Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime discovering the wonders of Malaysia! This tailor-made trip delves into the cultural sites of Kuala Lumpur and the lush jungles of Taman Negara. Immerse yourself in the fascinating cultures, and marvel at the pristine natural beauty that promises a new adventure with every day. From Malaysia's verdant forests to its vibrant culture, there is something begging to be discovered around every corner!
Welcome to Malaysia! On arrival into Kuala Lumpur airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by your English speaking driver/guide who will be holding a sign with your name on it, and then escorted to the waiting vehicle ready for the drive into the city center. Depending on traffic conditions the journey should take around one hour. (This service is on a private basis.)
The national capital and most populous global city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur provides the bright lights and towering skyscrapers to put any traveler in awe. Known as the cultural hub of the country, it is most notably recognized by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, standing as the tallest twin buildings in the world at 88 stories high. They are simple a vision of modern architecture, and complimented by the surrounding beautiful buildings. Past the skyscrapers, six lane highways and urban city streets, you can discover temples, mosques, colonial architecture and abundant greenery. The endless restaurants and shops will keep you busy no matter how long your stay is in Kuala Lumpur!
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a morning tour of Kuala Lumpur. First, visit the colorful and unique Buddhist temple of Thean Hou, then walk past a pretty lake to the front of the modern National Mosque and the old train station built by the British. From here, arrive at Independence Square, the center of the old Kuala Lumpur, born in the 19th century around the tin mines.
Continue with a walking tour to discover the streets of the ancient city surrounded by small colonial / Malay style buildings. Visit the Central Market and Chinatown, where there is also the colorful Hindu temple of Sri Mahamariamman. Then, head to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to take pictures of this marvel of technology before returning to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)
Spend a delectable evening with one of our Insider Specialists who has mastered the art of the palate and will take you on a whirlwind evening of culinary and cocktail discoveries through local venues and secret bars that are bound to spin you off your feet. Kuala Lumpur has among the most diverse ranges of food available on earth, with influences from the multiplicity of Chinese, Indian, Tamil, Arab, Malay, Indonesia, Thai, and European settlers who graced these shores - and leaving the city without treating your taste buds to the incredible range of flavors available, may be a regrettable decision.
Start your tour in the Chinatown area - some say it is the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur. As the sun goes down our Insider will get to know your tastes and together, you’ll customize part of the walking tour selecting locations that best suit your tastes and interests. Our Insider will also lead you to a hidden bar during the evening - either a secretive taboo inspired or an alluring speakeasy with fresh authentic cocktails made by a famous mixologist or a super stylish oriental setting bar with eclectic oriental fusion based cocktails.
Along the way, use all your five senses from smelling and tasting delicious local delights and national favorite Indian Rotis, the famous Claypot Chicken Rice and colorful pastries from a 4th Generation bakery. If you dare, finish a Durian tart or puff. You’ll walk down hidden laneways to discover six interactive daily lives murals that captivate the memories of Malaysia’s Chinese community back in the 1960s. (This service is on a private basis.)
After an early breakfast, embark on a journey into one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Begin with a four-hour road transfer north through scenic vistas and picturesque countryside to Labu Sentral Jetty. Here you will swap the road for the river with a one-and-a-half hour cruise up river into the Taman Negara National Park.(This service is on a private basis.)
The 130-million-year-old virgin rainforest of Taman Negara is the jewel in Malaysia’s crown. Spread over three states, the 4,000 square kilometre national park is home to Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, peacock-pheasants, gaurs, and red junglefowl, to name just a few. Though not as well-known as Borneo, Taman Negara is actually one of the world’s oldest rainforests, and a long way from second-best. There are plenty of ways to explore the rainforest, from canopy walkways and river trips to jungle treks, mountain climbs, and local village walks.
The national park of Taman Negara covers over 4,000 square kilometres of lowland rainforest in the heart of Peninsular Malaysia, and is one of the very best places to discover the country’s astounding natural diversity.
