Sabah and Sarawak offer something that no beach resort in Thailand or city break in Singapore can replicate: ancient rainforests, extraordinary wildlife, living indigenous cultures, and a sense of space that genuinely takes your breath away. Most Malaysians spend their holidays hopping between Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and popular overseas destinations — yet Traveloka makes booking flights to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching just as straightforward as any trip abroad — but the real crown jewels of this country sit on the other side of the South China Sea. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned traveller, East Malaysia rewards curiosity with experiences that stay with you long after you have landed back at KLIA. Here is everything you need to plan your trip.
Wildlife Encounters Unlike Anywhere Else on Earth
Sabah is home to some of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in Southeast Asia. The Lower Kinabatangan River corridor is where you go to see wild Bornean pygmy elephants wading along muddy riverbanks at dusk, while proboscis monkeys leap through the riverside trees overhead. Orang-utan sightings are common at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre near Sandakan, where rescued apes learn to return to forest life. Sarawak’s Bako National Park, just a short boat ride from Kuching, shelters its own population of proboscis monkeys alongside bearded pigs and sea otters. Many travellers from KL and Penang are genuinely stunned to discover that wildlife this extraordinary exists within their own country — no passport stamp required beyond boarding that short domestic flight.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu and Exploring Sabah’s Interior
Standing at 4,095 metres, Mount Kinabalu is Southeast Asia’s highest peak and the centrepiece of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You do not need to be an elite mountaineer to summit it — thousands of Malaysians complete the two-day guided climb every year, rewarded at the top with a sunrise view above the clouds that is genuinely difficult to put into words. Permits sell out weeks in advance, so book early. Beyond the mountain, Sabah’s interior holds the Maliau Basin Conservation Area, sometimes called Sabah’s “Lost World,” where multi-day jungle treks lead to tiered waterfalls and ecosystems almost entirely untouched by human activity. Planning the logistics can feel complex, but using Traveloka to lock in your flights from KL and your first-night accommodation makes the process considerably smoother before you venture into more remote territory.
Sarawak’s Living Heritage — Longhouses, Kuching, and the Rainforest World Music Festival
Kuching is one of Malaysia’s most underrated cities. Its compact waterfront, excellent food scene, and well-preserved colonial architecture make it an ideal base for exploring Sarawak. From here, visitors can join day trips or multi-night stays at Iban longhouses along the Skrang or Lemanak rivers, where communities welcome guests into their traditional way of life — sharing tuak rice wine, watching warrior dances, and sleeping on woven mats in communal galleries. Every July, the Rainforest World Music Festival draws musicians and audiences from across the globe to the Sarawak Cultural Village, creating an atmosphere unlike any other festival in the country. Book your flights to Kuching via Traveloka well ahead of the festival dates, as seats fill up fast from both KL and Penang.
Practical Tips for Planning Your East Malaysia Trip
Getting to East Malaysia is straightforward — both Kota Kinabalu and Kuching are well served by direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Penang, with journey times typically under two and a half hours. The best time to visit Sabah is between March and October, while Sarawak is generally drier between May and September, though the rainforest stays lush year-round. Pack light, breathable clothing, a good pair of walking shoes, and insect repellent — the latter is non-negotiable if you plan any time in the jungle. Budget travellers will find guesthouses and local kopitiams remarkably affordable, while those who prefer comfort can splurge on eco-lodges along the Kinabatangan. Searching for bundled flight-and-hotel deals on Traveloka before you travel can cut costs significantly and save you the headache of coordinating multiple bookings across different providers.