Day 1
Arrive into Penang. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free for exploration. Dinner is arranged at a hawker stall, and accommodation is provided overnight in Penang. Meal plan: D
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, the morning begins with a tour of historic Penang before an Indian Nasi Kandar lunch, a speciality from Penang. You will then transfer to Kuala Lumpur and enjoy a Malaysian dinner with cultural show. Overnight accommodation is provided in Kuala Lumpur. Meal plan: B, L, D
Georgetown is named after King George III of England. The city is home to one of the largest colonial buildings in South East Asia. Fort Cornwallis was built in 1808 by the British East Indian Company and represents the place where Sir Francis Light landed in Penang.
Chew Jetty, also known as Seh Chew Keo, is the biggest of the waterfront settlements in Georgetown. Chew Jetty is the only clan jetty left that continues to observe the once a year annual worship of its Temple Deity and the Jade Emperor (Thnee Kong, or "god of the skies"). Created during the 1960’s, this is the biggest waterfront settlement of Chinese immigrants. From here, you will drive through the ‘Street of Harmony’ which houses the Anglican Church, Kuan Yin Chinese temple, Mahamariaman Indian temple and the Kapitan Kling mosque. This is followed by The State Museum which was built in 1821. Here you will be able to see a fine collection of photographs, maps, charts and other historical relics. During the morning, you will also visit Wat Chayamangkalaram and Dhammikarama Burmese temple.
Day 3
The morning begins with a cooking class introducing the multitude of styles of Malaysia. After lunch city tour of the highlights of Kuala Lumpur before a satay dinner. Overnight in Kuala Lumpur. Meal plan: B, L, D
The cooking class will allow all participants to learn and enjoy a vast fusion of diverse food that is embraced through Malaysian food. You will be introduced to delightful foods like Rendang, Nasi Lemak, Char Koay Teow and Dal. The menus are rotated to include starters, main and dessert dishes.
Participation in the city tour will allow you to take in sights such as King’s Palace, National Monument, Independence Square and Railway Station.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Malacca. Lunch celebrating Chinese immigrant influences followed by City tour of Malacca. Dinner in 'mini Lisbon'. Overnight accommodation is provided in Malacca. Meal plan: B, L, D
The half day city tour will allow you to see historical site, some of which back date over 500 years. Sites include A’Famosa, St. Pauls Church and Kampung Keling Mosque.
‘Mini Lisbon’ is the name given to the area named after the Portuguese settlement and is the centre of Portuguese culture in Malacca. Occasionally there will be performances from to display the cultural dance and music.
Day 5
Transfer to Kuala Lumpur airport for flight to Kuching on the South island of Malaysia. Please note that the drive from Malacca to the airport will take around two hours. Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, you will be taken to the hotel and the rest of the day is free. Overnight stay in Kuching. Meal plan: B
Day 6
The day starts with a tour that highlights parts of Kuching including museum, Chinese temples and waterfront. Meal plan: B, L, D
Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak in Eastern Malaysia. The city covers an area of 719 sq/miles and has a population of around 1million. Being well known for its adoptive food culture which consists of Thai, Chinese and Indonesian food, the food of Kuching is certain to appease the keenest of appetites. Key dishes that you must try to sample during the trip are Sarawak Laksa, Midin, Kolo Mee as well as an array of Malaysian Indian and Malaysian noodle dishes.
The city tour of Kuching will include sights such as Sarawak Museum, the Chinese temples, the Waterfront and a visit to the market.
Day 7
Transfer to Hilton Batang Ai Resort. Visit farmer's market to buy ingredients. Stop for lunch in a village. Board a shuttle for the resort. Dinner by the rainforest. Overnight in resort. Meal plan: B, L, D
The journey will begin from Kuching to Batang Ai which is around a 166 mile journey. Through the journey, you will be able to pass through scenic countryside and quaint little town. In addition, you will also get to see paddy fields, pepper and oil plantations with secondary virgin jungle. There will be an opportunity to visit a farmers market along the way to buy ingredients for the cooking demonstration that will follow the next day.
Day 8
Journey into the rainforest on native longboat. Experience a cultural show and a blowpipe demonstration. Cooking lesson using bamboo over fire. Relax before transfer back to resort for dinner. Meal plan: B, L, D
Mengkak Longhouse is accessed by a motorised longboat and situated on a hill beside the river. Here, there are examples of cultural performances followed by a blow pipe demonstration. Weather permitting there is the opportunity to cook over bamboo and an open fire. Next you will have lunch at the Longhouse, you will have free time at your disposal before returning to the Batang Ai for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 9
The day begins with an early start to transfer back to Kuching, there will be stop offs at villages along the way. The afternoon is free for your enjoyment. Overnight stay in Kuching. Meal plan: B, L
Day 10
Transfer to Kuching airport for onward flight(s). Meal plan: B
