Itinerary

Day 1   KUALA LUMPUR - ARRIVAL

Selamat Datang ke Malaysia (welcome to Malaysia)!  Beginning as a mining outpost in the 1800's, Kuala Lumpur has developed into one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in Southeast Asia.  "KL", as the locals call it, is a city where modern skyscrapers sit next to 100-year-old buildings, and where wide highways give way to bustling by-ways, narrow alleys and bazaars.  On arrival, our Adventure Leaders will meet you at the airport.  In the early afternoon, we'll have our group orientation meeting at a popular local vegetarian food center.  In a traditional Malaysian "hawker" style setting you'll have the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers while enjoying a plethora of traditional vegan goodies - the variety and tastiness of the dishes they cook up here is unbeatable anywhere in KL!  After the meeting, without hesitation we'll jump right in for your first taste of KL - journeying out to the sacred Hindu Batu Caves, where once a year devotees flock piercing their bodies with skewers and hooks in a sign of piety.  From the caves, we'll venture back into the city heading to the top of the Menara KL - the 4th largest tower in the world.  As the sun sets, we'll visit the vibrant Saturday pasar malam (night market).  One of KL's liveliest and very popular among the locals; stalls line a narrow alley as far as the eye can see selling everything from Malay savories to Indonesian herbal remedies.  After taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the pasar malam, we'll take a relaxing stroll through the colorfully lit Merdeka Square, site of the lowering of the Union Jack and once the center of British Administration in Malaysia, before settling down for a tasty Chettiar dinner.  (Snacks, Dinner)


Day 2   KUALA LUMPUR

Selamat Pagi (Good Morning)! Following a traditional Malaysian vegan breakfast at a tasty local vegetarian food market, we'll head out into the heart of KL beginning with a visit to Masjid Negara, the National Mosque of Malaysia and one of South East Asia's largest. As special guests of the masjid (mosque), we'll be introduced by Islamic scholars to Islam and the influence of Islam in Malay culture and on the country as a whole. In addition, you'll have a chance to ask the scholars any questions you may have about Islam before we get a personalized tour of the beautiful and serene Masjid Negara. From here, we'll meet up with our friend Stevie and explore the city's streets learning about its rich history from its beginning as a wild frontier-mining town to the present nation's capital. Born and raised in KL, Stevie will show us his hometown from a local's a point of view as we explore the city's winding backstreets, narrow alleys and colorful bazaars. We'll also take a stroll through KL's much-celebrated China Town - a jumble of narrow lanes that bustles with life as street traders sell everything from roasted chestnuts and t-shirts to fresh fruits and knock-off Rolex watches. KL's China Town is also known for its excellent Chinese food so while we're here we'll sit down for an authentic Malaysian-Chinese vegan feast at a local vegetarian eatery. In the late afternoon, we'll head back to the hotel where you'll have time to freshen up and relax before we meet up in the evening for a delicious vegan dinner. Make sure you bring your appetite and be ready to eat!  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 3   TIOMAN ISLAND

We begin our day with a hearty vegan breakfast at the local vegetarian food market before heading by the local morning bus across the scenic Southern Malaysian peninsula - home to forests, small Malay villages - and many of Malaysia's palm oil plantations. We arrive in the afternoon at a sleepy coastal town on the South China Sea where we'll have a tasty South Indian-Malay fusion lunch before catching our boat to the tropical isle of Pulau Tioman. Located 2 hours by boat off the coast in the South China Sea, Tioman is a lush tropical island boasting sun drenched beaches, marine life rich, crystal clear waters and a dense interior rainforest that's home to over 141 species of birds and wildlife including the elusive mouse deer, brush tail porcupines, giant squirrels, monkeys and a variety of reptiles. We'll be staying on the beach in cabanas nestled at the edge of the island's thick jungle with breathtaking views of the South China Sea. After settling into our seaside cabanas and freshening up, we'll meet on the beach for some refreshing sundowners before sitting down for a delightful vegan dinner of local island delicacies.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 4   TIOMAN ISLAND

