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PENINSULA MALAYSIA

Peninsular Malaysia is a diverse landscape with an equally diverse range of peacefully co-existing ethnicity and cultures and a varied and fascinating history. Visitors are often surprised at the level of prosperity, from its ultra modern heart of Kuala Lumphur with its huge Petronas twin towers outward to a well-maintained road system that cuts along stunning coastlines, through ancient jungle and up into the cloud-kissed highlands.

Its colonial history of passing hands over the last 600 years between Chinese protection, the Sumatra-based Srivijayan Empire, followed by Portugese, Dutch, and British control is clearly evident in mixed architectural styles and centuries-old rubber plantations and tea gardens. Nevertheless, it has developed a solid sense of nationhood since gaining independence in 1957 - after undergoing some growing pains involving violent racial conflict. Modern-day Malaysia is relatively harmonious and peaceful now, with mosques, Chinese temples and Christian churches co-existing in cities and small towns throughout the country. Equal tolerance is shown towards visitors, making it a hassle-free place to travel.

The country's economic development occurred primarily under the firm-handed rule of Mahatir Mohammed over 22 years before he handed over the reins in 2003. Modernisation continues apace, but there is still plenty of old Malaya to enjoy.

A visit to Malaysia features a great range of cuisine from fiery coconut currries to Chinese delicacies, lush forests, white sand beaches, fascinating architecture and easy-going people. It is an accessible country with a broad palette of experiences to offer the visitor.

Again we have fused the local culture, cuisine and the pick of some of the best cycling to bring you a fantastic exploration of West coast Peninsula Malaysia.

TRIP PROFILE

This is a 100% road cycling tour taking us approximately 740 km on good asphalt roads making it suitable for road, touring and hybrid bikes. The trip is point-to-point, apart from a small transfer at the end of the trip, and fully supported: a SpiceRoads minibus rigged to carry bikes and people will shadow us for the entire journey.

Most rides are predominantly flat except for the long climb up into the Cameron Highlands and we will also encounter some hills on the ride round Langkawi.

As well as traveling along the Andaman coast, we stop off at many points of interest and those with an eye for varied architectural styles or those who want to have a taste of a bygone era will find this tour fascinating.

This trip can be under taken by anyone with moderate fitness. There are some longer days but as this is a fully supported trip you can ride as much or as little as you want.

ITINERARY (12 days, 11 nights starting in Kuala Lumpur and finishing in Langkawi)
Day 1	Meet in Kuala Lumpur
Day 2	Transfer out of Kuala Lumpur and ride to Selangor
Da y3	Ride into the countryside and onto Teluk Intan
Day 4	Ride to the hill station in the Cameron Highlands
Day 5	Rest day to relax or visit the many tea plantations
Day 6	A chance to view some colonial architecture as we ride to Ipoh
Day 7	Ride to "Everlasting Peace" in Taiping
Day 8	Cross Asia's longest bridge to Penang
Day 9	Discover Penang on today's ride
Day 10	Ferry to Langkawi and a short ride to the beach
Day 11	Langkawi island cycle tour. Ride around ancient city / Afternoon
Day 12	Free time till onward travel

FACTS & FIGURES
Tour Cost	USD $1,350 - Single Supplement: USD $275 Contact us for flights from Langkawi or trip extensions
Bike Hire	USD $130
Total Distance	740 km
Number of Days	12 days / 11 nights
Number of cycling days	Seven full-days and two half-days
Road Surface	All the cycling is on good asphalt roads.
Support	One or two air-conditioned minibuses specially rigged to take bikes and bikers.
Group Size	Minimum 4. Maximum 16.
Staff	English-speaking guide(s), plus, drivers and assistants. For groups of six or more a Spiceroads western tour leader will join.
Accommodation	2 night 4-star hotel, 3 nights in 3-star hotels, 5 nights provincial hotels All hotels have en suite facilities a/c, fridge TV and some hotels have a swimming pool. Wherever possible we use hotels with charm and local character.
Food	All meals are included except breakfast day 1, lunch on days 1 & 5 and dinner on days 5,9 & 12.
Biking Grade	(out of five)
Scenery / Culture	(out of five)