Day 01: Arrive Singapore (SINGAPORE)

Selamat datang! Upon our arrival in the renowned metropolis of Singapore, expect a warm welcome as we are seamlessly transferred to our hotel. The city-state of Singapore is known for its captivating blend of futuristic architecture and lush greenery. Our accommodation for the night, Oasia Downtown Hotel, is a breath of fresh air in Singapore’s famous Central Business District. It’s covered with a unique and lush vertical garden on the building face, giving the impression of a tropical resort in the city. Inside, expect beautiful views and modern functionalist style, thanks to architect and renowned designer Patricia Urquiola.

Remainder of the day free is free to start discovering one of the world’s most famous cities, or relax and recover from jetlag.

Overnight: Oasia Downtown Hotel (Superior Room), Singapore (2 nights)

Day 02: Singapore

After breakfast, we embark on a discovery tour of Singapore’s culture and history. We start with a stroll along the colourful streets of Little India, taking in the hive of local activity that fills every nook and cranny. We next visit the Esplanade, the city’s latest multi-million dollar theater attraction at scenic Marina Bay. Afterwards, drive past the Chinatown financial district, a place where many immigrants set up home in generations past. Take a look at the varied and unique shops, and visit the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, the magnificent Sri Mariamman Temple. Our last stop is the city’s famous “green lung”, the Singapore Botanical Gardens. This colonial garden is home to more than 10,000 species of flora, and was the first garden on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.  We will also see the National Orchid Garden, carefully curated to showcase this beautiful flower. Our tour today will include a visit to a jewelry factory, were we can engage in one of Singaporean’s favourite pastimes – admiring the fine designs of Singapore jewelers. (B)

Day 03: Singapore/Malacca (Drive) (MALAYSIA)

After breakfast, check out and bid farewell to Singapore. We will be transferred to Malacca via private vehicle.

Once we arrive in Malacca, we’ll embark on a tour to discover the city. Malacca is one of the oldest cities in Malaysia, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll visit historic sites such as St. Peter’s Church, Porta De Santiago and the ruins of St Paul’s Church, the Dutch Administration office, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Baba & Nyonya Museum, and Jonker Street. Our overnight will be at The Pines, a spacious and stylish accommodation scenically set along the shores of the Malacca riverside that features the artwork of local artists.

Overnight: The Pines Hotel (Premier Room), Malacca (1 night) (B)

Day 04: Malacca/Kuala Lumpur (Drive)

After breakfast at our hotel, we continue our journey overland to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, we embark on a tour to discover this iconic city. Take in the National Monument, King’s Palace (the official residence of the monarch of Malaysia) and the National Museum. We then continue on to Independence Square, Kuala Lumpur City Gallery and Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a stunning colonial structure. End with a snapshot at the most famous site in the city, the stunningly modern Petronas Twin Towers. We enjoy a 2-night stay at our elegant and centrally located hotel, Hotel Stripes, part of the exclusive Autograph Collection.

Overnight: Hotel Stripes (Deluxe Room), Kuala Lumpur (2 nights) (B)

Day 05: Kuala Lumpur

This morning, we tour a batik factory to learn about the time-honoured process of producing this traditional Malaysian cloth. We then continue to Batu Caves, one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India. Our visit will be a feast for the senses as we climb the 272 colourful steps and take in the lavishly decorated caves and temples. On this tour, we will also drive past Ambassador’s Row and discover how Malaysia’s most distinctive crafts are produced at the world’s largest Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Visitors Centre. (B)

Day 06: Kuala Lumpur/Cameron Highlands (Drive)

Our journey continues today as we make our way to the rolling green hills of the Cameron Highlands. This lush region has served as the centre of Malaysian tea production for more than 100 years. Upon arrival, we’ll begin with a visit to the BOH Plantation, the first tea plantation in Malaysia. Founded in 1929 by John Archibald Russell, this vast estate is still owned and managed by the same family. We’ll tour the tea factory here and continue on to discover the main revenue earner of the highlands, flower and vegetable farming. We’ll not only see the colourful array of produce grown here, but also learn about methods used by the industrious farming community. We’ll finish with a visit to a market where an array of local goods can be found before checking into our hotel for the night, set amidst lush tropical jungles and mountain ranges.