Today we'll hop aboard a local village boat to explore the stunning underwater life around the uninhabited islands located off Tioman's coral reef laden coast.  Without a doubt, snorkeling is a must as Tioman is a protected marine wildlife refuge that is home to sea turtles, blue spotted stingrays, moray eels, Napoleon fish, angelfish, butterfly fish, parrotfish, clownfish, damsels and beautiful black tip reef sharks.  Leaving in the morning after our morning yoga on the beach and a hearty breakfast, we'll spend the morning and afternoon exploring the sea life around the islands.  Lunch today will be aboard our boat in a calm isolated cove with crystal-clear blue water. Because of the tides and currents, sometimes plastic bags and other debris are washed out to sea from the shore and get caught on the reefs.  This debris, especially plastic bags - can pose a serious danger for the underwater life (including being very hazardous to sea turtles) that call the reef and surrounding sea their home.  This said, during our snorkeling trips we also like to incorporate reef clean-ups whenever possible which your adventure leaders will explain before the start of each snorkeling expedition.  After lunch on board the boat, we'll get in some more snorkeling before making the journey back to our beach huts where you'll have time to relax and freshen up.  In the early evening, we'll meet for thirst-quenching sundowners on the beach while watching sunset over the South China Sea.  After sunset, we'll sit down for a tasty vegan dinner at a nearby cafe.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 5   TIOMAN ISLAND

Another day in paradise!  After yoga on the beach and a hearty vegan breakfast, we'll set out to the other side of the island where we'll spend the day helping out at a local turtle sanctuary.  One of only a few turtle sanctuaries within Malaysia, the refuge provides a safe nesting area for sea turtles where recently laid eggs and hatchlings are protected from predators before being released into the sea.  The sea turtle populations in Malaysia, as they are in many other parts of the world, are seriously under threat and their numbers in the wild have deteriorated drastically.  The sanctuary we'll be helping at today not only provides safe havens for turtles to lay their eggs so the eggs and hatchlings are given a fighting chance, but they also help by encouraging the local population to protect these beautiful creatures as well as educating those from the mainland on the importance of protecting their natural heritage.  This helps to provide the turtles (as well as other lovely sea creatures) a better chance of survival.  In addition, the sanctuary also helps to encourage local organic farming on the island, as most food supplies are currently brought over from the mainland by boats.  This helps lessen the burden to the environment from shipping in supplies that can be grown locally and assists in helping the local island population become more self-sustainable.  Today we'll help at the sanctuary as well as in their organic farm - including making our lunch from freshly farmed organic veggies!  After spending the morning and early afternoon at the sanctuary, we'll head back, trekking through the thick lush tropical jungle that makes up the majority of the island's interior until we arrive in the main village where we'll take boats back to our beach huts.  You'll have time to freshen up and relax before we meet up in the evening after sunset where we'll learn a bit about the amazing variety of nocturnal sea critters; then putting on our gear and arming up with underwater lights - we'll head out into the sea for some night snorkeling! Coming back ashore, we'll freshen up then have a late dinner before settling down under the stars, with sea breezes and the sound of the calm waves gently lapping the beach, to enjoy a refreshing seaside nightcap.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 6   TIOMAN ISLAND

Our last full day on the island - today we'll set back out to explore the underwater world as well as the island's thick tropical jungle interior teeming with life.  After yoga on the beach, we'll hop aboard our boat and head down the coast to Renggis Island for some great snorkeling around its rocks and reefs.  Pulau Renggis is known for its diverse variety of marine life including the attractive and sleeky black-tip reef sharks - which if we're lucky, we'll see and be able to share the sea with today.  After snorkeling, we head further south down the coast by boat to the southern most tip of Tioman where we'll have a picnic lunch on shore before hiking back along the jungles edge to the refreshing spring fed Asah Falls.  Here, we'll have plenty of time to swim and enjoy the peaceful jungle surroundings.  After cooling off at the falls, we'll get back on our boat and head out to our beach bungalows where you'll have time to relax and freshen up.  Later, as the sunsets over the South China Sea, we'll meet up on the beach for some always-refreshing sundowners, snacks and a feast of local vegan delicacies for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 7    MELAKA

It's time to say goodbye to the island, as we head to the mainland and, by local bus, to the captivating 600-year-old historical town of Melaka. With it's fascinating past, Melaka is said to be the birthplace of Malaysian history and is known for its mixture of cultures, religions and architecture, which come to life in its colorful streets. Establishing itself centuries ago as a trading center, it attracted merchants from as far as China, Arabia and India and at one time over 88 different languages were spoken. Melaka eventually fell into the hands of European colonialists, with the Portuguese, Dutch and British all laying claim, before Malaysia gained its independence. Stepping back in time we'll be staying in the historical district at an old Baba (Chinese/Malay mix) mansion that's been converted into a hotel. Arriving in Melaka, we'll settle into our rooms and you'll have time to freshen up before we meet in the early evening for a sumptuous dinner where we'll sample some tasty vegan Malaysian Chinese dishes. After dinner, we'll head to Chinatown for Melaka's lively weekend night market where you'll have the evening free to relax and take in the atmosphere, chill-out at a Chinese tea stall or kickback over some live music and a cold beverage at a corner café.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 8    MELAKA

