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Day 1   KUALA LUMPUR - ARRIVAL

Selamat Datang ke Malaysia (welcome to Malaysia)! Beginning as a mining outpost in the 1800’s, Kuala Lumpur has developed into one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in Southeast Asia. "KL", as the locals call it, is a city where modern skyscrapers sit next to 100-year-old buildings, and where wide highways give way to bustling by-ways, narrow alleys and bazaars. On arrival, our Adventure Leaders will meet you at the airport. In the morning, we'll have our group orientation meeting before setting out for an early lunch at a popular local vegetarian food center. In a traditional Malaysian "hawker" style setting, you'll have the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers while enjoying a plethora of traditional vegan goodies - the variety and tastiness of the dishes they cook up here is unbeatable anywhere in KL! After lunch, without hesitation we'll jump right in for your first taste of KL - exploring the city's streets learning about its rich history from its beginning as a wild frontier-mining town to the present nation’s capital. Walking through the winding backstreets and alleys of KL's old town, well visit some of the city's oldest Taoist and Hindu temples, mosques, Chinese clan houses and early bazaars. After, we will be guests at Masjid Negara, the National Mosque of Malaysia and one of South East Asia's largest. As special guests of the masjid (mosque), we'll be introduced by Islamic scholars to Islam and the influence of Islam in Malay culture and on the country as a whole. In addition, you'll have a chance to ask the scholars any questions you may have about Islam before we get a personalized tour of the beautiful and serene Masjid Negara. As the sun sets, we'll visit the vibrant Saturday pasarmalam (night market). One of KL's liveliest and very popular among the locals; stalls line a narrow alley as far as the eye can see selling everything from Malay savories to Indonesian herbal remedies. After taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the pasarmalam, we'll take a relaxing stroll through the colorfully lit Merdeka Square, site of the lowering of the Union Jack and once the center of British Administration in Malaysia. (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2   TIOMAN ISLAND

We begin our day with a hearty vegan brunch at a local “Nasi Kandar” eatery before hopping aboard the morning express bus to Mersing across the scenic Southern Malaysian peninsula - home to forests, small Malay villages – and many of Malaysia’s palm oil plantations. We arrive in the afternoon at a sleepy coastal town on the South China Sea where we’ll catch the boat to the tropical isle of PulauTioman. Located 2 hours by boat off the coast in the South China Sea, Tioman is a lush tropical island boasting sun drenched beaches, marine-life-rich, crystal clear waters and a dense interior rainforest that’s home to over 141 species of birds and wildlife including the elusive mouse deer, brush tail porcupines, giant squirrels, monkeys and a variety of reptiles. We’ll be staying near the beach in cabanas nestled at the edge of the island’s thick jungle. After settling into our cabanas and freshening up, we’ll meet on the beach for some refreshing sundowners before sitting down for a delightful vegan dinner of local island delicacies. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3   TIOMAN ISLAND

In the morning, we’ll climb aboard a local village boat to explore the stunning underwater life around the uninhabited islands located off Tioman’s coral reef laden coast. Without a doubt, snorkeling is a must as Tioman is a protected marine wildlife refuge that is home to sea turtles, blue spotted stingrays, moray eels, Napoleon fish, angelfish, butterfly fish, parrotfish, clownfish, damsels and beautiful black tip reef sharks. Returning to our beach huts for a late lunch, you’ll have time to relax and freshen up. In the early evening, we’ll meet for thirst-quenching sundowners on the beach while watching sunset over the South China Sea. After sunset, we’ll sit down for a tasty vegan dinner at a nearby cafe. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4   TIOMAN ISLAND

Another day in paradise! After a hearty vegan breakfast, we’ll set out to spend the day helping out at a local turtle sanctuary. One of only a few turtle sanctuaries within Malaysia, the refuge provides a safe nesting area for sea turtles where recently laid eggs and hatchlings are protected from predators before being released into the sea. The sea turtle populations in Malaysia, as they are in many other parts of the world, are seriously under threat and their numbers in the wild have deteriorated drastically. Sanctuaries, such as the one we will be at today, not only provide safe havens for turtles to lay their eggs so the eggs are given a fighting chance to hatch, but they also help by encouraging the local population to protect these beautiful creatures as well as educating those from the mainland on the importance of protecting their natural heritage. This helps to provide the turtles (as well as other lovely sea creatures) a better chance of survival. Today we’ll help out at the sanctuary as well as in their organic farm – including making our lunch from freshly farmed organic veggies! After spending the day at the sanctuary, you’ll have time to freshen up and relax before we meet up in the evening for sundowner and dinner under the stars, with sea breezes and the sound of the calm waves gently lapping the beach. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5   TIOMAN ISLAND

Our last full day on the island - we’ll set back out to explore the underwater world as well as the island’s thick tropical jungle interior teeming with life. We’ll hop aboard our boat and head down the coast to Renggis Island for some great snorkeling around its rocks and reefs. PulauRenggis is known for its diverse variety of marine life including the attractive and sleeky black-tip reef sharks - which if we’re lucky, we’ll see and be able to share the sea with today. After snorkeling, we head further south down the coast by boat to the southern most tip of Tioman where we’ll have a picnic lunch on shore before hiking back along the jungles edge to the refreshing spring fed Asah Falls. Here, we’ll have plenty of time to swim and enjoy the peaceful jungle surroundings. After cooling off at the falls, we’ll get back on our boat and head out to our beach bungalows where you’ll have time to relax and freshen up. Later, as the sunsets over the South China Sea, we’ll meet up on the beach for some always-refreshing sundowners, snacks and a feast of local vegan delicacies for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6   MELAKA - a Unesco World Heritage Town

It’s time to say goodbye to the island, as we head to the mainland to the captivating 600-year-old historical town of Melaka. With it’s fascinating past, Melaka is said to be the birthplace of Malaysian history and is known for its mixture of cultures, religions and architecture, which come to life in its colorful streets. Establishing itself centuries ago as a trading center, it attracted merchants from as far as China, Arabia and India and at one time over 88 different languages were spoken. Melaka eventually fell into the hands of European colonialists, with the Portuguese, Dutch and British all laying claim, before Malaysia gained its independence. Stepping back in time we’ll be staying in the historical district at an old Baba (Chinese/Malay mix) mansion that’s been converted into a hotel. Arriving in Melaka, we’ll settle into our rooms and you’ll have time to freshen up before we meet in the early evening for a cultural culinary experience where we sample a variety of tasty Nyonya dishes – Melaka style. A centuries old fusion of Malay and Chinese cooking styles, Nyonya cuisine is distinctly Malaysian and is not to be missed! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7    MELAKA - a Unesco World Heritage Town

After Tai Chi lesson and a healthy vegan breakfast, we’ll jump right into the streets of Melaka getting a glimpse of this old historical town from a long time resident and one of the foremost expert n Melaka history. Exploring the Unesco World Heritage town’s back alleys, narrow-winding lanes and canals we’ll venture out into the centuries-old streets of Melaka visiting its historical houses, local bazaars and shop houses, forts, temples, mosques and churches. We’ll break our historical walk to enjoy a traditional banana-leaf style vegan meal for lunch. You’ll have the evening free to relax and take in the atmosphere, chill-out at a Chinese tea stall or kickback over some live music and a cold beverage at a local corner café at the lively weekend market in Melaka’s Chinatown. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 8    KAMPUNG MINANG

While looking at a map, street sign or signboard in Malaysia, you’ll often notice the word "kampung". Kampung (sometimes spelt kampong) is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) for village, and during our stay – you’ll be introduced to "kampung" life in Malaysia as we head inland well off-the-beaten-track. We start the morning with Tai Chi lesson and delicious breakfast, before we journey out into the countryside to a small rural village. The area we will be staying in has a very interesting history. This area; was settled in the 15th century by the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra (Indonesia). The Minangkabau, though Muslim, also practice many of their own traditions and their culture is traditionally matrilineal – where property and family name and land passes from mother to daughter. Staying with local families, we’ll learn about the Minangkabau people’s way of life, their rich traditions, customs and culture. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9    LAKE CHENDREROH

