MALAYSIA VEGAN TOUR

Selamat datang ke (welcome to) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – or “KL” as the locals call it. KL is a modern cosmopolitan city – a definite success story of South East Asian metropolises.  However, if you look closely – between the skyscrapers, just off the highways and boulevards, you’ll see it is much more than a modern city, but a historically vibrant and culturally diverse home to the many ethnic groups that form the unique identity of Malaysia. Beginning as a mining outpost in the 1800s, Kuala Lumpur has grown into one of the most culturally diverse and cosmopolitan cities in Southeast Asia. It’s hard to imagine that the modern KL you see today, was once surrounded by jungle and was a wild frontier-mining town.  Its early days could best be described as the wild, wild west (or in this case – the wild, wild east) – complete with gambling halls, opium dens, saloons, brothels, lawlessness and a notorious reputation to boot. But KL survived, with its fair share of disasters – including floods, fires, diseases, Triad battles and even a civil war, to become what it is today – where some of Asia’s tallest skyscrapers sit next to 100-year-old buildings, and where wide highways give way to bustling by-ways and bazaars of yesteryear. Today, after our orientation meeting and your first introduction to Malaysia’s terrifically tasty cuisines from a vegan point of view, we’ll take in the old and the new as we explore the streets, mosques and markets of this once infamous prospector’s boomtown. From architecturally rich mosques reflecting the very soul of Islam in the everyday life of Malays, to churches and colonial promenades that linger on from days gone by, KL is a rich introduction to the colors of Malaysia. Then, as the colors of the day turn to night, we’ll join local vegans and activists for a delicious vegan dinner and cultural exchange, as we learn about plant-based diets, conservation, and animal welfare in Malaysia. So today without hesitation, we’ll jump right in and get our first taste of KL – a microcosm of Malaysia as a whole. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Detailed Orientation Meeting where you will get to know your fellow travelers and adventure leaders better as we discuss the adventure ahead and have our Introduction to Malaysia’s History, Cultures, Customs, Etiquette & Diversity Presentation. 

• First Taste of Malaysia vegan feast where we’ll be introduced (and enjoy) a delicious variety of Malaysia’s dishes from across the country at our favorite local vegetarian food market in Kuala Lumpur – this is vegan Malaysian cuisine at its best! 

• As special guests of the Masjid Negara (National Mosque) – one of Southeast Asia’s largest mosques, our friends will introduce us to Islam and the important role it plays in everyday Malay life and culture.  We’ll also get a personal tour of the country’s national mosque learning about its history and symbolism.

• Tropical Fruit Tasting Session where we’ll enjoy and learn how to properly eat some of the Malaysia’s best tropical fruits in season.

• Join local vegans and activists for a delicious dinner and cultural exchange, where we’ll learn about plant-based diets, conservation, and animal welfare in Malaysia as we enjoy a delicious vegan dinner of some of KL’s classics dishes.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Starting with a morning heritage walk in the heart of old KL, where it’s infamous prospector town past meets the city’s modernity at the crossroads of the city’s cultural diversity and neighborhoods, we’ll learn about how Malaysia on the whole grew to what it is today, and then sit down for some delightful dosas! In the afternoon, from KL we’ll head down to the shores of the Melaka Strait and the over 600-year-old historical town of Melaka! With its fascinating past, is said to be the birthplace of Malaysia’s modern-day history.  Known for its colorful blend of cultures, religions and architecture that seem to literally come-to-life in the city’s historical streets, Melaka is evidence of Malaysia’s rich and diverse past.  Establishing itself as a trading post centuries ago, Melaka attracted merchants from as far as China, Arabia and India in its early years, before eventually falling into the hands of not one, but three, colonial powers: the Portuguese, Dutch and finally – the British.  Stepping back in time, we will be staying in the heart of the heritage district in an old historical mansion where we’ll take in the sights, sounds and tastes of one of Malaysia’s oldest and most historical cities. Exploring the old colonial-era part of town on a sunset walk with a longtime resident of Melaka, where both the Portuguese, Dutch, and British had all left their architectural (and cultural) mark, we’ll learn about its rich and conflicted history under these three colonial powers which last from 1511 (when the Portuguese first took the city) all the way up until the British left in 1957. Then, as the moon rises over Melaka, we’ll make our way to the city’s lively weekend market where we’ll explore, kickback and relax amongst its busy lanes before settling down for a delicious vegan fusion dinner in the heart of the weekend market.

Highlights of the Day:

• In the morning, we’ll join our friend and set out by foot to explore the heart of old colorful “KL” where the old and new meet at the crossroads of the city’s, and could be said Malaysia’s, cultural diversity. From its bustling bazaars and back alleys, to its Chinese temples, clan houses and an enchanting Hindu temple, we’ll learn about Malaysia’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage from a local’s point of view! We’ll also enjoy some seriously tasty local vegan snacks tasting – including enjoying in one of our favorites – delightfully delicious dosas!

• Heritage sunset walk in old town Melaka with long time local resident of this over 600-year-old city – exploring the historical colonial-era part of town which was home to not one, but three European colonial powers in history who all left their mark on this important trading outpost.

• As the moon rises over Melaka, we’ll explore, relax, and chill-out in the town’s lively weekend market.

• Settle down for delicious local vegan snacks, refreshing cold drinks, and a delightful hearty dinner of local fusion classics in the heart of Melaka’s weekend market.  

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

After a traditional vegan breakfast, we’ll step back in time into the streets of Melaka getting a glimpse of this old historical town from a long time resident and one of the foremost experts of Melaka’s history. Exploring its back alleys, narrow-winding lanes and canals, we’ll visit centuries-old homes, shop houses, forts, temples, mosques, and churches before breaking our walk with a traditional banana-leaf vegan lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax and freshen up, then we’ll meet up at sunset to enjoy some refreshing sundowners before settling down for tonight’s cultural culinary experience where we’ll sample a variety of tasty vegan 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!

Highlights of the Day:

• Explore the old streets of Melaka, from traditional craft-makers, religious shops, old tombs and temples – including the oldest Chinese temple in the country built in 1664; we’ll explore the town’s back alleys and lanes learning about the diverse cultures that have all contributed to the town’s rich history.

• Enjoy Malaysian Indian Banana leaf lunch at a popular local Indian eatery where we will have a delightful array of local veganized nasi kandar dishes and learn the etiquette behind eating a banana leaf meal – properly!  This special “nasi kandar” Tamil-Malay fusion lunch specially veganized just for us. Nasi Kandar originated in Malaysia in the late 18th and 19th centuries and took its name from the hawkers who’d prepare and sell rice (nasi) meals with curries from baskets and wood containers that hung at either end of a pole (known as a kandar) that they’d rest on their shoulder.  

• Enjoy a tasty Nyonya vegan fusion feast where you’ll get your first “taste” of the one of the cultures unique to Melaka’s heritage and history.     

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

While looking at a map, street sign or signboard in Malaysia, you’ll often notice the word “kampung”.  Kampung, or kampong, is the Malay word for village.  Today – you’ll be introduced to “kampung” life in Malaysia as we head well off-the-beaten-track into the heartland of the Malaysian countryside! Saying goodbye to the big city (okay, Melaka is not that big – but compared to where we’ll be heading today, it is a mega-metropolis), we journey into the countryside to a small kampung.  The village we will be living in is located in the state of Negeri Sembilan, which has a very interesting history as it was settled in the 15th-16th centuries by the Minangkabau of Sumatra (located just across the Melaka Straits in Indonesia). The Minangkabau, though Muslim, also practice many of their earlier traditions and their culture has historically been matrilineal – where property, family name and land passes from mother to daughter. Anthropologists and sociologists consider the Minangkabau of Indonesia as the single largest matrilineal community in the world!  “Negeri” means state, and “sembilan”, means nine.  So, the states name, Negeri Sembilan, came about because it was originally settled as a loose union of nine different fiefdoms ruled by separate chiefs. The first “monarch” of an independent Malaysia was actually from Negeri Sembilan. Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who ruled Negeri Sembilan for 24-years before being elected independent Malaya’s 1st king was a prominent supporter of democracy. Although the history and culture of Malaysia is evident in the centuries-old buildings, homes, shop houses and museums of Melaka, Malay culture and traditions are never more so evident than in the kampung.  Even with development growing at an alarming pace around the country – including in the rural areas, the traditions, customs, culture and warm hospitality the Malay people are known for, is still very much alive and well in the kampung. Over the next couple days, we will learn about Malay village life as we stay as personal guests of the village. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Scenic drive from Melaka out into the countryside of Negeri Sembilan.

