South to north through Malaysia
Starting in Singapore we head up through Malaysia ending with a chill out on Langkawi
DAY 1 KUALA LUMPUR – MALACCA
Road journey to Malacca: On arrival at Kuala Lumpur Airport, you will be met by a driver and transferred south to Malacca. This southbound highway journey should take round 2-3 hours, depending on local traffic.
Malacca
Malacca is one of Asia’s most characterful and historic treasures. Due to its location on the Straits of Malacca, the city became the regions greatest trading port back in the 15th century. Although no longer such an important trading hub, the rich blend of culture stemming from the medley of Chinese, Islamic, Indian and European traders that passed through is very evident to a visitor, with many fascinating temples, mosques, churches and other architectural gems. Once the sights of Malacca have been taken in, food lovers are able to get stuck into some of the tastiest and most interesting food in Malaysia. The Baba Nonya cuisine found in Malacca has developed from many years of fusion from the original dishes of the Chinese immigrants using local Malay spices and ingredients. When the strong Portuguese influence in the 15th and 16th centuries is considered, you may not be surprised to also find many Portuguese restaurants in Malacca.
DAY 2 MALACCA
Guided tour of Malacca: After breakfast, you will be taken on a tour of the sights and sounds of Malacca. Visit St. Paul’s Hill, where St. Francis Xavier was interned; Porta de Santiago, left behind by the Portuguese and Dutch during their colonial rule; Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and Jonker Street, known as ‘Antique Row’ and famous for its antiques and local arts & crafts.
This afternoon, you have some time free at leisure to relax and continue exploring at your own pace.
In the evening, you will be taken on a guided tour of Malacca by night. Start at Menara Taming Sari, Malaysia’s first revolving gyro tower standing at 110 metres high. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Next you will be taken for dinner at a popular restaurant serving Nyonya cuisine. Afterwards, head to the jetty and embark on a scenic Malacca River Cruise. This cruise takes you past traditional Malaccan houses and the Kampung Morten. On weekends there will be a night market along Jonker’s Street where you can see a variety of stalls offering local delicacies.
DAY 3 MALACCA
Morning Malacca street art tour: Similar to Penang, street art is spread around the streets and small alleys of Malacca, mostly near Jonker Street and along the river through the city, adding colour and character to the city. Each artwork has different unique styles and the murals depict the artists’ representation of Malacca. Just enjoy roaming the streets without direction, stopping to take a seat at a coffee shop or to taste some local foods, and take in the different murals as you go.
Afternoon at leisure: The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax at your hotel, or explore more of the local area independently.
DAY 4 MALACCA – KUALA LUMPUR
Road journey to Kuala Lumpur: After breakfast this morning, set off for Kuala Lumpur via the North South Expressway, a journey of approximately 2-3 hours depending on local traffic conditions.
En route you will make a stop to visit the city of Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia. Putrajaya is home to some striking architecture and today you will be taken on a tour of key sights, including the famous Pink Mosque. A cruise on the Putrajaya Lake is also included today.
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s capital city is a fusion of different cultures, which is today experiencing a renaissance with many new buildings, restaurants, excellent shopping and vibrant streets. To a food lover, Kuala Lumpur is a dream destination, whether you’re looking to taste the local Malay or Nonya grub or feast on some fine Chinese, Indian and European food, Kuala Lumpur offers it all in abundance and in different guises. You can mingle with the locals at a roadside stall or dine in one of the cities ‘super-chic’ restaurants. Spend time exploring Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle region, home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, soak up the atmosphere in the bustling streets of Chinatown and Little India and visit the colonial district, where the influence of British colonial rule is very evident. Kuala Lumpur (or ‘KL’ to locals) has come a long way in the last 150 years. What began life as a small tin mining town has now become one of Asia’s most important cities.
DAY 5 KUALA LUMPUR
Day at leisure in Kuala Lumpur: Today you have a full day free to explore the Malaysian capital independently. KL is a large city, but easy to navigate. The public transport system is extensive and easy-to-use, and English speakers are always at hand. As with any large, modern capital city there is a wealth of activities, excursions, shopping opportunities, and dining options at hand. Your hotel and guide will be able to suggest a number of good ideas.
