Family Fun in Peninsular Malaysia

📍 Singapore to Malacca Sentral (255km) 4 hours (included exit and entry border) Kuala Lumpur - Malacca (150 km): approx 2.15 hrs

Departure to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, and transfer to the hotel for check-in. 

Steeped in history as a trading post due to its vital location along the Malacca Strait, the town is a melting pot of cultures. Notably due to the substantial Portuguese and Dutch influences, the town’s history is distinct from the rest of Malaysia. 

On arrival in Malacca, be transferred to the hotel for check-in .

Meet the guide for the evening tour. Starting at 1400, pick up at your hotel and transfer to town for a fun filled half day tour of Malacca. Setup to avoid the crowds as much as possible, your routing will change depending on whether you are on the morning or afternoon tour.

This fun interactive day has you and your family exploring Malacca's landmarks on a flamboyantly decorated rickshaw. Hope on board a Hello Kitty, Shark, Spiderman or other intricately designed local trishaw and whiz through this UNESCO Heritage city starting with the oldest remaining example of European architecture in Southeast Asia, A Famosa, before climbing St. Paul's Hill to visit the Church, then descend to the Stadthuys - a former Dutch City Hall.
 
Embark on a voyage through Malacca's maritime history onboard the re-creation of Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese ship that sank off Malacca's coast. Pose on deck or climb up to the upper deck to view the diorama of the captain's cabin. Adults will be amazed by the 600-year history and beauty of this quaint heritage town and children will be entertained by the interactive visits and fun filled activities that are mixed throughout Malacca's landmarks.
 
After, the Maritime museum head to Malacca's upside down house for fun family snapshots in a kitchen, a hello kitty bedroom or with Spiderman on a city bench. The whiz in your trishaw to Jonker's Street through and walk down harmony street keeping your eyes out for Malacca's multiple murals. To get the family into the local spirit, stop at a Chinese shop for incenses to burn at a local Chinese temple. Children will learn how to spin a top from a master or the family can have their names written in Chinese calligraphy also you can visit a traditional beaded shoe shop.

After your tour either you will be transported back to your hotel by trishaw or, at your choice, you can continue to explore Malacca's city centre.

Overnight in Malacca.

Inclusions:

📍 Malacca to Kuala Lumpur (150 km): approx 2.15 hrs

This morning at 09:00, embark on a half-day walking tour to delve into Malacca’s living Chinese heritage. Dating back to over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges along the Straits of Malacca, Malacca’s historical city was conferred as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. The town has a high degree of local community engagement that actively participates in preserving Malacca’s cultural heritage and identity. 

First, step into a home museum of the Peranakans — the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum that is today managed by the fourth-generation straits-born Chinese family who lived here since 1861. Learn all about the unique Peranakan culture and spirit that is a mix between early Chinese immigrants and local Malay people. 

Continue walking through Malacca’s charming old quarters, visit some Chinese Clan houses. Marvel at the architecture and admire the artistic crafts meeting the makers that are keeping age-old trades alive. In a century-old shop, meet Mr. Yeo Keng Yam who is one of the last craftsmen of brightly coloured Nyonya beaded silk shoes. Just doors away is an exceptionally talented calligrapher that will write your name in Chinese characters using unique strokes along with a bit of a tale. Enjoy a visit to a Chinese tea house to learn and sample different types of Chinese tea. 

Stroll along stopping at a local Chinese shop to see the various types of incense that are made for the ancestors. Select some simple incense sticks, whether coreless or ‘solid sticks’ and continue to the Chen Hoon Teng temple. This magnificent temple has been serving the Chinese communities religious needs since being founded in the 1600s by the Chinese Kapitan Tay Kie Ki. Learn all about its architectural design relating to feng shui before partaking in burning incense, an ancient practice that continues to be part of Malacca’s living heritage and help purify the space of Chen Hoon Teng. 

After lunch (not included ) depart by vehicle to Kuala Lumpur. Check it at the hotel.

Evening free at leisure.

Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today, enjoy your trip with the family, enter the fascinating world of illusion. It's a perfect and unique place for new experiences and fun. Deceive your eyes as you explore the wide collection of hologram installations and tricks!