• Introduction to kampung life, etiquette, customs, history and much more as guests of local families. 

• Yummy Malay vegan lunch where you’ll have your first taste of traditional Malay kampung hospitality, and of course – tasty vegan Malay kampung food, at a local family’s home.  

• Cultural Culinary Experience – learn how to make a kampung favorite – lemang! A tasty Malay treat, lemang is glutinous rice and coconut milk cooked in a hollow bamboo stick lined with banana leaves – and it is delicious! 

• Cultural Culinary Experience – learn how to make the vegan versions of one of the country’s best-loved condiments, sambal!

• Join in a local game of futsal!

• Join local community for tasty home-cooked dinner of their favorite family recipes – all made 100% vegan!  

• Local village folk music jam session.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Another day in the Malay countryside!  Waking up to the sounds of the kampung, today we’ll spend our time exploring the surrounding countryside taking in the tranquility and charm of rural Malaysia.  While we explore the local kampung, be on the lookout for monkeys, water buffalos, a wide variety of birds who call the local trees and paddy fields home, the occasional snake, and an abundant amount of geckos. After breakfast, we’ll hop aboard bicycles and peddle our way out into the farmlands where we’ll focus on learning about local agriculture as well as rural Malay life, culture – and of course at lunch, feast on plenty of tasty local food while we enjoy the pace of living in the Malaysian countryside. After returning from our trek, you’ll have time to relax and rest before we learn how to make more of our favorite local recipes – vegan style. In the evening, we’ll meet up coconut bowling and literally a “tree to table” fruit tasting session. As the moon rises of the kampung, we’ll settle down with our friends from the community for our Cultural Q&A while enjoying refreshing local Malay drinks and tasty vegan feast of Minang and Malay dishes for dinner!  

Highlights of the Day:

• Join a local family at their home for a traditional “sarapan pagi” kampung breakfast – all made specially vegan for us.  

• Agricultural Cultural Experience – farming still plays a very important role in the everyday lives of people in the kampung. 

• Cultural Culinary Experience – meet up with locals from the village and learn how to make traditional Malay dishes – all made specially vegan, for tonight’s dinner. 

• “Tree to table” fresh fruits tasting session. 

• Join in a local game of coconut bowling – yes, exactly how it sounds.  

• Minang and Malay Cultural Q&A session with community.

• Special vegan feast of local Minangkabau and Malay dishes with the community.

 Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Selamat Pagi (good morning)! Bidding farewell to our friends in the kampung (village), we’ll head northeast across the Malay Peninsula towards the South China Sea and the border of Thailand passing through small towns, tropical forested mountains and vast palm oil plantation plateaus.  Arriving near the shores of the South China Sea in the afternoon, we’ll have a delicious local lunch of tasty Terengganu classic dishes all specially veganized for us. Then we’ll settle into our huts near the sea on one side, and the Setiu River on the other, where you’ll have time to freshen up and relax before we head out to explore the protected wilds of the Setiu wetlands! Covering 23,000 hectares (56,834 acres), the Setiu Wetlands are the largest natural wetlands along the East Coast of Malaysia and consist of nine ecosystems – the sea, 3 river basins, sandy beaches, estuaries, islands, mudflats, a lagoon, freshwater swamps and mangroves. Working together, the authorities and locals, as well as the UNDP, are making an effort to preserve and conserve these vital eco-systems. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the wetlands by boat and foot learning about its incredible biodiversity home to over 29 species of mammals, 161 species of birds, and 36 species of reptiles and amphibians. In the early evening after freshening up back at our cabanas, we’ll enjoy sunset over the Setiu River with refreshing sundowners including fresh coconuts, before enjoying a vegan BBQ accompanied by local veggie favorites specially veganized for us.

