Day 1   Kuala Lumpur - Arrival

Selamat Datang (welcome)! Beginning as a mining outpost in the 1800’s, Kuala Lumpur has developed into one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in Southeast Asia. “KL”, as the locals call it, is a city where modern skyscrapers sit next to 100-year-old buildings, and where wide highways give way to bustling by-ways, narrow alleys and bazaars. On arrival, our Adventure Leaders will meet you at the airport. In the early afternoon, there’ll be a group orientation meeting where you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and enjoy a plethora of traditional local snacks. After the meeting, we’ll jump right in for your first taste of KL – journeying out to the sacred Hindu Batu Caves, where once a year devotees flock piercing their bodies with skewers and hooks in a sign of piety. After the caves, we’ll venture back into the city heading to the top of the Menara KL – the 4th largest tower in the world. As the sun sets, we’ll take a relaxing stroll through the colorfully lit Merdeka Square, site of the lowering of the Union Jack and once the center of British Administration in Malaysia. From Merdeka Square, we’ll walk to the vibrant Saturday pasar malam (night market). One of KL’s liveliest and very popular among the locals, stalls line a narrow alley as far as the eye can see selling everything from Malay savories to Indonesian herbal remedies. After taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the pasar malam, we’ll settle down for a tasty Chettiar dinner. (Snacks, Dinner)

Day 2   Kuala Lumpur

Selamat Pagi (Good Morning)! Following breakfast at a local tasty vegetarian food market, we head out into the heart of KL beginning with a visit to Masjid Negara, the National Mosque of Malaysia and one of South East Asia’s largest. As special guests of the masjid (mosque), we’ll be introduced by Islamic scholars to Islam and the influence of Islam in Malay culture and on the country as a whole. In addition, you’ll have a chance to ask the scholars any questions you may have about Islam before we get a personalized tour of the beautiful and serene Masjid Negara. From here, we’ll begin exploring the city’s streets visiting Merdeka Square by day, Pasar Seni, the oldest Taoist temple in KL – Sze Ya Temple, and Masjid Jamek, before sitting down at a local vegetarian eatery for a tasty Malay-Chinese fusion meal. After lunch, we’ll take a ride on the cities ultra-modern monorail stopping for a unique cultural show where you’ll get a chance to see the different colors of Malaysia through its diverse ethnic dances. Then we’re off to the famous twin towers at KLCC, the second largest buildings in the world. After taking in the views, we move on to KL’s much celebrated China Town – a jumble of narrow alleys and winding lanes that come to life at night bustling with street traders and excellent Chinese food where we’ll enjoy an authentic vegetarian steamboat feast. Bring your appetite! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3   Mersing

We begin our day with a hearty brunch at the local vegetarian food market before heading by bus across the scenic Southern Malaysian peninsula - home to jungles, small towns and plantations. We arrive in the early evening at Mersing, a sleepy coastal town on the South China Sea.  Here you’ll have free time to walk around the small town and pick-up any last minute personal supplies before we head out the next morning to the tropical island of Pulau Tioman.  (Brunch, Dinner)

Day 4   Tioman Island

After a Malaysian style South Indian breakfast, we’ll catch the morning boat to Pulau Tioman. Located 30 miles off the coast in the South China Sea, Tioman is a lush tropical island boasting sun drenched beaches, marine life rich crystal clear waters and a dense interior rainforest that’s home to over 141 species of birds and wildlife including the elusive mouse deer, brush tail porcupines, giant squirrels, monkeys and a variety of reptiles. We’ll be staying on the beach in cabanas nestled at the edge of the island’s thick jungle with breathtaking views of the South China Sea. After settling in, we’ll go for a delicious vegan lunch. The rest of the afternoon you’ll have free to swim, snorkel around the coral reef just a stone’s throw away from your beach hut, or simply kickback before we meet up for sundowners and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5   Tioman Island

Today we’ll hop aboard a local village boat to explore the stunning underwater life around the uninhabited islands located off Tioman’s coral reef laden coast.  Without a doubt, snorkeling is a must as Tioman is a protected marine wildlife refuge that is home to sea turtles, blue spotted stingrays, moray eels, Napoleon fish, angelfish, butterfly fish, parrotfish, clownfish, damsels and beautiful black tip reef sharks. Leaving in the morning after yoga on the beach, we’ll spend the morning and afternoon exploring the sea life around the islands.  Lunch today will be aboard our boat in a calm isolated cove with crystal-clear blue water.  After lunch, we make the journey back by boat to our beach huts where you’ll have time to relax and freshen up before we meet for a serious session of thirst-quenching sundowners, snacks and dinner on the beach.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6   Tioman Island

