Day 1 to 1 – Arrive Singapore
Singapore may be small in size, but its larger-than-life attitude and modernisation will ensure your visit here is truly unforgettable. A major international hub, the city will house travellers and business people from all over the world at any given time. You would be forgiven for thinking you should be donned in a suit clutching a briefcase as you lose yourself between the ultra-modern high rise buildings. Like any major city, the shopping is excellent here (although not always cheap). There are many historical and cultural sights to see if you are after an insight into the tradition of this fascinating country. Visit Little India and Chinatown for a glimpse into the old way of life of the city. You may want to don your best travelling garb and try a traditional Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in the famous Raffles Hotel. Steeped in history, this spectacular colonial style hotel is beautiful to see as you make your way to the bar which is more relaxed than you may think as it is a must to throw your peanut shells on the floor! Singapore restaurants are not the cheapest you will come across in South East Asia but if you hit some of the market food stalls or the hawker centres you are sure to delight in an amazing selection of fresh, scrumptious food.
Optional Excursions
Zoological Gardens – US$22 • Singapore History Museum – US$10 • Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden – free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hangout @ Mount Emily or similar
Day 2 to 3 – Melaka
Melaka is one of Malaysia’s most popular destinations and was an important trading port several hundred years ago. The historical city centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Portuguese settled here in the 16th century and their influence can be seen in much of the architecture around the city. There are many attractions in Melaka, from temples to churches, and mosques to museums. The destination is famous for its traditional Chinese Nyonya cuisine, which you can sample from one of the traditional Peranakan shop houses.
Included Excursions
Rickshaw City Tour of Melaka
Optional Excursions
River cruise from – MYR 20
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 4 to 5 – Kuala Lumpur
We arrive in Malaysia’s lively capital, Kuala Lumpur. A major tourist hub, ‚KL‘ (as it is usually referred) is modern, slightly congested, and it offers all the creature comforts of your average major city. High rises abound, shopping is excellent (and one of the city’s major attractions) and its bustling day-to-day goings-on provide an insight into Malay business culture. There are many things to do here – both cultural and indulgent. During your time here, why not check out Berjaya Times Square in the Bukit Bintang area, the biggest mall in Asia – where the 8th floor houses a mini theme park consisting of several roller coasters and white-knuckle rides. Your tour leader will take you on an evening walk to the tallest twin tower building in the world, the Petronas Towers. If you wish you can choose to ascend to the Skywalk (this is at an optional cost.) There are also many colonial buildings to visit if you feel the need to step back in time and take a break from the modern high rises.
The next day we will visit the Batu Caves, a limestone hill with a number of caves. We will see the Murungan statue and visit the temple here.
Included Excursions
An evening visit to the world famous Petronas Twin Towers (Entrance to the towers and observation platform NOT included), Visit the Batu Caves and Temple
Optional Excursions
Entry to Petronas Towers including Skywalk and observation deck – MYR 85
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Ancasa Express or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 6 to 7 – Cameron Highlands
Named after William Cameron, a British colonial government surveyor who discovered the plateau during in 1885, the Cameron Highlands is a highland region around 1500 metres above sea level. There are many things to do and see here, including: a butterfly farm, strawberry farms, rose gardens, a Chinese temple and vegetable farms. You also have a jungle trek amongst the cool, refreshing forest air. The region’s fertile mountain slopes make it one of the best places in the country to grow tea, and there are many tea plantations. The Cameron Highlands is also a major supplier of vegetables to Malaysia and Singapore.
Included Excursions
Full Day Excursion in the Cameron Highlands
Optional Excursions
Kuala Kangsar town tour – US$30
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s), 1 Breakfast(s)
Day 8 to 9 – Penang
We make for Penang. We will stay in Georgetown, which is the island’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Georgetown possesses a unique charm, blending old and new cultures. Peddlers exhibit their goods surrounded by modern buildings. Old buildings stand side-by-side with new businesses. Take a rickshaw tour and introduce yourself to this lively town or perhaps visit the 65-storey Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR), a prominent Penang landmark, which houses Government departments, commercial offices, department stores, shops and restaurants.
Included Excursions
Penang Heritage Walk
Optional Excursions
Hill and Temple (Kek Lok Si) – MYR 80 includes guide and train tickets
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Mingood or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Basic Breakfast(s)
Day 10 to 12 – Phuket
Heading back to Thailand we enjoy three nights on the buzzing rainforest island of Phuket, Thailand’s largest island. Phuket offers some of the Thailand’s most popular beaches where you can wash the dust from your hair and relax on white sand sipping your favourite cocktail or a local Chang Beer. Away from the beaches, Phuket offers so much to keep you busy including a visit to the aquarium, exploring Butterfly Garden and Insect World, visit James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, marvel at Phuket Big Buddha or wander the narrow streets of Old Phuket in total contrast to the busy beach resorts.
Discover the “Temple of the Gold Buddha” (Wat Phra Thong) where the deity is half buried so you can only see the head and shoulders! For another jaw-dropping sight, visit the Big Buddha who stands tall at 45 metres high. This is also a great place to get panoramic views of the southern side of Phuket.
You may also like to visit Khao Phra Thaew National Park, where you can visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre and two waterfalls.
With 3 days here there’s also plenty of time to visit and explore the island close to Phuket including Koh Phi Phi, Coral Island, Similan Islands or Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi all of which are accessible by ferry and/or speedboat from Phuket.
At night, Phuket really comes to life and whether your choice is a fine wine overlooking the sea or clubbing on until the early hours, Phuket has it all in abundance.
Optional Excursions
Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands – 1,800฿, Fantasea Show & Buffet Dinner – 1,750฿, James Bond Island – 1,700฿, Sea Fishing, White Water Raftin, Siam Niramit Show – 1,450฿
Accommodation
3 night(s) in hotels at 99 Residence Patong or similar
Meals
1 Basic Breakfast(s), 2 Breakfast(s)
Day 13 to 13 – Bangkok
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is a crazy and chaotic city! Known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon pronounced or Krung Thep „city of angels“ for short, Bangkok was a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Bangkok is now the gateway to South East Asia for most travellers and international backpackers come and go and the streets are always buzzing and full of life.
Bangkok boasts hundreds of Wats (temples), with Wat Arun being the main one visited by most travellers. The Grand Palace is also a popular attraction, and for something different you can cruise along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals. Bangkok once had an elaborate network of canals and was given the nickname, ‚Venice of the East‘, and although some of them have been filled in and converted to streets, many still exist today. Travelling through these canals you will see how the locals live along the riverside – you almost forget you are in a large, bustling city.
Thailand’s currency is the Thai Baht (BHT).
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at New Siam II or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 14 to 14 – Depart Bangkok
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
