Day 1
Singapore
Once you’ve arrived in Singapore, you will be transferred to your hotel, giving you time to get ready for your Welcome Reception with fellow travellers and your Travel Director.
Overnight: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay or similar
Day 2
Singapore
Today you’ll have lots of opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Singapore. You’ll start with a city tour from the Raffles Landing Site (where its believed that Sir Stamford Raffles first stepped ashore in 1819), before strolling through the fascinating Colonial District visiting the Parliament House, the Old Supreme Court Building, and the Victoria Theatre.
Afterwards, you’ll have a chance to delve into Singapore’s Chinatown and Little India, before taking a stroll through the city’s stunning Botanic Gardens to see the amazing National Orchid Garden. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. In the early evening, you will admire a demonstration on Chinese Calligraphy by a local specialist, before indulging in a delicious dinner at a local Chinese market. Next up is a leisurely walk through the Night Market, before hopping on a trishaw (a three-wheeled vehicle) back to your hotel.
Overnight: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay or similar
Day 3
Singapore
Dive into the culture this morning and spend it sampling the city’s culinary delights that reflect its multi-cultural influences, including Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan. Rub shoulders with the locals at Geylang Serai market, continue to the Joo Chiat and Katong enclave, strolling past its pastel-hued pre-war shophouses.
This evening consider joining the Night Out at Marina Bay optional experience to enjoy the Rhapsody of Lights Show at Gardens by the Bay.
Overnight: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay or similar
Day 4
Singapore – Malacca
Today you will leave Singapore and journey to the border with Malaysia, moving on to your hotel in Malacca. Begin your journey with a visit to Kampung Cantik Village where you will connect with the locals and join a family for a “Be My Guest” lunch before a walk around the village with a local specialist. After, continue on to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Casa del Rio or similar (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 5
Malacca
Your day begins with a fascinating tour of Malacca with a local guide, passing Dutch Square – a historic square adorned with red buildings built in the classic Dutch colonial style – and journeying to the top of Malacca Hill for a beautiful view. The tour also takes you along the river to Kampung Kuli, where you’ll discover some of the state’s traditional crafts.
This afternoon board a spectacular boat cruise along the Malacca River. Sailing past buildings steeped in history, ancient churches, charming villages and old warehouses, this is a great way to delve into the area’s heritage. Enjoy dinner tonight at one of the local restaurants.
Overnight: Casa del Rio or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 6
Malacca – Kuala Lumpur
Today you will journey to the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Your tour of the city is full of fantastic attractions, including the National Mosque, Independent Square, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and the Sky Bridge at the 88 storey-high Petronas Twin Towers. After your tour, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to do whatever you’d like.
Overnight: Melia Kuala Lumpur or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 7
Kuala Lumpur
Today you’ll venture to a village inhabited by the ‘Orang Asil’. This ethnic group are claimed to be Malaysia’s original inhabitants, and so being able to wander through their village is an incredible opportunity not to be missed. Observe first hand local traditions such as bamboo cooking and weaving before returning to Kuala Lumpur for a visit to the Chow Kit Market to watch locals haggle. You next stop is to the enclave of Kampung Baru in central Kuala Lumpur where the ethnic Malay lifestyle has been preserved. Visit a local food stall to sample traditional Malay sweets and cakes before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Melia Kuala Lumpur or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 8
Kuala Lumpur – Batu Caves – Cameron Highlands
It’s a fun day today, starting with a stop at the Selangor Pewter factory before ending up at one of Malaysia’s most iconic attractions – the Batu Caves. This epic limestone hill is home to a number of jaw-dropping caves, and the beautiful Sungai Batu (Stone River) that flows past.
You’ll then start your journey to the Cameron Highlands, enjoy a quick photo stop at the Lata Iskander Waterfall before continuing to Tanah Rata for a true highlight – afternoon tea and scones with cream and locally produced jam. Discover the region’s strawberry farming heritage one a visit to a strawberry farm before arriving at your hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Strawberry Resort Park or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 9
Cameron Highlands – IPOH
Tea plantations and lush valleys provide the backdrop for today’s drive through the Cameron Highlands. Rising 1542m above sea level, this is a truly spectacular hill station. Take the time to make a photo stop before driving to Perak Cave Temple, an extensive cave complex in Ipoh. Venture into the cave temple to see the beautiful painted murals and the golden sitting Buddha statue, which dominates the temple.
This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the charismatic town of Ipoh to admire the colonial-style buildings which were once home to wealthy tin miners. Discover the narrow laneways and admire the street art that adorn its facades.
Overnight: Weil Hotel Ipoh or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 10
Ipho - Georgetown
Your day starts with a journey over to Penang which takes you past the royal town of Kuala Kangsar stopping for a visit to the majestic Ubudiah Mosque, ranked one of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques with its white marble and massive golden dome. Afterwards a visit to the workshop of a traditional keris maker to learn how the elaborately carved daggers are made and learn about the spiritual meaning to the local people. Later drive over to Penang, via the fourth longest bridge in Southeast Asia where you will enjoy time at leisure.
Overnight: Areca Hotel Penang Georgetown or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 11
Georgetown
Your final full day will start with a historical tour of Georgetown including a quick photo stop at Fort Cornwallis, the landing point for Captain Francis Light in 1786. Continue to the home of the local joss stick maker who demonstrates the almost forgotten craft of handmade joss sticks. Your next stop is to the intricately carved Chinese clan house of Khoo Kongsi, where families of the same surname gather to worship their ancestors. Later hop onboard a traditional trishaw through the city’s splendid colonial architecture and famous street art, followed by an afternoon at leisure. Join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner this evening.
Overnight: Areca Hotel Penang Georgetown or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 12
Departure day
Today is the last day of your tour. Transfer to Penang International Airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast included