After our morning exercises and a healthy vegan breakfast, we'll jump right into the streets of Melaka getting a glimpse of this old historical town from a local's point of view. Exploring its back alleys, narrow-winding lanes and canals we'll venture out into the centuries-old streets of Melaka visiting its historical houses, local bazaars and shop houses, forts, temples, mosques, churches and madrasas. We'll break our walk to enjoy a traditional banana-leaf style vegan meal for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue to explore old Melaka with all its old world charm before settling down in the early evening for a cultural culinary experience at a local longtime veggie restaurant favorite in the city where we'll learn how to make a delicious local noodle dish and sample some other tasty Nyonya dishes. A centuries old fusion of Malay and Chinese cooking styles, Nyonya cuisine is distinctly Malaysian (Melaka is famous for it) and is not to be missed! After enjoying a Nyonya vegan feast for dinner, we'll head to the lively weekend night market in Melaka's Chinatown.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 9 & 10    KAMPUNG MINANG

While looking at a map, street sign or signboard in Malaysia, you'll often notice the word "kampung". Kampung (sometimes spelt kampong) is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) for village, and during the next couple days - you'll be introduced to "kampung" life in Malaysia as we head inland where we'll be staying well off-the-beaten-track. Saying goodbye to the big city (well - it's really not that big, but in comparison to where we are heading - it's a really big city) and the history of Melaka, we journey out into the countryside to a small village. The area we will be staying in has a very interesting history as it was settled in the 15th century by the Minangkabau people of western Sumatra (Indonesia). The Minangkabau, though Muslim, also practice many of their earlier traditions and their culture has historically been matrilineal - where property, family name and land passes from mother to daughter. Over the next two days we'll learn about Minangkabau village life as we stay as personal guests of a Minang village. Staying with local families in their homes, we'll learn about the Minangkabau people's way of life, their rich traditions, customs and culture. We'll also be guests of a local school, focus on the local agrarian way of life from planting rice in the paddy fields to tapping rubber and learn about the areas rich folk music and dance - where they'll be teaching us some of the traditional steps. We'll, of course, also enjoy plenty of their very tasty cuisine. So make sure you have an appetite and bring your dancing shoes (flip-flops are okay too)!  (Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x2), Dinner (x2))


Day 11    TAMAN NEGARA (NATIONAL PARK)

Saying goodbye to our friends in the village, we hop aboard the local train heading for the primeval jungles of Taman Negara - one of the world's oldest primary rainforests dating back 130 million years! Taman Negara occupies 4,343 square kilometers and consists of thick jungles, pristine rivers and some of the tallest trees in Southeast Asia. Its home to over 14,000 species of plants, 200 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 53 species of fish. Arriving near Tembeling village, we'll continue by longboat on a 3-hour journey up river into the jungle where we'll be staying in wood chalets at a jungle camp nestled on the edge of the river. As the sun sets over this ancient forest, we'll meet up for our jungle orientation meeting with snacks and drinks before sitting down for dinner. After dinner, we set off for a hike into the rainforest to see (and hear) the chorus of creatures who come to life in the night's jungle.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 12    TAMAN NEGARA (NATIONAL PARK)

Our adventure today begins with a canopy walk. Taking the longboat down river to the canopies starting point, we'll ascend to heights of 25-40 meters (approximately 80-130 feet) while we walk along the world's longest canopy walkway (installed without any nails being driven into the trees). Traversing the rainforest from above offers an entirely different perspective from that of walking on the jungle floor. Next, we'll trek through the jungle to the edge of the Tahan River at Lubuk Simpon, where we'll take a refreshing dip before meeting up with our boat and heading back to our chalets near the river. After having lunch back at our jungle camp, we'll set out to further explore the surrounding thick rainforest with its lush green foliage and refreshing rivers and falls. Following a nearby river deep into the jungle, we'll be on the lookout for wild boars, monkeys and horn bills that call the forest their home - as we make our way to a waterfall for a refreshing dip. Returning to our jungle camp to freshen up, we'll meet in the evening for a vegan feast overlooking the jungle while enjoying some great traditional Malay village folk music - so make sure you have plenty of energy, plenty of appetite and bring your dancing shoes (or flip flops)!  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 13    LAKE CHENDEROH

