Sunday, December 18, 2011

Headhunter's Trail


Looking for a challenge? Start with the Headhunter’s Trail, Sarawak’s highly acclaimed trail that transverse valleys, hills and rivers.
This trek starts from Limbang with an overnight stay at an lban Longhouse with cultural folklore. On the following days, trekking begins by following an ancient trail used over a century ago by the indigenous Kayan tribe; a group of fierce warriors from ethnic group known as the Orang Ulu. Other tribes living in the vicinity were regular victims of headhunting by the Kayan. Many of their elderly still bear tattoos as symbols of the heads they had taken. The trek passes by the renowned Gunung Api Pinnacles, crossing valleys and rivers. Overnight at Camp 5 shelter at the base of the Pinnacles.
Your third night is rewarded with a one night stay at the Luxurious Royal Mulu Resort plus a visit to the incredible caves the Park is famous for: Deer, Lang, Wind and Clearwater Caves.
You also have the option to climb the "Pinnacles'' if you like another challenge. Extended stays in Mulu are available either at the resort or the National Park chalets.

Exotic Penang


Day 1 – Penang National Park

Arrive at Penang International Airport. Meet our representative and transfer to Teluk Bahang chalet. Put on your walking shoes and proceed to the National Park where abundant treasure awaits to be explored. A discreet nature reserve which straddles across 1,266 hectares of coastal hill mangroves, beaches and rocky shores, the park offers excellent trails through the rainforest. Visitors can jungle trek within the forest or to Mukah Head, where there is an old lighthouse with panoramic ocean view, and relax at Teluk Duyung or popularly called Monkey Beach, a broad bay protected by the Mukah Head cape.
Another option is trekking to sandy stretch of Pantai Kerachut , a popular picnic and camping site as well as a favorite nesting place of Green turtles from April to August, and the Olive Ridley from September to February. Enjoy a 20-munite canopy walkway through the thick jungle to discover the unique flora and fauna as well as the wildlife such as monkeys and eagles.
Another must-see attraction of the Park is the meromictic lake; a natural but weird phenomenon where two layers of different types of water do not mix! When the tide rises, sea water gradually fills up the lake with fresh water from the island’s streams remains on top of the denser sea water. In term of temperature, the sea water remains warm while the fresh water on top remains cool. Further, since the lower part of the lake lacks oxygen, not many animals can live there to stir up the two layers of water; amazing, isn’t it?
After sunset, visit the Batu Ferringhi sidewalk bazaar, where everything from food, clothing, souvenirs, batik, watches and fashion accessories are sold and bargaining is the order of the day.

Day 2 – Round Island Tour

After breakfast, you will be taken to the Butterfly Farm. Here, you will find yourself surrounded by a myriad of fluttering butterflies within a seemingly natural setting: an enchanted wilderness, bejeweled with colorful gems of creation. The farm is a complete with a hatchery and a “Preserved Butterflies of the World” Museum and a home for over 3000 Malaysian butterflies of 120 species, frogs, scorpions and other insects. Then make your way to Tropical Fruit Farm to discover an exotic agrotourism experience. Don’t miss the chance to savor the wide assortment of locally grown fruits especially the king of local fruits, the durian. The locals claim that durian grown in Balik Pulau is one of the best Malaysian durian. Continue to head southwest to sample a hearty meal of delightful variety of Penang food and enjoy the rustic old charm of Balik Pulau. Later, make a brief photo stop at Anjung Indah, located on top of the hill with a few low peaks which provide panoramic view of Balik Pulau and the southwest coastline of Penang Island.
Proceed to one of the finest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia; the Kek Lok Si Temple stands majestically on a hill in Ayer Itam. Built in tiers, the temple boasts the beautifully crafted ‘Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas’. Marvel at the Statue of the Goddess of Mercy against the scenic surrounding which also features the pond of longevity, where hundreds of tortoises set free by the devotees.
Next stop is the century old 72 acre Botanical Garden located at the foot hill of Penang Hill. The garden is an oasis of peace and tranquility with lush green surroundings and vibrant colors of rare species of tropical flora and fauna. The garden is also well known for its free-roaming rhesus monkeys in their natural habitat.
In the evening, make a stop in the heart of Georgetown. Stroll along the Penang Road to hunt for local souvenirs and antiques. Visit the bustling Chowrasta Bazaar for its delightful labyrinth of stalls with products ranging from local delicacies, preserved foodstuff, bean paste biscuits to textile, clothing and second-hand books.

Day 3

Free and easy morning. Check out from chalet & transfer to Penang International Airport for homebound flight.

Spectacular Eastcoast


Day 1 – Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary / Kuala Terengganu

A rare opportunity to get up close and personal with gentle giants of Kuala Gandah. This truly unique Elephant Sanctuary will enable you to learn about displaced elephants rescued from all over Peninsular Malaysia and provide them a safe sanctuary in the wild. Get the chance to feed the elephants and ride them through the jungle; for the brave and adventurous, do not miss the opportunity to go down to the river and help give them a bath! What better way to get up close with these grey jumbos. After lunch, proceed to Teluk Ketapang Homestay in Kuala Terengganu.

