Malaysian Beach (Photo by Honey Tee)

Traditional Penang

Perched on Malaysia’s northwestern coast, Penang is a fantastic multicultural starting point for any authentic journey. Kick off your trip with a trek through the quiet countryside, and then visit a traditional batik factory to learn the art of creating this iconic textile. Then, head over to the Royal Selangor Pewter Shop to meet a few local artisans and try your hand at making black pewter and batik fabrics.

Historical Georgetown

After a day of exploring the local traditions, grab a ferry across the Malacca Strait for a guided night tour of Penang’s dynamic capital. You’ll get a taste of Malay-food favourites and can take in the sights, smells and sounds of this bustling street-hawker culture.

Pangkor Island

Ready to bid farewell to Penang? Escape the metropolitan bustle with a multi-day cruise around Pangkor Island, Taiping and Putrajaya. This laid-back trip will give you the chance to explore less-traveled Malay areas, and you’ll get to experience quiet fishing villages, local temples and one of the country’s premier rice-growing areas. Want a taste of true Malaysia? Chat up the locals for a little advice about the best beaches, parks and food stalls.

Local Cuisine

Once your Pangkor Island cruise docks in Kuala Lumpur, head for the city’s off-the-beaten-path neighbourhoods for a vibrant dining experience. Wander the winding alleys and bustling street stalls to sample stir-fried noodles, mutton curries and nasi lemak coconut rice. Want an insider’s tip? Top off your food tour with a traditional cendol — a local dessert of shaved ice, plum sugar and coconut-milk jelly — and then browse the open-air shops that line Chinatown’s Petaling Street.

Kuala Lumpur Nightlife

The best way to end any Malaysian getaway is with an adventure through Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife. Savour a traditional Malay dinner complete with a cultural dance show, and then head back to Chinatown for a little bargain shopping among the sparkling, multi-colored lights. If you’re still brimming with energy, wander over to the trendy Bitang Walk for some of the city’s best lounges and nightclubs.

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Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu

Located off the north eastern coast of Malaysia, amongst a small group of islands, the beaches of Pulau Perhentian are some of the best in the world. Bordered by the South China Sea, the island is home to secluded enclaves and majestic, palm-scattered beaches.

Tanjung Rhu Beach, Langkawi

The infamous tourist destination of Langkawi is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in Malaysia. Frequented by thousands of tourists each year, the Tanjung Rhu Beach is situated in front of the Four Seasons Resort on the island.

Cherating Beach, Malaysia

One of the few beaches on the mainland that really attracts a crowd, Cherating Beach is a paradise for enthusiasts. While most tourists choose to stay away from the water during monsoon season, windsurfers and adrenaline junkies alike flock to this beach to catch the best waves around. Not for the faint hearted, steer clear of Cherating Beach if you’re on a family vacation.
Now that you’ve caught the travel bug and are ready to start packing, don’t forget your swimsuit and your sunscreen, for an unforgettable Malaysian escape.

For travelling tourists, there are a number of great ways to see the town, including renting a bike and taking a leisurely ride with an English speaking guide. Choosing to see this beautiful town via bike, rather than car, allows you to get the full experience, as you cruise through fruit orchids and take in the picturesque mountain views. Durian, one of the most well-known native fruits of Malaysia, thrives in the conditions of Balik Pulau, making it a great place for visitors to have their first durian experience. Although delicious, the durian fruit has been banned from many public places throughout Malaysia and Singapore, due to the pungent smell that it omits. Tasting home-grown durian is an experience that cannot be missed when travelling to Balik Pulau, so be sure to visit the famous fruit orchids to have your first taste!

If you want to experience the true heritage and traditions of the Malay culture, take one of the many Penang tours to Malaysia’s best kept secret and experience the beauty of Balik Palau.

During your visit to the Batu Caves, you will never be short of exciting things to do, with rock climbing, cave tours, temple visits and an abundance of native fauna and flora to discover. Created over the last 400 million years, the Batu Caves provide great historical, religious and cultural value to the people of Malaysia. Visiting the many Hindu statues and shrines within the Batu Caves is an experience in itself and the perfect way to gain a deeper understanding of Malaysian heritage.

A number of daily tours run from Kuala Lumpur each day, making this an easily accessible site for any tourists visiting the city. Be sure to wear your walking shoes for this tourist attraction, as you climb the 272 stairs up to the three main caves imbedded on the hillside. The spectacular sites and the unforgettable experience that you will have forever, however, are well worth the trek up the mountain side. If you are lucky enough to be visiting the caves during the Thaipusam festival, you will have the delight of experiencing a true Malaysian party with astonishing displays of heritage and culture.

Aquaria KLCC has something for the whole family, from an underwater tunnel, revealing some of the most spectacular marine wildlife in the world, to an adrenaline rushing cage dive for the more adventurous. The ‘touch pool’ is a great way for children (and the big kids) to have a fun educational experience, learning about the wonders of the ocean. In the touch pool you will be able to become better acquainted with a bamboo shark, a sea star and a horseshoe crab. ‘Cage Rage’ offers visitors the ultimate adrenaline rush, being plunged into the depths of the only ‘living ocean’ in the city centre, with your only safety being the cage that surrounds you. As sharks circle around you, you will be able to experience a once in a life time opportunity of being within intimate quarters of one of man’s deadliest animals. Although this may sound like the most terrifying experience you will ever come across, rest assured that the specially trained Aquaria KLCC staff are always close by to monitor the activity in and around the custom made diving cage.

