Welcome to Penang, Malaysia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the starting point for your Northern Malaysia tour! A city that was once a center or British colonial trading through the Malacca Strait, Penang has a rich cultural heritage that lends to days of exploring.

Get acquainted with the city with a guided walk through the modern and 19th century buildings that line the roads. Be introduced to some of the main points of interest, such as the Street of Harmony, Fort Cornwallis, Little India, and the Clan Temples.

Spend the evening at one of the city’s stunning restaurants, dining under the stars with plate upon plate of local food being put in front of you before returning to the hotel for a night of restful sleep.

Get an early morning start your Northern Malaysia tour being picked up from the hotel and taken to the Tropical Spice Garden. Stroll through the spice terraces and explore the stunning landscaped award-winning gardens. Enjoy a tea in the garden as you relax and take in your surroundings.

Then it’s time to tie on your apron and get ready to test your Peranakan or “Nyonya” cooking skills! The word “nyonya” is used for women of prominent social standing in Malaysian culture, and the cuisine is often referred to as such in appreciation for the women who cooked it. A combination of Chinese, Malay, and other influences, these cuisines come together in a unique blend to form what is known as “Malay” food that is tangy, spicy, and herbal all at once. Learn how to make this style cooking and then enjoy a selection of dishes to eat while sitting on the patio.

After lunch it’s time to head into the hill of Teluk Bahang, where you’ll head to Balik Pulau’s Art and Garden. Find yourself in the middle of a green sanctuary that showcases stunning plants found in the region nestled amongst various pieces of art. Walk along the terraced hill and learn how the plants are still used in Malay culture today. Then return to the hotel for an evening at your leisure and relax on the Northern Malaysia tour.

Wake early and enjoy a dim sum breakfast alongside crowds of locals. A guide will share tips on Malaysian dining etiquette and discuss the city’s rich culinary history while food continues to stream your way. Once you’ve had your fill of tasty morsels, it’s time to visit Chow Rasta wet market, which has been in operations since the early 1800s. Watch locals come to haggle for food and get first-hand insight into where you food comes from in Malaysia.

Then head to the hotel for checkout and be driven two hours to the city of Kuala Kangsar. When you arrive a delicious lunch of laksa will be waiting for you. Once you’ve had your fill visit the stunning mosque of the town, famed for its golden dome and minarets. If you want to explore the grounds but forgot to wear modest clothing or bring a headscarf fear not, as they can be provided for you!

Just next-door is the famed Baitul Anor village, where you can see the classic architecture of the region in the 20th century. Then carry on to Sultan’s Palace to get your fill of fabulous art deco before stopping for a photo at Istana Kenengan, a pristine example of classic Malaysian wood craftsmanship and former palace of the sultan.

Continue the Northern Malaysia tour on to a keris workshop, where you can see traditional craftsmen make the traditional dagger-like weapons. Keris have been created for generations under the sultans, each dagger having designs with personal meanings. Take time to ask the craftsmen about their work, and see new keris being made.

Then continue your exploration of the region’s crafts with a visit to a Labu Sayong workshop in a neighbouring village. These gourd-shaped pottery pieces are produced from clay pulled from the nearby river and are used to keep water cool. While the pottery is a traditional part of the average Malaysian home, they’re starting to make a trendy re-emergence.

Once it’s time to leave the villages you’ll head to a Malay homestay that will give you a chance to enjoy the wonders of traditional Malay home alongside Lake Chenderoh in Perak. Kayaks will be available to take for a spin on the lake, or stay lakeside in the shade to enjoy a relaxing day. A tour guide will come and greet you to give you more information about the area, including various village activities and local food.

Enjoy the rest of the evening of your Northern Malaysia tour for leisure, or take a kayak ride before a BBQ dinner and some fun evening village games.