Hopping aboard our local boat, we'll make our way down river where we'll meet our van on the water's edge and begin our journey north up the scenic Malaysian peninsula to Lake Chenderoh. During the journey, be on the lookout for some great scenery including jagged limestone cliffs, countryside fields and quaint Malay towns. We'll arrive at Lake Chenderoh in the early evening. Its waters surrounded by lush jungles and scattered with uninhabited islands, we'll be staying as guests of Aziz and Asiah on the banks of this serene lake in traditional Malay wood chalets built on stilts. Here, we'll enjoy the tranquility, friendliness and adventure of living in the Malaysian countryside on a beautiful lake. After settling in, we'll have time to freshen up before dinner. Make sure you're hungry, as Aziz will be cooking up a vegan Malay-style barbeque dinner (and he does a really great barbeque) near the lake where you'll be introduced to the different local dishes from the area. After dinner, we'll sit down to play a traditional Malay game, which - once you learn it - becomes quite addicting!  (Breakfast, Snack, Dinner)


Day 14   LAKE CHENDEROH

We begin the day by boating across the lake where we'll come ashore and hike through the jungle to a striking waterfall for a refreshing swim. Along the way, we'll learn about local medicinal plants used by the local villages for home remedies, as well as for cooking. After our hike, on the way back to our chalets we'll stop for an herbal rice lunch on one of the lake's many islands. In the afternoon, we'll hop aboard kayaks and set out on the lake to enjoy the peaceful waters of Tasik Chenderoh (Lake Chenderoh) and the flora and fauna along its shore and uninhabited islands. Returning to our chalets, you'll have time to take a swim and freshen up. Then we'll meet for our cooking class where we'll not only learn, but also help Asiah (who is a wonderful chef) cook, tonight's dinner - which will be a combination of some of the tastiest local Malay delicacies found in the State of Perak. After our cooking class, we'll sit down to enjoy our traditional vegan feast, where we will dine - learning about Malay dining etiquette - kampung style! After dinner, we'll unwind sipping on fresh coconuts and tea while we enjoy live Malay village folk music.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 15    MATANG MANGROVE FOREST RESERVE

*15-day Version Note: After breakfast on day 15, you'll take a 3½ hour bus ride back to KL where you'll be met at the bus station and transferred to KLIA. Your adventure ends on arrival at KLIA.

After breakfast, we'll head out for the western coast to the largest mangrove forest in Malaysia - the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve. Hugging the shores of the Melaka Straits, these mangrove swamps are an important habitat for a wide variety of birds, including over 118 local bird species and over 48 migratory bird species - some of which come from as far as Siberia, Mongolia, China and Japan. On the way to the mangroves, we'll stop at Kuala Kangsar. The old royal town of the Perak state, Kuala Kangsar is home to well-preserved old palaces and colorful mosques. After visiting this regal town, we'll continue on to Kuala Gula - a small town at the footsteps of the mangroves. A rich and protected biodiversity area, these mangrove swamps are home not only to a variety of bird species, but also an abundance of other wildlife that live both above and below the water's surface including monkeys, water monitors and other reptiles and a plethora of different fish species. We'll keep our fingers crossed - because if we're lucky, we may even be able to see some of the dolphins that visit the mangroves. After settling into are chalets on the water, we'll set out on local boats to explore the mangroves and learn about the flora and fauna around the swamps. In the evening after the sun has set over the swamps, we'll return to our bungalows where we'll have time to freshen up before joining a local family at their house for a delicious traditional vegan dinner.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 16    PENANG

After four peaceful nights in the Malaysian countryside, two nights in the jungles of Taman Negara and a night along the edge of the mangroves, it's back to the city. But before setting out, we'll hop aboard local boats one more time in the early morning and explore the mangroves. Then, we'll head north to the port city of Butterworth where we'll catch our ferry from the mainland over to Pulau Penang (Penang Island). As we come aboard on Penang Island, we'll journey back to a bygone era settling in at our home for the next two days, the famed Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. The 19th century home of one of the most influential personalities in Malaya dubbed as "China's Rockefeller", the Blue Mansion, as it is commonly known, is located in the heart of the old town and is the winner of the prestigious UNESCO Heritage Award. Then we're off for lunch at a tasty local vegan eatery where we'll enjoy some of Penang's famous - and absolutely delicious, local cuisine. After lunch, you'll have time to freshen up and relax before we meet up with our friends (who just happen to be excellent chefs) for tonight's cooking class where we'll learn to make a full course Nyonya vegan meal. Many say Nyonya cuisine - the unique food developed by the Baba-Nyonya communities in Malaysia and Singapore, is fusion cuisine at its best, and once you've tried it - you'll have a hard time disputing this statement. A combination of Chinese ingredients and Malay spices, Nyonya dishes also tend to vary based on what part of Malaysia you are in. For example, Nyonya dishes in Melaka you will see, because of the Indonesian influence, tend to taste different than those in Penang (which geographically is quite close to Thailand), because of the Thai influence. So tonight, be prepared to roll up your sleeves - as we begin our cooking class where, under the watchful guidance of a great Nyonya chef, we'll not only learn, but also cook tonight's meal. First stop for tonight's cooking class: the local market. Here we'll learn about the traditional local Malaysian bazaar scene and some of the ingredients we'll be using for tonight's meal. As you'll see - the market is literally a haven of herbs and spices where ingredients such as chilly, ginger, mint, cilantro, lemongrass and tamarind are found amongst a colorful selection of spices and countless amounts of freshly farmed veggies. After taking in the local market scene, we'll head to our friend's home where we'll learn how to prepare a delectable Nyonya vegan feast!  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 17    PENANG

