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3 weeks round trip - August 2019

This time we are taking an open jaw flight. The first stop is the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. From there, we take a domestic flight for a longer stay on the island of Borneo with its ancient rainforests and endemic monkey species. We combine the return flight with a stay in Bangkok.

Malaysia as a travel destination

Malaysia is easy to travel around. Islam is the state religion and around 60% of the population are Muslims. However, there are also Buddhists, Christians and Hindus. The interpretation of Islam is comparatively tolerant. No special vaccinations are required and violent crime against tourists is not a relevant issue.

Flag of Malaysia
Orangutan in Borneo
Close-up of proboscis monkeys
Male proboscis monkey
Young proboscis monkey
Two female proboscis monkeys
Proboscis monkey mother with baby

Orangutans and proboscis monkeys

Orangutans (Malay for “forest people”) can only be found on Borneo and Sumatra. They are threatened with extinction. Unfortunately, this also applies to the proboscis monkeys, which are actually only found on Borneo. The males can be recognized by their thick noses.

Large insect in the rainforest
Red pineapple
Waterfall in the rainforest
Young farm leaf
Green bamboo otter in Borneo
River in Borneo's rainforest

Rainforest

Borneo has the oldest rainforest in the world and is home to an impressive diversity. Many species can only be found on Borneo, which makes the island an important place for nature conservation. The preservation of these habitats is therefore also of great importance for the global ecological balance.

Monkey Silver-crested langur
Two macaque monkeys
River through dense rainforest
Old pair of macaques
Accommodation at the edge of the rainforest
Bearded pig grazing

World Heritage Site

Borneo's rainforest has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Nevertheless, it is threatened by deforestation. Palm oil plantations, illegal logging and mining are endangering the sensitive ecosystem. There are still 13 monkey species on Borneo.

Petronas Twin Towers in the evening light
Petronas Twin Towers with light show
Petronas Twin Towers at night
Petronas Twin Towers within infinity pool

Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas twin towers dominate the skyline of Malaysia's capital. With a height of 452 meters, they were the tallest twin towers in the world for a long time. Kuala Lumpur is also a melting pot of different cultures. This diversity can be experienced in the districts of Little India and China Town.

Stairs to the Batu Caves
A macaque at the Batu Caves
Colourful Hindu shrine inside
The outdoor complex at the Batu Caves

Batu Caves

The Batu Caves are around 15 kilometers outside of Kuala Lumpur and can be easily reached by train. Several Hindu shrines have been erected inside. The temple cave can be reached via a staircase with 272 colorful steps, where macaques try to catch prey. 

Wat Arun Temple of Dawn
Wat Pho in Bangkok
The Golden Mountain from above
The Golden Mountain Wat Saket

Bangkok

The bustling metropolis of ten million people on the Chao Phraya is always worth a trip. We visited the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), Wat Pho and the Golden Mountain (Wat Saket), among others.