Malaysia Travel package: 7 Days of Culture, Cuisines and Orangutans

Highlights of the Trip 

If you’re looking for a varied, well-rounded Malaysia travel package that showcases the true essence of Malaysia travel, this captivating 7-day tour is ideal. A harmonious blend of culture, urban exploration, and nature encounters.

Your journey commences in Kuala Lumpur, which many consider the best place to travel in Malaysia, with the awe-inspiring Petronas Towers as a backdrop. Then, we’ll whisk you to the historic city of Malacca, where you’ll taste famous chicken rice balls, cruise along the tranquil Melaka River, and enjoy Dutch Square’s desserts. Returning to Kuala Lumpur, explore Chinatown and the ornate Sri Mahariamman Temple, followed by a city tour featuring iconic landmarks like the National Mosque and Cenotaph. Savour “Teh Tarikj” at a local coffee shop, witness batik printing, and indulge in a reflexology session.

Next, we’ll drive to Ipoh to visit the mystical Kek Lok Toong Cave Temple. The adventure continues at Butik Merah Orang Utan Island, offering a unique encounter with these fascinating creatures within a 100-metre steel cage. Finally, we’ll take you to Penang for a train ride up Penang Hill, visits to temples like Kek Lo Si, Khoo Kongsi, and cultural experiences in Little India and the Chew Jetty fishing village. History enthusiasts will appreciate Fort Cornwallis, the Temple of Reclining Buddha, and the Burmese Temple.

This 7-day adventure is ideal for travellers seeking a diverse and immersive Malaysian experience, combining culture, cuisine, and nature.

You might like to consider our 12-day flight only package below which aligns perfectly with this tour.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 12-Day Flight-only Package (asiara-holidays.com)

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit 

Malacca

• Porta de Santiago: Also known as A Famosa, this iconic structure was built by the Portuguese in 1512, making it one of the oldest European structures in Asia.
• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple: The oldest functioning temple in the country, with a history dating back more than 300 years.
• Queen Victoria Fountain: Constructed in 1904 during the colonial era, the fountain was named after the legendary Queen Victoria of the British Empire.
• Jonker Street: Originally a Dutch colonial street, with rows of beautiful and well-preserved shophouses that reflect the city’s heritage.

Kuala Lumpur

• Chinatown: A melting pot of Chinese culture, traditions, and cuisines, making it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.
• Sri Mahamariamman Temple: This is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mariamman, known for her powers to cure diseases and illnesses.
• National Mosque: The mosque was constructed to mark Malaysia’s independence from British colonial rule, and its design reflects the country’s unique culture and traditions.
• National Monument: The monument was built in the 1960s to honor the soldiers who fought and died for the country’s independence.
• Cenotaph: A memorial that pays tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and II.
• Masjid Jamek Mosque: Built in 1909, it is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia and holds a special place in the hearts of the locals.

 Perak State (Ipoh)

• Kek Lok Toong Cave Temple: The temple is dedicated to the Chinese god of prosperity, Kuan Yin, and is believed to possess miraculous powers that bring wealth and prosperity to its visitors.
• Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island.

Penang

• Kek Lo Si Temple: As soon as you enter the temple grounds, you will be greeted by a grand and imposing 99-feet-tall bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin.
• Armenian Street: The street is named after the Armenian community that settled here in the early 19th century, fleeing persecution from their home country.
• Fort Cornwallis: Named after the 18th century Governor-General of Bengal, Charles Cornwallis, the fort was built by the British East India Company in the late 1700s.
• Temple of the Reclining Buddha: The temple is dedicated to the revered reclining Buddha image, which is one of the largest in the world, measuring a staggering 33 meters long.
• Burmese Temple: A stunning testament to the enduring influence of Buddhism in Southeast Asia.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Batik Outlet: Batik is a traditional textile art form that involves wax-resist dyeing on fabric. It has been an integral part of Malaysia’s cultural identity, with its origins dating back to centuries ago. Over the years, batik has evolved and adapted to fit the changing times, and one of the most significant developments in this regard is the emergence of batik outlets.

Orangutans: The main attraction of Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island is its population of over 25 orangutans. These intelligent and playful animals are a delight to observe as they swing from tree to tree, forage for food, and engage in their natural behaviors. Visitors have the opportunity to take guided walking tours around the island, during which they can learn about the orangutans’ habits, biology, and conservation efforts.

Little India – Spice Market: This market is a busy and vibrant place, with vendors shouting out their prices and customers haggling for the best deal. You can find a plethora of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and many more, all neatly displayed in massive burlap sacks or colourful containers. The prices are reasonable, and the quality is exceptional. Some spices are sourced locally, while others are imported from countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia, ensuring an authentic taste in your cooking.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Malaysia 

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including Nasi Lemak, considered the national dish of Malaysia. It consists of fragrant coconut rice served with a spicy sambal sauce, crispy fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, and a hard-boiled egg – a perfect combination that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Another popular dish is Satay, skewered and grilled meat served with a peanut dipping sauce. This dish has its roots in Malay and Indonesian cuisine and has become a staple in Malaysian food culture.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

A 45-minute audio guided tour of the Melaka River.

A lake cruise for a 10-minute boat ride to Orang Utan Island.

Accommodation of this Tour

Malacca: Bayview Hotel Melaka 4*.

Kuala Lumpur: Ramada KLCC 4*.

Ipoh: Strawberry Park Resort 4*.

Penang: The Wembley 4*.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Kuala Lumpur, transfer to Malacca, check-in, and free time

Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur, you will be transferred to Malacca by road (2-hour journey). Once you arrive, you will check-in to the hotel. After that, you will have some free time at leisure.

