Nature & Beach On Peninsular Malaysia
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This holiday is an excellent way to experience the highlights of Malaysia, largely away from the crowds. You’ll explore wildlife in remote Ulu Muda Forest Reserve, a wonderful eco-park that few tourists visit and you’ll stay at a charming homestay in a traditional village near Kota Bharu. There is also time to explore cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur and bustling Georgetown (Penang) whilst trying some tasty snacks, discovering quirky architecture and staying in high quality hotels. Last but not least you’ll spend 5 days at a lovely beach resort on the east coast where the weather is usually fantastic from April to October - making this a great holiday in the Easter or summer school holidays. 

Highlights include

• Tasting exotic fruits, local snacks and delicious Dim Sum on city safaris in Kuala Lumpur and Penang
• Passing fishermen throwing their nets and monkeys picking coconuts as you bike around the kampung (village) at Pasir Belanda
• Venturing deep into Ulu Muda Forest Reserve by boat to spot rare birds and animals
• Splashing in the crystal clear waters off the coast at Tanjong Jara

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 on your overnight flight to Malaysia.

Days 2-4 Kuala Lumpur

On arrival in Kuala Lumpur your guide will meet you and accompany you on your private transfer from the airport. Your accommodation will be at a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, the perfect place to recover from your flight and ease into Malaysia time.

During your stay in "KL" your guide will introduce you to Malaysia with a walking safari through the capital. With interactive elements throughout, this tour is the ideal way for all ages to get engaged in this unique, contrasting city. You’ll visit the vibrant morning markets where the locals bargain for their daily food as your guide explains the colourful spices, weird and wonderful fruits and tasty snacks. You’ll call in at a typical coffee house to sample curry laksa before boarding public transport to take you to the old part of the city – rich in interesting architecture. Wander among the garland makers near the Indian mosque and try traditional sweet tea and Indian snacks.

Days 5 & 6 Ula Muda Forest Reserve

Today you depart KL for a short flight north to Alor Setar where your  driver will meet you for the journey to Ula Muda Forest Reserve, a lush tropical rainforest along the eastern interior border with Thailand that barely any tourists visit. On arrival at the reserve you’ll board a small boat for a cruise through the jungle to Earth Lodge. During your stay you’ll explore the eco park by boat and on foot; birdlife is abundant and you may be lucky enough to spot sambar deer, gaur, wild pigs and even elephants. There are three saltlicks close to the lodge as well as hot springs and a limestone hill and cave system.

 Day 7 & 8 Penang

You’ll transfer by boat and road onwards to Penang. On arrival, you’ll check into a boutique hotel in Georgetown, the hub of Penang's culture with a mix of colonial and indigenous architecture, varied street food and a thriving art scene.

During your stay here your guide will take you on a tour of the town - you’ll get to taste the best Dim Sum and learn a little about the street art too.

Day 9 & 10 Pasir Belanda Homestay (kota Bharu)

From Penang its a 45-minute direct flight to Kota Bharu where it's then a short 25-minute road journey to Pasir Belanda, located on the banks of a river in a traditional village. This is a lovely place in which to get an insight into the local way of life without compromising heavily on comfort.

Join the local villagers to learn about traditional crafts such as painting batik, cloth weaving and kite decorating or take a cookery class or a bike/cycle tour.

Days 11-15 Tanjong Jara (or Perhentian islands)

The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is known for its idyllic beaches and great weather in the UK summer (roughly from April to October). In this itinerary we recommend Tanjong Jara for a beach stay; an alternative option could be the Perhentian Islands which would cut down on journey time but where accommodation is a little more rustic.

During you stay at Tanjong Jara you can enjoy luxurious surroundings by the beach with the option to explore as well. The resort can arrange snorkelling tours off the coast, waterfall treks and cycle tours to nearby towns and there are some great facilities on site including tennis courts and a turtle hatchery.

Day 16 Fly Home

Our driver will transport you to Kuala Terengganu Airport for your flight home via KL.