Malaysia: Cultural Discovery

Arrive in captivating Kuala Lumpur to a warm A&K welcome and a private transfer to your hotel in Malacca.

Tonight, take to the streets of Malacca’s heritage-listed town to discover the best local food on a guided tasting tour, exploring on foot and by colourful rickshaw. Taste a variety of different dishes influenced by the Malays, Indians, Chinese and Arab traders, and gain a better understanding of Malacca’s eclectic culinary culture.

The Majestic Malacca | Meals: D

Visit key historical and cultural sites of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Malacca. Discover the diverse cultures of this former colonial outpost including the Peranakan culture, unique to the straits of Malaysia.

Embark on a guided exploration of local icons steeped in history, from the oldest remaining example of European architecture in Southeast Asia, a famosa (Portuguese style fortress), before climbing St Paul’s Hill to St Paul’s Church and continuing to the Stadthuys — the impressive former Dutch City Hall.i

Next, pay a visit to the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum (open Thursday to Sunday), a journey into the late 19th-century and early 20th century Malaya home. Still managed by the family and where four generations of straits-born Chinese family lived since 1861, this place honours the Peranakan spirit.

This afternoon you will continue to Kuala Lumpur with the evening at leisure.

Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur | Meals: B

Take a closer look at the blends of cultures and history, old and new, that define the city of Kuala Lumpur.

Visit the colourful Thean Hou Buddhist Temple the tropical Lake Garden , and the magnificent white stone National Mosque and railway station. In the colonial Merdeka Square of admire an array of architectural wonders, with buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Continue your discovery with visits to a plethora of galleries, including Asia’s largest museum of Islamic art. Wrap up your wanders with a visit to the majestic Masjid Jamek, also known as Friday Mosque, one of the oldest buildings in Kuala Lumpur which gracefully sits on the banks of two rivers. Wander around the mosque grounds, learning about Islam in Malaysia and the arabesque influences in its design. 

Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur | Meals: B

Discover a sanctuary of Hindu culture, the Batu Caves hidden on the outskirts of the city.

After climbing the 272 steps that lead to the Sanctuary of Murugan, one of the most revered deities of Hinduism, you can enjoy a splendid panorama of the city, in the company of the resident monkeys who are sure to entertain. After your cave explorations, continue by private transfer to Cameron Highlands and settle in at your resort.

Cameron Highlands Resort | Meals: B

Today enjoy an immersion into the Cameron Highlands famous tea plantations. Enjoy a tour of the nearby tea plantation before a short guided trek in the misty Mossy Forest of Mount Brinchang admiring the array of exotic plant life as you go. Afterwards, enjoy a tour and tasting at the tea factory.

Wrap up your tea immersion with an afternoon tea at the elegant Jim Thompson Tea Room, named after the famous American who helped revitalize the Thai silk industry.

Cameron Highlands Resort | Meals: B

After breakfast transfer to Ipoh, Malaysia’s third-largest city with a reputation for a thriving arts scene. Stroll through the charming laneways, admiring the shop houses and restored colonial buildings, eyes peeled for the famous interactive street murals and Ernest Zacharevic’s street art, a name synonymous with the famous street art of Georgetown, Penang. A culinary melting pot of flavourful delights, enjoy stopping to taste the city’s local delicacies.

Continue to your hot spring resort for an evening at leisure. If you so choose you may partake in an optional fine dining experience, within a 260-million-year-old limestone cavern, suffused with romantic light and exquisite setting. Located at your retreat, Jeff’s Cellar is surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest valley, cascading waterfalls and thermal hot springs. The culinary delights are sure to satisfy, paired with an extensive range of organic and rare wines from around the world (additional cost).

The Banjaran Hot Spring Retreat | Meals: B

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take a dip in the Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools, or take in the towering rock formations around the retreat. Stroll through the jungle at your own pace and be one in nature, or find your inner peace in the Meditation Cave. The choice is all yours.

