Malaysia Vacation Planning

From our starting point in the historic, port of Georgetown on the west coast, we'll venture into the rarely visited interior of the Malay peninsula - still covered by vast expanses of dense, jungle and inhabited by hunter-gatherer tribes.

We'll stay in bamboo, beachside chalets on coral-fringed islands off the east coast, for a genuine, 'off-the-beaten-track' look at this fascinating and surprisingly little known country. Discover a vibrant mix of cultures: spectacular and varied scenery, exotic flora and fauna, delicious local food and plenty of friendly people!

Take the Family
Although our holidays are usually unavailable to persons under the age of 18 we do offer selected tours to accompanied young people. Please note that our itineraries are suitable, or can be readily adapted, for children of all ages and we are hapy to provide tailored tours to family groups of four or more persons. We have successfully provided tours for families with children from ages 5 to 18. Malaysian itineraries are also easily modified by replacing more strenuous days with extra days in Bangkok, Ciang Mai, Penang or a couple of extra days at the beach.
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from London for Penang Island.
Day 2: Arrival at Penang and transfer to a Chinatown hotel in the heart of old Georgetown. Afternoon to relax, or explore this historic town.
Day 3: Tour of some of the sites of Chinatown with the Penang Heritage Trust: temples, Chinese clan houses and British colonial period architecture.
Day 4: Visit Penang Hill with its Victorian era cable car, jungle canopy walkway and hike to the famous Botanical Gardens.
Day 5: Head into the interior, through the jungle-clad highlands to tranquil Banding Island on Temengor Lake. Accommodation at a beautifully situated, lakeside resort.
Day 6-7: 2 day expedition into the surrounding Belum Forest: trek through pristine rainforest to mountain streams and waterfalls, visit a village of the indigenous, forest-dwelling Orang Asli tribe, an exciting night hike through the forest and camping overnight in the jungle. With luck we'll see monkeys and elephants - spectacular scenery guaranteed.
Day 8: Transfer to Kota Baru on the East Coast – renowned as the centre of Malay, Muslim culture. Evening tour of the colourful, bustling night-market.
Day 9: Off to the Perhentian Islands, jungleclad and coral-fringed. Explore the island, swim or laze in a hammock. Tourism is still relatively undeveloped in these islands and we'll be staying in simple, comfortable beachside chalets.
Day 10: A snorkelling tour of some of the archipelago's lively coral reefs, with a chance to see baby reef sharks and giant sea turtles
Day 11: Relax on the beach, explore the jungle interior or check-out the prehistoric looking, giant monitor lizards that abound on the islands.
Day 12: Head south to the small town of Kuala Lipis. Situated in the centre of the peninsula, this now quaint backwater was an important administrative centre and rubber producing town during the colonial era.
Day 13: Leave by local train for a day trip to the little known Kenong Rimba Forest Reserve, where we'll trek through dense jungle, discover the amazing tropical flora and fauna, visit some of the area's unusual limestone cave formations and return in the evening to Kuala Lipis by riverboat.
Day 14: Continue south by train to Kuala Lumpur, where our hotel is situated in the heart of the Capital's vibrant Chinatown quarter. Evening to explore the local markets.
Day 15: Day tour of some of the sites of the fascinating Malaysian capital: Little India, Chinatown, the fabulous Victorian era architecture of Merdaka Square.
Day 16: Free morning to relax or an opportunity for some last minute shopping before an evening return flight to London.
Day 17: Morning arrival in London.