12-day fun-filled Malaysia family adventure

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Day 1: Welcome to Kuala Lumpur!

Selamat Datang ke Malaysia! We hope that after the long flight, you and your family are still excited at the prospect of the adventure still to come.

Upon arrival into Kuala Lumpur International Airport, look for the welcoming face of your private transfer in arrivals who will assist you with your luggage before transporting you to your hotel in the city center. Along the way, look out the window with your kids and marvel at the towering skyscrapers and daily life of the Malaysians who pass you by.

After checking in, take the time to freshen up and relax. This evening we will embark on a cultural dining experience to learn about the culture, history, and traditions of the country while feasting on some delicious local cuisine.

Kuala Lumpur

Day 2: Explore the Depths of Batu Caves Temple

After a reinvigorating sleep and a hearty breakfast, we will begin our journey to the Batu Caves Temple - a Hindu place of worship. Be mindful to wear something comfortable and below the knee as a respect to the space.

Batu Caves may require some level of fitness as we climb the 272 steps to enter the Main Cave Temple. These limestone caves aged more than 400 millions years old will be explored with a guided naturalist. Keep an eye for the bats that flutter throughout the caves.

We’ll then head back to Kuala Lumper for a tour around its key sites - the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Central Market, and also Masjid Jamek - before heading to the spectacular Petronas Twin Towers. 

Cameron Highlands

Day 3: Adventure through the Cameron Highlands

We’ll leave the streets of the big city and head toward the Cameron Highlands, home to one of the largest tea plantations of South East Asia.

After checking into the hotel, we’ll begin our intrepid trek through the Mossy Forest. Amongst the dense, luscious trees we’ll discover exotic plants unlike those at home. Keep an eye out for the carnivorous pitcher plant, primitive ferns and wild orchards. Your guide may even teach you some basic forest survival techniques.

Also known as the cloudy forest, you may be treated to a show when the trees are enveloped in mist, giving you a fairytale feeling high amongst the clouds.

Cameron Highlands

Day 4: Trek to the Peak of Mount Brinchang

This morning, prepare yourself for an early start as we begin our adventure to the peak of Mount Brinchang.

In the seat of a 4WD, we’ll rise to the high peak of the highlands located on Gunung Brinchang. As we reach the summit at 2032, feel the calm and cooler weather as you take in the panoramic views of the breathtaking sunrise rising above the forest.

After lunch, we’ll head back down and visit a number of other locals sights. The Time Tunnel Gallery, a cactus farm, local markets as well as a Buddhist temple. 

End the day back in the comfort of your resort where you can enjoy the charming landscape views over the tea plantations. 

Penang

Day 5: Rest and Relaxation on Penang Island

After checkout, we’ll head towards Penang Island, approximately a 4 hour journey away.

Along the way don’t forget to look out the window and stare in awe at the landscape. Deep valleys teeming with forests are pocketed with quaint villages.

Upon arrival to Georgetown, our destination for the night, check into Hotel Sunday and head to your room to relax. You and your children might need to nap so why not do it in comfort?

The rest of the evening can be spent at your own pace and leisure. Why not enjoy the amenities of the hotel or if you’re up for it, explore the area. The charming hotel is centrally located with easy access to the commercial, shopping, food and entertainment hubs.

Penang

Day 6: Wander through Culture in Georgetown

Georgetown is Malaysia’s second largest city, a fusion of both eastern and western influences. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008, the city has a rich and storied history from its Portugese and Dutch colonial era to the present day. The city was at the center of trade routes which made trade and exploration possible from Europe to the rest of East Asia.

After breakfast, begin exploring the city on a half day tour. We’ll visit the Wat Chayamangalaram Thai Temple, which houses The Reclining Buddha as well as Penang Hill, the first colonial hill station in Peninsular Malaysia. 

Beyond that, we’ll head to Kek Lok Si Temple, Botanic Garden, Khoo Kongsi, Peranakan Mansion, Queen Victoria Tower and Fort Cornwallis. To top it all off, we’ll end the day with a rickshaw ride!

Langkawi

Day 7: Head to Paradise on Langkawi Island

This morning, we will head to Penang International Airport for your flight to the island paradise of Langkawi. There is an alternate ferry option to the island, but please note, it can be time consuming.

Synonymous with jungle cloaked valleys and sandy shores, Langkawi is a haven for those wanting to experience life in the slow lane.

Besides its turquoise clear waters teeming with aquatic life and the beaches that lie before you, your accommodation for the night, Hotel Holiday Villa is the perfect place to relax and bask in the sun.

In the evening head down to the main town and try some local cuisine at the many restaurants on offer.

Langkawi

Day 8: Bathe in the Serenity of the Coast

There’s nothing on the itinerary today - it’s time to relax and rejuvenate. You have the entire day free to spend at your own pace and leisure.

With its surreal bays and beaches, the region is emerging as one of Malaysia’s top tourism destinations. As Malaysia’s second World Heritage Site, the area is home to a geodiversity and biodiversity in need of preservation. 

There’s a plethora of optional experiences and activities on offer in Langkawi and the surrounding areas. Our top choices include a visit to the towering Skybridge or the mangrove tour which allows you to reconnect to nature.

If you're looking to hit the water, why not snorkel, scuba dive or jetski to see a different point of view of the island. 

Desaru

Day 9: Explore Malaysia’s Southern Tip in Johor Bahru

After breakfast, we will take a flight from Langkawi Island to Johor Bahru, a city on the border shared with Singapore. 

Upon arrival, we will have a short sightseeing tour of Johor City, located at the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. Our visit will cover some of Johor’s most significant sightseeing spots including the grandiose Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Royal Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, and the impressive Grand Palace. 

Return to Resort Lotus Desaru in the evening and wind down with the family. There’s only a couple days left so make it count.

Desaru

Day 10: Quality Family Time in Johor Bahru

Spend some quality time with the family today lounging around the grounds of the resort. It’s a popular beachside resort boasting a number of activities for you and the family. 

As a resort for families, your kids are sure to meet a friend or two through the group activities on offer such as beach volleyball and sandy soccer. It’s the perfect time for you to sit back and relax.

If you're looking to go further afield, why not head out on an excursion to Legoland - an amusement park that’s fun for the whole family.

Melaka

Day 11: Sojourn through the Streets of Melaka

After breakfast, we will depart from Johor Bahru to Melaka, a city steeped in cultural traditions formed from the legend of Parameswara.

With an illustrious history, Melaka was one of the region’s greatest trading ports. During European colonization, buildings were built which have now become the centerpoint of the city’s historical and main tourist attractions either for sightseeing or research. Among the places to visit include A’Famosa, St Paul’s Hill, Stadhuys, and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple.

The city is now experiencing a period of renewal with its night markets and glitzy rickshaws perfect for you and your family.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Day 12: Say Farewell to Malaysia

All good things must come to an end but we hope you and your family have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that this region of South East Asia has to offer -- the experiences and adventures at the center of its magnificent natural beauty and the people that make Malaysia the country that it is.

At an arranged time you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight back to Kuala Lumpur where you’ll be able to catch your onward international flight back home. 

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!