10 Days | From the highlands to the deep jungle, this is the best of Malaysia
From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, this trip showcases the diverse beauty of Malaysia. Across ten days, you’ll learn the local way of life as you journey from a local homestay in Penang to the Ulu Muda Forest and into the Cameron Highlands. You’ll play traditional games with the locals, tuck into a home-cooked dinner and mingle among the street stalls. Trek through the jungle to spot elephants, take a cruise through the wilderness and learn about local fishing traditions – this trip offers culture, nature and wildlife delights all in one!
Trip overview
- Start
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Finish
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Malaysia
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- TMSA
- Stay in an eco-lodge on the edge of the jungle that’s fighting for the preservation of Ulu Muda Forest with research and awareness, low-footprint practices and ecotourism principles.
- Take not one but two river cruises deep in the Ulu Muda Forest to double your chances of spotting roaming wildlife like elephants as your guide tells you about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush haven home.
- Slip into the local way of life, staying with a family on a homestay that gives real insight into village culture – play traditional games, learn fishing techniques and tuck into a home-cooked dinner.
- Explore the rolling green Cameron Highlands, blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields, and then trek through the mossy forest to learn more about the unique plants living beneath this sea of moss.
- Wander the historic mural-lined streets of Georgetown, the vibrant cultural hub of Penang and see the array of contemporary art galleries, boutiques, traditional temples and churches.
- You will need to be able to carry your own luggage throughout the trip, including some short walks between transport and accommodation, navigating through transport hubs, as well as on and off public transport including buses, trains and ferries. Packing light will improve your experience, especially on hot, humid days.
- There are some long days of travel by public transport, but don't worry, public buses in Malaysia are spacious and comfortable. Stock up on snacks and drinks for the journeys and sit back and watch the scenery stream by.
- The accommodation at your homestay is simple, but our overnight stay with village families is a highlight of the trip for most travellers. Bathroom facilities are shared with other travellers and host family, and some may only have cold water showers. Most houses have fan cooling systems rather than air conditioning.
- The climate in Malaysia is generally hot and humid, so be prepared for some steamy days no matter what time of year you visit. It tends to be wetter and more humid from May to October, but the temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year.
- This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time but it can be part of a longer itinerary. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Best of Malaysia.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Metro, Ferry, Boat, Train
Hotel (6 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge ( 2 nights), Home Stay (1 night)
- George Town - Heritage walking tour
- Teluk Bahang - traditional games
- Teluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinner
- Teluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tour
- Teluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) Performance
- Teluk Bahang - Batik factory visit
- Ulu Muda - River Cruise
- Teluk Bahang - Local market visit
- Ulu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visit
- Ulu Muda - Hot Spring Saltlick
- Cameron Highlands - hike in mossy forest area
- Cameron Highlands - Tea plantation visit
- Kuala Lumpur - City tour - MYR203
- Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower - MYR49
- Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves via train - MYR10
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip and excludes Day 5&6 where you will be in shared accommodation.
2. A special permit is needed for entry into Ulu Muda Forest. Please send a clear coloured copy of your passport info page to your booking agent at least 3 weeks before your trip to us to apply for the permit.
3. There's not much time in Kuala Lumpur on this trip. We highly recommend spend extra time here for more exploration. Please consult your booking agent if you are interested in booking extra accommodation here.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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