Malaysian Experience

 

Day 1 FLIGHTS

Today the group meets at Melbourne Airport and boards their flights on to Penang.

Day 2 TRANSFERS

Upon arrival your meet your bus driver and transfer to your hotel the Lone Pine Hotel Penang. The rest of the day is free for your group to explore Penang. One of the most well visited provinces of Malaysia, Penang is famous for the Batu Maung War Museum, Fort Cornwallis (the remnants of an old British Fort), the Pantai Keranchut Penang National Park, the city’s Chowrasta Market and the Penang Bridge, the longest in Malaysia.

 LONE PINE HOTEL, PENANG
 The beautifully restored Lone Pine Hotel is a wonderful escape for those who seek complete privacy amongst an idyllic setting. Having gone through phases of expansions through the years, today, the Lone Pine is an imposing 3 storey high building, thoughtfully spread out over 4 acres of landscaped gardens. This enchanting retreat boasts of 50 exclusive guestrooms, almost all of which face the sea, open out to a terrace, balcony or private patios.

Day 3 (B)

After breakfast at your accommodation enjoy a half day guided tour of Penang. We have organized a wonderful excursion using tradition ‘Tishaws’. These are peddle powered (by the local guide) and carry two person per unit. Your squadron of trishaws is soon heading for the history and backroads of historic ‘Georgetown’ for this very ‘up front and’ close look at the multicultural diversity that makes up Penang. From Taoist Temples with their ‘Heaven Money Fires’ to the spicy smells of Little India you will hear, see and smell old Penang!  The rest of the day is free for you to wander around Penang or participate in activities organized by your teacher.    

Day 4 (B)

After breakfast at accommodation enjoy a free morning before checking out of your hotel. You meet with your bus driver and travel to Cameron Highlands. Located in the state of Pahang, the Cameron Highlands are famed for their tea plantations, jungle trails, waterfalls and mountains. On the way up, stop to see Malaysian aboriginals "Orang Asli", view their village homes and the Iskandah Falls. It may be possible to purchase wild local fruits from these gentle folk. Drive on up through beautiful mountain scenery. And note the temperature change!!! Check in the Strawberry Park Resort where you will stay for the following two nights. 

STRAWBERRY PARK RESORT, CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Strawberry Park Resort was specially built to be a perfect hideaway for those on a holiday or on business. The resort is set atop a 7-acre hill on a plateau over 5,000 feet above sea level in Cameron Highlands. It comprises six blocks of studios and apartments furnished and equipped in a manner to help make your stay an extraordinary experience

Day 5 (B)

After breakfast at your accommodation, enjoy a half day country side tour.     

Day 6 (B,D)

After breakfast at accommodation, enjoy free time before meeting your bus driver and traveling to Taman Negara.  Taman Negara also known as Kuala Tahan is one of the oldest and most pristine rainforests in the world. Tonight, dinner is organised at Seri Mutiara Restaurant. After dinner enjoy a night jungle walk with a local guide. Overnight accommodation is in a standard chalet for the following two nights.

MUTIARA TAMAN NEGARA RESOR, PAHANG

Taman Negara National Park situated in the heart of Peninsula Malaysia is the prime national park in Malaysia. Now you can be close to Nature and yet enjoy modern amenities at Taman Negara Resort. Built on a 15-acre piece of land, Taman Negara Resort commenced its operations on 1 September 1990.

 

An eco-tourism resort with 108 rooms, it offers a variety of accommodations ranging from the typical Malay timber chalets comprising Standard Chalets, Chalet Suites, Bungalows to motel-like spacious guest houses. Also available are dormitories, hostels and a 2.5-acre camping ground.

Day 7  (B,L,D)

After breakfast at your accommodation, begin a jungle trek which will take your to Teresek Hill and the Canopy Walkaway which is located 25 meter above the ground and will allow you a closer inspection of the surrounding forest. Enjoy lunch at Seri Mutiara Restaurant before boarding the boat which will take you to Lata Berkoh where you will have free time to swim. After dinner at Seri Mutiara restaurant, enjoy a free evening.

Day 8 (B) 

After breakfast at your accommodation your travel by boat from Kuala Tahan to Kuala Tembeling before transferring to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur you check in to the Radius International Hotel where you will stay for the three following nights. The rest of the day is free for your group to explore Kuala Lumpur. 

