Colonial Malaysia
Marvellous, multicultural and magical – Malaysia is an eclectic jumble of ethnicities, exciting cultures and colonial architecture. A country divided by the South China Sea, Malaysia is home to buzzing cities and idyllic islands with a rich colonial past. This history is still evident today, from the minarets and Mughal style domes to Victorian houses and traditional longhouse villages. These diverse and vibrant cultures combine to give a unique flavour.
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Throughout this beautiful country’s modern metropolises and idyllic rural villages, the multicultural community lends colour to the calendar, with bright festivals all year round. Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is a city of space-age high rises and bustling city streets. However, amongst this urban jungle are lush parks and boulevards lined with banyan trees.
Lying at the intersection of Europe’s powerful colonial empires and Asia’s great kingdoms is the state of Penang. A microcosm of the exotic east, Penang is world renowned for its lively street markets and delicious street food. An exotic fusion of Chinese, Indian and Dayak flavours, Malaysian cuisine is truly unique. Furthermore, the country’s long coastline means it has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The tropical paradise island of Langkawi is rich in flora and fauna with clear waters and pristine beaches – it’s the ideal idyllic retreat.
Food, fun, festivals and freedom – Malaysia is the ideal destination to experience it all. Visit this beautiful country with your group and discover all it has to offer.
Dates
Dates on request
Suggested Itinerary by Air
Day 1 - Depart UK
Travel to Malaysia
Make your way to the airport for your overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 2 - Malacca
Arrival
Land in the late afternoon and once you have cleared customs and immigration formalities you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Malacca. Visiting Malacca is a unique experience, as the city has a rich historical and cultural background from previous Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. The city centre was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in July 2008.
Day 3 - Malacca
Malacca
Malacca is easy to get around on foot or rickshaw to explore the many places that make it unique. On today’s full day tour, you will start with a heritage walk bringing you to the old Portugese fortress A’Famosa, St. Paul Hill and Dutch square. You will also visit Jonker Street with its vibrant market with a wide array of stalls, polite and friendly traders and live music as well as Cheng Hoon Temple, Baba Nyonya museum. Later enjoy a river cruise with a beautiful view of the Strait of Malacca.
Day 4 - Penang Island
Fly to Penang
Transfer to Kuala Lumpur International Airport to catch a flight to Penang, an island off the north western coast of Malaysia. You will stay in a hotel in George Town, the colourful, multicultural capital of the island of Penang. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 5 - George Town & Penang Island
George Town and Penang Island
In the morning, enjoy a heritage walk in beautiful George Town passing by many magnificent colonial buildings, Little India, Armenian Street and Chinese Clan Houses. You will also walk past the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion which is also known as the Blue Mansion. Its distinctive blue-hued exterior is the result of an indigo-based lime wash, which was once common in George Town.
In the afternoon, explore Penang Island. Visit the Kek Lok Si Temple and the Tropical Spice Garden. The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest and finest temples in Southeast Asia and combines Chinese culture and Buddha teaching. Built in 1891, the temple is a unique treasure due to the millions of magnificent images of Buddha and hundreds of beautiful meaningful carvings, sculptures and mural in the interior and exterior of the temple halls, pagodas and archways.
Day 6 - Penang Island
Penang
This day is at leisure. You can use it to explore Penang Island further or relax on one of the many beaches.
Day 7 - Kuala Lumpur
Fly to Kuala Lumpur
Transfer to Penang Airport and fly to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 8 - Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is widely known for its numerous landmarks, including the Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers and the Petaling Street flea market. Today you will start your day with a heritage walk in the city centre. Heritage plays a big part in shaping bustling Kuala Lumpur. Gain insight into some centuries-old colonial buildings and be inspired by the architectural designs. Visit Jamek Mosque, the Colonial Core, Central Market, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Little India and Chinatown.
In the afternoon, take the train to Batu Caves. The awe inspiring natural caverns are over 400 million years. They are considered a national treasure in Malaysia and are one of the holiest Hindu sites.
Day 9 - Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Spend today at leisure in Kuala Lumpur. Take another walk through the city centre and discover some hidden gems or visit the observation deck on the 86th level of the Petronas Twin Towers. From there you will have an amazing view over the city below.
Day 10 - Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur & Fly home
Your last day is yours to spend a final few hours in this fascinating city. in the evening, transfer to Kuala Lumpur International Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Day 11 - Arrive UK
Arrive UK
Land back in the UK in the early hours of the morning and make your way back home.
Malaysia has a tropical climate and offers warm temperatures throughout the year, with an average monthly temperature ranging between 23°C and 32°C. The wet season on the west of the peninsula (Apr-Oct) brings thunderstorms in the afternoons, but these are usually brief, and the odd downpour is a welcome way to reduce the humidity. The east coast however tends to have a heavier wet season and is best avoided during the rainy period (Nov-Feb).
Visa Requirements
British Nationals do not need a visa to enter Malaysia for up to 3 months. If you wish to stay longer than 3 months then visas can be obtained from your nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission.