Malaysia Highlights

Intrepid Travel · 10 days

4.6

9 Reviews

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Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, this trip showcases the diverse beauty of Malaysia.

Highlights

Stay in an eco-lodge on the edge of the jungle that’s fighting for the preservation of Ulu Muda Forest with research and awareness, low-footprint practices and ecotourism principles.
Take not one but two river cruises deep in the Ulu Muda Forest to double your chances of spotting roaming wildlife like elephants as your guide tells you about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush haven home.
Slip into the local way of life, staying with a family on a homestay that gives real insight into village culture – play traditional games, learn fishing techniques and tuck into a home-cooked dinner.
Explore the rolling green Cameron Highlands, blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields, and then trek through the mossy forest to learn more about the unique plants living beneath this sea of moss.
Wander the historic mural-lined streets of Georgetown, the vibrant cultural hub of Penang and see the array of contemporary art galleries, boutiques, traditional temples and churches.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Public Bus,Metro,Ferry,Boat,Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Finishes

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Kuala Lumpur

Selamat Datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Here, you can expect streets lined with colourful food stalls, friendly locals and fast-paced energy. You have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, why not check out the Petaling Street Market – the vibrant hub of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown – or wander along the River of Life. After your meeting, maybe join your leader for an optional group dinner at Jalan Alor to experience the vibrant food scene in Kuala Lumpur and maybe explore the charming Bukit Bintang together before heading back to the hotel.

Optional Activities:

Kuala Lumpur - City tour (min. 2) (203 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower (Observation Deck) (80 MYR)
Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves via train (20 MYR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: George Town

This morning, you’ll take the local metro to the train station for your journey to Butterworth. From here, take a private transfer to George Town – the port city turned UNESCO World Heritage site and the multicultural capital of the island of Penang. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings. Then, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. George Town has some great cuisine on offer, and your leader can always point you in the right direction for some great eats! You might also like to check out some of the hidden temples, Little India or go on a self-paced street art tour.

Optional Activities:

Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves via train (20 MYR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: George Town

Hit the streets with your leader for a walking tour of George Town. You’ll notice a certain charm about this city as you wander by the historical building and ancient shopfronts and admire the fascinating street art at every turn. You’ll also explore Pinang Peranakan Museum – home to over 1000 pieces of antiques and collectables. This afternoon is free for you to explore or relax – maybe visit the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, The Clan Community of Penang or the Wonderfood Museum.

Included Activities:

George Town - Heritage walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Teluk Bahang

After a leisurely morning, take a private transfer to Teluk Bahang – a small fishing village in Penang. When you arrive, be welcomed into the homes of your homestay hosts, then tuck into some lunch. Visit a Batik factory where you’ll learn about the art of hand painting Batik patterns onto materials, before enjoying some fun with your group with a selection of traditional games. Then, take a late afternoon walk around the fishing village, learn how the locals make their nets and discover the life of a fisherman. Dinner tonight will be prepared especially for you by your hosts. Watch a cooking demonstration, then enjoy some local cuisine as a group, taking some time getting to know your hosts. Later, sit down for a special Silat (local martial art) performance where you can learn a few tricks from the local masters.

Included Activities:

Teluk Bahang - traditional games
Teluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinner
Teluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tour
Teluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) Performance
Teluk Bahang - Batik factory visit

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Ulu Muda Forest

Visit a local market this morning for breakfast, then say goodbye to your homestay hosts. Take a private transfer to Ulu Muda Forest – your home away from home for the next two nights. You’ll arrive at the Lake Muda Jetty just in time for a bite to eat, freshly prepared by the locals. Then, you’ll board a boat to Earth Lodge in Kuala Labua – this socially conscious organisation fights for the preservation of the forest with research and awareness, low carbon footprint practices and ecotourism principles. Your accommodation tonight is surrounded by nature, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect launching pad to explore the nearby jungle trails, winding rivers and lush tropical rainforest. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a river cruise where you’ll have the chance to spot local wildlife (you might even see some elephants if you’re lucky!) before a free evening to settle in and make yourself at home.

Included Activities:

Ulu Muda - River Cruise
Teluk Bahang - Local market visit

Accommodation:

Jungle Eco Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Ulu Muda Forest

After breakfast this morning, you’ll pull on your walking shoes for a trek into Bukit Labu where you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide. Listen carefully as your guide tells you all about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush rainforest home. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants! Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river before trekking back to your accommodation and visiting Salt-lick hot springs, where the local animals, including the elephants, go to get their minerals. In the late afternoon, maximise your chances of seeing wildlife with another river cruise.

Included Activities:

Ulu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visit
Ulu Muda - Hot Spring Saltlick

Accommodation:

Jungle Eco Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Cameron Highlands

Say goodbye to the forest this morning and head back to the jetty, where your private transfer will be waiting for your journey towards the Cameron Highlands. A serene spot, the rolling green highlands are blanketed by tea plantations and boast a refreshingly cool climate. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon and have some have free time to wander the local market stalls and tuck into some typical Malay cuisine.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Cameron Highlands

Have breakfast just like the locals and treat your tastebuds to some traditional eats straight from a local street stall. This is breakfast on the go – Malay style! After you’ve fuelled up, hit the road to a track of mossy forested area to stretch your legs on a trek through this mist-shrouded spot. Your guide will point out the unique plants living here, under the blanket of rich, green moss. After, you’ll step back into reality and explore one of the local tea plantations to learn more about tea production here and see the endless rows of green shrubs that seem to hug the hillside. This afternoon is free and you might like to visit the Cameron Floral Park or indulge in some high tea at the Jim Thompson Tea Room.

Included Activities:

Cameron Highlands - hike in mossy forest area
Cameron Highlands - Tea plantation visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Kuala Lumpur

Today it’s back to Kuala Lumpur by a local express bus, then a metro back to your hotel. You’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon, then the rest of the day is free to explore this energetic city. Maybe head to the observation deck on the 451-m tall Petronas Twin Towers or see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Tonight, maybe head out to an optional farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Kuala Lumpur

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your time in Kuala Lumpur, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,745

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, this trip showcases the diverse beauty of Malaysia.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Jan 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Sandy

Traveled, April 2024

04/23/2024

Great trip that feels like an authentic experience! Jason was a fantastic guide and everything was really well organised.

4.0

Sandra

Traveled, April 2024

04/20/2024

Love Intrepid for the freedom and the experience of a visiting a new country.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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