Highlights
- Tour historic George Town in Penang by cycle rickshaw and travel on the Penang Hill funicular railway
- Discover Kuala Lumpur and marvel at the soaring Petronas Twin Towers, which used to be the world’s tallest buildings
- Option to visit Malacca, once one of the world’s great trading ports
- Discover the wonders of Malay food culture – a mouth-watering fusion of Thai, Indonesian, Chinese and Indian cuisines
- Fly to Borneo and visit the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, seeing the charming orangutans
- Explore the fascinating history of Sandakan in eastern Borneo
- Learn about the culture and traditions of Borneo’s indigenous tribes at the fascinating Mari-Mari cultural village near Kota Kinabalu
- Relax and stay for three nights at the five-star Shangri-La Resort with its own nature reserve, golf course and mile-long beach
- The Signature Tour option includes all of the above as well as:
- Ride to the top of the iconic Petronas Towers in the futuristic elevator and admire the breathtaking views of the city below
- In the company of a knowledgeable local, delve into the historic Kampung Baru district of Kuala Lumpur where a melting pot of tradition and culture awaits
- Go in search of Bornean wildlife on a river cruise in Klias Forest Reserve and enjoy a traditional Malay buffet
- Enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group with an average of 22 guests
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Arrive at the airport for your overnight flight to Penang via Kuala Lumpur.
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After our afternoon arrival, we transfer to our hotel on Batu Ferringhi beach. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax after your flight. Of course, any trip to the Far East cannot be complete without trying out the delectable flavours of one of the world’s most varied cuisines. The best-known Malaysian dish is satay – meat skewers marinated with turmeric, grilled over charcoal and served with a mildly spicy peanut sauce. But there’s so much more: nasi kandar, steamed rice soaked in a variety of flavourful curries; asam laksa, a tangy fish broth listed on CNN’s ‘world’s 50 most delicious foods’; beef rendang, a rich meat dish seasoned with a mouthwatering mix of spices; chicken rice, a Hainanese-influenced dish of steamed or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth – the list is almost endless! (B)
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This morning we enjoy a walking tour of the beautifully preserved colonial centre of George Town. A UNESCO World Heritage site, George Town is perhaps unique in Southeast Asia in having over 30,000 pre-war buildings. Francis Light built Fort Cornwallis, which still stands to this day, and promoted it as a free port, vastly increasing trade and attracting large numbers of Chinese and Indian settlers. The same successful tactic was followed in Malacca to the south and both cities, developed their unique mix of cultures which is still evident today. What is particularly fascinating is that despite being bombed by the Japanese in World War II, George Town still has thousands of pre-war buildings, mostly Chinese-owned ‘shophouses’, many fine colonial-era villas and public buildings, which have helped it attain UNESCO World Heritage status. George Town represents a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century colonial life. After a fascinating ride by cycle rickshaw, you’ll enjoy an included lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the many facilities of your hotel. In the evening, the local night market is an easy stroll from the hotel and a great chance to try the local street cuisine or hone your bargaining skills. (B, L)
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Reached by the Penang Hill Funicular Railway, the 2,700-foot Penang Hill was used as a cooler retreat during the British colonial period. Many prominent bungalows were built here, as well as the original official residence of the Governor. You can still see the post office and police station, built in 1894 and 1929 respectively. After an included lunch, you are free to enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B, L)
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We cross over the eight-mile Penang Bridge to Butterworth on the mainland of Malaysia, where we start our journey to the capital, Kuala Lumpur – commonly known as ‘KL’. On the way, we’ll cross the lush and mountainous central region of Malaysia, and stop for an included lunch in the charming and often-overlooked small colonial town of Ipoh. Our hotel in KL for three nights is well-located right in the centre of town and close to the city’s world-famous landmark, the gleaming Petronas Twin Towers. (B, L)
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This morning we take a half-day tour of the city, its modern skyline dominated by the 1,483-foot-tall Petronas Twin Towers. Designed by Argentinian architect César Pelli, the 88-storey glass and stainless steel-clad skyscrapers are beautifully decorated with Islamic motifs. We visit the National Mosque, the Tugu Negara War Memorial, pass by the old Railway Station, the Tudor-styled Cricket Club, the King’s Palace and pass by the Moorish style Federal Court. Tonight, why not head to Jalan Alor, for some of the best street food in Asia. The afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to take a short ride out of KL to explore the impressive cave temples of Batu Caves. (B) Signature Experience: No visit to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without a visit to the iconic 88 storey Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia’s crown jewel. Ascend 170 thrilling metres in the futuristic elevator to the Skybridge, the world’s highest 2-storey bridge, which connects the soaring towers then rise again to level 86 where the story of this architectural wonder unfolds and the surrounding views of the booming city below are simply breathtaking – you will feel on top of the world.
