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Malaysia is situated in central South-East Asia, bordering Thailand in the north, with Singapore and Indonesia to the south and The Philippines to the east. It is composed of Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the north coast of the island of Borneo across the South China Sea.
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The British were relatively late arrivals to the region in the late 18th century. The Federated Malay States were created in 1895, and remained under British colonial control until the Japanese invasion of 1942. After Japanese defeat in 1945, the 11 states were once again incorporated as British Protectorates and, in 1948 became the Federation of Malaya. In 1963, the Federation of Malaya merged with Singapore and the former British colonies of Sarawak and Sabah (North Borneo) to form Malaysia. Singapore seceded to become an independent state in its own right in 1965, leaving Malaysia in its present form.
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Such history highlights why Malaysia is so ethnically and culturally diverse and with centuries of trade, has resulted in a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a veritable melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions that makes Malaysia a deeply intriguing place to visit.
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| The magnificent landscape is no less diverse. Borneo is a land of steamy rainforests, smouldering volcanoes, soaring peaks, glistening beaches, lost tribes and amazing wildlife and is the third largest island in the world. The region of Sabah has a narrow coastal plain which gives way to mountains and jungle. Mount Kinabalu, at 4,095m is the highest peak on the island and in Malaysia. |
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Example Itinerary*
- Climb Kinabalu (4095m)
The Kinabalu National Park is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site. The 754sq km park has one of the world’s richest collections of plants and we can trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu itself for a great sense of achievement and spectacular views.
- Community & Environmental projects
Working with a local community you’ll be amazed at what you can learn from each other. Past projects have included construction of a school classroom, painting classrooms with teaching aids such as the alphabet and wildlife conservation work in the mangroves.
- View endemic species on Mt Trusmadi
Mount Trusmadi is Malaysia’s second highest mountain at 2,642 m. It stands close to Mt Kinabalu and supports a wide range of unique flora and fauna, perhaps most notably Nepenthes macrophylla, a species of pitcher plant that has been known to eat rats!
- Raft the Kiula River
Build a bamboo raft with your team and then race down the Kiula
- Visit Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary
The world’s largest and oldest orang-utan rehabilitation centre is located at Sepilok, a protected area of 11,000 acres of virgin equatorial rainforest in northern Borneo, and this is the best place in the world to have a close encounter with these magnificent creatures. At Sepilok the orphaned orang-utans start their classes at an enclosed “kindergarten”, and progress through stages until being released into the open forest reserve.
- Boat through the Mangroves
Watch the Proboscis monkeys play in the trees and the other interesting wildlife from your canoe as you glide through the Mangroves.
- Rest & Relax on the Borneo coast
Relax and have fun on one of Borneo’s many beaches and islands, great for a bit of beach volley ball and snorkelling.
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Cost:
Expedition costs vary depending on numbers departing and on final itinerary contents.
Please call us for more information. Prices will be based on the following:
Included:
Return international flights from UK, in-country costs: accommodation, transport, food and
local guides, Exploration Co leader(s), travel insurance for each expedition member, UK training programme: 1 day team building at the school and a two day residential, and a presentation to the students and parents
Excluded:
Visas & vaccinations (where applicable), personal equipment, transport in the UK, optional activities, tips and gratuities (for example for mountain guides and porters), project funds
(if applicable) and spending money.
*We reserve the right to change, alter or amend the itinerary in the best interests of our clients. |
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Capital
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Kuala Lumpur |
| Population |
26 million (2006 estimate) |
| Area |
329,758 sq km |
| Flight Times |
From London to Kuala Lumpur is 12.5 hours |
| Time Difference |
GMT +8 |
| Currency |
Ringgit (RM) = 100 sen |
| Language |
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national and official language, but English is widely spoken. |
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Compass House