Malacca Kuala Lumpur Taman Negara Cameron HighlandsPenang

Discover the best of Malaysia on a short but insightful tour. Travel from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to Malacca, ending your journey in Penang, taking in this diverse country’s historic, cultural, and natural wonders. Wander Kuala Lumpur’s bustling street markets, cycle through Penang’s quiet countryside, hike to highland tea plantations and explore the dense jungle of Taman Negara. Understand Malaysia’s cultural diversity. Explore Malacca and Penang to see the influences of the Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, Indian and other cultures on modern-day Malaysia.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Cruise and trek in dense rainforests
  • Explore Malacca and Penang to see the influences
  • Explore lush tea plantations
  • Wander Kuala Lumpur’s bustling street markets

What’s included

  • Private tours for most included activities
  • Meet & greet airport service
  • Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
  • Expert guides in each destination

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

08

Nights

Price Guide

$POA pp

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Day 1

Fly to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur

plan line
Day 1

Malacca Walking Tour

Departure to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. On arrival in Malacca, transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Meet the guide at the hotel at 18:30 to experience the delights of Malacca cuisine and get a closer look at the local culinary culture that makes Malacca such a hub of international cuisine.
 
Spend the evening walking and taking colourful rickshaws through the smaller streets of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage town. Stop at a variety of local restaurants; some offer traditional Malay dishes, while others offer culinary treats influenced by overseas traders who came to Malacca over the past 2,000 years. Run by the same family for generations these restaurants specialise in one type of dish, from chicken rice balls to cendol (a refreshing dessert with coconut and caramelised palm sugar) or asam pedas (a spicy fish stew), making them true experts in their craft.
Start with a satay celup, a type of hot peanut fondue to dip the chicken and vegetable skewers in. With piping hot aromatic peanuts and a wide assortment of skewered meat and vegetables, it is one of Malacca’s signature dishes. Any trip will not be completed without savouring a taste!
 
Loading a variety of spices, coconut-based sauces, meats and vegetables into clay pots at the traditional clay pot speciality restaurant. Roast them over a strong open fire, this brings out incredible flavours and aromas which one simply will not find at home. Next, delight the palate in the sumptuous aromas of Indian tandoori spices. Arriving in Malacca 2,000 years ago as spice traders, the Indians brought with them a form of cuisine where marinated meat is put on long metal skewers and cooked over an intense fire in a clay oven. Continue onwards to try Chinese specialties like dim sum, as well as street food from a hawker stall that boasts a variety of Malay and Chinese
recipes. Continue to the old town and stroll through the heritage houses along Jonker Street before ending up at a picturesque cafe along the canal. Lined with street art, colourful lights and music playing from nearby bars, this is a fantastic spot to relax with a drink and muse upon the multicultural cuisines that people brought to this quaint world heritage town.
 
Overnight in Malacca.

Classic Malaysia Tour
Classic Malaysia Tour
Day 2

Malacca to Kuala Lumpur

You will be picked up from the hotel for a full-day city tour of quaint Malacca. Steeped in history as a trading post due to its vital location along the Malacca Strait, the town is a melting pot of cultures resulting from a distinct history from the rest of Malaysia, notable due to the substantial Portuguese and Dutch influences.
Best explored on foot (a trishaw can be used for this tour at an additional cost), meander through areas steeped in history, starting at the oldest remaining example of European architecture in Southeast Asia, A Famosa, before climbing St. Paul’s Hill to visit St Paul’s Church and descending to one of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture, the Stadthuys – the former Dutch City Hall which is flanked by flamboyantly decorated trishaws.
Sample food at Peranakan-style restaurants in Malacca. This style of food is influenced by Cantonese, Portuguese, and Malay ingredients and methods. Taste a delicious warm Portuguese tart from one of the many nearby vendors.
Next, head to Temple Street, named for the multicultural range of temples and mosques that have lined the street since the early 18th century. This is the perfect place to taste the area’s uniquely diverse local culture. Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Kampong King Mosque and Sri Vinayagar Temple to better understand Indian, Chinese and Malay religious customs. Continue to see restored Peranakan buildings (a cultural mix of Han-Chinese and Malay that forged its own style, known as the Baba-Nyonya, from the 15th century).
 
Visit the excellent Baba-Nyonya Museum along the way to learn more about the unique Peranakan culture before exploring some interesting antique stores and cafes along the famous Jonker Street. Stop by a traditional Malay house to learn about distinctive Malay customs and take a river cruise along the newly developed key side for a unique city view.
 
Depart by vehicle to Kuala Lumpur. Check it at the hotel.
Evening free at leisure.

