Rise early and immerse yourself in Malaysia’s mouthwatering cuisine, shaped by a fusion of unique cultural influences. Start with a visit to Taman Tun Market, led by a local guide, where you’ll explore bustling stalls packed with a kaleidoscope of ripe fruits, rich aromatics and ultra-fresh herbs. It’s here that the foundations of Malaysian cooking are plain to see, displayed in all their tantalising glory.
Find the flavoursome mastery in the way seasoned locals handle, chop, fry and mix galangal, lemongrass, dried chilli paste, fresh curry leaves, tamarind, roasted coconut and pandan leaves to create an ever-changing tapestry of flavour.
Sample local roti chanai – flaky Indian flatbread most often served with a delicious side sauce – and teh tarik, or ‘pulled tea’ – black tea with condensed milk, impressively poured between two cups to create a comforting, foamy drink.
Insider Experience: LaZat Cooking Class
After your market visit, bring your ingredients to LaZat Cooking School on Kuala Lumpur’s jungle-fringed outskirts. Committed to the preservation of authentic Malaysian cuisine, LaZat’s approachable style and core philosophy – that a simple recipe is more than just a meal, but also the social tapestry that keeps people together – has earned it a reputation as one of the country’s best cooking schools.
Your beginner-friendly class dives into two Malay favourites, beginning with Kuala Lumpur-style curry laksa – a spicy coconut-based noodle soup traditionally topped with fried tofu and fresh seafood. While there are countless other forms of laksa (you’ll have the chance to try another for comparison in Penang) the Kuala Lumpur style has a uniquely delicious flavour profile owing to its creamy broth.
For dessert, try your hand at onde-onde, or sweet rice cakes filled with palm sugar and tossed with fresh grated coconut.
After lunch, enjoy leisure time at the hotel. This is the perfect time to enjoy a few drinks by the pool or lie down for a well-deserved nap.
Insider Experience: Kampung Baru Walking Tour
Rejoin your fellow travellers later this afternoon and set off on a walking tour through Kampung Baru, the last remaining Malay village in the city, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Preserved timber stilt-shacks stand against a backdrop of towering steel skyscrapers, with a pervasive sense of thoughtful stillness that stands in stark contrast to the fast-paced capital beyond this enclave.
Take a tour of the local community, culminating in the opportunity to eat your way through Kampung Baru’s famed hawker stalls. For dinner, you might choose to sample a smorgasbord of Malay specialties, including putu piring (rice flour cakes), apam balik (sugar-coated crispy rice pancakes) and satay skewers. Don’t miss your chance to try the village’s uniquely homestyle take on nasi lemak, Malaysia’s national dish.
Surrounded by an ever-expanding metropolis, a journey through Kampung Baru is an experience only Kuala Lumpur could offer.
Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening as you please.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 30–45 minutes between locations
Insider Experience: LaZat Cooking Class
Insider Experience: Kampung Baru Walking Tour
“Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines. There are so many dining options you’ll be spoilt for choice. Think satays cooked over hot coals on the five-foot way (a roofed continuous walkway commonly found in front of commercial businesses) to petit morsels of refined food plated beautifully overlooking the Petronas Twin Towers” – Diana
Set out for another day of delicious discovery.
Insider Experience: Chinatown Walking Foodie Tour
You’ve tasted two of Malaysia’s enduring culinary influences – Indian and Malay cuisine – so it’s high time to explore Kuala Lumpur’s thriving Chinatown.
The hawker stalls here have been serving up mouthwatering delights for generations, though the neighbourhood is no stranger to new trends – fried chicken shops rub shoulders with old-school egg tart stalls, with more inventive restaurants opening every day.
Wander past legendary dim sum shops, century egg tart sellers and an array of alluring pastries, served with fresh kopitiam (coffee). Local juice bars squeeze light refreshments, while other vendors prepare delectable Chinese herbal tea, sweet potato balls, curry puffs and crispy coconut and peanut pancakes.
Elsewhere, historic hokkien noodles are prepared to showcase their signature smoky, savoury flavours topped with prawns, crunchy pork, shrimp and cabbage.
After lunch at leisure, witness Kuala Lumpur’s must-see sights on a city tour by coach, starting with a visit to the grand King’s Palace (Istana Negara), which officially became the National Palace in 2011. Continue past Parliament House and the National Monument at the scenic Lake Gardens, then look for the National Mosque, featuring a 73-metre minaret and connecting rail station.
Next, visit the star-shaped Chinese Thean Hou Temple, offering impressive views of the city. Continue to Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), located in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, where Malaysia declared itself independent from colonial forces on 31 August 1957. Conclude your sightseeing at the famed Petronas Towers, where you’ll have the chance to see the buildings’ exteriors.
Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. For more acclaimed dining beyond the front doors, consider making a reservation at Dewakan Restaurant at Skyviews or booking a table at Eat and Cook.
Insider Experience: Chinatown Walking Foodie Tour
Before your flight to Penang, enjoy one more indulgent morning amid the EQ’s luxurious amenities ahead of your transfer to Bala’s Banana Leaf for another taste of Malaysia’s culinary heritage. This corner stall is one of the few remaining spots serving authentic Indian-Malaysian banana leaf rice and curry, a tradition originating in far-flung India and Sri Lanka. Considered a ‘weekend food’ in Malaysia – the perfect meal over which to catch up with friends – the curries are flavourful, textured and contrast wonderfully with the green banana leaf ‘plate’.
With a wide array of dishes to be devoured, you may find yourself sampling varied vegetable or fish curries, selections like mutton masala popping with rich, spicy and aromatic flavours, plus a serving of ‘Chicken 65’ – bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in spiced yoghurt and deep-fried to perfection. Follow along with the locals and eat with your hands for an authentic experience.
Afterwards, transfer to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) for your included flight to Penang (PEN). Located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is considered one of Asia’s most culturally diverse destinations. Dubbed Malaysia’s food capital, Penang is well known for its scintillating culinary scene, palm-fringed beaches and cool hills, as well as its historic capital, George Town – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site famed for its fascinating trading history.
After touchdown, you’ll be met by a local guide and transferred from Penang International Airport to The George Penang by The Crest Collection – a decadent stay with colonial charm and top-tier service. With the afternoon at leisure, spend some time by the unique indoor pool or grab a drink at the onsite bar to relax before tonight’s excursion.
Insider Experience: Dinner at Aunty Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery
Peranakan cuisine is a dying art, but hardworking restaurants like Aunty Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery are keeping it alive and well in the 21st century. Blending culinary traditions from the descendants of those early seafaring Chinese migrants who married into local Malay communities, the millennia-old secrets to Peranakan fusion have long been handed down orally from mother to daughter.
Tonight, you’ll taste immeasurable years of flavour refinement. Spicy, salty, sour and sweet in all the right ways, Aunty Gaik Lean’s house-made curry pastes, uncompromising commitment to quality and closely guarded secret recipes have led the restaurant to become Malaysia’s sole Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. It doesn’t get better – or more authentic – than this.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes / Flight – approx. one hour
Insider Experience: Dinner at Aunty Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery
In the early 19th century, Penang was at the heart of Asia’s historic spice trade, and there’s no better place to uncover this history than at the Tropical Spice Garden.
Insider Experience: Cooking Class at Tropical Spice Garden
Telling the story of Penang’s early history as a ‘spice island’, Tropical Spice Garden also explores its role in the expansion of colonial power in the region, set amid eight acres of lush jungle gardens on a still-quiet part of the island overlooking the Straits of Malacca. Here, discover Penang history across a series of peaceful paths and tranquil waterways. It’s as if you’re exploring a garden transplanted from another time.
You will enjoy two exciting experiences:
- A guided garden walk, with a knowledgeable guide teaching you about the region’s herbs, spices and its fascinating history.
- A cooking class, preparing dishes like authentic Malaysian chicken curry; roti jala, a warm savoury crepe; and sago gula melaka, a delicious chewy dessert drizzled with palm sugar syrup.
Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the fruits of your labours over lunch.
Insider Experience: Dinner at Restaurant Au Jardin
Tonight, prepare to experience Michelin-starred magic as you take your place at much-lauded Restaurant Au Jardin.
Hidden within an old George Town bus depot, you’ll find one of Penang’s most exquisite houses of fine dining. Executive chef Kim Hock Su’s degustation menu balances European au naturelle traditions and Penang delicacies with a decidedly sustainable bent – 85% of the restaurant’s produce is sourced directly from Malaysian farmers.
Restaurant Au Jardin is famed for numerous showstopping dishes, such as the cognac and hay-aged duck, presented in a hay-filled smoking box, accompanied with beetroot pickles and yuzu split jus, served on a bed of ultra-soft pomme puree (decadent, French-style mashed potato). Crispy, rich and perfectly balanced, every dish at Au Jardin is a work of culinary art.
Insider Experience: Cooking Class at Tropical Spice Garden
Insider Experience: Dinner at Restaurant Au Jardin
Wake early to a beautiful day in Penang, and the promise of another sensational walking foodie tour.
Insider Experience: Penang Foodie Walking Tour
This morning, fall in love with Penang’s culinary landscape and try the city’s best bites on Diana’s favourite experience of the tour.
You may begin with a cup of steaming coffee at a local kopitiam (coffee shop). The island is famed for its rich coffee culture, so now’s your chance to caffeinate like a local by ordering kopi-o (black coffee) or kopi peng (iced coffee with condensed milk).
Continue to Chowrasta Market, located in the heart of George Town, for a chance to browse the market’s abundant fresh produce, spices, snacks and mixed goods.
