Jungles, Home-stay & Islands

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 Belum National Park

Continue your adventure towards Belum National Park, 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's 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.

Days 7 & 8 Kuala Kangsar Homestay 

Your guide will transfer you 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 Sultan's 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 will be time to learn about local medicinal plants and their uses, rubber tapping and the importance of this industry to the village. You’ll have a chance to take a swim in a nearby waterfall, go kayaking or swimming in 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 9-12 PANGKOR ISLANDS 

Take a road transfer to Lumut followed by a boat ride across to Pangkor Laut. 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 or just relax under the shade of a palm tree.

DAY 13 FLY HOME

Transfer back to the mainland for your overnight flight home from Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively - if you've got a little more time and would like more adventures, we can change the itinerary accordingly. For example. we highly recommend going across to Borneo to spend a few days taking in its incredible wildlife. 

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