Overnight: Strawberry Park Resort (Studio Room), Cameron Highlands (1 night) (B)

Day 07: Cameron Highlands/Penang (Drive)

Our destination today is Penang, established more than 200 years ago as the first British trading port in the Far East.  We stop en route at Kuala Kangsar, the royal town of Perak State. Here, we see the gilded dome of Ubudiah Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in the country and impressive Iskandariah Palace, official residence of the state sultan for more than 100 years. We’ll also discover another former royal residence, the Istana Kenangan, before driving past the some of the oldest rubber trees on the Malaysian Peninsula. We next see Sayong Pottery Village, where we can witness the making of traditional handicrafts like Tekat (embroidery), Labu Sayong (pottery) and Keris (creating a traditional dagger). Our final stop before we continue on to Penang is Kuala Sepetang, where we visit a charcoal factory located opposite a spectacular mangrove forest. Here, we’ll learn how charcoal is made. Every single process in this factory is done manually! Tonight, watch painted fishing boats ply the ocean waters from the white sand beach of our seaside hotel, Bayview Beach Resort, where we spend 2 nights.

Overnight: Bayview Beach Resort (Deluxe Room), Penang (2 nights) (B)

Day 08: Penang

Penang is a fascinating combination of British colonial architecture and traditional Chinese merchant shops. The highlights of our tour today include the Botanical Gardens, which hosts 10,000 plant species plus a variety of monkeys and other animals, and Chew Jetty, a 100-plus-year-old over water village perched on wooden stilts. We also explore Khoo Kong Si, the grandest Chinese-style clan temple in the country, Little India, and stunning Kek Lo Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Afterwards, experience Georgetown in traditional style as we ride on an open-wheel pedal powered trishaw to Fort Cornwallis, dating from the late 18th century. (B)

Day 09: Penang/Kota Bharu (Drive)

After breakfast, we wave goodbye to Penang and continue on our cross-country adventure towards Kota Bahru, a city that truly embraces local traditions. We drive along highways that cut through breathtaking mountain ranges and tropical rainforest, stopping for lunch along the way. Along the last stretch of the journey, we may even catch some elephants crossing the road if we’re lucky.

Upon arrival in Kota Bharu, we check in at our hotel, with the rest of the day free to explore the state capital and royal seat of Kelantan. The conservative city’s main attractions are the many Islamic museums and bustling day and night markets, which are the perfect spot to put on your haggling hat and bag some bargains to take home as souvenirs. These are also good places to sample local cuisine. Our stay for the night is at the luxury Grand Renai Hotel located in Kota Bahru’s central shopping district.

Overnight: Grand Renai Hotel (Deluxe Room), Kota Bahru (1 night) (B)

Day 10: Kota Bharu/Terengganu (Drive)

After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we set off on our exploration of Kota Bharu with an orientation tour. We start by visiting the colourful wet market, where we will spend some time browsing the stalls spilling over with batik clothing and fabrics, as well as local handicrafts that make great souvenirs. We then journey on to Kuala Terengganu, the royal capital and economic hub of the Malaysian state of Terengganu. As we drive up to the city, we’ll admire from afar the splendor of the Floating Mosque, which floats atop Kuala Ibai Lagoon. Depending on the season, we may spot locals flying kites, a popular pastime. We then head on a snapshot tour of the city. Highlights include Terengganu Losong Museum and Pulau Duyung, where we can learn firsthand about the city’s vibrant boat-making industry. Our evening is spent at a beautiful oceanside resort with a private beach, nestled amidst the rustic and charming fishing village of Kampong Rhu Tapai.

Overnight: Sutra Beach Resort (Deluxe Side Seaview), Terengganu (1 night) (B)

Day 11: Terengganu/Kuantan (Drive)

After breakfast, we continue on to Kuantan. En route, we will stop at some of the small villages that dot the countryside to get a glimpse into the local way of life. We will also have the chance to board a local boat for a gentle cruise before watching brassware being crafted by hand using traditional techniques.

In the afternoon, we visit Cherating village to see pandan leaves being hand-woven into bags, mats and other handicrafts. We then continue on our journey to Pahang's capital and Malaysia’s second-largest port, Kuantan. The city is home to a wealth of delicious eateries, informative museums, a nearby beach and sprawling mosque. We recommend heading to Kuantan’s food markets, which start springing to life in the early evening and boast swathes of the street food Malaysia is famous for. Our night is spent at another lovely beach resort, with two swimming pools and sweeping views of the ocean.

Overnight: Holiday Villa Beach Resort (Garden Villa), Cherating (1 night) (B)

Day 12: Kuantan/Kuala Lumpur (Drive)

This morning we head back to Kuala Lumpur. The rest of the day is free for a last day of discovery in Malaysia. Our final night is spent in our hotel at the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Overnight: Swiss-Garden Hotel, Kuala Lumpur (1 night) (B)

Day 13: Depart Kuala Lumpur

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Check out time is by 11:00 hrs. Or, extend your adventure with a short flight over to the Malaysian island of Borneo, a fascinating jungle local home to orangutans and Asian elephants, or Indonesia, home to diverse cultures, ancient monuments, and spectacular scenery. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
Email us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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