Highlights of the Day:

• Scenic journey east as we head to the South China Sea passing lush jungles, plantations, and small villages.  

• Special local lunch of tasty Terengganu classic dishes all specially veganized for us. 

• Explore by boat and foot the protected wilds of the Setiu wetlands – the largest natural wetlands along the East Coast of Malaysia. Consisting of nine ecosystems – the sea, 3 river basins, sandy beaches, estuaries, islands, mudflats, a lagoon, freshwater swamps and mangroves, we’ll explore the wetlands by boat and foot learning about its incredible biodiversity that is home to over 29 species of mammals, 161 species of birds, and 36 species of reptiles and amphibians. 

• Enjoy refreshing sundowners including fresh coconuts along with a vegan BBQ dinner accompanied by local veggie favorites specially veganized for us as we watch the sunset over the Setiu River and the colors of the day turn to night over the wetlands and the South China Sea.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Selamat Pagi (good morning)! Bidding farewell to our friend the city, we head northeast across the Malay Peninsula towards the South China Sea and the border of Thailand passing through small towns, tropical forested mountains and vast palm oil plantation plateaus.  Arriving in the late afternoon in Kuala Besut, a coastal town on the South China Sea, we’ll meet our ferry for the tropical Perhentian Islands! Goodbye city – hello sand, sea and santai (relaxing)! Located roughly 1 hour by boat off the coast in the South China Sea, Pulau Perhentian (Kepulauan Perhentian) is a series of lush tropical islands boasting sun-drenched beaches and marine life rich azure waters. They are basically made up of two main islands – Perhentian Kecil (Lesser, or small, Perhentian) and Perhentian Besar (Greater, or big, Perhentian), and another 5 uninhabited smaller islands. The word Perhentian, translates as “stopping” point in Bahasa Malay, as the islands were traditional stopping point for maritime traders plying between Malaysia’s and the Malay Archipelagos historical trading ports (like Melaka), and Bangkok – as well as other trading ports further east. This will be our home the next 3 days where we’ll be staying near the shores of the South China Sea a short walk from our rooms. For the next 3 days we’ll join local conservationists who will share with us the unique biodiversity and incredible marine life that call the waters around the Perhentians their home. As guests of this incredible grassroots marine-life conservation organization, we’ll learn from them about (and help out where we can) the projects they do for both reef restoration and marine life protection that are helping breathe life back into the incredible ecosystem both below and above the water. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Boat ride across the sea to Perhentian Islands.

• As guests of an incredible grassroots marine-life conservation and protection organization we’ll learn about their important projects and their reef-saving efforts, the state of reefs here, why they’re in danger, and the steps being taken to preserve them. While here we’ll also learn about the marine life that benefits from their unique projects including the ones we will be seeing today.

• Sundowners beachside as we watch the colors of the sky change to night over the South China Sea.

