Arrive to Penang International Airport, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

NOTE we will collect you from the airport whatever time you arrive - day or night. 

There is no programme on Arrivals Day - our guests come from all over the world.

Hotel check-in time is in line with hotel policy, typically 2.00 pm.

Indian traders have been coming to this region for close to a thousand years, with Chinese merchants arriving many centuries ago as well. Arab traders were visiting Southeast Asia from the 7th and 8th centuries, establishing trading links long before the widespread adoption of Islam, and later played an important role in sharing the religion through the region. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, large-scale migration of Chinese and Indian labourers took place under British colonial rule, further shaping Malaysia’s cultural landscape.

The streets of George Town offer a fascinating blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, and the city is well known for its spirit of religious harmony. This is beautifully illustrated along the Street of Harmony, where places of worship for Islam, Taoism, Hinduism, and Christianity stand close together.

We begin our exploration of Malaysia with a walking tour of Penang, uncovering the layers of history that also help explain its remarkable food culture.

Lunch will be a spectacular yum cha.

After an afternoon break, we’ll meet again to dive into the lively night market street food scene together.

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Today we step away from the bustle of George Town and head to a spice garden. It’s a wonderful chance to learn about the spices that first drew traders to these shores, and to deepen our understanding of the flavours that shaped Malaysia’s food culture.

We’ll gather recipes, taste fresh ingredients, and enjoy creating a delicious lunch together surrounded by tropical abundance.

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Today we head to Brinchang in the Cameron Highlands, travelling via Ipoh. Along the way we’ll stop to explore some of Ipoh’s beautiful temples, a fine way to build an appetite before sampling one of the city’s Hakka-inspired local specialities.

From there we continue into the cooler air of the Cameron Highlands, known for misty hills, tea plantations, and strawberries.

We arrive in time for the famous street food night market, where dinner becomes an adventure of browsing, tasting, and choosing. Once we’ve found our gastronomic treasures, we can gather afterwards to compare notes and share what we’d most recommend.

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A day to explore the local area - let's walk through the beautiful Mossy Forest and explore a tea plantation.

The area is picturesque and well loved for hiking, bring your walking shoes and we could visit Robinson Falls or take it easy and relax.

The afternoon can bring showers so a rain jacket or umbrella is a good idea.

Let's try out the best recommendations at the night market tonight.

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Kuala Lumpur is often spoken of as a street food mecca, with a vibrant food scene shaped by the many cultures that call the city home. 

From bustling hawker stalls and late-night markets to long-loved local favourites, it is a place where eating well is part of daily life.

Le'ts head to the Big Smoke for a few days of exploration and tasting our way through its rich intermingled history.

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I am told if you are lucky you might even find the stall that sells butod (sago worm)!! A local delicacy.

Sightseeing on the way back to town, we’ll stop at the Buddhist Shrine in Bau Limestone Cave.

The serene Buddha statue was first discovered by several indigenous boys near the Sungai Lundu. The statue’s origins remain a mystery - it’s believed to have drifted from a neighbouring country after being swept out to sea during the 2012 Indian Ocean tsunami. Based on its appearance, some suggest it may have come from as far away as Thailand.

Wind Cave

The cave was named named after the constant cool breeze that blows throughout the cavern. Wind Cave is a series of three unlit tubular, smooth limestone cave, formed roughly 60 million years ago during the Jurassic-Cretaceous period, the age of dinosaurs.

There is a broadwalk to traverse the cave.

Bau and Malaysia's Goldrush.

We pass by Bau on our drive, many stories surround Bau.

1837 saw a raid by a local tribe - the Skrang Ibans killing 2000 men and taking 1000 women captive.  In 1841 James Brooke, who was then the newly installed White Rajah of Sarawak, was able to rescue some of the women taken captive. Each year on 1 May, descendants of the survivors of the 1837 massacre hold Jagoi-Bratak Day on top of Bratak Hill in Bau in memory of their ancestors.  

The Chinese first began gold mining in Bau in the 1800s and it is still mined to this day.

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Bidayuh Longhouse visit and later Orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve

The Bidayuh were historically known as the "Land Dayak" and were associated with headhunting. 

However, headhunting was officially terminated by James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak, in the 20th century. 

The name "Land Dayak" was a term used during Brooke's time, and since 2002, the term "Bidayuh" has been the official and legally recognized name for the people.

Headhunting was a common practice among many Dayak groups, including the Bidayuh and the Iban, before it was outlawed. 

Whilst I am keen to learn new crafts - the preservation of said heads is not on our list of activities - haha - could not resist the joke!

In Sarawak, the north-western region of the island of Borneo, the first "White Rajah" James Brooke and his descendants established a dynasty. They eradicated headhunting in the hundred years before World War II

WWII era: Headhunting was revived among native populations during the Japanese occupation of British Borneo, with groups like the Iban being involved.

Post-WWII era: The practice continued into the post-war period, notably during the communist insurgency in Sarawak and what was then Malaya, and during the Indonesian Confrontation in the 1960s. The Iban were noted for this and were later recognized as capable rangers and trackers during military operations.

At the Longhouse we will meet a talentred local beader - she will demonstrate how she puts her beautiful necklaces together.

We will have a lunch of local flavours and get to try a blowpipe as well!

Semenggoh Nature Reserve

Semenggoh is a nature reserve & primate rehabilitation center sheltering orangutans & many bird species.

