Nature Escape In West Malaysia

📍 Distances and journey time: Transfer from Penang Airport to Penang Hotel (20km): 40mins HD Experience: The Habitat at Penang Hill 14:00 – 18:00 (4 hours)

Upon arrival in Penang, meet and greet with the driver and transfer to the hotel for check in (3PM).

13:00 Pick-up by the driver and guide to visit The Habitat on Penang Hill and take the funicular railway to enjoy panoramic views of Georgetown and the Malaysian mainland.

10:30 Experience nature on Penang Hill with panoramic view of Penang. Located just a short walk from the iconic funicular railway top station, The Habitat preserves the natural beauty of the Penang Hills. Discover the flora and fauna of the highland forest through a guided nature walk by a specialist guide. Environmental conservation, awareness and sustainability are at the heart of what The Habitat on Penang Hill is about, with a mission to reconnect people with nature through environmental education.

Hill is about, with a mission to reconnect people with nature through environmental education.

Set on the fringes of a 130-million-year-old rainforest take a leisurely stroll along its 1.6km nature trail built on an existing path dating back to the early 1800s. Witness the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Rest at the Golden bromeliad and Orchid pavilions and take a moment to reflect in the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest. Then, go on The Habitat Canopy Walk, away from the forest, offering spectacular views of the rolling hills of Penang.

12:00/16:00 Take a drink and snack (at own expense) at The Habitat Café before taking a 4WD down to the Botanical Gardens to meet the vehicle and continue back to the hotel.

Spend dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Penang

Inclusions:

📍 Distances and journey time: Transfer from Penang Hotel to Penang National Park (20km): 40mins FD Experience: 08:15 – 14:00 Activity: Moderate with up to 3 hours trekking

At 08:15 be picked up at the hotel and be transferred to the north west of the island to the main entrance of the Park at Telok Bahang. Meet with the Penang National Park nature guide for an introduction on the park.

At 09:15 take the 3km trail to Pantai Kerachut, a beautiful white sand beach with a seasonal meromictic lake. The trail today will take around 2-3 hours to Pantai Kerachut stopping enroute to learn about the ecosystem of the park. The nature guide will point out wild herbs and wildlife in the National Park as well as numerous other plant species along the way. Pantai Kerachut Beach is a   great place for a banana-leaf wrapped local lunch, water and seasonal tropical fruit.

The undulating trail crosses streams amid lowland rainforest where there is also a variety of migratory birds that call the Park home as well as macaques and langur monkeys and a host of medicinal flora & pitcher plants.

At 12:15, be transferred by boat for a slow cruise around the headland to Monkey Beach. Choose to stop to spend some free time at leisure or be transferred back to the park’s headquarters. 

At 13:15, depart the park’s headquarters by private air-conditioned vehicle for a 45 minutes ride back to Penang. Arrive approximately at 14:00. 

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Physical Rating: Moderate. Undulating Terrain/Jungle flooring and some steps.
(Trekking trail will take min. 1.5 hours with no information and up to 3 hours with the nature guide.)

Recommended Kit: It is recommended to wear walking shoes and bring mosquito repellent, sun cream and a wide brim hat.

Overnight in Penang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time: Transfer from Penang Hotel to Tropical Spice Garden (15km): 35mins Transfer from Tropical Spice Garden to Arts and Garden (10km): 25 mins Activity: Cooking Class from 09:00 – 14:00 Activity: Arts and Garden Walk (Moderate with steps): 1 hour Transfer from Art and Garden to Georgetown (25km): 1 hour

Pick up at the hotel at 08:15 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 before a tea refreshment in the Bamboo Garden. Tucked away in a secluded corner of the gardens, the cooking school is surrounded by jungle trees and wildlife, a small herb garden and a glimpse of the Andaman Sea.

At 10:15, go for a cooking class and learn how to cook tasty Malay, Nyonya and/or Indian cuisine with the help of professional chefs. Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine is a combination of Chinese, Malay and other influences into a unique blend. Peranakans are descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in Penang, Malacca, Indonesia and Singapore, inter-marrying with local Malays. The old Malay word “nyonya” a term of respect and affection for women of prominent social standing (part “madame” and part “auntie”), has come to refer to the cuisine of the Peranakans.

Nyonya cooking is the result of blending Chinese ingredients with various distinct spices and cooking techniques used by the Malay/Indonesian community. This gives rise to Peranakan interpretations of Malay/Indonesian food that is similarly tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal. Mix this with traditional Malay style cooking and the influence of Indian cuisine encompassing a wide variety of regional cuisines native to India and conclude with a delightful selection of dishes to enjoy for lunch on the patio.

