Malaysia Interwoven

- A Secret Retreats journey -
13 Days/12 Nights
from 3,900 USD /person

 

ITINERARY BOOK
 


This journey has been personally designed by Federico, the owner of Samadhi Retreats who has been living between KL, Singapore and Tioman Island most of his life. He is sharing with us what cannot be missed on the peninsula.

All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.

Highlights of the Journey:

  • Kuala Lumpur, and its Petronas Twin Towers
  • The UNESCO twin sister town or Georgetown Penang and Malacca and their Perenakan heritage
  • The Coral Reefs of Tioman Islands
  • Wildlife in Sabah

Discover the vibrant contrasts of Malaysia on a journey where glittering skyscrapers meet ancient rainforests, and bustling cities give way to serene island escapes. Begin in Kuala Lumpur, a metropolis of soaring towers and hidden cultural gems, where Hindu temples, colonial relics, and sizzling street food await. Then, venture deep into the wild heart of Borneo, cruising the Kinabatangan River in search of pygmy elephants and orangutans before trekking through the primordial jungles of Danum Valley, one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Continue to the UNESCO-listed charm of Malacca, a living museum of Peranakan heritage, before unwinding on the pristine shores of Tioman Island, where turquoise waters and lush jungles invite relaxation. Finally, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Penang, where historic streets buzz with art, spice-laden cuisine, and grand temples.From the thrill of wildlife encounters to the tranquility of beachside retreats, this itinerary weaves together Malaysia’s most extraordinary landscapes, cultures, and flavors—crafting an adventure as diverse as the country itself.


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Your Journey Day by Day

from 3,900 USD /person for 13 Days/12 Nights

based on 2 people sharing the same room

 

