Experience Overview
From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, this trip showcases the diverse beauty of Malaysia. Across ten days, you’ll learn the local way of life as you journey from a local homestay in Penang to the Ulu Muda Forest and into the Cameron Highlands. You’ll play traditional games with the locals, tuck into a home-cooked dinner and mingle among the street stalls. Trek through the jungle to spot elephants, take a cruise through the wilderness and learn about local fishing traditions – this trip offers culture, nature and wildlife delights all in one!
Highlights
- Stay in an eco-lodge on the edge of the jungle that’s fighting for the preservation of Ulu Muda Forest with research and awareness, low-footprint practices and ecotourism principles.
- Take not one but two river cruises deep in the Ulu Muda Forest to double your chances of spotting roaming wildlife like elephants as your guide tells you about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush haven home.
- Slip into the local way of life, staying with a family on a homestay that gives real insight into village culture – play traditional games, learn fishing techniques and tuck into a home-cooked dinner.
- Explore the rolling green Cameron Highlands, blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields, and then trek through the mossy forest to learn more about the unique plants living beneath this sea of moss.
- Wander the historic mural-lined streets of Georgetown, the vibrant cultural hub of Penang and see the array of contemporary art galleries, boutiques, traditional temples and churches.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2743
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Metro,Ferry,Boat,Train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TMSA
Starts: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Finishes: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (3), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Jungle Eco Lodge ( 2 nights),Home Stay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2138 (CAD 214 /day)
Itinerary
Selamat Datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Here, you can expect streets lined with colourful food stalls, friendly locals and fast-paced energy. You have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, why not check out the Petaling Street Market – the vibrant hub of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown – or wander along the River of Life. After your meeting, you have the option to explore Kampung Baru – a Malay village where you can tuck into some local food. On the way back from the village, you’ll stop for a striking view of the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers from Saloma Bridge.
Optional Activities:
- Kuala Lumpur - City tour (203 MYR)
- Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower (49 MYR)
- Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves via train (10 MYR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll take the local metro to the train station for your journey to Butterworth. From here, take a private transfer to George Town – the port city turned UNESCO World Heritage site and the multicultural capital of the island of Penang. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings. Then, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. George Town has some great cuisine on offer, and your leader can always point you in the right direction for some great eats! You might also like to check out some of the hidden temples, Little India or go on a self-paced street art tour.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hit the streets with your leader for a walking tour of George Town. You’ll notice a certain charm about this city as you wander by the historical building and ancient shopfronts and admire the fascinating street art at every turn. You’ll also explore Pinang Peranakan Museum – home to over 1000 pieces of antiques and collectables. This afternoon is free for you to explore or relax – maybe visit the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, The Clan Community of Penang or the Wonderfood Museum.
Included Activities:
- George Town - Heritage walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After a leisurely morning, take a private transfer to Teluk Bahang – a small fishing village in Penang. When you arrive, be welcomed into the homes of your homestay hosts, then tuck into some lunch. Visit a Batik factory where you’ll learn about the art of hand painting Batik patterns onto materials, before enjoying some fun with your group with a selection of traditional games. Then, take a late afternoon walk around the fishing village, learn how the locals make their nets and discover the life of a fisherman. Dinner tonight will be prepared especially for you by your hosts. Watch a cooking demonstration, then enjoy some local cuisine as a group, taking some time getting to know your hosts. Later, sit down for a special Silat (local martial art) performance where you can learn a few tricks from the local masters.
Included Activities:
- Teluk Bahang - traditional games
- Teluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinner
- Teluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tour
- Teluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) Performance
- Teluk Bahang - Batik factory visit
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Visit a local market this morning for breakfast, then say goodbye to your homestay hosts. Take a private transfer to Ulu Muda Forest – your home away from home for the next two nights. You’ll arrive at the Lake Muda Jetty just in time for a bite to eat, freshly prepared by the locals. Then, you’ll board a boat to Earth Lodge in Kuala Labua – this socially conscious organisation fights for the preservation of the forest with research and awareness, low carbon footprint practices and ecotourism principles. Your accommodation tonight is surrounded by nature, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect launching pad to explore the nearby jungle trails, winding rivers and lush tropical rainforest. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a river cruise where you’ll have the chance to spot local wildlife (you might even see some elephants if you’re lucky!) before a free evening to settle in and make yourself at home.
