Malaysia’s peninsula conjures images of charming colonial towns, lush rainforest, vibrant cities and palm-fringed beaches and this two-week tour explores the best of the region.
After experiencing the busy city of Singapore, cross the Straits of Johor and drive up the West Coast of the Malay Peninsula, taking in the historic city of Malacca and the fast–growing capital of Kuala Lumpur. Travel to Taman Negara to explore the flora and fauna of one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests before relaxing in the pleasant surroundings of the Cameron Highlands tea hills. Continue to the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Penang, which is known for its diverse culture, colonial architecture and exciting culinary scene. The tour finishes on the beautiful, tropical island of Langkawi with time at your leisure.
Singapore – Malacca – Kuala Lumpur – Taman Negara – Cameron Highlands – Penang – Langkawi
Trip Highlights
- Highlights of Singapore include the Botanical Orchid Gardens and bustling Chinatown
- Walk along the canopy walkway for a unique perspective of Taman Negara rainforest
- Visit the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s scenic hill station known for its tea production
- Explore the UNESCO city of George Town on the island of Penang, the ‘Pearl of Asia’
- Relax on the palm-fringed island Langkawi home to beautiful beaches and rainforest
- Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of culture, people, art and food
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Depart London on the British Airways flight direct to Singapore.
Day 2
Arrive Singapore
Arrive in Singapore and transfer to your accommodation. Located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is an eclectic city that is a mix of futuristic skyscrapers juxtaposed with old British colonial architecture, shophouses and landscaped gardens.
Voco Orchard Singapore
Artyzen Singapore
Day 3
Singapore
Take a guided tour of the city where you will first drive around the Civic District to see the Padang, Cricket Club, old Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. Continue to the famous Merlion Park which is home to impressive views of Marina Bay as well as the iconic Merlion statue, a mythological creature that is part lion, part fish. Head to Chinatown, a bustling mix of old and new filled with markets, shops and street food stalls. End the tour at the spectacular UNESCO-listed National Orchid Garden within the Singapore Botanical Gardens which is home to over 60,000 orchid plants as well as Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.
- Breakfast
Voco Orchard Singapore
Artyzen Singapore
Day 4
Singapore to Malacca – 252 kms
Early morning cross the Johor Causeway, which links Singapore with mainland Malaysia. Continue to the historic city of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage town, which was founded in 1403. In the evening enjoy a culinary tour of Malacca. Stop at a variety of local restaurants, some offer traditional Malay dishes while others offer culinary treats influenced by overseas traders who came to Malacca over the past 2,000 years.
- Breakfast
Liu Men Hotel
Casa del Rio Melaka
Day 5
Malacca to Kuala Lumpur – 145 kms
Today take a guided tour of Malacca. Steeped in history as a trading post due to its vital location along the Malacca Strait, the town is a melting pot of cultures and is known for its Portuguese and Dutch influences. Explore the city on foot first stopping at A Famosa, one of the oldest remaining examples of European architecture in the region before climbing St Paul’s Hill to visit the Church. Continue to the Stadthuys, one of the best pieces of Dutch colonial architecture, before sampling a traditional lunch at a Peranakan style restaurant, a cuisine that is influenced by the Cantonese, Portuguese and Malay ingredients. Head to Temple Street which is renowned for its range of temples and mosques and explore the Baba-Nyonya Museum which highlights the unique Peranakan culture. Continue onto to Kuala Lumpur and proceed to your accommodation.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Stripes Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
Day 6
Kuala Lumpur
This morning set off to the Batu Caves – a cave where you will climb 272 steps to reach the entrance of the main cave noted for its sacred Hindu shrine devoted to Lord Muruga. On return to Kuala Lumpur take a guided tour of the city where highlights include the colourful Buddhist temple of Thean Hou, the National Mosque, Independence Square, Central Market and Chinatown. Finish off at the iconic Petrona Towers to photograph this impressive landmark.
- Breakfast
Stripes Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
Day 7
Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara – 212 kms and boat
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.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Mutiara Taman Negara
Day 8
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 birdwatching is excellent. View the rainforest canopy as you walk along the 530m walkway, 40m above ground level, that offers panoramic views of the flora and fauna. In the afternoon take a cruise on the Tahan River to Lata Berkoh where you will then walk to reach a cascading waterfall.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Mutiara Taman Negara
Day 9
Taman Negara to Cameron Highlands – 260 kms
Today depart Taman Negara and drive to the Cameron Highlands. 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.
- Breakfast
Cameron Highland Resort
Day 10
Cameron Highlands to Penang via Ipoh – 260 kms
This morning embark on a 4WD tour of the Cameron Highlands. Take a tour of the Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation before driving to higher heights to the Mossy Forest of Gunung Brinchang. Learn about the value and use of medicinal plants as well as the ecosystem of the rainforest. Continue to the Sungai Palas BOH Tea Factory for a tour and light refreshments before driving to the cave temple town of Ipoh. Visit Kek Lok Tong cave temple that was used as early as the 1920’s as a place of worship. Set in a limestone outcrop, explore this picturesque temple featuring a number of Buddhist figures. Drive to Penang arriving in the afternoon.
- Breakfast
Campbell House
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Day 11
Penang
Today explore Penang known as the Pearl of Asia and the oldest British settlement in Malaysia. See the various attractions in George Town, a UNESCO-listed city, including the Thai Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Burmese Temple and Khoo Kongsi, a beautiful Chinese Clan House. Finish the tour with a visit to Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, home to intricate carvings, murals and sculptures as well as opulent pagodas and archways that are decorated with hanging Chinese lanterns. In the evening you may wish to take part in a food tour to discover Penang’s vibrant and renowned culinary scene.
