Tailor Made Holidays in Malaysia: Highlights

Visit the amazing Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang

This beautiful mansion which dates from the 1880s is the former home of Cheong Fatt Tze, 'China's last Mandarin and first capitalist'. Winner of the Unesco Conservation reward in 2000 and fully restored to its former glory it is now a boutique guesthouse and window to former glories. Set around tropical courtyards it offers 16 differently themed rooms, individually furnished with antiques. Staying here you catch a glimpse of Penang's rich history. The mansion is also open to the public.

Read more about: Penang
 
Discover vibrant Kuala Lumpur

As well as being a modern metropolis with glittering skyscrapers, Kuala Lumpur is a city with a rich heritage, full of colour and character. Vibrant Chinatown is a definite highlight with its street vendors and old shophouses, as is bustling Little India and the Malay district. With its cultural potpourri, KL has a fascinating mix of religions which are marked by an abundance of fascinating temples and religious customs. However, don't miss a trip to the jaw-dropping Petronas Towers, a symbol of the new Malaysia or the fabulous shopping opportunities to be had at one of the many shopping malls.

Read more about: Kuala Lumpur
 
Snorkel and dive off Tioman Island

The largest and most impressive of the East Coast islands, Tioman is easily accessible from Singapore and KL. Most visitors come here to dive or snorkel in the wonderfully clear waters, or relax on the white sand beaches. There is also some fascinating fora and fauna to be found and rugged trails to be explored in the mountainous island interior. There is just one road here but most transport around the island is by boat. Tioman has only a small permanent population and visitors usually outnumber locals. It's best to avoid the months of July & August when it can become quite crowded.

Read more about: Tioman Island
 
Explore the streets of Georgetown, Penang

Georgetown, the capital of Penang is a vibrant city which offers ancient temples, fascinating streets, old Chinese shop houses and some fabulous night markets. There are several heritage trails here to follow which take in various historical buildings of interest and explore the traditional trades of the city. It is a fascinating capital to explore.

Read more about: Penang
 
Walk in the jungle canopy in Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara is one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests and the setting for an unforgettable jungle experience. Located four hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and accessible via a two-hour boat journey up the Kuala Tembeling River, there are opportunities here for short guided nature walks, more adventurous treks, boat trips and night safaris. A highlight is the canopy walkway, suspended 25m above the forest floor which gives you a bird's eye view of the jungle.

Read more about: Taman Negara National Park
 
Treat yourself to a little luxury at Pangkor Laut

Malaysia's most exclusive tourist development occupies the tiny private rainforest covered island of Pangkor Laut. This luxurious accommodation consists of beautifully appointed and spacious hillside villas, sea villas built on stilts above the water and linked by a wooden walkway, and eight private 'estates' available for rent on a secluded bay. Every conceivable amenity is at hand here, with several fine restaurants and an internationally-renowned spa that offers a wide choice of treatments. This is one resort where you can truly indulge yourself.

Read more about: Pangkor Laut Resort
 
Relax on the Perhentian Islands

Arguably the most beautiful islands in Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands feature crystal clear water and white sand beaches. Palau Perhentian Kecil tends to attract the young backpackers whilst Perhentian Besar offers higher standards of accommodation and a quieter more relaxed ambience. The seafood and barbecues are excellent here, and activities include snorkelling and diving, jungle walks, boat trips and just relaxing on the palm-fringed beaches. There are some excellent coral reefs off both islands and several dive operators are to be found here.

Read more about: Perhentian Islands
 
Visit the tea estates in the Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands located north of the steamy city of Kuala Lumpur is known for its lush scenery, forests and waterfalls. This former hill station retains a quintessentially old English atmosphere with mock Tudor hotels serving afternoon tea and gin and tonics in the evenings. This is a great area for walking and just enjoying nature. It is home to strawberries, vegetables and wild flowers that thrive in its temperate climate. However it is most famous for its tea plantations which are well worth a visit and where you can enjoy a cup of tea on the veranda in one of the tea estates.

Read more about: Cameron Highlands
 
Explore the colonial city of Malacca

Take the local train from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca, where you can explore the atmospheric streets that reveal the city's illustrious past. Once one of Asia's greatest trading posts, Malacca has both Dutch and Portuguese influence which are most evident in its architecture. Chinatown is also well worth a visit with its winding streets, ancient temples and traditional shop-houses which are a delight to explore. The best time to visit is at the weekend when the markets are at their best.

Read more about: Malacca
 
Visit the tropical island paradise of Langkawi

Langkawi, with its jungle clad interior and stunning beaches, is one of Malaysia's most popular destinations with some of the finest luxury beach resorts on secluded bays along the coastline. It is an island of myths and legends and home to the Brahminy kite and sea eagle.If you can tear yourself away from the wonderful beaches there are plenty of opportunities to explore, island hop, visit caves and waterfalls or take a cable car to the top of majestic Gunung Machinchang for magnificent views over Langkawi and the Andaman sea. Alernatively you could play a round of golf or simply lie back and rejuvenate at one of the spas. There is something here for everyone.

Read more about: Langkawi
 
Our logos and affiliations British Airways Read about our awards Our responsible tourism policy Your Financial Protection