Malaysia Highlights

Selamat Datang! Welcome to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the bustling capital of Malaysia, you can expect streets lined with colourful food stalls, friendly locals and fast-paced energy flowing throughout the city. Your adventure officially kicks off with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm this evening where you’ll meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive in town with time to spare before the meeting, why not check out the Petaling Street Market – the vibrant hub of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown – or wander along the River of Life and its masterful murals. After your Welcome Meeting this evening, you’ll have the option to explore Kampung Baru – a Malay village where you will have the chance to tuck into some local Malay food. On the way back from the village, you’ll stop to wonder at the striking view of the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers from Saloma Bridge.

After a short and sweet stay, you’ll wave Kuala Lumpur goodbye after breakfast this morning as you make your way to 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 this emerald oasis in the afternoon and might like to spend your time wandering the local market stalls in the evening and then tucking into some typical Malay eats. (B)

This morning you’ll enjoy 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 fueled up with food, we’ll hit the road for a section off the beaten track of mossy forest area and stretch our legs on a trek through this mystical, mist-shrouded spot. Your guide will point out the unique plants living here, under the blanket of rich, green moss. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d walked straight into a scene from Avatar. After some time in this magical place, you’ll step back to reality and explore one of the local tea plantations. You’ll learn more about tea production here and marvel at the endless rows of green shrubs that seem to hug the hillside. This afternoon, we’ll head to Butterworth where you’ll have a free evening and you’ll get a chance to explore the local area and grab a bite to eat at a local cafeteria. (B)

Today, you’ll be heading to Kuala Labua, your home away from home, for the next two nights. With a slower start today, you’ll arrive at the Lake Muda Jetty just in time for a bite to eat, prepared freshly for you by the locals. Then, you’ll board a boat ride to Earth Lodge in Kuala Labua, a purpose-fueled organisation that’s fighting for the preservation of Ulu Muda Forest with research and awareness, low footprint practices and ecotourism principles. You’ll be surrounded by nature, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the cities at this special ecolodge some 14km from anywhere. It’s the perfect launching pad to explore the nearby jungle trails, winding rivers and lush tropical rainforest. In the afternoon, you’ll get acquainted with the area on a river cruise where you’ll have the chance to spot local wildlife (even elephants if you’re lucky) before an evening at your leisure to settle in and make yourself at home. (B/L/D)

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 haven home. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic wildlife, including elephants, as our trek toward the Bukit Labu caves – just waiting to be explored. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river before trekking back to your accommodation and visiting hot springs Salt-lick where animals like elephants would go and get their minerals. Then, in the late afternoon maximise your wildlife spotting luck with yet another river cruise. (B/L/D)

You’ll kiss the ecolodge goodbye after breakfast this morning and begin an epic overland journey to Teluk Bahang, a small fishing village in Penang. Tuck into lunch before enjoying some fun with a selection of traditional games. Then, take a late afternoon walk around the fishing village, learn how the locals make their nets and even discover a local orchard plantation. You can look forward to dinner this evening as it will be prepared especially for you by your homestay host. Tuck in and take some time to get to know your local hosts over dinner. Enjoy a special Silat (local martial art) Performance after dinner and learn a few tricks or two from the local masters. (B/L/D)

You’ll explore the local market this morning before breakfast and then visit a Batik factory where you’ll learn about the art of hand painting Batik patterns onto materials. Then, you’ll enjoy a photography session and souvenir giving ceremony before waving your homestay hosts a big goodbye and making your way to Georgetown, the capital of Penang. On arrival, hit the streets with your group leader for a walking tour of the city. 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 Paranakan Museum with over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectable on display. This evening, you might like to rally your group together for one final meal together in one of the many quaint restaurants of Georgetown. (B)

Your great Malaysian adventure will come to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’re keen to keep the good times rolling, why not check out our Sabah Adventure, and explore Borneo on a combo style trip (B)