Peninsular Malaysia Overland with Sea – Marriott Perhentian Island (Italian-language group, max 10 people)
10 Days / 9 Nights
Group tour in Italian with limited places / Private tour in English
From €1,805 per person
Tour Overview
A complete overland adventure through Malaysia without internal flights, combining iconic cities, traditional villages, highlands, rainforests, and tropical seas. From the Kuala Lumpur skyline to the sacred Batu Caves, from the culture of Ipoh and Penang UNESCO World Heritage Sites to the pristine nature of Taman Negara, to a final relaxation on the white beaches of the Perhentian Islands. An immersive itinerary with an Italian guide in small groups, ideal for discovering the authentic Asia amidst tradition, nature, and crystal-clear ocean.
Tour Highlights:
🌃 Kuala Lumpur Skyline and Culture
🛕 Spirituality at the Batu Caves
🥻 Authentic Malay Village Experience
🎨 Street Art and Heritage in Ipoh
🦧 Orang Utan Island in Bukit Merah
🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage Site in Penang
🍃 Mossy Forest and Tea Plantations
🛶 River Cruise at Taman Negara
🌳 Trekking in the World's Oldest Jungle
🏝️ Crystal-clear waters and relaxation at Perhentian Islands
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kuala Lumpur
Day 1
Day Description
Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, meet and greet with our representative and transfer to your hotel.
Standard check-in is 3:00 PM. Early check-in is available upon request.
Free day to acclimatize and absorb the jet lag.
Overnight: The Stripes Kuala Lumpur 5* – Deluxe Room.
Note: Optional evening excursions are available upon request.
Kuala Lumpur City Tour (Breakfast, Star-Lunch)
Day 2
Day Description
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide at 9:00 am for a morning dedicated to discovering the main symbols of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's dynamic and multicultural capital.
The first stop is the Thean Hou Temple, one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. Dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, venerated by the Hainanese community, the temple is a refined example of syncretic architecture combining Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions. Situated on a hill, it offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Continue with a photo stop outside the Royal Palace (Istana Negara), the official residence of the King of Malaysia. The palace, visible only from the outside, is protected by royal guards in traditional uniforms.
The itinerary continues with a panoramic drive in front of the National Mosque (Masjid Negara), a symbol of Malaysia's religious and cultural independence, built in 1965 in a modern architectural style with traditional Islamic influences.
Arrival at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), a symbol of liberation from British rule, where the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time on August 31, 1957. The square is surrounded by some of the city's most significant colonial buildings, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, characterized by its Moorish-style domes.
In the late morning, stop at a local restaurant famous for its chicken rice, an iconic Malaysian dish. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star for the quality and authenticity of the dish, which pairs tender steamed or soy-cooked chicken with flavored rice and traditional sauces. Return to the hotel after lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure for individual activities. We suggest visiting the adjacent Central Market, a historic covered market where you can purchase local handicrafts, batik, and souvenirs, or stroll through nearby Chinatown, a lively neighborhood with stalls, street food, and ancient temples such as the Guan Di Temple and Sri Mahamariamman.
Overnight: The Stripes Kuala Lumpur 5* – Deluxe Room.
Note: Optional evening excursions available upon request.
Kuala Lumpur – Batu Caves – Ipoh – Malay Village (traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Day 3
Day Description
Depart at 8:30 a.m. for the Batu Caves, a complex of limestone caves sacred to the Hindu community, known for the monumental golden statue of the god Murugan and the long, colorful staircase leading into the main cave.
Continue to Ipoh (200 km – approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, lunch at a local restaurant on Temersing Lake, where you can sample typical specialties such as nasi lemak, curry mee, and Ipoh's famous white coffee.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Ipoh: visit Concubine Lane, a historic street lined with artisan shops and cafes, and Mural Art's Lane, a street decorated with murals that tell the stories of the city and its people.
Afterward, transfer to a traditional Malay village (approximately 65 km – 1 hour) where you will have the opportunity to experience authentic Malay village life at a charming homestay on the shores of the lake. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a welcome drink, checked into the traditional wooden chalets, and given an introduction to the local culture. During your stay, you'll enjoy cultural activities such as a sarong-making lesson and the traditional game of congkak. Dinner is shared, featuring a traditional Malay menu personally prepared by the hosts, with traditional attire provided.
Overnight stay: Heritage wooden house without air conditioning, private bathroom. Alcohol is prohibited, and shoes are not permitted inside the houses.
Malay Village - Bukit Merah - Penang (breakfast, lunch, street food in Penang)
Day 4
Day Description
After a traditional breakfast in the village, at 9:45 a.m., we leave the tranquil rural setting behind and continue toward the vibrant island of Penang, crossing the hinterland of West Malaysia.
En route, we reach Bukit Merah (80 km - 60 min), home to Orang Utan Island, a conservation project dedicated to protecting Bornean orangutans. A short boat transfer (departure time 11:15 a.m.) takes us to the forest island where orangutans live in semi-freedom. During the visit, we walk through a protected tunnel where we can observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat and learn about the conservation projects for this endangered species. The visit lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
We continue northwest (75 km - 60 min), arriving in Penang via one of Asia's longest bridges, which connects the mainland to the island and offers panoramic views of the strait.
Upon arrival in Georgetown, the historic heart of Penang and a UNESCO World Heritage site, we'll stop for lunch at a typical local food court. Here, you'll be able to sample some of the island's most famous specialties, such as Char Kway Teow, Assam Laksa, and Penang Rojak, an expression of the region's multicultural cuisine.
After lunch, we'll continue with a visit to Penang's most famous water village, Chew Jetty, part of the Clan Jetties, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consisting of historic Chinese settlements built on stilts over the water, they showcase a unique way of life and offer a glimpse into Penang's past.
