Classic Malaysia

Day 1 Depart The UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Days 2 & 3 Malacca 

Upon arrival your guide and driver will meet you for the road transfer to ancient Malacca (it takes roughly 90 minutes). Check in at your hotel, which is itself a historic building built around a 1920's mansion house, and spend the first evening relaxing in the surroundings. During your stay you will take a guided tour of the city with its narrow streets, colonial buildings and delicious food including a stop at fascinating Temple Street. In the evening we recommend Restoran Peranakan for dinner; it is located in a heritage house furnished with authentic décor and here you can sample traditional dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.

DAYS 4 & 5 KUALA LUMPUR

Your driver will transfer you from Malacca to KL (about 2 hours) and on arrival you'll take an orientation tour of the city to get a get a sense of its scale and style. In the afternoon you'll check in at your hotel, The Majestic, and you may like to visit its peaceful orchid conservatory where you can enjoy high tea amongst more than 300 species of this exquisite plant. Alternatively, there is time to take a swim or indulge in a spa treatment.  

In the evening there is chance to enjoy a street-food tour where you'll experience a range of freshly prepared dishes from street vendors. Your guide will be on hand to talk you through the options available and once you've eaten your fill there will be time to view the gradiose Petronas towers – best viewed at night.

On day 2 in KL you'll take a walking tour which can be tailored to your interests. The focus will be on the cultural influences (Malay, Indian, Chinese and more) that have shaped the city, its culture and its people.  The day could start with a visit to a local morning market - a riot of colour - or you might like to stop by a local coffee house to sample curry laksa. Among other adventures your guide will take you via local transport to Chinatown, and to the old centre of KL with its rich variety of architecture and where you can wander past the garland makers or sample local Indian snacks. 

DAYS 6 & 7 EXPLORING THE CAMERON HIGHLANDS

A stop at the Batu Caves will break the journey today and give you the chance to visit a hugely significant Hindu Temple where an ascent of 272 steps will reveal the centre of the stunning limestone outcrop. The drive to the Cameron Highlands will continue along winding roads, into the largest tea plantation area in Malaysia.

During your stay in the highlands you could opt to visit one of the original organic farms in the area and/or take a trek into the forests with its pitcher plants, lizards, creeping vines and deep green mossy trees. You could visit a tea plantation that was established in 1929 by a British merchant, where you can learn about the processes of tea production and sample a drop at a café with extensive views across the plantation.

DAYS 7-9 PENANG

The journey from the highlands to Penang takes around 4 hours so there will be a stops en route to see the town of Ipoh, to have lunch and to explore an intricate cave temple.  The afternoon is free for you to relax in the surrounds of your heritage hotel in Georgetown and in the evening you may wish to take a guided stroll, perhaps to explore Little India. 

You'll have two further days to explore Penang. There is an option to cycle the island's countryside, visiting artisans and villages and sampling local produce along the route.  Alternatively you may wish to concentrate on the architectural heritage of Georgetown. As you wander the streets of the old town there is a fascinating mix of the modern and the old. Learn about the recent Street Art projects that adorn turn-of-the-century buildings alongside people working their traditional crafts.

DAYS 10 – 13 LANGKAWI

You can choose whether to travel to Langkawi by ferry or flight. The flight is just 35 minutes and the ferry closer to 3 hours. Your beach holiday then begins on Langkawi Island, the largest in a beautiful and exotic archipelago of 104 islands. After transferring to your resort, the rest of the time is yours to spend as you wish, relaxing at the resort or exploring the island.

 DAY 14 Departure

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight home. 

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK