Example Itinerary

Classic Peninsular Malaysia

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
Malaysia

Experience the best of Peninsular Malaysia on this 10-day journey to must-see destinations. Explore the bustling, modern city of Kuala Lumpur, home to diverse cultures, ethnicities and lifestyles.  Enjoy crystal waters and white sand beaches, thick green jungles, cool highland tea plantations, unique landmarks, some of the world's best street foods, as well as traditional cultures thriving alongside modern times. Adventure and relaxation are yours as you embark on your journey through Peninsular Malaysia.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Highland Getaway: Cameron Highlands, originally a cool climate getaway from Kuala Lumpur, remains a scenic hill station retreat known for tea plantations, jungle trails, strawberry and flower farms, and quaint British colonial lodges serving scones and fresh tea.
  • Penang: An island just eight miles wide and 16 miles long, Penang is famous for many things from street art and street food to its illustrious history under British colonial times and melting-pot cultures — all of which makes this small island a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Island Living: Langkawi checks all the boxes of a tropical island holiday: pristine beaches, miles of sandy shores, ancient rainforest, secluded bungalows, and plentiful wildlife.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Kuala Lumpur

Begin your journey in the colorful capital of Kuala Lumpur. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to check in and freshen up. This afternoon, begin with a visit to the Batu Caves, one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. The series of caves are located at the top of a limestone hill, 272 stairs up. Return to the city and head to Petaling Street in Chinatown. This well-known shopping arcade turns into a vibrant night market in the evening with hundreds of cheap food and retail stalls. Sample an array of local favorite dishes, a fusion of Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian flavors. While here, pay a visit to Chan See Shu Yuen Temple, affectionately and appropriately referred to as “the Green Temple” for its vibrant decor.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Health and Wellness: The Spa services at the Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur are second-to-none thanks to its aim of providing guests with a “Sanctuary for the Senses” (a nod to the sacred, tropical Banyan Tree that is the hotel’s namesake).

Customized Itineraries: The Banyan Tree offers guests the option to book a special three-day itinerary that’s perfectly suited to busy guests who wish to cut out the hassle of planning and get right down to experiencing the best of what KL and its surrounding areas have to offer.

Rooftop Oasis: The hotel’s open-air, rooftop facilities are sure to dazzle guests with expansive, 360-degree views stretching outward beyond the Golden Triangle area.

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Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Classic Four Seasons Service: A culture of putting guests’ needs first has been carried forth by the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts brand ever since its founder Isadore Sharp opened its first hotel in 1961, and the brand’s Kuala Lampur incarnation stays true to this original ideology.

Dining Options Abound: The Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur offers six in-house dining, cocktail, and lounge options, along with 24-hour in-room dining available.

Golden Triangle Location: The hotel’s ideal location in the center of the city is right next to Kuala Lumpur’s premier district for shopping and nightlife, the dazzling Petronas Twin Towers, and much more.

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Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Map

Kuala Lumpur

Get a sense of Malaysia’s patriotism as you visit Merdeka Square or “Independence Square.” You will also see the Sultan Abdul Samad Building where the office of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture is located. See a traditional-style Malay neighborhood in Kampung Baru, an area that’s maintained its modest original build. Then, visit Royal Selangor's headquarters, and learn about this pewter manufacturer's roots and royal appointment. Here, have a hands-on experience of working with pewter; you can take your souvenir craft home. Round out your day with stops at the Petronas Towers and Sri Mahamariamman Temple, iconic sites.

Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur

Day 3

Map

Cameron Highlands

Head for cooler climes as the British colonists did; a 3.5-hour drive takes you to the Cameron Highlands, a favorite getaway from the city and the heat. Here, you’ll check into the Cameron Highlands Resort which has been named one of the “five best tea plantation hotels in the world.” Take a private tour of the nearby Boh Tea Plantations’ grounds and facilities. Savor a cup of perfectly-made tea as you learn about the process of producing the popular beverage. That afternoon, enjoy a leisurely hike through the Highland’s rainforest. Stop by a rose garden or strawberry farm to enjoy highlands produce.

Hotel Options
About

The Cameron Highlands Resort is situated amid the lush environs of Malaysia’s largest hill station, named after William Cameron, a British Government surveyor who discovered the area in 1885 while on a mapping expedition. The resort, which looks out on the Cameron Highlands golf course, has won numerous awards from the travel industry and consumers alike, including recognition as one of the five best tea plantation hotels in the world by the U.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Map

Penang

Continue your journey onward to Penang with a coastal drive. En route, break up the drive with a stop at Ubudiah Royal Mosque to admire the stunning traditional Malaysian architecture style topped with gilded domes. Upon arrival on Penang island, check into your hotel and relax for the afternoon. In the evening, as the day cools down and food vendors emerge to line the streets, it is time to go on a street food tour. Malaysia has world-class food culture and Penanag is one of the country's top foodie destinations. Discover legendary stalls that have been serving specialties passed down from generation to generation. Fall in love with aromatic rich broths, wok-charred smoky noodles, flaky rotis dipped in luscious curries, bouncy fresh fish cakes, and more.

