Essential Malaysia (10 days)

Kuala Lumpur – Malacca – Cameron Highlands – Penang

This exclusive small-group tour blends vibrant city life, colonial charm, and lush highland escapes. Wander through dazzling Kuala Lumpur, absorb the rich heritage of UNESCO-listed Malacca and Penang, and unwind amid the cool tea plantations of Cameron Highlands. Enjoy premium 5-star hotels, quality local and Western cuisines, and immersive cultural experiences — with no shopping stops to slow your adventure. Guided by experts, this journey is carefully curated for culture seekers, foodies, and first-time visitors who crave a truly authentic Malaysian experience.

Important Features

• Small group size – maximum 20.
• Experienced guides carefully selected by company owners.
• Premium hotel accommodations.
• Quality local & Western cuisines (no cheap tourist food).
• Carefully selected cultural activities.
• No shopping stops.

TOUR ITINERARY

Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner

Day 1: Departing Home City
The journey begins with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2: Arrive in Kuala Lumpur
Meet the driver on arrival for your private transfer to the centrally located hotel. Spend the balance of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Kuala Lumpur (B/L/D)
Kuala Lumpur is the national capital, largest city, and the seat of the legislative branch of the federal government of Malaysia. The city dazzles visitors with the soaring Petronas Twin Towers, vibrant street food, and a rich mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritage.

Our sightseeing today takes in Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, National Museum, Chinatown and Little India.

We wrap up the day with a sumptuous welcome dinner in a top-rated restaurant specializing in local cuisine.

Day 4: Kuala Lumpur – Malacca (B/D)
Free morning to explore on your own. Our recommendations include Petronas Towers and KLCC Park.

After lunch on your own, we depart for Malacca by private vehicle. The 150 km southbound drive takes about two hours.

Our dinner features Malacca’s famous Nyonya (Peranakan) dishes including char kway teow.

Day 5: Malacca (B/L)
Malacca, also spelled Melaka, is a historical city and state in Malaysia. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is known for its rich cultural heritage and colonial past, with Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch, and British influences evident in its architecture, neighbourhoods and landmarks.

Our schedule today includes Dutch Square, Jonker Street, St. Paul’s Hill, and Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum.

Day 6: Malacca – Cameron Highlands (B/L/D)
This morning, we drive northbound towards Cameron Highlands. After a light lunch in Kuala Lumpur, we continue our overland journey.

Cameron Highlands offers a refreshing escape with its cool climate and lush landscapes. It was named after William Cameron, a British surveyor, who came here in 1885 on an expedition. It was later developed as a hill station and agricultural area, particularly for tea plantations, during the British colonial period. The area was initially intended as a refuge from the heat and a sanatorium for homesick Britons. Famous for vast tea plantations and charming colonial heritage sites, Cameron Highlands is an idyllic destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking tranquility amid scenic hills.

Day 7: Cameron Highlands (B/L)
Our full-day guided sightseeing brings us to local markets, waterfalls, serene gardens, and Mossy Forest.

Day 8: Cameron Highlands – Penang (B/L/D)
Free morning to relax or explore on your own.

The afternoon drive to Penang after lunch takes four hours including one or two washroom stops.

Penang Island forms part of the state of Penang, whose capital is George Town on the island. George Town is known for its British colonial architecture, diverse cultural influences (Malay, Chinese, Indian), and delicious food. Celebrated as a living museum, George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a diverse range of attractions.

Day 9: Penang (B)
Our sightseeing today includes Armenian Street, Blue Mansion, Kek Lok Si Temple, and Penang Hill. Sampling famous street food is another highlight.

Day 10: Penang – Returning Home (B)
Your tour of Malaysia comes to an end this morning. Transfer to the airport is not included, but you can do it on your own by taxi (Grab ride recommended) for less than 45 ringgits (around 10 US dollars).

Guests wishing to continue their Southeast Asia journey can fly non-stop from Penang to many cities in the region, such as Bangkok, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotel List

Dates & Prices

Prices are person based on double occupancy. See Terms & Conditions for cancellation penalty.

Know Before You Go

Passport
For this tour, you’ll need a passport that has at least 2 blank visa pages and 3 months of validity at the end of the trip.

Visa
No visa is required for citizens of Canada, USA, UK and Australia. For other nationalities, please check with the appropriate authorities or contact Laurus Travel for the latest information.

Immunization
None is required to the best of our knowledge. Please check with your national healthy authorities for recommendations if necessary. We recommend all guests to be vaccinated against hepatitis A.

Money & Currency Exchange
There is no need to exchange Malaysian ringgit before arrival. Get a credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees* if you don’t have one and use it everywhere you go. Or, withdraw cash from local ATMs if you don’t feel comfortable walking around without cash on you.

Download the “super app” called Grab on your phone and use it for ride-hailing. In Southeast Asia, consumers in eight countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar) also use it for food and grocery delivery, digital payments, and financial services.

* Examples of such cards include the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card, and Home Trust Preferred Visa. These cards are beneficial for travelers to avoid extra charges.