
Malaysia by Public Transport
Discover Malaisie in complete freedom, from Malacca to the heights of Cameron Highlands, traveling like the locals.
Duration
12 days
From
€1,175/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
A self-guided itinerary connecting Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Ipoh and Penang by bus, funicular and on foot. You explore colonial quarters, temples, caves, tea hills and lush hills, while enjoying comfortable accommodations and numerous free visits to discover each stage at your own pace.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary

Welcome to Malacca!
Upon your arrival in Malaisie, your driver welcomes you at the airport and then takes you to Malacca. After approximately two hours of driving, you reach your hotel and take time to settle in.

Free Day in the Heart of Malacca
Located at the strategic crossroads of maritime routes connecting the China Sea to the Indian Ocean, Malacca bears witness to a past marked by Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. This mixture of histories has shaped a unique cultural identity that you perceive at every street corner.
During this free day, stroll at your own pace through the Chinatown district. Its lively alleys, traditional houses, shops and cafes make it one of the most pleasant neighborhoods to discover on foot.
Take the time to visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest active Chinese temple in Malaisie. Its refined architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it an unmissable destination in the city.
Continue your discovery with the ruins of St. Paul's Church and the Kampong Kling Mosque, two emblematic sites that illustrate the richness of cultural influences that shaped Malacca. Exploration is easily done on foot, with no need for a driver.

Malacca, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur
You are leaving this morning the port city of Malacca and resuming your journey towards Kuala Lumpur by bus.
On the way, you stop in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaisie, located about twenty kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. You take the opportunity to visit the Putra Mosque, whose colorful architecture contrasts with the modern urban landscape surrounding it.
At the end of the day, you reach your accommodation in Kuala Lumpur.

Free Discovery in Kuala Lumpur
Take advantage of this free day to organize your activities as you wish and continue exploring Kuala Lumpur. Start your walk with a visit to the Masjid Jamek mosque, one of the city's historic mosques. Then continue on foot through the streets of Little India and Chinatown, two districts with particular charm and lively atmosphere.
In the afternoon, head to Merdeka Square, the independence square, for another stage of your discovery of the capital.
At the end of the day, you can choose to go up to the top of Menara Tower, which reaches 421 meters, to enjoy a different viewpoint over Kuala Lumpur.
In the evening, dine in one of the city's many restaurants, then take time to admire the Petronas towers illuminated as night falls.

Free Excursion to Batu Caves
After breakfast, set off for a half-day visit dedicated to the famous Batu Caves. Your morning begins with a stop at Royal Selangor Pewter, which houses a modern tin factory of international renown, known for the quality of its creations and its craftsmanship.
You then continue to a batik factory, where you discover how patterns are designed and then printed on fabric, step by step.
The final stop of this excursion takes you to the limestone hills of Batu Caves, a rocky outcrop that houses a Hindu temple dedicated to Murugan, son of Shiva and brother of Ganesh. Batu Cave is also an important pilgrimage site for Hindus during the "Thaipusam" festival.
At the end of the visit, you return to your hotel.

Towards the Heights of Cameron Highlands
Kuala Lumpur → Cameron Highlands
Today, you head northwest towards the state of Perak by bus. Enjoy the journey to Cameron Highlands, one of the country's most extensive hill stations, consisting of a series of villages spread along the main roads.
Situated at approximately 1,800 metres altitude, this mountain destination has retained an English-inspired atmosphere, with its verdant hills dotted with chalets, farms and golf courses.
Upon arrival, take time to appreciate the fresh and invigorating air of the highlands.
The evening is free.

Exploration of the Mossy Forest
This morning, your day is dedicated to discovering the "Mossy Forest" of Cameron Highlands. To access it, you leave your vehicle and board a van. You then take a road leading to over 2,000 meters in altitude, surrounded by tea plantations that extend all around, forming beautiful shades of green. Accompanied by your guide, you set out to explore this "moss forest" and its tropical plants.
You finish the morning with a visit to the Sungei Palas "BOH" factory, one of the most famous dedicated to tea.