Hopefully we will 'meet' some Orangutangs at the afternoon feeding. 

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Borneo Cultures Museum houses a fantastic display of exhibits that cover the region's culture, history, and natural heritage.

In the afternoon we are visiting local NGO - Tanoti. It is a social enterprise founded in 2012 with the purpose of empowering rural communities and women through textile and weaving craft. 

So much to see and stories to hear, we will enjoy a workshop to weave a coaster in rattan as well.

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Our adventure really starts today, we drive to the north east of Kuching and by lunchtime will transfer to 4x4 vehicles to complete the last leg of our journey to the remote Iban village of Rumah Garie.

We are guests of the village and will be staying in the village Longhouse.

Iban people live in a communal Longhouse - it is a wooden structure built on stilts, with one side sectioned off into a row of separate family rooms and the other used an open social area and meeting space. If another Iban native or family arrives to join the community then the house is simply elongated to accommodate them, hence its name. 

We are here to learn from the Dream Weavers or weavers of Pua Kumbu - the Iban people's traditional and sacred ikat woven textile.

The surrounding forest provides the colours to dye these textiles and we will participate in all the steps from forest to cloth.

As part of the village we can help harvest vegetables for dinner, prepare food and enjoy a dip in the local river.

At some stage in our visit we will head out in local canoes to visit a nearby Longhouse.

Our time will fit into the rhythms of our village hosts.

NOTE:  during our village stay we are guests of the chief and will sleep in the Long House communal style. 

There are no single bed rooms - we will have a comfortable mattress and fresh clean bed linen.

This is a remote village - there is access to elecrticity to charge devices, internet is not reliable.

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Depaturers from Kuching International Airport, Sarawak, Malaysia

We will drop you to meet your flight anytime day or night.

Hotel check-out time is in line with hotel policy.

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NOTE:

 Rumah Garis is a remote village - our group will sleep in the Chiefs House in a communal room.

Thyere is power to charge your gear, internet is not reliable.

Physical Fitness for Sightseeing 

This adventure is designed for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3 to 4 hours a day - sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and a few flights of stairs. 

Getting in and out of local transport and navigating occasional over-the-bath showers may also be part of the journey.

If you’re up for a bit of daily movement and love immersing yourself on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour. 

Just a heads-up - it is not be the best match for those who like to take things very slowly or need lots of rest stops along the way.

NOTE:  during our village stay we are guests of the chief and will sleep in the Long House communal style. 

There are no single bed rooms - we will have a comfortable mattress and fresh clean bed linen.

This is a remote village - there is access to elecrticity to charge devices, internet is not reliable.

NOTE - This is a food-centred tour, and we plan to sample the full range of Malaysian delicacies. As such, it might be a challenge to cope with dietary restrictions and allergies - please talk to us first to make an informed choice.

Etiquette

• Be mindful of people’s privacy when taking photos

• Taking photos of people – how would you feel with a camera in your face?

• A good approach – say hello first; if it feels right, ask for a photo

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

• Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites (shoulders and knees covered)

• Shoes off when entering homes and many religious spaces

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Workshops

• Small sewing kit – needles are supplied, though your own may suit you better

• Our hosts enjoy seeing your sewing kit and anything you’ve made

Art / Sketch

• A suggested materials list will be provided for sketching tours

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Food

• Food is central to culture – we are here to try it

• Group meals are shared, with a range of dishes and local specialties

• A mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences – lots of variety

• Vegetarian – generally easy, especially in towns and cities

• Vegan – possible with some awareness (fish sauce, shrimp paste used in some dishes)

• Onion/garlic-free – can be challenging

• Wheat-free – manageable; rice is a staple

• Dairy-free – easy; dairy is not central to most meals

• Breakfast varies – often savoury (rice, noodles), not just bread

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Power

• 240 volts

• UK-style 3-pin plug (Type G)

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Health

• Drink filtered or bottled water – avoid tap water for drinking

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – widely available

• Bring insect repellent and sunscreen

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Money

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• ATMs are widely available

• Cash – useful for markets and smaller vendors

• Credit cards – widely accepted in cities, less so in smaller places

Currency

• Malaysian Ringgit

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Shopping

• There are treasures to find – textiles, batik, crafts, local products

• Fixed pricing is common in shops and malls

• Bargaining may happen in markets, but less intense than in some countries

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Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• Large suitcases are harder to manage

• Buying luggage on the road is possible in cities, but not always convenient

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

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Weather

• Warm and humid year-round

• Expect heat and humidity most days

• Occasional tropical rain – an umbrella or light rain jacket is useful

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Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable layers work best

• 3–4 outfits are usually sufficient

• Modesty: generally relaxed, but dress more conservatively in rural areas and religious sites

• A light scarf is useful for sun, air conditioning, or mosque visits

• Air conditioning can be cold indoors – a light layer helps

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

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Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or sandals)

• Easy to slip on/off shoes are useful for temple and home visits

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Laundry

• Any 2-night stop is a good opportunity

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Fitness

• Frequent stops, getting on/off transport

• Walking required – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Heat and humidity can make walking feel more demanding

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Begging

• Not a major feature, but best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can direct it appropriately

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Tipping

• Not expected, but appreciated

• Small services (bags, housekeeping) – small tips welcome

• Guides and drivers – tip as you feel appropriate

• A small group contribution at the end for driver/guide works well

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Environment

• Step lightly – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic where you can

• Bring a cloth carry bag