• Special vegan dinner overlooking the sea.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Selamat Pagi (good morning)! The South China Sea is home to an incredible variety of marine life and the waters around the Perhentian Islands are all part of a protected marine reserve covering approximately 15,200 hectares (37,560 acres). Without hesitation today, after breakfast we will begin our exploration of the Perhentian’s beautiful underwater life. Joining up with the leading marine life conservation team who are on the frontline to protect the Perhentian’s marine life rich waters, well hop aboard their boats and set off into the reef-laden sea.  The waters just off the shore from where we are staying as well as those around the surrounding islands are truly blessed with a huge variety of marine life that include blue spotted stingrays, Napoleon fish, moray eels, angelfish, butterfly fish, clown fish, damsels, wrasses, an assortment of parrotfish and sea turtles. We’ll spend the day learning about the vast array of marine life that call these waters their home, their plight to survive, and what actions are being done to protect them. We’ll also join in marine life surveys, reef and beach clean-ups, and reef restoration projects with the team. Between the programs, we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch of local dishes specially veganized just for us, and you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the sandy beach and warm water of the sea.

Highlights of the Day:

• Special traditional vegan breakfast overlooking the sea.

• As guests of an important, grassroots local marine life conservation program, we’ll join them for island hopping, snorkeling and exploring the surrounding water by boat where we’ll learn about the work they are doing, the lovely marine life that call the waters off the Perhentian Islands their home, and the fight to protect them.

• Join local conservationists for marine life surveys, reef and beach clean-ups, and reef restoration projects.

• Cultural Q&A, Language Lessons and Sundowner beachside as we watch the colors of the sky change to night over the South China Sea.  

• Special vegan dinner overlooking the sea.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Another day in paradise!  After breakfast, we’ll head off to participate in a local marine life conservation project again today – with today’s focus on one of our favorite local residents in the surrounding waters (and occasionally on the beach when they come for nesting) – sea turtles.  One of only a few active marine life conservation programs within Malaysia, the important work this team is doing to protect the marine life in the Perhentians is vital for their survival. We’ll set out again with them today, and explore the marine life rich waters learning more about the coral reefs, and the abundant species that call them their home, and their fight for survival.  We’ll also learn about the local sea turtle population and the efforts being done to help protect them and their nesting grounds. 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.  In between today’s programs as well, we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch of local dishes specially veganized for us, as well as you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the sandy beach and warm waters of the sea. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Guests of an important conservation program helping breathe life back into the sea around the Perhentian Islands with today’s focus on one of our favorite local residents – the absolutely lovely sea turtles. 

• As guests of an important, grassroots local marine life conservation program, we’ll join them for island hopping, snorkeling and exploring the surrounding water by boat where we’ll learn about the work they are doing, the lovely marine life that call the waters off the Perhentian Islands their home, and the fight to protect them.

• Cultural Q&A, Language Lessons and Sundowner beachside as we watch the colors of the sky change to night over the South China Sea.  

• Special vegan dinner overlooking the sea

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast overlooking the sea, we’ll say thank you and goodbye to the incredible conservation team and our friendly hosts, before making our way back to the mainland and setting out on a truly stunning journey west across the scenic Malaysian peninsula to Gopeng. Traveling across the Malay Peninsula, we’ll pass some great scenery including jagged limestone cliffs, scenic hillside views and quaint Malay towns. Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll make our way to the edge of the rainforest where we will be staying in traditional-style huts at the forest’s edge.  You’ll have time to freshen up and get ready for exploring one of Malaysia’s exciting rivers by raft – yes, whitewater rafting today along the edge of a majestic rainforest! In the evening as the chorus of creatures from the tropical rainforest come to life, we’ll settle down for a durian tasting session along with a special garden to table fresh veggie feast of our hosts’ favorite dishes, accompanied by some refreshing local drinks. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Boat ride from Perhentian Islands back to the mainland.

• Scenic journey west passing lush jungles, plantations, limestone cliffs, small villages and jagged granite mountains.  

• Special traditional home-cooked vegan picnic breakfast.

• Visit local waterfall surrounded by jungle.

• Whitewater rafting – exploring the surrounding rainforest by river and…rapids!

• Special garden to table fresh veggie feast of our hosts’ favorite dishes – all made specially vegan just for us. 

• Durian tasting session!

