2 togo H LID Y ENDIRI N BERH D FREE Co. Reg. 526807 M KPL/LN 6941 INDEPENDENT TOUR Beribu Lautan: Sun, Seas, And Jungles of Malaysia

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT

LANGKAWI GEORGETOWN KUALA LUMPUR GAYA ISLAND MT KINABALU

ABOUT

Malaysia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and there is no better way to start exploring these beaches than this trip. We start the journey o in the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi. Langkawi is comprised of over 99 islands and is the perfect place to explore the vast amount of beautiful beaches Malaysia has to o er. Next, we journey to Georgetown, Penang, a cultural UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfect place to begin understanding how the interconnected cultures of Malaysia give rise to some of the most unique architecture and foods. After Penang, we drive down to Cameron Highlands, where you can enjoy the refreshing air and explore the tea plantations and mossy forest. Afterwards, we journey to KL, the metropolitan heart of Peninsular Malaysia. Spend a few days taking in urban culture and sights before flying o to East MalaYsia, to one of our most beautiful islands: Gaya Island. There’s lots to do on this island, and you may even want to spend time earning a diving license, so you can truly make the most of Gaya. This is the perfect pack- age for someone looking to relax and spend their days lazing on beaches, with just a touch of exploring the rich, diverse culture that Ma- laysia has to o er.

Main highlights of the itinerary: Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor OR Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, ITINERARY Gaya Island, Mt. Kinabalu

LANGKAWI DAY 1 Langkawi is made up of a collection of over 99 islands (with an extra 5 islands that are only visible during low tide), located in the Anda- Arrive in Langkawi man Sea, and has been nicknamed the Jewel of Kedah. Langkawi is one of the places in Malaysia that is duty free, and this extends to Recommendation: Visit the Sky Bridge. Try snor- everything from chocolates to cookware to alcohol. If you have time, kelling! exploring some of the duty free shops is definitely a must! Accommodation: Long list

ISLAND HOPPING While Langkawi has over 99 islands, only two are inhabited. That DAY 2 said, you can explore more of the islands during island hopping, where you are taken to a few of these beautiful islands. You are also Island hopping in Langkawi usually taken to an eagle viewing spot, as Langkawi is one of the places in Malaysia where you can find eagles. Recommendation: If you have time, check out some of the duty free stores in Langkawi. It’s a great opportunity to purchase alcohol, choco- lates, and other things tax free, for the rest of the trip. LANGKAWI SKYBRIDGE The Langkawi skybridge is the longest free span and curved bridge Accommodation: Long list in the world. The suspended bridge can be reached via cable car and allows visitors a spectacular panoramic view of the islands of Lang- kawi and well worth the visit. Entry to the Sky Bridge costs RM5 per adult, while the Sky Cab ride costs RM55 per adult. DAY 3

Transfer to Penang via ferry Afternoon free and at own leisure Sunset at The Habitat, on Penang GEORGETOWN Hill Georgetown was once the capital of the Straits Settlements and its historical core has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 Accommodation: Boutique hotel because of the unique architecture, with its colonial and Asian archi- tecture styles. Once an important port city for the British, George- Recommendation: Take advantage of the sta at town flourished economically and attracted people from China, your boutique hotel, because they likely know a Indian, and even Thailand. This contributed to Georgetown’s multi- lot about great food in the area! You can also cultural identity, reflected in its architecture. Georgetown is yet refer to our guide for some recommendations for another city where you can see Peranakan culture – slightly di erent food. from Melaka due to the di erent colonial and cultural influences here. Georgetown is one of the only cities in Malaysia where most of the English street names have been retained. 1 BATU FERINGGHI DAY 4 Batu Feringghi is up the coast of Penang and is most famous for its beaches and night market. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, watch the UNESCO Heritage Site tour (Optional:Guide) sunset, and relax after exploring Georgetown. Visit the night markets for cheap souvenirs and street food. If you’re sore from all your Accommodation: Boutique hotel adventures in the past few days, an alternative to getting a massage at the hotel spa is to visit the spas across the street from the night Recommendation: Wrap up your Heritage Tour at market. These spas are usually cheaper and just as good – it’s where the Clan Jetties, so you can catch the sunset over the locals go! the water at the jetties! If you have time later in the evening, you can also visit one of Penang’s many malls such as KOMTAR, Paragon, or Gurney CAMERON HIGHLANDS Plaza Cameron Highlands sits between 800m to 1600m above sea level, making it one of the cooler areas in Malaysia. The cooler climate makes temperatures perfect for growing tea and strawberries. Locals DAY 5 enjoy coming to Cameron Highlands to go fruit picking and tea drinking. Here, you can find the two tea plantation factories, both of Transfer to Batu Ferengghi whom serve premium and special blends of tea. Accommodation: Park Royal or Lone Pine

