Rainforest and Island Escape

DAY 1 International Flight

Your journey begins as you head to the airport and board a late morning international flight to Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital. The overnight flight takes roughly 13 hours.

DAY 2 Arrive and hit the Beach

You'll arrive into Kuala Lumpur in the morning and transfer across to the onward flight to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysian Borneo's Sabah State. Your bags will be checked through and the flight takes just under three hours. After a long journey there's nothing nicer than walking into the arrivals area and seeing a driver with a board bearing your name. Let him grab your bags and whisk you to the luxurious Shangri-La Rasa Ria, a 40-minute drive away and set in 400 acres of lush rainforest on the edge of a soft sandy beach.

Once you've checked in, spend the rest of the afternoon stretching your legs with a stroll along the beach, a swim or two in the pool or a spa treatment? As dusk falls, settle down for a sunset drink and then choose from one of the four restaurants for dinner.

DAY 3 To Danum Valley

Wake up nice and early today for your transfer to the airport and then a one-hour flight to Lahad Datu. A driver will take you to register your entrance into the national park at the park headquarters in the city centre and from there you'll join a shared transfer to get deep into the forest. Eventually arriving at Borneo Rainforest Lodge after a bumpy three and a half hours, the long journey will all seem worth it as you appreciate the exceptionally beautiful surroundings. You'll be met by your nature guide, who will fill you in on what rainforest adventures you' can enjoy during your stay.

Freshen up in your chalet before some lunch in the main lodge and this afternoon's activities. First up, you will head to the canopy walkway with your guide, who will provide a fantastic introduction to the flora and fauna of the Danum Valley as you get to grips with the sheer size of this verdant tropical rainforest from your position up to 100ft above the rainforest floor. Listen to the chatter of birds and calls of gibbons as you scan the canopy for signs of wildlife. After dinner at the lodge, enjoy a night safari drive with other lodge guests, in search of nocturnal species.

DAY 4 To Kuala Lumpur

Rise early for your final morning in the rainforest, and perhaps head out for a trek with your guide just after dawn, alternatively you might like to return to the canopy walkway for one last panoramic tree top view. After breakfast you'll then make the bumpy transfer back to Lahad Datu, were you'll catch a short domestic flight to Kota Kinabalu and another one on to Kuala Lumpur. When you land in Malaysia's capital a driver will be waiting to transfer you from the airport to your hotel in the city centre. Check in and freshen up after a long day of travelling, and then head out for dinner - our detailed destination Dossier will help you choose the right place, whether you feel like a quick bite or a fancy four course extravaganza.

DAY 5 To Tioman Island

You topped your holiday with some time on the beach and now it's time to tail it with some too. Meet your private transfer driver at your hotel and begin the journey to Tioman Island with a four and a half hour drive to Mersing, on the east coast of Malaysia. From there you'll board a ferry to Genting Jetty, which is on Tioman Island, and then hop on the last leg of your journey with a short boat journey to your final destination, Japamala Resort.

This luxurious boutique resort is incredibly picturesque and rooms are found nestled within the cliffs and tropical forest on the edge of the island, with stunning views down to the white sandy beach or into the verdant trees. Settle into your chalet style cabin and then spend the afternoon exploring the resort and sinking your toes into the sand on the beach.

DAY 6 Home time

Repeat the three legged journey back to Kuala Lumpur today as you are transferred by boat, ferry and private car to the airport in the capital. From there you'll just have to check in and board your overnight 13-hour international flight direct back to the UK, which leaves late at night.