Singapore & Malaysia Explorer - 13 Days

Once you have arrived at Singapore Changi Airport, rated among the world's leading airports, a representative and driver greet you for a comfortable transfer to your accommodation. After checking in, the rest of the day is free before the tour begins.

Later this evening, those who would like to can join an optional Singapore by Night excursion, at an additional cost with a minimum of two participants. Pickup is from your accommodation's lobby at approximately 6 pm, though timing may vary slightly by location. A bumboat carries you along the Singapore River past Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Marina Bay and its centuries-old godowns beside the modern Marina Bay Sands, with a bento dinner of local fare, a choice of Hainanese chicken rice or sweet and sour fish depending on the season. The evening ends at a historic riverside bar known for its own hand-shaken Singapore Sling, with the classic cocktail for adults, a virgin version for those aged 12 to 18, and soft drinks for under-12s, plus the age-old tradition of tossing your empty peanut shells onto the floor.

Please note: The Singapore by Night excursion runs daily except public holidays, drinks with dinner are not included, and the dinner venue may change without prior notice. Drop-off back at your accommodation after the excursion is not included.

This morning, we head into Kampong Glam, where Malay, Arab and Bugis heritage sits alongside the modern city, before continuing through the Civic District. Here we pass the Padang, the Singapore Cricket Club, Parliament House and the National Gallery Singapore, housed within the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings.

We stop at Merlion Park for views over Marina Bay and photographs with the Merlion, Singapore's best-known landmark, before visiting Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the city's oldest and most significant Chinese temples. From here we continue through Chinatown, known for its rows of colourful shophouses.

The day ends at the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, with a leisurely walk through the National Orchid Garden and its thousands of orchid varieties.

Please note: You will need to make your own way to the tour's coordination point, checking in at your accommodation's lobby concierge desk before 8:45 am.

After breakfast, we leave Singapore this morning, with pick-up from your accommodation between 8 am and 8:30 am, before crossing the border into Malaysia and continuing to Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Malacca, we take in the city's multicultural heritage at the well-preserved Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, one of Malaysia's oldest Chinese temples, and the Kampung Kling Mosque, known for its unique mix of architectural styles. We wander Jonker Street, with its antique shops, local crafts and heritage buildings, and visit the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum to learn about Peranakan culture.

Photo stops follow at the pink Stadthuys building, the Malacca Clock Tower and Christ Church, before the day's sightseeing ends at Porta de Santiago, one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Southeast Asia.

Please note: The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is closed on Tuesdays.

We begin today with breakfast, followed by the drive to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital. On arrival, the city tour opens with a photo stop at the King's Palace, the official residence of the Malaysian monarch.

We continue to the National Mosque, the historic Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the National Monument, which commemorates the country's fallen heroes, before Independence Square, surrounded by colonial-era architecture including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the historic Selangor Club and St Mary's Church, all seen during photo stops.

From here we admire the world's tallest free-standing flagpole and visit the colourful Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the city's oldest Hindu temple, before a walk through Chinatown's markets and food stalls. The day ends with panoramic views over Kuala Lumpur from the city's tallest communication tower.

Today is spent exploring more of Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding sights, starting at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, home to the world's largest pewter manufacturer, where we learn about the craftsmanship behind Malaysia's pewter products.

We continue to Batu Caves, one of the country's most important Hindu pilgrimage sites, known for its towering golden statue and limestone caves. The day ends at a local batik gallery, where we discover the traditional art of Malaysian batik-making and see handcrafted textiles up close.

Please note: Batu Caves may be closed to visitors for the three days before and after the Thaipusam Festival.

In the morning, after breakfast, we travel north to the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's best-known hill station. En route, we pause at Lata Iskandar Waterfall, set among lush rainforest, and visit an Orang Asli settlement to learn about the traditions of Malaysia's indigenous communities.

On reaching the highlands, we explore a tea plantation and learn about production at the tea factory, before continuing to the local marketplace and a cactus garden, where a variety of plants thrive in the cool mountain climate.

Please note: The tea factory is closed on Mondays and public holidays.

The day starts with the journey toward Penang, stopping first in Ipoh to discover its Old Town and colonial-era architecture. We admire the Ipoh Railway Station, often called the Taj Mahal of Ipoh, and the nearby Ipoh Town Hall, before a walk through Concubine Lane, once home to wealthy merchants and now lined with restored heritage buildings, cafes and boutique shops.

We continue to the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, driving around Bukit Chandan to see the Ubudiah Mosque, the Istana Iskandariah and the Istana Kenangan (Royal Gallery) during photo stops, and visit the Labu Sayong Centre to see the traditional craftsmanship behind the region's handmade clay pottery.

From here, we cross one of the world's longest bridges to reach Penang, known as the Pearl of the Orient.

From here, we discover Georgetown, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, beginning at Wat Chayamangkalaram, home to one of the world's longest reclining Buddha statues. We continue to Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple, known for its striking pagoda.

We stop at Fort Cornwallis to learn about Penang's colonial history, then visit the Clan Jetties at Weld Quay, where traditional wooden houses stand above the water and offer a glimpse into the lives of early Chinese settlers, and the Street of Harmony, where churches, mosques and Chinese and Hindu temples stand side by side, reflecting the island's multicultural heritage.

We visit the Khoo Kongsi Clan House, one of the island's finest Chinese clan houses, and enjoy a trishaw ride through Georgetown's streets. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace, perhaps browsing the street art trails or a cafe by the waterfront.

We begin the day's journey from Penang on the west coast to Kota Bharu on the east, crossing Peninsular Malaysia's central mountain range and taking in tropical rainforest and mountain scenery along the way.

We pause at Banding Island to take in Temenggor Lake, one of Malaysia's largest man-made lakes, before continuing to Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan, known for its traditional crafts and welcoming hospitality.

This morning, we explore the cultural highlights of Kota Bharu, starting at its colourful wet market, where locals shop for fresh produce, spices and traditional delicacies. We watch artisans at work crafting silver handicrafts and the traditional Wau kite, a symbol of Kelantan's cultural identity.

We then drive south along Malaysia's east coast to Kuala Terengganu, taking in coastal views and pausing to sample local snacks including crispy fish and prawn chips along the way. On arrival, we visit the Islamic Civilisation Park, home to replicas of twenty renowned Islamic monuments from around the world. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore, perhaps along the waterfront or the local handicraft shops.

After breakfast, we head south towards Kuantan, stopping at a traditional batik gallery to see the art of Malaysia's wax-resist textiles, made using hand-drawn and hand-block printing techniques. Along the way there is a chance to sample lemang, a Malay delicacy of glutinous rice cooked in bamboo with coconut milk.

We travel through coastal fishing villages, with their own seaside charm, before visiting the Turtle Information Centre to learn about Malaysia's sea turtle conservation efforts, followed by a local tea break before continuing to Kuantan.

Today, an early breakfast is followed by the journey south to Singapore. En route, we stop at the royal town of Pekan to visit the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, with its collection on the history, culture and royal heritage of Pahang.

We then continue south, arriving back in Singapore at approximately 6 pm.

After your final breakfast, you check out of your accommodation and transfer to Singapore Changi International Airport for your onward flight.