So many travelers breeze in and out of KL without getting to know what makes this city tick, but not you! Dove straight into its beating heart with a walking tour around the local market, then sample sweet-and-sour curry laksa at one of its coffee shops. We bet you didn’t know that KL had its own rainforest — that’s your next stop, as you walk for 200 meters through tropical treetops, surrounded by the buzz of insects and the hoots of monkeys. After that, get even higher as you zip to the top of the Petronas Towers for incomparable views over the capital. Thought you knew what to expect from KL? This visit will make you think again.

Penang is an island of two distinct faces, and you’ll discover both over the next two days. First, explore the World Heritage center of George Town, then checking out the contemporary scene on a trishaw street-art tour. After you’ve soaked up city life, it’s time to experience the rural side of the island on a bike tour of the countryside. Cycle through villages and coconut farms, sampling local produce, stopping in at workshops, and browsing markets bursting with fruits, herbs and spices. You’ll soon find out that those who stick to George Town miss half the fun.

The trendier sibling of George Town, Ipoh has historical charm in spades — and yet it’s barely on the radar for most tourists. This is your chance to enjoy one of Malaysia’s most charming historic towns (and arguably its most delicious cuisine) without the crowds, beginning with a leisurely walking tour. Keep your eyes peeled for street art to rival GT’s, and be sure to try the local specialties: beansprout chicken, Portuguese custard tarts, and perhaps a cheeky snow beer for Mom & Dad. Then, take the pace up a notch with a day of whitewater rafting and cave exploration, where you’ll scramble through vast caverns filled with stalagmites and stalactites hidden beneath the jungle.

No family trip to Malaysia would be complete without an adventure in the rainforest, and Taman Negara is the place to do it. This jungle has been around since the dinosaurs, but it’s now a refuge for wild elephants, cattle, and perhaps even tigers. You probably won’t see any of those, but head into the treetops on a canopy walk, cruise the Tahan River, and take a nocturnal guided hike, and you’re more than likely to spot tropical birds, cheeky monkeys, and all manner of alien-like insects. Even if you don’t, the forest is full of adventure — with waterfalls to swim under, mountains to climb, and all sorts of incredible facts to learn.

After ten days of action and adventure, we couldn’t let you leave without a bit of beach-bound downtime. Not many people realize that Malaysia has some of the most beautiful islands in Asia, and the Perhentians are as jewel-like as they come. Spend your time here chilling out on the sand and splashing in the waves (the snorkeling is incomparable — like Finding Nemo come to life), or go trekking into the jungle interior in search of monitor lizards and monkeys. Arachnophobes beware, there are some pretty chunky spiders round these parts! At dusk, toast the end of an incredible trip with a cocktail (or mocktail) in hand, as the sun goes down over the Gulf of Thailand.