Day 2 – Homestay / Heritage Tour

Breakfast with host family in the beautiful decorated Malay house. Experience life in a village and help out to prepare lunch using traditional methods and enjoy the favorite pastime games like congkak, kite flying and selambut. In the evening join a leisure drive along Malaysia’s longest beach at the coast of South China Sea, visit a fishing village at Kg. Penarik, to experience the colorful lifestyle of the fishermen. At Terrapuri Heritage Village you get the chance to learn about restoration of 29 units of ancient traditional Malay houses built without a single nail used. Instead, the whole structure is fitted together using wooden joint held in place by pasak or wooden pegs. Enjoy a picnic dinner by the beach, followed by visiting firefly sanctuary by the riverside. Witness one of nature’s wonders of synchronized, rhythmic flashing produced by thousands of fireflies found in the mangrove swamp.

Day 3 – Kuala Terengganu City Tour

Explore places of interest in the State capital city.
Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque : (Photo Stop)
Also known Masjid Terapung; the mosque is built on a floating platform, giving it a unique perspective from all facets. The architectural beauty of the mosque is surrounded by a lake, looking enchantingly inspirational much like a place in the tale of 1,001 Arabian Nights. The calmness of the mosque is enhanced with the roaring of the South China Sea, making it an alluring and unique tourist attraction in Terengganu.
State Museum Complex :
Catch a glimpse into the rich history of Terengganu at the State Museum Complex. Touted as the largest museum in South East Asia, the complex houses century old artifacts and artworks of rich and colorful heritage. The complex itself is an impressive architectural feat, based on the designs of Terengganu’s old palace.
Taman Tamadun Islam (Islamic Civilization Park) :
Located on Pulau Wan Man; it is a one-stop edutainment park, featuring the finest Islamic architecture from around the world. Experience a spellbinding tour of Islamic civilization glories and relive the history as you visit 21 timeless monuments of Islam. The main attractions of this park are five interactive monuments; Malaysia’s National Mosque, Dome of the Rock of Palestine, Sacred Mosque of Saudi Arabia (Masjidil Haram), Al-Hambra Citadel of Spain and Taj Mahal of India. Another unique attraction is the Crystal Mosque; icon for the Park and a new landmark for Kuala Terengganu.
Pasar Payang (Central Market) :
The Central Market, locally known as Pasar Payang, is located by the Terengganu River and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Terengganu. Housed in a modern building, it offers visitors a variety of traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk, songket, brocade and brassware, as well as fresh produce. Visitors to this market will have a delightful experience shopping for local products at reasonable prices. It is also a great place to experience the culture as locals do their daily shopping there too.
*Note : The city tour excludes meals and entrance fees. A seafood BBQ dinner could be arranged upon request.

Day 4,5,6 – Perhentian Island

Its time to bid farewell to your host family. After breakfast transfer to Kuala Besut Jetty and hop on a 45 minute boat ride to Perhentian Island.
Proposed Itinerary 3D2N
Day 4 11:30 am Arrival at Watercolours Impiani Resort. Welcome snack & beverage. Check in & lunch break.
  01:30 pm Introduction and safety briefing for snorkeling . Distribution of snorkeling gear. Boat transfer cum island tour to snorkeling site 1.
  02:00 pm Snorkeling practice and guided snorkeling tour.
  04:00 pm Boat transfer and island tour to Long Beach
  04:30 pm Boat transfer to resort. Afternoon tea-break & snack. 
  05:00 pm Canoe paddling practice.
  07:30 pm Dinner. Free and easy.
     
Day 5 08:00 am Breakfast
  09:00 am Introductory briefing to identity and behavior of marine life.
  09:30 am Boat transfer to snorkeling sites for marine life observation.
  10:30 am Boat pick up to fresh water spring, Pantai Berani. Bathing.
  11:30 am Boat transfer to resort. Morning tea-break and snack.
  12:30 pm Lunch break.
  02:00 pm Briefing for hiking to fishing village, Kg. Pasir Hantu.
  02:30 pm Guided trekking to fishing village.
  03:00 pm Boat pick up off jetty, transfer to resort. Afternoon tea-break.
  05:00 pm Canoe paddling race.
  06:00 pm Beach volleyball.
  07:30 pm BBQ Dinner. Free and easy.
     
Day 6 08:00 am Breakfast. Free and easy.
  10:00 am Clean and pack up.
  11:00 am Morning tea-break and light meal.
  12:00 pm Check-out. Ferry transfer to Kuala Besut Jetty.

 Note : Package includes:
  • Return ferry transfer to Perhentian Island. 
  • Twin sharing room with additional mattress.
  • 3 daily meals – breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Morning and afternoon tea-breaks.
  • Snorkeling cum round island tour to Perhentian Kecil and Besar.
  • Snorkeling gear rental (mask, snorkel & life jacket)
  • Not inclusive marine park conservation fees of RM5 per entry.
  • Children (7 -12yrs) LESS 50%.
  • Group more than 12 pax, FOC 1 pax.
  • 50% deposit upon confirmation.

Day 6 – Kuala Besut / KL or Kuala Besut / Kota Bharu / KL

From Kuala Besut Jetty, you can opt to travel by coach direct to KL or transfer to Kuala Bharu Sultan Ismail Putra Airport by coach and fly to KLIA where you may board your homebound flight.