Recommendation: Visit the Escape Park if you have time and are feeling adventurous! Once at Batu Ferengghi, don’t forget to drop by the fa- MOSSY FOREST TOUR mous night market. You can also get massages at The elevation in Cameron Highlands is perfect for mossy forests – a your hotel or at the stores across the street from type of forest that grows between 1000m and 2000m in elevation. the night market—these places are cheaper and Mossy forests are mossier depending on how cloudy the skies are this is usually where the locals go! and the Mossy Forest in Cameron Highlands is 90% moss. It’s beauti- ful and looks almost otherworldly.

As part of the optional tour and hike itinerary, you will be picked up DAY 6 from the Of ce HQ of the tour guide and start your tour o viewing the rolling tea hills, before going on a light hike in the Mossy Forest. Transfer to either Cameron Highlands or Pangkor Be prepared to get a little messy as the forest is moist and it can be challenging to find the right place to put your feet. The tour ends Accommodation: with a visit to the Boh Tea Factory. Cameron Highlands: Strawberry Park Resort or Smokehouse PANGKOR Pangkor is an island o the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s a Pangkor: Pangkor Laut good place to relax and unwind. The beaches are white and sandy, and there are a few interesting sites on the island itself if you’re keen on exploring.

DAY 7

Land transfer to Kuala Lumpur

Afternoon at own leisure.

PANGKOR LAUT Accommodation: Villa Samadhi or Anggun KL Pangkor Laut is a luxury resort and perfect for anyone who wants to relax. It’s also a really beautiful resort, with floating villas that are Recommendation: Go to KLCC/Petronas Twin similar to those you’d nd in the Maldives. There is also a complimen- Towers around sunset so you can see the towers tary 50 minute couples massage, which you can book upon check in. at night and during the day, or go to the Heli Pangkor Laut also has amazing fine dining options. Pangkor laut also has amazing fine dining options, such as Uncle Lim’s Kitchen, headed Lounge Bar and watch the sunset from there, by Chef Lim Fang Tat, who is known for his authentic Hock Chew and with a view of the KL Tower. Refer to the guide Nyonya homecooking. for more information.

DAY 8

KUALA LUMPUR Sightseeing at Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur is the largest city in Malaysia, and a wonderful place to experience the diverse cultures of Malaysia. The metropolitan heart Accommodation: Villa Samadhi or Anggun KL of the Peninsula, here, the diverse people of Malaysia live together harmoniously. Take in the modern skyscrapers, as well as the Recommendation: Go on a food crawl of KL to mosques, Buddhist temples, and Hindu temples – creating a city explore the diverse cuisine of Malaysia unlike any other.

2 GAYA ISLAND DAY 9 Gaya Island is an island just a 10 minute boat ride o the shore of Kota Kinabalu. It is the largest island of a collection of islands in the Transfer to Gaya Island via Kota Kinabalu After- Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It’s the perfect place to relax. Take noon free and at own leisure in the beautiful blue waters and white sandy beaches. Explore by island hopping (there is a network of nearby islands - you can even Gayana Marine Resort, Bun- zipline to one of them!). There’s an endless list of things to do at Gaya Accommodation: Island! garaya Resort, Gaya Island Resort

