          
Peninsula
Malaysia
There are 11 states in Peninsula 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 but a
mutual respect for each other's culture, traditions and beliefs has created a peaceful, safe environment. There are a number of modern centrally located hotels suitable for
travellers and we would recommend the tourist class Swiss Inn in Chinatown, the first
class Swiss Garden, and the luxurious Hotel Istana 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 maps and 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 (offering a Casino and Theme Park) and Bukit Fraser.
However for most travellers Cameron Highlands offers a more colonial atmosphere,
surrounded by tea plantations, orchards and vegetable gardens.
 We recommend staying at the charming
colonial 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
one arrives 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 shophouses 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.
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 one can choose to simply relax, or engage in one of the
numerous sports activities? North of Penang lies the tranquil tropical island of
Pulau Lagkawi, 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.
Accommodation for overnight is
either at the Perdana Hotel in town or the Perdana Resort. 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 one enters 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 Pahong, of which the capital is Kuantan.
Outside the town of the beach is 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?
Below 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 Malacca we recommend the Renaissance Hotel
and also the Century Mahkota.
To travel from Malacca through the
state of Johore into Singapore the Peninsular Line operates a luxury steam train offering
a journey of nostalgia. 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.
Tioman is accessible by ferry from
Mersing, by air from Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur, or by air or catamaran to Singapore
and onwards maybe to Indonesia or Australia
Taman
 Negara National Park Safari Itinerary
3 days /2 nights Standard Explorer Package
ex Kuala Lumpur
(ex / to Kuantan at supplementary cost)
Day 01: Depart in the morning by road to
Kuala Tembeling with lunch en-route. Proceed by boat upstream to Park
Headquarters at Kuala Tahan and arrive for check-in at Taman Negara Resort. Evening
jungle walk with your guide in search of nocturnal insects, wildlife and flora.
Visit the Tahan Wildlife Observation Hide where some wildlife may be seen at
the salt lick. Return to the Resort for buffet dinner followed by orientation slide
presentation. 
(OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE WILDLIFE
OBSERVATION HIDE)
 Day 02: After breakfast proceed on a one
and a half hour trek up Terisek Hill (340m above sea level), the highest peak in
Peninsular Malaysia with its hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Return to
the Resort for lunch. Afternoon trip by motorised canoe up the Sungei Tahan to the
Lata Berkoh cascades for a relaxing swim in a fresh cool stream. White water
rafting is also available. Return to the Resort for dinner and overnight.
Day 03: After breakfast begin your journey
down river to Kuala Tembeling. Arrive at noon and proceed by coach to Kuala
Lumpur.
EXTENSIONS—A DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
ADVENTURE SAFARI
Day 1 and Day 2 as above
Day 03: After breakfast at Tahan
Restaurant, set off for an exploration of Gua Telinga, a natural limestone cave
carved by underground streams and inhabited by hundreds of fruit bats. Return
to the Resort for lunch. Afternoon swim at Lubuk Simpun river-pool or an optional
"shooting the seven rapids" trip to Kuala Trenggan in the heart of the
Malaysian jungle. Along the journey see the lush greenery along the
riverbanks, water buffalo and monkeys. Kuala Trenggan is a rangers’
outpost away from civilisation and is an ideal fishing spot. Return to Taman Negara
Resort for overnight or overnight at the Trenggan Lodge.
Day 04: After breakfast begin your journey
down river to Kuala Tembeling. Arrive at noon and proceed by coach to Kuala Lumpur.
Supplements applicable for Superior air conditioned Chalets. Optional
side-trip to Keniam Lodge and Kuala Perkai fishing trip also available.
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