Day 1: Kuala Lumpur Airport Pick-up
Jalan Alor Street Welcome to Malaysia! Your enthusiastic driver guide will hold a welcome board greeting you at the arrival hall and then escort you to our well-selected hotel downtown, and the rest of the day is your free time.
► Activity Suggestion for Your Free Time at Night It takes a little more than 10 minutes by taxi from your hotel to admire the charming night view of the Petronas Twin Towers. Between 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm, you can enjoy the Lake Symphony Water Show in the KLCC Park, which complements the lit Petronas Twin Towers behind. After that, you can take a taxi for 15 minutes to the famous Jalan Alor Food Street to taste local delicacies, among which the Restoran Mon Chinese Beef Roti is not to be missed. Its crust is crispy, while the beef stuffing is juicy and tender, and the seasoning takes it to the next level. It costs only RM6 (less than $1.5). Jalan Alor is close to your hotel and it takes about 10 minutes to walk back.
► Useful Tips for Transportation in Malaysia 1. It is advisable to use the Grab app when you need to hail a taxi. Grab will give the price after you enter the boarding point and destination, and can be paid with cash, credit card, or PayPal. Then, you choose the vehicle and wait for the driver. Note that cars in Malaysia drive on the left side, so pay attention to waiting for the taxi in the correct direction. 2. In Malaysia, you need to manually change the traffic lights when crossing roads, the same as in most places in the US. 3. Motorcycles prevail in Malaysia, so take care when walking and take your belongings well to guard against a motorcycle grabbing, but don’t worry too much since it’s not likely to happen.
Accommodation: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur (5 stars)
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Day 2: Kuala Lumpur: Petronas Towers, Independence Square, National Mosque; Drive to Malacca
Today, we will spend a whole day touring Kuala Lumpur. Your driver guide will show you around historical and modern sites, allowing you to experience diverse cultures while telling the stories behind this metropolis. Our first destination is Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers at 451.9 meters (1,483 feet). From a distance, such a pair of 88-story landmark buildings resemble two imposing ears of corn. Take a lift to the Sky Bridge on the 41st floor, which interlinks the two towers, and you can overlook the city from a 170-meter height. But that’s not enough, and we will continue elevating to the circular observation deck on the 86th floor, where you will be amazed by the panorama of Kuala Lumpur’s forest of skyscrapers through the free telescope inside.
Next, driving past Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Jamek Mosque, we will arrive at Independence Square, also called Dataran Merdeka, valued in Malaysian history. Eclectic surrounded buildings, from the English-style Sultan Abdul Samad Building to Islamic architecture and the guild church, are reminiscent of colonial times, and they also witnessed the lowering of the British flag at midnight on August 30, 1957, and the raising of the Malaysian flag for the first time. At noon, stop at Petaling Street, widely known as Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, one of the earliest streets in Kuala Lumpur, which has existed for about 140 years. You can see many old shops and Chinese food stalls here, many of which have been run from generation to generation for over 50 years. Kim Soya Bean, an inconspicuous cart that has been selling soya milk and soybean pudding for over 80 years, is worth trying. The soya milk tastes rich and smooth without bean dregs; the soybean pudding is silky with a strong bean fragrance, and both are entirely additives-free. Not sweet in original flavor, they can be paired with ginger, white, or brown sugar, one portion costing RM2.5 (about $0.5). In the afternoon, continue to the National Mosque of Malaysia, a uniquely designed Islamic mosque in the city center. At first glance, you will marvel at the 73-meter-high (240-feet) minaret, shaped like a folded umbrella, while the blue roof of the main hall is like an open umbrella, shielding each one walking under it. Enter the roomy hall with shoes off and look up, and you will marvel at the dome and even forget the unique umbrella shape outside. Stained glass windows above the pillars and the triangular blue windows on the dome reflect blazing colors in the sunlight, making people unconsciously fascinated. Remember to wear long pants instead of skirts or shorts when visiting a mosque; if not, you will get a Jubah – an Islamic gown with hoods – at the entrance. The hood is a must for women to cover their heads, but not for men. Then, we will drive out of the city to visit King’s Palace (Istana Negara), where the Malaysian monarch lives. Although the palace is not open to the public, you can look through the gate railings to see its magnificent appearance and take photos with the cavalryman. From here, you can also overlook the whole of Kuala Lumpur full of high-rise buildings. Ultimately, we will drive southeast for about two hours to Malacca and directly escort you to the hotel. Have a good rest, and look forward to the Malacca tour tomorrow. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka (4 stars)
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Day 3: Malacca: Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Stadthuys, Jonker Street, River Cruise; Drive to Kuala Lumpur
We are now in Malacca, Malaysia’s oldest city, listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008. After breakfast, we will visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, built in the 15th century. Such a temple entirely made of nanmu wood will captivate you at first sight of its ornate rooftop, lavishly decorated with mosaic mythological figures and animals made from cemented-together tile shards and broken chinaware, shining brightly in the sun. Walking into the hall facing the hanging wind chimes, you will face an exceptionally opulent hall painted with deep red-hued raw lacquer and furnished with various painted wood carvings. With the guide’s attractive narration, it seems you have traveled back to the past. The next destination is Stadthuys, Dutch Red Square, built in the mid-17th century. Here, you can see Southeast Asia’s oldest surviving Dutch architecture, with typical thick red brick walls, large windows, and heavy wooden doors. The Victorian fountain on the square has been listening to people’s wishes for centuries, while the colonial church has now been transformed into a museum, documenting the city’s historical changes. Walk for about five minutes from the path behind the Dutch Red Square to St. Paul’s Church atop St. Paul’s Hill. The ruins that survived the shelling now remain only mottled walls, giving you a sense of heaviness. It sits quietly atop the mountain, witnessing how the world’s most crucial strait has