Malaysia Highlights

You will need to be able to carry your own luggage throughout the trip, including some short walks between transport and accommodation, navigating through transport hubs, as well as on and off public transport including buses, trains and ferries. Packing light will improve your experience, especially on hot, humid days.

There are some long days of travel by public transport, but don't worry, public buses in Malaysia are spacious and comfortable. Stock up on snacks and drinks for the journeys and sit back and watch the scenery stream by.

The accommodation at your homestay is simple, but our overnight stay with village families is a highlight of the trip for most travellers. Bathroom facilities are shared with other travellers and host family, and some may only have cold water showers. Most houses have fan cooling systems rather than air conditioning.

The climate in Malaysia is generally hot and humid, so be prepared for some steamy days no matter what time of year you visit. It tends to be wetter and more humid from May to October, but the temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year.

This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time but it can be part of a longer itinerary. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Best of Malaysia.

1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip and excludes Day 5&6 where you will be in shared accommodation.
2. A special permit is needed for entry into Ulu Muda Forest. Please send a clear coloured copy of your passport info page to your booking agent at least 3 weeks before your trip to us to apply for the permit.
3. There's not much time in Kuala Lumpur on this trip. We highly recommend spend extra time here for more exploration. Please consult your booking agent if you are interested in booking extra accommodation here.

MAIN LUGGAGE
What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances (maximum of 30 minutes) including up and down stairs and in busy train stations. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Smaller bags are also better for fitting in storage areas of public transport. Small, wheeled suitcases that can also easily be picked up and carried are suitable, or if you prefer, a back pack is also a good option.

It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended).

DAY PACK
A day pack for carrying essentials when exploring destinations. On overnight trains packing this with the essentials you need to access during the trip will also be very useful.

ESSENTIALS:
- Lightweight clothing: A mixture of covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers (depending on the season) are recommended. It is best to check the weather and seasonal information before travelling. Dress standards are conservative in Malaysia and parts of Thailand, especially outside major cities. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot climate. For visits to religious sites you will also need to wear clothing that covers shoulders and pants/skirts that go past the knee. Laundry facilities may not be available in all destinations, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes.
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking: Closed-in shoes that are comfortable to walk for an entire day are recommended to protect your feet on city and countryside walks as well as longer treks. For longer hikes comfortable and supportive shoes with good grip are best.
- Sandals/flip flops: Sandals with straps or shoes which are not likely to fall off are preferable for any water based activities. Easy to remove shoes are also good in the heat and for visits to religious sites.
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Toiletries

RECOMMENDED:
- Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and adhesive bandages.
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle. We recommend a 1.5litre capacity. While drinking tap water is not recommended some hotels will have filtered drinking water available.
- Camera with spare batteries/power bank. You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items most days, however a spare battery or power bank are recommended.
- Electrical adapter plug
- reusable shopping bag for buying supplies
- torch/flashlight
- travel wipes, hand sanitiser
- small towel
- ear plugs & eye mask
- collapsible walking stick for trekking
- A good book, a journal and music player for overnight train rides and longer drives.

MORE!
If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, Packing suggestions for Earth Lodge stay:
- two pairs of footwear when visiting Ulu Muda. One for use around the lodge and one for hiking into the jungle. The latter should be well padded, covered and with laces.
any footwear with studs along trails and PARTICULARLY inside cave is not allowed.
- Covered shoes with good grip (no studs please), torch/flash lights with spare batteries, insect repellent, sun block, refillable water bottle (throw away water bottles strictly not allowed), day pack, hat, poncho / rain coat, swimming gear, sandals/flip-flops, bath towel and other toiletries/personal grooming items. Camera and binoculars should have water proof covers. A dry bag would be very useful to keep valuable documents and sensitive equipment dry. Also, please do not forget to bring any prescription medication you need.
- Toilets are of the flushable sitting type and are attached to all rooms and dorms (en suite). We do not provide any toiletries like soaps and shampoos nor do we provide towels. So please bring your own toiletries and towels.
- also consider leech socks and collapsible walking stick for trekking for trekking in the jungle here., LOCAL DRESS:
At the homestay we ask that you show respect to our hosts by wearing conservative clothing including long trousers or skirts, and covering your shoulders.

AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown is an elegant and modern contemporary hotel located in Kuala Lumpur where can explore the sights and sounds of vibrant Kuala Lumpur city within the vibrant city centre. The hotel is also a stone's throw away to popular attractions such as Pasar Seni (Central Market), iconic River of Life and Merdeka 118, slated to become the world’s second tallest building. It is a walking distance to public transportation, art galleries, lifestyle cafes, flourishing business hubs and more.

Check in time at the hotel is after 3pm

Alternate Joining Point

Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met after exiting customs. Our representative will be holding a sign with your name on it.

