home about us late availability family holidays adventure holidays responsible tourism community destination guides contact us

Malaysia Tour

country:Malaysia
location:Malay Peninsula 
trip type:Moderate trekking holidays
departures:2010: 2 Apr, 16 Apr, 14 May, 28 May, 11 Jun, 25 Jun, 9 Jul, 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 20 Aug, 27 Aug, 10 Sep, 17 Sep, 24 Sep
2011: 11 Mar, 25 Mar, 8 Apr, 22 Apr, 6 May, 20 May, 3 Jun, 17 Jun
price:From £870 (14 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK.
vouchers:Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday
check out similar holiday ideas...

introduction to Malaysia Tour

Since its emergence from colonial rule, Malaysia has developed a reputation as a land of diverse cultures, exotic foods and natural beauty. On this adventure, we take you where the action is - outstanding colonial architecture, friendly locals, exotic marine life and ancient rainforests. Amble along forest walks, haggle in some of Asia's best markets, discover perfect beachside paradise and make friends with welcoming locals. This trip introduces the best of Malaysia and gives an inside glimpse to this fascinating country.
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:Kuala Lumpur. A finely woven tapestry of Indian, Chinese and ethnic Malay cultures gives Kuala Lumpur its distinct identity as well as a delicious array of cuisines. To sample these delicacies, hit the night market and let the smells guide you.
Day 2:Melaka. Explore the colonial heritage of this historic port town from the backseat of a trishaw. Be sure to take time out to enjoy Melaka's multicultural heritage and eateries on Jalan Merdeka.
Days 3-5:Taman Negara National Park. Venture into ancient rainforest, taking it in from a canopy walk suspended high in the treetops. Brave river rapids in a longtail boat before returning to the guesthouse for a home-cooked Malay meal.
Day 6:Kuala Terengganu. Trawl the local market for traditional handicrafts and batik sarongs or visit the stunning waterside mosques.
Days 7-9:Perhentian Islands. Swim in sparkling turquoise waters, snorkel among unspoilt reefs or search for hawksbills at the turtle sanctuary.
Day 10:Kota Bharu. Discover the secrets of local silversmiths, watch giant kites, or waus, being flown or learn the art of batik. Take time to sample the delicious regional delicacies such as nasi ulam and keropok losong, or hit the markets for some souvenir shopping.
Days 11-12:Island Hideaway. Stay with Intrepid's longtime friends in their traditional home on the shores of a picturesque lake. Wake to the sound of gibbon calls, walk through peaceful villages or swim in nearby waterfalls.
Days 13-14:Kuala Lumpur. Don't miss the chance for some last-minute sightseeing. At night, head down to Jalan Petaling to encounter its hotchpotch of hawkers and street merchants.

traveller reviews for Malaysia Tour

The Perhentian Islands are breathtakingly lovely and so relaxing; the homestay was absolutely charming and we ate like royalty. (more)
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more)

Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
award winner
This tourism business won an Award in our 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards - organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

The central tenet of the Awards, in which winners are nominated by tourists, is that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people.
how this holiday makes a difference
Diverse and culturally rich, this trip captures the very essence of Malaysia. From the contrasting cities of ""KL"" and Melaka, to the natural wonders of the world's oldest rainforest and the marine life around the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia has so much to offer the adventurous traveller. We visit the historic old port town of Melaka, where ancient Malay, Chinese and Nyonya traditional ways still abound and contrast with the European influence of a colonial past. The ancient rainforest of Taman Negara provides us with an opportunity to get back to nature, with a jungle trek and a night spent in a large cave. The unspoiled reefs and crystal clear waters of the Perhentian Islands invoke all kinds of peacefulness, which continues as we visit our longtime friends, Aziz and Asiah, on their island homestay just out of Kuala Kangsar.

After the morning call of gibbons, we take a walk through a traditional kampung, rubber plantations and on to a cascading waterfall.The regional cuisine is delicious and there might even be a chance to learn traditional cake making and sampling your efforts for an afternoon tea. On the second night of our stay we sit on the floor of a local home to eat a traditional wedding-style banquet and learn about Malay culture. Wearing a sarong and eating with our right hand are all part of blending into our environment.

Our travel style:
  • Grass roots travel using local public transport where possible - minimises demand for special tourist vehicles and fuel.
  • We choose small-scale locally owned accommodation and homestays where available and local restaurants and markets for dining, retaining revenue in local communities.
  • Our leaders facilitate communication of our values to travellers and local communities, educating them in sustainable tourism practices.
  • We employ local guides to aid travellers' understanding of local culture and etiquette.
  • Small groups allow travellers to experience cultures at first hand, offering greater opportunity for cross- cultural understanding.

Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people.

We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel.

'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left).

We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays.

We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism.

This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards.

check out similar holiday ideas...
Convert currencies