*17-day Version Note: After breakfast on day 17, you'll fly back to KL from Penang. Your adventure ends on arrival at KLIA.

Established in 1786 as the first British stronghold in Malaya, Penang soon became a bustling trading outpost attracting merchants from China, India, Thailand, the Middle East, Burma and Europe. The influence of these early settlers is evident in the town's festive celebrations, architecture and culturally diverse neighborhoods. The vegetarian capital of Malaysia, Penang is also home to some excellent vegan eateries. Today we'll step back in time as we meet up with our friends and long time "islanders" who'll show us around their town as we explore historical Georgetown not only visiting its grand Chinese clan houses, temples and vibrant Little India, but also its narrow back alleys, winding lanes and local shop houses. In the late afternoon, we'll return to the Blue Mansion where you'll have time freshen up before we head out on foot for a sunset stroll settling down later after working up a hearty appetite for a yummy vegan "Penang-style" dinner at a popular vegetarian café - so remember to bring your appetite, as Penang is famous for its tasty cuisine!  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 18    LANGKAWI ISLAND

Bidding adieu to Penang, we'll catch the morning ferry across the Andaman Sea to Pulau Langkawi. Consisting of 99 islands whose geological history dates back over 500 million years, Langkawi is home to formidable rock formations, limestone cliffs, sun soaked beaches, waterfalls, rice-paddies and lush jungles. On arrival, we'll sit down for a tasty vegan lunch before heading out to our peaceful seaside inn. Set on a scenic stretch of beach boasting warm and refreshing clear water and a picturesque island-speckled horizon, the inn's rooms open up to a serene lush tropical garden. Checking in, you'll have the afternoon free to relax on the beach, go for a swim or take a stroll through the sleepy island-paced town. As the sun sets into the calm waters of the azure-blue sea, we'll meet up on the beach to enjoy ice-chilled beverages accompanied by a wide variety of traditional local vegan Malaysian dishes.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 19    LANGKAWI ISLAND

After yoga on the beach, we take a scenic drive to the base of Mt. Machincang, the second tallest peak on the island standing over 710 meters above sea level. Here, we catch the cable car to the top of the rainforest-clad mountain. On reaching the top, we'll make our way along the summit walking out onto an impressive suspension bridge where we'll enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding islands that sprawl out all the way to Thailand. After enjoying some great views, we'll head back to our beach stopping along the way for a yummy vegan lunch of local Langkawi dishes. Upon returning to our seaside inn, you'll have the rest of the day free to kickback on the beach, explore the island, get a massage or go into town for some shopping - Langkawi is a duty free island so shop to your hearts content! At sunset, we'll meet up on the beach for our last night of sundowners together (make sure you're thirsty) where, as the sun dips off into the sea, we'll enjoy drinks, fresh local fruit (including Southeast Asia's most famous fruit - durian!) and light snacks. After sunset, we'll settle down at one of Langkawi's finest restaurants for a farewell Malay vegan feast. Tonight, make sure you bring your party shirt and have a hearty appetite!  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)


Day 20    LANGKAWI ISLAND - KUALA LUMPUR

After yoga on the beach and breakfast, you'll have the morning free to take a dip in the sea, get in any last minute shopping or just relax and soak up some rays before we meet in the early afternoon for a tasty vegan lunch and head to the airport to catch our flight back to KL. On arrival, our adventure ends at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. If you would like to extend your stay at the hotel in KL or for any onward assistance, please talk with your VegVoyages Adventure Leaders who will be more than happy to help. Terima kasih dan jumpa lagi (thank you and see you again)!  (Breakfast, Lunch)

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