Another day in paradise!  After yoga on the beach, we’ll set out by boat to Renggis and Jahat Islands for some great snorkeling around their rocks and reefs. Both islands are known for their variety of marine life including the attractive and sleeky black-tip reef sharks - which if were lucky, we’ll see and be able to share the sea with. After snorkeling, we head by boat to the southern most tip of Tioman stopping at the village of Mukut, where we’ll hike back along the jungles edge to the refreshing spring fed Asah Falls.  Here, we’ll have plenty of time to swim and enjoy the peaceful jungle surroundings before having a picnic lunch. After cooling off at the falls, we’ll head back to our beach bungalows where you’ll have some time to relax and freshen up.  Later, as the sun sets over the South China Sea, we’ll meet up on the beach for some always-refreshing sundowners, snacks and a Malaysian-style vegetarian barbeque. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Day 7   Melaka

Leaving the islands behind, we head to the mainland and, by local bus, to the captivating 600-year-old historical town of Melaka.  With it’s fascinating past, Melaka is said to be the birthplace of Malaysian history and is known for its mixture of cultures, religions and architecture, which come to life in its colorful streets.  Establishing itself centuries ago as a trading center, it attracted merchants from as far as China, Arabia and India and at one time over 88 different languages were spoken here.  Melaka eventually fell into the hands of European colonialists, with the Portuguese, Dutch and British all laying claim.  Stepping back in time we’ll be staying in the historical district at an old Baba (Chinese/Malay mix) house that’s been converted into a hotel.  After freshening up, we’ll go for a dinner of tasty vegetarian Nyonya cuisine – a centuries old fusion of Malay and Chinese cooking styles.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8   Melaka

After a healthy vegan breakfast, we venture out into the centuries-old streets of Melaka visiting historical houses, forts, temples, mosques, churches and museums.  We’ll break our historical walk to enjoy a traditional banana leaf style vegetarian meal for lunch.   In the afternoon, we continue to explore old Melaka with all its old world charm before settling down in the early evening for a sumptuous dinner at a local vegetarian eatery where we’ll sample some more tasty vegetarian Nyonya dishes.   After dinner, we’ll head to Chinatown for Melaka’s lively weekend night market where you’ll have the evening free to relax and take in the atmosphere, chill-out at a Chinese tea stall or kickback over some live music and a cold beverage at a local corner cafe.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9   Taman Negara

We leave human made history behind and head towards natural history as we journey into the primeval jungles of Taman Negara – one of the world’s oldest primary rainforests dating back 130 million years!  Taman Negara occupies 4,343 square kilometers and consists of thick jungles, pristine rivers and some of the tallest trees in Southeast Asia.  Its home to over 14,000 species of plants, 200 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 53 species of fish. Arriving at Tembeling village, we continue by longboat on a 3-hour journey up river into the jungle where we’ll be staying in chalets at a our camp nestled on the edge of the river.  As the sun sets over this ancient forest, we’ll meet up for our jungle orientation meeting with snacks and drinks before sitting down for dinner. After dinner, we set off for a hike into the rainforest to see (and hear) the chorus of creatures who come to life in the night’s jungle. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10   Taman Negara

After yoga overlooking the jungle and the Tembeling River, our adventure today begins with a canopy walk.  Taking the longboat down river to the canopies starting point, we’ll ascend to heights of 25-40 meters (approximately 80-130 feet) while we walk along the world’s longest canopy walkway (installed without any nails being driven into the trees).  Traversing the rainforest from above offers an entirely different perspective from that of walking on the jungle floor.  Next, we’ll trek through the jungle to the edge of the Tahan River at Lubuk Simon, where we’ll take a refreshing dip before meeting up with our boat and returning to camp for a late lunch.  After lunch, for those who don’t mind getting their feet wet and still have some energy after our earlier hike, we’ll head back into the dense rainforest further exploring the surrounding jungle. Returning at nightfall, you’ll have time to freshen up before we meet for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11   Taman Negara

Following yoga and breakfast, we’ll climb aboard long boats and head out on the river to further explore the jungle. Traversing the Sungai Tahan (or Tahan River), we’ll journey up to Lata Berkoh, a series of cascading falls nestled in the thick rainforest, where we’ll take a refreshing dip.  The Sungai Tahan is a protected sanctuary for the endangered Malaysian Golden Mahseer, commonly referred to as the “king of fish”.  Revived and energized after chilling out at the falls, we head back on a peaceful journey down river to camp for a late lunch.  Back at camp, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to swim in the river, take a hike, or just kick back on your balcony and enjoy the jungle views, whichever you feel up for. Later, after getting some rest, we'll meet up in the evening for a vegetarian feast overlooking the jungle while enjoying some great traditional Malay village folk music – so make sure you have plenty of energy, plenty of appetite, and bring your dancing shoes (or flip flops)! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12   Kampung Cita-Cita