Hotel Options
About

A historical property, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel is reminiscent of British elegance during the colonial era while representing present-day Penang. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, the hotel boasts a stellar location, close to downtown Georgetown and the cultural, financial and historical districts are located.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Penang
Penang

Day 5

Map

Penang

Enjoy the colonial architecture of UNESCO-designated Georgetown by traditional trishaw ride. The multi-cultural old town also features Chinese shophouses and mosques. In the Little India section of the town, enjoy a spicy masala samosa and pay a visit to Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion to get a taste of the good life back in the late 1800's. This striking indigo-colored mansion, built in the Straits Eclectic style, is now a museum and popular movie set. Head to the jetties to learn the history of early Chinese settlers on the island and how they set up a support system by clan. There are seven jetties in total, named after the dominant clans and residents remain living there today. Other notable sites around town today include the auspicious Snake Temple, which does indeed have snakes slithering freely, and the Khoo Kongsi Chinese clan house.

Day 6

Map

Penang

Explore more of the island today, beginning with the hilltop Buddhist Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest and finest temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Then continue north to the tropical spice garden to learn about spices and plants and their role in Malaysian culture, history, and cuisine. If you wish, you can take a cooking class or buy exotic spices to take home. Head to the coastline to Batu Ferringhi to enjoy the beach scenes with a fresh seafood lunch. Snap a picture of the Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque before continuing to Penang National Park. Although small in size, the park offers exciting trails and walks. Make your way through the forest and emerge at Kerachut Beach where you can see baby turtles at the Turtle Conservation Center. Take a boat back to the park entrance and return to your hotel for the evening.

Penang
Penang

Day 7

Map

Langkawi

Fly to Langkawi, part of a cluster of 99 islands off the mainland of Malaysia. After a busy week exploring Peninsular Malaysia, this is the perfect place to wind down your holiday. Spend the rest of the day blissfully in paradise as you lounge seaside and soak up the sun’s warm rays.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Four Seasons is based in Jalan Tanjung Rhu, with its beautiful crystal blue water and the whitest of white powdery sand, making it the ideal tropical retreat. Behind the resort itself are the most stunning mountaintop landscapes Malaysia has to offer, blanketed by tropical jungle.

History: Langkawi is often referred to as the Jewel of the Kedah, being the largest island of the eponymous Pulau Langkawi. The mangroves that surround the resort have also been protected by UNESCO.

Service: The Four Seasons is a welcoming place for families, allowing guests to bring along their children under 18 years of age at no extra charge, a family pool separate from the adults pool, and providing a multitude of child-friendly activities.

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Four Seasons Langkawi Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The hotel is located in an ancient virgin rainforest on the tropical island of Langkawi, which is known as the Jewel of Kedah, denoting its incredible beauty.

History: The island began to see an influx of tourism starting around the end of the 80s, when the island was granted tax-free status.

Service: Many guests to the Datai highlight is as the most memorable part of their trip, describing the service as sublime.

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The Datai Langkawi Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The resort is set on Langkawi, also referred to as the Jewel of Kedah, a part of Malaysia home to magnificent views of the surrounding nature and ocean, and a perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway.

Comfort: From 600-thread count linens to the magnificent infinity pool to the on-site boutique spa, the Ritz-Carlton Langkawi provides guests with unparalleled comfort.

Intimacy: The resort is a perfect place for couples to spend quality time together. Couples massages are available at the spa, and excursions to explore the surrounding nature facilitate ample opportunities for couples to connect and share time together.

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The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Map

Langkawi

Kick off your shoes and dive into island living. Spend the day snorkeling, swimming and sunning. If you’re feeling active, explore one of the island’s many lovely beaches or take the sky tram to the peak for island-views. Take a ride along the coast - the island is only 193-square-miles and is easily-navigated.

Langkawi
Langkawi

Day 9

Map

Langkawi

Revel in the last day of your beach oasis before returning to the rest of the world. Those looking for adventure can choose from several treks, a hike to the Telaga Tujuh Waterfall and dolphin swimming excursions. But if you don’t care to move from your novel or the pristine cushion of white sand, we won’t force you to.

Day 10

Map

Departure

Thus ends your cultural experience and time in paradise. Enjoy your final beach moments before a private transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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