Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia
Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia
Tour Overview
A melting pot of religion and cultures, from Buddhism to Catholicism, the Dutch to the Chinese and the British, delve into the vibrant heritage of the region. Explore the bustling streets of Chinatown and Little India in Singapore and Malacca’s Dutch Square in Malaysia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Singapore
Location: Singapore
Accommodation: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Accommodation Name: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
A feast for the senses awaits in Singapore – a fantasyland of skyscrapers, lush gardens and an intoxicating mix of cultures and cuisines, from India to China. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Later, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception with local appetizers.
Day 2: See The Sights Of Singapore Dive Into Culture
Location: Singapore
Accommodation: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Accommodation Name: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of Sir Stamford Raffles, launching your city tour on the spot where it all began for colonial Singapore – Raffles Landing Site. Stroll along the Singapore River through the Colonial District and see the landmarks that remain to this day, including the former Parliament House, the Victoria Theater and the Old Supreme Court Building. Dive Into Culture and explore the contrasts of Singapore, from the red and gold façades of Chinatown to the intoxicating spice and vibrant flower garland vendors in Little India. Later, visit the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens and enjoy a leisurely stroll through its exquisite National Orchid Garden before spending the afternoon at leisure. This evening, visit a Chinese calligrapher to witness a demonstration on the art of Chinese Calligraphy, before dinner at a local Chinese restaurant. After dinner wander along the narrow lanes of the Night Market and test your bargaining skills against street vendors selling anything from souvenirs to leather goods. Enjoy the perfect finale and board a bumboat, a traditional cargo-ferrying craft, to cruise along the Singapore River.
Day 3: A Day To Explore Singapore Dive Into Culture
Location: Singapore
Accommodation: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Accommodation Name: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Meals Included: Breakfast
There are few things more important to the local Singaporeans than food and you’ll discover this as you Dive Into Culture and spend the morning 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, which lies at the heart of the Malay community. Here you can indulge in all-time Singaporean favorites like Roti Prata and Thosai taken with a frothy glass of Teh Tarik. Continue to the Joo Chiat and Katong enclave where you will visit a Peranakan-style shophouse showcasing a display of local delicacies as well as artefacts, nyonya attire, bags and beaded slippers. The shop is run by family members who are committed to preserving the Peranakan heritage through their culinary and handicraft skills. This evening consider joining our ‘Night Out at Marina Bay’ Optional Experience to enjoy the Rhapsody of Lights Show and discover the unique Cloud Forest with the world's largest indoor waterfall.
Day 4: Journey To Malacca Connect With Locals
Location: Singapore, Malacca
Accommodation: Casa del Rio
Accommodation Name: Casa del Rio Melaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leave the cityscape of Singapore behind bound for Malaysia, where your journey begins with a visit to Kampung Cantik village. Here you’ll Connect With Locals and join a family for a Be My Guest lunch before a walk around the village with a Local Specialist. Admire the distinct Malacca kampong stilt houses and discover the scents and flavors of local fruits, herbs and spices that infuse the delicious regional cuisine. Immerse yourself in the local culture and participate in some of the villagers’ favorite pastimes such as top spinning and silat, a Malaysian art of self-defense. Then, continue to your hotel in Malacca and check-in for a relaxing evening.
Day 5: Uncover Historic Malacca
Location: Malacca
Accommodation: Casa del Rio
Accommodation Name: Casa del Rio Melaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, your Local Specialist reveals the seamless fusion of Portuguese, Dutch, British and Malay influences that have shaped the UNESCO-listed historic city of Malacca. Embark on an informative walking tour past Dutch Square with its Stadhuys and clock tower, reflecting the multi-cultural heritage of this once vibrant trading port. Ascend to the top of Malacca Hill, then stroll along the river to Kampung Kuli where you’ll discover colorful shopfronts displaying traditional crafts. This afternoon, board a leisurely cruise along the Malacca River, sailing past historic buildings, old godowns (warehouses), churches and villages. After a day of exploration enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Day 6: Venture To Kuala Lumpur
Location: Malacca, Kuala Lumpur
Accommodation: Melia Kuala Lumpur
Accommodation Name: Melia Kuala Lumpur
Meals Included: Breakfast
The commercial and culinary hub of Malaysia awaits – its skyscrapers and colorful street vendors yours to explore over the next two days. You’ll visit Independence Square and view the grand 19th century Sultan Abdul Samad Building, with a final stop to see the city’s landmarks from the Sky Bridge observation deck perched between the imposing 88-storey-high Petronas Twin Towers that tower over Kuala Lumpur. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore Kuala Lumpur on your terms.