It’s time to say goodbye to the jungles of Taman Negara as we head down river to meet our van, then were off to Kampung Cita-Cita. Traveling north up the scenic Malaysian peninsula, be on the lookout for some great scenery including jagged limestone cliffs, scenic hillside views and quaint Malay towns. Arriving in the late afternoon, we’ll be staying just outside a small Malay village near the banks of a serene lake. For the next two days, we’ll be enjoying the tranquility and friendliness of living in the Malaysian countryside. This will be our home where we’ll focus on rural Malay life and culture. After settling in, we’ll take a nice walk through the village. Returning to our Malay homes, make sure you're hungry as we’ll be having a vegetarian Malay-style barbeque for dinner where you’ll be introduced to the different local dishes from the area. After dinner, we’ll sit down to play a traditional Malay game. (Breakfast, Snack, Dinner)

Day 13   Kampung Cita-Cita

Today we’ll spend our time taking in rural Malay life exploring the surrounding countryside and a nearby village. We’ll begin the day by hopping aboard a boat and traveling a across the lake to a small kampung (village in Malay). While visiting the kampung, you’ll learn about the village set-up and structure, Malay house architecture, cooking herbs and some traditional herbs as well as other aspects of rural Malay daily life. After visiting the village, we’ll trek through the local fields to a waterfall for a refreshing swim. Returning from our trek, we’ll stop at a Malay home for some tea before having an herbal rice lunch. In the late afternoon, you’ll have time to relax before we meet up for sunset snacks and drinks. Dinner tonight will be a traditional kampung style vegetarian Malay feast, which will be prepared - and where we will dine - kampung style! After dinner, we’ll unwind under the stars with a local desert, drinks and live Malay village folk music. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14   Penang

After three peaceful nights in the rainforest and two nights in the Malaysian countryside, it’s back to the city. Heading north, we travel to the historical island of Penang first stopping at the royal town of the Perak state, Kuala Kangsar, home to well-preserved old palaces and mosques. After making the ferry crossing from mainland to Pulau Penang, we journey back to a bygone era settling in at our home for the next two days, the famed Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. The 19th century home of one of the most influential personalities in Malaya dubbed as “China’s Rockefeller”, the Blue Mansion, as it is locally known, is located in the heart of the old town and is the winner of the prestigious UNESCO Heritage Award. After freshening up, we’ll go out for a short walk around sunset before sitting down for a tasty vegetarian dinner at a local nasi kandar joint – bring your appetite as Penang is famous for its food! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 15   Penang

Established in 1786 as the first British stronghold in Malaya, Penang soon became a bustling trading outpost attracting merchants from China, India, Thailand, the Middle East, Burma and Europe. The influence of these early settlers is evident in the town’s festive celebrations, architecture and ethnic neighborhoods. The vegetarian capital of Malaysia, Penang is also home to some excellent vegan eateries. Today we’ll step back in time as we explore historical Georgetown visiting grand Chinese clan houses, temples, Penang’s vibrant Little India and the first settlement of the British East India Company in the area – Fort Cornwallis. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to the Blue Mansion where you’ll have free time to relax or walk around on your own before we meet up in the evening for a delicious “Penang-style” dinner at a popular local vegetarian eatery. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 16   Langkawi

After breakfast, we catch the morning ferry across the Melaka Straits towards the Andaman Sea to Pulau Langkawi. Consisting of 99 islands whose geological history dates back over 500 million years, Langkawi is home to formidable rock formations, limestone cliffs, sun soaked beaches, waterfalls, rice-paddies and lush jungles. On arrival, we’ll sit down for a tasty vegetarian lunch before heading out to our peaceful seaside inn. Set on a scenic stretch of beach boasting warm and refreshing clear water and a picturesque island-speckled horizon, the inn’s rooms open up to a serene lush tropical garden. Checking in, you’ll have the afternoon free to relax on the beach, go for a swim or take a stroll through the sleepy island-paced town. As the sun sets into the calm waters of the azure-blue sea, we’ll meet up on the beach to enjoy a good session of sundowners accompanied by a plethora of traditional vegetarian Malaysian food. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 17   Langkawi

After yoga on the beach, we take a scenic drive to the base of Mt. Machincang, the second tallest peak on the island standing over 710 meters above sea level. Here, we catch the cable car to the top of the rainforest-clad mountain. On reaching the top, we’ll make our way along the summit walking out onto an impressive suspension bridge where we’ll enjoy spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding islands that sprawl out all the way to Thailand. Upon returning to our seaside inn, you’ll have the rest of the day free to kickback on the beach, explore the island on your own, get a massage or go into town for some shopping – Langkawi is a duty free island so shop to your hearts content! At sunset, we’ll meet up on the beach for our last night of sundowners together (make sure you’re thirsty) before settling down for a farewell traditional vegetarian Malay feast. Make sure you bring your party shirt, shoes (flip-flops are okay) and a hearty appetite! (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 18   Langkawi

After our morning yoga session, we’ll meet up for a vegetarian brunch on the beach before catching our flight back to KL where our adventure ends on arrival at the airport. If you would like to extend your stay at the hotel in KL or for any onward assistance, please contact your Adventure Leaders who will be more than happy to help. Terima kasih dan jumpa lagi (Thank you and see you again)! (Brunch)