International Airfare *For VIP members only (ask us for details)
Lodging
Male or Female Tour Guide & Driver in Kuala Lumpur
Private Vehicle in Kuala Lumpur
Male or Female Tour Guide in George Town
Tours in English
All Ground & Water Transportation
All Activities in Itinerary Below
All Entry Fees
Breakfasts
Dinner x 1
Our tour to Malaysia starts in the nature and wildlife area of Sandakan, usually reached through the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. After settling into our lodge, we head out for some outdoor activities. Highlights this evening include a firefly mangrove cruise and an opportunity to see Proboscis monkeys (monkeys with weird noses).
We are not relocating by flight to Kuala Lumpur just yet. We have wildlife to see beforehand. The Kinabatangan River Cruise is our first of today’s two attractions, famous for its viewing of orangutans (reddish-furred great apes) and elephants. The second is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, another popular spot to see orangutans. After viewing the wildlife, we depart for Kuala Lumpur.
We explore Kuala Lumpur today. Firstly, we are taken to a cave complex comprised of Batu Caves, Cave Villa and Ramayana Cave. This complex is known for its unique blend of natural limestone formations, significant Hindu religious sites, vibrant cultural atmosphere and playful monkeys, all culminating in an epic 272-step climb for breathtaking city views. After our tour, we are taken to Heritage Row. This consists of a row of restaurants. After our meal, we are taken to the Petronas Twin Towers. Atop this postmodern skyscraper, we find breathtaking city views from the Skybridge (Level 41) and Observation Deck (Level 86). Next, we are taken by car to KLCC Park. This is a great stop from which to take photos of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Next, we are taken to Central Market. Boasting Malaysian culture, art and heritage, this market is located inside a repurposed heritage building. It offers unique local crafts and souvenirs as well as diverse street food. Next, we are taken to a historic and bustling street called Jalan Tun H. S. Lee. The Guan Di Temple is located there. Inside it, we have time to see traditional architecture, colorful statues and intricate carvings. We are then taken on foot to a street decorated with Chinese lanterns called Petaling Street. This is the heart of the city’s Chinatown district. Petaling Street is famous for its bustling evening market and legendary street food.
Next, we are taken on foot to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. It is known for South Indian architecture, intricate carvings of deities on its towering gopuram and vibrant colors. Next, we are taken on foot to a hipster spot called REXKL (a.k.a. Rejuvenate, Empower, X for crossover, Knowledge and Learning). Located in a historic former cinema which now blends industrial architecture with contemporary art, it offers a maze-like bookstore, diverse trendy food stalls and vintage shops.
In the evening, we are taken on foot to Kwai Chai Hong (a.k.a. Little Ghost Alley). There we find vibrant murals depicting 1960s Chinese life, restored heritage shophouses, cozy cafes and Instagram-worthy photo spots. Next, we are taken to a rooftop bar. There we enjoy the views and can purchase a drink if we like. We are then taken back to our hotel. Alternatively, upon request, we can take you to another famous rooftop bar. Note that in the event you request to visit this second rooftop bar, you will need to arrange for your own transportation to get back to your hotel.
We explore Kuala Lumpur further today. Firstly, we are taken by car to KL Forest Eco Park. It offers a rare glimpse of a rainforest right in the city center. It is highlighted by its iconic Canopy Walk which offers stunning views of the city skyline and forest canopy. It also offers nature trails and wildlife. Next, we are taken by car to Chowkit Wet Market. It offers fresh and affordable produce as well as a massive variety of meats, fish, spices and tropical fruits. Expect friendly locals and a sensory overload of sights, sounds and smells.
Next, we are taken to a historic two-story Muslim prayer hall (Surau) called Madrasah Gouthiyyah Surau. It is especially known for its minaret. A short walk from the Muslim prayer hall is the Tamil Methodist Church. We pass by it en route to Sri Sivan Alayam Temple. This temple is known for its architecture, intricate sculptures, peaceful spiritual ambiance and vibrant cultural immersion. Next, we visit a shopping and food street called Little India Brickfields Harmony Street.
