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Malaysia adventure - Welcome to the jungle

Monkeys in the hidden rainforest

Route: Cameron Highlands/Penang - Belum rainforest

Far off in northern Malaysia, there's a hidden stretch of pre-historic jungle just waiting to be discovered. It's slightly further away from Kuala Lumpur than the famed Taman Negara National Park and there aren't any scheduled buses running to the area. However, its remoteness is exactly the reason why this rainforest has stayed so raw and unspoilt.

Hiking through the forest you'll spot gibbons, rare plants and flowers and maybe even a wild elephant or two. After a full day of trekking around the jungle you'll spend the night at the park's only jungle lodge. It's nestled deep in the rainforest and has very comfortable rooms; the perfect place to re-energise and regroup in between jungle treks. During this Malaysia adventure you'll either have your own hired car or we'll arrange a private transfer to take you where you want to go during your stay. There's no easier way to explore the jungle before continuing on to the west coast's tropical isles.

Sound good? You can start building your own Malaysia trip using our bite-sized Malaysia tours or take your pick from our range of suggested holidays in Malaysia. You can even combine your Malaysia adventure with a trip to Borneo? Simply choose from our selection of bite-sized Borneo tours or ready-made holidays in Borneo.

Duration	3 days / 2 nights	Accommodation	Double occupancy room at comfortable jungle resort (see our photos here). Comfort level 3 (see accommodation)
Price	£230 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Includes	2 nights accommodation with breakfast, jungle trek/river boat cruise
Transport	Your own hired car or private transfer	Excludes	Other meals, other excursions & transfers to and from the jungle

Day 1: Arrival at jungle lodge

Whether you embark on this Malaysia adventure after a visit to the Cameron Highlands or Penang, the drive to our jungle lodge should only take you about 4 hours either way. You'll be surprised to find a well-paved road leading straight through the jungle all the way to your accommodation. There aren't public transport options around, only a hired car or private transfer will get you here. The extra effort it takes to reach this rainforest has really helped to maintain its authenticity and wild appeal. Keep on the lookout for the jungle's gentle grey giants once you start to see flattened guardrails and elephant crossing signs by the roadside.

You'll arrive at your accommodation around mid-afternoon. Your resort is
tastefully decorated with lots of wood and bamboo elements. The lodge's location by the water's edge gives it a very relaxing atmosphere and the overall level of comfort is a surprising feature in such a primitive jungle setting.

Malaysia adventure - Expert jungle guides

Day 2: Jungle trek

It's the second day of your Malaysia adventure and after breakfast this morning you will travel deep into the jungle by boat with your guide. He will lead you on your journey through the 130 million year old jungle the size of Luxemburg. Once on land, at first you'll follow a well-trodden path, but before long you'll cut off into the wilderness where sunrays can barely make it through the thick mass of plants, trees and vines. There aren't any trails set out in this rainforest like there are in Taman Negara National Park and so our expert guide will lead you through the jungle. From time to time he'll stop in his tracks to listen to the rustling of branches and leaves; sounds made by spider monkeys or perhaps something larger...

You won't see many other travellers during your Malaysia adventure in this secluded rainforest. That's why everything is so well-preserved and why there are so many different types of plants and animals thriving here. One of this jungle's most unusual inhabitants is the world's largest flower: the Rafflesia. This red flower can grow up to a metre in width, but unfortunately doesn't smell as good as it looks...

After your adventure trekking in the jungle, you will be transferred by boat back to your resort for a well-deserved rest.

Day 3: Next stop... Malaysia's East Coast

This Malaysia adventure ends after a quiet breakfast by the water's edge with nothing but the sounds of the jungle in the background. After about a 4-hour drive past several kampung's you'll reach Malaysia's East Coast. If you like, you could even try out our kampung homestay to really experience Malaysia. Host Harry made the village his home some time ago and looks forward to introducing his friends the local villagers to you.

Of course there's nothing stopping you from driving straight to the East Coast's tropical islands by private transfer or hired car. In Kuala Besut you'll find a guarded parking lot where you can leave your car whilst you are staying on the islands. Your next step is entirely up to you... either spend time on dreamy palm tree lined beaches on a Perhentian trip or visit a few secluded beaches for a tropical Malaysia beach break.

A peek at your accommodation (Click to enlarge)

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