The Banjaran Hot Spring Retreat | Meals: B

Journey to Penang, travelling deep in the hills of Teluk Bahang towards Balik Pulau, visiting the fascinating to Art&Garden an expansive green sanctuary showcasing an amazing variety of plant life amidst glass, clay and metal sculptures as well as paintings and colourful mosaics.

If you so choose, you can enjoy an insider access guided exploration alongside the talented Fuan Wong, a gifted glass artist and coordinator this spectacular outdoor gallery and garden (additional cost).

From here transfer back to Georgetown, stopping enroute in the quiet town of Balik Pulau to admire three spectacular murals that represent local life. Enjoy lunch and a visit to the local creative market where you can stroll the stalls of handmade pieces. Continue to Penang and end your day’s adventure with a walking tour and rickshaw ride to Georgetown’s street art, with whimsical paintings and sculptures as well as interactive murals inspired by daily life.

Eastern & Oriental Penang or The Macalister Mansion | Meals: BL

Today you’ll embark on a guided walking tour of Penang, immersing yourself in the fascinating world of the Straits Chinese. Pass by the incredible Cheong Fatt Tse Mansion, a landmark heritage building in the UNESCO World Heritage city of George Town, St. George Church, the oldest Anglican Church in South East Asia and the High Court.

After a photo-stop in front of the Capitan Kling Mosque, visit Khoo Kongsi and its intricate carving, woodwork and porcelain décor, once part of the set for the famous movie Anna and the King. Continue to admire a myriad of ancient temples and monuments, each with a fascinating story and captivating history. Your last stop today is the Clan Jetties of Georgetown originating from settlements of Chinese immigrants. Take a stroll in their narrow wooden paths surrounded by decadent charm, continuing through the old town, stopping to admire some of the architectural wonders that earned the town a UNESCO World Heritage status.

If you would prefer, you can embark on a bicycle tour, cycling through the centre of Georgetown and admiring heritage sites, traditional trades and enjoying the hawker meals at some of the city’s best-known shops (additional cost).

This evening also offers an optional sunset canapes experience, with a guided walk through The Habitat on Penang Hill, amidst breathtaking highland rainforest, the treetop walk culminating in an indulgent sundowner as you watch the last rays of the day wash over the picturesque panorama below (additional cost).

Eastern & Oriental Penang or The Macalister Mansion | Meals: BD

Today you’ll visit the impressive Buddhist Temple Kek Lok Si, one of the largest and finest temples complexes in Southeast Asia. The scenic view of the hills outside the temple will leave you in awe, and architecture aficionados will enjoy the temple’s exquisitely designed rooflines and exotic pillars.

Afterwards transfer by air to Langkawi Island. On arrival, be transferred to your hotel and enjoy a rejuvenating complimentary massage at the onsite spa.

The Datai Langkawi | Meals: B

Today is yours to enjoy however you like. The Datai is set against a wilderness backdrop of primordial mountains, the pristine 10 million-year-old rainforest is home to a wealth of flora and fauna. If you’re feeling like some tropical idyll, the resort’s private footpath leads to dreamy Datai Bay’s idyllic white-sand beach.

If you so choose you can enjoy the breathtaking sunset and a delicious BBQ dinner on the Andaman Sea while cruising around the beautiful islands of Langkawi. Sip a cocktail to the backdrop of the sun setting as you sail on a private 46ft catamaran. As the last rays of the sun vanish and twilight takes over, sit back and enjoy some stargazing (additional cost).

The Datai Langkawi | Meals: B

Enjoy your last full day in this island paradise your way, the day yours to relax or adventure at leisure. You might choose to enjoy an optional helicopter adventure, taking to the skies over the island of Langkawi, admiring its mountains and emerald green waters of the Andaman sea and its Geopark. Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO listed Global Geopark (additional cost).

Celebrate your last night with a private candlelit dinner on the beach, savouring the sea breeze and beautiful sunset alongside a flavourful local feast.

The Datai Langkawi | Meals: BD

Enjoy time at leisure before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B