Malaysia tour 15 days: Cultural Exploration and Beach Relaxation

Warmly welcome you on arrival in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Our guide will pick you up to your hotel to check-in, and you will have time to take a rest after a long flight. And then the rest of day is on your own, you can make an impression on the city by night by exploring yourself.
 
Accommodation: At the hotel in Kuala Lumpur
Meal: None
 

In the morning, we will pick you up then we start a journey to explore Kuala Lumpur City. 
The first destination is Petronas Twin Tower - considered as the symbol of Malaysia. Petronas Twin Tower, pair of skyscraper office buildings, is one of the most highest tower in the world with 88 storeys and 403m in height. This is the landmark of Kuala Lumpur, officially opened in 1999.
We continue to visit Jamek Mosque, located in the confluence of 2 main streams in Malaysia: Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak. This is the oldest mosque in the city, built in 1900 and opened in 1909, being the main praying place of the city until National Mosque opened in 1965. The mosque’s design was inspired from Mughal architecture of North India.
Keep going on the tour and we visit The National Museum, which brings you knowledge about Malaysia history as well as cultures and customs of Malaysian from the past to present. Moreover, the museum exhibits various valuable artifacts, such as traditional weapon, musical instruments, ceramic or pottery handicrafts, …
The last destination in the morning is Thean Hou temple - one of the largest temple in Southeast Asia. Completed in 1987 by the Selangor and Federarl Territory Hanan Association, the temple is known as the temple of Heaven God.  It is famous for its combination in architecture, between traditional and modern architectural technique. Thean Hou temple features a Chinese herb garden and a tortoise pond accompanied with a well; beside it is a sacred Boddhi tree.
In the afternoon, after lunchtime, we visit Batu Caves. Located 13km northern from bustle Kuala Lumpur, Batu caves lies inside the limestones mountain including a system of caves with various temples. Batu caves is about 400 million years old but just was found in the 19th century, known as one of the most famous and sacred Hindu shrine in Malaysia. Tourists have to climb 272 footsteps to go inside the caves. Batu caves is attractive due to its giant and dedicated handmade sculptures by Indian.
Return to hotel and the evening will be on your own.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Kuala Lumpur
Meal: Breakfast
 

You are free until we transfer to Cameron Highlands. En route, we across Tapah Town, where has such a must-visit place Iskandar Waterfalls. This is a waterfall along the road from Tapah to Cameron Highlands. The waterfall cascades over several tiers of granite slopes, with the last drop at 25 meters high flowing into a small pool below, before resuming its journey as a narrow stream.
We will have lunch around the town and keep going to Cameron Highlands. Checking-in you hotel and then the rest time of day is on your own.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Cameron Highlands
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
 

In the morning, after having breakfast, we take a half-day journey to explore Gunung Brinchang mountain and the forest. This is the second highest mountain in Cameron Highlands at the height 2000 meters above sea level. There is a bridge on the top of Gung Brinchang Mountain leading to Mossy Forest. This conservation area is different from any other conservation area because it is covered by a thick layer of moss, the trees have not been touch for centuries. The ecosystem there includes such the strange plants: carnivorous plants, brilliant fruit trees…
We have lunch before continue visiting Kok Lim Strawberry Farm. Kok Lim is one of the largest strawberry farm in Cameron Highlands. Besides fresh strawberries available for sale daily, you can also pick your own load by weight at the farm on hill slopes behind. There are also a vegetable market, shopping gallery, vintage cafe and pastry corner within the complex.
Lying in Kok Lim Strawberry Farm, Time Tunnel is considered as one of the earliest museum in Cameron Highlands. The museum is full of artifacts reflecting Malaysian life under the period of Japanese occupation.
Return to the hotel and you are free to enjoy the fresh air and atmosphere on Highlands.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Cameron Highlands
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
 

