These Malaysian-based small group tours offer much-needed, authentic experiences of a lifetime, while ensuring stress-free trips ahead. (Left: Image by @manoi.adventure. Right: Image by @merantauplus.)
With travelling, there’s the blissful part to look forward to, then there’s the gruelling part of building the ideal itinerary and finding the right people to go with. Sometimes, even your pre-existing sisterhoods won’t ensure you a willing companion—because we all have different travel preferences, and that’s okay! After all, a sour companion is no companion at all, especially when you’re planning a trip you’ve always dreamed of.
Luckily, these small, Malaysian-based group tours help fill that gap, so you can finally take those trips with ease. Plus, making memorable friendships with like-minded people while on holiday doesn’t sound like such a bad idea!
1. Mowgli Venture
Priding themselves on adventure travel and eco-tourism, Mowgli Venture is THE dream for outdoor enthusiasts. A curated trip with their team ensures off-the-beaten-path adventures and hidden gem discoveries, no matter the destination. While playing tourist can be fun, a holiday away from the classic tourist spots might just scratch an itch you didn’t know you had.
Mowgli Venture’s website includes detailed itineraries and helpful descriptions of their tour packages. With all the relevant information easily accessible, curious folks can consider trips from the comfort of their home.
2. Luarlah
Luarlah’s Instagram bio could not explain it any better: Explore raw Malaysia with 10 strangers. The aesthetically pleasing, distinctive journeys of Luarlah, as captured on their page, channel a special appeal for alternative travellers. They focus on local culture immersion, like casting lines for fish and enjoying kampung (village) meals to the soundtrack of a waterfall.
Interestingly, their tours are given unique titles, representing what the trip is about. For example, Musim involves enjoying a kampung trip during durian season, and Ikan takes you on a memorable trip to a fishing village. Those with an inclination for culturally immersive local trips should definitely try booking a spot with Luarlah.
3. Manoi Adventure
Manoi Adventure is made for those seeking extraordinary experiences or to reconnect with nature, just like their dedicated adventure guide, Adam Shafiq. Adam’s personal adventures through @manoi.dam show us that travellers will be in good hands, not just in terms of safety, but also in the wonder of discovery. Catering to adrenaline junkies, anyone who wants to start tapping into their explorer side will be taking the tour of their lifetime with Manoi Adventure.
4. Mountrac Artventure
Established in 2016, this tour agency offers mountain hiking trips across Malaysia and Indonesia. Adventurous, nature-loving souls will appreciate a trip with Mountrac Artventure, where scenic hikes rule the itinerary. What a joy to know that the hiking gear you’ve purchased can finally be put to great use! The views their trips bring are not to be missed.
5. Otter Go Explore
Otter Go Explore offers thrilling hiking trips throughout Malaysia like no other. They explore underrated spots such as Lata Enggang in Sungkai, Perak, and Padang Batu Waterfall in Endau-Rompin. These spots are so underrated, you’ve probably never heard of them prior to this. But, you know what they say about underrated spots? They are the best-kept secrets.
Here’s something to help nudge you into channelling your inner otter with them: their trips are budget-friendly. So there’s no need to break the bank to partake in their many exhilarating trips.
6. Merantau+
Having amassed over 100,000 followers on her digital travel journal at @merantau_dunia, digital creator ZA is a well-seasoned traveller. This spurred the beginning of Merantau+, started by ZA to connect travellers and like-minded hosts, creating a space for wanderlusters like her. This community has led exciting trips to neighbouring Indonesia, Nepal, Kashmir, and even as far as New Zealand. Keep your eyes peeled for future open trips. Your dream destination might just be next!