Day 7: Experience Vibrant Kuala Lumpur Make Travel Matter
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Accommodation: Melia Kuala Lumpur
Accommodation Name: Melia Kuala Lumpur
Meals Included: Breakfast
We venture into the countryside this morning for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit to a village inhabited by the Orang Asli, an ethnic group widely regarded as being Malaysia's original inhabitants. We’ll delve into their history and traditions during a visit to the Orang Asli Museum, then stroll around the village with a Local Specialist, observing first-hand local traditions such as bamboo cooking and weaving. We return to Kuala Lumpur, where we’ll visit Chow Kit Market and watch how the locals haggle to get the best deals. Our next stop is the central Kuala Lumpur enclave of Kampung Baru, where the ethnic Malay lifestyle has been preserved. Sample traditional Malay sweets and cakes at the local food stalls before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 8: Onwards To The Cameron Highlands
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Kampung Baru, Batu Caves, Cameron Highlands
Accommodation: Strawberry Park Resort
Accommodation Name: Strawberry Park Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey deep into the Malaysian countryside, stopping briefly at the Selangor Pewter factory before continuing to Batu Caves, one of Malaysia's most iconic sights and a popular Hindu shrine. En route to the Cameron Highlands, enjoy a quick photo stop at the Lata Iskandar Waterfall, then continue to Tanah Rata for a Trafalgar highlight – afternoon tea and scones with cream and locally produced jam. Discover the region’s strawberry farming heritage during a visit to a strawberry farm, then continue to your hotel for dinner.
Day 9: Off To Ipoh
Location: Cameron Highlands, Ipoh
Accommodation: Weil
Accommodation Name: Weil
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lush valleys and tea plantations provide a tranquil backdrop for today’s drive through the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's most extensive hill station. Snap a photo of the area’s emerald landscape before driving to Perak Cave Temple, an extensive cave complex in Ipoh. Venture into the cave temple and see its beautifully painted murals and golden sitting Buddha statue, which dominates the temple. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the charasmatic town of Ipoh and admire the colonial-style buildings which were once home to wealthy tin miners and today house trendy cafés and shops. Walk through the old town’s narrow laneways and admire the street art that adorn its façades. Spend the rest of your evening relaxing or consider visiting the night bazaar for some retail therapy.
Day 10: Continue To Georgetown Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories
Location: Ipoh, Georgetown
Accommodation Name: Areca Hotel Penang
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our journey to Penang this morning takes us past the royal town of Kuala Kangsar where we’ll visit the majestic Ubudiah Mosque, ranked as one of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques with its white marble and massive golden dome. Afterwards we’ll visit the workshop of a traditional keris maker for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to learn about how these elaborately carved daggers are made and hear all about their spiritual meaning to the local people who believe that they possess magical powers. Later we'll drive over one of the longest bridges in Southeast Asia before arriving in Penang, which we’ll have an opportunity to explore at leisure after checking in to our hotel. This afternoon consider joining an Optional Experience to visit the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple and ascend Penang Hill by funicular railway. Our accommodation tonight is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a traditional heritage hotel that originally housed shop-houses.
Day 11: Explore Historical Georgetown Dive Into Culture
Location: Georgetown
Accommodation: Areca Hotel Penang
Accommodation Name: Areca Hotel Penang
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the Asia of yesteryear as you embark on a historical tour of Georgetown. Begin your journey back in time with a quick photo stop at Fort Cornwallis, where Captain Francis Light, the founder of the British colony in Penang, first landed in 1786. Continue with a visit to the small home of the local joss stick maker, a Local Specialist who will demonstrate the almost-forgotten craft of making handmade joss sticks. Your next stop is to the intricately carved Chinese clan house of Khoo Kongsi, where Chinese families of the same surname gather together to worship their ancestors. Later, see the city’s splendid colonial architecture and famous street art from the comfort of a traditional trishaw, followed by an afternoon at leisure. Your epic journey across Singapore and Malaysia almost at its end, you’ll join your travel companions for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the highlights of your trip.
Day 12: Farewell Penang
Location: Georgetown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say farewell to newfound friends before taking a transfer to Penang International Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered, providing you the opportunity to explore local cuisines on your own.
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Optional Experiences
Costs for optional experiences and excursions are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and drinks, are not included.
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Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of tour is this?
This is a Cultural tour that includes coach tours (worldwide), gardens & nature tours, history, sightseeing, and walking.
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What is not included in the tour?
The tour does not include international flights, travel insurance, some meals, costs for optional experiences and excursions, items of a personal nature including souvenirs, laundry, and drinks, any applicable visa fees.
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What is included in the tour?
The tour includes an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, all porterage and restaurant gratuities, all hotel tips, charges and local taxes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals, must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, audio headsets for flexible sightseeing, luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), optional experiences and free time. ...more ...less
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What countries does the tour visit?
The tour visits Singapore and Malaysia.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include exploring Singapore, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, visiting the Botanic Gardens in Singapore, Dutch Square in Malacca, the Petronas Twin Tower Sky Bridge and the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands, the Perak Cave Temple near Ipoh, the Ubudiah Mosque in Kuala Kangsar, viewing the King's Palace and Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur, and a scenic cruise along the Malacca River. ...more ...less
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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Singapore and ends in Penang.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia
12 Days Starting in Singapore and ending in Penang
Visiting: Singapore, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Kampung Baru, Batu Caves, Cameron Highlands, Ipoh, Georgetown ...more ...less