Known for its stunning beaches, highlands and rainforests, Malaysia is also a true melting pot of cultures – with Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European influences. The Peninsula offers frenetic cities with towering skylines, street art, tea plantations, and some of the world’s best street food.
On this 12-day itinerary, you will explore Kuala Lumpur’s diverse cityscapes and multicultural heritage on a private tour, take a guided hike through the hills of Cameron Highlands to witness panoramic views of surrounding landscapes, uncover Penang’s rich cultural legacy with a local expert, and visit Langkawi’s lush mangrove forests on a private kayaking adventure.
ITINERARY ROUTE MAP
Highlights
Explore the modern and historic cityscape of Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy the hilly and lush landscape of the Cameron Highlands. Visit Georgetown, the vibrant and diverse UNESCO-listed capital of Penang. Experience the stunning mangrove forests of Langkawi.
Arrival in Kuala Lumpur
Private transfer with a Discova guide from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to your booked accommodation by air-conditioned vehicle. The airport is located approximately 55 km from downtown Kuala Lumpur, so the transfer duration will be around 50-60 minutes, depending on the traffic.
You can also opt for a meet-and-greet service (at an additional cost), where our representative will meet you at the arrival gate and assist you with priority lane access and baggage.
Kuala Lumpur City Orientation (Private), Urban Charm Food Tour (Private)
On your first morning in Malaysia’s capital city, set off on a captivating journey through the urban landscape of Kuala Lumpur. Experience the city’s rich history and modernity as you explore the Golden Triangle, the vibrant shopping and entertainment district.
Marvel at the architectural contrast, from the Britishbuilt Central Market, a bustling hub since 1888, to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest twin tower complex (photo stop only). Immerse yourself in traditional Malaysian culture with visits to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the King’s Palace, and the National Mosque, showcasing exquisite Moorish design. Transfer to your hotel for a free afternoon at leisure.
Meet your guide again at 5 pm at Parkroyal Collection opposite Sungei Wang Plaza before setting off on a gastronomic adventure through Kuala Lumpur. Visit the iconic Lot 10 Hutong food court, whose restaurants are run by multi-generational families. This is our first stop to savour Malaysia’s quintessential
dessert, Cendol—a pandan jelly-infused treat topped with coconut milk and palm sugar.
Travel to Sri Maha Temple via MRT, where you will learn about the temple’s significance within the city’s Indian community. At a local restaurant, try roti canai—a flavourful Indian-influenced flatbread served with curry and soup. Further along, sample succulent beef meatballs in hot soup from a 70-yearold establishment.
For the main course, this journey continues to a charcoal-fired eatery renowned for its Claypot Chicken Rice, an iconic Malaysian-Chinese dish. After relishing all the good food, visit a hidden café to enjoy meticulously crafted teas that aid digestion. We conclude this adventure by exploring an alley adorned with lanterns. At the end of the tour, you can return to Bukit Bintang MRT station by train or choose to immerse yourself further in Chinatown’s nightlife at your leisure.
- Overnight accommodation in Kuala Lumpur. - Breakfast and dinner. Inclusions:
Free Day in Kuala Lumpur
As Malaysia’s modern and ever-growing capital, Kuala Lumpur retains a distinctive charm among a plethora of other places that are popular with travellers.
Possibly one of the most multicultural cities in Southeast Asia, a majority of Kuala Lumpur’s residents hail from Malay, Chinese, or Indian lineage, making its culture and cuisine a vibrant mix of varied sensibilities and flavours, attracting visitors from all over the world.
You could choose this day to experience this dynamic city in your own way or opt for a private tour to the Batu Caves (at an extra cost) to explore one of Malaysia’s most important Hindu Temples, which lies within an impressive cave system where your expert guide will help you understand the religious roots of this diverse nation.
Kuala Lumpur – Cameron Highlands
At 9 am, check out of your hotel and take a three-hour transfer to Cameron Highlands, a breathtaking hilly region boasting lush tea plantations, waterfalls, and pleasant weather all year round.
On our way, we take a brief photo stop at Iskandar Waterfall to relax amid nature and take in the gorgeous sight of water cascading over numerous tiers before culminating in a small pool.
Later, we will stop by to meet members of the local indigenous community, who have set up stalls to sell products like honey and bananas harvested from the nearby jungle.
The trip will continue to Kea Farm, where you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, before checking into your hotel and spending the rest of your day at leisure.
