Discover Malaysia

Discover Malaysia

13 days from £2859 per person

Close up view of a stylised multi-coloured dragon at a Chinese temple in Malaysia

Malaysia is a vibrant and cosmopolitan country home to diverse peoples and cultures, thriving modern cities, charming colonial towns and exceptional natural beauty. This classic journey explores the mainland of Malaysia and incorporates the very best of the peninsula. Beginning in the capital Kuala Lumpur, spend two days here before driving to Taman Negara to explore the flora and fauna of one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. Continuing on, visit the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands and Penang, the oldest British settlement in Malaysia, before relaxing on the beach in Langkawi.

Route: Kuala Lumpur – Taman Negara – Cameron Highlands – Penang – Langkawi

Itinerary Highlights

Taman Negara is an immense national park on the Malay Peninsula, containing tigers, macaques and much birdlife. There are canopy walkways, river trips and jungle treks.

The Cameron Highlands is a hill station, 200km from Kuala Lumpur. The climate here is excellent for tea and many fruits and flowers also thrive in the pleasant atmosphere.

George Town, on Penang Island off the north-west coast of Malaysia, was founded by the British in 1786. It was here there the Japanese officially surrendered in 1945.

Itinerary: Discover Malaysia

Day 1 Depart UK

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight non-stop to Kuala Lumpur. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Kuala Lumpur

Arrive in Kuala Lumpur where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The bustling capital of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur has developed from a small, rural trading outpost into one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in South East Asia. The city is a melting-pot of cultures and religions and offers an excellent food scene. (N)
Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur: Majestic Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

Alternative upgrade option: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

Day 3 Kuala Lumpur

Spend the day exploring Kuala Lumpur with your guide. Visit the King’s Palace and excellent National Museum, before exploring the picturesque Lake Gardens on foot where you can enjoy great views of the Malaysian parliament building. Wander through the interesing colonial centre of the city and see the hundred-year-old Masjid Jamek, Sultan, Merdeka Square and Abdul Samad Building. Scale the KL Tower for a spectacular panoramic view of the city at the end of the day, relax with a cocktail and discover the wonderful street food Kuala Lumpur has to offer. (B)
Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur: Majestic Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

Alternative upgrade option: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

Day 4 Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara – 240kms

This morning leave Kuala Lumpur and drive to Kuala Tembeling. From here board a boat and travel upriver to Kuala Tahan for a two night stay at the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort. Taman Negara National Park was established in 1938 and covers a vast area. Predominately dense impenetrable jungle, it is believed that the rainforest here is close to 130 million years old making it one of the oldest habitats of this type in the world. Taman Negara is also the location of the highest mountain on the Malay Peninsula, Gunung Tahan. (B/D)

Accommodation in Taman Negara: Mutiara Taman Negara Resort (or similar)

Day 5 Taman Negara National Park

Spend a memorable day with your guide in Taman Negara National Park. Home to a remarkable variety of flora – including orchid, fern and rafflesia – a highlight is the canopy walkway for a unique perspective on the forest below. Taman Negara also supports numerous animals including elephant, tiger, gaur and leopard although sightings of these elusive creatures are extremely rare. Various snake species, monkey, deer and lizard are more commonly seen and the bird-watching is excellent. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Taman Negara: Mutiara Taman Negara Resort (or similar)

Day 6 Taman Negara to Cameron Highlands – 250kms

Today depart Taman Negara and drive to the Cameron Highlands stopping en-route to visit the Batu Caves which are a major Hindu pilgrimage centre. At an altitude of around 1,600 metres above sea level, the highlands developed in the late 19th century as a retreat for the British wishing to escape the heat of the plains. The Cameron Highlands are also a major tea producing region. (B)

Accommodation in Cameron Highlands: Cameron Highland Resort (or similar)

Day 7 Cameron Highlands

After breakfast drive to Mount Brinchang, the highest mountain of the highlands, and walk through the Mossy Forest with its unique indigenous flora including the carnivorous pitcher plant, primitive fern varieties and wild orchid. There is a strong tea culture in the highlands and there will be an opportunity to visit a tea factory to learn how tea is planted, plucked and processed. (B)

Accommodation in Cameron Highlands: Cameron Highland Resort (or similar)

Day 8 Cameron Highlands to Penang – 295kms

This morning leave the Cameron Highlands and take the scenic route north towards Penang stopping en-route to visit the cave temple in Ipoh and the Ubudiah Mosque in Kuala Kangsar. Crossing the Penang Bridge to Penang Island, stay for two nights at Geroge Town, the island’s capital. (B)

Accommodation in Penang: Clove Hall (or similar)

Upgrade option: Eastern and Oriental Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Penang

‘Pearl of the Orient’, Penang is the oldest British settlement in Malaysia and today explore George Town with your guide. With its well-preserved colonial architecture and lively Chinatown, George Town is a gem. Visit the ruins of Fort Cornwallis, spend some time in the Museum and Art Gallery then wander the atmospheric streets and chaotic narrow lanes. George Town also has a vibrant culinary culture and is rightly considered to be the food capital of the country. (B)

Accommodation in Penang: Clove Hall (or similar)

Upgrade option: Eastern and Oriental Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Penang to Langkawi – by air

Today transfer to Penang Airport and fly to the Langkawi archipelago. Located in the Andaman Sea in the far north-west of the country, Langkawi offers warm seas, palm-fringed beaches and excellent snorkelling. (B)

Accommodation in Langkawi: The Andaman (or similar)

Upgrade option: The Datai

Alternative upgrade option: Four Seasons Resort

Days 11 – 12 Langkawi

At leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel. (B)

Accommodation in Langkawi: The Andaman (or similar)

Upgrade option: The Datai

Alternative upgrade option: Four Seasons Resort

Day 13 Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur – by air/ Depart Kuala Lumpur

Today fly from Langkawi back to Kuala Lumpur. On arrival connect onto the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.