Escape to Malaysia (14 days)
Embark on a leisurely-paced adventure through some of the highlights of Peninsula Malaysia. With just three hotels and private drivers and excursions throughout, this tour keeps the hassle of travelling to a minimum but still fits in a wide range of experiences to really make the most of your time away! Start with a couple of days in the exciting capital Kuala Lumpur, where you will stay in an intimate urban retreat, centrally located but with a serene atmosphere which feels a world away from the bustle of the city centre. Continue on to Penang and stay in a stylish boutique hotel in the historical centre of Georgetown. After a fascinating heritage tour of the city, you will head out to discover the beaches, fishing villages, and spice gardens found on the rest of Penang Island. You then have a choice of a ferry journey or a short domestic flight over to Langkawi, the final stop on this tour. Finish with an extended stay at the luxurious Danna Resort. In addition to a private tour of the mangrove forest, you have plenty of time free to further explore or simply kick back and relax on the beach with a book or a cocktail.
Guide Price
From £3,720 per person based on a shared room for departures in April.
Day by Day Itinerary
Click on each day to expand the itinerary detail. Or click on the print itinerary button above to preview the tour in full.
Flight: MH1 London Heathrow - Kuala Lumpur 21.25 - 18.20 (overnight)
Private transfer to your hotel: On arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport you will be welcomed to Malaysia by your English-speaking driver and transferred to your hotel in the city.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Villa Samadhi (Luxe Crib Room)
Morning orientation tour of Kuala Lumpur: This morning you will be taken for an orientation tour of the city covering the major historical landmarks - King`s Palace, National Monument, National Mosque and Merdeka (Independence) Square. Much of the history of the city is depicted here, as well as the tradition and cultural heritage of the major communities. Included in this tour is an opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the observation deck of the KL Tower.
Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon you have some time free to explore the Malaysian capital independently. KL is a large city, but easy to navigate. The public transport system is extensive and easy-to-use, and English speakers are always at hand. As with any large, modern capital city there is a wealth of activities, excursions, shopping opportunities, and dining options at hand. Your hotel and guide will be able to suggest a number of good ideas.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Villa Samadhi (Luxe Crib Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Road journey to Penang: After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your overland journey to Penang. The drive will take approximately four hours, depending on local traffic. On arrival in Penang you will be transferred to your hotel in Georgetown to check-in.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Seven Terraces (Terrace Duplex Suite)
Meals: Breakfast
Morning city & heritage tour of Penang: This morning your guide will take you on a tour to discover the rich culture and history of the people of Penang. This tour will take you to the Reclining Buddha Temple and through the streets of old Georgetown, passing by Chinatown and the magnificent and ornate Khoo Kongsi Clanhouse. Drive by the harbour with a visit to Fort Cornwallis and a look at the "Clan Jetties" - waterfront houses on stilts. The final stop is the Royal Selangor - the maker of the world's finest Pewter with a magnificent display of more than 1000 creations.
Afternoon at leisure in Penang: This afternoon you have some time at leisure to relax at your hotel, or to explore Penang further. Stroll around the capital, Georgetown, and soak in the multicultural atmosphere and historical charm, or venture out to some of the beaches, fishing villages and forest-covered hills that cover the island. Penang has long been considered as one of Asia's food capitals, so don't miss the opportunity to sample what's on offer!
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Seven Terraces (Terrace Duplex Suite)
Meals: Breakfast
Morning round-the-island tour: This morning you will be met at your hotel and taken on a drive around the island to see the beauty of Penang and her unique attractions. The tour takes you through idyllic fishing villages, picturesque kampongs, fruits and spice orchards. Stop at the Tropical Spice Garden - located in an eight-acre valley fronting the shores of Teluk Bahang. The Garden showcases a living collection of more than 500 varieties of local and imported flora from Malaysia and around the world, with particular emphasis on tropical herbs and spices. There are also wild animals, birds and insects set amongst lush conservation area. A visit to the Gift Shop is definitely recommended as they have an impressive selection of herbs and spices. Individually sourced and imported from the best point of origin - cinnamon sticks and black cardamoms from Sri Lanka, vanilla pods from Bali and cloves and nutmeg from Penang - the spices are neatly packed and sealed, ideal to purchase and take home for future use. There will also be a visit to the batik factory outlet and the historical Snake Temple before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Time at leisure in Penang: The rest of the afternoon will be free at leisure for you to relax and continue exploring at your own pace.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Seven Terraces (Terrace Duplex Suite)
Meals: Breakfast
Morning hill & temple tour: This morning you will visit Kek Lok Si - the largest Buddhist cum Taoist monastery and temple complex in Malaysia with its imposing 10,000 Buddha's Pagoda and the tortoise Pond of Longevity. Ascend 830 meters up Penang Hill on the Swiss funicular railway passing through hill farms and lush tropical jungles for a panoramic view of the island and mainland. (The funicular railway ticket is included). This tour will last for around four hours and you will descend the hill in the early afternoon.
Time at leisure in Penang: The rest of the afternoon will be free at leisure for you to relax and continue exploring at your own pace.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Seven Terraces (Terrace Duplex Suite)
Meals: Breakfast
Shared boat journey to Langkawi: You will be picked up this morning from your hotel and escorted to the jetty on Penang Island. From here, take the public ferry across to Langkawi island - a journey of approximately three hours. On arrival in Langkawi, you will be met by a representative of your hotel and transferred to check-in
If you prefer not to take the public ferry, then there is the option to take a short domestic flight instead. Please ask your consultant for more details.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Danna (Merchant Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Morning mangrove cruise: This morning you will take a cruise along Langkawi’s mangrove river, where you can look out for animals such as the monitor lizards, water snakes, birds and dolphins which are found in this habitat. In addition to the wildlife, there are unique limestone rock formations that emerge from the floor of the swamp and seabed. During this four-hour tour you will stop to visit a bat cave and a fish farm, as well as have the chance to see some wild eagles.
Afternoon at leisure on Langkawi Island: The rest of the day will be free at leisure for you to relax and continue exploring at your own pace.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Danna (Merchant Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Time at leisure on Langkawi Island: You have some time at leisure in the idyllic Langkawi archipelago. Relax on one of the white sandy beaches, arrange a snorkelling or diving trip, try out some trekking in the lush tropical rainforest, or take the cable car up to the top of Gunung Machinchang and enjoy a breathtaking 360° view of the surrounding area.
Accommodation: Stay these nights at The Danna (Merchant Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer to the airport: At the appropriate time today, you will be collected from your hotel by your driver / guide, and transferred to Langkawi Airport in time for your flight home.
Flight: MH1459 Langkawi - Kuala Lumpur 20.30 - 21.40
Flight: MH2 Kuala Lumpur - London Heathrow 23.30 - 05.35 (overnight)
Meals: Breakfast