After our meal, we are taken by car to Merdeka Square. This is the site of Malaysia’s independence declaration. The square’s main attraction is the colonial architecture of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. This is a historic, late 19th-century landmark known for its architecture with copper domes and a prominent clock tower, originally housing British colonial offices and later Malaysia’s courts. Next, we are taken on foot to Jamek Mosque. It is known for historic Moorish architecture, its location at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers and its role as one of the city’s oldest mosques. Next, we are taken by car to a street called Jalan Bukit Bintang. It features upscale malls and fashion boutiques. There we check out the shops. Next, we are taken by car to Istana Negara Palace. It is known for its stunning exterior, grand architecture with golden domes and beautiful grounds. Note that there is no guarantee we will be able to see the famous ‘changing of the guards’ ceremony. It takes place at random times…but we may be lucky.
After Istana Negara Palace, we are taken by car to the Federal Territory Mosque. It features a blend of Ottoman (Turkish) and Malay architecture, an intricate interior and huge domes and minarets. Next, we are taken to the Perdana Botanical Gardens. It offers diverse themed gardens, serene lakes and wildlife all within a vast green space. Next, we are taken to a temple called Thean Hou. It is known for its six-tiered architecture, intricate carvings, vibrant lanterns, peaceful atmosphere and panoramic city views. Afterwards, we are taken to a lively street called Jalan Alor. It is known for sidewalk restaurants serving Chinese fare like clam soup and buttered prawns
In the night, we are taken to Changkat Bukit Bintang (a.k.a. Bar Street). It is known for its electric nightlife, packed with diverse bars, pubs and clubs. It is also known for its central location offering access to world-class shopping. Next, we are taken to Saloma Bridge. It is known for its uniquely designed architecture. It also offers gorgeous views of the Petronas Towers. Not least, its LED light shows at night are quite impressive. After visiting Saloma Bridge, we are taken back to our hotel.
*Please note that the Federal Territory Mosque is not open to tourists on Saturdays and Sundays.
We are relocating by flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi Island. Upon arrival, we go by car to Pantai Cenang (a.k.a. Cenang Beach). This is the best place for lively vibes, restaurants, shops and action. Next, we are taken to a pier called Teluk Baru Jetty. There we go on an island-hopping tour. The highlights are the freshwater lake at Pulau Dayang Bunting (a.k.a. Pregnant Maiden Lake), eagle watching and feeding at Pulau Singa Besar (a.k.a. Big Lions Island) and the white sandy beaches and swimming at Pulau Beras Basah (a.k.a. Wet Rice Island). After the boat tour, we are taken back to our hotel.
We start our morning with an excursion. Specifically, we are taken by car to the Tanjung Rhu Mangrove Jetty pier. There we go on a mangrove boat tour. Wildlife spotting (such as eagles and monkeys) is a highlight at Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. After this half-day boat tour, we are taken by car to Tanjung Rhu Beach. It is known for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic limestone karst formations. Next, we are taken to the Machinchang Cable Car Station, located in Oriental Village. There we take the cable car to the so-called ‘SkyBridge station’. This is the cable car’s top station area. Upon arrival, we are taken on foot to the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls. There we go swimming. Before taking the cable car ride back to the Machinchang Cable Car Station, we are taken to the glassed walkway. From there we have great views of the surrounding nature. After the Machinchang Cable Car Station, we are taken back to our hotel.
We are relocating by flight to George Town. After settling in, we are taken by car to Kek Lok Si Temple. It’s the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, featuring intricate pagodas, towering statues, colorful halls and serene gardens. Next, we are taken to the base of Penang Hill. There we take a funicular to a viewpoint. From this viewpoint, we see both the lush rainforest and the city. Next, we are taken to The TOP (a.k.a. Komtar Tower). It offers an unmatched panoramic view of George Town from its glass walkway. Next, we are taken to Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. This is the oldest Burmese Buddhist temple in Malaysia. It features a golden tower, large artifacts, colorful wall paintings and numerous Buddha statues in various styles.
After visiting this temple, we are taken to an open-air food court called Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. It is popular for diverse Malaysian street food with a lively seafront setting. After our meal, we are provided with a guided tour of the area. Next, we are taken to a street art scene called ‘Kids on a Bike’. Here we see a real bicycle attached to a wall with children painted behind it. Near to ‘Kids on a Bike’ are more wall paintings, specifically ‘Old Motorcycle’ and ‘Boy on a Chair’. Next, we are taken on foot to Lebuh Chulia Street. It is famous for its vibrant night scene, not least its street food hawker stalls that light up. Expect bars and a lively backpacker atmosphere. We can then be taken back to our hotel or be left on this street to party.
We explore George Town further today. Firstly, we are taken by car to Fort Cornwallis. It is popular for its intact walls, cannons, chapel and lighthouse. It also has great sea views. Next, we are taken on foot to the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. After visiting this historic landmark, we are taken on foot to City Hall. Very near to this building are the Town Hall building, the Supreme Court Building, the State Assembly Building and the Immigration Department Building. These are all colonial structures, all of which are worth passing by. Visitors are not allowed inside these buildings, as they are all used for administrative purposes. A short walk from the Immigration Department Building is the official residence of the Governor, called The Residency (a.k.a. Seri Mutiara). It also has a colonial-era structure. Its interior too is not open to the public.
After visiting the colonial quarter, we are taken to Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi Temple. It showcases a beautiful fusion of Chinese, Malay and European styles of architecture, with intricate carvings and a distinctive pagoda roof. Next, we are taken to the historic clan jetties. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers authentic, generations-old Chinese waterfront communities on stilts with traditional wooden homes, shrines, street art and local food, all connected by wooden walkways above the water. These jetties showcase a unique blend of history and daily life. After all the sightseeing, we take a traditional cooking class. Dinner is included on today’s tour. After our meal, we are taken back to our hotel.
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in George Town.
If you are seeking an adventurous yet luxury tour in which you see and do it all stress-free, in which all the planning is done for you by experts, in which 5-star hotels, ground transportation, tour guides and entry fees are all included in the package, then you have come to the right place. Welcome to CharlieTheTraveler, an international tour operation company providing tailormade or packaged tours. Read some of our over 800 5-star reviews found across the Internet.
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We are open to customizing this tour to your liking, even though the itinerary we recommend is rock solid. As our tour is currently advertised, you absolutely will not find another one out there as packed with activities and attractions. What’s more, you will not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year, and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance.
All participants are required to book travel insurance within 72 hours of booking this tour. At a minimum, such insurance must cover cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, flight loss or delays and 24/7 assistance.
A 4-installment payment plan is available, often with 0 percent interest to those with at least decent credit. Ask us for details. Our luxury-oriented and itinerary-packed “Malaysia in 10 Days” tour is available for $1,658 USD per person. This price includes all transportation, except airfare. It also includes English-speaking tour guide drivers, food, all activities mentioned in the standard itinerary, all entry fees and 1 night of lodging in a tropical ecolodge. If you would like lodging included for all nights on this tour, then the combined (transportation, tour guide drivers, food, activities, entry fees and lodging) total would be $2,218 USD per person. This price is based on 2 per room and is offered to those booking at least 6 weeks in advance. Note that there is a $30 USD fee if paying by bank transfer or a 4.6 percent surcharge for payments made by credit card. We accept both forms of payment. We do not accept checks. Moving forward, to better understand your specific circumstances and wishes, and for us to accurately quote you, please tell us:
1. Do you prefer getting domestic airfare through us or directly with the airlines? You have both options. Either way, we tell you the exact flights you would need for this tour. Note there is a $50 USD ‘booking fee’ which guarantees not only booking airfare but also that a CharlieTheTraveler representative would be on the phone and/or using live chat with the airlines should there need to be a possible change to your flight.
2. Would you like to extend the duration of this tour so you have some free days just to relax? If you have 1 extra day, then we recommend the tropical ecolodge. If you have 2, then we recommend 1 in the ecolodge and 1 on Langkawi Island.
3. Do you prefer a female tour guide and driver over a male one specifically in Kuala Lumpur and in George Town?
4. Lastly, many of our customers combine our Malaysia tour with our South Thailand tour. You can find our South Thailand tour here: CharlieTheTraveler.com/multiday-tours/Thailand-South Would you like to combine Malaysia with South Thailand?
Any airfare, alcohol, travel insurance, any government-imposed visa fees and anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Although airfare is not included in the price, we will find you the exact flights you need. Just ask.
Below are the names of the hotels where we commonly have our customers stay. Note this is subject to availability.
Night 1: Sandakan, Preferred Ecolodge: Sepilok Nature Resort *Note that lodging specifically here is included regardless whether you choose our multiday tour package with or without hotels
Nights 2-4: Kuala Lumpur, Preferred Hotel: Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Nights 5-6: Langkawi, Preferred Hotel: The Frangipani Langkawi Resort or Mercure Langkawi Pantai Cenang
Nights 7-8: George Town, The Prestige Hotel Penang or Eastern & Oriental Hotel or The George Penang by The Crest Collection
Below are the names of the hotels where we commonly have our customers stay. Note this is subject to availability.
Night 1: Sandakan, Preferred Ecolodge: Sepilok Nature Resort *Note that lodging specifically here is included regardless whether you choose our multiday tour package with or without hotels.
Nights 2-4: Kuala Lumpur, Preferred Hotel: Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Nights 5-6: Langkawi, Preferred Hotel: The Frangipani Langkawi Resort or Mercure Langkawi Pantai Cenang
Nights 7-8: George Town, The Prestige Hotel Penang or Eastern & Oriental Hotel or The George Penang by The Crest Collection.
The boat excursions from Langkawi Island and all attractions and activities provided by your ecolodge in Sandakan are shared with other travelers. On the contrary, the Kuala Lumpur and George Town city tours are exclusive to you and whomever else you may book on behalf of.
Your room is exclusive to you and whomever is in your party. Strangers (meaning customers who book on the same start date but do not know each other) do not share rooms on this tour. On a side note, please let us know if you and the other person(s) in your booking want separate rooms.
Although we get customers of all ages and from several countries, our statistics show most people who book are 30 to 65 years old and from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
We welcome your kids specifically and only when the tour is exclusive to you and your group-meaning other customers are not joining you. We define kids as anyone under 18 years old. In order to make the tour exclusive to you and your group, your booking would need to be for 4 persons or more for any of our tours except Iceland. For our Iceland tour, your booking would need to be for 8 persons or more. Regarding the cost of bringing a non-adult, we do deduct from the total based on the amount of activities you request we remove from the tour. Note that reducing the total price of the tour by removing activities is something offered for non-adults only. Adults can opt out of activities but the total price does not change.
We do not expect you to be an Olympic champion. We know some of the tour members are more fit than others…and we are well prepared for this. However, we do hope you take into consideration this is a very active tour, just like every other tour we offer.
Please let us know about any disability you have. Some disabilities would not affect you taking this tour. Others would prevent you from joining altogether. Although we want all of our customers to have fun, your safety is our first priority.
Of course. Once each day’s tour is over, you have the rest of the evening to yourself. Because our tours tend to be very active, our customers typically want to simply relax once the sun sets.
Notify us as soon as possible and we will do our very best to arrange a meeting point. Please note that we do not refund for any days or activities that you miss.
Generally speaking, you can opt out as long as we are given adequate notice. Please note that opting out of certain activities does not reduce the price of this tour.
We would do our best to keep you safe and make you as comfortable as possible, as well as make special arrangements to address your situation. Partial refunds are not offered if you cannot continue with the tour. However, most travel insurances reimburse you for such situations. This is one of many reasons why we require our customers to purchase travel insurance before taking this tour.
To confirm your tour, full payment is needed at the time of your purchase. However, refunds are offered. You will receive a full refund if canceling at least 91 days in advance from the departure date. Cancelling between 90-60 days prior to departure entitles you to a 50 percent refund. Cancelling between 59-31 days prior to departure entitles you to a 25 percent refund. Canceling 30 days or less prior to departure is not eligible for a refund. Cancellation requests need to be made by email and become effective on the date received by CharlieTheTraveler.
In the unlikely event CharlieTheTraveler needs to cancel this trip, such as because of very poor weather conditions, we will give you a full refund for the tour within 14 business days of the cancellation.
You should receive an email from us within 24 hours of purchasing this tour as well as a week before departure. The first email gives details about what to bring, how to prepare yourself, etc. The second email gives details mostly about the hotels.
Bring a lockable waterproof backpack, a waterproof case for your identification card and credit cards (when swimming) and water shoes. On a different note, you may need to bring adapters for your electronic devices.
Our tour guides/drivers are licensed, speak English and know how to bring excitement to your day. What we deliver is the complete opposite of the cookie-cutting tours the big corporations offer, leaving you in complete boredom. Although our tour guides/drivers are attentive, accommodating and engaged, they also know when to give you your private space and free time. It's a perfect balance.
All of our tours are offered in English. If you prefer another language, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Absolutely not. We make the arrangements for you.
Yes! You have your own concierge for this tour who is at your disposal. You could reach this person when you need anything.
Please visit CharlieTheTraveler.com/Tours-Terms-and-Conditions
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