Lesser-known Peninsular Malaysia: Taman Negara & Redang Island

Transfer from Kuala Lumpur airport to the city centre - Transfer from Kuala Lumpur airport to the city centre - Kuala Lumpur brief city tour

Day 1: Kuala Lumpur

Transfer from Kuala Lumpur airport to the city centre
Other Transfer: Upon arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) you will be met and transferred to your hotel to relax, unwind and rest. Estimated travel time: approximately 1 hour


Kuala Lumpur brief city tour
Excursion: If you have limited time in the city you can still get a taste of the its history and culture with this brief tour, allowing you time to take some great photos and marvel and the city's impressive architecture. Kuala Lumpur has been the location of numerous history-defining moments in Malaysia and this orientation tour of the city covers all of the major historical landmarks, as well as provides you with an insight into the tradition and cultural heritage of the major communities. Our guide will give you a brief introduction to the city's fascinating history from its humble beginnings to what it is today - a modern cosmopolitan city. Major highlights of the tour include the National Monument, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Independence Square, the Selangor Club and the King’s Palace.

Petronas Twin Towers & Batu Caves tours

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers & Batu Caves tours
Excursion: You will be transferred to the Petronas Twin Towers for a 45-minute tour of the world's tallest twin structures,. You will visit the stunning Skybridge that connects the two structures, as well as the 86th Floor Observation Deck - both of these viewing platforms give you a breathtaking panorama of the buzzing city. Then, you will set off to the iconic Batu Caves in Selangor, a limestone outcrop made up of three caves. The most impressive is made slightly daunting by the enormous statue of the Hindu god Muruga standing outside its entrance, a sacred shrine to the deity. Here you will climb 272 steps to reach the reward of a stunning view of the city's futuristic skyline. During Thaipusam Festival the cave is transformed into a frenzy with the festival attracting over one million devotees. Many carry milk pots as offerings or walk in long procession with colourful chariots hooked on to their body. Royal Selangor is the largest producer of pewter in the world and you will also have the opportunity to see the craftsman at work. In the afternoon, you are free to explore the city at your leisure.

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

Day 3: Taman Negara National Park

Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara overland
Boat Transfer: Overland transfer to Kuala Tahan, followed by taking a river crossing boat to your hotel. Estimated travel time: 4 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 4: 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.

Transfer from Taman Negara to Kuantan - Transfer from Taman Negara to Kuantan - Brief drive around the Kuantan town

Day 5: Kuantan

Transfer from Taman Negara to Kuantan
Other Transfer: Depart the village of Kuala Tahan by overland transfer to the busy coastal town of Kuantan - the largest on the east coast and Malaysia's second biggest port. Estimated travel time: 6 hours 40 minutes


Brief drive around the Kuantan town
Excursion: Kuantan’s strategic location and large population make it the largest city on the east coast of Malaysia and the leading urban growth centre in the region. You will be given a brief drive around the town before checking into your hotel. Then you are free to explore at your leisure. At the heart of the city lies the magnificent state mosque, admire its giant blue domed roof and stately white minarets, and in the surrounding area you get a sense of the history of the city evinced by the colonial buildings that survive. For an interesting day out catch a bus, taxi or car to Sungai Lembing town and visit the world’s largest underground tin mines. Nearby you can trek to the top of Bukit Panorama for a stunning view of the rural surroundings. If you manage to fit in a morning hike make your way to Sungai Lembing morning market for a well-deserved breakfast - tuck into a steaming bowl of yong tau fu and noodles. A beautiful sunrise haven can be found in the beach town of Cherating about 50 kilometres north of Kunantan. For a beach that’s closer to home you might take a stroll along Teluk Cempedak, a serene spot where you can relax with a gin sling and watch the day end in a beautiful sunset.

Transfer from Kuantan to Shahbandar jetty - Transfer from Kuantan to Shahbandar jetty - Transfer from Shahbandar jetty to Redang by boat

Day 6: Redang Island

Transfer from Kuantan to Shahbandar jetty
Other Transfer: Depart Kuantan via the East Coast Expressway and travel on the coastal road fringed with green casuarina trees, swaying coconut palms and tranquil wooden houses. Terengganu is a state full of cultural heritage including songket weaving and batik printing. Drop off at Shahbandar jetty. Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes


Transfer from Shahbandar jetty to Redang by boat
Boat Transfer: You will catch the ferry from the Shahbandar jetty to the idyllic Redang Island. Sitting just off the east coast of Malaysia, Redang is a tropical paradise with stretches of fine, white sand, swaying palm trees and azure waters - the perfect island getaway. Estimated travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

At Leisure on Redang Island

Day 7: Redang Island

At Leisure on Redang Island
Excursion: Redang Island is an emerald of virgin forest fringed with beaches of soft white sand and swaying palm trees, surrounded by a sea of turquoise waters. Its remote bays make the island a paradise if you’re looking to unwind and soak up some sun, or you might want to cool off and spend the afternoon leisurely exploring the stunning marine life amidst the coral reef with some snorkelling or scuba diving. The beach at Berjaya hotel is one of the best on the island, but if you’re looking for a more secluded spot you can hire a boat and head to the bays of Teluk Dalam, Teluk Kalong and Pasir Panjang on the island's eastern side. You can also work up a sweat with some jungle trekking and canoeing, or travel further afield and island hop to the smaller paradise of Lang Tengah island - this undeveloped island offers excellent snorkelling spots.

A second free day on Redang Island

Day 8: Redang Island

A second free day on Redang Island
Excursion: Enjoy another day at leisure on the beach. Take part in seaside activities or get stuck into a good book.

Transfer from Redang Island to Shahbandar Jetty by boat - Transfer from Redang Island to Shahbandar Jetty by boat - Transfer from Shahbandar Jetty to Kuala Terengganu airport

Day 9:

Transfer from Redang Island to Shahbandar Jetty by boat
Boat Transfer: You will catch the ferry from the paradise that is Redang Island and travel to Shahbandar Jetty in Kuala Terenggnau. Estimated travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes


Transfer from Shahbandar Jetty to Kuala Terengganu airport
Other Transfer: Meet at Shahbandar jetty and transfer to Kuala Terengganu Airport. Estimated travel time: 20 minutes