Caves and Flavors of Ipoh
You take a short bus ride to reach Ipoh. Along the way, the landscapes unfold between rocky peaks, waterfalls and hot water springs.
Along the way, landscapes unfold between rocky peaks, waterfalls and hot springs. Upon arrival, you settle into the hotel, then enjoy a free visit to the city.
You enjoy a free day in Ipoh, without a driver, with transport to be arranged by yourself.
A half-day is dedicated to visiting the caves of Ipoh. The first stop is at the Sam Poh Tong cave temple, one of the oldest and most famous temples in the city. You can admire numerous Buddhist statues and altars, as well as a Chinese garden with a turtle pond, also offering beautiful photo opportunities. The visit continues at the Kek Lok Tong cave temple, known for its impressive golden Buddha statues and natural setting. Behind the temple, a peaceful zen garden and lotus pool invite you to a quieter moment, in a serene atmosphere.
During this stop, we recommend you taste the famous Tau Fu Fah, a sweet soy pudding, or savour a typical Ipoh white coffee. Overnight at The Weil hotel.

Ipoh, a walk through colonial heritage
Free day in Ipoh. The driver is not available; exploring the city is at your own pace.
We suggest you start with the train station, an elegant colonial structure built in 1917 by architect Arthur Bennison Hubback. In an annex of the station you will find the Majestic Hotel, which locals affectionately call the "Taj Mahal of Ipoh".
Opposite the station are the Town Hall and Ipoh Post Office, present since World War I, as well as the Royal Ipoh Club (established in 1895) and, nearby, St Michael's Institution.
Continue to the Padang Mosque, built in 1908, whose Mughal architecture bears similarities to Delhi's Red Fort. The construction of this mosque was financed by a Tamil Muslim businessman, Shaik Adam. Near the Padang (central field) you will also find the FMS (Federated Malay State Bar and Restaurant), a very old local restaurant established in 1923.
The Ipoh Padang also deserves a visit. It was created to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1898. During the Japanese occupation, all government office staff in Ipoh gathered here to participate in a salute and allegiance ceremony. On May 31, 1962, the Sultan of Perak declared the formation of Ipoh Municipality here.
The visit continues at the Birch Memorial, built in 1909 to commemorate the first British resident of Perak, then to Ipoh Mosque, also known as Sultan Idris II Mosque.
Finally, you head to Concubine or Panglima Lane, a narrow alley in old Ipoh, established in 1908. Once a residential area where wealthy Chinese and British officers and businessmen kept their concubines and mistresses in townhouses, the neighbourhood was also notorious for gambling, prostitution and opium. Today, the alley has been transformed into a tourist enclave of shops and cafés, and is a must-visit for Ipoh visitors. There are many local restaurants to explore and discover the various specialties, cuisines and snacks the city is famous for.

Georgetown, Cultural Mosaic of Penang
After breakfast, you head towards Penang by bus. Along the way, you make a first stop in Ipoh to discover the Kek Lok Tong Temple, built into the rock. You then continue towards Kuala Kangsar to admire the Ubudiah Mosque as well as the royal palace.
Upon your arrival in Penang, you will settle into your hotel. The rest of the day is free, an opportunity to start familiarizing yourself with the atmosphere of the island, which holds many beautiful discoveries.
This day is dedicated to discovering George Town, the capital of the island and a true multicultural mosaic listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A former key port on Asia's trade routes, Penang brings together a mixed population composed of Chinese, Indians, Malays, Thais, Burmese, English and merchants from the Middle East. You will visit the emblematic places of the city: Fort Cornwallis on the seafront, The Blue Mansion « The Blue Mansion » on Leith Street (advance booking is recommended, please contact us), as well as the Khoo Kongsi Chinese mansion. Stroll around and admire the murals: street art is now part of Georgetown's cultural heritage. For lunch, you can enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and cafés in the city; we recommend the food court at New World Park.

Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill
Transport arrangements are to be organized by yourself, as this circuit is done using public transport. Today, you head west of the city to visit the Kek Lok Si Temple. This grand Buddhist complex in Penang, whose construction began in the early twentieth century, has developed over the decades by combining Chinese, Thai and Burmese architectural influences.
At the heart of the site stands a bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy, installed on a hill overlooking the temple. It is surrounded by gardens, decorated pavilions and stupas, creating an atmosphere conducive to contemplation. As you climb the zigzag stairs leading to the statue, you enjoy clear views over the Penang region. At each turn, decorative elements and intricate details bear witness to the care taken in this place of worship. Kek Lok Si is both a religious site and a community gathering space where the faithful come to pray, meditate and celebrate Buddhist festivals, also attracting visitors from many backgrounds.
You then continue to Penang Hill, also called Bukit Bendera. This hill, which rises to approximately 833 meters in altitude, offers a cooler break compared to the heat of George Town. To reach the summit, you can take the funicular, an electric mountain train that climbs along the slope through the tropical forest, or choose hiking for a more active approach.
Once at the summit, you enjoy views over Penang Island, the Strait of Malacca and, on clear days, the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. Penang Hill is home to several points of interest: observation pavilion, botanical gardens, walking trails and restaurants serving local and international dishes.
You can also explore The Habitat for a nature walk. The more temperate climate, lighter air and tranquility of the place make it a site appreciated by locals and travelers seeking relaxation. Sunsets here are particularly noteworthy and attract many visitors.

See you soon in Malaisie!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Visa fees.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide (rates vary depending on the number of days and sites, please contact us).
- International airport taxes.
- International flights (you can consult our list of travel agencies offering flight-only packages).
- Tourism tax (10 MYR, approximately €2 per room per night).
- Tips, which are part of the local culture.
- Main meals, except those mentioned in the program (expect 2 to 3 € in a local restaurant for a typical meal, and 8 to 20 € per person per meal in a restaurant).
- Beverages and personal expenses.
- Entrance fees, excursions and optional activities.
- Insurance assistance-repatriation.
- Everything not listed in the "what is included" section.
Included
- Assistance from our travel experts 24/7.
- Welcome by your travel expert or by our representative upon your arrival at the airport.
- Government taxes and service fees.
- Day 1 transfers: vehicles equipped with air conditioning, radio, seat belts and fire extinguishers. The price includes petrol, road taxes, parking, vehicle and driver insurance, as well as accommodation and meals for the driver.
- Bus ticket: day 3, 6, 8, 10
- Accommodation (or similar establishment) as mentioned in the program, in double / twin room (twin beds where possible).
- All breakfasts
- Activities with an English-speaking local guide: day 7
- Do not include any other elements not mentioned in the quote.
- Site entrance(s): day 7 and 11
- Transport (excursion): day 7
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Malaysia for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Malaysia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the country and have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry to the territory. The authorized length of stay is granted at the discretion of Malaysian immigration authorities at the time of entry.
Authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in the country.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Before your arrival, you must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), a digital entry form implemented by Malaysian authorities.
This document replaces the arrival card previously handed out on the plane and allows you to provide immigration services with certain information necessary for entry to the territory:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in Malaysia
The form must be completed online within three days before your arrival. A digital confirmation or QR code may be requested when passing through immigration.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, a departure authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary according to nationality. Travelers concerned should contact the embassy or consulate of Malaysia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter Malaysia, you must have a valid passport for at least 6 months after your arrival, a return ticket, and complete a digital arrival form (MDAC) online before departure. Visa exemption conditions depend on your nationality. Before booking, check with the Malaysian consular authorities for the rules applicable to your country of residence or citizenship.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €140 and €220 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€700-1,100 return) are additional. Malaysia effectively combines Kuala Lumpur, Borneo, beaches and plantations.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to match travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Professional Association for Tourism Solidarity) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.

Let's talk about your adventure — Kuala Lumpur Surroundings
Malaysian Culture Wanderer, based in New Delhi, Inde
In Penang, every alley tells a story. A mural, the scent of spices, a smile shared: that's often where the real discovery of Malaysia begins.
— David







