Wild Sumatra and Malaysia honeymoon

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Kuala Lumpur
• 3 nights Lake Tabo
• 1 night Bukit Lawang
• 1 night jungle camping
• 1 night Bukit Lawang
• 3 nights Penang
• 4 nights Langkawi

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Kuala Lumpur

On arrival in Kuala Lumpur, you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city, checking in for two nights.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel  

Day 3: Kuala Lumpur

After breakfast, you’ll head out on a tour to the Batu Caves, located on the outskirts of the city. You’ll climb the 272 steps that lead up to the Sanctuary of Murugan, one of the most revered gods of Hinduism. Watch out for monkeys that scamper about – they are always on the lookout for food! The impressive caves are a destination for pilgrims, especially in January and February, during the Thaipusam festival.

Returning to the city, you’ll explore some of the local architecture, with multiple cultures and religions represented. See the colourful Buddhist temple of Thean Hou, stop in front of the modern National Mosque and the old train station built by the British. Wander throught he central market and into Chinatown, where lanterns swing in the breeze and stall-owners shout their news to each other. Finish your day at the iconic Petronas Towers, the jewel on the skyline of Kuala Lumpur.

Included: 4* hotel  

Day 4: Fly to Sumatra, travel to Lake Toba

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and driven back to the airport for the short flight to Sumatra in Indonesia. On arrival, you’ll be met and driven straight to Lake Toba, in the heart of the island. Arriving at Parapat, a small town on the eastern shore of the lake, you’ll cross to Samosir Island by local ferry. This small island is in the middle of Lake Toba, the caldera lake of the Toba Volcano, which was formed over 75,000 years ago.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, ferry, international flights, 3* hotel          

Days 5 & 6: Samosir Island

You’ll have two days to relax and explore this beautiful spot. On Day 5, we’ve included a full day tour, taking in the beauty and cultural aspects of Batak. You’ll visit Ambarita village to see the stone chairs, tables and courtyard of Siallagan’s clan before heading to Sianjur Mula Mula Valley. From here you can enjoy spectacular views of local villages in the valley, as well as out over the waters of Lake Toba. As you return to the village, you’ll stop in to see the old tomb of King’s Sidabutar.

Your second day is yours to relax at your leisure – the hotel’s pool has stunning lake views or you could take a walk around the island, getting to know the locals.

Included: Breakfast, 3* hotel     

Day 7: Travel to Bukit Lawang

After breakfast, you’ll take the ferry back across the lake to Parapat, driving on to Bukit Lawang via Brastagi. This mountain resort has magnificent mountain scenery, as well as an abundance of flowers and plants, including the famous marquise passionfruit. You’ll stop in at the village of Pematang Purba, admiring the long house that was constructed two centuries ago as the dwelling of the ancient Batak Simalungun Kings. You’ll also stop to gaze upon the Sipiso-piso waterfalls, high in the Batak Highlands. This gushing waterfall plunges down from a cave into the Lake Toba caldera.

Arriving in Brastagi, you’ll have brilliant views over to active volcanoes, Sinabung & Sibayak before heading to Bukit Lawang in Gunung Leuser National Park. Driving past plantations and small villages, you’ll arrive at the Eco-Lodge, ready for your wildlife adventure to begin.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 3* lodge   

Day 8: Orangutan trekking

Wake this morning to the chorus of wildlife including gibbons and hornbills as they scramble in their dawn search for fruit. The sheer array of sounds you’ll hear is just incredible. Leaving your comforts behind, you’ll begin the trek into the mountainous national park, starting with a steep incline that is rewarded with some fantastic views.

Venturing deeper into the jungle, you’ll hopefully catch a glimpse of some local wildlife, including the magnificent orangutans. Other rare species include the Sumatran Striped Rabbi and a vast array of colourful birds and butterflies. Your journey takes you through a lush jungle of towering trees and ferns, eventually arriving at the right spot to set up camp in the Sumatran rainforest. You’ll assist with building a fire, cooking a delicious dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sound of the jungle. You’ll sleep well tonight after a long day’s hiking, falling into slumber to the sound of insects singing sweetly into the night.

Included: All meals, trekking with guide, overnight at local camp with basic facilities    

Day 9: Orangutan trekking

Rise early in the jungle this morning, enjoying a hearty breakfast before packing up the camp and embarking on the most strenuous day of your adventure. The terrain is steep and but your guide will help you, making sure to asses your abilities and ensure the safety of your group. While hiking, your guide will keep an eye out of the tell-tail signs of orangutans, while trekking through the dense jungle. You’ll also spot many birds and smaller jungle animals while you explore. Arriving at Aras Pinang by lunchtime, you’ll then hop onto some river tubes for a relaxing river journey back to Bukit Lawang. Spend your final night in Sumatra at the Eco Lodge, toasting a fantastic jungle adventure.

Included: All meals, trekking with guide, 3* lodge

Day 10: Fly to Penang

After breakfast, you’ll check out of the lodge and be driven back to the airport for your flight to Penang in Malaysia. Blessed with a natural harbour and bountiful freshwater, it came under British control in the 1700s, soon becoming a world-renowned trading port.

After checking into your hotel for two nights and freshening up, your guide will meet you and take you out into Little India, to enjoy a delicious night of spicy curries, burning incense, Bollywood beats and kaleidoscopic colours. Wandering along the ‘Street of Harmony, you’ll find a melting pot of cultural influences, from Hindu and Muslim to Chinese. Dinner is not included but your guide will give you some recommendations and advice on the best places to try some new and exciting dishes.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, evening walking tour, 4* hotel         

Days 11 - 12: Penang

On Day 10, you’ll be up early, heading out to enjoy a fabulous dim sum breakfast. Dining alongside crowds of locals, you’ll sample the city’s best dim sum, while your guide explains the culinary traditions and dining etiquette. Once you’re full, you’ll continue your journey along Penang’s culinary trail with a visit to Chow Rasta, a market that has existed since the 1800s. Watch housewives and chefs haggle for fresh seafood – it’s a wonderful place for people-watching.

After this, you’ll switch gears, discovering the artistic side of Penang. Head into Georgetown, the cultural centre, exploring the streets as you go. Your guide will show you how to look beyond the heritage architecture and religious buildings to discover remarkable modern street art. You’ll find colourful paintings and scultures, all inspired by daily life here, learning about the growing community of local artists. You’ll be back at your hotel by 11.30, with the rest of your day at leisure to explore or relax as you please.

Your second day in Penang is yours to do as you please.

Included: Breakfast, morning tour on Day 10, 4* hotel                  

Day 13: Ferry to Langkawi

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the jetty to catch the ferry to Langkawi. On arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel, checking in for three nights. Your hotel is right on the beach, why not take a stroll along the sands before the sun sets.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, ferry, 4* hotel     

Days 14 - 16: Langkawi

You’ll have a few days to enjoy Langkawi at your own pace, whether you stroll along the beaches, go for a swim or simply chill at your luxury hotel. If you want to get out and explore, why not take the cable car up to the Sky Bridge where you can walk above the canopy and marvel at the views out over the jagged cliffs beneath you.

If you want to include a tour during your time in Langkawi, we can book you onto a tour of the mangroves, cruising through the wetlands and looking for eagles, bats and other wildlife in the area. You’ll stop to go swimming off one of the islands pristine beaches before having lunch at a fish farm where you can learn about how locals make their living. If you want to add this experience, just ask.                        

Included: Breakfast, 4* hotel           

Day 17: Depart Malaysia

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport in time for your flight home.                          

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights        

Day 18: Arrive UK