iExplore Malaysia Active

Tour Description

Selamat Datang ke Malaysia- "Welcome to Malaysia" - is perhaps the first sign you will see walking through the gleaming Kuala Lumpur Airport. It is a sentiment that will be warmly echoed throughout your stay in this beautiful country. Come and explore Malaysia on this active 8-day journey. Start in the capital of Kuala Lumpur- from colonial mansions and the bustle of Chinatown to the modern magnificence of the Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur represents the true essence of modern Malaysia. Then explore one of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated at 130 million years old. Enjoy river cruises, jungle trekking and a canopy walk offering fantastic up close views of the activity in the rainforest. Enjoy an exhilarating day of cave exploration and shooting the rapids. Visit an elephant sanctuary, which over the past 25 years has helped prevent the further decline of the elephant population by relocating more than 300 wild elephants from where their habitats are endangered. Tour the historical city of Malacca and experience the rich culture that has evolved over a period of 600 years.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Arrive Kuala Lumpur International airport. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and tour briefing. Enjoy the balance of your day at leisure.

Le Meridien Hotel

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide for a morning Kuala Lumpur City Tour (4 hours).

Despite the skyline of a modern metropolis, Kuala Lumpur has always been charming and full of characters. On this tour, see the contrast between the Indo-Moorish architecture and the ultra modern edifices. We'll take a photo stop at the Royal Palace; visit the National Museum, journey through the beautiful Lake Gardens and pause for a moment at the National Monument. Drive past the elegant Jamek Mosque, the bustling Chinatown and Independence Square. Also a photo stop at the Petronas Twin Towers- the symbol of modern Malaysia and the tallest twin-tower in the world! Our final stop is to witness pewter craftsmanship at the Royal Selangor Visitor Center.

Later, enjoy an evening Kuala Lumpur by night tour (3 hours).

Begin with a visit to Chinatown. Take a stroll through the Night Market where lights ablaze and rows of stalls, each with its own specialty goods are sold at bargain prices. From there, adjourn to a traditional Malay style dinner theater for a sumptuous buffet while enjoying a colorful array of traditional Malaysian cultural dances.

After dinner, return to the hotel or take the option to end your tour at Bitang Walk- the trendy nightspot of Kuala Lumpur.

(Note: Visitors are asked to wear modest clothing and to remove their shoes when entering the mosques. Modest outerwear is available for rent outside the mosque.)

Breakfast, Lunch

Le Meridien Hotel

Day 3: Kuala Lumpur- Taman Negara National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the 4-day Taman Negara Exploration.

This soft-adventure begins at Kuala Lumpur Airport where you travel by road for the rural town of Jerantut via the Genting Sempah Mountain Pass. At Jerantut, stop for lunch and a short rest before proceeding to the river bank at Kuala Tembeling. From here, travel by outboard motor canoes to Kuala Tahan where the park headquarters is situated. The 3-hour upriver trip is fascinating, the jungle vegetation along the banks of the river becoming dense. You'll arrive at Kuala Tahan in the late afternoon.

Taman Negara is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated at 130 million years old. The abundance and diversity of nature here is phenomenal, making it one of the world's most complex and rich ecosystems. Taman Negara (National Park) is the first and the oldest official protected area in the country, originally named King George V National Park. Declared in 1938, it was charged with preserving the land's indigenous nature in perpetuity. The park was renamed Taman Negara after the nation gained independence in 1957.

Meet the guide at the lobby and enjoy the video show on the Taman Negara. Proceed on a Night Jungle Walk with the resort Nature Guide.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mutiara Taman Negara Resort

Days 4 & 5: Taman Negara National Park

Choose from the following activities:

· Motorized canoe up the Tahan River tributary upstream to the cataracts of Lata Berkoh where there is excellent fishing nearby.

· Jungle Trek to Teresik Hill from where you can view Mt. Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia at 7,186 ft. During the trek, your guide will give you basic instructions on the fundamentals of jungle survival, jungle ecology, flora identification etc. The return trek is on a different trail passing Lubok Simpon water hole for a quick swim!

· Gua Telings or 'Bat Cave' about a 40-minute walk via a cut trail through dense jungle from the fork of the Tembeling and Tahan Rivers. The cave is not only the daylight home for thousands of fruit bats, but also contains some fascinating snake fossils found on the walls of the cave.

· At night, an option for an animal "vigil" at the tree house. However, sightings of animals are not guaranteed.

Your personal possessions should include light comfortable clothing that can be easily washed, jungle boots, and a hat, light raincoat, flashlight, tennis shoes, and swim suits and a sweater.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mutiara Taman Negara Resort

Day 6: Taman Negara National Park- Kuala Lumpur

After breakfast check out of the resort and transfer by boat from Mutiara Taman Negara to the Kuala Tembeling Jetty. Then after lunch we leave for the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary.

Over the past 25 years the sanctuary has helped to prevent the further decline of the elephant population by relocating more than 300 wild elephants! Kuala Gandah aims to promote public awareness of the elephant's plight in Malaysia and to support research into elephant translocation and conservation. It also aims to educate the public about the importance of habitat and environmental preservation.

