Private Tour from Highlands to Penang: Nature, Culture, and Everyday Life
Begin with a scenic drive from Kuala Lumpur to the cool highlands of Cameron, stopping to visit an indigenous village and a tea plantation. The day after, continue north to the royal town of Kuala Kangsar and the orangutan sanctuary at Bukit Merah before reaching the Belum Rainforest, near the Thai border. Explore one of Malaysia’s oldest rainforests, then head west to Penang. The tour ends in George Town, known for its mix of cultures, temples, and street art.
This itinerary combines nature, wildlife, heritage towns, and everyday life—offering a well-rounded travel experience.
Optional Extension:
If you’d like to explore Kuala Lumpur and Malacca before starting this journey, we can arrange a private tour of both cities.
All our tours are private, customizable, and can begin on any date.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Kuala Lumpur – Cameron Highlands
Pick-up from your hotel between 8:30 and 9:00 am. Drive through a scenic jungle road to Cameron Highlands (around 3 hours).
En route, visit a small Orang Asli village. On arrival, stop at a tea plantation, then continue to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Cameron Highlands.
Note: The tea factory is closed on Mondays and public holidays (and also on Tuesday if the Monday is a public holiday).
Day 2: Cameron Highlands – Belum
Depart at 8:30 am for Kuala Kangsar, the royal town, to see the Ubudiah Mosque (about 3 hours by road).
After the visit, continue for roughly 1 hour to Bukit Merah Orang Utan Foundation Island, the only orangutan research center in Peninsular Malaysia. A 20-minute boat ride across Lake Merah brings you to the island, which serves as a sanctuary, research hub, and educational site dedicated to the protection of this endangered species. From there, drive on to Belum Rainforest Reserve, near the Thai border (around 3 hours). Upon arrival, check in at the lodge.
The evening is free to relax. Dinner will be served at the lodge’s main restaurant.
Overnight in Belum.
Note: The visit to the Orang Utan Foundation Island depends on the water level of Lake Merah and may not always be possible.
Day 3: Belum – Penang
Start the morning at 8:30 am with a guided walk in Belum Forest, lasting about 2.5 hours. It’s a chance to explore the rich plant and animal life of one of Malaysia’s oldest and most untouched rainforests. Return to the lodge around 11:00 am for check-out and lunch. After lunch, drive to Penang (about 3 hours), crossing the bridge to reach the main island.
Arrive in George Town, the state capital, by early evening. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cultural diversity.
Check in at the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Recommended for the jungle walk: comfortable walking shoes, raincoat or poncho, hat, sunscreen, and a small backpack.
Day 4: Penang
Depart at 9:30 am for a full-day tour of Penang. Start with a visit to Kek Lok Si in the village of Air Hitam, one of the largest Buddhist temples in the region. Also known as the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas, it features a large bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy.
Then return to George Town to continue the tour. Named after King George III, it’s the oldest city in Malaysia.
Visit the Burmese and Thai temples, home to the Golden Reclining Buddha. Drive past Fort Cornwallis, where the old fort walls and cannons remain, and pass the iconic clock tower.
Walk along the Clan Jetty, a wooden walkway lined with stilt houses, then visit Khoo Kongsi, known for its richly carved rooftops and dragon pillars. Before returning to the hotel, stroll down Armenian Street and nearby alleys to see George Town’s well-known street art. Return to the hotel by 6:00 pm.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Penang.
Day 5: Penang – Departure
Transfer to Penang International Airport with a personal driver.
Interested in exploring Borneo next?
See our Borneo Private Tour, featuring rainforests, wildlife encounters, and river life.
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