Day 1 – Arrival in Kuala Lumpur
On arrival in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll be collected at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Kuala Lumpur is a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers sit side by side with Chinese markets and traditional Indian eateries. It’s easy to explore on your own, and experience the blend of cultures, flavours and architecture.
Day 2 – Guided walking tour
To help you get your bearings, this morning you’ll join a small group of travellers for a walking tour exploring historic and culinary Kuala Lumpur with a local guide. Your guide knows the city well and this walking tour takes you to some lesser-known areas of KL. The city has only developed into a modern metropolis in the last few decades, and it’s still possible to discover the original Kuala Lumpur. Along the way you will also stop at small street stalls where you can try some typical Malay food.
This afternoon is yours to explore. You can’t miss the iconic Petronas Twin Towers – standing 88 storeys tall, they’re the city’s most famous landmark. Getting around Kuala Lumpur is easy, with the handy monorail connecting many of the main sights. If you fancy heading a little further afield, take a trip about 45 minutes out of town to the Batu Caves. Climb the 272 steps to reach these impressive limestone caves, home to Hindu temples and colourful statues that make the journey well worth it.
Day 3 – To Merapoh: the hidden Taman Negara
Taman Negara National Park is home to the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia and can get busy. Over the next three days you’ll experience Taman Negara without the tourist crowds. You’ll be collected from your hotel in Kuala Lumpur and driven around 3.5 hours to the small town of Merapoh – a quieter gateway into the park. Here, you’ll check into a simple but comfortable guesthouse with an ensuite bathroom and hot water. Your local guide will meet you to chat through the plans for the next few days, before joining you for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 4 – Explore Taman Negara National Park
Today you’ll explore the national park with your guide. Start by walking high among the treetops along the canopy walkway, getting a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest below. Next, travel by 4WD to the starting point of the Gua Gajah (Elephant Cave) Trail – one of the park’s longer routes. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, wildlife, and animal tracks. Then continue by 4WD to the Sungai Kelam Waterfall Trail, a scenic hour-long walk crossing small streams before reaching a beautiful waterfall – the perfect spot for a refreshing dip. After a picnic lunch by the river and perhaps another swim, return to your guesthouse. After a rest and a shower, you’ll meet your guide again for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5 – To Belum Rainforest
After breakfast, depart Merapoh and head north to Belum Rainforest, a remote wilderness close to the border with Thailand. It’s one of Malaysia’s richest ecosystems with an incredible diversity of plant life including the enormous Rafflesia flower. The forest is also home to several hornbill species, monkeys, gibbons and countless butterflies. On arrival, settle into your secluded lodge in the heart of the jungle. Set at the water’s edge, it’s a relaxed retreat with an inviting infinity swimming pool.
Day 6 – Jungle trek
This morning, you will discover this 130-million-year-old jungle in a small group with a guide. There are hardly any paved paths in this jungle, so you will take a boat across the reservoir and stop at various points to further explore the jungle on foot. You’ll go in search of the Rafflesia – the world’s largest flower, spot wildlife at a salt pan and enjoy a refreshing swim in a waterfall. A packed lunch will be served before the end of the tour.
Day 7 – To the island city of Penang
Time to head back to civilisation! The next stop on your journey through Malaysia is the vibrant island city of Penang. You’ll stay in the centre of Georgetown, Penang’s most atmospheric and happening area and a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, the streets are lined with pastel-painted Chinese shopfronts, fragrant street food stalls and swinging paper lanterns. It’s nothing short of foodie paradise, with to several outdoor food courts, lively hawker centres and traditional Nyonya restaurants.
Day 8 – Guided bike ride
There’s no better way to experience Penang’s heritage and street food than on two wheels with a local guide. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the starting point, where you’ll be fitted with a bike and helmet. From there, you’ll cycle through the city in a small group, uncovering hidden temples and hearing stories of Penang’s past.
Along the way, you’ll stop for breakfast to sample freshly made Indian breads with a local ‘teh tarik’ (pulled tea), and later enjoy a tasty hawker lunch featuring favourites like Assam Laksa and Char Kway Teow. After this half-day adventure, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, with the rest of your time free to explore at your own pace.
Day 9 – To the hidden Ulu Muda Forest Reserve
Time for something truly special — a journey into Ulu Muda Forest Reserve, one of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets. This vast, untouched rainforest in the far north of the country, close to the Thai border, spans around 160,000 hectares and is still largely unknown to most travellers. It’s home to gibbons, elephants, tapirs, wild boar, and deer – and even a few illusive tigers.
You’ll be transferred to Lake Muda jetty, where after a light lunch you’ll take a 90-minute boat ride across the lake to Earth Lodge. Here you’ll stay in a simple but comfortable ensuite room, with mattresses on a raised platform and a mosquito net. There’s no air conditioning, no hot water, and no Wi-Fi – just the sounds of the forest around you. After a short introduction from your local guide, head out on a late-afternoon lake cruise to spot wildlife along the shore as the sun begins to set. Dinner will be waiting for you back at the lodge.
Day 10 – Discover Ulu Muda
Wake to the sounds of the jungle before heading out on a guided three-hour trek to Bukit Labu. You’ll explore limestone caves and stop for a picnic by the river. In the afternoon, you’ll venture deeper into the reserve to visit natural hot springs and mineral-rich salt licks that attract elephants, tapirs, deer, and wild boar. As dusk falls, set off on another peaceful lake cruise before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 11 – To the tropical island of Langkawi
After breakfast, you’ll have some time to soak up the last of the jungle atmosphere before returning by boat across the lake. You’ll reach the jetty around midday, where you’ll be met and transferred to Kuala Kedah. Another 90-minute boat journey takes you to the tropical island of Langkawi with its calm turquoise seas and soft white sand. Time to kick off your flip flops and sink into a sun lounger.
Days 12 & 13 – Beach time
Your time on Langkawi is free to relax. If you can drag yourself away from the beach, take the cable car up Gunung Machincang for sweeping views over Malaysia and southern Thailand. If you’re feeling active we can arrange a bike tour to explore the local villages tucked behind the coast, or a kayak tour through the island’s mangrove forest. Ask your Travel Specialist for more information.
Day 14 – Depart Langkawi
After a final stroll along the beach and dip in the pool, you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your departure flight. If 3 nights on the beach is not enough, just ask your Travel Specialist to extend your stay.
Accommodation
