Singapore to Penang: a culture-packed sojourn

Transfer From Singapore To Malacca - Transfer from Singapore to Malacca - Historical Malacca tour

Day 1: Malacca

Transfer from Singapore to Malacca
Other Transfer: You will be fetched from your hotel and continue to cross the Johor Causeway, which links Singapore to Peninsula Malaysia. After brief formalities, you will enter Johor Bahru, the southern most state of Malaysia, and travel onward to Malacca. Estimated travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes


Historical Malacca tour
Excursion: This tour will take you through the history of Malacca, allowing you to see all of the historical sites of the city as well as giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the current buzz of everyday life in Malacca. You will visit St. Paul’s Hill and the renowned Porta De Santiago. Built as a fortress by the Portuguese in 1511 the historic landmark it is one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in all of Asia. You will also be able to get a sense of the city’s rich culture and spirituality with a visit to the ornately decorated Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malaysia’s oldest traditional Chinese Temple. Then, you will make your way to Jonkers Street - popular for it's antiques and local arts and crafts. In the evening, you will embark on the Malacca River Cruise. This cruise will take you to the back view of the Malaccan houses and the Kampung Morten, offering a unique perspective of the city’s architecture. On weekends, there will be a night market along Jonker’s Street where you can see the variety of food stalls and taste the local delicacies - try a delicious bowl of Nyonya Laksa followed by a cup of ice cream rolls that come in all flavours.

Malacca by bike

Day 2: Malacca

Malacca by bike
Excursion: To most, Malacca is known for its historical sites and buzzing city, and the beauty and traditions of rural Malacca are often overshadowed. This bike tour allows you to escape the crowds and the bustle of the city by taking you on an easy exploration into Malacca's surrounding countryside. You will be taken on an off-road tour of the scenic landscape, cycling through rubber and palm oil plantations, vibrant green paddy fields, picturesque villages and working farms.

Transfer from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur - Transfer from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Lumpur city tour

Day 3: Kuala Lumpur

Transfer from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur
Other Transfer: You will be picked up and will head along the highway passing Seremban to Kuala Lumpur - the capital city of Malaysia. Estimated travel time: 2 hours


Kuala Lumpur city tour
Excursion: Kuala Lumpur has been the location of numerous history-defining moments in Malaysia and this orientation tour of the city covers all of the major historical landmarks, as well as provides you with a taste of the tradition and cultural heritage of the major communities. Admire the impressive facade of the Astana Negara, the King’s Palace, built in 1928 by a Chinese millionaire, now the current residence of the monarch of Malaysia. Then, behold the animated figures of the National Monument which are sure to rouse emotion. Commemorating the lives lost in Malaysia’s struggle for freedom during the Japanese occupation and Malayan Emergency, the 15 metre statue holds the record for the world’s tallest free-standing bronze sculpture grouping. Each of the skillfully casted figures denotes one of seven qualities: courage, leadership, sacrifice, strength, suffering, unity and vigilance. The broad open space of Merdeka (Independence) Square evokes the freedom obtained by Malaysia on August 31st, 1957, when the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time at midnight, declaring Malaysian independence. Located in the colonial core of Kuala Lumpur, where remnants of the British Empire are still evident, the square is overlooked by the Sultan Abdul Samad Building - one of the most significant landmarks built by the British. Finally, the beautiful architecture and solemn presence of the National Mosque gives you an insight into the culture and religion of the city. The awesome, azure domed roof is inspired by the structure of an open umbrella, while the surrounding minarets imitate the closed form. Its design is a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art, thus encapsulating the true essence of the city, a centre where tradition meets innovation. For a panoramic view of the city in all of its splendour experience a 45 minute guided of tour of the majestic Petronas Twin Towers (closed on Mondays). A fusion of stainless steel and Moorish influences, the 88 storey buildings are renowned for being the tallest twin structures in the world and its striking double-decked skybridge offers magnificent views of the city. Hidden in the bowels is the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and a cultural icon for all music lovers. Its superior acoustics and magnificent architecture is a treat for both the eyes and the ears, a less well known hidden gem marvelled at by travellers and Malaysians alike. For a truly breathtaking experience visit the the towers after sunset when their bright white light impresses their sheer size and imposing presence against the dark backdrop of the night sky.

Private foodwalk tour in Kuala Lumpur

Day 4: Kuala Lumpur

Private foodwalk tour in Kuala Lumpur
Excursion: You will be fetched from your hotel and taken to Brickfields, otherwise known as Kuala Lumpur’s Little India, where the tour will commence. You will stroll through the neighbourhood whose Indian influence expresses itself vibrantly through the district’s architecture, music and food. You will get to sample delicious Indian dishes served on a banana leaf and seek out sweet vendors for sugary morsels like fresh banana fritter, sticky, sweet gulab jamun, or the local favourite, cendol (shaved ice, plum sugar, kidney beans and coconut milk jelly). This Kuala Lumpur food tour will continue in the comfort of KL’s sky-high local transport system, where you will be swept from the colour of India to the bustle of China. You will be able to explore the city’s buzzing China Town, where you will tuck in to some wonderfully tasty noodles and sample some refreshing lime juice while taking in the action that moves quickly around you. You will finish your KL food adventure with a coffee at a vintage coffee house, where you can view the evolution of KL through charming photos of the past. As you relax and take a breather, your local guide will help you plan your afternoon and, more importantly, recommend somewhere great for a fabulous local dinner. You will then be dropped off at your hotel.

Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands - Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands - Sightseeing en route in the Cameron Highlands

Day 5: Cameron Highlands

Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands
Other Transfer: You will travel via the highway with a rest stop at Tapah, the gateway to Cameron Highlands. On the way up to the mountain resort you will visit an Aborigine village, followed by a short tea break in one of the local tea houses. You will then continue your journey, passing through Brinchang and finally the main town, Tanah Rata. Estimated travel time: 3 hours 15 minutes.


Sightseeing en route in the Cameron Highlands
Excursion: Tapah is the gateway to Cameron Highlands offering one of the most stunning travel rest areas of the Malaysian Highways. Relax under the tropical trees and feast your eyes on the colourful fruit stalls full of the local, seasonal fruit, chiefly rose apple and guava. If you're lucky and travelling in the right season you will come across the King of Fruits, the infamous Durian, instantly recognisable for its green, spiky exterior and pungent smell. On the way up to the mountain resort you will visit an Aborigine village, home to the Orang Asli people, the ‘original people'. These indigenous people are dependent on the forest resources for their livelihood and their way of life still follows the traditions practised by their ancestors - blowpipe hunting, hunting by hand, fishing and collecting are everyday activities. After a tea break in one of the local tea houses you will continue to drive up the road, passing through Brinchang and finally the main town, Tanah Rata.

Transfer from Cameron Highlands to Penang - Transfer from Cameron Highlands to Penang - Cameron Highlands tour

Day 6: Cameron Highlands - Penang

Transfer from Cameron Highlands to Penang
Other Transfer: You depart Cameron Highlands via the Simpang Pulai Highway and travel across the Penang Bridge, which crosses the Selatan Strait - a channel of water separating Penang Island from mainland Malaysia. Estimated travel time: 3 hours 25 minutes


Cameron Highlands tour
Excursion: Out of the humid heat of the lowlands, life thrives in the temperate climate of Malaysia’s largest hill station area, the Cameron Highlands. Here, you can breathe in the fresh fragrant air and enjoy the cool breeze as vibrant tea plantations roll into the distance, giving way to the beautifully unspoiled natural region. This area is a walker’s paradise, with numerous trails leading into lush green scenery, all brought to life by crashing waterfalls, flitting birds and wild orchids. Wind your way up into the cool air of the lofty mountains to visit the largest tea plantation in Southeast Asia, Boh tea plantation, founded in 1929 during the British Colonial era. You will be able to watch the careful process that takes the aromatic black tea leaves from bush to bag. Later, you'll relax with a tea break, offering you the chance to savour some of the other wonderful varieties of tea processed onsite (tea factory closed on Mondays). Next, make your way to one of the many garden markets where your senses can indulge in the vibrant colour and scent of local fruit and vegetables - ripe, red strawberries, fresh vegetables and vibrant flowers highlight the richness of the fertile land.


Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island
Excursion: Take a boat ride to visit Orang Utan Island, nestled within the idyllic setting of the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort. The sanctuary, founded in 2000, has become a recognised ex-situ conservation facility and referral centre for the endangered Bornean orangutan, offering visitors first-hand education on these fascinating primates. You will soon see why the orangutan, 'man of the forest' in the local language, has become a well-known symbol of Malaysia - with their human-like mannerisms and inquisitive faces these creatures are truly endearing. A walk through the fenced tunnel enclosure is a humbling experience as you are placed in the wild abode of the orangutan, for a moment the tables are turned and the beautiful creatures become the observers as they roam free among the trees and the bushes, watching inquisitively. At the in-house infant care unit you get a rare viewing of baby orangutans cared for by the devoted staff, these little bundles of orange fur are just as playful and mischievous as any two year old. Visit to Orang Utan Island is subject to water level.

Penang walking tour

Day 7: Penang

Penang walking tour
Excursion: You will be taken on a guided pedicab tour starting from MPPP Town Hall. Your route will take you along the esplanade area where the city’s turbulent and rich history is revealed through the historical monuments and colonial buildings, recalling the country’s past. You will be able to admire beautiful architecture of the edwardian-style City Hall, view the first World War Memorial statue and marvel at Fort Cornwallis and the old Dutch cannon sat atop the 18th century walls. The tour will also take you past moorish-style Jubilee Clock Tower, commissioned in 1897 by a local millionaire, Cheah Chen Eok, to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. It stands 60ft high, with each foot representing a year of the Queen’s 60-year reign. You will also pass Weld Quay, where the buildings are representative of Georgetown’s particularly boisterous history. You will be able to leave your pedicab on Lim Clan Jetty and enjoy a short walk along the waterfront. You will finish your pedicab ride outside the Pinang Peranakan Mansion where you will be taken on a tour of the famous museum, giving you a fascinating insight into the lifestyle and traditions of the opulent life of the Peranakans. You will then continue on foot to visit the King Street temples. This is an area saturated in Chinese tradition and the beautifully decorated temples that line the street are an intriguing sight. After looking round the temples, you will make your way to Little India and visit the oldest Hindu Temple in Penang, Sri Mahamariamman, which has stood here for over 200 years. After enjoying a lunch of local street food you will be taken on a visit to the legendary Snake Temple. The temple was built around 1850 in memory of Chor Soo Kong, by a Buddhist monk with healing powers who moved to Penang. According to legend, he gave shelter to the snakes of the jungle and so when the temple was completed the snakes came of their own accord. Today, the temple is filled with the smoke of burning incense and a variety of pit vipers. The vipers are believed to be rendered harmless by the sacred smoke, but it is advisable to avoid touching the snakes nonetheless. After your tour, you will return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing at your leisure.

Transfer from Penang to the airport - Transfer from Penang to the airport

Day 8:

Transfer from Penang to the airport
Other Transfer: We will ensure that you are transferred to Penang International Airport (PEN) in time for your flight. Estimated travel time: 30 minutes