Encounter natural and spiritual wonders at the sacred Batu Caves
Hunt for the elusive Rafflesia lower in the virgin jungle of the Royal Belum Rainforest
Meet and mingle with the Orang Asli, the first people to inhabit Malaysia
Tour all the best sites of UNESCO-listed Georgetown with a private local guide
This is the best of Peninsular Malaysia in one classic, 5-day itinerary. You’ll hit all the highlights from coast to coast as you travel through the Batu Caves, the Cameron Highlands, the UNESCO heritage sites of Penang and Georgetown, and the virgin rainforests surrounding Lake Temenggor. Each day offers a new and immersive eye-opening activity, while each night provides time for you to enjoy this tropical nation at your leisure.
This 5-day Malaysia itinerary whisks you from Kuala Lumpur to the emerald-green mountains of the Cameron Highlands with stops at the sacred Batu Caves, Iskandar Waterfall, and an Orang Asli village along the way. After touring the cool peaks and vast tea plantations of the highlands, it’s on to Orangutan Island to meet a wild denizen or two, then continue on to the UNESCO-listed heritage city of Georgetown in colorful Penang! Head out on a privately guided city tour of all the best sites, including the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, and enjoy some Malacca cuisine at your leisure.
When you begin to head east, you’ll stay on the island of Banding in the middle of Lake Temenggor. This is the ideal home base to explore the natural wonders of the surrounding virgin rainforest. Cruise across the lake to hunt for the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, and spot some wildlife at the Salt Lake before concluding your 5-day Malaysia itinerary at the east coast town of Kota Bharu.
What our Travel Specialists think about this tour:
Joy
“If you want to see all the best of Malaysia in 5 days, this is the best tour for sure.”
Day 1: Kuala Lumpur – Cameron Highlands
This 5-day Malaysia itinerary begins at 08:00 this morning.
Your private guide and driver will meet you in Kuala Lumpur and prep you for the scenic 5-hour journey into the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s highest point accessible by road. This extensive hill station is about the size of Singapore and offers stunning panoramic views. En route, you’ll have the chance to stop at Batu Caves, a large network of limestone caves that also houses Malaysia’s most important Hindu temple complex.
At midday, you’ll stop at the town of Tapah, a charming little town that is considered the gateway to the Cameron Highlands. Continue up the winding mountain road, with visits to Iskandar Waterfall and an Orang Asli village along the way. You’ll get to mingle with the Orang Asli, an indigenous group who are considered the first inhabitants of Malaysia. In the afternoon, arrive at Cameron Highlands and check-in to your hotel.
Overnight : Cameron Highlands.No meals included today
Day 2: Cameron Highlands – Penang
Day 2 of your Malaysia tour offers a full day of exciting exploration. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head for the hills. Long considered a blissful refuge from Malaysia’s tropical lowland heat, the Cameron Highlands is also famed for its stunning vistas. On a tour of the highlands, you’ll visit emerald-green tea plantations and stop at a tea factory to get an insider’s look at how local tea is harvested and processed. (Please note: The plantation is closed on Mondays and national holidays.)
After this highlands tour, you’ll head back to the lowlands, stopping at a one-of-a-kind Buddhist temple along the way. When you arrive in Bukit Merah, a charming lakeside town, you’ll climb aboard a boat and cross the lake to Pulau Orang Utan, an island that houses an orangutan research and rehabilitation center. Meet the resident primates and learn about their lives here before continuing by private car to the historical island of Penang. You’ll stop en route at the famed Snake Temple for an unforgettable temple experience.
You’ll arrive in Penang in the late afternoon. After checking into the hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening to spend at your leisure.
(Please note: The excursion to Pulau Orang Utan is dependent on the lake’s water levels.)
Overnight : Penang
Meals :
Breakfast
Day 3: Penang – Banding
Today after breakfast, your private guide will take you on a fascinating tour of Georgetown, a UNESCO Heritage City. You’ll hit all the main destinations, including the Thai Temple of the Reclining Buddha; the Burmese Temple; Khoo Kongsi, a beautifully preserved Chinese clan house; and the stately Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the beautiful, historical home of a wealthy Baba merchant built in the Baba-Nonya style. Today the mansion houses a museum of antiques and historical relics of the region. After perusing the museum’s collection, head out for an immersive visit to the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si Temple.
After concluding your city tour, it’s time to head east to the island of Banding. A scenic, 3-hour drive will bring you to Lake Temenggor, where the isle of Banding is located. After checking into your hotel, the evening is free to spend at your leisure.
Overnight : Banding
Meals :
Breakfast
Day 4: Banding
Banding is the perfect place from which to explore the tropical landscapes and natural curiosities of the surrounding Royal Belum Rainforest. After breakfast, you’ll hop in a boat and cruise the lake in search of the Rafflesia flower, the world’s largest species of flower. (Please note: The Rafflesia flower is only visible when in bloom.)
Continue via the “Elephants’ Trail” to reach another natural curiosity, the Salt Lake. If you’re vigilant, you’re sure to spot some unique wildlife coming to partake of the lake’s mineral deposits. Next up, head to a jungle waterfall where you can picnic on a packed lunch and go for a swim in the cool waters of the pool.
As you head back to your hotel in Banding, you’ll have the opportunity to stop by another Orang Asli village to learn about the locals’ unique culture.
Overnight : Banding
Meals :
Breakfast -
Lunch
Day 5: Banding – Kota Bharu – Departure
We hope you enjoyed your 5-day Malaysia itinerary! After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kota Bharu (about a 3-hour drive away), where you have the choice to be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport to catch your onward flight.
For an additional fee, we also offer a transfer to Kuala Besut Jetty (with access to Perhentian Island) or to Merang/Shabandar Jetty (with access to Redang Island).
Meals :
Breakfast
This 5-day Malaysia itinerary can be tailored to your requirements, allowing us to create the perfect holiday just for you. Contact us with your holiday ideas, no matter how big or small, and we’ll start planning your unique personalized trip! Tour prices are a guideline only, and are based on two persons travelling together, sharing a double or twin room in luxury accommodation. Each tour price and can be adjusted depending on budget, activities included and standard of accommodation desired. Tour and airfare prices include all applicable taxes and are subject to change without prior notice until services are booked. You, your holiday and booking direct: Backyard Travel are on the ground year-round in Asia, which means you are booking direct with a local travel company, allowing you to save on the cost of your holiday. Our tailor-made tours are designed by local Travel Specialists who investigate every aspect of the trip themselves, giving you a unique view of each destination.
Included
Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary
Services of a private driver and air-conditioned vehicles
Service of English speaking guides in every location
Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Not Included
Domestic and international flights
Departure taxes if applicable
Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
Early check-in and late check-out at hotels
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
Tips for guides and drivers
Personal travel insurance
Visa fees (contact us for further information)
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