Classic Peninsula Malaysia
A trip encompassing Peninsula Malaysia's most visited destinations
Embark on an enchanting journey through Malaysia's diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. Begin in Kuala Lumpur, exploring vibrant temples and savoring street food delights in Chinatown. Venture to historical Melaka for a river cruise and a glimpse into its trade history. In the Cameron Highlands, discover the allure of mossy forests, tea factories, and cultural landmarks. Continue to Penang, exploring its lively markets, Hindu temples, and grand Chinese clan houses. Conclude your Malaysian adventure in Langkawi, where leisure awaits with options like a mangrove safari, island tours, golfing, or a spa day. Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of this captivating Southeast Asian journey.
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Day 1: Departure
Board your international flight to Malaysia.
Day 2: Arrive Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur skyline
Fly into KLIA. You will be met at the airport and privately transported to the Hotel Stripes, where you will stay for three nights.
Day 3: KL evening tour with street food
Jalan Alor at night
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, followed by leisurely exploration at your own pace. In the evening, head out on a tour of Kuala Lumpur. Visit the enchanting Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, where the scent of burning jasmine and the mesmerizing chants of Hindu priests create a lasting impression. Wander through the bustling Open Air Bazaar of Chinatown, witnessing locals engaged in animated bargaining. Culminate your experience at Jalan Alor, a lively food haven, and indulge in local delicacies at a popular hawker centre. From golden grilled chicken wings to the daring Balitong (local sea snails), savour the diverse street food offerings.
Day 4: Melaka day tour
Melaka River
After breakfast, you will be met and taken to Melaka for a full-day tour including a scenic Melaka River Cruise, and a walking tour delving into the city's vibrant trade history. Begin your walking tour at Jalan Hang Jebat, exploring the Town Square's Dutch colonial buildings, including the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia, Christ Church. Venture to St. Paul’s Hill to discover the remaining ruin of the Portuguese fort A Famosa and climb to the historic St. Paul’s Church. After a leisurely lunch, explore the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum showcasing 19th-century Peranakan life. Conclude your day with a stroll along Jonker Street and a visit to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, embracing the unique blend of cultures, before heading back to KL.
Day 5: KL - Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands
An early breakfast and check-out will precede your overland transfer to the Cameron Highlands.
The Highlands are one of Malaysia's oldest tourist destinations, developed in the 1930s. Beyond its renowned tea estates, the plateau beckons with cool weather, orchards, waterfalls, mossy forests, wildlife, and a myriad of attractions, including nurseries, farmlands, lakes, a golf course, and a rich cultural tapestry represented by native inhabitants, the Orang Asli. You will be taken to The Lakehouse hotel, where you will stay two nights with its incredible views.
Day 6: Tea factory and forest boardwalk
Tea plantations
Today you will undertake a full-day adventure exploring the Mossy Forest of Gunung Brinchang in the scenic Cameron Highlands. Begin with a Land Rover ride to the highest accessible mountain in Southeast Asia, offering breathtaking views of Malaysia's renowned tea gardens. Delve into the Mossy Forest on a walk, uncovering exotic floras like Pitcher plants and Orchids. Descend to Sungei Palas 'BOH' Tea Factory for a tour, a tea bush walk, and traditional tea-making insights. Conclude the day with a Cameron Highlands tour, visiting the Rose Garden and vegetable farms.
Day 7: Cameron Highlands - Penang
Penang Bridge
Commence your day with a hotel breakfast and check out by noon. Journey from the scenic Cameron Highlands, heading north to the picturesque island of Penang. Cross the impressive 13.5-kilometre Penang Bridge to reach the island. Check in at The Royale Chulan Penang, your accommodation for the next two nights.
Day 8: Penang full day tour
Street art in Georgetown
Start your day with a light breakfast, don comfortable attire, and meet your guide at 0800hrs for an immersive Georgetown experience. Explore Georgetown’s oldest wet market, alive with fresh produce and bustling stalls, where you can engage in lively haggling and sampling local delights. Discover diverse morning breakfast options from food stalls, including the popular Roti Bakar & Kopi O. Embark on a Georgetown walking tour, starting at St. George’s Church, then onto the Goddess of Mercy Temple. Wander through vibrant streets, passing spice shops, saree stores, and Hindu temples. The journey concludes at Khoo Kongsi, a grand Chinese clan house, revealing Penang's rich cultural tapestry.
Day 9: Flight to Langkawi
Langkawi
After breakfast and check-out, you will have free time to explore Penang at your own pace until it is time for your transfer to Penang International Airport. From here, catch your flight to Langkawi International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to The Datai, your hotel for the next two nights of your relaxing Langkawi stay.