These forests, which have been protected since the 1930s, are thought to be over 130 million years old and are one of the last refuges for Malaysia’s big mammals, including tigers, sun bears, gaurs, elephants, leopards, and tapirs. Though you’re unlikely to spot any of these on your two-day exploration of the area, what you will see are towering hardwood trees, a huge array of plants and flowers (there are over 3,000 known plants in the area), and maybe even some exotic birds – including rare Malayan peacock pheasants,red junglefowl and great argus.
With two nights at the Mutiara, you’ll have ample time to explore the hidden wonders of Taman Negara. After settling in to your accommodation, take in a video introduction to the national park at the nearby interpretive centre. This will give you the lowdown on the history, geography, and biodiversity of this protected area, before you head to the restaurant to have dinner and meet your guide, who’ll be taking you out into the jungle on a night safari this evening. Many of the forest’s residents are nocturnal, and if you’re lucky tonight you’ll spot sambar deer, mouse deer, porcupines, and plenty of insects hidden in the trees along your walk.
On your second day in the park, you’ll head out to experience one of Taman Negara’s most popular attractions: the canopy walk. At 500 meters long, thisi s the world’s longest canopy ropewalk, and links a series of treetop observation huts 40 meters above the ground. It’s not unheard of to spot elephants from up here, though of course – nothing is guaranteed! As part of the morning’s trek you’ll also visit Teresek Hill, a viewpoint over the treetops where it’s possible to really get a sense of the magnitude of the rainforest.
You’ll return to the resort for lunch, before boarding a riverboat this afternoon for an exciting trip through white-water rapids to Kuala Trenggan. This small riverside settlement is home to the indigenous Orang Asli people, who live a nomadic existence in the rainforest and hunt animals using blowpipes – a skill that they are happy to demonstrate for visitors. You’ll return to your accommodation in time for dinner, and spend one more night at the resort before it’s time to leave tomorrow morning.
This morning you will take the short water taxi across the river to the Kuala Tahan opposite the resort where your driver/guide will be waiting (please note you will need to pay approximately one to two Malaysian Ringgit directly to the boat man). From here you will journey approximately four hours southwards to Kuala Lumpur.
Before entering the capital, your driver will stop at the Batu Caves, a Malaysian National Treasure. You will have time at leiure to explore the caves independently before heading onwards to your hotel. The caves are a series of impressive temples set in towering limestone hills just north of Kuala Lumpur. Cathedral Cave, the largest, houses a number of Hindu shrines. Admire the towering standing statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance then climb the 350 stairs to the main cave where stories of the Ramayana legend are depicted. Please note there is a fairly large population of monkeys living at the temple and you should be wary of your belongings. (This service is on a private basis.)
Although your adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. You will be met in the lobby by your driver/guide, ready for the transfer to Kuala Lumpur airport for your onward flight. Depending on traffic conditions the journey should take around one hour. (This service is on a private basis.)
We wish you safe and happy travels home!
On a side street in a bustling area with shops and eateries, this polished hotel in a sleek building is a 3-minute walk from the Dang Wangi LRT station and 2 km from the iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers. Featuring free Wi-Fi and minibars, the modern rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and sitting areas, plus flat-screens and espresso machines. There's an airy industrial-chic lounge, and an upscale French-inspired restaurant with exposed-brick walls and copper chandeliers. Additional amenities include a gym, and a rooftop terrace with a hip bar, an outdoor pool and sweeping city views.
Set beside the Tembeling River in the ancient Taman Negara National Park, the Mutiara Resort provides a comfortable base for exploring this extraordinary jungle wilderness. For such an isolated property it offers a surprising array of facilities, including a restaurant with a good selection of local and international favorites, a spa, and a mini-mart. The resort offers conventional rooms in traditional Malay chalets, as well as bungalow-style accommodation with kitchen, living and dining areas, ideal for families who want a bit of space to themselves.
*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.
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