developed for hundreds of years. You can also stand beside St. Paul’s Church and overlook Malacca city. Going down the hill, we will pass through a Portuguese fortress called A Famosa, the earliest European building in Asia. Now, only an ancient city gate stands. Then, we will arrive at Jonker Street, the lively heart of Malacca. Moving along with the crowd on the street, you will see a dizzying array of food stalls and various stores. We recommend having a delicious meal at Hoe Kee Chicken Rice. The signature chicken rice ball at this time-honored restaurant is plump and tender, and the White Cut Chicken is tasty with original flavor, going even better with homemade special chili sauce. It costs only RM20-40 ($5-10) per person. Leave Jonker Street and move on to Taman Rempah Jetty to take a Malacca River Cruise. During the around 40-minute cruise, you can appreciate traditional Tong Lau – a kind of veranda-style building popular in southeastern Asia in the 1960s – on the banks of the Malacca River under sunshine and colorful murals on the walls, reflected in the calm river water along with the surrounding green leaves, flowers, and buildings. What a wonderful picture! Finally, we will drive for about two hours back to Kuala Lumpur and send you to the hotel. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur (5 stars) Malacca River
Jonker Street
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Day 4: Kuala Lumpur to Penang by Air
This morning, your driver guide will see you off at Kuala Lumpur Airport, and you will take a 1-hour flight to Penang. Upon arrival, a local driver guide in Penang will pick you up and accompany you to the hotel in George Town, which is about half an hour away. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. * Tip: If you are into murals, don’t forget to take a “Marking George Town” map at the airport baggage area. The map marks over 20 murals and 52 iron paintings with specific locations and introductions, and you can look for these murals during your free time in Penang.
► Valued Spot to Visit in Your Free Time in Penang About a 15-minute walk eastward from your hotel is Kapitan Keling Mosque, the oldest and largest mosque in Penang, combining Indian and Arabic architectural styles, whose tall white minaret and intricately designed appearance will astonish you. Except for the prayer room exclusively for Muslims, other places are all open to the public for free. You can wear the Jubah they provide for free to enter a mosque if you are not appropriately dressed. With the tranquil and sacred atmosphere of the spacious and bright prayer hall, you can learn about different religions and cultures through multilingual guides and rich lectures. You may also encounter a professional and friendly free guide in the mosque who will explain the importance of rituals, gender interactions, and various customs in Islam.
► Dinner Recommendation in George Town After visiting, you can have dinner at D'Sakra, a highly rated Indian restaurant just a five-minute walk northeast of the mosque. Its excellent environment and warm service are well-reviewed. Tasty dishes, especially Chicken Tikka Masala & Butter Chicken, Butter Garlic Naan, and Signature Dahi Pani Puri, have gained many repeat customers, costing RM20-40 ($5-10) per person.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La (4 stars)
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Day 5: Penang: George Town, Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple, Funicular Train up Penang Hill
Today, we will first have a car tour around George Town, passing by several famed landmarks, including Fort Cornwallis, Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Clan Jetty, and Street of Harmony. Penang’s deep cultural and religious integration is reflected in every aspect of architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle in George Town, among which various architecture is most apparent – embracing Chinese guild hall style, British Victorian style, and Islamic religious style combined with local elements. If you are interested in a certain scenic spot, you can ask the driver to stop at any time to take photos or visit it up close.
Continue driving to Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple, a Thai-style temple built in 1845, worshipping the world’s third-largest indoor reclining Buddha statue of 33 meters long. Stepping into the main hall, you will gasp at the giant reclining Buddha wearing a golden cassock, lying on his side with his right hand supporting the head, looking kindly at each tourist. Standing in front of the Buddha, you can’t help but feel the inner peace and tranquility.
Then, you will take the funicular train up Penang Hill, passing through picturesque farms and forests. When riding the train, it is recommended to sit at the front when going up and at the back when going down, which is the best place to take photos. Arriving at the highest spot in Penang, you will be mesmerized by the commanding view of Penang Island. If you are lucky to come across the rare Francois’ leaf monkeys on the mountain, no matter how cute they are, try not to tease or feed them.
After going down Penang Hill, today’s tour is over, and we will send you back to the hotel. We can also drop you off at Penang Street Art District if you are interested in Penang Street paintings. You can explore the district and return to the hotel by yourself, taking a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride. Ubiquitous murals are a significant feature of Penang. Some are huge, some are life-size, and some have interactive props in front of them, such as the “Sisters on the Swing” with an empty one of the two swings awaiting people to play.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La (4 stars)
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Day 6: Depart from Penang
It’s time to say goodbye to your best Malaysia tour, and your driver guide will escort you to Penang Airport, which will take about 30 minutes. The security check and customs clearance are relatively slow, so you’d better allow 3 hours and arrange your free time according to the flight. Wish you a happy journey!
► What to Do in Your Free Time before Leaving You can have a look at the Penang Nagarathar Sivan Temple, a South Indian temple dedicated to the Indian God Shiva. Walking westwards for less than 10 minutes from your hotel, you will see its colorful five-story pagoda with intricate sculptures. Many locals come to worship in the quiet and peaceful temple.
During the past days, you have felt Malaysia’s human culture quintessence, but Malaysia is much more than that. The native flora and fauna of Borneo’s tropical rainforest, such as Malayan tapirs, Borneo pygmy elephants, and Rafflesia, are all worth seeing. Kuching – the cat city – is also unmissable if you are a cat lover. If these attractions intrigue you, please contact our travel consultants to extend your trip with a customized route!
Meals: Breakfast
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