Please note: Dishes will vary depending on the day and menu set. Examples: Penang Nyonya flavours/Best of Malay/Spices of India or Tropical Thai. Vegetarian options are available and must be requested.

After lunch, be transferred deep in the hills of the winding road of Teluk Bahang towards Balik Pulau to Art and Garden where nature meets art. Within 1.5 acres of hilly land, in three-tier reaches, a green sanctuary showcasing an amazing variety of bromeliads, air plants, aloes, agaves, gingers, trumpet pictures and orchids amidst glass, clay and metal sculptures as well as paintings and colourful mosaics.

Take a pleasant walk along the terraced hill land with an explanation of the origin of each plant and its use. Soak in the seamlessly blended art glass with tropical planting and landscape along with many other mediums of work.

Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Penang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time: Transfer from Penang to Lake Muda Jetty by vehicle(150km): 2hrs Transfer by boat from Lake Muda Jetty to Earth Lodge: up to 1.5hrs PM Boat Cruise at 1630 for up to 2 hours

Pick up in Penang and be dropped off by the driver at Ulu Muda Jetty at noon. Here leave behind the main luggage for the stays at Earth Lodge. 

 (Please note: It is advisable to pack a separate waterproof small holdall for the 3-day Ulu Muda Escape program and leave the main luggage).

Have a simple lunch at the jetty at a local stall before taking a traditional long-tailed boat across the Muda Lake and up the Muda River to Earth Lodge for the upcoming two nights in the middle of vast and wild rainforest. The duration of the boat journey depends very much on the water level and conditions and would usually take approximately 1 - 1.5 hours.

Take in the feeling of being in the rainforest far away from human civilisation, with its fresh air and soothing natural forest orchestra of insects, birds and other wildlife.

Arrive at Earth Lodge and be briefed by park ranger. Ulu Muda Forest Reserve is by far the largest at 105,000 hectares.  Lowland Dipterocarp Forest, Hill Dipterocarp Forest and the Upper Hill Dipterocarp Forest are the forest types found here with an elevation range from about 97 metres to the highest point of 1256 metres. The area is particularly known as an important site for Malaysia’s mega fauna. The main suspects usually caught on camera traps are the Asian elephant, Malaysian tapir, sambar deer, barking deer and wild boar. The other large mammals known to call Ulu Muda home are the gaur, tiger and leopard.

Late afternoon, take a river cruise in search for wildlife. With some luck, see elephants along the river bank.

Dinner and lights out.

Overnight at Earth Lodge.

Important Notes:

• It is advisable to travel light on the journey into Ulu Muda Rainforest. Heavier luggage can be left at the previous hotel if returning to there or with the driver.
• The seats of the boats from Muda Lake Jetty to Earth Lodge are made of wooden planks without back-rest.
• Earth Lodge – chalet style accommodation equipped with two single mattresses, attached bathroom, balcony and ceiling fan. There is no water heater or bath towels and toiletries.
• Electricity to the Earth Lodge is powered by a generator which will be switched on between 1800hrs to 2300hrs daily.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distances and journey time: Jungle Trekking and caves round trip: 4 hours Boat Cruise from 1600 for up to 2 hours

Wake up to the mysterious call of gibbons and the cacophony of various species of Ulu Muda’s avifauna.

After breakfast take a two-hour trek (easy to moderate) through the pristine jungle to Bukit Labu (Labu Hill), a newly discovered limestone hill with several caves. While visiting the hill and its mysterious caves, learn the importance of this mostly forgotten habitat. These pristine and beautiful caves were only discovered in 2006. Be prepared as there are many leeches on the trail (leech socks can be borrowed at Earthlodge).

Enjoy a simple lunch by a cool, wide stream before trekking back to the Lodge.

In the afternoon, go for a casual walk in search of Ulu Muda’s abundant avifauna and other wildlife. Ulu Muda is listed by Birdlife International as an important bird watching area. This is mostly due to it being home to many rare and globally threatened bird species. These include the very rare plain –pouched hornbill, masked finfoot, and the argus pheasant. Ulu Muda has recorded sightings of over 300 species of birds and still counting!

In the early afternoon, return to the lodge for some free time.

 (Please note: An additional River Cruise can be organised and tailored to special requests depending on what nature sightings that are of interest. Wildlife photographers may need more time on the cruise for photo shooting opportunities.)

In the late afternoon cruise upstream to the Saltlick. Take a short 10-minute muddy walk into a saltlick where elephants, gaurs, deers, wild boar and tapirs are frequent visitors. From here, get back in the boat to cruise downstream in search of the late afternoon’s wildlife activities on the lake.

Evening dinner and lights out.