- Overnight accommodation in Cameron Highlands. - Breakfast at the hotel. Inclusions:
Cameron Highlands - Mossy Forest and Tea Plantation (Private)
Depart at 8 am and take a short trek to the top of the hill while observing the fragile and precious exotic plants such as moss, ferns, and pitcher plants before getting rewarded by a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding landscape on the hilltop.
A short drive down from the mountain will bring you to the Sungai Palas ‘BOH’ Tea Plantation. In this scenic spot, your expert local guide will explain the tea-making process from cultivation to harvesting and processing to creating the final product.
- Overnight accommodation in Cameron Highlands. - Breakfast at the hotel.
Inclusions: - Entrance fee to Mossy Forest is not included.
Cameron Highlands – Penang
After checking out of your hotel in the afternoon, enjoy a local lunch (at your own cost) before we take a scenic four-hour drive from Cameron Highlands to our accommodation in George Town.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the UNESCO World Heritage town exploring its unique culture and diverse sights and scenes.
Inclusions:
- Overnight accommodation in Penang.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Penang
Hill and Temple Exploration (Private) and Best of Penang’s Street Food Tour
Meet your local guide at 9 am and set off to explore Kek Lok Si Temple, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples, featuring the impressive 7-tier Pagoda of 10,000 Buddha – showcasing architectural influences from Thai, Burmese, and Chinese styles. Admire the beautiful Bronze Statue of the Goddess of Mercy overlooking the temple before going on a funicular ride up Penang Hill, reaching an elevation of 833 metres above sea level.
Enjoy a panoramic view of Georgetown while experiencing the diverse flora and fauna of the region. A fast-track Penang Hill Ticket is included as part of the tour.
Inclusions:
In the evening, we set off on a leisurely 30-minute Beca trishaw ride to experience the architectural and gourmet wonders of Georgetown. Pass by historical sites like Kapitan Keling Mosque and Kuan Yin Teng Temple before concluding the nostalgic ride at the same pickup point around Chulia street.
Feast on some delicious local street food before calling it a night.
- Overnight accommodation in Penang. - Breakfast and dinner included.
Free Day in Penang
Spend the day at leisure exploring Penang’s capital, the multicultural and cosmopolitan Georgetown, or opt for our Penang Countryside Cycling Tour at an additional cost.
The leisure cycling tour takes you through the scenic countryside of Penang, offering a refreshing contrast to the bustling town area. Ride through vast paddy fields and enjoy endless views of authentic Malaysian village life.
Along the route, stop by local kampung settlements and immerse yourself in the charm of village living. Engage with locals to learn about their customs and way of life. Observe how these humble communities carry out their daily economic activities in traditional ways.
End the tour in a serene paddy field hut, where mouthwatering, authentic dishes will be served before heading back to town.
Inclusions:
- Overnight accommodation in Penang. - Breakfast is included at the hotel.
Penang – Langkawi
Meet your designated driver at your hotel lobby (pickup time will be confirmed beforehand) for a transfer to Penang Airport for your short 45-minute flight to Langkawi.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our Discova guide at the airport and enjoy a hassle-free transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Inclusions:
- Transfers to/from airports.
- Domestic flights from Penang to Langkawi.
- Overnight accommodation in Langkawi. - Breakfast at the hotel.
Mangrove Kayak Private Adventure
The mangroves of Langkawi are an important part of the island’s rich biodiversity, and this three-hour private kayak trip allows you to experience this first-hand.
Get a close-up look at the ecology of the mangroves while gliding on your kayak through a smaller area in the jungle away from the larger rivers. During the tour, you might be lucky to see monkeys, snakes, eagles, otters, and other native birds or monitor lizards.
Inclusions:
- Overnight accommodation in Langkawi.
- Breakfast and lunch.
Free Day in Langkawi
The archipelago of Langkawi is the ultimate place to spend the last day of your Malaysian vacation, relaxing on its serene beaches, swimming in the turquoise ocean, or exploring the lush natural landscape that is sure to take your breath away.
Inclusions:
- Overnight accommodation in Langkawi. - Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure from Langkawi
After breakfast and check-out, meet our Discova guide at the hotel lobby and get transferred to the airport for a domestic connection or an international flight to your final destination.
- Breakfast at the hotel. Inclusions:
HOTELS & DESTINATIONS
* Overnight addresses are subject to change based on availability on the booking date. We reserve the right to offer/book suitable alternative accommodation if the mentioned overnight address is unavailable. Alternative accomodation will be sourced at the same or a higher standard at Discova’s expense.
Learn more about the destination here: Malaysia Fast Facts
For more information on the tour or for extending your stay, speak to us about our range of pre and post accommodation options, just email our team: agents@discova.com or visit www.discova.com