After wandering the eye-catching stalls, make your way to the acclaimed Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay cafe for a sweet treat. Be sure to try the cafe’s exceptional kuih, or bite-sized sweet snacks – the restaurant is even connected to its very own kuih factory.
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its fantastic Penang-style asam laksa – Diana’s favourite Malaysian dish. Tangy, fiery and packed with flavour, this variety of noodle soup features a lighter broth than its Kuala Lumpur cousin, with the ingredients placed delicately atop the soup for diners to mix as they prefer.
“There are so many different kinds of laksas throughout Malaysia,” says Diana. “For example from the south in the state of Johor, you will find a type of laksa called laksa johor, which is made using wolf herring, with a coconut and tamarind base and spaghetti noodles; in the northern state of Penang you will instead see assam laksa, made using mackerel (or similar oily fishes), with a tamarind base and noodles made from rice and tapioca starch. Both are delicious!”
This afternoon, return to your hotel for the rest of the afternoon spent freely. Perhaps head to the Eastern & Oriental Hotel’s Emporium for a little retail therapy or spend the day admiring views over the Andaman Sea from the vantage point of the central pool.
Return to the hotel for a few hours spent as you please, then later take a self-guided tour of Cheong Fatt Tze’s ‘Blue Mansion’ – one of George Town’s most beloved architectural gems.
Built in the late 19th century by the industrialist, first-class scholar and business mogul of the same name – at one point Cheong Fatt Tze was called ‘the richest man in the Malayas’ – it’s a spectacular architectural achievement. With no expense spared, and the benefit of Feng Shui masters’ consultations during construction, the Blue Mansion features a beautifully restored reception hall, courtyard and second-floor museum exhibit.
Insider Experience: Dinner at Indigo by The Blue Mansion
Located on the Blue Mansion’s first floor, Indigo is inspired by Cheong Fatt Tze himself, with a dinner menu that merges the tycoon’s cultures and philosophies from his time in Penang.
Each course is thoughtfully considered and exquisitely plated to fuse eastern and western influence – matching the themes of the restaurant’s interior. For dinner, a degustation menu features a local twist on familiar flavours, such as the wagyu shortrib pong teh, or the roasted lamb loin with a masak kicap jus. Complete the night with a traditional Indonesian sponge cake and wander the five minutes back to your hotel.
Back at The George, the rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Insider Experience: Penang Foodie Walking Tour
“My favourite experience is the food tour in Penang, a state internationally known for its cheap and tasty eats. You can find a bowl of noodles for less than MYR5 – approximately the equivalent of A$1.70! – Diana
After one final breakfast at The George, transfer to Penang International Airport (PEN) for your short flight to Langkawi International Airport (LGK). Here, you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your final five-star stay.
Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi
A timeless tropical island sanctuary, the breathtaking Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa places guests right on Langkawi’s coveted Cenang Beach. Set against its beautifully landscaped gardens, the Malay-inspired architecture of Pelangi Beach Resort blends a crisp, clean design with warm beachside ambience, creating the perfect retreat.
Your stay at Pelangi Beach Resort is defined by outstanding hospitality and unparalleled access to Langkawi’s sensational sands, with all the modern amenities you need to be comfortable.
Once you’ve settled into your well-appointed room, you’re ready to kick off with the first of four fantastic days in paradise, spent at leisure however you please.
Your Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa inclusions:
- Daily buffet breakfast at Spice Market Restaurant
- One dinner at Pelangi Grill by the Beach
- One daily cocktail
- Return airport transfers
Travel time: Driving – approx. 30 minutes / Flight – approx. 45 minutes
A timeless tropical island sanctuary, the breathtaking Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa places guests right on Langkawi’s coveted Cenang Beach. Set against its beautifully landscaped gardens, the Malay-inspired architecture of Pelangi Beach Resort blends a crisp, clean design with warm beachside ambience, creating the perfect retreat.
With all the modern amenities you need to be comfortable, and a traditional touch that keeps you grounded, your stay at Pelangi Beach Resort is defined by outstanding hospitality and unparalleled access to Langkawi’s sensational sands.
With three days of uninterrupted bliss at Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi, there’s nothing between you and Malaysia’s most enchanting tropical haven.
Wake with daily buffet breakfast and the sound of tranquil tides at play. Relax by the shimmering pool with a favourite beach read and your daily included cocktail, take a peaceful stroll along the sands, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating session at Pelangi Spa (surcharges apply) to set the tone for your island indulgence.
Whatever your mood, the resort has dining options to match – unwind with a refreshing drink at Kelapa Bar, explore contemporary Latin cuisine at beachfront Pelangi Grill, then toast to paradise at laidback Pelangi Lounge.
From peaceful shores to plush lodgings, Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa has it all.
Bid farewell to beautiful Langkawi as you’re transferred to Langkawi International Airport (LGK) for your return flight home.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Your included flight departs from Langkawi International Airport (LGK). Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.