At Kuala Lumpur International Airport, if you have any problems and cannot locate our transfer representative on arrival (the driver is only able to wait for 1 hour past your scheduled arrival time) please go to the Airport Information counter (located on the same floor at arrivals halls) and ask them to call our transfer operator at +60179655159 or +60179245159. If your flight is delayed or you have been put on a different flight number, please call our local operator in advance to let them know.

If you are travelling to the hotel by yourself,

For taxi services, proceed to the Transportation Hub on Level 1 of the Gateway @ KLIA2 mall, located next to the main terminal building. The hub operates 24/7.

Go to the taxi service counter and inform the staff of your destination.
The approximate fare is between RM95 – RM120 (subject to change), and a coupon will be issued after payment.
Exit through Door 4, join the queue, and wait for your taxi. It takes about 45mins to your hotel.
Please note: If you arrive between 11:30 PM and 6:00 AM, a 50% surcharge will apply.

Ride-hailing services (Grab/MyCar): You can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab and MyCar. To meet your Grab driver at KLIA2:
Go to the International Arrival Gate.
Walk to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf cafe.
Take the elevator located behind the cafe to Level 1.
Exit through Door 4 to meet your driver.
Other transportation options at KLIA2 includes KLIA Ekspres Train which runs every 30 minutes from KLIA2 to KL Sentral and Aerobus which runs hourly from KLIA2 to KL Sentral.

AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown is an elegant and modern contemporary hotel located in Kuala Lumpur where can explore the sights and sounds of vibrant Kuala Lumpur city within the vibrant city centre. The hotel is also a stone's throw away to popular attractions such as Pasar Seni (Central Market), iconic River of Life and Merdeka 118, slated to become the world’s second tallest building. It is a walking distance to public transportation, art galleries, lifestyle cafes, flourishing business hubs and more.

Check in time at the hotel is after 3pm

Alternate Finish Point

If you have a transfer to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport your transfer driver will collect you from your hotel 3 hours before your flight time. If your transfer has not arrived within 15minutes of the scheduled pickup time please ask the hotel reception to call our transfer operator on their 24 hour number on +60179655159 or +60179245159. Your group leader will reconfirm this with you before departing.

Breakfasts included: 9

Lunches included: 3

Dinners included: 3

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

RAMADAN & EID AL-FITR:
In Malaysia, a country with a large Muslim population, the month of Ramadan is referred to as the ‘fasting month’, which culminates with the biggest Muslim holiday in Malaysia: Eid al Fitr or ‘Idul Fitri’. This ninth month on the Islamic Hijri calendar is considered the holiest month by Muslims, commemorating the first revelation of the Quranic verses to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. In bigger cities like Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown where there are many residents of Chinese origin as well as in popular tourist destinations there will be little disruption to services or being able to find places to eat. In other areas with a bigger Muslim population, businesses and services may have limited operation hours, alcohol may not be permitted during daylight hours and restaurants closed. Please note that drivers and leaders of Muslim faith are likely to be fasting over Ramadan. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken.

Dates for Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr are: 21 March - 24 Apr 2023, 11 March - 14 April 2024

LUNAR NEW YEAR:
Also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the biggest and most important annual festival for Chinese and the Chinese communities world wide. During the first days of Chinese New Year many businesses close, as Chinese business owners are visiting their relatives in their home towns or home countries.Traveling during this time can be hectic as many people are on the move. Public transport and flights can be packed in the days leading up to the festivities, with traffic jams and delays common. Plenty of patience is required if you are in Malaysia during this time, but the festive atmosphere and local traditions make it an interesting time to be in the country. Public holidays in Malaysia for Lunar New Year are: 10 - 12 February 2024

OTHER HOLIDAYS:
Other major national public holidays in Malaysia are:
Malaysia Day: 16 September 2023/2024
Agong's (Malaysian King) Birthday: 5 June 2023, 3 June 2024
Vesak (Buddha's birthday): 4 May 2023, 24 May 2024
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year): 19 July 2023, 6 June 2024
Deepavali (Diwali): 12 – 13 November 2023, 31October - 1 November 2024

CHINESE NEW YEAR:
An important 15 day festival for the Malaysian Chinese, based on the lunar calendar in January or February. In 2025, the Year of the Snake is scheduled to be held from 29 January.This can be a busy time and some transport delays, shop closures and reduced opening hours at some sites may be expected, but there are also many fabulous festivals and rituals to observe during this time, so it's a great time to travel. Although we make all reasonable efforts to avoid disruption, a flexible approach from travellers is appreciated if choosing to travel during this time in Malaysia.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local operator on the number below.

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +60 138 815 813

Please note that at our homestay we stay in shared guestrooms which have cold water and no fans. Some of our guesthouses may not have windows which is typical in Malaysia.