 
Tailor Made Holidays to Malaysia
Peninsular Malaysia
There are 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia, of which Kuala Lumpur is the capital city and gateway to the country. Kuala Lumpur today is a modern commercial city, but it still retains some fine examples of gracious colonial architecture.
 
It is a multiracial society with a mutual respect for each other's culture, traditions and beliefs. There are a number of modern centrally located hotels suitable for travellers and we would recommend the first class Swiss Garden and the luxurious Mandarin Oriental from amongst many.
The former British Governor's residence, the Carcosa Seri Negara, has been converted into an exclusive hotel. To explore Peninsula Malaysia there are several coach tours of varying lengths and routes which we can incorporate into your individual itinerary.
However one of the best ways to explore Malaysia is by an Individual Self-Drive Itinerary for which we have example routes to help you to plan your own personal tour. Malaysia has a modern, well signposted road system and traffic drives on the left hand side.
To the north of Kuala Lumpur are the hill stations of Genting Highlands and Bukit Fraser. For most travellers Cameron Highlands offers a more colonial atmosphere, surrounded by tea plantations, orchards and vegetable gardens. We recommend staying at the luxurious colonial style Cameron Highlands Resort or the superior Lakehouse Hotel.
On the west coast at this point is the island of Pulau Pangkor accessible by ferry from Lumut and hopefully by air. Accommodation is either at the idyllic Pangkor Laut Resort which consists of luxury timber villas on the hillside, on the beach or on stilts over the water, or on the international style Pan Pacific Resort.
Travelling north through Perak state you will arrive into the town of Butterworth to cross the impressive bridge into Penang, one of the original resorts in the Far East. The island has plenty of interest including Tamil, Chinese and Buddhist temples alongside colonial architecture, as well as Penang Hill served by a funicular train.
Those on a coach tour or Self-Drive should base themselves in Georgetown to explore the shop houses and the hawkers stalls selling delicious local Chinese and Malay cuisine. There are several international hotels to recommend but for a real experience we recommend the charming colonial E & O Hotel or Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.
As a beach resort, Penang offers a number of international hotels along Batu Ferringhi, we recommend the first class Bayview Beach Resort, a deluxe seaview room overlooking the landscaped pool at the superior Golden Sands Resort, or the deluxe Rasa Sayang, a 5-star resort set in lush grounds with pool terraces.
There is also the modern luxury complex of Penang Mutiara, where you can choose to simply relax or engage in one of the numerous sports activities. North of Penang lies the tranquil tropical island of Pulau Langkawi accessible by ferry or 20-minute domestic flight. We recommend the first class Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort which consists of timber chalets on the hillside, on the beach or on stilts over the water. Tanjong Rhu and the Datai are definitely world class.
For superior class we recommend a deluxe room in a traditional timber pavilion at the Pelangi Beach Resort or a rainforest or seaview deluxe room at the splendid Andaman Resort. The Datai is an exclusive resort offering deluxe rooms or beach villas. There is a golf course nearby, and sailing yachts are available to explore the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea.
East Coast
Crossing to the East Coast Of Malaysia on the border with Thailand is Kelantan State, of which the capital is Kota Bharu, the centre for cultural heritage and traditional arts such as kite flying, giant drums and shadow plays.
KTM, the Malaysian railway system, has a line which runs south right through the heart of the jungle and rainforest connecting eventually into Singapore.
South of Kota Bahru you will enter the state of Terengganu boasting the most idyllic stretch of coastline in Malaysia. It is along this coast that the giant leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs usually between May and September. At Merang is the charming Aryani Resort which reflects ancient Malay heritage and architecture, complemented by fine dining.
Offshore from Merang is Pulau Redang where you will find Berjaya Redang Beach Resort plus their Golf & Country Resort. Kuala Terengganu is the state capital and inland is Tasik Kenyir offering plenty of adventure and fishing.
North of Dungun is the fabled resort of Tanjong Jara built in timber Malay kampong style, offering deluxe rooms and individual suites. Below Terengganu is the state of Pahang, of which the capital is Kuantan.
Outside the town on the beach are the Hyatt Regency Resort and Regency Club. North of Kuantan is the village of Cherating where one will find the Impiana Resort. Accessible from either Kuantan or Kuala Lumpur is the Taman Negara National Park. Travel by road to Kuala Tembeling and then by boat up to Kuala Tahan, the park headquarters. Accommodation is in superior timber chalets and we can  arrange jungle safaris of up to 3 nights to include Jungle trekking, flora and fauna and perhaps overnight in a hide?
South of Pahang is the state of Melaka, colonised by the Portuguese and the Dutch as well as the British. The population of Malacca, the capital, is a real polyglot of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Nonyas and Eurasians: hence the architecture portrays the legacies of its former rulers. In the city of Melaka we recommend the enchanting Majestic Hotel or the Renaissance Hotel.
Off the south east coast of Malaysia is Tioman Island. Here you will find the Berjaya Tioman Beach Resort, a collection of superior timber chalets and the enchanting Japamala Resort. Tioman is accessible by ferry from Mersing or by air from Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur. |
