Classic Malaysia highlights tour

Transfer from Kuala Lumpur airport to Malacca - Transfer from Kuala Lumpur airport to Malacca

Day 1: Malacca

Transfer from Kuala Lumpur airport to Malacca
Other Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the city of Malacca, on Malaysia's southwest coast. Estimated travel time: 2 hours

At leisure in Malacca

Day 2: Malacca

At leisure in Malacca
Excursion: Malacca was once one of the great trading ports of Asia, and a critical staging post for the exploratory voyages of Zheng He (China's greatest traveller). Wandering the backstreets now is a step back in time to the colonial era and beyond, a world preserved in the historic centre of the city. While you're here be sure to see Paul’s Hill and the renowned Porta De Santiago. Built as a fortress by the Portuguese in 1511 the historic landmark is one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in all of Asia, today it is admired by travellers from all over the world. For a sense of the spiritual and cultural richness of the city visit the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malaysia’s oldest traditional Chinese Temple. The dark timber beams and beautifully carved woodwork of the saddled roof enclose the tranquil ambiance of the central prayer hall, where a gold and red robed statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, watches over. Then amble along Jonkers Street, where you can hunt for antique souvenirs. If you have time you can also visit the Baba Nyonya Museum for an interesting insight into the lifestyle and traditions of the unique Peranakans. The museum takes you on a journey into late 19th century and early 20th century Malaysia as you wander through the home of Baba Chan Cheng Siew (1865-1919), whose distinctive taste reflects the opulence that was fashionable in many Peranakan homes of this era.

Transfer from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur - Transfer from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur

Day 3: Kuala Lumpur

Transfer from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur
Other Transfer: You will be picked up and will head along the highway passing Seremban to Kuala Lumpur - the capital city of Malaysia. Estimated travel time: 2 hours

At leisure in Kuala Lumpur

Day 4: Kuala Lumpur

At leisure in Kuala Lumpur
Excursion: Malaysia’s buzzing capital is regarded as the centre of the country, with its futuristic skyline of steel-clad skyscrapers and renowned Petronas Twin Towers this vibrant hub of culture and technology is where it all happens. Nonetheless, it is the people that give the city its flavour. Here, a mixture of Chinese, Malay and Indian communities live together harmoniously, making the city an exciting stopover or short-stay location. To get a true taste of the city you’ll find that, despite the heat, taking to the streets is your best option. You’ll get in amongst the action of everyday life, whilst avoiding the frustration of being caught in the daily traffic jams that trail in and out of the city. Live as the locals do by indulging in two of their favourite pastimes: eating and shopping. Take your pick of one of the many modern shopping malls in the city’s entertainment district, Bukit Bintang, for some retail therapy, or if you’re looking for a bargain you may want to check out Chinatown and join in the excitement of haggling. With the variety of cultural influences it’s no surprise that the city’s major attraction is mouth-watering food. Along Kimberly Road, street chefs set up their food carts and you can enjoy cooked-to-order bowls of Char koay teow (stir-fried rice noodles) or steaming hokkien mee (noodles stir-fried with egg, pork, prawn, and spicy sambal sauce). On Penang Road seek out the ‘Penang Road Famous Laksa’ to try the state’s most famous dish, Penang Asam Laksa, a spicy-sour tamarind fish soup filled with rice noodles, a dollop of prawn paste, garlic, ginger, and chilli paste.

Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara by boat - Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara by boat - Night jungle walk in Taman Negara National Park

Day 5: Taman Negara National Park

Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara by boat
Boat Transfer: You are transferred to the Kuala Tembeling Jetty, where you will have some time at leisure before beginning your journey. You depart on an out-board powered, canopied longboat for the 40 mile river cruise up the Tembeling River, passing through the rubber plantations and Malay villages before arriving at Taman Negara’s Headquarters at Kuala Tahan. Estimated travel time: 3 hours


Night jungle walk in Taman Negara National Park
Excursion: Renowned for being the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, Taman Negara is an impenetrable tangle of ancient trees, a vast green blanket covering 4,343 square kilometres from Pahang to Kelantan and Terengganu. The 130 million year old virgin rainforest provides a home for some of the world’s most unique flora, such as the giant rafflesia (the world’s largest flower), and rarest wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards and rhinos, as well as smaller wonders like the flying squirrel, snakes, lizards and birds. Assemble for an audio-visual presentation at the Interpretive Centre for a 30-45 minute introduction of the park put on by the Park Rangers. This will be followed by a guided night jungle walk, an unforgettable experience allowing you access to the secret world of the jungle’s nocturnal creatures. At night the sights and sounds of the rainforest are transformed and heightened, making for an enthralling, sensuous experience.

Taman Negara excursion

Day 6: Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara excursion
Excursion: Taman Negara offers one the most rewarding locations for jungle trekking, its thick forest teeming with life. From wildlife HQ make your way deep into the jungle for 1.7 kilometers along the popular trail to Bukit Teresek (334 metres). You can reach its peak in 45 minutes, trekking under the dense canopy of the rainforest before it gives way to the magnificent panoramic view of Gunung Tahan and the forest below. Then, walk along the world’s longest canopy walkway, a 1500 feet of path that appears to float high above the treetops strung up nearly 100 feet above ground level. This must-do activity offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the wilderness from a high vantage point. You will also visit Lata Berkoh, a spectacular cascade that marks the limit of easy navigability on the river. The deep pool below the cascade demonstrates the force of the river with its strong undercurrents and ice cold water, but there is a rocky area where you can relax and the rapids - an ideal for a picnic lunch. Here you can swim in the clear waters of the fall and enjoy the best nature has to offer. On the journey back you can unwind and lose yourself in the tranquility of the forest as you drift downstream without the disturbance of the boat’s motors.

Orang Asli Village visit - Kuala Terenggan rafting experience

Day 7: Taman Negara National Park

Orang Asli Village visit
Excursion: Visit an authentic aborigine settlement to see how man is able to live harmoniously with nature in a world far from the influences of modernisation. The Orang Asli people, meaning ‘the original people’, carry out their everyday lives almost just as their ancestors did, following traditions such as bamboo hunting still very much alive. There are two ethnics of Orang Asli in Taman Negara, Batek and Semokberi, and on this visit these friendly, smiling village people will show how to build your own own fire and even teach you how to use their bamboo hunting blowpipe.


Kuala Terenggan rafting experience
Excursion: Feel the strength and power of the river as you ride the seven rapids of the Sungai Tembeling. This white water rafting activity takes you from Kuala Trahan jetty to Kuala Terenggan, giving you an exhilarating experience in the heart of one of the richest ecosystems in the world - be prepared to get wet!

Transfer from Taman Negara to Cameron Highlands - Transfer from Taman Negara to Cameron Highlands

Day 8: Cameron Highlands

Transfer from Taman Negara to Cameron Highlands
Boat Transfer: You will be transferred to the jetty for your return boat trip to Kuala Tembeling. On arrival you will be met and continue to travel across the country to Cameron Highlands, the centre of Malaysian tea production, taking you to an altitude of 1500-1800 metres above sea level. Here, vegetables grow in abundance and everywhere flowers bloom in the cool climate, which can drop to eight degrees Celsius. Estimated travel time: 4 hours

Cameron Highlands tour

Day 9: Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands tour
Excursion: Out of the humid heat of the lowlands, life thrives in the temperate climate of Malaysia’s largest hill station area, the Cameron Highlands. Here, you can breathe in the fresh fragrant air and enjoy the cool breeze as vibrant tea plantations roll into the distance, giving way to the beautifully unspoiled natural region. This area is a walker’s paradise, with numerous trails leading into lush green scenery, all brought to life by crashing waterfalls, flitting birds and wild orchids. Wind your way up into the cool air of the lofty mountains to visit the largest tea plantation in Southeast Asia, Boh tea plantation, founded in 1929 during the British Colonial era. You will be able to watch the careful process that takes the aromatic black tea leaves from bush to bag. Later, you'll relax with a tea break, offering you the chance to savour some of the other wonderful varieties of tea processed onsite (tea factory closed on Mondays). Next, make your way to one of the many garden markets where your senses can indulge in the vibrant colour and scent of local fruit and vegetables - ripe, red strawberries, fresh vegetables and vibrant flowers highlight the richness of the fertile land.

Transfer from Cameron Highlands to Penang - Transfer from Cameron Highlands to Penang - Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island

Day 10: Ipoh - Penang

Transfer from Cameron Highlands to Penang
Other Transfer: You depart Cameron Highlands via the Simpang Pulai Highway and travel across the Penang Bridge, which crosses the Selatan Strait - a channel of water separating Penang Island from mainland Malaysia. Estimated travel time: 3 hours 25 minutes


Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island
Excursion: Take a boat ride to visit Orang Utan Island, nestled within the idyllic setting of the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort. The sanctuary, founded in 2000, has become a recognised ex-situ conservation facility and referral centre for the endangered Bornean orangutan, offering visitors first-hand education on these fascinating primates. You will soon see why the orangutan, 'man of the forest' in the local language, has become a well-known symbol of Malaysia - with their human-like mannerisms and inquisitive faces these creatures are truly endearing. A walk through the fenced tunnel enclosure is a humbling experience as you are placed in the wild abode of the orangutan, for a moment the tables are turned and the beautiful creatures become the observers as they roam free among the trees and the bushes, watching inquisitively. At the in-house infant care unit you get a rare viewing of baby orangutans cared for by the devoted staff, these little bundles of orange fur are just as playful and mischievous as any two year old. Visit to Orang Utan Island is subject to water level.

At leisure in Penang

Day 11: Penang

At leisure in Penang
Excursion: Continue your exploration of Penang, and anything you may have missed on Day 5: Penang's history as a meeting point between East and West has provided it with an incredibly varied architectural and cultural style, which culminates undoubtedly in George Town, the island’s main city. The eclectic mix of crumbling shophouses, ornate Chinese temples, decorated mosques and modern skyscrapers is an impressive reflection of the island’s cosmopolitan and diverse culture, making it a rewarding destination for any explorer. Immerse yourself in the rich history and take a stroll along the British Colonial avenues of Georgetown along the Heritage Trail, or for a novel experience of the capital city catch a ride in one of the brightly-coloured trishaws to the gates of Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest and finest temples in Southeast Asia. You might also visit the appropriately named Blue Mansion - a magnificent 38-room mansion that blends Eastern and Western design, highlighted by its distinctive indigo blue exterior. To see the island from a different perspective take the funicular railway from Air Itam to the top of Penang Hill and enjoy the expansive views overlooking lush jungle, colonial-style George Town and the distant mainland. If you’re feeling ambitious or wish to explore at a more leisurely pace there are a number of trails leading up to the summit, and in the tropical heat the promise of a traditional high tea with fresh scones at Dan Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terrace is a delicious reward. Experience the island’s natural bounty by visiting the Tropical Fruit Farm located in the hilly terrain of Teluk Behang, where you’ll be taken on a tour of the luscious orchards and given the chance to taste the unique flavours of each exotic fruit. The orchard also prepares light snacks, juices and a generous BBQ buffet spread on the weekends and public holidays.

Domestic flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur - Domestic flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur

Day 12:

Domestic flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur
Scheduled flight Transfer: We will ensure that you arrive at Penang airport (PEN) for your flight to Kuala Lumpur airport (KUL). You will then catch a connecting flight home, have a safe trip! Estimated travel time: 1 hour