Today, you will be free until we transfer to Penang – the city was recognized as World’s Heritage by UNESCO.
En route, we have a chance to visit Sam Poh Tong Temple. Being built within a limestone cave, this Chinese Buddhist temple is the oldest and most famous cave temples in Ipoh, Malaysia. The temple was constructed in raw limestone cave in the mountains located about 5 km from Ipoh. The façade of Sam Poh Tong dates us back to the 1950s and a stiff climb of 246 steps will lead you to an open cave with an excellent view of Ipoh and its surroundings. There is also a place that nuns and monks dedicating their lives to Buddha still occupy.
Keep going and we visit Ubudiah Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosque in Malaysia. This mosque is out-standing due to its golden dome and minaret. Built in 1913, the architecture of Ubudiah Mosque is the combination between Malaysian and Indian architecture.
We have lunch and then continue on our way to reach Penang. Checking-in your hotel and the time will be on your own.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Penang
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
 

Today, we take a half-day tour to Pulau Payar - an island in Kedah, where we can reach by speedboat. It status as a marine conservation park, offering protection for its marine life. This also is a snorkelling and diving site, famous for its brightly colored corals and fishes. 
We have lunch in Pulau Payar, then return to Penang and the rest time of the day is on your own.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Penang
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
 

After breakfast, we will pick you up for the Tropical Spice Garden Cooking School. This is the first cooking school in Penang, surrounded by jungle trees and wildlife, a small herb garden and a glimpse of the Andaman Sea. Under the guidance of experienced and professional chefs, you can learn to cook local cuisines such as Nasi Lemak, Assam Laksa, Chicken Tandoori and even inspired beverages. Then you can enjoy the foods made by yourself at lunchtime in The Pavilion.
In the afternoon, we visit Kek Lok Si Pagoda. Located in such a sacred place, this is one of the biggest pagoda in Southeast Asia. There are 1000 carved Buddha statues in this 7-storey pagoda, and a huge Buddha statue at the top of Kek Lok Si. The pagoda was completely constructed in 1905, being inspired by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple at Pitt Street. This is such a must-visit place when come to Penang.
The last destination today is Penang Hill. This is one of the oldest colonial hill, established by English during the time in Malaysia. Penang Hill includes some hills: Strawberry Hill, Halliburton’s Hill, Flagstaff Hill, Government Hill, Tiger Hill and Western Hill. The highest point of all these hills is at Western Hill, 833m above sea level. From there, you can take a whole sight to George Town of Penang.
Return to the hotel and you can leisurely explore Penang by night.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Penang
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
 

After having breakfast, we depart for Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The center cares for young orphaned orangutans, which have been illegally caught and kept as pets. It also cares for injured and displaced wild orangutans, as well as other wildlife including the endangered Bornean Pygmy elephant. You can observe these lamentable animals at the time of their meals from a wooden platform.
Continue by road to Sukau, then take the boat to your lodge in the middle of the rainforest! Free time to rest before going on a cruise on the Kinabatangan River to observe the endemic species of the region. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
(Remember to wear good walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, flashlight, pair of binoculars and insect repellents).

Accommodation: At the lodge in Sukau
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
 

Wake up early with the singing sounds of the forest, then cruise on Kinabatangan River to Oxbow Lake and observe the many bird species. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then depart to Gomantong Caves, which are invaded by millions of bats and whose walls are covered with nests of swallows. You also have free time for a walk in the neighboring village.
Return to the lodge and you are free to relax.

Accommodation: At the lodge in Sukau
Meal: Breakfast
 

Today, after having breakfast, we depart by road to the west of Sabah to join the Sabah Tea Garden, located about 4-hour driving from Sukau). En route, we stop at the village of Lunati for you to massage by fish, an experience completely unusual. Take a lunch by yourself.
In the afternoon, transfer to your longhouse with rudimentary but clean and comfortable. This will give you a chance to discover the traditional way of life of the local tribes and to participate in the various activities of the village (painting on fabric, shooting, peach ...).
Have dinner and overnight in the longhouse.

Accommodation: At the longhouse in Sabah Tea Garden
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
 

After breakfast, we transfer to Poring Hot Sulphur Springs, where you can a dip into hot sulphur springs, then continue the way to Kinabalu Park. This is the area surrounding Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, established in 1964 and was the country's first World Heritage Site in 2000 for its outstanding universal values and the role as one of the most important biological sites in the world with various species of flora and fauna.
We have a picnic lunch there, keep going to the resort in Kota Kinabalu. Checking-in and the time is on your own.

Accommodation: At the resort in Kota Kinabalu
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch