Embark with us on an adventure to Malaysia, a hidden gem within the Commonwealth and former British Empire. Malaysia’s vibrant tapestry of culture and history awaits exploration. In Kuala Lumpur, modern skyscrapers harmonise with ancient temples, offering a captivating blend of tradition and innovation.
We journey to the serene Cameron Highlands, where verdant tea plantations and misty mountains provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Discover Penang, steeped in colonial heritage, where the charming streets of George Town tell stories of a bygone era. Venture to Borneo, the enchanting island paradise, where towering mountains and lush rainforests teem with diverse wildlife. Witness the majestic orangutans swinging through ancient trees, a sight that will leave you in awe.
Our journey culminates in Kota Kinabalu, a coastal gem embraced by rainforest and sea. Explore bustling markets, stroll along modern boardwalks, and unwind on pristine beaches. Malaysia beckons with its captivating beauty and rich tapestry of experiences, waiting to be discovered.
Extras
Today we depart the UK for an overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur.
We arrive in Kuala Lumpur and transfer to the hotel.
This evening. we visit the bustling night markets of Chinatown. We stroll through the open-air market and test our bargaining skills for a wide variety of merchandises. We stop at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple located in the heart of Chinatown. As we explore the temple, the smell of burning jasmine, the incessant chanting of the Hindu priest, intricately carved deities and the mystical aura combines to form a lasting impression of this religion. Afterwards, we enjoy a welcome dinner to get to know our fellow travellers.
After breakfast, we meet our guide for our visit to meet the indigenous people of the Orang Asli. We will be greeted by the local representative at the museum, which we will visit. The Orang Asli Museum is located nearby the village that showcases the history and tradition of the indigenous people. After this, we head to the community and meet the villagers. We will be shown how to cook in a bamboo and meet a local lady who will show us how to weave various handicrafts.
We then continue on to Kuala Lumpur. Though this city is better known for its modern high-rise skyscrapers and busy modern streets, we begin our tour at a typical Malay village. We stroll down the streets to find Malaysian style food stalls and marvel at the contrast of traditional small Malay houses against the backdrop of the famous twin towers and huge skyscrapers. We then take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank to witness the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers, the very spot that gave Kuala Lumpur its name.
When visiting Kuala Lumpur, there is one attraction that we definitely can’t miss – the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Standing at an incredible height of 451.9 meters, the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers are the number one architectural landmark of Kuala Lumpur and remain the world’s tallest twin structures to this very day. We take the high speed lift up to level 86 for a breathtaking view over the city. Further to that, we will step onto the sky bridge on the 41st and 42nd level, 170m above the ground.
Following breakfast this morning, we depart to the countryside. We visit the Batu Caves, a huge limestone outcrop that houses some very ornate Hindu temples. The Batu Caves is a popular place of worship for the Hindus. Each year during their celebration of Thaipusam, hundreds of thousands of Hindus will throng the temple.
After which, we proceed to the Cameron Highlands, which is 1542 meters above sea level. En route, we view the Lata Iskandar Waterfall. We then head to Tanah Rata and stop at the Lakehouse for afternoon tea with scones served with strawberry jam and cream.
We begin the day with a short stop at the Sungai Palas Tea Plantation – one of the largest plantations in South East Asia, before driving up to the highest peak of Cameron Highlands – Mount Brinchangv (6666 feet above sea level). Here we climb up to the viewing tower where we will be amazed with the magnificent view of the surrounding area with fresh and cool air.
We will have an interpretive trek into Mossy Forest that will reveal some of the exotic floras, such as carnivorous Pitcher Plant, wild Ginger, primitive Ferns and wild Orchids. Mossy Forest is also known as the cloudy forest, as it is usually enveloped in mist and gives you a feeling like you’re in a fairy tale. After a short drive down from the mountain, we visit the oldest tea factory in Malaysia. Have a cup of tea at the ‘Ummph’ Tea Café (not included), where we will be fascinated by the wide range of tea offered with panoramic view of the plantation.
Finally, our guide will lead us to the last stop of the tour today which is a Butterfly Farm. Here we will observe some beautiful species of butterflies including the renowned Raja Brooke and various kinds of insects and snakes.
After breakfast this morning, we depart the Cameron Highlands and head to Penang. En route, we stop at Kuala Kangsar – an attractive royal town. The route passes the Ubudiah Mosque and the Iskandariah Palace (royal palace). The Ubudiah Mosque is reported to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the country.
Not far from Perak’s royal town of Kuala Kangsar, in the district of Sayong, is the centre of a unique cottage industry specialising in the production of earthenware jugs, the Labu Sayong, another of Perak’s famous contribution to Malaysia’s traditional craft heritage. The Labu Sayong is an elegant, gourd shaped carafe that is used to keep water cool. The jug, with the characteristic double bulb design, is burnt to a black colour that gives it the ability to cool its contents quickly. It is even believed that the drinking water stored in the Labu Sayong has certain health properties to cure common ailments like a cough or fever.
