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 – and 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!
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Departure from London Heathrow Airport for Penang, via Kuala Lumpur.
(D)
Day 2:
Arrival at Penang International and transfer to a Chinatown hotel in the heart of old Georgetown. Afternoon to relax, or wander this fascinating historical town.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3:
Tour of some of the sites of Chinatown organized by the Penang Heritage Trust: temples, Chinese clan houses and British colonial period architecture.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 4:
Visit Penang Hill with its Victorian era cable car and hike down to the famous Botanical Gardens.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 5:
Set off into the interior of the peninsula by minibus, through the sparsely inhabited, jungle-clad, central highlands to tranquil Banding Island situated on the remote Temengor Lake. Accommodation at a beautifully situated, lakeside resort.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 6:
One day expedition around the lake on foot and by boat, visiting a village of the indigenous, forest-dwelling Orang Asli tribe and trekking through pristine rainforest to mountain streams and waterfalls. With luck we’ll see monkeys and maybe even elephants - spectacular scenery guaranteed!
(B) (L) (D)
Day 7:
Transfer to Kota Baru on the East Coast – renowned as the centre of Malay, Muslim culture. Evening tour of the colourful and bustling night-market
(B) (L) (D)
Day 8:
Boat trip to the nearby Perehentian Islands – jungle-clad and coral-fringed! Afternoon to explore the island, swim or laze in a hammock! Tourism is still relatively undeveloped in these islands and we’ll be staying in simple, but comfortable beachside, wooden chalets.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 9:
A snorkelling tour of some of the lively coral reefs that surround the island, with a chance to see baby reef sharks and sea turtles.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 10:
Relaxing on the beach, exploring the jungle interior or checking out the prehistoric looking, giant monitor lizards that abound on the islands
(B) (L) (D)
Day 11:
Free morning and an afternoon transfer to Kota Baru
(B) (L) (D)
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.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 13:
Days 13 & 14 Two-day expedition into the little known Kenong Rimba Forest Reserve, where we’ll trek through jungle and discover the amazing tropical flora and fauna - including a night hike and a visit to some of the area’s unusual limestone cave formations.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 14:
See Day 13
(B) (L) (D)
Day 15:
Continue south by train to Kuala Lumpur, where we’ll stay in the Capital’s vibrant Chinatown quarter.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 16:
A tour of some of the City’s sites and an opportunity for some last minute shopping before an evening return flight to London.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 17:
Arrival in London Heathrow.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Lowest price quoted (seasonably variable). The tour price includes all accommodation, food, internal transfers, activities, local guides, and the services of a one of our tour leaders.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Malaysia
Cultural Journey
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