The tour continues with a discovery of the island's historical and religious heritage.
A visit to the exterior of Fort Cornwallis, the oldest British fortification in Malaysia, built by Sir Francis Light in the 18th century. From the fort's ramparts, you can observe the harbor and the numerous colonial buildings surrounding the square, a testament to the British imperial era.
We then enter the heart of the city by visiting Khoo Kongsi, one of the most impressive Chinese clan houses in the country, adorned with elaborate wooden carvings and architectural details typical of southern Chinese communities.
The tour continues on foot through the alleys of the historic center, passing art galleries, artisan cafes, and historic shops, where Chinese temples, mosques, and Christian churches coexist. The spice-scented streets lead to Little India, a neighborhood bustling with shops selling colorful fabrics, spices, and Indian street food.
At the end of the tour, check-in to your hotel and enjoy free time to rest or explore the city on your own.
Overnight stay: The George Boutique Hotel 5* – Deluxe Room.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that the visit to Orang Utan Island is not possible due to the lowering of the Bukit Merah lake, the guide will arrange additional visits on the same day to Georgetown on Penang Island, including visits to the interesting Thai and Burmese temples.
Penang - Cameron Highlands (colazione)
Day 5
Day Description
After breakfast, depart the hotel heading southeast, leaving the shores of the Strait of Malacca behind and ascending to the Cameron Highlands, a plateau located over 1,500 meters above sea level. The approximately 4-hour journey (250 km) passes through agricultural landscapes and small rural villages, offering glimpses into daily life in mainland Malaysia.
Upon arrival in the Cameron Highlands, stop for lunch at the Strawberry Park Resort, nestled among verdant hills and strawberry fields.
In the early afternoon, depart by 4x4 for an excursion to discover the Mossy Forest, one of the oldest tropical forests in the region, characterized by thick fog, moss- and liana-covered trees, and unique biodiversity. A short trek on wooden walkways allows you to immerse yourself in this mountain ecosystem, located over 2,000 meters above sea level.
You reach Gunung Brinchang, the highest point in the Cameron Highlands, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes.
Continue to the Boh Sungai Palas tea plantation, one of the most famous in Malaysia. Here, you'll tour the factory to learn about the tea processing process and enjoy a fantastic view of the rolling hills covered in tea plantations from the terrace.
Finally, a short stop at one of the local strawberry farms, known for its sweets and famous strawberry milkshake. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner at leisure.
Overnight: Strawberry Park Resort – Studio Room.
Cameron Highlands - Taman Negara (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6
Day Description
After breakfast, depart the hotel at 8:00 a.m. for the transfer to Kuala Tembeling Jetty (approximately 2 hours). From there, enjoy a scenic traditional boat ride along the Tembeling River, surrounded by dense rainforests. The boat ride lasts approximately 3 hours and is the most authentic way to reach Taman Negara National Park, one of the world's oldest rainforests, dating back over 130 million years.
Upon arrival in the late afternoon, check-in at the resort located within the park and enjoy some free time to relax surrounded by nature.
After dinner, embark on a nighttime walking tour of the park with a local guide. This approximately 1-hour experience allows you to observe tropical insects and small reptiles, and listen to the nocturnal sounds of the forest.
Overnight stay: Mutiara Taman Negara – Standard Chalet.
Taman Negara (Breakfast, Dinner) GROUP IN ENGLISH
Day 7
Day Description
Breakfast at the resort. At 9:00 a.m., depart for an exciting hike within the national park. The trek leads to Teresek Hill, a journey lasting approximately 3.5–4 hours. This activity is considered a soft adventure and allows you to admire the tropical rainforest from unique perspectives, enjoying a spectacular view of Gunung Tahan from the top of the hill. Afterwards, return to the resort for lunch. In the afternoon, a boat trip on the Tahan River to the Lata Berkoh rapids is planned (duration 2.5–3 hours). Here, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool spring waters of Gunung Tahan, a sort of natural "jacuzzi." The cruise also includes a stop at the Ikan Kelah Fish Sanctuary, where you can observe and feed the freshwater fish. Return to the resort, dinner, and overnight stay.
Mutiara Taman Negara – Standard Chalet.
Taman Negara - Kuala Besut Jetty - Perhentian Island (Breakfast)
Day 8
Day Description
After breakfast, 8:00 a.m., combined bus and boat transfer (arrival scheduled at 6:45 p.m., subject to weather conditions and availability). Check-in at the new Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa 5*, nestled in tropical nature with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters within the Perhentian Marine Park. It offers sea-view rooms and villas, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, a wellness spa, multiple pools, and water activities such as snorkeling and diving. The design blends modern elegance with local elements for a relaxing and authentic stay amidst nature. Relax, sun, and sea at the resort.
Overnight stay at Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa 5* - Deluxe room
Note: Option to upgrade to a beach resort with Bubu Resort & Villa 4*, Mimpi Resort 4*, or Alunan Perhentian 4*, or proceed to Redang Island at Coral Redang 3*, Laguna Redang 4*, or The Taaras Beach Resort & Spa 5*.
Perhentian Island (Breakfast)
Day 9
Day Description
Breakfast at the hotel. Relax, sun, and sea at the resort.
Overnight stay at the 5-star Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa - Deluxe room
Perhentian Island - Kuala Besut - Kota Bharu airport (Breakfast) Departure.
Day 10
Day Description
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time (standard check-in at 11:00 am) until the boat transfer to Kuala Besut Pier and then by road to Kota Bharu Airport (75 minutes) for your return flight (not included).
Day 11
Day Description
Day 12
Day Description