RADIUS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR

Welcome to Radius International Hotel Kuala Lumpur, not only convenient by location, Radius International is ideal for its close proximity to the hip and happening Bintang Walk, which is within walking distance to the hotel. There are good roads and public infrastructure, allowing for accessibility for both business and pleasure trips. Radius International Hotel Kuala Lumpur is also within a radius of 3km from many world-renowned tourists’ attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC, The Kuala Lumpur Tower, Merdeka Square, Chinatown and the famous Handicraft Centre at Central Market, all within easy reach.

 

Day 9 (B)

After breakfast at your accommodation, enjoy a half day tour of Kuala Lumpur. The rest of the day is free for you to take a closer look at Kuala Lumpur’s attractions at your own pace.   

Day 10 (B)

After breakfast at your accommodation, the group attends the International Music Conference held in Kula Lumpur from the 16th to the 21st of July 2006. 

Day 11 (B)

After breakfast at your accommodation, you are given some free time before meeting your bus driver for your transfer to Melaka (approx 3 hours). The rest of the day is free for your group to explore Melaka. Melaka, a former wealthy centre for trade with China, India and Siam, still retains some of its past glory particularly around Town square also know as Dutch Square. Melaka, a contributor to Malaysia's civilization, its rich history shrouded by the influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and English rule. Explore the Dutch Square along the Malacca River and from there capture a view of Jonker Street or "antique row". Other sights include St. Paul's Hill and the Porta De Santiago, Bandar Hilir and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. There is also a full size replica of a 15th century Portuguese merchant ship!!   Overnight accommodation is at the Equatorial Melaka where you will stay for the two following nights.  

EQUATORIAL HOTEL, MALACCA

Melaka, just one and a half hours South of Kuala Lumpur and a two hours drive from Singapore is rich in history, culture, heritage and tradition. Boasting famous historical sites which date back to the 1500s, Melaka is a potpourri of unique cultures and cuisines.
Select from our range of superior, deluxe or suite rooms. Each room offers a generous view of the Straits of Melaka or historical St. Paul’s Hill, and is well appointed to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible.

 

Day 12 (B)

After breakfast at your accommodation, you take a half day guided tour of the city. You then have free time to take a closer look at Melaka’s attractions at your own pace.   

Day 13 (B)

From day 13 variations could be made. This sample itinerary carries on to Singapore (short distance by road) to meet and stay with host families. You could go on to Singapore for a night and then fly home, or return to Kuala Lumpur for your return flight. Naturally further sightseeing to other parts of Malaysia could also be incorporated.

Example - on to Singapore for homestay exchange.
After breakfast at your accommodation, you are given some free time before meeting your bus driver for your transfer to Singapore. The tour continues through yet more rural countryside, passing the town of Muar. Continue to Johore Bahru before crossing the Causeway to Singapore. After brief formalities, enter the Garden City. A salient point to note on this journey – Australian forces were pushed back along this route in WW2 and took a final defensive position at Singapore believing in the impregnable ‘Singapore Fortress’ concept. Of course the gun emplacements were facing south to the sea, believing attack from the north impossible. Thus so, thousands of Australian troops entered Japanese captivity and the infamous Changi and Thai/Burma railway entered forever Australian history. Upon arrival in Singapore you meet with your host families. 

Day 14 Homestay

Today spend some time with your host family or explore Singapore as a group at your own pace.

Day 15 Homestay

Today spend some time with your host family or explore Singapore as a group at your own pace.

Day 16 Flights

This morning your transfer to the airport for your flights to Australia.

You arrive in Australia early evening.

 

Sample Costing

The cost of the proposed trip is: 

$2,475.00 based on 30 students allowing 3 complimentary staff members. Based on travelling in July 2006 with costs known at October 2005.

The quotation includes:

AIR TRAVEL

TRAVEL INSURANCE

TRANSPORT

ACCOMMODATION

11 nights accommodation based on twin share (2 nights in Lone Pine Hotel – Penang, 2 nights in Strawberry Park Resort - Cameron Highlands, 2 nights in MutiaraTaman Negara Resort – Pahang,  3 nights in Radius International Hotel – Kuala Lumpur , 2 nights in Equatorial Hotel – Melaka) 

MEALS

GUIDED TOURS

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