 
Day 1 : Arrival Kuala Lumpur (-/-/-)
Fly down into the massive city of Kuala Lumpur, as you descend you will see the sprawl of the busy city streets and towering skyscrapers encircled by the green outskirts and the ocean. Once landed you will be greeted by a driver and will be taken to your stay in Villa Samadhi. The rest of the day you will have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
HOTEL: Villa Samadhi
Day 2 : Kuala Lumpur (B/-/-)
After breakfast in the morning, your guide will pick you up to explore Kuala Lumpur. Your first stop will be to stop by the world-famous Twin Towers before heading to the Baru Village of Kampung Baru. Where you will get to visit bat caves, and hike two hundred seventy steps to a famous Hindu Sanctuary with a shrine to Murugan. At the peak, you can look out at the panoramic view of the city. After you have taken in and immersed yourself in Kuala Lumpur’s Hindu community you will be taken back to your stay. You will take a break around the middle of the afternoon after which a guide will come to take you to discover Old Kuala Lumpur to uncover all the historical buildings and sites that were built and influenced during British Colonial rule. Buildings in Kuala Lumpur’s architecture reveal a variety of different influences, reflecting the diverse communities in Malaysia and giving a good contrast between the new modern buildings. You will pass many temples, churches, and Hindu temples, and also get the chance to explore Chinatown one of the most active areas of the city. Before heading back to your stay you will stop by KL Tower for a three-hundred-sixty view of the city at sunset. For the rest of the night relax and have the time to yourself.
We can make a reservation in one of our Secret Tables in KL
HOTEL: Villa Samadhi
Day 3 : Kuala Lumpur – Sandakan - Kinabatangan River (B/L/D)
Early Check out transfer to Kuala Lumpur Airport to catch the first morning flight to Sandakan. Upon landing in Sandakan airport, meet your private guide and visit of Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center (Sunbear Conservation Center if time allows).
Transfer to Sandakan Jetty, Sandakan Jetty, where at noon, you will embark on a boat journey to the Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (approximately 2 hours). After checking in, you will have the chance to join an afternoon wildlife viewing river cruise. Keep an eye out for monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. Dinner will be served at the lodge.
To add more thrill, you can also join a night safari river cruise (optional surcharge). Birds at the Kinabatangan River -Storm Stork, all species hornbills, all pittas, trogons, kingfishers, malaysian blue flycatcher, red-bearded bee-eater, blue-throated bee eater, lesser adjutant, fish eagles, wallace’s hawk eagle, etc
HOTEL: Kinabatangan Wetland Resort
Day 4 : Kinabatangan River (B/L/D)
Early wake up, to embark by 6am for a 3hrs join-in or private sunrise cruise in taking the direction of Oxbow Lake Take this opportunity and chance to observe a maximum of wildlife in their habitat. By moving along the river and visiting several sites we optimize your chances to see pygmy elephants and orangutans. You will be back to your resort by 9.30am, where your breakfast will be ready.
Rest at the lodge and lunch.
Around 4.30pm we arrange another join-in or private Sunset Safari Cruise.
HOTEL: Kinabatangan Wetland Resort
Day 5 : Kinabatangan River - Danum Valley (B/L/D)
Early wake-up for a wildlife viewing sunrise river cruise on the Kinabatangan River. We will return to the resort for breakfast at around 9:00 am, followed by check-out. At 10:30am, we transfer by boat (join-in transfer) from Kinabatangan Wetland Resort to Sukau Jetty, where we will pick you up to transfer you to the city of Lahad Datu by car then to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge by 4WD on a gravel road about 5 hours. Enjoy the changing landscapes of the regenerating forests to virgin rainforests of millions years old. Check into the lodge upon arrival and settle in. Meet your guide. After a short rest, your guide will give you an introduction to the Borneo rainforest and the trails surrounding the lodge. After dinner, go on a guided night safari to spot nocturnal creatures.
Birds at the Danum Valley - Hornbills, blue-headed pitta, banded pitta, all trogons, kingfishers, great argus, crested fireback pheasant, wren-babblers, roul roul, bornean bristlehead, etc.
HOTEL: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Day 6 : Danum Valley (B/L/D)
Wake up to the calls of Borneo Gibbons and start your day with a private guided walk to the viewpoint and observe wildlife. Today you will have the opportunity with your Naturalist guide to go for 2 more walks and after dinner enjoy a private 4WD wildlife ride.
HOTEL: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Day 7 : Danum Valley – Tawau Airport - Kuala Lumpur - Malacca (B/-/-)
Check out after breakfast and private 4WD transfer from the lodge to Tawau Airport (4hrs drive) to a mid-day flight to Kuala Lumpur. Upon landing in Kuala Lumpur Airport, a driver and guide will pick you up and drive you to the coastal town of Malacca. You will be dropped off at your stay at the Majestic Malacca. In the late afternoon, a guide will be taking you on a beautiful heritage walk tour of Malacca. The city is full of temples, markets, and mosques. Look upon the well-kept city center of historical buildings, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk across the Dutch Red Square, Stadhuys, the hill of San Paolo, and the Jonker Street of the antique dealers. During your walk stop at local “Kendai”, which are local small restaurants to try out local specialties. After your immersive walk, retreat back and have the rest of the day to yourself.
HOTEL: Majestic Malacca
Day 8 : Malacca - Tioman (B/-/-)
This early morning wake up within the beautiful old walls of the Majestic Malacca before enjoying breakfast and preparing to check out. A driver will arrive to pick you up to send you off at the airport to catch your flight to Tioman. Once arriving on the island a transfer will be prepared for you for your stay at Japamala, where you can reconnect with Mother Nature as one of life’s true luxuries, making Japamala among the best nature resorts in Malaysia. Experience local culture and the beauty of the land in this serene sanctuary with the beach at your fingertips. Here you will have the rest of the day to yourself to explore as do as you please.
HOTEL: Japamala Resort
Day 9 & 10 : Tioman (B/-/-)
Wake up in the tranquility in the middle of the forests of the island and have breakfast. Today you will have the full day to yourself to unwind and have the opportunity to explore the island at your own pace fully. You can speak with the resort to see if any activities they offer interest you or you can have the day just fully relaxing by the beach.
HOTEL: Japamala Resort
Day 11 : Tioman - Penang (B/-/-)
This early morning wake up with the sound of waves crashing before enjoying breakfast and preparing to check out. There will be a driver ready to pick you up to drive you across the sea to Penang for your stay in George Town. Once you have arrived drop of your bags and relax at your hotel before being picked up by a local historian. Meet our local historian and discover Penang's kaleidoscope of cultures through food. Sample a diverse range of authentic local cuisines while tracing their origins that link Eastern, Western, and Maritime Southeast Asia to the East India Company, to the inhabitants, and to the spread of Nusantara culture. Get the chance to discover the assimilation of cultures through civilization while enjoying class about indigenous heritage sites and colonial architectures without daytime traffic jams, so the walk is exclusively structured to be one with the essence of the island without the crowds. After this historical walk retreat back and have the day to yourself.
HOTEL: Cheong Fatt Tze
Day 12 : Penang (B/-/-)
Wake up in the historical city of Penang and enjoy your breakfast before being picked up by your guide who will take you to Penang Hill Habitat where the island's original jungle and wildlife can be found. Enjoy the ride up to the top of the hill, which offers spectacular views of the Penang. Upon the habitat, you will explore the stunning rainforests and with some luck, you will be able to spot wildlife during the day. After exploration of the habitat, head down to visit one of the largest Buddhist temples in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si. You will see millions of magnificent images, sculptures, carvings, and murals inside and outside of the temple. After visiting the biggest temple in Malaysia, head back to your hotel to enjoy your last night in the heart of Georgetown.
HOTEL: Cheong Fatt Tze
Day 13 : Penang - Departure (B/-/-)
Enjoy your breakfast on the coastal front of Georgetown before your driver picks you up for your departure to the airport to catch your flight back home.

*** End of program ***

Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary


Malaysia Interwoven

13 Days/12 Nights
from 3,900 USD /person

based on 2 people sharing the same room

 



The total price includes:
Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis
All accommodations at suggested hotels including 1 night cruise on a houseboat
All meals as mentioned in the program (B= Breakfast / L = Lunch / D= Dinner)
All transfers are by private, spacious, air-conditioned car, with water and refreshing towels provided. The vehicle services we use are vetted by us to ensure well-maintained, correctly licensed, good, and safe drivers.
All other transportation used for travel
Professional Guide with license, including naturalist guides in Sabah
All excursions, safaris and entry fees for places mentioned in the designed program
Government taxes currently in force (VAT, etc...)

The total price does not include:
International and domestic flights to/from Kuala Lumpur
Visa to Malaysia - Most country do not need visa for Malaysia, but we recommend you to check before.Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your departure date.
Beverages, personal expenses, and other services not clearly mentioned
Tipping guides and drivers, which are of course not mandatory, but always appreciated, are subject to your discretion.
Travel insurance of any kind (recommended)


This Journey was designed by Secret Retreats (TAT License 21/01327)

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