- Breakfast
Campbell House
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Day 12
Penang to Langkawi – by air
Today fly from Penang to Langkawi a mountainous, palm-fringed island with scattered fishing villages, paddy-fields and sandy coves.
- Breakfast
Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa
The Datai
Day 13
Langkawi & Kilim Geoforest Park
This morning cruise through the green mangrove forest at Kilim Geoforest Park by boat to learn about these vital ecosystems. Admire the spectacular limestone rock formations and sea stacks that rise dramatically from the ocean and explore the dark bat caves that are seeped in fables and mystery. Enjoy a beach stop which allows for a swim in the sparkling Andaman Sea before having lunch at a traditional floating restaurant.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa
The Datai
Day 14
Langkawi
Today is at leisure to relax and enjoy the resort and Langkawi’s fine beaches.
- Breakfast
Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa
The Datai
Day 15
Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur – by air/ Kuala Lumpur to the UK
Fly from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur and connect onto the British Airways flight to London.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Extend your time in Malaysia by flying to Borneo, a remote wilderness of tropical jungle that supports on the world’s most diverse ecosystems. See orangutang, snorkel in the blue clear waters off Gaya Island and visit the traditional longhouses in Kuching.
Suka Suka Lake Homestay located on Chenderoh Lake offers an authentic Malay homestay where you will stay with a local family to observe traditional life. Kayak across the lake, cook dinner with your hosts and visit nearby village home to wooden stilted houses.
Off of Malaysia’s southeast coast lies Tioman Island, one of the country’s most impressive and beautiful isles where the main attractions include postcard-perfect white sandy beaches, crystalline waters and fabulous snorkelling and diving spots.
Guide to Price
15 days from £4890 - £5890 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4890 - £5890
Travel Information
Getting there
There are regular direct flights to Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur from the UK with both Malaysia Airlines and British Airways. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines all offer indirect flights via their respective hubs.
Flying times from UK
A direct flight from London to Kuala Lumpur takes between 12 and 14 hours. The total length of travel time for an indirect flight depends on the airline and the route you take.
Time zone
Malaysia is +8 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa requirements
If you are a British national you do not need a visa to visit Malaysia and on arrival in the country will be given permission to stay for three months. If you plan to stay for longer than three months a visa must be obtained in advance of your arrival. You should also ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive in Malaysia.
Do’s and don’ts
In Malaysia the head is the most sacred part of the body. You should only touch another person’s head if you know them very well and are certain they will not take offence. This includes children.
Avoid pointing at anything or anyone with your feet, or indeed resting them on a table. This is very disrespectful. It is also considered rude to point with your index finger, particularly if you are pointing at another person. Instead, use your thumb on your right hand.
Malaysia is a Muslim country and although western clothing is common in Kuala Lumpur and at some beaches you still need to be appropriately covered to visit a mosque. Some mosques will have long sleeved clothes for you to borrow.
Most Malaysians are very friendly and welcoming but you can avoid staring by covering your chest, arms and legs, especially if you are a woman.
Money
The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysia Ringgit (RM) and is divided into sen. Notes come in 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 Ringgits and coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen. Pound Sterling and US Dollars are widely accepted throughout Malaysia and both are easy to exchange with facilities to do this at airports, authorised dealers and hotels. If in remote areas it may be harder to exchange money so it is better to carry local currency with you. All major credit cards are accepted in Malaysia and ATM machines are widespread although in rural areas it is still better to carry Ringgits should a card not be accepted or an ATM not working.
Tipping
In Malaysia, tipping is not generally expected. Normally when you go to a restaurant, a service charge of 10% will be added to your bill, however, it is common practice to tip service staff in a bar. A guideline for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food and drink
A fusion of three of the world’s most loved cuisines – Chinese, Indian and Malay – the food in Malaysia is truly exceptional. The national dish of Malaysia is called 'Nasi lemak' and is rice steamed with coconut milk, served alongside dried anchovies, peanuts and eggs. Nasi lemak can be found all over the country. Another favourite is 'Nasi goreng', a Malay-style fried rice, which is very popular and commonly found being served at street stalls and night markets. In Malaysia Chinese food is normally eaten with chopsticks whilst Indian and Malay food is eaten with the fingers or knife and fork. Beer, wine and spirits and found throughout the country and locally brewed beers such as Tiger and Anchor are very popular. In tribal areas of Borneo look out for a traditional rice wine called tuak.
Accommodation
As one of Asia’s most developed countries, Malaysia has a huge range of accommodation from smaller boutique hotels to historic properties and luxurious five star resorts. The vast majority of the accommodation on the peninsula is of a very high standard and there are some excellent heritage hotels. On Borneo accommodation tends to be more rustic in nature with a focus on eco-lodges, rainforest retreats and traditional style accommodation. With the exception of Kuala Lumpur where there are plenty of hotel options, accommodation in smaller towns and remote locations often needs to be booked well in advance, especially if planning to travel during peak times or key holidays such as Chinese New Year.
Shopping
Aside from Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Bradt, a good place to start is with Janet Tay and Eric Forbes' ‘Urban Odysseys’ – a collection of short stories detailing everyday life in Kuala Lumpur. For a more holistic look at the country, try Farish A Noor's ‘Searching for the Other Malaysia’ which journeys around the country covering everywhere from Majapahit to Putrajay. For a history of the country try ‘A Short History of Malaysia’, by Virginia Matheson Hooker or ‘Malayan Spymaster: Memoirs of a Rubber Planter, Bandit Fighter and Spy’, by Boris Hembry.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) Web Site on www.masta.org. The NHS ‘Fit for Travel’ website (http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx) is also a useful resource.
Travel advice
For current information on Malaysia the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (https://safertourism.org.uk/) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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