Overnight at Earth Lodge

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distance and journey time: Lodge to Lake Muda Jetty: 1.5hrs Lake Muda Jetty to Banding (165): 2.5 hours Activity: Evening night walk; up to 2 hours Difficulty: Easy, uneven terrain

Have breakfast and relax before departing Earth Lodge at 11:00 and return to Ulu Muda Jetty to meet the driver. Upon arrival at the Jetty, head on a scenic overland ride to Banding, an island of Temenggor Lake on Malaysia’s East Coast.

A light lunch is served enroute at a local cafe or on arrival at Belum Rainforest Resort.

Check-in at the Belum Rainforest Resort and spend some time at leisure. Take a short walk to the herbal garden on site to learn about the many local herbs. Alternatively spend the time at the infinity pool overlooking Lake Banding for a cool, refreshing afternoon dip.

This evening, take dinner followed by an evening night trek at 20:30. Discover the rainforest at night on a 2-hour guided night walk close to the resort.

 (Please note: For tomorrow’s tour to the Royal Belum State Park passport details are necessary in advance to submit to the Park authorities to purchase permits, alternatively a similar program can be offered in Lower Belum.)

Overnight at Belum Rainforest Resort.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time Activity: FD Boat Cruise and Jungle trekking Difficulty: Jungle Trekking - Medium, uneven terrain

Breakfast to fuel for the full day ahead discovering Lake Banding and Belum State Park.

At 09:30 AM meet your nature guide at the jetty and start the cruise on Temenggor lake, directing yourselves to the Royal Belum conservation area.

Enter the rainforest and trek along Sungai Kooi trail. Once you reach the top you can see the wonderful waterfull.

Then, stop at the village and visit a native aboriginal village of "Orang Asli", who are the only people who still live within the national park. Be part also on our plastic free educational program during our visit at the Orang Asli villages.

Stop for a packed lunch and follow by a trek throughout the elephants' trail at Sungai Papan Salt Lick area.

The last stop is at a waterfall, where anyone who wants can dive to cool off from the heat or simply observe the surrounding nature. You can bathe at the waterfalls and relax by the area surrounded by tall trees and quiet vegetation.

Expected return to the jetty in the afternoon is between 15:00 to 16:00.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before dinner.

Overnight Belum Rainforest Resort

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distances and journey time Transfer from Banding island to Terrapuri Heritage Village by vehicle (225km): 4hours

Have an early breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to the Merang jetty or Kuala Besut jetty for the beach stay.

SIC Boat transfer from Merang to COral Redang: 11:00 / 13:00
SIC Boat transfer from Kuala Besut Jetty to BUbu Resort: 11:30 / 14:00

Please note: The east coast Islands are not available between the end of October and beginning of March annually due to the monsoon season.

Overnight Terrapuri Heritage Village.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distance and journey time: Transfer Terrapuri to Kuala Besut (55km) 1 hour Transfer Terrapuri to Merang Jetty (22Km): 30mins Kuala Besut to Perhentian Island or v.v: 30 minutes Syahbandar Jetty to Redang Island or v.v: 1 hour 40 minutes Speed boat timing Kuala Besut to Perhentian Island: 1130hrs & 1400hrs (on Friday is at 1430hrs) Syahbandar Jetty to Redang Island: 0900hrs, 1030hrs & 1500hrs

Spend the next few days free and at leisure, enjoying the quiet, remote and pristine beach landscape.

Overnight at Perhentian or Redang Island

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Spend the next few days free and at leisure, enjoying the quiet, remote and pristine beach landscape.

Overnight at Perhentian or Redang Island

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Spend the next few days free and at leisure, enjoying the quiet, remote and pristine beach landscape.

Overnight at Perhentian or Redang Island

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distance and journey time: Kuala Besut Jetty to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kota Bahru (62KM): 1.5hours Merang Jetty to Sultan Mahmud Airport, Kuala Terengganu (36KM): 45 minutes Syahbandar Jetty to Sultan Mahmud Airport, Kuala Terengganu (14KM): 30 minutes Speed boat timing Perhentian Island to Kuala Besut Jetty: 1030hrs & 1230hrs Redang Island to Merang Jetty: 0900hrs Redang Island to Syahbandar Jetty: 0730hrs, 1100hrs & 1300hrs

Check out and depart to Besut/Merang.

Be picked up for departure and transfer to Kota Bharu (Perhentians ) or Teregganu Airport (Redang).  

SIC Boat transfer from COral Redang to Merang Jetty: 09:00 / 12:00
SIC transfer from Bubu Resort to Kuala Besut Jetty: 10:30 / 12:30

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast