Map of Malaysia Highlights including Malaysia

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 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.  


Start
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Finish
George Town, Malaysia
Destination
Malaysia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
TMSA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

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

Salamat Datang! Welcome to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the bustling capital of Malaysia, you can expect streets lined with colourful food stalls, friendly locals and fast-paced energy flowing throughout the city. Your adventure officially kicks off with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm this evening where you’ll meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive in town with time to spare before the meeting, why not check out the Petaling Street Market – the vibrant hub of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown – or wander along the River of Life and its masterful murals. After your Welcome Meeting this evening, you’ll have the option to explore Kampung Baru – a Malay village where you will have the chance to tuck into some local Malay food. On the way back from the village, you’ll stop to wonder at the striking view of the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers from Saloma Bridge.  
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kuala Lumpur - City tour - MYR203
  • Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower - MYR49
  • Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves via train - MYR10
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
After a short and sweet stay, you’ll wave Kuala Lumpur goodbye after breakfast this morning as you make your way to the Cameron Highlands. A serene spot, the rolling green highlands are blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields and boast a refreshingly cool climate. You’ll arrive in this emerald oasis in the afternoon and might like to spend your time wandering the local market stalls in the evening and then tucking into some typical Malay eats. 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 5 hours. 
This morning you’ll enjoy breakfast just like the locals and treat your tastebuds to some traditional eats straight from a local street stall. This is breakfast on the go – Malay style! After you’ve fueled up with food, we’ll hit the road for Mossy Forest and stretch our legs on a trek through this mystical, mist-shrouded spot. Your guide will point out the unique plants living here, under the blanket of rich, green moss. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d walked straight into a scene from Avatar. After some time in this magical place, you’ll step back to reality and explore one of the local tea plantations. You’ll learn more about tea production here and marvel at the endless rows of green shrubs that seem to hug the hillside. This afternoon, we’ll head to Butterworth where you’ll have a free evening and you’ll get a chance to explore the local area and grab a bite to eat at a local cafeteria.  
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cameron Highlands - Mossy Forest Hike
  • Cameron Highlands - Tea plantation visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s journey from Cameron highland to Butterworth is approximately 4 hours.  
The trek at Mossy forest will be about 1-2 hours.
Today, you’ll be heading to Kuala Labua, your home away from home, for the next two nights. With a slower start today, you’ll arrive at the Lake Muda Jetty just in time for a bite to eat, prepared freshly for you by the locals. Then, you’ll board a boat ride to Earth Lodge in Kuala Labua, a purpose-fueled organisation that’s fighting for the preservation of Ulu Muda Forest with research and awareness, low footprint practices and ecotourism principles. You’ll be surrounded by nature, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the cities at this special ecolodge some 14km from anywhere. It’s the perfect launching pad to explore the nearby jungle trails, winding rivers and lush tropical rainforest. In the afternoon, you’ll get acquainted with the area on a river cruise where you’ll have the chance to spot local wildlife (even elephants if you’re lucky) before an evening at your leisure to settle in and make yourself at home.
Accommodation
  • Eco Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ulu Muda - River Cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
After breakfast this morning, you’ll pull on your walking shoes for a trek into Bukit Labu where you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide. Listen carefully as your guide tells you all about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush rainforest haven home. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic wildlife, including elephants, as our trek toward the Bukit Labu caves – just waiting to be explored. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river before trekking back to your accommodation and visiting local hot springs to soak your muscles after a day on your feet. Then, in the late afternoon maximise your wildlife spotting luck with yet another river cruise.
Accommodation
  • Eco Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ulu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visit
  • Ulu Muda - Hot Spring Saltlick
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The hike today will be about 3 hours along the original forest trails.
You’ll kiss the ecolodge goodbye after breakfast this morning and begin an epic overland journey to Teluk Bahang, a small fishing village in Penang. Tuck into lunch before enjoying some fun with a selection of traditional games. Then, take a late afternoon walk around the fishing village, learn how the locals make their nets and even discover a local orchard plantation. You can look forward to dinner this evening as it will be prepared especially for you by your homestay host. Tuck in and take some time to get to know your local hosts over dinner. Enjoy a special Silat (local martial art) Performance after dinner and learn a few tricks or two from the local masters.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Teluk Bahang - traditional games
  • Teluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinner
  • Teluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tour
  • Teluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) Performance
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 3.5-4 hours. 
Your group may be split into different households this evening depending on the group size and composition. Facilities will be shared in the household.
You’ll explore the local market this morning before breakfast and then visit a Batik factory where you’ll learn about the art of hand painting Batik patterns onto materials. Then, you’ll enjoy a photography session and souvenir giving ceremony before waving your homestay hosts a big goodbye and making your way to Georgetown, the capital of Penang. On arrival, hit the streets with your group leader for a walking tour of the city. You’ll notice a certain charm about this city as you wander by the historical building and ancient shopfronts and admire the fascinating street art at every turn. You’ll also explore Pinang Paranakan Museum with over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectable on display. This evening, you might like to rally your group together for one final meal together in one of the many quaint restaurants of Georgetown. 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Teluk Bahang - Local market visit
  • Teluk Bahang - Batik factory visit
  • George Town - Heritage walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 45 minutes.
Your great Malaysian adventure will come to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’re keen to keep the good times rolling, why not check out our Sabah Adventure, and explore Borneo on a combo style trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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)

Included activities

  • Cameron Highlands - Mossy Forest Hike
  • 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

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Malaysia Highlights trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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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.

Essential trip information

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