Day 3

Kuala Lumpur

This morning at 08:00, discover another multicultural aspect of Malaysia and visit one of the most important sanctuaries of Hindu culture, the Batu Caves on the city’s outskirts. After climbing the 272 steps that lead to the Sanctuary of Murugan, one of the most revered deities of Hinduism, enjoy splendid panorama views of the city. It is also possible to find monkeys constantly searching for food so be alert! These impressive caves remain a destination for pilgrims, especially during the most important Hindu festival in Asia, Thaipusam, celebrated during the full-moon Tamil month (January and February).
 
Return to the city and start the city tour of Kuala Lumpur. The tour will allow you to visit the colourful and unique Buddhist temple of Thean Hou and then walk through the lush lake with its tropical nature and stop in front of the modern National Mosque and the old train station built by the British. From here, arrive at Independence Square, the centre of the old Kuala Lumpur, which was born in the 19th century around the tin mines. Continue with a walking tour to discover the streets of the ancient city surrounded by small typical buildings of colonial / Malay style and the shops of the Central Market and Chinatown, where there is also the colourful Hindu temple of Sri Mahamariamman. Then, head to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to take pictures of this marvel of technology before returning to the hotel.

Classic Malaysia Tour
Classic Malaysia Tour
Day 4

Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara

Pickup from Kuala Lumpur Hotel: Overland transfer to Labu Sentral jetty, passing vistas of scenic countryside. From here, board a wooden longboat for the scenic 2-hour rainforest ride to the lodge.


Check in to the resort and enjoy a couple of hours at leisure before evening dinner followed by night activities. This evening experience the jungle at night with a nocturnal guided night walk.

Overnight in Taman Negara

Day 5

Taman Negara

Depart for a morning trek under the high-density rainforest canopy about 1.7 km from the Wildlife HQ to Bukit Teresek. It will take up to 45 minutes (335m) to reach its peak to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Gunung Tahan

Classic Malaysia Tour
Classic Malaysia Tour
Day 6

Taman Negara to Cameron Highlands

Meet with the English-speaking driver and depart on a scenic journey to Cameron Highlands.
On arrival check in at the hotel. Long regarded as a refuge from lowland tropical heat, the area is also renowned for its picturesque scenery.

Day 7

Cameron Highlands – Tea Plantation – Penang

Start the day early to enjoy the crisp morning air and wispy light that streams across the Mossy Forest.
Embark on a half-day exploration of the Cameron Highlands. At 09:00, an experienced nature guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you by 4WD to Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation for a short tour of the plantation. Then, drive to the higher heights of the Mossy Forest of Gunung Brinchang. You will be enlightened on the value of medicinal plants found in the forest and learn all about the rainforest ecosystem.
With the knowledge of a nature guide, learn about some of the most exotic flora on earth, like the pitcher plant, orchids, primitive ferns, spices and medicinal plants, all home to the Mossy Forest. Following this take a short walk around the Sungai Palas BOH Tea Factory and enjoy some light refreshments. After experiencing the magic of the highlands, descend back down to the lowlands following a winding mountain range and head onwards to Penang. The journey takes around four hours. Stop en route at the historical mining town of Ipoh to the Perak Tong Cave Temple. Created in 1926 by a local Chinese couple, this beautiful temple features brightly coloured murals as well as a large standing Buddha – a serene experience.
 
Travel to Georgetown.
 
After a quick but rewarding tour of the cool highlands, head down to Ipoh and Kek Lok Tong cave temple. This cave temple is situated on 12 acres of land and was used as a place of worship as early as the 1920s. Set in a limestone outcrop, spend 45 minutes exploring the temple, which features a number of Buddhist figures. Have a quick lunch (own expenses) and continue the journey to Penang.
 
Upon arrival in Penang, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Classic Malaysia Tour
Classic Malaysia Tour
Day 8

Penang

After breakfast at the hotel, head out on a tour of Georgetown’s main attractions, a UNESCO Heritage city. Stop at the Thai Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Burmese Temple. Then, visit Khoo Kongsi, a beautiful Chinese Clan House. The tour culminates with a visit to Kek Lok Si Temple. The largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, this is the perfect place to wander around and experience Malaysia’s unique and traditional culture. Return to the hotel. Free at leisure.

Day 9

Depart Penang

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Price Guide $POA per person

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

Add on’s

After an incredible holiday in Malaysia, filled with vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine, your wanderlust may be compelling you to explore even more. Fortunately, Southeast Asia offers a variety of stunning destinations just a short flight away. From Thailand‘s pristine beaches to the rich culture of Vietnam, each neighbouring country presents unique experiences and adventures. Whether you’re seeking natural wonders, historical landmarks, or urban excitement, the region has something to delight every traveller.

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