Saying goodbye to our friendly hosts in the village, we hop aboard the local train traveling north up the scenic Malaysian peninsula to Lake Chenderoh. During the journey, be on the lookout for some great scenery including jagged limestone cliffs, countryside fields and quaint Malay towns. We’ll arrive at Lake Chenderoh in the early evening. Its waters surrounded by lush jungles and scattered with uninhabited islands, we’ll be staying on the banks of this serene lake in traditional Malay wood chalets built on stilts. Here, we’ll enjoy the tranquility, friendliness and adventure of living in the Malaysian countryside on a beautiful lake. After settling in, we’ll have time to freshen up before dinner. Make sure you’re hungry, as we’ll be having a vegan Malay-style barbeque dinner near the lake where you’ll be introduced to the different local dishes from the area. After dinner, we’ll sit down to play a traditional Malay game, which - once you learn it - becomes quite addicting! (Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10    LAKE CHENDEROH

We begin the day boating across the lake where we’ll come ashore and visit a nearby village learning about local medicinal plants used for home remedies, as well as for cooking. After our hike, on the way back to our chalets, we’ll stop for an herbal rice lunch on one of the lake’s many islands. In the afternoon, we’ll hop aboard kayaks and set out on the lake to enjoy the peaceful waters of Lake Chenderoh and the flora and fauna along its shore and uninhabited islands. Returning to our chalets, you’ll have time to take a swim and freshen up before we sit down for a performance of local Malaysian music. Then we’ll meet for our cooking class where we’ll not only learn, but also help cook - under the guidance of our host and friend who is a wonderful chef, tonight’s dinner - which will be a combination of some of the tastiest local Malay delicacies found in the State of Perak. After our cooking class, we’ll sit down to enjoy our traditional Malay vegan feast, where we will dine – learning about local Malay dining etiquette - kampung style! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11   MATANG MANGROVE FOREST RESERVE

Today, we’ll set out for the western coast to the largest mangrove forest in Malaysia – the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve. Hugging the shores of the Melaka Straits, these mangrove swamps are an important habitat for a wide variety of birds, including over 166 local and migratory bird species. On the way to the mangroves, we’ll stop at Kuala Kangsar. The old royal town of the Perak state, Kuala Kangsar is home to well-preserved old palaces and colorful mosques. After visiting this regal town, we’ll continue on to Kuala Gula – a small town at the footsteps of the mangroves which are home to not only to a variety of bird species but also other wildlife that live both above and below the water’s surface including monkeys, water monitors and other reptiles and a plethora of different fish species. After settling into our chalets near the water’s edge, we’ll set out on local boats to explore the mangroves. In the evening, we’ll join a local family at their home for a delicious vegan dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12    PENANG - a Unesco World Heritage Town

In the morning, we’ll explore the swamp forest before breakfast. Freshening up back at our chalets, it’s time for the city again. Heading north, we’ll reach the port city of Butterworth where we’ll catch our ferry from the mainland over to Pulau Penang (Penang Island). As we come aboard on Penang Island, we’ll journey back to a bygone era settling in at our home for the next two days, the famed Cheong FattTze Mansion. The 19th century home of one of the most influential personalities in Malaya dubbed as “China’s Rockefeller”, the Blue Mansion, as it is locally known, is located in the heart of the old town and is the winner of the prestigious UNESCO Heritage Award. Then we’re off for lunch at a tasty local vegan eatery where we’ll enjoy some of Penang’s famous – and absolutely delicious cuisine. After lunch, we’ll return to the Blue Mansion where you’ll have time to freshen up before we meet up for tonight’s cooking class where we’ll learn to make a full course Nyonya vegan meal. Many say Nyonya cuisine – the unique food developed by the Baba-Nyonya communities in Malaysia and Singapore, is fusion cuisine at its best, and once you’ve tried it – you’ll have a hard time disputing this statement. A combination of Chinese ingredients and Malay spices, Nyonya dishes also tend to vary based on what part of Malaysia you are in. For example, Nyonya dishes in Melaka because of the Indonesian influence tend to taste different than those in Penang, which geographically is quite close to Thailand. So tonight, be prepared to roll up your sleeves – as we begin our cooking class where, under the watchful guidance of a great Nyonya chef, we’ll not only learn, but also cook tonight’s meal. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13    PENANG - a Unesco World Heritage Town