Indulge in a big breakfast in your homestay before taking a morning walk to the village to continue your Northern Malaysia tour. Board a boat that will take you to a traditional Malay village where wooden stilted Malay houses remain. The local guide will explain to you the way of life for local villagers.

Return to the homestay for a hearty lunch. After taking some time to relax, learn how to tie a traditional Malay sarong to relax in for the rest of the day. Wanting to do something more adventurous? Take a walk to a nearby waterfall or paddle your way across the water in a kayak before returning home for a traditional Malay dinner.

Wake up for the fifth day of your Northern Malaysia tour and wave goodbye to your homestay hosts before going to the Lenggong Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the “peak man” skeleton was found and has been inhabited for over 200,000 years. Stop by the Archeological Museum to learn about old tools and stone artifacts found in the region. Then travel another 1.5 hours to Banding Island to spend the next few days exploring the robust nature trails of Belum Forest.

After a delicious lunch, check in to the Belum Rainforest Resort and relax. If you’re looking for something to do, walk to the resort’s herb garden and learn about local medicinal and herbal practices. Looking for something more leisurely? Grab a chair alongside the resort’s infinity pool.

Have dinner before it’s time to go on a night trek. See the rainforest at night, listening to the nocturnal creatures that are asleep during the day. Return to the hotel to relax and get a good night sleep before the adventures of the Northern Malaysia tour continue tomorrow.

(Please note: tomorrow’s tour to the Royal Belum State Park requires that passport details are submitted to the Park authorities in advance to purchase permits. Alternatively a similar program can be offered in Lower Belum.)

Make sure you have a big breakfast this morning, as you have a full day of exploring Belum State Park and Lake Banding ahead of you! Meet the boat at the resort’s jetty at 8:30am. You’ll be taken to some of the more untamed parts of the upper Belum. Cruise along the water in a boat while searching for rare flowers and trek to a waterfall to enjoy some swimming. Hornbills are famous in this area, so keep your eyes open as your continue your journey. Trek through remote, deep jungle paths and take in the view around you. Stop for a packed lunch and listen to your guide talk about the indigenous Orang Asli villages that are around the lake, only accessible by water.

Visit one last waterfall before taking a short break and hiking back. Arrive back to the resort and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure- you’ve earned it!

Enjoy breakfast before going to what locals call “KB”, standing for Kota Bharu, which is on the east coast of Malaysia. Wander the markets to explore artisanal crafts, and photogenic old buildings. Find yourself in Pasar Siti Khadijah, where you can visit famous landmarks such as Sultan’s Palace and an old matchmaking factory from the 1930s. Visit famed jewelers and textile makers who sell their wares from humble shops.

Then visit 19th century palaces that are full of old artifacts, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Stroll down Temenggong Street to watch local vendors try to sell their wares, and see if you can haggle for your own handicrafts! Then go to the State Mosque, where you art deco decorations dazzle and a clock tower stands in the distance. Enjoy learning about the structures through a gentle walking tour.

End the day of your Northern Malaysia tour with a visit to the night market, where you can enjoy regional dishes that are beloved my Malaysians.

(Please note: At an additional cost, this tour can also be enjoyed by trishaw.)

Transfer to Kuala Besut, where you’ll board a boat that will take you to the pristine Perhentian Islands. Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Wake up and hang your bags to your driver, who will take you to the Kota Bahru Airport, where you’ll be catching flight to Langkawi, a beautiful island that is ideal for rest and relaxation. Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Snorkel with sea turtles, take a solo walk through the jungle, or lay in the shade under a palm tree- the island is yours to discover!

Enjoy the sights of the island: walk the picturesque Canopy Walk, swim, take a boat trip on Maiden Lake, and simply lay on the beach enjoying the sound of the waves.

Spend the day relaxing before boarding a boat to Kuala Besut. Upon arrival you’ll be driven to Kota Bharu for your onward flight.

Spend the morning relaxing before being taken to Langkawi International Airport for your next flight, concluding your Northern Malaysia tour.