8 Days | From the highlands to the deep jungle, this is the best of Malaysia
![Group of travellers going on orientation walk through the colourful streets of Georgetown, Penang](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt8270354555887d2e/63c9169ddb92ab74349c58f4/Malaysia-Penang-Georgetown-group-orientation-walk-1100x735.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
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![Traveller posing with wire sculpture and street art in Georgetown, Penang](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/blt846c97ca62a3fb11/63c916a6805669362d801bb2/Malaysia-Penang-Georgetown-Traveller-posing-with-wire-sculpture-street-art-1100x735.jpg?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
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From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, this trip showcases the diverse beauty of Malaysia. Across eight days, you’ll learn the local way of life as you journey from the Cameron Highlands to Ulu Muda Forest and on to a local homestay in Penang. You’ll play traditional games with the locals, tuck into a home-cooked dinner and mingle amongst the street stalls. From trekking through the jungle to spotting elephants from a cruise through the wilderness to learning about local fishing traditions – this trip offers culture, nature and wildlife delights.
Trip overview
![Map of Malaysia Highlights including Malaysia](/v3/assets/blt0de87ff52d9c34a8/bltc37b9b4fab82927c/6394720f08d34c5059b5da3c/tmsa_2023.gif?branch=prd&width=75&quality=35&blur=1&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
- Start
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Finish
- George Town, Malaysia
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Malaysia
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- TMSA
- You’ll explore the rolling green Carmeron highlands, blanketed by tea plantations and strawberry fields, and then trek through the mystical Mossy Forest to learn more about the unique plants living beneath the sea of moss
- Stay in a special eco lodge on the edge of the jungle that’s fighting for the preservation of Ulu Muda Forest with research and awareness, low footprint practices and ecotourism principles.
- Take not one but two river cruises deep in the Ulu Muda Forest to double your chances of spotting roaming wildlife like elephants as your guide tells you about the native plants and wildlife that call this lush rainforest haven home.
- Really slip into the local way of life, staying with a family on a homestay that gives real insight into village culture – play traditional games, learn fishing techniques and tuck into a home-cooked dinner.
- Wander the historic mural-lined streets of Georgetown, the vibrant cultural hub of Penang, and marvel at contemporary art galleries and boutiques, traditional temples and churches.
- You will need to be able to carry your own luggage throughout the trip, including some short walks between our transport and accommodation as well as on and off public transport including public buses, trains and ferries. Packing light will improve your experience, especially on hot, humid days.
- There are some long days of travel by public transport, but don't worry, public buses in Malaysia are spacious and comfortable. Stock up on snacks and drinks for the journeys and sit back and watch the scenery stream by.
- The accommodation at our homestay is simple, but our overnight stay with village families is a highlight of the trip for most travellers. Bathroom facilities are shared with other travellers and host family, and some may only have cold water showers. Most houses have fan cooling systems rather than air conditioning.
- The climate in Malaysia is generally hot and humid, so be prepared for some steamy days no matter what time of year you visit. It tends to be wetter and more humid from May to October, but the temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Inclusions
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Metro, Ferry, Boat
Hotel (4 nights), Eco Jungle Lodge ( 2 nights), Home Stay (1 night)
- Cameron Highlands - hike in mossy forest area
- Cameron Highlands - Tea plantation visit
- Ulu Muda - River Cruise
- Ulu Muda - Bukit Labu hike & cave visit
- Ulu Muda - Hot Spring Saltlick
- Teluk Bahang - traditional games
- Teluk Bahang - Home cooking demonstration & dinner
- Teluk Bahang - Fishing village walking tour
- Teluk Bahang - Silat (martial art) Performance
- Teluk Bahang - Local market visit
- Teluk Bahang - Batik factory visit
- George Town - Heritage walking tour
- Kuala Lumpur - City tour - MYR203
- Kuala Lumpur - KL Tower - MYR49
- Kuala Lumpur - Batu Caves via train - MYR10
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip and excludes Day 4&5 where you will be in shared accommodation.
2. There's not much time in Kuala Lumpur and George Town on this trip. You may want to extend your time in both cities if you would like to explore them in depth. Please consult your agent for booking additional accommodation before or after the tour.
3. A special permit is needed for entry into Ulu Muda Forest. Please send a clear coloured copy of your passport info page to your booking agent at least 3 weeks before your trip to us to apply for the permit.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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