Day 10: Day in Langkawi
Langkawi eagles in the mangrove
No need to rush out of bed today, get up at your leisure and have a relaxing breakfast then choose from the following activities to fill your day in Langkawi: a mangrove safari boat trip to see monkeys, snakes, otters, and a whole host of amazing birds; a Dayang Bunting Island tour by jet ski; a day cruise around the Geopark including a barbeque lunch (only available as a shared cruise); golfing at the Els Club Teluk Datai; or a rejuvenating spa day at the hotel.
Day 11: Leaving Langkawi
Pantai Cenang beach Langkawi
Enjoy your breakfast before departing The Datai and be transferred to Langkawi International Airport for an onward flight.
Day 12: Arrive Home
Land back in your home country full of wonderful memories of your time in Malaysia.
Duration: 12 nights
Location: Malaysia holidays, East and Southeast Asia
Price: £3525pp
From £3,525 pp based on two people sharing, excluding international flights.
The trip includes all accommodations and activities specified above. Rooms and meals are as below:
- 3 nights at Hotel Stripes, KL - ctudio room, breakfast included.
- 2 nights at The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands - deluxe room, breakfast included.
- 2 nights at The Royale Chulan, Penang - deluxe room, breakfast included.
- 2 nights at The Datai, Langkawi, Rainforest Pool Villa room, breakfast included.
Also includes
- Internal flights and all transfers.
- All transfers & tours specified as included.
- Meals as specified in the above itinerary (drinks are not included).
- Entrance fees to sightseeing places
- Bottle water provided on transfers
This trip excludes:
- Single Supplements.
- International flights to/from Malaysia.
- Meals not mentioned as included.
- Park fees not mentioned as included.
Tailor this trip around your preferred dates, your budget and your ideas.
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Popular Malaysia holidays
When to go to Malaysia
Discover the best times to visit Malaysia with this guide
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time go snorkelling in Langkawi or explore the streets of Penang. Weather is consistently warm and dry on the west coast of the Malaysian peninsula. Kuala Lumpur and the central highlands are humid but pleasant. Avoid the east coast as the monsoon season persists until March.
February
Kuala Lumpur and/or Penang are a must in February in order to see the incredible Chinese New Year celebrations. Red and gold decorations are hung about temples and shopping plazas, as well as beautiful animal statues representing the relevant zodiac.
March
March is the month for cultural festivals in Malaysia, with the famous Thaipusam festival taking place in Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur. This Hindu festival sees devotees performing extreme acts of devotion, making for a unique and unforgettable experience.
April
April sees the blooming of wildflowers in the Cameron Highlands, a scenic hill station known for its tea plantations and stunning vistas. This is the perfect time to explore the region’s natural beauty and indulge in some tea-tasting.
May
May marks the beginning of the dry season in Sabah, perfect for outdoor adventures. Explore the Kinabalu National Park, climb the highest peak in Southeast Asia, or take a river cruise to spot proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.
June
June is the start of the rainy season in Sarawak, but this also means the rainforests are lush and alive with wildlife. Explore the Mulu National Park, go caving, or visit the traditional longhouses of the indigenous tribes.
July
July is the month for the George Town Festival in Penang, a month-long celebration of arts and culture. This is the perfect time to explore the island’s UNESCO-listed heritage sites and indulge in the famous Penang street food.
August
August 31st marks Malaysia’s National Day, with parades and fireworks across the country. This is a great time to experience Malaysia’s patriotic spirit and learn more about its history.
September
September marks the start of the harvest season in Sabah, with the famous Pesta Kaamatan festival celebrating the rice harvest. This is a great time to experience the culture of the Kadazandusun people and indulge in some traditional food.
October
The west coast, including destinations like Penang and Langkawi, enjoys drier and sunnier conditions, making it an ideal time for beach holidays. On the east coast, you might still encounter some rain, but it's generally a good month for water activities like snorkelling and diving. In Kuala Lumpur, expect occasional rain showers and comfortable temperatures.
November
In November, Malaysia experiences a tropical climate with varying conditions across the country. On the west coast, places like Penang and Langkawi typically enjoy drier and sunnier weather, making it an excellent time for beach getaways. The east coast, including places like Tioman Island, may have more rainfall, but it's still a good time for diving and snorkeling. In Kuala Lumpur, expect occasional rain showers and cooler temperatures.
December
December marks the beginning of the Northeast Monsoon season in Malaysia. On the west coast, which includes places like Penang and Langkawi, you can expect heavy rainfall and rough seas, making it less favorable for beach activities. The east coast, on the other hand, experiences drier and sunnier weather. In Kuala Lumpur, you can anticipate occasional rain showers and cooler temperatures.
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Alistair
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