Highlights of Malaysia

ATOC Tours Special Features

SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

• First Class Hotels with private bath/shower
  
• Breakfast daily
  
• ATOC representative assistance at airports and hotels
  
• Local English-speaking Guide for each sightseeing tour
  
• International Airfare
  
• All private transfers & tours with driver guide, per program
  
• All entrance fees to the places visited, per program

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Kuala Lumpur – The capital city
Cameron Highlands – A mountain resort offering peace and tranquility
Penang – Pearl of the Orient
East Coast – The heritage of the Malay traditions, and beautiful beaches
Historical Malacca – The city with a colorful past and now one the country’s
major tourist attractions

Your Journey Begins

DAY 1:  Depart North America
Board your international flight for your Highlights of Malaysia tour.

DAY 2:  Arrive In Kuala Lumpur
Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your own leisure. Your evenings are free to walk around the Golden Triangle and Bintang Walk near your hotel with many shopping malls and restaurants. Park Royal Hotel

DAY 3:  Kuala Lumpur
This morning enjoy an orientation half-day tour of the city covering the major historical landmarks: King’s Palace, National Monument, National Mosque, and Merdeka (Independence) Square. Much of the history of the city is depicted here as well as the tradition and cultural heritage of the major communities.  Included in this tour is a photo stop at the Petronas Twin Tower plus an opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the observation deck of the KL Tower. Your afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. Park Royal Hotel (B)

DAY 4:  Kuala Lumpur / Cameron Highlands
From your hotel in Kuala Lumpur, travel to Cameron Highlands via the highway and enjoy a rest stop at Tapah. Here you will get to see the many local fruits, including the king of fruits, Durian, if in season. On the way up the mountain, you will stop at a small Aborigine village and teahouse. Continue through Brinchang and reach the main town, Tanah Rata. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Cameron Highlands mountain resort. Lakehouset (B)

DAY 5:  Cameron Highlands / Penang
Visit a tea plantation owned by the Boh Plantations to see how black tea is processed and later sample various teas in the teahouse. (Note: Tea factory is closed on Mondays). Also visit the Rose Garden and Butterfly Farm, and a local produce market. Depart Cameron Highlands via the scenic Simpang Pulai Highway. Stop at the famous Cave Temple and the golden-domed Ubudiah Mosque, former palace of the Sultan of Perak famous for its intricate wood carvings. In Bukit Merah Laketown, take a boat ride to Orang Utan Island to see the primates and the special infant care unit. Cross Penang Bridge into the island of Penang and check into your hotel. Traders (B)

DAY 6:  Penang
Today explore Penang, the Pearl of the Orient and the oldest British settlement in Malaysia. See the various attractions in Georgetown, including the Khoo Kongsi (Dragon Mountain Hall) clan house that resembles a splendid Imperial palace, the historical Fort Cornwallis, and the Thai temple of Wat Chayamangkalaram, which houses a 105 foot-long reclining Buddha. The Penang War Museum, located about 30 minutes drive from the city, is the military fortress built in the 1930s by the British to protect the island from enemies. This is a memorable visit to one of the significant battle scenes in Malaya during World War II. Traders. (B)

DAY 7:  Penang / Kota Bharu
Starting off early today, you’ll cross the Malay Peninsula from the west coast to the east coast, passing through three states, and contrasting lifestyles. Travel through the state of Kedah to Kroh or Pengkalan Hulu, near the Thailand border. At Grik, join the East-West Highway and rest at Banding Island Resort. Leaving the "elephant country," continue eastward to the capital of Kota Bharu. This city is a center for Malay culture, crafts, and religion. See kite-flying contests, admire traditional woodcarvings, enjoy the colorful market place, and marvel at the intricate skills of songket weavers. Overnight in a Floating Raft Homestay, a traditional Malay hospitality experience! Renaissance Hotel (B)

DAY 8:  Kota Bharu / Terengganu
Begin your day with a visit to the famous market of Kota Bharu. Next, visit the Cik Aminah songket weaving workshop and see the delicate process in weaving the beautiful songket brocade. On the way to Pantai Cinta Berahi (the beach of Passionate Love), stop at Ismail Bin Jusoh and see how the mystical "Wau" giant kites are made. Continue southwards to the state of Terengganu with short stop at Pulau Duyong to view local master boat builders at work. The rest of the day is free for independent activities.Aryani Resort (B)

DAY 9:  Terengganu / Kuantan
Today, visit a local cottage industry producing traditional Batik cloth and brassware. A scenic coastal drive will bring you into the state of Pahang and to Kuantan. See Malay villages and sample a traditional delicacy, Lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo with coconut milk). Your journey also passes Chukai, known as “ Texas of Malaysia” due to the discovery of natural gas. After Chukai, proceed to Cherating Village to see how a Pig Tail Monkey will pluck coconuts to its master’s command, and visit a Mengkuang Weaving Center. Your afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the beach and the South China Sea.Hyatt Regency   (B)

Day 10:  Kuantan / Malacca
This morning is an early departure from Kuantan to travel via expressway toward Kuala Lumpur and then southward to Malacca. Arrive in Malacca in the late afternoon. In the evening, take the opportunity to see Old Malacca on a colorful trishaw ride. Renaissance Hotel (B)

Day 11:  Malacca / Kuala Lumpur
Your Malacca experience takes you to the major historical attractions: Paul’s Hill, the renowned Porta De Santiago, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and Jonkers Street, where you can hunt for antique souvenirs. Visit the Baba Nyonya Museum for an interesting insight into the lifestyle and tradition of the unique Peranakan community. Transfer to your Kuala Lumpur hotel. Park Royal Hotel (B)

DAY 12:  Depart Kuala Lumpur
Your are free until your departure transfer to Kuala Lumpur International Airport for your departure flight. Arrive home with a greater appreciation for Malaysia and its cultural traditions. (B)

Note: Airfares are subject to change by the airlines without notice. Departure taxes and fuel surcharges are additional.