Evening culinary tour of Kuala Lumpur: In the evening you will be taken on a fun culinary tour of Kuala Lumpur’s capital city, taking you to discover some of the local’s favourite eating and drinking spots. Some of the best culinary delights that Malaysia has to offer are found not in the swanky overpriced restaurants, but often found right on the sidewalks in the rows and rows of hawker stalls reflecting the country’s diverse population and culinary heritage. The exact food stops included on this tour may vary, but some particular local favourites include satay, char kuay teow, dosa, and many others.
DAY 6 KUALA LUMPUR
Days at leisure in Kuala Lumpur: You have two full days free to explore the Malaysian capital independently. KL is a large city, but easy to navigate. The public transport system is extensive and easy-to-use, and English speakers are always at hand. As with any large, modern capital city there is a wealth of activities, excursions, shopping opportunities, and dining options at hand. Your hotel and guide will be able to suggest a number of good ideas.
DAY 7 KUALA LUMPUR
Days at leisure in Kuala Lumpur: You have two full days free to explore the Malaysian capital independently. KL is a large city, but easy to navigate. The public transport system is extensive and easy-to-use, and English speakers are always at hand. As with any large, modern capital city there is a wealth of activities, excursions, shopping opportunities, and dining options at hand. Your hotel and guide will be able to suggest a number of good ideas.
DAY 8 KUALA LUMPUR – IPOH
Road journey to Ipoh: After breakfast, you will be met at the hotel by your driver-guide. You will hit the road and set off for Ipoh, around 200km north, a journey of 2-3 hours, depending on local traffic. On arrival in Ipoh, you will head straight to your hotel to check in.
Ipoh
Ipoh – Malaysia’s 4th largest city – is found around three hours north of Kuala Lumpur. Though not well-known as a tourist destination, Ipoh is an interesting city with a thriving food scene. Led by its majority Chinese-led community, there are a range of dishes unique to the city, including the famous ‘Ipoh chicken rice’ followed by a cup of ‘Ipoh white coffee’. On the edge of the city lie a couple of interesting Buddhist cave temple complexes, while slightly further out towards Tambun lies the Lost World theme park and the luxurious Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. Ipoh’s location in the centre of the peninsula makes it a handy stopover between KL to the south, Penang to the north-west, the Cameron Highlands to the immediate north, or the jungle reserves of Belum and Taman Negara towards the border with Thailand.
DAY 9 IPOH
Morning tour of Ipoh: After breakfast, you will be taken on a tour of Ipoh. Explore the colourful cityscape of Ipoh and admire its age-old colonial attractions, ancient temples, and murals. The exact itinerary is flexible and can be discussed with your guide on the day. Ipoh’s Chinese-Malay cuisine is famous throughout the country, so make sure to ask your guide for some recommendations! Lunch is included today at a local restaurant before you return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is free at leisure to relax at your hot spring resort. Relaxation is the be-all and end-all at the Banjaran: there are a variety of ways in which to do nothing at all with choices including fresh spring baths (hot, cold, and warm), steam and meditation caves, a short jungle trail, plus of course an outstanding spa and refined dining.
DAY 10 IPOH – PENANG
Road journey to Penang, via Kuala Kangsar: You will depart Ipoh and be driven due north-west towards the island city of Penang. En route make a quick sightseeing stop at Kuala Kangsar where you will visit the majestic Ubudiah Mosque and the official palace for the Sultan of Perak. Get back on the road and depart the mainland at Butterworth, then cross the causeway and head straight into Georgetown to check into your hotel. This journey should take around 2 hours, dependent on local traffic.
Penang
Once known as ‘the Pearl of the Orient’, Penang is a fascinating fusion of East & West,
embracing modernity while still retaining its traditions and old-world charm. The capital, Georgetown has been listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and is an energetic mixture of English, Chinese and Indian culture and has some fine colonial architecture. Behind the historic promenade and Fort Cornwallis lie busy streets with shops, markets and restaurants selling fresh food from around the world – Penang has long been regarded as one of South East Asia’s food capitals. Outside the town lies an island of beaches, fishing villages and green forest-covered hills.
