Malaysia Highlights

Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, why not check out the Petaling Street Market in Chinatown, or wander along the River of Life. After your meeting, maybe join your leader for an optional group dinner along the Jalan Alor food street to get your first taste of Malaysian food – perhaps you’d like to explore the flashy shopping and entertainment district of Bukit Bintang together before heading back to the hotel.

This morning, take the local metro to the train station for your journey to Butterworth. From here, hop on a private transfer to George Town – the port city-turned-UNESCO World Heritage site and multicultural capital of Penang. When you arrive, head out with your leader for a walk to get your bearings. Then, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. George Town has some great cuisine on offer, and your leader can always point you in the right direction for some great eats. You might also like to check out some of the hidden temples, Little India or go on a self-paced street art tour.

Hit the streets with your leader for a walking tour of George Town today – the eclectic architecture, historic buildings, ancient shopfronts and colourful street art will keep your head on a swivel. You’ll also visit the Pinang Peranakan Museum – home to over 1000 pieces of antiques and collectibles. The afternoon is free for you to explore or relax – maybe visit the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, The Clan Community of Penang or the Wonderfood Museum.

After a leisurely morning, take a private transfer to Teluk Bahang – a small fishing village in Penang. When you arrive, you’ll head to your homestay, meet your hosts, then tuck into some lunch. After, visit a batik factory, where you’ll learn about this patterned hand painting art form. Then, play a few traditional games with your group and take a walk around the fishing village, getting a glimpse into the life of a fisherman and how they make their nets. Head back to the house for dinner – your hosts will lead a cooking demonstration, then you’ll sit down to a meal of tasty local cuisine and get to know one another. Later this evening, sit down for a special Silat (local martial art) performance, where you can learn a few tricks from the local masters.

Say goodbye to your homestay hosts after breakfast, then take a private transfer to Ulu Muda Forest – your home-away-from-home for the next two nights. Arrive at the Lake Muda Jetty just in time for a bite to eat, freshly prepared by the locals. Then, you’ll board a boat to Earth Lodge in Kuala Labua – this socially conscious organisation fights for the preservation of the forest through research, awareness and low-carbon footprint practices. Your accommodation tonight is surrounded by nature – it’s a great launching pad to explore the nearby jungle trails, winding rivers and tropical rainforest. When you get to the lodge, you’ll head out on a river cruise in the hopes of spotting local wildlife (you might even see some elephants!) before a free evening to settle in.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll lace up your walking shoes for a trek into Bukit Labu with an expert guide. Learn about the native plants and wildlife found here, and keep your eyes peeled for elephants! Sit down to a picnic lunch by the river before trekking back to your accommodation and visiting salt-lick hot springs. The local animals, including elephants, come here to get their minerals – and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a few. Still looking for wildlife? You’ll get another chance in the late afternoon, when you head out on another river cruise.

Say goodbye to the forest this morning and head back to the jetty, where your private transfer will be waiting for your journey toward the Cameron Highlands. These rolling green highlands are blanketed by tea plantations and boast a refreshingly cool climate. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon and have some free time to wander the local market stalls and tuck into some typical Malay cuisine.

Have breakfast on the go, Malay style! Pick up some traditional eats at a street stall with your leader and after you’ve fuelled up, hit the road to a track of mossy, mist-shrouded forest for a hike. Your guide will point out the plants that live hidden under the blanket of rich, green moss. After, visit a local tea plantation to learn how tea is grown and produced. This afternoon is free for you to explore on your own – you might like to visit the Cameron Floral Park or indulge in high tea at the Jim Thompson Tea Room.

Today it’s back to Kuala Lumpur by a local express bus, then a metro back to your hotel. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon, then the rest of the day is free to explore this energetic city. Maybe head to the observation deck on the 451 m (1480 ft) tall Petronas Twin Towers or see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Tonight, maybe head out to an optional farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure.

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your time in Kuala Lumpur, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.