Proceed to KL Bird Park, renowned eco-tourism destination right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, one of most extraordinary Bird Park where birds are let free in the aviary which closely resembles their natural habitat. With this free-flight concept, birds are able to breed naturally in this unique environment. Join the bird show, a world full of spectacular birds and a tropical paradise not to be missed by all.

Continue through the winding lanes of Little India, walking past flower vendors, Hindi DVD shops, street stalls overflowing the fabrics and much more. Grab a stool at a local shop and enjoy a cup of chai tea and a snack for a chance to absorb the vibrant atmosphere.

Next up is a visit to lively Chinatown for a glimpse into the lives of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinese-Malay population. Walk past traditional shop houses and witness locals lighting incense at sacred shrines. The KL urban jungle has lots of hidden doors that lead to amazing sights, smells and sounds. 

Meet the guide at the hotel lobby at 17:00 for a transfer or walk to the incredible Petronas Towers. Best viewed at night, these twin towers are among the most iconic modern structures in the world. Catch the sunset at the skybridge and observation deck before descending in time for the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) Lake Symphony water fountain show. A synchronized water fountain and light display sending colourful beams dancing through the water.

Optional Dinner (around 19:00): Transfer to Tamarind Hill restaurant renowned for its rustic-luxe dining experience since 1999, Tamarind Hill is an epicurean getaway situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Garnering numerous awards throughout the years, it has made a name for itself as one of the finest Thai and Burmese restaurants in the city. Defined by its tranquil and welcoming ambience, it is drawing inspiration from nature and the local culture.

Dress Code: Smart casual or easy-glam. For Men collared shirts, long pants and closed shoes are preferred (No short, sleeveless shirt and slippers).

Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

09:00 Batu Caves are a series of impressive cave temples set in towering limestone hills just north of Kuala Lumpur. Admire the towering standing statue of Lord Murugan, visit Ramayana cave where stories of the Ramayana legend are depicted. Continue to Climb the 350 stairs to reach the main cave.

On the return, visit the Royal Selangor Pewter factory where over 250 skilled craftspeople have expanded the uses of pewter. Spend an hour on a tour of the factory witnessing the time-honoured techniques of creating these handcrafted objects. Be brought back to when tin was a priced commodity with a tour of the gallery. 

Optional Activity: Craft a take-home engravable pewter dish using traditional tools, similar to those used by pewter smiths more than 100 years ago on a 30-min Hard Knocks workshop.

Please note: Batu Caves is a religious site, thus a dress code for visitors is enforced. For women, they should cover their shoulders as well as their legs below knee length (nothing too short or revealing). For men, a t-shirt and shorts are acceptable, as long as the shorts are below the knee. Please do not wear singlets/tank tops or flip flops.

Please note that you can rent a sarong/scarf if you do not meet the requirements for a small fee. 

Return to your hotel.

Afternoon is free at leisure

Overnight in Kuala Lumpur

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 KL Hotel to KL Sentral (7km) 15min Train ride KL Sentral to Butterworth: 4 hours Butterworth to Penang hotel: (30km) 34min

Leave this morning to Penang by train.

10.00 Meet your driver and leave to KL Sentral Train Station.

11.15 The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth Railway Station near Penang takes slightly over 4 hours, with the train line following the ridge of mountains bearing westward to the coastal railway terminal in Butterworth.

15.33 Arrive to Butterworth station and meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Penang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

09.00 Meet with the guide and start exploring by walking to the fascinating world of the Straits Chinese. Pass by the incredible Cheong Fatt Tse Mansion, better known as the blue mansion, St. George Church and the High Court. Stop at Yuan Yin Temple, also known as smoking temple due to the hundreds of joss sticks that are offered daily.

After a photo-stop in front of the Capitan Kling Mosque, originally founded for the Muslim Indian community of the island, visit Khoo Kongsi with intricate carving, woodwork and porcelain décor. Originally established in 1835, the current structure dates back to 1906 and it is considered the finest clan house of all of Malaysia. The site is also part of the set for the famous movie Anna and the King.

After that, visit the nearby Yap Kongsi, built in 1924 by a clan association whose origins date back to 439 BC. Then visit Cheah Kongsi Temple, which is an eclectic mix of a Chinese mansion, Chinese temple, and European bungalow. The present temple structure is from the 1870s. 

