EXPLORE malaysia
PENANG | PERAK | IPOH | PUTRAJAYA | MALACCA | KUALA LUMPUR
With a $500 Deposit
FEBRuary 21 - MARCH 3, 2024
9 Nights • 10 Days
Malaysia is a thriving and well-developed multicultural Southeast Asian country, comprised of 32 million people of ethnic Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous backgrounds. Two-thirds of the population is Muslim, with Buddhists, Christians and Hindus constituting significant communities. Our program begins in Penang, a lush, botanic island known for its UNESCO world heritage site of Georgetown and seaside resorts. From Penang, we will make our way to Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island, an orangutan sanctuary. After visiting this eco-tourism destination, you will be transported to a paradise-like resort near Ipoh, you will be treated to a fine dining experience in the depths of the 260-million year old limestone cave cellar. Our journey continues to the modern governmental city of Putrajaya and the historic city of Malacca, famous as a port through which medieval trade and commerce flourished. We will spend a few days in the capital Kuala Lumpur, a cosmopolitan metropolis that boasts the iconic Petronas Towers, night markets, museums and other sites of interest. All along the way, we will enjoy food inspired by the country’s many cultures, and learn about the unique customs and hospitality found in Malaysia. This tour is packed with many curated meals included, ecological excursions, and diverse cultural experiences.
ITINERARY IN MALAYSIA
With a $500 Deposit
The first day of the tour is Friday, February 23. In order to arrive by this date, travelers from North American gateways will most likely need to begin their journey on Wednesday, February 21, accounting for the crossing of the international date line. Travelers from other origin points should book travel to arrive by the early afternoon on Friday, February 23.
Bayan has been offering faculty-led tours to world heritage destinations since 2017, with previous tours to Southern Spain, Malaysia & Singapore, Uzbekistan, Jerusalem & Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Bosnia-Herzegovina, with exciting new destinations being planned for the coming years.
WHY JOIN A BAYAN TOUR?
Tours offered by Bayan cater to the varied interests and needs of families, while offering an exceptional educational and cultural program. Each tour is led by one or more faculty members who provide daily background lectures and insights about the historical and contemporary contexts. Local guides are utilized as needed. The itinerary for each excursion is crafted by experienced personnel to maximize your enjoyment and satisfaction. While the scheduled program is robust, ample time is provided to explore on your own, shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, and enjoy some leisure activities. Bayan’s tour group size is generally kept to around 30 participants.
faculty guide
Dr. Nadia Khan
Dr. Khan recently received her doctorate in Islamic Studies from the University of Chicago Divinity School. She loves to learn about the transmission of tradition. Her dissertation focused on debates amongst American Muslim parents, religious scholars, and parenting experts about child-rearing. Dr. Khan's research explored infant feeding and childhood disciplinary practices amongst American Muslims. She is currently running a weekend school called KL Kuttāb in Kuala Lumpur, where she resides with her family.
TOUR INFORMATION
packages
All pricing is based on double-occupancy, airfare is not included.
land PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
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Airport transfers on February 23 and March 3 only
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9 nights hotel (5*)
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Ground transportation by private A/C coach
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All entrance fees for sites
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9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners including Jeff's Cellar
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Daily commentary/discussions with faculty guide(s)
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English speaking local guide(s)
EXCLUSIONS
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International airfare to Malaysia (budget about $1,200 round-trip per person from US gateways) and applicable baggage fees
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Tourist visa if required (US and EU citizens do not need a visa)
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Airport transfers when arriving and departing outside of dates/times specified
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Meals not specified in the package
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Tips and gratuities for drivers, guides
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Hotel incidental charges, hotel porters and other individualized services
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Personal items
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Urgent care, medical treatment and testing, related expenses
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Covid-19 testing costs (if required at any time)
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Travel insurance (recommended)
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With a $500 Deposit
tour highlights
Penang
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Georgetown historic core (UNESCO site)
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Penang Hill funicular train ride
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The Habitat/Canopy Walk
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Penang Butterfly Farm (Entopia)
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Botanical Gardens
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Fishing village
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Chinese and Burmese Temples
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Kapitan Keling Mosque (jumah prayers)
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Batu Feringghi resort area
Perak
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Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island (sanctuary)
Ipoh
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Banjaran Hot Springs retreat
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Fine dining experience in Jeff's Cellar
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Shaik Adam Mosque/Little India
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Buddhist/Taoist cave temple
Putrajaya
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Governmental complex
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Putra Bridge
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Putra Mosque
Malacca
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Malacca town including Jonker Street (UNESCO site)
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Kampong Morten village
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St. Paul’s Church / St. Peter’s Church
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Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
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Dutch Administration office
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Trishaw ride (tricycle rickshaw)
Kuala Lumpur
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Monuments / King’s Palace
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Islamic Arts Museum
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Masjid Negara - National Mosque
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Masjid India (jumah prayers)
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Petronas Twin Towers - Skybridge
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Royal Selangor Pewter Factory
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Batu Caves
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Firefly boat cruise (wetland reserve)
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Batik factory, shopping centers and night markets
With a $500 Deposit
international travel arrangements
Arriving to Malaysia (Penang)
Numerous airlines provide service to Malaysia, with Singapore Airlines being a preferred carrier. Participants should book “multi-city” flights that are scheduled to arrive in Penang (PEN) on Friday, Feb. 23. The tour program officially begins at 5:00pm on that day with a group orientation meeting in the hotel, followed by group dinner at the hotel. For travelers from the US, this would mean departing from your city of origin on Wednesday, Feb. 21. You can plan your travel to add extra days in transit before reaching Penang, such as a layover in Singapore or elsewhere.
IMPORTANT: If you choose to arrive earlier than Feb. 23, you must make your own hotel reservations at the same hotel as the group or at any other lodging of your choice. Bayan cannot add extra nights to your room reservation for the tour.
Departing from Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
The Tour concludes on Sunday, March 3 in Kuala Lumpur, with check-out by noon. Depending on your departure time on that day, you can be transferred to the airport at a designated time, or continue sightseeing, and/or extend your stay in Malaysia. Your outgoing flight from KUL or SZB airports can be to any destination of your choice. Plan your flights, local transportation and additional hotel accommodations accordingly if you plan to stay longer in Malaysia.
Booking Your Flights
Once you’ve paid your deposit to Bayan Tours, you should book your flights as soon as possible to try and obtain well-priced airfare with suitable flight timings and layovers. Bayan does not handle flight bookings. You can use your own travel agent, check airline websites, or use other booking sites to select the flight legs that are best for you. We recommend that you choose routes with layovers of not less than 90 minutes.
Hotels
Our tour group will stay at the following hotels:
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Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Penang - 5* (3 nights)
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The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat - 5* (2 nights)
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The Majestic Malacca - 5* (1 night)
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Kuala Lumpur Pavilion Hotel - 5* (3 nights)
