International Tour – Malaysia
March 11 – 18, 2023
In 2023 Memphis in May International Festival is excited to salute the Asia Pacific nation of Malaysia. A country of 28 million with a diverse cultural landscape including three of Asia’s oldest civilizations. Malaysia is the eighth Asian nation to be honored by Memphis in May.
Malaysia gained its independence from the British empire in 1963 and is one of the wealthiest countries in the region. Malaysia boasts a thriving industrial economy with robust exports including electronics, chemicals, petroleum and produces 13% of the world’s semiconductor chips. The famous capital city of Kuala Lumpur is a thriving metropolis of 3.4 million people with iconic skyscrapers existing with historic buildings. The country’s famous wildlife includes tigers, leopards, the Malayan tapir, and endangered Borneo pygmy elephants and orangutans. Join us in 2023 as we discover why Malaysia is known as Truly Asia.
Kuala Lumpur
You will begin and end your 8-day and 7-night tour of Malaysia in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s dazzling capital city. This modern metropolis boasts not only world-famous superstructures such as the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower, but also charming heritage buildings that have stood the test of time.
It’s slew of glitzy shopping malls, sprawling parks, places of interest, hotels and excellent infrastructure make it perfect for families, couples or solo travelers. In line with Malaysia’s reputation as a food paradise, KL never fails to amaze visitors with its extensive variety of culinary delights – from street food to exquisite culinary creations found in exclusive restaurants. Added with the long list of festivals, celebrations and world-class events, this city sets the backdrop for a great vacation.
Penang
Penang is a bustling metropolis reflecting a unique blend of East and West, old and new. The capital, George Town, is steeped in history and has preserved a wealth of heritage buildings, leading to it being accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
A compact city which can be easily covered on foot, George Town presents a picturesque façade with quaint side streets, colonial buildings and Chinese shophouses. The island boasts some of the best food in the region, with a wonderful array of street food found on practically every street corner. Home of the longest bridge in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Penang with its fascinating history and rich cultural heritage has it all for an exotic vacation in Asia.
ITINERARY | MARCH 11 – 18, 2O23
Itinerary subject to change.
MARCH 11 Saturday
Travel day. Arrive from Memphis to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival to KLIA, transfer to Kuala Lumpur according to your arrival time. Check-in at the hotel and the rest of the day free at leisure.
Hotel: Le Meridien, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton or similar.
MARCH 15 Wednesday
After breakfast, enjoy a Georgetown Heritage Tour. Soak up the colonial charm and the arts and culture of the beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town. We start at Pinang Peranakan Mansion that displays over a thousand pieces of Peranakan antiques and collectable items.
Next, we take a short walk to the colourful enclave of Little India that sells colourful sarees. We pass Penang’s oldest Hindu temple, Teochew Temple with its ornate rooftops and visit the Dr Sun Yat-sen at the Sun Yat-Sen Museum. Next, we hunt for Penang’s famous street art, before continuing to one of Penang’s ancient traditional clan houses. Our tour concludes with local shopping at Cocoa Boutique.
Hotel: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Eastern & Oriental Hotel or similar.
MARCH 12 Sunday
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a Kuala Lumpur city tour. Dip into Kuala Lumpur’s abundant multi-cultural experiences. We start at Masjid Negara, before proceeding to Tugu Negara. We also pass the Moorish-style Federal Court; the old Railway station, which is a striking piece of Mohammedan architecture; the Tudor-style Cricket Club and the King’s Palace.
The tour concludes at Thean Hou Temple situated in Robson Heights. This striking six-tiered temple is regarded as one of the biggest Chinese temples in South-East Asia. You will also enjoy a typical Indian banana leaf lunch in Little India. In the evening, you explore the lively district of Chinatown.
Visit the bustling night market in Chinatown and try your skills at bargaining. You will also pass the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, one of the most ornate Indian temples in town. Dinner is at own expenses.
Hotel: Le Meridien, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton or similar.
MARCH 16 Thursday
After breakfast, proceed with Penang Round Island Tour. Discover the natural beauty of Penang island and explore its awe-inspiring sights. Tour includes observing the local traditional art of fabric making. A drive through the hills past the tropical rainforest taking a break at a street stall to be educated about the fruits and spices produced by local farmers.
Visit traditional Malay villages and rice paddies. Explore the ancient Snake Temple before embarking on a shopping spree at Coffee Tree to stock up on local products.
Hotel: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Eastern & Oriental Hotel or similar.
MARCH 13 Monday
After breakfast, proceed with Half-Day Batu Caves tour. Visit the well-known Batu Caves, which has 272 steps to reach the shrine of the Hindu deity Lord Subramaniam, which is set within an outcrop of lime stone caves. This tour is inclusive of a short stop at the Royal Selangor Pewter factory. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. Remaining day free at leisure until evening. Evening: Diplomatic Reception with the US Embassy (location TBD).
Hotel: Le Meridien, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton or similar.
MARCH 17 Friday
After breakfast at the hotel, free at leisure until departure transfer to Penang Airport for your flight to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival to KLIA, transfer to Kuala Lumpur city hotel and check-in to the hotel. In the evening, be ready for the transfer to the Bijan Restaurant – Traditional Malay Cuisine for the farewell dinner.
Hotel: Le Meridien, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton or similar.
MARCH 14 Tuesday
Breakfast at the hotel. Free at leisure until departure transfer to Kuala Lumpur International Airport for flight to Penang. Upon arrival to Penang, transfer to the hotel for check-in and free at leisure.
Hotel: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Eastern & Oriental Hotel or similar.
MARCH 18 Saturday
After breakfast at the hotel, free at leisure until the departure transfer to Kuala Lumpur International Airport for your departure flight home.
Note: For those interested in continuing the trip and visiting other area destinations on their own, such as Singapore or Brunei, we will connect you with the Ground Operator.