Included Activities:
- Ulu Muda - River Cruise
- Teluk Bahang - Local market visit
Accommodation:
- Jungle Eco Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, you’ll pull on your walking shoes for a trek into Bukit Labu where you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide. Listen carefully as your guide tells you all about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush rainforest home. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants! Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river before trekking back to your accommodation and visiting Salt-lick hot springs, where the local animals, including the elephants, go to get their minerals. In the late afternoon, maximise your chances of seeing wildlife with another river cruise.
Included Activities:
- Ulu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visit
- Ulu Muda - Hot Spring Saltlick
Accommodation:
- Jungle Eco Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to the forest this morning and head back to the jetty, where your private transfer will be waiting for your journey towards the Cameron Highlands. A serene spot, the rolling green highlands are blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields and boast a refreshingly cool climate. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon and have some have free time to wander the local market stalls and tuck into some typical Malay cuisine.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Have breakfast just like the locals and treat your tastebuds to some traditional eats straight from a local street stall. This is breakfast on the go – Malay style! After you’ve fuelled up, hit the road to a track of mossy forested area to stretch your legs on a trek through this mist-shrouded spot. Your guide will point out the unique plants living here, under the blanket of rich, green moss. After, you’ll step back into reality and explore one of the local tea plantations to learn more about tea production here and see the endless rows of green shrubs that seem to hug the hillside. This afternoon is free and you might like to visit the Cameron Floral Park or indulge in some high tea at the Jim Thompson Tea Room.
Included Activities:
- Cameron Highlands - hike in mossy forest area
- Cameron Highlands - Tea plantation visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today it’s back to Kuala Lumpur by a local express bus, then a metro back to your hotel. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon, then the rest of the day is free to explore this energetic city. Maybe head to the observation deck on the 451-m tall Petronas Twin Towers or see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Tonight, maybe head out to an optional farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your time in Kuala Lumpur, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sandy - Traveled, April 2024
Great trip that feels like an authentic experience! Jason was a fantastic guide and everything was really well organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Sandra - Traveled, April 2024
Love Intrepid for the freedom and the experience of a visiting a new country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Christy - Traveled, December 2023
The Malaysian Highlights trip was an exciting adventure into this magical land and rich culture. The organisation of the tour was top class with a brilliant guide provided. Unforgettable experience with a great tour operator Intrepid. Christy O'Hara
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Julie - Traveled, September 2023
in itself a very great tour with exciting activities, but it is too much in this short time of only 8 days (4/5 stars)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2023
Amanda - Traveled, July 2023
I very much enjoyed this trip and it's true that the homestay is the highlight. Thina was a great guide and you get the impression he genuinely cares about making sure you have a great time. The homestay and the food were amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2023
Shahina - Traveled, June 2023
First travel group experience, set the bar high due to the great tour guide. May go for a higher level package next time, but overall incredible experience with a great group of like minded travellers. Would highly recommend!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2023
Claire - Traveled, July 2023
We had a great tour in Malaysia and enjoyed every moment! Thina was our amazing tour leader and we had a fun group to travel with.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
Linda - Traveled, June 2024
This trip was a step into Malaysians present reality within several pivotal sites. Such a pleasure to have been able to experience them within the safe and experienced oversight of our tour leader and organisation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2024
Thomas - Traveled, July 2024
A really great trip to some main highlight spots in Malaysia mainland and the Penang Island. Consider to be fit for about 10km hike in the jungle in hot condition on uneven path.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2024
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