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Malaysia Highlights

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Malaysia Highlights

Was From $ 2,485 AUD
Now From $ 2,361 AUD
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Description

From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, this trip showcases the diverse beauty of Malaysia. Across ten days, you’ll learn the local way of life as you journey from a local homestay in Penang to the Ulu Muda Forest and into the Cameron Highlands. You’ll play traditional games with the locals, tuck into a home-cooked dinner and mingle among the street stalls. Trek through the jungle to spot elephants, take a cruise through the wilderness and learn about local fishing traditions – this trip offers culture, nature and wildlife delights all in one!

Trip Name
Malaysia Highlights
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Stay in an eco-lodge on the edge of the jungle that’s fighting for the preservation of Ulu Muda Forest with research and awareness, low-footprint practices and ecotourism principles.
  • Take not one but two river cruises deep in the Ulu Muda Forest to double your chances of spotting roaming wildlife like elephants as your guide tells you about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush haven home.
  • Slip into the local way of life, staying with a family on a homestay that gives real insight into village culture – play traditional games, learn fishing techniques and tuck into a home-cooked dinner.
  • Explore the rolling green Cameron Highlands, blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields, and then trek through the mossy forest to learn more about the unique plants living beneath this sea of moss.
  • Wander the historic mural-lined streets of Georgetown, the vibrant cultural hub of Penang and see the array of contemporary art galleries, boutiques, traditional temples and churches.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Kuala Lumpur
Selamat Datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Here, you can expect streets lined with colourful food stalls, friendly locals and fast-paced energy. You have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, why not check out the Petaling Street Market – the vibrant hub of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown – or wander along the River of Life. After your meeting, you have the option to explore Kampung Baru – a Malay village where you can tuck into some local food. On the way back from the village, you’ll stop for a striking view of the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers from Saloma Bridge.
Day 2 - George Town
This morning, you’ll take the local metro to the train station for your journey to Butterworth. From here, take a private transfer to George Town – the port city turned UNESCO World Heritage site and the multicultural capital of the island of Penang. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings. Then, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. George Town has some great cuisine on offer, and your leader can always point you in the right direction for some great eats! You might also like to check out some of the hidden temples, Little India or go on a self-paced street art tour.
Day 3 - George Town
Hit the streets with your leader for a walking tour of George Town. You’ll notice a certain charm about this city as you wander by the historical building and ancient shopfronts and admire the fascinating street art at every turn. You’ll also explore Pinang Peranakan Museum – home to over 1000 pieces of antiques and collectables. This afternoon is free for you to explore or relax – maybe visit the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, The Clan Community of Penang or the Wonderfood Museum.
Day 4 - Teluk Bahang
After a leisurely morning, take a private transfer to Teluk Bahang – a small fishing village in Penang. When you arrive, be welcomed into the homes of your homestay hosts, then tuck into some lunch. Visit a Batik factory where you’ll learn about the art of hand painting Batik patterns onto materials, before enjoying some fun with your group with a selection of traditional games. Then, take a late afternoon walk around the fishing village, learn how the locals make their nets and discover the life of a fisherman. Dinner tonight will be prepared especially for you by your hosts. Watch a cooking demonstration, then enjoy some local cuisine as a group, taking some time getting to know your hosts. Later, sit down for a special Silat (local martial art) performance where you can learn a few tricks from the local masters.
Day 5 - Ulu Muda Forest
Visit a local market this morning for breakfast, then say goodbye to your homestay hosts. Take a private transfer to Ulu Muda Forest – your home away from home for the next two nights. You’ll arrive at the Lake Muda Jetty just in time for a bite to eat, freshly prepared by the locals. Then, you’ll board a boat to Earth Lodge in Kuala Labua – this socially conscious organisation fights for the preservation of the forest with research and awareness, low carbon footprint practices and ecotourism principles. Your accommodation tonight is surrounded by nature, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect launching pad to explore the nearby jungle trails, winding rivers and lush tropical rainforest. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a river cruise where you’ll have the chance to spot local wildlife (you might even see some elephants if you’re lucky!) before a free evening to settle in and make yourself at home.
Day 6 - Ulu Muda Forest
After breakfast this morning, you’ll pull on your walking shoes for a trek into Bukit Labu where you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide. Listen carefully as your guide tells you all about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush rainforest home. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants! Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river before trekking back to your accommodation and visiting Salt-lick hot springs, where the local animals, including the elephants, go to get their minerals. In the late afternoon, maximise your chances of seeing wildlife with another river cruise.
Day 7 - Cameron Highlands
Say goodbye to the forest this morning and head back to the jetty, where your private transfer will be waiting for your journey towards the Cameron Highlands. A serene spot, the rolling green highlands are blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields and boast a refreshingly cool climate. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon and have some have free time to wander the local market stalls and tuck into some typical Malay cuisine.
Day 8 - Cameron Highlands
Have breakfast just like the locals and treat your tastebuds to some traditional eats straight from a local street stall. This is breakfast on the go – Malay style! After you’ve fuelled up, hit the road to a track of mossy forested area to stretch your legs on a trek through this mist-shrouded spot. Your guide will point out the unique plants living here, under the blanket of rich, green moss. After, you’ll step back into reality and explore one of the local tea plantations to learn more about tea production here and see the endless rows of green shrubs that seem to hug the hillside. This afternoon is free and you might like to visit the Cameron Floral Park or indulge in some high tea at the Jim Thompson Tea Room.
Day 9 - Kuala Lumpur
Today it’s back to Kuala Lumpur by a local express bus, then a metro back to your hotel. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon, then the rest of the day is free to explore this energetic city. Maybe head to the observation deck on the 451-m tall Petronas Twin Towers or see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Tonight, maybe head out to an optional farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure.
Day 10 - Kuala Lumpur
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your time in Kuala Lumpur, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
30-11-202407-12-2024AUD $ 2,361-
14-12-202421-12-2024AUD $ 2,460-
30-01-202508-02-2025AUD $ 2,595-
06-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 2,595-
10-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 2,595-
15-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 2,695-
05-06-202514-06-2025AUD $ 2,695-
19-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 2,795-
10-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 2,795-
24-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 2,795-
07-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 2,795-
21-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 2,795-
11-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 2,695-
25-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 2,695-
09-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 2,595-
13-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 2,595-
18-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 2,695-
15-01-202624-01-2026AUD $ 2,725-
12-02-202621-02-2026AUD $ 2,725-
12-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 2,725-
09-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 2,835-
23-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 2,835-
14-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 2,835-
04-06-202613-06-2026AUD $ 2,835-
18-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 2,835-
09-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 2,940-
23-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 2,940-
06-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 2,940-
20-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 2,940-
10-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 2,940-
08-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 2,835-
12-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 2,725-
17-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 2,835-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights),Jungle Eco Lodge ( 2 nights),Home Stay (1 night)

Transport

Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Metro,Ferry,Boat,Train

Map