City to the Beach
There's a time to rough it in the jungle, and there’s and a time to treat yourself. This itinerary is for when you need a bit of the latter.
Combining two different but equally luxurious stays – one in the bright lights of the capital, the other at an idyllic beach resort on a private island – this is the very best that Malaysia has to offer.
Pricing
Key facts
Transport in detail
All transfers are by private car, with a ferry from Marina Island Jetty to Pangkor Laut.
What's great
This is a leisurely itinerary, giving you plenty of time to indulge in each destination
It includes an exclusive stay at the Pangkor Laut Resort on a stunning private island
We’ve included unusual experiences in KL so that you're free to spend your leisure time discovering the main sights of the inner city
It couldn’t be easier to extend your trip and discover more of Malaysia
Things to consider
There are only two destinations included, so you may wish to extend your trip
Pangkor Laut is best visited from November to May, but we can suggest alternative destinations outside of those dates
We’ve not included any “classic” sights in KL, since you’ll have plenty of time to explore independently, but we can arrange some if you’d like
The experience
Short and sweet, this itinerary is the perfect starting point for a longer trip in Malaysia. Whether you want to extend it at a colonial-era hotel in George Town or a luxurious lodge in the rainforest – we're here to make your ideas happen.
Day 1-3
Kuala Lumpur
As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, KL certainly knows how to do luxury – but it’s still possible to get beyond its modern trappings and into its traditional heart. On a full-day food tour you’ll do just that, experiencing a bustling market before learning to prepare some Malaysian dishes in the kitchen of a family home. Then, go from small-scale to upscale with a spectacular hot-air balloon ride over Putrajaya, an intelligent city known for its rose-pink mosque and modern Islamic architecture. On landing, swap your balloon for a boat and go for a cruise on a wooden perahu – like a Malay gondola – for a totally different perspective on the city.
Highlights
Get an in-depth, hands-on introduction to Malaysian cuisine
Go hot-air ballooning over Putrajaya
Float past the pink-walled Putra Mosque on a traditional Malay boat
Day 4-8
Pangkor Laut
After an indulgent city break, it’s time to take the pace down a notch or two at the luxurious Pangkor Laut Resort. Hidden away on a private island, this was the favourite hideaway of Luciano Pavarotti – once voted best overseas destination spa in the world by Condé Nast Traveller. Suffice to say, it’s pretty special. Sleep in wooden stilt villas over the sparkling sea, relax at the world-class spa, eat barbecued lobster on the beach, or (if your foodie fascination hasn’t yet been satisfied), join the resort’s chef for a full day of gastronomic discovery on this and neighbouring islands. However you’d like spend your time in this island paradise, the resort’s concierge will make it happen.
Highlights
Indulge yourself at the five-star Pangkor Laut Resort
Go for a cruise on one of the resort’s luxury yachts or junk boats
Relax on the soft, white sand of Emerald Bay
The finer detail
What's included
- Breakfast every day
- One lunch: you’ll make yourself during a home cookery class
- Two half-day experiences: one cookery class at a family home; hot air balloon over Putrajaya and city exploration by boat
- All accommodation
- All entrance fees to sites included in guided experiences
- All domestic transfers and transport
Logistics and journey times
Day 1:
Car transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport to City (1 hour)
Day 3:
Car transfer to Putrajaya and back to city (1 hour each direction)
Day 4:
Car transfer to Marina Island Jetty (3.5 hour drive)
Boat to Pangkor Laut (15 minutes)
Day 8:
Boat transfer to Marina Island Jetty (15 minutes)
Car transfer to Kuala Lumpur Airport (4 hours)
What's not included
- International flights
- Any necessary visas
- Any lunches or dinners unless stated
- Entrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiences
- Tipping and personal expenses
- Tourist taxes & any National Park fees