DAY 11 PENANG
Morning tour of Georgetown: This morning set out to explore Penang – the Pearl of the Orient and the oldest British settlement in Malaysia. Penang, with its long history of accepting people from different cultures is at the crossroads of major civilizations. Communities of Arabs, Burmese, Chinese, Eurasians, Malays, Indians, Indonesians and Thais have all come through this island’s historic port to make their homes here. Also known as “The Pearl of the Orient”, Penang is famous for its history, people, heritage and food. Georgetown, named after King George III of England, is an interesting blend of the old and new.
Your morning tour includes a visit to the famous Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a museum showcasing a typical home of a rich Peranakan family who lived over a century ago. Take a short walk to the colourful enclave of Little India, with its shops selling vibrant sarees and an intoxicating smell of spices. Pass Penang’s oldest Hindu Temple, as well as Teochow Temple with its ornate rooftops and intricately carved dragon pillars. Learn the history of Dr Sun Yat-sen at the Sun Yat-Sen Museum. Next, you will hunt for Penang’s famous street art, before continuing to one of the ancient traditional clan houses.
Afternoon at leisure in Penang: This afternoon, you have some time at leisure to relax at your hotel, or to explore Penang further. Stroll around the capital, Georgetown, and soak in the multicultural atmosphere and historical charm, or venture out to some of the beaches, fishing villages and forest-covered hills that cover the island. Penang has long been considered as one of Asia’s food capitals, so don’t miss the opportunity to sample what’s on offer!
DAY 12 PENANG
Morning tour of Penang Hill & Temples: This morning, you will start by heading to the highest peak in Penang to admire the panoramic view of George Town and the mainland. Visit the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple, also known as the ‘Temple of Supreme Bliss’. The temple is home to a gigantic bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, which overlooks the entire temple precinct and its vicinity. Take a stroll up the seven-storey pagoda, which houses over 10,000 Buddha statues. Afterwards, you will ride the funicular to the top of Penang Hill, the island’s highest peak where the oldest British hill station in the region was established. After soaking up the view and trying to spot the two Penang Bridges, you have the option to stock up on some local goodies at Coffee Tree before you descend.
Afternoon at leisure in Penang: This afternoon, you have some time at leisure to relax at your hotel, or to explore Penang further. Stroll around the capital, Georgetown, and soak in the multicultural atmosphere and historical charm, or venture out to some of the beaches, fishing villages and forest-covered hills that cover the island. Penang has long been considered as one of Asia’s food capitals, so don’t miss the opportunity to sample what’s on offer!
DAY 13 PENANG – LANGKAWI
Langkawi: The archipelago of Langkawi consists of 99 idyllic Islands. These beautiful tropical islands have inspired many local myths and legends and are dotted with secluded bays, white sand beaches, mangrove forests and colourful bird and sea life and the islands are surrounded by stunning turquoise coast. With all of this, it is little wonder that Langkawi has become one of South East Asia’s best-known holiday destinations and visitors have a great choice of world class resorts to choose from. As well as the extensive diving and snorkelling opportunities, Langkawi also offers visitors some great trekking and a cable car that goes to the top of Gunung Machinchang, where one can enjoy breath-taking 360- degree panoramic views of the Langkawi islands and beyond.
DAY 14-18 LANGKAWI
Time at leisure on Langkawi Island: You have some time at leisure in the idyllic Langkawi archipelago. Relax on one of the white sandy beaches, arrange a snorkelling or diving trip, try out some trekking in the lush tropical rainforest, or take the cable car up to the top of Gunung Machinchang and enjoy a breathtaking 360° view of the surrounding area.
DAY 19 LANGKAWI
Private transfer: At the appropriate time today you will be collected from your hotel by your driver, and transferred to Langkawi Airport in time for your onward flight. Please note that check-out time from your hotel is 12 noon, but you will be able to store your bags and use the facilities until you leave.