Travel with a guide from Singapore to Langkawi enjoying Malaysia’s beautiful scenery along the way, including Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands and Penang.
Days 1 and 2 Singapore
Known as the ‘Switzerland of the East’, Singapore is the perfect soft introduction to Asia. Although mostly modern there are fascinating Chinese, Indian and Arabian neighbourhoods to discover, superb food to enjoy and irresistible shopping. Spend your first two nights in the soft embrace of the Shangri-La.
Day 3 Melaka (Malacca)
You’ll be transferred across the border with Malaysia where, at Johor Bahru, you’ll meet your driver/guide who will take you to Melaka, Malaysia’s historic trading port, which showcases Portuguese, Dutch and English colonial heritage. Your tour will also include a stop at Cheng Hoon Teng, the oldest Chinese Temple in Malaysia, and you’ll spend the night at the Majestic hotel.
Day 4 Kuala Lumpur
After a scenic two hour drive north of Melaka you’ll reach Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s energetic capital, with time to take in some of the sights before overnighting at the Ritz Carlton.
Days 5 and 6 Cameron Highlands
Peaking at 1820 metres, the Cameron Highlands were a popular bolt hole for colonials keen to escape the summer heat and humidity in the big city. The area, with its flowers, fresh fruits, vegetables and tea plantations, will come as a cool surprise for those expecting thick tropical vegetation. Accommodation is in the Cameron Highland Resort.
Days 7 and 8 Penang
It’s a five hour drive to Penang, but broken by visits to the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, the royal town of Perak and the magnificent Ubudiah Mosque along the way. After crossing the Penang Bridge, the longest in Asia, you’ll head for Georgetown, the island capital, where you’ll check into the Eastern and Oriental hotel (or, if you prefer to be on a beach, the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, supplement £87pp). There’s a wealth of interesting places to visit on Penang. Among the highlights will be one of the world’s largest reclining Buddhas, the priceless antiques housed in the Peranakan museum in Chinatown and the wood carvings and porcelain décor of the Khoo Kongsi temple.
Days 9 to 13 Langkawi
After all those culture-rich days on the road it’s time to kick back and sink into some serious beachfront luxury at the Datai hotel, a short flight from Penang. During your stay we can arrange a boat ride through the coastal mangrove forest and limestone caves and canyons, teeming with wildlife, and a drive through quaint Malay villages whose inhabitants tend the rice paddies and rubber plantations. Let us organise an island tour, a sunset cruise, a trip to the mangrove forest or the Pulau Payar marine park.
Day 14 Fly home
Taman Negara Extension
As an alternative to travelling straight from KL to the Cameron Highlands, your guide could drive to the rural town of Jerantut via the Genting Sempah Mountain Pass. After lunch continue by boat, a two hour river journey through dense jungle to Kuala Tahan and the headquarters of the national park. During your three day Taman Negara adventure, staying at Mutiara Taman Negara, which is quite simple accommodation, you’ll be able to go on a nighttime jungle walk, enjoy a treetop canopy walk and a boat trip to the cataracts at Lata Berkoh before travelling on to the Cameron Highlands (and the rest of the itinerary).
Price 2 night supplement from £256 per person including meals and activities.
