PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

The capital of Kuala Lumpur is a city of surprising contrasts where the ancient eastern influences are rapidly being dwarfed by western technology and wide spread urbanization. All of our trips to Kuala Lumpur include a tour which highlights the architecture of the modern Infokraf Center and original Central Market with a stop at the Negara Mosque . Chinatown is filled with busy markets, small shops and family restaurants. Stroll the open-air markets for shopping and feasting, in particular explore the Sunday Market (which actually takes place late Saturday night) with its excellent selection of batik sarongs, Kelantan silverware and earthenware pottery .

Just outside Kuala Lumpur, We can arrange for a special visit to the Batu Caves , the site of the annual Thaipusan Festival where pilgrims carry their deity deep within the Cathedral Cave. With the arrival of colonial merchants, Malacca emerged as an important trading seaport along the Straits of Malacca. Take an historical tour of Malacca for a taste of her former power and glory, seen most prominently in the colonial buildings around Dutch Square (the oldest dates from 1650) and the most famous of which has been converted into the Malacca History Museum .

The colonists first established the Hill Stations of Malaysia as cool retreats from the heat of the coastal areas. While some retain their old world charm, others are more sophisticated with modern resort facilities. The largest of these hill stations is located in the chocolate hills of the Cameron Highlands which reach altitudes of 6,000 feet and is home to the descendants of Malaysia's first peoples. Rolling foothills with tea plantations and fruit/vegetable gardens dominate the landscape with sweeping views of the coastline. We can arrange for visits to tea production and processing centers as well as guided nature walks in this pristine environment. Closer to Kuala Lumpur, Maxwell Hill is covered in sunflowers, daisies and marigolds yet still relatively few tourists. At over 5,000 feet, the Genting Highlands have been carved into the clouds.this modern hill resort boast's Malaysia's only casino, an 18 hole golf course and horse ranch.

As the capital of Kelantan culture, Kota Bahru in the Land of Giant Kites takes you back to the slow pace of life just blowing in the breeze. Our trips include visits the Istana Balai Besar, the palace of the Kelantanese royal family, or escapes to the nearby white sand beaches. Moving south, we can arrange for a stop in Kuala Terengganu , lapped by the warm surf of the South China Sea and dotted with small picturesque village along the coast. The markets in Kuala Terengganu are known for their traditional crafts and exquisite Songket cloth, skillfully woven with silver and gold thread. Further south on the east coast, we recommend a visit to Rantau Abang where you can observe the annual summer migration of giant leatherback turtles that come ashore, dig a hole and lay their eggs before returning to the sea. Kuantan is a tropical paradise where you can enjoy excursions to magical Lake Chini covered with lotus blossoms or explore the wild Taman Negara National Park , one of the world's oldest rainforests. Our most popular trips feature a riverboat journey deep into the jungle, home to fish eagles and kingfishers that hover above the rivers and waterways, forest deer and wild horned pigs that frolic deep in the bush, and the long-tailed macaques that swing in the canopy. 

We can arrange for all your travel needs when visiting the Islands of Malaysia . Mersing is the point of departure to the volcanic islands in the South China Sea. Our Island Programs feature the largest and most spectacular of these, Tioman Island , surrounded by clear blue water, colorful coral reefs and beautiful sun drenched beaches. Just off the northwest coast of the peninsula are the famed tropical isles of Penang and Langkawi. Our trips begin with a tour of Georgetown , the capital city of Penang , and a walk through the jumble of narrow streets, small shops and excellent restaurants before heading to the resorts of the north shore. Penang Hill makes for a nice day trip.a peaceful community of small farmers set among the flowering hillslopes. Ride on the funicular railway or walk up the jungle paths to the peak for stunning views of the northern straits. For idyllic cruises, romantic sunsets and secluded waterfalls, the island of Langkawi is a collection of 99 limestone islands accessible from Penang or even Phuket in Thailand. Off the west coast just north of Kuala Lumpur, we strongly suggest several star-studded nights of pampering at the exclusive Pangkor Laut , home to yellow pied hornbills, white breasted sea eagles, and crab-eating macaque monkeys.

BORNEO
Another world, isolated for so long, the island of Borneo still retains the romance and lure that it did for its first explorers. We can assist you in planning a custom-designed trip to Sabah and Sarawak-the states of Malaysian Borneo-for the ultimate adventure into the hinterland of Southeast Asia.

Sabah: Land Below the Wind
Let us guide you through the numerous water villages on stilts in the capital of Sabah to observe daily life in the fascinating communities of Kota Kinabalu . We encourage you to explore the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park consisting of five islands that feature vibrant coral reefs and unsurpassed diving/snorkeling. For those who prefer land, a guided nature walk is perfect for observing exotic wildlife such as pangolin, anteaters and strange bearded pigs. Mt. Kinabalu at 13,450 feet is the highest peak in Southeast Asia and has long been revered as the resting place of the dead. Our knowledgeable local guides will introduce you to the over 1,500 species of orchids, 26 species of rhododendrons and the carnivorous pitcher plant that reside on the slopes of this sacred mountain. Take a dip in the nearby soothing Poring Hotsprings or a breathtaking canopy walk suspended high above the forest floor.

Sandakan
On the northeast coast of Borneo is the gateway for visits to the parks and sanctuaries of Sabah. Not to be missed is a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary , a successful rehabilitation center established to teach orphans self-sufficiency until their return to the wild. Our trips also include a tour of Selingan Island , commonly referred to as Turtle Island, where you can explore the coral reefs by day and observe the green and hawksbill turtle come ashore to lay their eggs each evening. A canoe trip up the Kinabatangas River is a leisurely way to take a closer look at the endangered long-nosed proboscis monkeys in this newly created wildlife reserve.

Sarawak: Land of the Hornbills
Our programs begin in the capital Kuching , a charming town on the Sarawak River and point of departure into the interior of Borneo. Kuching's attractions include its open air markets, the former palace of the White Rajah and the Sarawak Museum with its excellent collection of native arts and crafts. We can make special arrangements to visit Bako National Park , a coastal nature sanctuary known for its long-tailed macaque, sambar deer and numerous species of flightless birds. With over 6,000 acres of forest and stunning limestone formations, Niah National Park is worth exploring for its spectacular caves and unique wildlife. On occasion we can make arrangements to visit an ongoing archeological dig where artifacts from the Paleolithic period have recently been discovered.

We have designed programs that explore the newly established Mulu National Park by boat-cruise along the underground rivers and caverns for a most interesting perspective on Borneo. Further into the hinterland lie the fabled longhouses of the Iban . Our adventure journeys allow you to observe the ritual of these former headhunters, now experienced blowpipe hunters, and their traditional animated war dances. Extended journeys up the Rejang River by longtail boat take you deep into the jungle and allow you to participate in Iban daily life.

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-415-446-5252 or 1-800-330-8820