Malaysia

Overland transfer to Malacca, where the world clambered for dominance of the spice trade. The Chinese, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English have all made their mark on this first Malay city of prominence. En route, stop by a village to visit a pineapple plantation. Upon arrival in Malacca, lunch at a local restaurant serving nonya cuisine, before proceeding for a walk around Jonker Street, famous for antiques. Evening: an optional visit to the spectacular Sound & Light show.

Soak in the history of Malacca, starting from the Malay Sultanate in the 1400’s to the Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese and British. Places of interest include the ruins of the Portuguese, A Famosa Fort, The Dutch Stadhuys and St Paul’s Church, the Chinese Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and Bukit China. Proceed to Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon.

Kuala Lumpur is truly the New Asian city, with graceful, colonial neo-Moorish buildings in juxtaposition with the architecture of modern and striking edifices. The city orientation will take in the main sights of the City including the old icons of Kuala Lumpur like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Railway Station as well as the modern day wonders like the world famous Petronas twin towers and the KL Tower. Be enchanted by the Parliament Building set in the serenity of the Lake Gardens.

After breakfast, depart overland for Cameron Highlands, located 1,542 meters above sea level. Settled by the British (hence the name), it is famous for its temperate, climate and the attendant agricultural produce, the best known of which is the high quality Boh Tea. It may be possible to meet the Orang Asli (the original people) of Malya on the way. A photo opportunity at Lata Iskandar Waterfall before arriving at your hotel.

Visit one of the markets in the cool of the morning. Enjoy the cool temperate air which is a respite from the tropical heat of the lowlands. Visit a tea plantation and processing factory; an opportunity to try some light jungle trekking in the afternoon.

Descend to Tapah and continue overland to Penang. En route call at the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, in the State of Perak. Visit the old palace, now converted into a museum, with its beautiful and intricate carvings and stop by the Ubudiah Mosque with its obligatory onion-shape dome. Cross Penang Bridge, the longest in Asia and the 3rd longest in the world, to the fabled island of Penang, settled by Sir Francis Light in 1771.

Penang, which derives its name from the Pinang palm (the Betel nut), was famous for exotic spices like nutmeg and cloves but the present mainstay of the economy is the manufacture of electronic components. Our round the island tour will take in the special sights of the island. Batu Ferringhi beach, where world famous hotels have their presence. Stop by a Fruit Farm and sample the tropical fruit in season. Go through picturesque villages before returning to Georgetown (named after George III of Britain). The Snake Temple and Khoo Kongsi Clan House are among the many famous and interesting sites that you will visit, and are testimonies to the enduring presence of the Chinese. Rest of the day free at leisure. Transfer to airport.