This center was established in 1989 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks as a base for the Elephant Relocation Team that started in 1974. Being the only center in Malaysia, the team is dedicated to locating and subduing problem elephants from where their habitats are constantly being encroached upon by plantations, to Malaysia's National Parks, such as Taman Negara.

After your visit to this special place, depart for Kuala Lumpur and check in to your hotel.

The Westin Kuala Lumpur is the epitome of personal renewal, a contemporary five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur's bustling Jalan Bukit Bintang. All 443-guest rooms, including 23 suites and 63 one-bedroom and two-bedroom Executive Residences, feature the plush, all-white signature Heavenly Bed. The Heavenly Shower, available exclusively at our Executive Residences, will restore your mind and body

Breakfast, Lunch

Westin Hotel

Day 7: Kuala Lumpur- Malacca- Kuala Lumpur

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for a full day (8-hour) historical tour to Malacca.

A relaxing three-hour drive south of Kuala Lumpur takes you to Malacca, the oldest trading port in Malaysia, which has undergone Portuguese, Dutch and English rule.

Visit Stadhuys- the Dutch Square and from there take a walk up St. Paul's Hill for a panoramic view of the Malacca Straits and the old town of Bandar Hilir. At the top are the famous Portuguese Fort de Santiago and the ruins of St. Paul's Church, lined with 17th century Dutch tombstones.

Stop for a typical "Nonya" lunch before taking a stroll through Antiques Row at Jonker Street. Then end your visit to Malacca with a stop at Cheng Hoon Teng, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia.

Breakfast, Lunch

Westin Hotel

Day 8: Depart Kuala Lumpur

After breakfast you will be driven to the airport for your departing flight.

Breakfast

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details. Please note: two persons are required to operate this trip.

Pricing Information

2010 Prices: Valid to March 31, 2011

$2,395 per person double occupancy.

$875 single room supplement.

Please note: two participants are required to operate this program.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of January, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Included:

· Airport meet and assist

· Land transfers via private air-conditioned vehicles

· Hotel accommodation as indicated including hotel taxes and daily breakfast

· Accommodation at Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, on a full-board basis, including all resort activities

· All tours & sightseeing mentioned in itinerary

· Boat transfer (non-exclusive) to Taman Negara

· Meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

· English-speaking local guides

· Entrance fees

Not Included:

· International airfare and taxes

· Services which are not mentioned in the itinerary

· Meals not included in itinerary

· Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, etc.

· Travel & Medical insurance

· Holiday surcharges

· Gratuities

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Singapore Extension

Day 1:

On arrival at the Singapore airport you will be met and depart on an orientation tour of the city. The tour begins with a drive through the "Colonial Heart" for a view of the Padang, Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. Then, en route to Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest temples in Singapore, the coach will pass Chinatown before stopping at Mount Faber for a panoramic view of the harbor before proceeding to a local Handicraft Center.

Continuing on you will visit the National Orchid Garden located within the beautiful Botanic Gardens. The final stop, at Little India, will enchant you with the scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices.

Proceed to your hotel for check in. You will be confirmed at either the Concorde Hotel or the Swissotel Merchant Court- your choice!

After checking in, the remainder of day is at leisure for shopping or relaxation.

Lunch, Dinner

Concorde Hotel or Swissotel Merchant Court

Day 2:

After breakfast, enjoy a Sentosa Island Escapade! Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to Sentosa - the resort island of peace and tranquility. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride and catch a bird's eye view of Singapore's skyline and busy port. Once on the island, visit the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom with more than 3000 species of butterflies and insect specimens on display. Stroll through the cool outdoor conservatory that has over 1500 live butterflies and watch the blossoming of new life at the live pupae enclosure. Next, visit the Underwater World, Asia's largest and most innovative tropical oceanarium that is home to over 2500 marine animals. Tour concludes with a coach ride back to the mainland. The afternoon you will have additional free time for shopping.

This evening depart on the World's First Night Safari, set in 40 hectares of secondary jungle adjoining the Singapore Zoo, where the mystery and drama of the tropical jungle will unfold after dusk. See a myriad of nocturnal animals, from fierce predators to timid forest dwellers, in their natural habitat under the subtle moonglow lighting. Roam the jungle in the complete safety and comfort of a tram. The tram ride takes you through the east and west Loops passing by a large reservoir and weaving through selected habitats designed specially to replicate the natural environment from the Himalayan Foothills of the Southeast Asian Rainforest and Indian Subcontinent.

On completion of the tram ride, your tour guide will lead you on a walking trail where you will be able to view the animals at closer quarters.

Breakfast

Concorde Hotel or Swissotel Merchant Court

Day 3:

Enjoy the morning at leisure until you are driven to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Breakfast

Pricing- valid until December 31, 2010:

$1,075 per person double occupancy.

$925 per person triple share.

$1,895 solo traveler.

Included:

· Arrival & departure transfers accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

· An English-speaking guide accompanies all tours.

· Admission/entrance fees to sites/tours in the itinerary.

· Two nights accommodations including daily breakfast.

· One lunch on Day 1.

· One dinner on day 2.

Not included:

· International airfare and taxes

· Services not included in the itinerary

· Departure taxes

· Meals not mentioned in itinerary

· Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone

· Travel & Medical insurance

· Holiday surcharges

· Gratuities

Tour Notes