During your next holiday, be sure to visit one of the most fascinating Kuala Lumpur Attractions. The Aquaria KLCC will not disappoint, offering a fun, educational and exciting day to people of all ages.

For the Birdwatchers
Taman Alam Kuala Selangor

This 240-hectare park is located along the estuary of Sungai Selangor. Its location makes it a prime spot to observe wading birds and other wildlife. There are over 30 species of wading birds found within the confines of the park. Campers can observe the wildlife from the many nature trails, watchtowers, and blinds within the park.

For the Adventurous
Endau Rompin National Park

This is the nation’s second largest park, and encompasses over 92,000 hectares. The park itself is one and a half times the size of the nation of Singapore. Endau Rompin National Park is one of the few remaining virgin forests in all of Malaysia, and it is home to tigers, rhinoceroses, and elephants. Because this area is so wild, campers are advised to hire a guide for their stay. Campers who enjoy an extended hike will want to take advantage of one of the two multi-day hikes available.

For Those Who Need To Relax
Poring Hot Springs

These luxurious hot sulfur springs are quite popular among travelers. Tents can be hired on a per night basis. Outdoor tubs of different sizes are available for use by campers. There is also a tropical garden, butterfly farm, orchid garden, and canopy walkway. If campers get tired of soaking, they can take a walk to the Kipungit Waterfalls or the Langanan Waterfall.

Sunway Lagoon Resort
This sprawling theme park, located in Petaling Jaya, boasts several fun-tastic areas, including Wild Wild West, Waters of Africa and Worlds of Adventure. In addition to numerous thrilling rides, the park boasts a 428-metre suspension bridge, a rotating pirate ship and Asia’s highest slingshot-style ride. Admission to all three parks is AUD$31 for adults and AUD$25 for kids. Bungee jump, G-force X, paint-ball and go-carts are extra.

Cosmo’s World Indoor Theme Park
Malaysia’s biggest indoor theme park is an integrated part of the Berjaya Times Square entertainment complex in Kuala Lumpur. Thrilling attractions for all ages include the Supersonic Odyssey, the world’s longest indoor coaster; top-spin DNA Mixer; and Botanic Drive Ride. Admission is AUD$12 for adults and AUD$9 for kids under 12.

Genting Highlands
About an hour from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands theme park boasts 40 rides and attractions in six fantastic themed areas including Times Square, Swiss Alps, Champs Elysee and Genting Walk. Thrills include the terrifying ascents and descents of 56-metre high Space Shot and the heart-stopping zero-gravity sensation of the hang-gliding Flying Coaster. Adult admission is AUD$21, and kids cost AUD$14.

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort
Located in Perak, Bukit Merah Laketown Resort includes a thrill-filled water park as well as eco-sanctuaries. Water rides and slides include an amazing giant bubble, a 300-metre tubing river, a super-steep Boomerang water slide, and a lagoon with metre-high body surfing waves. Ticket price is AUD$21 for adults and AUD$18 for children over 90cm.

The zoo has an open air concept in their exhibitions. The animals comfortably roam in a natural environment, and you can view them along the pathways from a fenced area. If you don’t feel like trekking the pathways, you can take a tour on a tram. With over 20 exhibits, there’s much to do. The Ape Centre currently houses two species of orangutans, the Bornean orangutans and the Sumatran orangutan. These apes act a lot like people and you’ll see them kissing and bickering. The Savannah Walk is the largest exhibit at the zoo. The savannah is shared by giraffes, zebras, white rhinos and antelope.

Aquatic shows are featured throughout the day with lively shows of dancing sea lions and dolphins. Pictures with the animals can also be taken throughout the park. There are several cafes offering delicious delicacies. Stop in at the Mane Café for some famous Cendol and Ais Kacang. For a snack, the Hari Harimau Café serves hotdogs and kaya balls. Admission for adults is approximately A$10 and for children A$6.

The Grand Millennium Hotel is located in along Bintang Walk in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s commercial and entertainment district. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an exquisite shimmering chandelier and window-filled open lobby. Rooms include spectacular views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline and state-of-the-art furnishings and bathroom facilities. The refined Lai Ching Yuen restaurant offers opulent Cantonese dishes and delicate dim sum for a succulent dining experience.

Nearby, the ParkRoyal is another contemporary five star hotel which boasts a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Rooms and suites each come with top amenities, bathroom features, and technology. Visitors also have the option to join the Orchid Club and experience exclusive benefits, including complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, fresh fruits, and snacks throughout the day, additional room features, and priority late-checkout. The ParkRoyal also includes restaurants featuring Sichuna, Cantonese, and French flavors as well as a couple of more casual sandwich and salad cafes.

For a less cosmopolitan setting, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Batu Feringgi in the northern province Penang emphasises the pristine natural beauty of Malaysia. The outdoor pools are shaded by natural palms, and thatch-roofed bungalows offer an escape from the sun. Rooms and suites come equipped with top technology features such as DVD players and LCD televisions, and private balconies afford spectacular coastal views.

Each of these hotels offers a unique luxury experience for your Malaysia Tours.