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

From the Malay countryside, we’ll head north to the historical trading port city and island of Penang. As we arrive in Penang Island, we’ll journey back to a bygone era settling in at our charming home for the next three days in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Town. Founded in 1786 by Captain Francis Light, this British settlement became a bustling trading outpost attracting merchants from China, India, Thailand, Burma and Europe. The influences of these early settlers are evident in the city’s celebrations, architecture, neighborhoods, narrow streets, shop-house lined lanes, colonial buildings, esplanades, and of course, in its terrific cuisines! Penang is not only known as the foodie capital of Malaysia, but also its vegetarian capital – so be ready to eat (big time)! As the vegetarian capital of Malaysia, Penang is home to some excellent vegan eateries – one of which, our longtime favorite, where we’ll be having lunch at today. In the afternoon, we’ll step back in time 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 shophouses. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat vegan lunch at our longtime local favorite veggie hotspot in the vegetarian capital of Malaysia.  

• Meet up with a long-time local islander who will show us around his town as we explore historical Georgetown! 

• Visit Shri Mahamariamman Temple for their nightly ritual ceremony. 

• Special vegan fusion feast of dishes reflective of the different cultures that were pivotal in the spice flow into Europe from Asia; accompanied by refreshing local drinks.    

 Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

After a special vegan breakfast of original dishes created just for us by a very talented chef, we’ll meet up with our friend and longtime “islander” who will introduce us to the delightfully wonderful cuisines of Penang!  Known throughout the country as having the best food in all of Malaysia – the delectable delicacies found on the island will make even the toughest of food aficionado’s mouth water. Our first stop is the local market where we’ll learn about Penang’s colorful traditional market scene before making our way to their home. At their home, under the guidance of our friends, one of whom happens to be the best Nyonya chef on the island, we’ll learn to make a fabulous feast! Many say Nyonya cuisine is fusion cuisine at its best, and once you’ve tried it – you’ll have a hard time disputing this statement. So be prepared to roll up your sleeves – as we begin our cooking class where we’ll not only learn but also cook today’s lunch.

Highlights of the Day:

• Special vegan dishes created just for us by a very talented chef – fusion breakfast feast at its best.

• Cultural Culinary Experience where we’ll learn to make a full course vegan meal of tasty Penang delights – including delicious Nyonya dishes, from the island’s most talented (and famous) Nyonya chef! 

• Visit the local market to learn about Penang’s traditional vegetable bazaar scene and the bounty of veggies available on the island.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast and Lunch 

Selamat Pagi (good morning)! After a special vegan fusion breakfast created specially for us, you’ll have the day free until the evening to relax and take in Penang at your own pace on your last full day in Malaysia.  This is a good time to catch up on any last-minute souvenir shopping for family and friends back home (and there are plenty of shopping options available in Penang). As the sun sets over the island, we’ll meet up for our farewell dinner party where we’ll enjoy an evening of refreshing island drinks, tasty snacks, and an absolutely delicious dinner of local regional favorites!

Highlights of the Day:

• Special vegan dishes created just for us by a very talented chef – fusion breakfast feast at its best.

• Sunset walk to the seaside esplanade Padang Kota Lama, home to Cornwallis Fort, Town Hall (1880) and City Hall (1900). 

• With views of the sea and mainland on the horizon, we’ll enjoy sundowners and our last sunset in Malaysia together as we watch the colors of the day change to night.

• Festive farewell dinner at one of the city’s best vegan restaurants where we’ll enjoy a delicious feast of local regional favorites from across Malaysia! 

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast and Dinner & Drinks

After another amazing breakfast, you’ll have time to relax before we meet up in the late morning to catch our flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Our adventure ends upon arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. If your flight back home is on the same day, please arrange to have it at around 6:30 PM or later, in case there is a delay in our travel. Thank you very much again for traveling with us and being our guests on Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages Malaysia Adventure! 

Highlights of the Day:

• Special vegan fusion feast for breakfast.

• Flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast