Malaysia Highlights

8 Days | From the highlands to the deep jungle, this is the best of Malaysia

4.6 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
CAD $1,841
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From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, this trip showcases the diverse beauty of Malaysia. Across eight days, you’ll learn the local way of life as you journey from the Cameron Highlands to Ulu Muda Forest and on to a local homestay in Penang. You’ll play traditional games with the locals, tuck into a home-cooked dinner and mingle amongst the street stalls. From trekking through the jungle to spotting elephants from a cruise through the wilderness to learning about local fishing traditions – this trip offers culture, nature and wildlife delights.  

Trip overview

Map of Malaysia Highlights including Malaysia
Start
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Finish
George Town, 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
This trip generates 48 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • You’ll explore the rolling green Carmeron highlands, blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields, and then trek through the mystical Mossy Forest to learn more about the unique plants living beneath the sea of moss 
  •  Stay in a special 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 rainforest haven home. 
  •  Really 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. 
  •  Wander the historic mural-lined streets of Georgetown, the vibrant cultural hub of Penang, and marvel at contemporary art galleries and boutiques, traditional temples and churches.

Is this trip right for you?
  • You will need to be able to carry your own luggage throughout the trip, including some short walks between our transport and accommodation as well as on and off public transport including public 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 our 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.

Itinerary

Map of Malaysia Highlights including Malaysia

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Metro, Ferry, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Eco Jungle Lodge ( 2 nights), Home Stay (1 night)

Activities
  • Cameron Highlands - hike in mossy forest area
  • Cameron Highlands - Tea plantation visit
  • Ulu Muda - River Cruise
  • Ulu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visit
  • Ulu Muda - Hot Spring Saltlick
  • Teluk Bahang - traditional games
  • Teluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinner
  • Teluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tour
  • Teluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) Performance
  • Teluk Bahang - Local market visit
  • Teluk Bahang - Batik factory visit
  • George Town - Heritage walking tour
Add on activities
  • Kuala Lumpur - City tour - MYR203
  • Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower - MYR49
  • Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves via train - MYR10

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip and excludes Day 4&5 where you will be in shared accommodation.
2. There's not much time in Kuala Lumpur and George Town on this trip. You may want to extend your time in both cities if you would like to explore them in depth. Please consult your agent for booking additional accommodation before or after the tour.
3. 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.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Christy · Traveled December 2023
The Malaysian Highlights trip was an exciting adventure into this magical land and rich culture. The organisation of the tour was top class with a brilliant guide provided. Unforgettable experience with a great tour operator Intrepid. Christy O'Hara
Review submitted 19 Dec 2023

Julie · Traveled August 2023
in itself a very great tour with exciting activities, but it is too much in this short time of only 8 days (4/5 stars)
Review submitted 04 Sep 2023

Amanda · Traveled July 2023
I very much enjoyed this trip and it's true that the homestay is the highlight. Thina was a great guide and you get the impression he genuinely cares about making sure you have a great time. The homestay and the food were amazing.
Review submitted 22 Jul 2023

Shahina · Traveled June 2023
First travel group experience, set the bar high due to the great tour guide. May go for a higher level package next time, but overall incredible experience with a great group of like minded travellers. Would highly recommend!!
Review submitted 21 Jun 2023

Claire · Traveled May 2023
We had a great tour in Malaysia and enjoyed every moment! Thina was our amazing tour leader and we had a fun group to travel with.
Review submitted 17 Jul 2023
Malaysia Highlights
From
CAD $1,841