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DAY 1: ARRIVE KUALA LUMPUR Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Carcosa Seri Negara (Deluxe Suite) for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Originally built in 1904, the Carcosa and the Seri Negara are two buildings, the former British colonial governor's residence and his guesthouse. Located on a hill in the lush Lakes District of Kuala Lumpur, you will feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In actuality, a 10-minute taxi ride is all you need to get to the city. Be sure to have high tea on the patio of the Carcosa, a pleasure not to be missed. DAY 2: KUALA LUMPUR After breakfast, set out on a privately guided half-day tour that showcases the wide range of cultures that has shaped Kuala Lumpur's history and physical appearance. View the Railway Station, the city's most famous building: its exuberant blending of North Indian-style domes and minarets were the work of a British architect who had lived and worked in India. Kuala Lumpur's new central business district is world-famous for its unique style -- Malaysian architects blend traditional Islamic motifs, Malay designs, and energy efficiency with the latest in skyscrapers. Merdeka Square is centrally located, and flanked by fine buildings, including the mock Tudor Selangkor Club & Green. See the National Mosque before heading over to the National Museum for its excellent displays of the many different cultures of both peninsular Malaysia, and Sabah and Sarawak. (B) DAY 3: KUALA LUMPUR - CAMERON HIGHLANDS Depart overland today for the Cameron Highlands, a trip that affords spectacular views of the countryside. Upon arrival in the Cameron Highlands, check-in to the Lakehouse (Master/Honeymoon Suite) and have some time at leisure. In the evening, you will be met and taken to the night market for shopping. (B) DAY 4: CAMERON HIGHLANDS The Cameron Highlands area was once a tranquil hill resort favored by the British. Today the Highlands remain a popular spot to escape the heat. There is a wide range of activities, includng energetic hikes through the surrounding jungle, visiting tea plantations, strolling through the town, and admiring the English-style cottages and their gardens. You may also wish to visit an Orang Asli village nearby. The Orang Asli are the indigenous inhabitants of Malaysia and, if you visit them, they will treat you to a demonstration of their traditional hunting tool: the blowpipe. (B) DAY 5: CAMERON HIGHLANDS - GEORGETOWN (PENANG ISLAND) Today you will depart the Cameron Highlands by road for Penang Island. The four- or five-hour drive takes you through the mountains and western states in Malaysia. Stops will be made en route at a local mosque and sultan's palace. After crossing the Georgetown Bridge, arrive on Penang Island and transfer to the Eastern and Oriental Hotel (Premier Sea View Suite) for overnight. This colonial-style hotel is located just a short walk from the highlights of Old Georgetown. Spend the afternoon at leisure visiting the colonial highlights or just lounging by the pool. (B) DAY 6: GEORGETOWN -- LANGKAWI Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Langkawi. Upon arrival in Langkawi, you will be met and transferred to the ultra-luxurious boutique hotel The Datai (End Suite). The Datai is tucked in the middle of a tropical rainforest complete with a secluded white sand beach facing the blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The lobby and main building is perched on a hill with views over the trees toward the lush islands of Thailand. The rooms are tastefully designed with a modern, tropical décor featuring dark woods and a cozy sitting area. Just before nightfall, long-tailed macaques often play outside guest's windows. (B) DAYS 7 & 8: LANGKAWI Langkawi epitomizes the splendor of tropical Southeast Asia. These days are free to enjoy your luxurious surroundings as you please. Activities at the resort include non-motorized water sports, snorkeling, nature walks, a gym and two refreshing pools. Most people prefer to simply relax and enjoy the lovely surroundings, but we are happy to arrange optional private touring, such as a mangrove safari, a trip to the highest point on the island for panoramic views, or a bicycle trek. Please ask your Absolute Asia travel specialist for recommendations. (B) DAY 9: LANGKAWI - KUALA LUMPUR, DEPART KUALA LUMPUR After a relaxing morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kuala Lumpur. From there, transfer for your international departure. (B) |