Mesmerising 5* Malaysia highlights tour

An ultra-luxurious escape to Malaysia’s cultural, cosmopolitan and natural highlights, with five-star hotels, breakfast, all travel and excursions

Days 1-2: Malacca

Admire Kuala Lumpur’s iconic skyline as you touch down in the Malaysian capital, ready to be whisked away to the city of Malacca for the first stop on your adventure. You’ll have the rest of the day to spend at leisure, resting after your travels or starting to tick off that bucket-list.

The following morning, you’ll depart on a fascinating full-day tour of Malacca (also known as Melaka), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 600 years of history under Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. You’ll start at St. Peter’s Church, the oldest Christian church still in use in Malaysia today, before seeing the 16th-century Portuguese ‘Porta de Santiago’ fortress and more on your way to Bukit China’s vast 17th-century cemetery. Your final stop will be the Stadthuys or ‘Red Square,’ so-called for the iconic salmon-red hue of its buildings, before you slow things down with a scenic 40-minute cruise along the Malacca River, passing by heritage buildings, museums and traditional fishing villages. After that, you’ll continue on a walking-tour to the ancient Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, before visiting the UNESCO-listed Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, the Christ Church, and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Later on, wander past antique shops down Jonker Street, before returning to the hotel and spending your evening at leisure.

Days 3-4: Kuala Lumpur

Today you’ll return to Kuala Lumpur, a bustling metropolis where ancient temples and colonial-era buildings brush shoulders with soaring skyscrapers like the famous Petronas Twin Towers. After snapping some pictures of the surrounding countryside on your way here, prepare to discover the Malaysian capital with an action-packed city tour - there’s no better place to start than with a ride up to the Sky Deck of the 421-metre KL Tower, a fixture on the Kuala Lumpur skyline with great views of the city and Klang Valley. Next, take in landmarks like the King’s Palace, Petronas Twin Towers and the Parliament Building, before visiting the Thien Hou Temple to see elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism intertwine in a grand old-meets-new structure. After that, you’ll head into the city centre to explore Independence Square, the glittering Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Old Federal Court, before ticking off the city’s magnificent Old Railway Station, Tudor-style Cricket Club and National Mosque. Round it off with a stroll through the Central Market, perhaps picking up a few of its famous handicrafts and batiks before returning to your hotel.

You’ll have the following day to spend as you wish, and in the evening you’ll get to visit the buzzing night markets of Chinatown, testing your bargaining skills, visiting the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, and savouring a traditional Chinese dinner in the famous Old China Café.

Day 5: Cameron Highlands

After breakfast, say goodbye to Kuala Lumpur as you head for the Cameron Highlands, famed for their spellbinding scenery and world-renowned tea. On the way, you’ll visit the beautiful limestone formations of the Batu Caves, before continuing northwards past the spectacular Lata Iskandar Waterfall towards the highlands, perched at 1542 metres above sea level. Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to visit a tea plantation and wander through a local vegetable market, before settling down at your hotel.

Day 6: Ipoh - Kuala Kangsar - Pangkor Laut

Take in magical panoramas as you leave the Cameron Highlands and continue your journey towards Ipoh, stopping to admire the impressive artworks, Buddha statues and rock formations of the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple on the way. After lunch at a local eatery, your next stop will be Kuala Kangsar, an enchanting royal town where must-see highlights include the magnificent Iskandariah Palace and the Ubudiah Mosque, considered one of Malaysia’s most beautiful thanks to its lavish marble bands and gleaming golden domes. You’ll end the day at Lumut jetty, ready for a ferry transfer to your dreamy resort in Pangkor Laut.

Days 7-8/11: Pangkor Laut

After a whirlwind tour of Malaysia’s highlights, unwind in five-star style on the private island of Pangkor Laut, a haven of tranquillity where lush rainforests give way to pristine beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. Spend your days snoozing on a hammock and gazing out across Emerald Bay, hunkering down in your luxurious private villa, or pampering yourself with a treatment at one of the world’s finest spas.

Day 9/12: Kuala Lumpur

Bid farewell to your private island paradise as you hop on the ferry back to Lumut Jetty, ready for an overland trip back to Kuala Lumpur to catch your return flight home.