Summary
Short description
Backdrop neon cities and evocative colonial towns with island paradises and remote jungles
Highlights
- Cruise between Malacca’s riches both colonial and Oriental
- Taste your way through the Cameron Highlands
- Walk through the canopy of a wildlife-filled rainforest
- End with the European forts and idyllic beaches of Penang
- Enjoy private transfers, touring and boutique stays throughout
In Brief
- 2 Nights Kuala Lumpur
- 2 Nights Taman Negara National Park
- 2 Nights The Cameron Highlands
- 2 Nights Penang
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | History & culture | Relaxation | Wildlife
From exotic rainforests and white-sand islands to skyscraping megacities and pretty colonial ports, the delights of peninsular Malaysia are truly diverse. And, you’ll take it all in with boutique stays, private transfers and exclusive touring included throughout, whether it’s tea tasting in the Cameron Highlands or a night safari and canopy walk in Taman Negara. You’ll also be treated to Kuala Lumpur’s iconic skyline along with the colonial charm of beach-fringed Penang and Malacca, where you’ll enjoy a river cruise between Chinese temples and European forts.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Depart UK
Begin your trip with complimentary airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur.
Day
2
Kuala Lumpur
Arriving into the Malaysian capital, you’ll be met by a private driver who’ll see you to your boutique accommodation. It’s something of a central oasis, pairing thatched good looks, a rooftop terrace and a garden pool with easy access to the likes of the Petronas Towers – the city’s skyscraping icon. However, don’t also miss out on Kuala Lumpur’s colourful vibrancy, best taken in with its bustling Chinatown, Indian enclaves and even helipad bars. There’s also everything from giant aviaries to historic temples in between its glass-and-steel skyline.
Stay: Villa Samadhi (Superior)
Day
3
Malacca
Today, you’ll be met by your guide who’ll bring you south to a full-day private tour of Malacca – a charming 14th-century port town. You’ll get your bearings with a river cruise, sweeping past colonial buildings and traditional villages alike before enjoying a walking tour of the old town. Watch as wooden barges still crowd the historic port with produce from Sumatra before taking in such highlights as bright-red, 18th-century churches, a ruined Portuguese fort from the 1500s and the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Throughout, you’ll be impressed with everything from Victorian chandeliers to Dutch-colonial residences and, yes, an included lunch. At day’s end, your private driver will bring you back to Kuala Lumpur.
Stay: Villa Samadhi (Superior)
Meals: B L
Days
4-5
Taman Negara National Park
After breakfast, your private driver will see you through the rolling countryside to board a canopied longboat, passing traditional villages and rubber plantations as you journey up the Tembeling River. You’ll arrive at your timber chalet – the park’s only accommodation – to a naturalist’s presentation and the first of your full-board delicacies. End with a guided night walk, showcasing the rainforest’s nocturnal species with atmospheric hides. The next day, you’ll be treated to a canopy-level view with a 30-metre-high walkway before a short trek brings you to a sweeping hilltop view over the park. After an included lunch, cool off in the beautifully cascading Lata Berkoh Waterfalls, reached by longboat.
Stay: Mutiara Taman Negara (Standard)
Meals: B D
Days
6-7
The Cameron Highlands
Retracing your bow wake, the return river journey will bring you out of the rainforest to a private transfer up to your mock-Tudor country house in the misted Cameron Highlands. The next day, you’ll be met by a Land Rover and private guide to summit the 6,000-feet-high Gunung Brinchang for truly panoramic views of the region. Then, an interpretive walk through the gnarled Mossy Forest will showcase everything from exotic orchids to medicinal plants. Descending, you’ll also stop off at rose gardens, vegetable farms and one of the region’s finest tea plantations. Here, between a terrace walk and factory visit, you’ll enjoy a snack-paired tasting.
Stay: The Lakehouse (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
8-9
Penang
After breakfast, you’ll be met by your private driver for the journey to Penang, crossing its eight-mile bridge to arrive at your accommodation – a contemporary jewel hidden away on the white sands of the island’s north coast. The following day, you’ll enjoy a private tour of George Town – Penang’s colonial heart. Here, you’ll compare Anglican churches and colonial forts to Chinese and Hindu temples as you wander through narrow laneways and markets coloured with spices, antiques and flower garlands. You’ll also pay particular attention to the 19th-century Khoo Kongsi – the grandest clan temple in Malaysia.
Stay: PARKROYAL Penang Resort (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
10-11
Depart for UK
After breakfast, a final private transfer will see you to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
11-day tailor-made independent tour from £0 pp incl. flights
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