We then head to the Ubudiah Mosque. Ranking high on the list of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques, Ubudiah Mosque stands proudly and majestically in Kuala Kangsar, with its golden dome
and minarets creating a spellbinding sight, from near and afar. The route passes the Ubudiah Mosque, where we see the bands of marble and the golden domes. Afterwards, we view the Iskandariah Palace (royal palace) from the outside.
After the visit, we continue our journey towards Penang, crossing over using the fourth longest bridge in Southeast Asia.
This morning, after breakfast, we meet our guide and transfer by coach to view Fort Cornwallis. This is where Francis Light and the crew landed in 1786. After this, we make our way to visit a joss stick maker where the local specialist will explain how to make a joss stick. We also visit the Khoo Kongsi – a magnificent hall embellished with intricate carvings and wood work. From Khoo Kongsi, we hop on a trishaw ride. We get to view the colonial buildings in Georgetown such as The City Hall, the Muntri Street and the Art Street.
We have the afternoon at leisure before we head to dinner together this evening, enjoying Peranakan cuisine.
Today we head to Borneo, flying from Penang Airport, to Kuala Lumpur Airport and then on to Sandakan in Borneo.
Upon arrival this afternoon, we transfer to the hotel.
This evening, we have the optional tour of a Rainforest Guided Walk (please see optional tours below).
After breakfast this morning, we head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. We take a short walk through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orangutans and then continue to the newly completed enclosed nursery area for young orangutans. We then visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world’s smallest bear.
Please see important information for camera usage at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.
After our visits, we transfer to Bilit Rainforest Resort, where we enjoy dinner and have the option to take an afternoon river cruise in search of wildlife and birds.
We rise early this morning, and embark on a morning river cruise to observe wildlife and experience the early morning river ambience along the longest river of Sabah. We return to the lodge for a late breakfast. We have the rest of the day free to enjoy the natural surroundings before heading out on another river cruise this afternoon to search for wildlife. After the cruise, we return to the lodge for dinner.
This morning, we enjoy breakfast in the rainforest before heading to the airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu, a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest. It’s known for its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, beaches and waterfront. Here we transfer to the Nexus Resort and Spa, nestled on a white sandy beach amidst the tropical landscape. We spend the rest of today and tomorrow at leisure, relaxing after a busy but exciting number of days.
Today we have a day at leisure. We can relax using the hotel’s spa facilities, head to the beach and listen to the lapping waves on the shore or enjoy something more active such as kayaking, paddle boarding or jet skiing.
There is also the option to join a Coral Island Tour to spend the day on a tropical island with sandy beaches, translucent waters and coral gardens (great for snorkelling and scuba diving). Including a BBQ lunch, this tour is at an extra cost and can be booked in resort.
This evening we get together for dinner in resort where we can swap stories with our fellow travellers of highlights of the tour.
We have breakfast this morning and later today transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for our flight back Kuala Lumpur Airport before embarking on the final leg home back to the UK.
Today we will arrive back into the UK.
Kuala Lumpur: Melia four-star – 2 nights
Cameron Highlands: Strawberry Park Resort four-star – 2 nights
Penang: Areca Hotel *boutique hotel* – 2 nights
Sandakan: Sabah Hotel three-star – 1 night
Sukau/Bilit: Bilit Rainforest Lodge – 2 nights
Kota Kinabalu: Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai four-star – 2 nights
Frequently Asked Questions
From Kuala Lumpur Airport to Melia hotel, it take roughly 1 hour.
In keeping with many Muslim countries, you will find that people in the capital city and other major towns are used to foreigners, and are therefore likely to be more tolerant and more liberal. However, away from the tourist areas, the population is more traditional and rigid so please be sure to cover your shoulders, stomach, hips and bare legs. It is hot and humid so we suggest that lightweight clothes in natural fibres (linen, silk or cotton) will be most comfortable. T-shirts and shorts are perfectly acceptable, but avoid skimpy or revealing clothes or you will get unwanted attention. Smart casual evening wear is recommended and comfortable shoes for sightseeing. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.
The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday of $5-7 per day to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.
If you are visiting Malaysia, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. If it is not, you may be refused entry and detained. You may also be refused entry and detained if your passport has any damage or has pages missing.
British nationals do not need a visa to visit Malaysia. You will normally be given permission to stay for 3 months on arrival. Visas for longer stays or for non-tourist purposes must be obtained from the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission before you travel.
You must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card to enter Malaysia. You should complete this before you travel as it may be requested at check-in and/or arrival to Malaysia.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever occur all year round. There has been an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever, including in Kuala Lumpur. You should take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes
The states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Sarawak have been declared as rabies infected. You should take precautions to protect yourself if you’re travelling in these areas.
UK health authorities have classified Malaysia as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.
In recent years, between June and October, there has been a greater incidence of haze caused by forest fires in Indonesia. Haze can cause disruption to local travel, regional air travel, and to government and private schools. Monitor the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) updates and health advisories issued by the Malaysian Department of Environment.
The Malaysian Ringgit is the currency unit of the Malaysia.
You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to take part in the included activities.
Note on camera use at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center: For any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. For any camera (fixed-lens-400mm and above) or any film-making equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit. Mode of payment is cash only.
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