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Today is a free day to explore KL at your leisure. Go up to the amazing Skybridge and observation deck of the Petronas Twin Towers, or wander through the colonial-era landmarks of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building or the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. Perhaps discover the history and process of pewter craftsmanship at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you may wish to take our optional full-day tour to historic Malacca (bookable locally), one of Southeast Asia’s greatest trading ports in the 15th century. One of the more famous of the Straits Settlements, it was originally colonised by the Portuguese and later taken over by the Dutch before finally succumbing to the might of the British East India Company. There’s plenty to see in the many old shophouses, now converted into attractive boutiques and cafés, but many are still family homes as well. Another option back in Kuala Lumpur is the Perdana Botanical Gardens. Located just southwest of Chinatown and spread over 220 acres, it is an area of verdant calm far removed from the bustle of the surrounding city. The park features a beautiful hibiscus garden, devoted to Malaysia’s national flower, and a stunning orchid garden with 800 species. Signature Experience: Escape the soaring skyscrapers and state-of-the-art shopping malls this evening and experience a quieter side of the city in the historic district of Kampung Baru, a living museum. Families have lived on these bougainvillea lined streets for four generations. Browse Chow Kit Market where the stalls are piled high with fresh local produce. Experience typical Kampung Baru hospitality and Hi-Tea in the welcoming surroundings of a local home and step into the peaceful surroundings of the Kampung Baru mosque and Tatt Khalsa Diwan Gurdwara Sikh Temple, the biggest temple in Southeast Asia – truly a multicultural melting pot.
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Today we fly to Sandakan for a two-night stay. Founded in 1879 by the British North Borneo Company, Sandakan is a charming small port town with a fascinating colonial history on the eastern side of Borneo. Borneo is Malaysia’s shining verdant jewel in the crown, the third-largest island in the world. Its luxuriant tropical forests teem with thousands of extraordinary endemic plant and animal species. There are long-tailed macaques, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, flying squirrels, sun bears, the world’s largest snake, no fewer than 102 types of bat and, of course, the remarkable red-haired ‘man of the forest’ – the orangutan. Borneo is also known for the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore. We’ll have a short tour of the city on arrival, also stopping by the Sandakan Memorial, which commemorates the Australian and British soldiers held by the Japanese as prisoners of war between 1942 and 1945. The memorial is adjacent to the original Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp location. (B)
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This morning we visit two centres of conservation and rehabilitation, the Bornean Sun Bear Centre and Sepilok Orangutan Centre which gives an insight as to the work done in the protection of these captivating animals. After an included lunch, we visit the Agnes Keith House, a rare survival of post-war colonial wooden architecture. The museum here is dedicated to the American writer known for her autobiographical accounts of life in North Borneo before, during and after the Second World War. (B, L)
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This morning, we catch the short flight to Kota Kinabalu on the western side of Borneo and transfer to our luxurious home for the next three nights, where all our rooms overlook the beautiful pool and gardens. On the way to the hotel, we’ll stop at the living museum that is the Mari Mari Cultural Village. You’ll be able to experience the intriguing traditions, history and culture of five of the local indigenous tribes, including the feared Murut headhunters, right in the middle of the rainforest. After an included lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure at your hotel. (B, L)
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After a morning at leisure, we transfer to the airport early this afternoon for your overnight flight home via Kuala Lumpur. (B)
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You arrive back in the UK early this morning.
