- ✓ Discover untouched rainforest in Taman Negara National Park
- ✓ Immerse yourself in the local community at Kota Bharu
- ✓ Experience island-life on the Perhentian Islands & Redang Island
Do you want to travel at your own pace? Then ask us about the options for driving yourself. The roads are well-developed, signage is in English and they drive on the left-hand side of the road. The car rental company we work with in Malaysia is a reliable provider with good-quality vehicles and a wide network of rental locations. And our local partners are on hand 24/7 should you need assistance.
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 - Travel to Taman Negara & head out on a night walk
From Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, you’ll hop on a bus and head to the border of Taman Negara National Park. Here you’ll take a small wooden boat along the jungle-flanked Sungai Tembeling River to your comfortable resort in the rainforest – the Mutiara Taman Negara – which will be your home for the next two nights. There will be time to settle in before setting off into the jungle as the sun begins to set on a night walk. You’ll be surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest as you search for wildlife and insects hiding in the darkness.
Day 4 - Rainforest activities
After breakfast the next day, an experienced guide will take you on a hike to Teresek Hill, a mountain top in the middle of the jungle. You’ll walk up to get a beautiful view of the Taman Negara National Park and Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in West Malaysia. Continue your jungle exploration to the Canopy Walkway, where you can experience a birds eye view of the rainforest from a height of 45 metres above the forest floor. Your final day is free to relax or continue your exploration.
Due to fallen trees and ongoing reconstruction of the canopy, the canopy walkway is temporarily closed. Please note that some activities may be adjusted on the day of your visit.
Taman Negara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, attracting visitors from across the world. If you would prefer a less touristic, rainforest adventure check out our Endau Rompin trip
Day 5 - Travel to Kota Bharu
The next destination on your Malaysia trip is Kota Bharu, where you’ll stay in a traditional ‘kampung’ village that embraces authentic Islamic culture. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local life. Visit a nearby mosque to connect with the local community, or take a peaceful walk in the surrounding countryside, past winding rivers, lush rice paddies and swaying palm groves. You will stay in a wooden chalet with its own bathroom and air conditioning – a comfortable blend between a homestay and a guesthouse.
Day 6 - Batik painting workshop
Today you’ll be introduced to the traditional textile art of batik, one of Malaysia’s most iconic crafts. At a nearby batik workshop, you will learn about the history of this colourful art and try your hand at traditional techniques like wax drawing and dye-painting, creating your own unique piece to take home. After getting creative, you can hire a bike and cycle through the countryside, or treat yourself to a traditional Malay massage.
If you would prefer to swap the batik painting for a cooking class, we can arrange this for you – speak to your travel specialist or see the bottom of this page for more information.
Day 7 - Take a boat to the Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands are a pocket-sized tropical paradise, with pure white sands, clear turquoise waters, rustling palms and impressive sunsets. The scenery is also breath-taking below the water, where you’ll find thriving coral gardens bursting with exotic marine life. This is where you’re heading next…
You’ll be transferred to Kuala Besut where you’ll board a boat to Pulau Perhentian Besar. Your home for the next three nights is a beachfront resort with sea views and a laid-back vibe. Time to relax!
Days 8 & 9 - Free time on the Perhentian Islands
Your time here is free to explore as you wish. This is a place to kick off your flip-flops, stretch out and listen to the sound of swaying palms. Take a trip into the island’s jungle, hire a canoe, set off on a sea-fishing mission or explore the underwater world with a snorkel. Why not take a quick hop over to explore the smaller island of Perhentian Kecil?
It's easy to see why these popular idyllic islands attract plenty of visitors during high season. Advance booking is essential. Most of the islands close during the monsoon season (November to February)
Days 10 - 12 - Take a boat to Pulau Redang & relax
Time to hop islands and this morning you’ll take a boat from the Perhentian Islands to Pulau Redang – a swift speedboat journey of 45 minutes to 1 hour.
The picture-postcard island of Redang boasts wide white sandy beaches with clear shallow waters. The island is a protected natural area and sea turtles come here to lay eggs. Your stay on Redang is free to relax on the beach, or you can explore the rest of the island where fishing villages are hidden among the greenery. The waters surrounding the island are home to an abundance of colourful marine life so we highly recommend arranging a snorkelling experience to explore the vibrant underwater world.
Day 13 - Time to head home
Today marks the last day of your Malaysia trip. We’ll arrange your boat transfer back to the mainland and a private transfer to take you to the airport, roughly an hour’s journey. You’ll catch a flight back to Kuala Lumpur in time to connect onto your international flight home.
Accommodation