Starting the day with a Tai Chi lesson, we’ll venture out to explore Penang. Established in 1786 as the first British stronghold in Malaya, Penang soon became a bustling trading outpost attracting merchants from China, India, Thailand, the Middle East, Burma and Europe. The influence of these early settlers is evident in the town’s festive celebrations, architecture and culturally diverse neighborhoods. The vegetarian capital of Malaysia, Penang is also home to some excellent vegan eateries. Today we’ll step back in time as we meet up with a long time “islander” who’ll show us around their town as we explore historical Georgetown not only visiting its grand Chinese clan houses, temples and vibrant Little India, but also its narrow back alleys, winding lanes and local shop houses. Returning back to our mansion, you’ll have the evening free to relax in the beautiful room, sip on tea or coffee at the local café or do a little shopping. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 14    LANGKAWI ISLAND

In the morning, we’ll catch the morning ferry across the Andaman Sea to Pulau Langkawi. Consisting of 99 islands whose geological history dates back over 500 million years, Langkawi is home to formidable rock formations, limestone cliffs, sun soaked beaches, waterfalls, rice-paddies and lush jungles. On arrival, we’ll sit down for a tasty vegan lunch before heading out to our peaceful seaside inn. Set on a scenic stretch of beach boasting warm and refreshing clear water and a picturesque island-speckled horizon, the inn’s rooms open up to a serene lush tropical garden. Checking in, you’ll have the afternoon free to relax on the beach, go for a swim or take a stroll through the sleepy island-paced town. As the sun sets, we’ll meet up on the beach to enjoy ice-chilled beverages and a candle light dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 15    LANGKAWI ISLAND

After yoga on the beach and breakfast, we take a scenic drive to the base of Mt. Machincang, the second tallest peak on the island standing over 710 meters above sea level. Here, we catch the cable car to the top of the rainforest-clad mountain. On reaching the top, we’ll make our way along the summit walking out onto an impressive suspension bridge where we’ll enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding islands that sprawl out all the way to Thailand. Upon returning to our seaside inn, you’ll have the rest of the day free to kickback on the beach, explore the island, get a massage or go into town for some shopping – Langkawi is a duty free island so shop to your hearts content! At sunset, we’ll meet up on the beach for our last night of sundowners together (make sure you’re thirsty). As the sun dips off into the sea, we’ll enjoy drinks, fresh local fruit and light snacks while enjoying live traditional local island music. Tonight, make sure you bring your party shirt, dancing shoes (flip-flops are okay) and a hearty appetite! (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 16    LANGKAWI ISLAND - KUALA LUMPUR

On our last day in Malaysia together, we’ll meet up in the morning for yoga on the beach and breakfast. Then we'll head to the airport to catch our flight back to KL. On arrival, our adventure ends at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. If you would like to extend your stay at the hotel in KL or for any onward assistance, please talk with your VegVoyages Adventure Leaders who will be more than happy to help.Terima kasih dan jumpa lagi (thank you and see you again)! (Breakfast)

WHAT'S INCLUDED ACCOMMODATION: 15 nights (combination of hotels, beach cabana, heritage hotel, homestay, riverside chalet, heritage mansion) MEALS: 42 vegan meals 15 breakfasts 14 lunches 13 dinners TRANSPORT: Private vans trains taxis express buses local village boats ferries monorail and an airplane (flight from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur) STAFF: VegVoyages Adventure Leaders & Local Guides OTHERS INCLUDED: Yoga lessons Tai Chi lessons Vegan cooking class Fruit tasting All entry fees All local guide fees Live folk music and dances Island hopping experience Snorkeling equipment during reef exploration trips Mangrove boat tour All activities as per the itinerary All entertainment as per the itinerary Donation to local grassroots organization Melaka city tour Penang city tour Arrival airport transfer Up to 20 kgs baggage allowance for flight from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur on day 16 (Adventure ends at Kuala Lumpur airport on last day) NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, personal travel insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.

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