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You have two free days to enjoy the large sandy beach and extensive swimming pools at your hotel. There is also a 400-acre nature reserve with its own walking paths adjacent to the resort, as Penang Hill Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort well as an 18-hole championship golf course and a superb spa. Choose from five restaurants and two bars – this is the best spot to watch the spectacular sunset over the South China Sea. Signature Experience: This afternoon, we will visit the Klias Forest Reserve, travelling on a scenic road past picturesque villages. Upon arrival, we have time to refresh with tea, coffee, Malay cakes and biscuits before boarding our river cruise. As we travel through the mangrove forests be on the lookout for wildlife, including the big-nosed proboscis monkey, monitor lizards and crocodiles as well as abundant bird species - you'll want to keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars handy. There’s also a traditional Malay buffet dinner before a final river cruise to observe a flickering display of fireflies as they light up the riverbanks. In the evening, we'll transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
4* Superior Parkroyal Resort – Penang
With a prime position on the soft sands of Batu Ferringhi beach, the four-star superior Parkroyal Resort is located very close to the area’s popular night market and about half an hour’s drive from central George Town. The beautiful free-form pool is set in lush tropical gardens leading down to the beach and sunset bar. Other facilities include a fitness centre, tennis court and Spa. Besides plenty of local restaurants outside the property, the hotel’s own dining options are also varied: choose from Tamarind Brasserie’s all-day dining buffet, the Cool Bananas poolside café or Uncle Zak by the Beach serving local tapas and fresh seafood. The hotel has 309 rooms and all rooms are air-conditioned and have a bath/shower, hairdryer, safe, minibar, iron/board, cable TV, tea/coffee-maker and free wifi.
3* Sabah Hotel - Sandakan
The three-star Sabah Hotel is located in a quiet leafy area but still close to the bustling centre of Sandakan. Facilities include a main restaurant, lobby bar and a large swimming pool. The 116 rooms are all air-conditioned with a view of the pool or surrounding forest and have bath/shower, hairdryer, minibar, TV, tea/coffee-maker and free wifi.
The Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a luxurious five-star resort. Besides the long white-sand beach, there’s a huge free-form pool, fitness room, tennis courts and the renowned Chi Spa. Activities include a variety of watersports, bicycle tours, a river boat trip, horse riding, fishing, diving, golf and walks through the resort’s nature reserve. As you would expect, the resort offers numerous excellent dining options: breakfast is taken at the Coffee Terrace, which is also open for lunch and dinner with international and Asian buffets; open in the evening, the Naan Indian restaurant combines the Moghul cuisine of northern India with the tropical spices of Goa, whilst the Japanese Kozan teppanyaki restaurant is a fun experience as the chef cooks the food in front of you. For even more variety, there’s also the Tepi Laut – set out as a series of open-fronted shop-houses specialising in different Asian cuisines and finally there’s also the Oceano Italian restaurant, which are both open for lunch as well. The resort has 499 rooms and Riviera guests will stay in the Garden Wing where the rooms include bath/shower, hairdryer, safe, minibar (local charges apply), cable TV, tea/coffee-maker, free Wi-Fi, a private balcony facing towards the sea and with view of the extensive beautifully landscaped gardens. Location description: This luxurious resort is set on a fabulous one-and-a-half-mile beach and surrounded by its own 18-hole championship golf course. Set in a secluded location surrounded by tropical forest within one hour's drive from Kota Kinabalu city, on clear days you can spot the peaks of Mt Kinabalu in the distance.
4* Meliá Kuala Lumpur Hotel
The centrally located, four-star Melia Kuala Lumpur is within walking distance to Imbi monorail access, with the Petronas Twin Towers just a 3-minute monorail journey away. Also nearby is Plaza Low Yat, Berjaya Times Square, and the attractions of Bintang Walk and Little India. The hotel has an all-day dining restaurant with a-la-carte menus, as well as lunch and dinner buffets serving a variety of international cuisine. There is a choice of two bars – the Lobby bar and the Garbo by the Pool bar. There’s an outdoor swimming pool (seasonal) and fitness centre plus a gift shop. The air-conditioned rooms are comfortably furnished at 32sqm, featuring a hairdryer, safe, minibar (chargeable), coffee/tea making facilities, iron and ironing board, cable TV and complimentary Wi-Fi, plus a rain-shower in the bathroom. This hotel has the Earthcheck International Certification program, certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).