Then proceed to the Clan Jetties of Georgetown originating from settlements of Chinese immigrants who share a common historical, geographical and family lineage. Today there are still six clan jetties along the waterfront. Take a stroll in their narrow wooden paths surrounded by typical old Asia decadent charm. Continue the Penang walking tour through the old town, stopping to admire some of the architectural wonders that earned the town a UNESCO World Heritage status. Admire the streets’ mix of old and new. Hear fascinating tales behind some of the historic structures, see modern, whimsical street art and keep an eye out for small workshops where craftsmen may be making items such as joss sticks or weaving rattan items. 

Return to the hotel.

15.00 This afternoon explore Georgetown’s street art on a colourful trishaw. Locally known as beca, there are now less than 150 trishaw riders left in the city with other more modern modes of transportation used.  The trishaw is a great way to move around Georgetown and see all the street art it has to offer in a fun and colourful way. 

Discover whimsical paintings and sculptures as well as interactive murals inspired by daily life. Finish the Trishaw Ride at the 3D Trick Art Museum. The Museum introduces over 40 works including illusion painting and sculpture. Spend up to an hour enjoying the interactive Museum. Finish the tour with a 10-minute walk to The China House Cafe to enjoy delicious cakes and soft drinks. Be sure to check out the art gallery upstairs!

Overnight in Penang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Pick up at 08:30 from the hotel for a transfer to Tropical Spice Garden. On arrival take a guided tour of the Spice Terraces, explore the lush landscaped award-winning gardens set out over 8 acres of secondary jungle. 

For families with children under the age of 12 years old, introduce them to nature with a fun and educational program and activities. Together with a nature facilitator, explore the Garden and get up close and personal with the rich diversity of nature as well as spices and their role in history. Enjoy a nature-based scavenger hunt paired with a kid-focused guided tour of the locally-grown spices and herbs found in the gardens.

At 11:30 transfer 15 minutes to Penang National Park, the smallest and youngest of Malaysia’s National Parks. Just over 25 km sq, and established in 2003, meet a nature Guide and take a slow cruise around the headland to Monkey Beach. Stop for a banana-leaf wrapped local picnic lunch with water and seasonal tropical fruit. Spend some time enjoying the beach at leisure before a short ride back to the Park Headquarters. 

The final stop of the day at 14:00 is at Entopia Butterfly Farm. Within Entopia lies two worlds; the Nature Land Living outdoor gardens and The Cocoon indoor discovery. Over 150 species of fauna and more than 200 species of Flora are being showcased through Entopia’s entire exhibition. Spend up to 1.5 hours exploring one of the largest butterfly gardens in Malaysia with approximately 15,000 free flying butterflies at any one time. 

Return to the Penang hotel for arrival approx. 16:30. 

Overnight in Penang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Penang hotel to Penang Jetty: (2km) 10min Ferry Penang Jetty to Langkawi: 2h45min Langkawi Kuah Jetty to hotel: (18km) 30min

Morning free at leisure

Leave to Penang international airport for your next flight to Langkawi.

Arrive to Langkawi, a tropical paradise known as the jewel of Kedah. The archipelago is characterized by beautiful hills, valleys, mountains, jungles, beautiful unspoiled beaches, waterfalls, rice fields and quaint villages. 

Meet your driver and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Langkawi

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast

Day free at leisure

Overnight in Langkawi

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Be picked up at your hotel and take a 30-45 minutes shared transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Kilim Jetty. (Note: exact time of pick up will vary depending on the location of the hotel)

On arrival at the jetty, cruise through the mangrove forest at Kilim Geoforest Park by boat and learn about the ecosystems that surround you. Spread over 100 sq km, Kilim Geoforest Park has a well-protected green mangrove forest. Navigate waterways and limestone crags and take in the flora and fauna that make this destination unique.

Start the journey with a short boat ride to the bat cave and explore the Bat Cave by foot with a Specialised Nature guide. Cruise past an old Charcoal Factory and into the Andaman Sea for a beach stop, relaxation and swim time. 

Stop at the floating restaurant for a locally sourced lunch. Take a short fish farm tour before taking a boat ride back to the jetty for the transfer back to the hotel in the mid-afternoon.  

Recommendations - Kit List:
Swimwear, camera, flip flops, hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun, towel.

Overnight in Langkawi
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Langkawi hotel to airport: (11km) 15min

Spend the day at leisure until it is time to depart Langkawi Airport for the onward journey.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast