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 three days here including a visit to Malacca before driving to the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands and the cave temple town of Ipoh. Continue to vibrant Penang, the oldest British settlement in Malaysia, before a stay on Banding Island where you will discover Royal Belum State Park, one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest which is home to the giant Rafflesia plant.
Kuala Lumpur – Cameron Highlands – Ipoh – Penang – Lake Banding – Kuala Lumpur
Trip Highlights
- The historic port city of Malacca boasts a rich trading history and multicultural heritage
- Stay in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s picturesque tea producing hill station
- Flanked by towering cliffs, discover the cave temples and colonial architecture of Ipoh
- Explore Georgetown’s pastel-coloured homes, Chinese temples and culinary scene
- Spend two nights at the Belum Rainforest Retreat located on Banding Island
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight to Kuala Lumpur.
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.
Stripes Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
Day 3
Kuala Lumpur
Spend the day exploring Kuala Lumpur with your guide. Start your day off by visiting the Chow Kit Market, the city’s largest covered market which houses a maze of stalls selling goods from spices and seafood to fruit and vegetables. Wander through the interesting colonial centre of the city and see the hundred-year-old Masjid Jamek, Sultan, Merdeka Square and Abdul Samad Building. After a traditional lunch continue to Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Taoist temple which features an ornate interior and elaborate roof ridges. Spend the evening at leisure where you may wish to scale the KL Tower for a spectacular panoramic view of the city or discover the wonderful street food Kuala Lumpur has to offer.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Stripes Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
Day 4
Kuala Lumpur & Malacca
Today enjoy a full day tour of Malacca, a quaint trading port city which is over 600 years old. Malacca is a melting pot of people and cultures with influences ranging from the Dutch and Portuguese to Britain and China. Best explored by foot, although a trishaw can be used at an extra cost, meander through this historic city stopping at A Famosa, one of the oldest remaining examples of European architecture in the region before climbing St Paul’s Hill to visit St Paul’s Church. Continue to the Stadthuys, one of the best pieces of Dutch colonial architecture, before sampling a traditional lunch at a Peranakan style restaurant. 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. Finish the day with a river cruise for a unique view of the city before returning to Kuala Lumpur.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Stripes Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
Day 5
Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands – 250 kms
Continue with your driver across the country for the scenic drive to the Cameron Highlands, at an altitude of around 1,600 metres above sea level this is an important tea–producing region that was developed in the late 19th century as a retreat for the British wishing to escape the heat of the plains. Stop en-route to visit the Batu Caves which are a major Hindu pilgrimage centre. Once in the Cameron Highlands make a stop at The Smokehouse, an English Tudor style hotel built in 1937 where you will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.
- Breakfast
Cameron Highland Resort
Day 6
Cameron Highlands to Ipoh – 90 kms
This morning explore the picturesque scenery of the Cameron Highlands as well as visiting a tea plantation and processing factory where you will learn how local tea is produced. Continue to Ipoh where you will stop at the Kek Lok Tong, a cave temple that is set within a limestone outcrop which is home to impressive Buddhist figures. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Ipoh, previously a British colonial city that today marries old-world charm with a vibrant atmosphere.
- Breakfast
Weil Hotel
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
Day 7
Ipoh to Penang – 163 kms
This morning embark on a heritage walk around Ipoh where you will visit notable historical landmarks including the Railway Station – an excellent example of colonial architecture, Town Padang Mosque and the Birch Memorial Clock Tower. Enjoy meandering through the cobblestone streets soaking up the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of this colonial-era town. After lunch start your journey to Penang, often described as the Pearl of Asia. On arrival visit Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Explore this important landmark that boasts beautiful carvings, sculptures and murals as well as opulent pagodas and archways that are decorated with hanging Chinese lanterns.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Campbell House
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Day 8
Penang
Today explore the rich cultural tapestry of 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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Campbell House
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Day 9
Penang
Today explore the Balik Pulau region of Penang which is home to lush paddy fields, fruit orchards, plantations, mangrove forests and fishing villages. You can explore the area by foot or bicycle as you get to understand the Malaysian way of traditional life. On return to George Town you may wish to experience Penang’s exciting culinary scene, whether that be a hands-on cookery class or a tour of the city’s street food stalls by Vespa.
- Breakfast
Campbell House
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Day 10
Penang to Banding Island – 156 kms
Depart Penang after breakfast and take the 2.5 hour drive to Banding Island where you will stay at the Belum Rainforest Resort for two nights. Spend the afternoon at leisure where you may wish to explore the onsite herbal garden or take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool that overlooks the picturesque lake.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Belum Rainforest Resort
Day 11
Royal Belum State Park
Today will be spent exploring Lake Banding and Royal Belum State Park. After an early breakfast take a boat to the wilder parts of upper Belum where you will search for Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. Discover some of the world’s oldest rainforests as you trek across rivers and through lush jungle to multi-tiered waterfalls for a swim. The exact routing will be determined on the day depending on Rafflesia sightings, weather and water levels.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Belum Rainforest Resort
Day 12
Banding Island to Kuala Lumpur – by air
Today fly from Kota Bharu back to Kuala Lumpur for your final night in Malaysia. This evening you may wish to scale the iconic Petronas Towers to the sky lounge for incredible views of Kuala Lumpur, or we could arrange a food tour to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
- Breakfast
Stripes Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
Day 13
Kuala Lumpur to the UK
Depart Kuala Lumpur on the British Airways direct flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Located in the Andaman Sea in the far north-west of the country, the Langkawi archipelago offers warm seas, palm-fringed beaches and excellent snorkelling and can easily be added on after Penang.
Travel south to Singapore, one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western influences has created a melting pot of culture, cuisine and art. Highlights include the magnificent Botanic Gardens and futuristic Gardens by the Bay.
Extend your time in Malaysia by flying to Borneo, a remote wilderness of thick tropical jungle that supports one the world’s most diverse ecosystems. See orangutan in their natural habitat, take a river cruise down Kinabatangan River and explore the beautiful rainforest.
Tioman Island is one of Malaysia’s most impressive and beautiful east coast islands where the main attractions include postcard-perfect white sandy beaches, crystalline waters and fabulous diving and snorkelling.
Guide to Price
13 days from £3390 - £3990 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 £3390 - £3990
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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