Malaysia & the Beauty of Pangkor
10 days - Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Pangkor Island, Penang
10 days - Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Pangkor Island, Penang
Experience the different sides of Peninsular Malaysia on this 10-day program. Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, and the country's most populous city. With humble beginnings as a tin-mining outpost in the 1800's, Kuala Lumpur has grown into a dynamic modern day city and economic powerhouse. The city has plenty to offer its visitors, from great shopping, to world-class restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. 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. Off the coastal town of Lamut lies a gem of an island, Pangkor, the main island and the smaller, Pangkor Laut Island. The islands are blessed with lush rainforest, magnificent sweeping bays, and fine sandy beaches. Perfect for romantic occasions, the islands are truly a slice of heaven in Western Malaysia. 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.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Kuala Lumpur. Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel. Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's capital and most populous city, and is often referred to as "KL."
Day 2: Batu Caves/Kuala Lumpur. Set out this morning to 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. Afterward visit Royal Selangor, the world's largest producer of pewter, where you will have an opportunity to see the craftsman at work. In the afternoon tour the city of Kuala Lumpur. Visits include 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: 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. En route stop in Tapah 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 4: Cameron Highlands. This morning visit the market and a tea plantation to watch the processing of black tea (tea factory closed on Mondays). The balance of the day is free to relax and enjoy the beauty of the highlands. If you love to trek, there are several nature trails waiting to be explored. (breakfast).
Day 5: Pangkor Island. Depart for the coastal town of Lumut, famous for beautiful sea shells and coral. From Lumut travel by boat to Pangkor Island, a tropical island getaway for you to rest and enjoy its beauty and tranquility. (breakfast).
Day 6: Pangkor Island. Today is free day to relax at your resort, or join one of the activities or available excursions. (breakfast).
Day 7: Pangkor Island. A second free day to enjoy your resort and the island. (breakfast).
Day 8: Pangkor Island. Depart by road for Penang. Cross the Penang Bridge into Georgetown and transfer to your hotel. (breakfast).
Day 9: 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 10: Depart Penang. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (9).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $1,770.
Day 1: Kuala Lumpur. Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel. Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's capital and most populous city, and is often referred to as "KL."
Day 2: Batu Caves/Kuala Lumpur. Set out this morning to 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. Afterward visit Royal Selangor, the world's largest producer of pewter, where you will have an opportunity to see the craftsman at work. In the afternoon tour the city of Kuala Lumpur. Visits include 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: 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. En route stop in Tapah 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 4: Cameron Highlands. This morning visit the market and a tea plantation to watch the processing of black tea (tea factory closed on Mondays). The balance of the day is free to relax and enjoy the beauty of the highlands. If you love to trek, there are several nature trails waiting to be explored. (breakfast).
Day 5: Pangkor Island. Depart for the coastal town of Lumut, famous for beautiful sea shells and coral. From Lumut travel by boat to Pangkor Island, a tropical island getaway for you to rest and enjoy its beauty and tranquility. (breakfast).
Day 6: Pangkor Island. Today is free day to relax at your resort, or join one of the activities or available excursions. (breakfast).
Day 7: Pangkor Island. A second free day to enjoy your resort and the island. (breakfast).
Day 8: Pangkor Island. Depart by road for Penang. Cross the Penang Bridge into Georgetown and transfer to your hotel. (breakfast).
Day 9: 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 10: Depart Penang. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (9).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $1,770.
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.