Day 2: Famous Chicken Rice Balls lunch in Malacca

Start your day in Malacca with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, you can experience the city’s famous lunch dish – Chicken Rice Balls, served in ping pong-sized balls. Then, take a 45-minute audio guided tour of the Melaka River and enjoy sights such as the Porta de Santiago Circa 1512, Ruins of St. Paul’s Church Circa 1571, Stadhuys, Christ Church, Clock Tower, Queen Victoria Fountain, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, St. Peter’s Church, and rows of quaint pre-war shop houses. Next, cross the historic Malacca River and Bukit Cina with ancient ornate graves from the Ming Dynasty. After that, take a 10-minute trishaw ride and stop at Dutch Square for some Clock Tower Cendol, a popular local dessert. End your tour with a stroll down Jonker Street, known for its antique stores. Finally, unwind at the Geographer Cafe or any preferred restaurant/pub/cafe at Jonker with tea or beer after the long walks.

✓ Breakfast

Day 3: Travel to Kuala Lumpur, explore Chinatown and Sri Mahamariamman Temple

After checking out of the hotel, begin the 2-hour journey north to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take a short rest. In the evening, explore Chinatown and its various stalls selling leather goods, electronics, watches, food, fruits, household items, gemstones, and clothing. Make sure to stop at Sri Mahamariamman Temple near Chinatown, a vibrant and ornate Hindu temple with stunning decorative features and carvings of Hindu deities.

✓ Breakfast

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Kuala Lumpur, visit to Little India, batik prints and reflexology session

Start your day in Kuala Lumpur by having breakfast at your hotel. After that, go on a sightseeing tour to visit the National Mosque, National Monument, and Cenotaph. Make sure to take a photo stop at the Gate of King’s Palace. Explore the city on foot, beginning with Little India and passing by Jewellery and Saree Shops at Brickfields. Make a stop at a local coffee shop for some ‘Teh Tarikh.’ Then, take an underground train ride from KL Sentral LRT Station to Masjid Jamek LRT Station to visit Masjid Jamek Mosque. Afterwards, head to Merdeka Square, with the Royal Selangor Club in Tudor style as a backdrop. Visit a batik outlet to watch demonstrations of batik prints production. In the evening, enjoy a 30-minute foot reflexology session and discover street fare at hawker stalls along Jalan Alor.

✓ Breakfast

Day 5: Travel to Ipoh (Perak State), visit Kek Lok Toong Cave Temple

Breakfast at hotel. Leaving Kuala Lumpur, head to the Perak State, known for its tin mines, cave temples, and royal palaces. At Ipoh, visit the famous Kek Lok Toong Cave Temple to learn about Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianism beliefs. Continue to Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island. Take a lake cruise for a 10-minute boat ride to Orang Utan Island. Then, embark on a 100-metre steel cage tunnel journey to observe the orangutans in their lush habitat. Cross the 13.5km-long bridge to reach Penang, known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” for a two-night stay.

✓ Breakfast

Day 6: Furnicular Trains to Penang Hill

Begin your day in Penang with breakfast at your hotel. Then, take the Furnicular Trains to explore Penang Hill. After, visit the Kek Lo Si Temple, and then take a stroll over to Armenian Street to admire the exquisite Khoo Kongsi building with its intricate carvings and woodwork. Don’t forget to pass by the flower shops on your way to the Goddess of Mercy Temple, where you can stop at a Fortune Teller stall to get advice on your future destiny, using cards, fortune sticks, palms, and Chinese astrology for predictions. Continue your walk to Little India – Spice Market to experience the vibrant spice trade with wholesale and retail traders dealing in cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and more. Board your transport and go to Chew Jetty, a fishing village with houses on stilts built by a Southern Chinese clan in the mid-19th Century. Finally, visit the ruins of Fort Cornwallis, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and the Burmese temple.

✓ Breakfast

Day 7: Free time before transfer to airport for departure

After breakfast, you will be free to enjoy your own time before being transferred to the airport for departure. Please note, this transfer will only provide a driver and no guide.

✓ Breakfast

To book or create your dream Malaysia travel package with us, contact us on +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com

Price

£1,069

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur, transfer to Malacca, check-in, and leisure time.

Day 2: Experience Malacca’s famous Chicken Rice Balls, Melaka River tour, Dutch Square visit, trishaw ride, Jonker Street exploration, and unwind at Geographer Cafe.

Day 3: Travel to Kuala Lumpur, explore Chinatown’s stalls, and visit Sri Mahamariamman Temple.

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Kuala Lumpur, including the National Mosque, Little India, batik prints demonstration, and reflexology session.

Day 5: Journey to Ipoh, visit Kek Lok Toong Cave Temple, and continue to Penang, the “Pearl of the Orient.”

Day 6: Explore Penang Hill via Furnicular Trains, visit Kek Lo Si Temple, Armenian Street, Little India Spice Market, Chew Jetty, and historical landmarks.

Day 7: Free time before departure, followed by transfer to the airport.

FAQs

1. What are the main highlights of this tour?
   • The tour includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Melaka River, Chinatown, Penang Hill, and more.
2. What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
   • Accommodation varies from comfortable hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Penang, offering convenient access to the city’s attractions.
3. Are meals included in the tour package?
   • Daily breakfast is included, offering a taste of local cuisine. However, other meals are at your own expense, allowing flexibility to explore local eateries.
4. How much free time is available during the tour?
   • The itinerary allows for a balance of guided activities and leisure time, providing opportunities to explore each destination at your own pace.
5. Is transportation provided between cities and attractions?
   • Yes, transportation is arranged, including transfers between Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Ipoh, and Penang, as well as transportation for sightseeing tours.
6. Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?
   • Entrance fees to specified attractions such as museums, temples, and parks are typically included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
7. What should I pack for the tour?
   • It’s recommended to pack comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking tours, as well as essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture memorable moments.

Tour Map