8 Days Malaysia Self Drive East Coast Explorer

^{8 Days / 7 Nights}

Itinerary (Singapore - Johore Bahru - Kuala Rompin - Kuantan- Kijal - Merang – Blue Coral Island - Merang - Tasik Kenyir - Kota Bharu - Singapore)

SELF DRIVE MALAYSIA EXPLORER (EX./TO SINGAPORE)
Some say to see is to believe. And others say beauty lies in the eyes' of the beholder. Now you can see the beauty of Malaysia and behold all that she can offer by discovering Malaysia at your own leisurely pace. Take in all the scenery, discover the rich and varied cultures, sample the delightful local cuisines and soak in the sun at the many long, white sandy beaches. Our Malaysian Discovery by Self-Drive packages will make a believer out of you yet.

Day 1 : Singapore - Johore Bahru - Kuala Rompin (280 kms)
09.30 hrs You will be picked-up from your hotel in Singapore and transfer-driven to Johore Bahru. Pick-up your car from the pick-up point and start your journey north to the fishing village of Mersing. Break your journey here for a quick bite at the many restaurants or stalls lining the main street.

12.00 hrs Arrive at Kuala Rompin, a quaint and quiet town that sits right by the South China Sea.
 

14.00 hrs Check into your hotel at the Summerset Hotel. This sprawling eco-resort is located on prime beachfront land, nestled within the 130 million years-old Menchali Forest Reserve and some 5 km of white, sandy beach where nature is found in abundance and the sea is just a stone's throw away. The resort caters to all sorts of activities that will keep you occupied all day ranging from challenging watersports to a nature walk in the jungles of one of the oldest rainforests in the world, the Endau Rompin National Park. Accomodation at the Summerset Colonial Hotel, Kuala Rompin.

Day 2 : Kuala Rompin - Kuantan- Kijal (170 kms)(Breakfast)
08.00 hrs After breakfast, have some free time at leisure, maybe hit the beach or the swimming pool before your check-out time. 
09.00 hrs Continue your drive northwards to Pekan, the royal town of Pahang state. Suggested visit here is the Museum Sultan Abu Bakar, the state museum housing a wide variety of exhibits, mainly articles pertaining to the history of the Pahang royal family. A short drive away you will find Kuantan, the capital of the state of Pahang, and the start of the east-coast beach strip which extends all the way to Kota Bharu. This bustling city is a major stopover point when one is traveling north, south or across the peninsula. As your arrival here coincides with lunch time, try some local delicacies at restaurants or food stalls located all over town.
14.00 hrs Arrive at Kijal and check into your hotel. This small, picturesque fishing village houses your accommodation for the night. The laid-back lifestyle of the people here stand in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, and the rustic charm of the town makes it an idyllic place for you to relax and unwind. Accommodation at Awana Kijal Resort, Kijal.

Day 3 : Kijal - Merang – Blue Coral Island (130 km) (B)
08.00 hrs Breakfast at the hotel. An early morning drive up north to the fishing village of Merang to catch the boat ride to Blue Coral Island.
…………..The ferry departs from Merang jetty. 
Note : The ferry service usually leaves at 10.00 hrs and 12.00 hrs. Ferry schedule is not fix. Passengers are advised to take morning ferry.
Note : Private parking near to the jetty is available at around RM 6.- per day. 
Hotel is closed from November to January.
Accommodation will be at the Blue Coral Island Resort.

Day 4 : Blue Coral Island (B)
09.00 hrs Breakfast at the hotel. Swim, laze around, trek into the interior portions of the island and discover the interesting flora and fauna that can be found in abundance or simply go snorkeling. Corals are still plentiful and the water is clear enough to see the colors of the tropical fishes and marine life from the surface. Accommodation at the Blue Corals Island Resort.

Day 5 : Blue Corals Island-Merang-Tasik Kenyir (100 km) (B)
08.00 hrs Breakfast at the hotel. 
………..Take the ferry back to Marang, and continue your drive to Tasik Kenyir. 
………..Arrive in Tasik kenyir.
Tasik Kenyir is a unique lake surrounded by 1000 acres of woodlands. Lake Kenyir comprises 340 islands, more than 14 waterfalls, rapids, rivers and limestone caves. The Lake Kenyir is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia. In the afternoon, enjoy the tranquility of the rain forest or simply unwind with a drink on the hotel terrace. Accommodation will be at the Tasik Kenyir Resort.

Optional Tour : USD 38.- p.p., min. 2 persons (to be pre booked in advance) Go on an exciting boat safari - you may see wild elephants swimming in the lake!.  Accommodation at the Tasik Kenyir Resort.

Day 6 : Tasik Kenyir - Kota Bharu (215 kms) (B)
08.00 hrs Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Kota Bharu, the bastion of traditional Malay culture. Follow the road signs up to Sungai Tong. Bandar Permaisuri and Besut are other towns that you will pass through before reaching Kota Bharu, the state capital of Kelantan.
12.30 hrs Arrive in Kota Bharu and check-in at your hotel.
19.00 hrs We suggest you visit the night market or what is known to the locals as 'Pasar Malam'. Some of the best local food, produce and products can be found on sale here.
Special Events to take note of : - May : Spectacular kite festival., - August : Bird-singing competitions where you can watch birds sing to the tune of favorite Malay songs., - September : Top-spinning contest. Accommodation will be at the Renaissance Hotel.

Day 7 : Kota Bharu - Singapore by train (B)
08.00 hrs Breakfast at the hotel.
09.00 hrs In the morning, explore Kota Bharu. We suggest you visit the central market, which is one of the most colorful and active markets in Malaysia. You can see fresh produce on the ground floor and stalls on the first floor above selling spices, basket ware and other goods. Kota Bharu is also the center for Malay crafts. You may visit Batik, Songket, silverware, woodcarving and kite-making workshops which would prove to be a great deal of interest. These places are full of nice handicrafts to bring home as souvenirs. There are several such workshops on the way to Pantai Cahaya Bulan (PCB), which is 10 km north of the town. 
17.00 hrs In the late afternoon drive to the Kota Bharu train station, which is in Tumpat, 10 km northwest of the city. Leave your car at the train station and board the train which leaves at 20.05 hrs. The railway track cuts across mostly jungle and native territory. It's an area of dense jungle offering magnificent views. Plus the 2nd class sleeping berths booked for you will prove to be relaxing.

Day 8 : Singapore
09.00 hrs Arrival in Singapore train station and transfer to your hotel or airport.