Malaysia North to South
10 days - Singapore, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang, Langkawi
10 days - Singapore, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang, Langkawi
A popular trail through Peninsular Malaysia, this journey begins with departure from Singapore off the southern tip and travels northward up the peninsula with a finish in Langkawi. Malacca’s colorful history has seen a progression of European rule, from the Portuguese, to the Dutch, and then the British. The historic city center is a mix of old and new, and contains a variety of cultural sights to explore. Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, began with humble beginnings as a tin-mining outpost in the 1800's. Today it stands as a dynamic modern day metropolis and economic powerhouse. A fascinating city with plenty to offer its visitors, it is a melting pot of diversity; primarily made up of Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Cooler temperatures can be found in the Cameron Highlands, the highland paradise that still retains the charms of an English village. Famous for its flowers and tea plantations, it is located about 180 miles from Kuala Lumpur, and makes for a lovely drive through the Malaysian countryside. The tropical island of Penang lies in the Indian Ocean, just off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Its capital, Georgetown, is a city steeped in history and tradition. Sections of Penang present a quaint picture from the past, where narrow side streets, trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods, seem to belong to a forgotten era. The island also boasts fabulous Chinese, Malay, and Nyonya cuisines. Langkawi, off the coast of Kedah, is a cluster of 99 islands with the best of many worlds; beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, and fascinating legends. Rustic and memorable views are found around the road that circles the island; small wooden houses framed by swaying palm trees, pristine rainforests, lush rice paddies, and farmers and fisherman going about their trade. Back in the resorts, enjoy the five-star conveniences; relax by the crystalline pool, dine on gourmet cuisine, visit the spa, take in a round of golf, or embark on one of the many excursions available.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Singapore/Malacca. Depart Singapore, crossing the Johor Causeway which links Singapore to Peninsular Malaysia. After brief immigration formalities enter Johor Bahru, the southern most state of Malaysia. Proceed by road to Malacca and visit St. Paul’s Hill, Porta De Santiago, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and Jonkers Street – popular for its antiques and local art & craft.
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur. Rejoin the highway and drive to Kuala Lumpur. Often referred to as “KL,” it is Malaysia's capital and most populous city. An afternoon tour of the city visits the National Monument, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Independence Square, the Selangor Club, and the King's Palace. Finish the day enjoying breathtaking views of the city from the Kuala Lumpur Tower. (breakfast).
Day 3: Kuala Lumpur. This morning make a photostop at the Petronas Towers. A landmark of KL, the twin towers were until 2004 the tallest buildings in the world. Subject to availability, there may be an opportunity to visit the Skybridge between the two towers. Afterwards visit the Batu Caves; the caves and cave temples are formed by limestone reported to be 400 million years old. Visitors need to climb 272 steps to reach the entrance of the main cave, where Hindus have erected a sacred shrine devoted to Lord Muruga. Continue to Royal Selangor, the world's largest producer of pewter, where you will have an opportunity to see the craftsman at work. In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. (breakfast).
Day 4: Cameron Highlands. Depart by road to the Cameron Highlands, the largest and most famous hill resort in the country, and leading producer of flowers and tea in Malaysia. Stop in Tapah en route to see the local fruits including the King of Fruits, Durian - if in season. Continuing the drive visit a small Aborigine village and teahouse before arriving in Tanah Rata, the main town. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Cameron Highlands. (breakfast).
Day 5: Penang. A full-day of sights and traveling takes us in a northerly direction up Peninsular Malaysia from the Cameron Highlands to Penang. Before departing the Highlands visit a tea plantation to watch the processing of black tea, later sampling different varieties of tea in the teahouse (tea factory closed on Mondays). Also visit the Rose Garden and Butterfly Farm, and a local fruit and vegetable market to see a variety of produce from the area. Before arriving in Penang we'll visit Orang Utan Island at Bukit Merah Laketown to see the primates and the in-house infant care unit. Cross the Penang Bridge and arrive into the island of Penang. (breakfast).
Day 6: Penang. Embark on a tour of Penang, the "Pearl of the Orient," today. Visits include the Khoo Kongsi (Dragon Mountain Hall) clan house, historic Fort Cornwallis, and the Thai temple of Wat Chayamangkalaram, which houses a 105-foot reclining Buddha. Proceed for a visit to the legendary Snake Temple, filled with the smoke of burning incense and a variety of pit vipers. The vipers are believed to be rendered harmless by the sacred smoke, but it is not advisable to touch the snakes nontheless. Back in the city visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion to learn about the Peranakans, or Babas and Nyonyas; prominent communities of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world. (breakfast).
Day 7: Langkawi. Fly to Langkawi, a tropical paradise of white sands, clear waters, and lovely island sunsets located amongst a group of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. Upon arrival transfer to your resort. (breakfast).
Day 8: Langkawi. Depart this morning for Oriental Village, located around a lake and set against the backdrop of Mountain Mat Cincang. From here take an exciting ride on the Langkawi Cable Car, traveling to 2,300 feet over a distance of 1.3 miles. Magnificent views can be enjoyed from atop the mountain's summit. Back at sea level visit Kuah Town to see Eagle Square and Underwater World, a marine showcase featuring both fresh and seawater fish and marine life. (breakfast).
Day 9: Langkawi. Free day to relax and enjoy your resort or explore on your own. (breakfast).
Day 10: Depart Langkawi. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (9).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $2,120.
Day 1: Singapore/Malacca. Depart Singapore, crossing the Johor Causeway which links Singapore to Peninsular Malaysia. After brief immigration formalities enter Johor Bahru, the southern most state of Malaysia. Proceed by road to Malacca and visit St. Paul’s Hill, Porta De Santiago, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and Jonkers Street – popular for its antiques and local art & craft.
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur. Rejoin the highway and drive to Kuala Lumpur. Often referred to as “KL,” it is Malaysia's capital and most populous city. An afternoon tour of the city visits the National Monument, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Independence Square, the Selangor Club, and the King's Palace. Finish the day enjoying breathtaking views of the city from the Kuala Lumpur Tower. (breakfast).
Day 3: Kuala Lumpur. This morning make a photostop at the Petronas Towers. A landmark of KL, the twin towers were until 2004 the tallest buildings in the world. Subject to availability, there may be an opportunity to visit the Skybridge between the two towers. Afterwards visit the Batu Caves; the caves and cave temples are formed by limestone reported to be 400 million years old. Visitors need to climb 272 steps to reach the entrance of the main cave, where Hindus have erected a sacred shrine devoted to Lord Muruga. Continue to Royal Selangor, the world's largest producer of pewter, where you will have an opportunity to see the craftsman at work. In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. (breakfast).
Day 4: Cameron Highlands. Depart by road to the Cameron Highlands, the largest and most famous hill resort in the country, and leading producer of flowers and tea in Malaysia. Stop in Tapah en route to see the local fruits including the King of Fruits, Durian - if in season. Continuing the drive visit a small Aborigine village and teahouse before arriving in Tanah Rata, the main town. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Cameron Highlands. (breakfast).
Day 5: Penang. A full-day of sights and traveling takes us in a northerly direction up Peninsular Malaysia from the Cameron Highlands to Penang. Before departing the Highlands visit a tea plantation to watch the processing of black tea, later sampling different varieties of tea in the teahouse (tea factory closed on Mondays). Also visit the Rose Garden and Butterfly Farm, and a local fruit and vegetable market to see a variety of produce from the area. Before arriving in Penang we'll visit Orang Utan Island at Bukit Merah Laketown to see the primates and the in-house infant care unit. Cross the Penang Bridge and arrive into the island of Penang. (breakfast).
Day 6: Penang. Embark on a tour of Penang, the "Pearl of the Orient," today. Visits include the Khoo Kongsi (Dragon Mountain Hall) clan house, historic Fort Cornwallis, and the Thai temple of Wat Chayamangkalaram, which houses a 105-foot reclining Buddha. Proceed for a visit to the legendary Snake Temple, filled with the smoke of burning incense and a variety of pit vipers. The vipers are believed to be rendered harmless by the sacred smoke, but it is not advisable to touch the snakes nontheless. Back in the city visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion to learn about the Peranakans, or Babas and Nyonyas; prominent communities of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world. (breakfast).
Day 7: Langkawi. Fly to Langkawi, a tropical paradise of white sands, clear waters, and lovely island sunsets located amongst a group of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. Upon arrival transfer to your resort. (breakfast).
Day 8: Langkawi. Depart this morning for Oriental Village, located around a lake and set against the backdrop of Mountain Mat Cincang. From here take an exciting ride on the Langkawi Cable Car, traveling to 2,300 feet over a distance of 1.3 miles. Magnificent views can be enjoyed from atop the mountain's summit. Back at sea level visit Kuah Town to see Eagle Square and Underwater World, a marine showcase featuring both fresh and seawater fish and marine life. (breakfast).
Day 9: Langkawi. Free day to relax and enjoy your resort or explore on your own. (breakfast).
Day 10: Depart Langkawi. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (9).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $2,120.
Our deluxe Malaysia tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
