Jungles, Home-stay & Islands
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

The northern part of peninsular Malaysia offers a wide variety of experiences for travellers. This suggested itinerary takes in heritage and food, a glimpse into traditional Malay life, a jungle adventure and a paradise island stay. 

Highlights include

• Devouring dim sum and getting immersed in the unique heritage of UNESCO Penang
• Experiencing traditional Malay life at a homestay near Kuala Kangsar
• Discovering wildlife, birds and butterflies in the wilderness of 130 million year-old Belum rainforest.
• Looking out for Rafflesia, the world largest flower (if in season).
• Exploring artisanal crafts, age-old architecture, the Sultans Palace and the famous central markets of Kota Bharu.
• Swimming and snorkelling amongst the turtles or lazing under a palm tree on the beautiful Perhentian Islands.

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here.

Day 1 Depart The UK

Depart the UK for your overnight flight to Penang. Your flight will most likely be via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and a stop can be included if preferred.

Days 2-4 Penang

Penang exudes the charm of its rich heritage. During your three days here you'll explore the street art, discover the eclectic and delicious food and get an idea of why UNESCO awarded Penang a World Heritage listing in 2008.

A walking tour of Penang will be customized to suit your interests and fitness level and will include all the main architectural site as well as spots where local artisans still ply their trade.  Of course there will be time to experience some of Penang’s best eating locations where popular local dishes are as varied as Chinese Dim Sum and Bengali bread.  How such dishes became integrated into typical Malaysian fare is an account of the islands history. 

During your time in Penang there is time for a cookery experience where you’ll join a local chef for a market tour before proceeding to a private garden to learn how to create three traditional meals. Additionally there is time to visit Penang’s national park for a moderate walk through the jungle or to take the 250-meter-long canopy walk for a great view of the forest.

Days 5 & 6 Kuala Kangsar

Your guide will transfer you from Penang to the mainland via the road bridge and you’ll travel south towards the beautiful royal river city of Kuala Kangsar, the city boasts one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia and there will also be time to view the Sultans palace.

Thirty minutes south of the city is Lake Cendorah and here you will enjoy a very unique experience at a two night homestay. You’ll be guests of a Malay family who will show you their local village as you hear about their traditions. Whilst exploring the surrounding countryside there is chance to learn about local medicinal plants and their uses, rubber tapping and the importance of this industry to the village. You’ll have chance to take a swim in a nearby waterfall, go kayaking or swimming on the lake or just sit back with a book.

In the evenings, you can watch a cooking demonstration based on cuisine from the north of Malaysia, utilizing herbs seen in the village gardens and, depending on the catch, fish from the lake.

This is rewarding, unique experience but accommodation is basic, if this doesn’t suit you then we will tailor the tour accordingly.

Day 7 & 8 Belum Rainforest 

Continue your adventure towards Belum National Park. En route there is time to stop at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Lenggong Valley and for lunch. Then on to Belum, a 130 million year-old jungle that is home to an enormous variety of wildlife, birds, butterflies, flowers and trees.

Your time in the national park will be spent exploring the jungle by foot and by boat with an indigenous guide. Highlights include visiting the site of one of the three species of Rafflesia, the world largest flower (if in season), plus local waterfalls, and trekking into the jungle while learning about the history of the area and its wildlife. Elephants, rhinoceroses, deer, otters and tarsiers, to name a few, still exist in these jungles, but are rarely seen. There is also a night walk where you’ll catch a glimpse of the nocturnal side of life.

 Day 9 Kota Bharu

Today you depart Belum for the road journey to Kota Bharu on Malaysia’s north-east coast. Here you’ll take a guided tour of the city with its traditional crafts, architecture and bustling central market. The city is small and the best sights are located closely, you’ll pass the art deco State Mosque and the old Sultans palace on the stroll.

In the evening there is chance to explore some local Kelantan dishes at the night market.

Day 10-13 The Perhentian Islands (March - October)

It’s a short transfer from Kota Bharu by road to Kuala Besut where you’ll board a local speed boat to the Perhentian Islands. Your time here is at leisure to enjoy your picture-postcard-perfect paradise surroundings. Swim, take a jungle walk, snorkel in the crystal clear waters looking for turtles or just relax under the shade of a palm tree.

When the weather is unfavourable on the east coast of Malaysia, it tends to be at its best on the west. So during certain months we would suggest tweaking the itinerary and swapping the Perenthian Islands for a west coast destination such as Langkawi – your travel expert can advise on the best route.

Day 14 Fly Home

Depart for the transfer back to the mainland and your onward flight from Kota Bharu. The flight is via KL and a stopover can be included if your time permits. Alternatively - if you've got a little more time and would like more adventures, you can fly from Kota Bharu to Borneo and spend a few days taking in its incredible wildlife.