Before trading in chaotic capital life for the cooling climes of the Cameron Highlands, we step out on a half-day tour of Kuala Lumpur. First, we visit the Royal Pewter Factory where we can watch pewter wonders in the making and try our hand at decorating them. We then head to Batu Caves, where we climb the 272 steps to explore the limestone cave and view the splendours of the Hindu temple inside.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Cameron Highlands, which sits 1,542 m above sea level and is famous for its world-renowned tea. En-route, we will visit a cottage industry specialising in bamboo baskets and cascading Lata Iskandar waterfalls. Upon arrival in Cameron Highlands, we visit one of the tea plantations the region is famed for before check-in at the hotel.
Note: The tea factory is closed Mondays and Malaysian Public Holidays.
Overnight at Strawberry Park Resort.
After breakfast, we hit the road to Ipoh, stopping en route at Gua Tempurung cave. This spectacular cave served as a former hideout for communist guerrillas. We then continue to Kellie’s Castle, an incredible remnant from colonial times. William Kellie Smith, a wealthy British plantation owner, built this splendid mansion for his yet unborn son but died in 1926, with the mansion remaining unfinished. Next to the mansion sits a Hindu temple, built for the 70 artisans brought in from Madras when a mysterious illness decimated the workforce.
Upon arrival in Ipoh, we take a leisurely stroll around the compact old town area. In just over 130 years Ipoh has transformed from a sleepy Malay village to the bustling metropolis it is today, standing as Malaysia’s fourth largest city. Walk highlights include the old Railway Station, Town Hall, Birch Memorial and St Michael's Institution.
Overnight at M Boutique Hotel Ipoh.
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we start our day with a scenic drive to Taiping Town, which is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. We begin our tour with a visit to a traditional charcoal factory in Kuala Sepetang. Ancient methods are used to produce charcoal by baking local mangrove logs in kilns.
We then continue on our discovery at Perak Museum. The public museum is the oldest museum in Malaysia and chronicles the area’s history. Before setting off on our drive to Penang, we have the option to pause for a caffeine fix at Aun Tong Coffee Mill. The historic coffee mill is Malaysia’s oldest and was founded in 1933. Upon arrival in Penang, we check-in at the hotel, with the rest of the evening free to explore the country’s famed food capital.
Overnight at Sunway Georgetown Hotel.
After breakfast, we start our morning with an informative city tour of Penang. A must-see is the Batik Factory, where intricate cloth-making skills are on display. This form of textile art is indigenous to Malaysia, especially on the east coast. Other tour highlights include some of the incredible temples that call the island home, including Wat Chayamangskalaram, Kek Lo Si, an intricate Burmese temple, and Khoo Kongsi. We then have the rest of the day at our leisure to relax, explore the city, sample Penang’s wondrous delicacies or hit the beach. Having served as an international trading port and British colonial headquarters, George Town boasts centuries of heritage, food and culture, and serves as a creative hub. It is home to traditional coffee shops and eateries, hipster cafes and bars, stylish boutiques, galleries and street art, a smattering of temples and places of worship and a striking array of architecture.
Overnight at Sunway Georgetown Hotel.
After breakfast, we wave goodbye to Penang and continue on our cross-country adventure towards Kota Bahru. We drive along highways that cut through breath-taking mountain range and tropical rainforest, stopping for lunch along the way. Along the last stretch of the journey, we may even catch some elephants crossing the road if we’re lucky.
Upon arrival in Kota Bharu, we check-in at the Grand Renai Hotel, with the rest of the day free to explore the state capital and royal seat of Kelantan. The conservative city’s main attractions are the many Islamic museums and bustling day and night markets, which are the perfect spot to put on your haggling hat and bag some bargains to take home as souvenirs. These are also good places to sample local cuisine.
Note: Lunch is charged to guests own account.
Overnight at Grand Renai Hotel.
We set off on our exploration of Kota Bharu with an orientation tour after a hearty breakfast at the hotel. We start with a visit to the colourful wet market, where we will spend some time browsing the stalls that are spilling over with batik clothing and fabrics and a range of local handicrafts that make great souvenirs.
We then depart for Kuala Terengganu, the administrative and royal capital, and main economic hub of Terengganu. As we drive up to the city, we can admire from afar the splendour of the Floating Mosque. Depending on the season, and our luck, we may spot locals flying kites, a popular pastime. We then head on a snapshot tour of Kuala Terengganu. Highlights include Terengganu Losong Museum and Pulau Duyung, where we can learn first-hand about the city’s vibrant boat-making industry.
Overnight at Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Terengganu.
After breakfast, we hit the road for Kuantan. En-route, we will stop at some of the small villages that dot the countryside to get a glimpse into the local way of life. We will also have the chance to board a local boat for a gentle cruise before watching brassware being crafted by hand using traditional techniques.
In the afternoon, we visit Cherating village to see pandan leaves being hand-woven into bags, mats and other handicrafts. We then continue on our journey to Pahang's capital and Malaysia’s second-largest port, Kuantan. The city is home to a wealth of delicious eateries, informative museums, a nearby beach and sprawling mosque. We recommend heading to Kuantan’s food markets, which start springing to life in the early evening and boast swathes of the street food Malaysia is famous for.
Overnight at Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Kuantan.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we start our drive to Kuala Lumpur. If spending the night in the capital, we will arrive at our hotel at about 5 pm. If catching a flight from Subang Airport, we will arrive about 5.30 pm so onward flight must depart after 7 pm. Kuala Lumpur International Airport drop-offs will arrive at about 6.30 pm so onward flights must depart after 8.30 pm.
