Best of East & West Malaysia - 10 Days

Highlights

• Explore the cultural highlights—and tallest buildings—of Kuala Lumpur
• Climb 272 steps to reach the Batu Caves while meeting monkeys
• Sample tasty street food in Penang's UNESCO-listed capital
• Travel to remote islands in Borneo, where you can snorkel and scuba dive
• Get close to Malaysia's tallest mountain and visit a dairy farm

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kuala Lumpur, City Tour

Welcome to Malaysia! Occupying two separate areas of land—Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia—this country is a true gem of Southeast Asia. Besides its virgin rainforest and great beaches, Malaysia is known for the religious and cultural diversity of its people. This includes Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and Hindu Malays, plus Indians, Chinese, and many Indigenous groups and sub-groups. 

No city better exemplifies Malaysia's energy and diversity than its capital, Kuala Lumpur. You'll arrive at the airport, and a driver will be waiting to whisk you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After getting settled, meet your private guide at the hotel and visit the city highlights on a half-day tour.

Day 2: Day Trip to Ah Ma House & the Batu Caves

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for a day trip to the country outside of Kuala Lumpur. You'll drive north out of the city for about 45 minutes until you reach your first stop of the day: Ah Ma House. This traditional bakery is famous for its kuih kapit, a type of egg waffle often served during festivals and holidays. You'll get to sample this delicious treat, plus other freshly baked snacks and desserts. You'll also have the option to arrange a bicycle tour of the countryside. 

Day 3: Transfer to George Town, City Tour & Peranakan Museum

Get ready for your first island adventure! After breakfast, you'll leave Kuala Lumpur on a three-hour drive up the coast to the Malaysian state of Penang. When you reach the city of Bukit Mertajam, you'll cross over the bridge to the island and continue to Penang's capital, George Town. Malaysia's second-largest city is not only regarded as the culinary capital of the country but its historic center is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After checking into your hotel, you'll meet a guide and experience George Town's highlights yourself.

Founded in 1786, this port city was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia. Over the centuries, George Town was settled by various nationalities and ethnic subgroups, turning the city into one of the country's great melting pots. During this three-hour tour, you'll visit landmark colonial-era buildings like the Town Hall, St. George's Anglican Church, and the Penang High Court, the birthplace of the judicial system in Malaysia. Penang is also the epicenter of Malaysia's legendary street food, and here you can indulge in must-try regional dishes like char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles).

After the city tour, you'll head over to the Peranakan Mansion, a 19th-century heritage house dedicated to preserving the region's Peranakan heritage. Peranakan is one of Malaysia's many hybrid cultures, and this one mixes Chinese, Malay, and Western influences. In the museum are thousands of antiques and collectibles that range from ornaments to furniture—all showcasing Peranakan culture and history. At the end of the day, return to your hotel.

Day 4: Visit Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill & Durian Farm

In the morning, meet your driver for the ride to Kek Lok Si. Located in the town of Air Itam, this is the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and a famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Southeast Asia. The complex was built between 1890 to 1930, and the result is a veritable metropolis of pagodas, temples, shrines, pavilions, and gardens. The main draw is the seven-story main pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas. The name derives from the 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha, complimented by the 118-foot (36 m) statue of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy. 

Next, head to nearby Penang Hill. Comprised of six forested hills, this area was once a vacation retreat during the British colonial period. A ride on Southeast Asia's longest funicular elevator leads to the top, where you'll enjoy panoramic views at 2,693 feet (821 m) above sea level. Afterward, you'll visit a working durian farm. This large fruit can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and is notorious for its strong odor. It's a staple ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, and some of the best such fruits grow in this region. You'll get to sample fresh durian before returning to George Town.

Day 5: Free Day in Penang

Today is yours to enjoy the island of Penang however you like. This state is known for having the best food in Malaysia, so when hunger strikes, be sure to sample the local fare on offer from street-food hawkers. One of the best places to find them is along the waterfront promenade Gurney Drive. Must-try dishes include asam laksa (sweet and sour fish soup), white curry mee (coconut prawn curry), and mee jawa (egg noodles with fritters). For delectable desserts, try muah chi (rice cakes covered in peanut brittle) and tau sar peah (flaky biscuits).

For something active, you can head just outside the city for a bicycle tour around the countryside. Or make your way to the northwest end of the island and visit Penang National Park. This massive green space protects 2,997 acres (1,213 ha) of native forest, coastline, and mangroves, and there are several trails and canopy boardwalks to choose from.

Day 6: Fly to Kota Kinabalu, Explore Gaya Street, Harbor Sunset Walk

This is an exciting day because, in the morning, you'll leave Peninsular Malaysia on a three-hour flight to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Sabah state. Located in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo, this region of the country is known for its conservation areas and wildlife reserves. Before that, you'll transfer to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu and explore the financial and cultural hub of the region.

You'll get a healthy dose of local culture on a tour of Gaya Street. Located in the Kota Kinabalu Central Business District, this area is home to family businesses that date back over 100 years and is known locally as "Chinatown" due to its many Chinese businesses and cafés. If you're lucky and arrive on a Sunday, you'll find the whole stretch of Gaya Street closed off to traffic to accommodate a street fair. Among the many vendor stalls, you can shop for various items, including antiques, crafts, batik sarongs, fresh produce, flowers, street food, and more.

Later in the day, head to the main harbor, where you can stroll along the waterfront. Located away from the noise and bustle of the city, this is a great place to come for a peaceful stroll and enjoy the sunset over the South China Sea. Afterward, return to your hotel.

Day 7: Transfer to Kudat, Boat to a Remote Island

After breakfast, you'll transfer by vehicle up the coast to the northern point of Borneo and the Kudat district. Located far off the tourist trail, Kudat's rustic appeal is defined by its long white-sand beaches, like Kelambu, with crystalline waters and amazing sea views that are unobstructed by crowds and urban development. Once here, you'll board a boat for a 30-minute ride to an offshore island, where you'll spend two nights in a bungalow near the water.

Day 8: Optional Water Activities, Bioluminescence Tour

Wake up early and hit the water for a few hours of aquatic fun. You can choose which tours and activities you'd like to participate in today. Some of the most popular include jet-skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The coast along the peninsula is particularly great for diving, as there are many shallow dive sites spread along coral reefs. Marine animals you'll likely spot on a snorkel or dive tour include sea turtles, clownfish, rainbow fish, flower jellyfish, blue starfish, and more.

In the evening, you'll participate in a very special seasonal activity available from March-July. Along with a guide, you'll transfer to a remote beach far away from light pollution. Areas like this are the best places to witness the famous "blue tears" phenomenon of bioluminescence. The electric blue light you'll see here is the result of the disturbance of the algae in the water, which turns luminous. Wading through the shallows during these events is a bit like walking through starlight. At the end of the tour, return to your bungalow.

Day 9: Transfer to Kundasang, Dairy Farm Visit

This morning you'll transfer back to the Bornean mainland and then travel about 3.5 hours south from Kudat to Kundasang. This hill town in the highlands of the Sabah state sits at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, which at 13,435 feet (4,094 m), is Malaysia's tallest mountain. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts thousands of tourists year-round. It's the perfect destination for those looking for stunning alpine scenery and rich highland culture.

Day 10: Fly to Kuala Lumpur, Depart

It's time to say goodbye to Malaysia! At the appointed hour, fly back to Kuala Lumpur, where you'll catch a connecting flight to reach home or your next destination. Safe travels!

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