Recommendation: Check out the activities availa- ble at your resort, such a snorkelling, diving, and other water sports! Head to Jesselton Point Ferry SNORKELLING AND DIVING terminal to book island hopping The tropical waters of the South China Sea is home to an infinite species of marine life, being home to the famed Coral Triangle. The area is teeming with over 600 species of hard and soft corals, as well DAY 10 as over 3000 species of fish. It is the perfect place to try snorkelling if you have never tried before, and the perfect place to take time and learn how to dive, maybe even earn a PADI License. Free and at own leisure on Gaya Island

Accommodation: Gayana Marine Resort, Bun- garaya Resort, Gaya Island Resort

Recommendation: Explore Kota Kinabalu by ISLAND HOPPING IN SABAH visiting the handicraft market, Filipino market Gaya Island is part of group of islands o the coast of Kota Kinabalu known as the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park The other islands are Manukan Island, Mamutik Island, Sapi Island and Sulug Island. Return- DAY 11 ing to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal will allow you to go island hop- ping with one of the many service providers. They usually charge by the amount of islands you visit. If you want to spend a more leisurely Day trip to Mt. Kinabalu pace exploring the islands, we’d recommend giving yourself two days or so. refer to the guide for more information on the islands! Accommodation: Gayana Marine Resort, Bun- garaya Resort, Gaya Island Resort

MT KINABALU DAY 12 A trip to Sabah is not complete without a visit to Mt. Kinabalu, the highest peak in malaysia. The surrounding park is protected World Free and easy itinerary at Gaya Island Heritage Site. The hike up Mt. Kinabalu takes two days and one night and has been voted as one of most thrilling hikes in the world by Lonely Planet. people who are training to climb Mt. Everest often Accommodation: Gayana Marine Resort, Bun- come to Mt. Kinabalu to practice. if you would like to climb Mt. Kina- garaya Resort, Gaya Island Resort balu, please tell us ahead so we can arrange it Recommendation: Don’t be afraid to try one of While you won’t climb the mountain on the day trip, you will be able the optional activities, which were specially to explore the area at the leisurely place, including a visit to base of picked to allow you to familiarise yourself with the mountain. There are also bird watching trails all over the base, Sabah. If you’re curious about the culture, take a which you can do at your leisure, Finish o the day trip with a visit to trip to the Cultural Village. If you would like to see Poring Hotsprings (Mt. Kinabalu is a dead volcano) and a visit to the more of the scenery, take a ride on the train! If nearby farm in Kundasang, where you can feed baby cows and goats. you’re more curious about local food, try having dinner at Kampung Nelayan. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Mari - Mari Cultural Village: this is a small village, deep in the coun- DAY 13 tryside. The village functions as a tour and o ers you the opportunity to see and experience the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous Free and easy itinerary at Gaya Island ethnic groups on Borneo. There are five di erent ethnic tribes in the village. If you’re curious about the culture of the locals, this is a good Accommodation: Gayana Marine Resort, Bun- place to learn! garaya Resort, Gaya Island Resort North Borneo Railway daytrip: this is a colonial era style steam train which takes you across the lush landscape and rural regions of Sabah and back. The trip lasts approximately four hours, and you’ll be treat- DAY 14 ed to a typical ‘tin’ colonial lunch. Relax and enjoy the countryside! Transfer back home. Trip ends. Kampung Nelayan: This restaurant serves local seafood dishes, but there’s also a cultural performance at dinner. It’s not to be missed if you want to eat good food and enjoy some local entertainment!

KOWAMAS HOLIDAYS SDN BHD (526807 M) (KPL/LN 6961) Unit 101 Block C, Level 1, Kelana Business Centre, 97 Jalan SS7/2, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. HQ T: 03 7803 0170 F: 03 7803 1260 E: [email protected] KB Lot 2, Ground Floor, Hotel Perdana, Jalan Mahmood, 15200, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. T: 09 742 2416 F: 09 742 2445 E: [email protected] JB Lot G-09D (B), Ground Floor, Puteri Harbour, Persiaran Puteri Selatan, 79000 Iskandar Puteri, Johor. T: 07 595 0450 F: 07 595 0410 E: [email protected]

kowamasholidays.com [email protected] kowamas holidays @kowamasholidays