours, so bringing a portable neck fan can help you stay cool and comfortable
Just a short walk across the parking lot is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. You can spend about 30 to 40 minutes here learning about the smallest bear species in the world.
This facility is known for its strong ethical practices and commitment to eventual release when possible. And if you're lucky, Dr. Wong Siew Te, the founder of the center, may sometimes even be present to meet guests and share stories about the bears under their care.
After lunch, begin your journey to the Kinabatangan River, one of Borneo’s most famous wildlife corridors. You can take a boat ride arranged by your riverside lodge (just make sure to choose a facility that includes this in their logistics).
Early evening offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife sightings in this region
As the day cools down, take your family out on a sunset cruise along the Kinabatangan River. This is one of the best (and peaceful) ways to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and macaques are often seen during this time, and if you’re lucky, even wild orangutans or pygmy elephants might make an appearance. The cruise typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours.
Begin your final morning in Kinabatangan with a dawn wildlife trip. You might think you’ve seen enough after the sunset cruise last evening, but the refreshing river air in the early morning is something no East Malaysia tour 5 days itinerary should leave out. And not to mention the high chance of spotting animals that are most active at sunrise.
Dawn in the heart of pristine wilderness is a moment like no other
After breakfast, make your way back to Sandakan, either by boat or road, depending on your lodge’s arrangements, then catch your afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Later in the day, head to Tanjung Aru Beach for a good view of the sunset. You can grab a simple dinner right at one of the local stalls nearby or return to your hotel for the evening meal.
Tanjung Aru Beach is famous for its breathtaking golden sunsets
For your final day in the East Malaysia, a relaxed island-hopping trip is the perfect way to end the journey. Just a short 20-30 minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu will take you to Manukan Island or Sapi Island, both part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
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From above, Mamutik, Sulug, and Manukan islands form a smile-shaped view
These East Malaysia islands are known for their calm, shallow waters, making them ideal destinations on Malaysia tours aimed at families with children. You can either choose to snorkel or simply lounge by the water here.
Sapi Island is quite popular with families traveling with young kids
After your island visit, return to the city and take the rest of the day to relax, pack, and prepare for your onward flight.
Since this family vacation in Malaysia takes you through both mountain highlands and tropical rainforest, it’s important to pack for both climates in mind. Kinabalu Park, located at around 2,000 meters above sea level, can feel surprisingly cool, with temperatures often dropping to 15°C or lower at night.
The air in Kinabalu Park can be rather cold
In contrast, the Kinabatangan River region is hot, humid, and filled with jungle wildlife, so you’ll need to prepare for sweating, bugs, and occasional downpours.
Make sure to bring a rain jacket or poncho, as sudden showers are common in East Malaysia. For footwear, pack hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers, as many trails, especially in Kinabalu Park, are natural and uneven.
Sudden rains are very common in East Malaysia
To stay protected outdoors when travelling in Malaysia with kids, don’t forget mosquito repellent for the rainforest and sunscreen for high-altitude hikes and beach days. A dry bag or waterproof pouch will come in handy for river cruises, keeping your phone, camera, and electronics safe from water splashes.
Since you'll want to design an East Malaysia itinerary with your family in mind, it's best to keep things relaxed and manageable. Aim for no more than two main activities per day, with a mix of wildlife adventure and downtime at the beach.
Flights and transfers kept short, with minimal demanding hikes, should make it easy for kids and adults alike to stay comfortable throughout the trip. A bit of rest time each day gives everyone the chance to recharge and simply enjoy being in the moment, which is what a nice family vacation in Malaysia is all about.
Take your time to enjoy the best moments with your loved ones
When planning your flights between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, it’s best to book early, especially if you're staying at a lodge along the Kinabatangan River. Most lodges are set up to coordinate with morning and early afternoon arrivals, and their check-in times and boat transfers follow a fairly fixed schedule. Being on time helps ensure a smooth transfer and avoids delays in reaching the river.
Make sure to double-check all information with your lodge
It’s also worth noting that the weather during your East Malaysia travel can be unpredictable, particularly during the rainy season. Flights may be delayed, so it’s a good idea to build in a small buffer of time rather than booking tight connections.
When booking your stay along the Kinabatangan River, it’s more convenient to choose a lodge that offers all-in-one packages. The best options bundle airport pickup, boat transfers, guided river cruises, short hikes, and meals. Having logistics taken care of during the family vacation in Malaysia means less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the experience.
One of the joys of visiting East Malaysia is seeing animals in their natural habitat, but that also means nothing is ever guaranteed.
Be patient and don’t expect a 100% chance of seeing all the animals in the region
You’ll very likely spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and crocodiles, which are commonly seen during river cruises and nature walks. However, sightings of orangutans or pygmy elephants are rarer and depend on timing, weather, and even pure luck.
The best wildlife activity in East Malaysia typically happens during early morning and late afternoon, when animals are more active, so it’s worth being alert and ready during those times. And remember, for the safety and well-being of the animals, flash photography is not allowed, especially near sensitive species like orangutans and fireflies.
Mobile reception along the Kinabatangan River is spotty at best, and many lodges have little to no Wi-Fi. To stay prepared, make sure to download everything you need, including offline maps, your itinerary, e-tickets, reading material, and videos, before leaving Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan.
While many hotels and larger businesses in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan accept cards, cash is still essential once you head into more rural areas like the Kinabatangan River. Park entrance fees, local snacks, tips, and small shops often operate on a cash-only basis.
Make sure to bring money for purchases at local shops when needed
ATMs can be hard to find outside of major towns in East Malaysia, so it’s best to withdraw enough cash before leaving the city. Having small denominations on hand also makes it easier to show appreciation to local guides and staff.
This East Malaysia tour 5 days itinerary offers a laid-back yet engaging way to explore East Malaysia with your family. It’s designed to balance wildlife encounters, light adventure, and downtime, making it one of the most ideal Malaysia tours for travelers with kids.
If you’re planning a family vacation in Malaysia with kids and want a customised Malaysia family tour itinerary, feel free to contact our team at Asia King Travel. We're here to help you plan a trip that’s stress-free, memorable, and tailored to your family's pace.
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