essential Singapore and Malaysia

Day 1 London - In flight Fly from London Heathrow Airport on a direct, scheduled Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore. Day 2 Singapore On arrival at Singapore Changi Airport, we transfer to the Rendezvous Hotel (4T). Day 3 Singapore Today we enjoy a tour of Singapore, one of Asia’s most electric cities with its astounding skyscrapers, multi-cultural population, historic architecture, stunning gardens and vibrant way of life. Our guided tour will include either a ride on the Singapore Flyer (a Ferris wheel taking visitors 165ft from the ground in a luxury capsule), or alternatively the Marina Bay Sands Viewing Deck, both of which provide breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city. We’ll continue to Merlion Park renowned for its iconic fountain, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and body of a fish. It symbolises the city’s start as a fishing village named Temasek - meaning sea town - to its development into the vibrant city of Singapore which was originally named Singapura - meaning lion city. Then, we explore the Thian Hock Temple, a grand monument belonging to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu; the beautiful National Orchid Garden, located within Singapore’s stunning Botanical Gardens; and Chinatown, where you’ll be enthralled by the distinct Chinese culture and history and mesmerising bright colours. Day 4 Singapore You are free to explore Singapore at leisure today. Enjoy more time in the bustling city centre, perhaps at the National Museum of Singapore or the beautiful Gardens by the Bay. Day 5 Singapore - Malacca After breakfast, we transfer to Malaysia’s third smallest state, Malacca, one of the country’s key trading ports under Portuguese, Dutch and English historical rule. On arrival, we join a boat cruise along the stunning Malacca River, a modern waterway which provides great views of the city and flourishing gardens from another perspective. This afternoon we check in to our hotel for the night, the Ramada Plaza Melaka (4T). Day 6 Malacca - Kuala Lumpur This morning we embark on a half-day tour of Malacca city, stopping at the foot of Bukit Cina - home to the largest 17th century cemetery outside of China - for a view of the Sultan’s well. We’ll sight the Portuguese fortress of Porta de Santiago, St Paul’s Church, and the ‘Red Square’ of Dutch administrative buildings. Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is next, dedicated to the local history of the Chinese Malay people. Finally, we visit the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malaysia’s oldest Chinese temple and one of Malacca’s most notable landmarks; this Chinese temple is located along the famous Jonker Street, a vibrant area which became a thriving business street during the 17th century. This afternoon we drive to Kuala Lumpur and check in to our hotel for the next two nights, the Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur (4T). Day 7 Kuala Lumpur Today, we enjoy an insightful city tour of Kuala Lumpur, starting with a photostop at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers reaching for the sky at 451.9 metres tall. Our exciting tour takes in all of Kuala Lumpur’s highlights; the fascinating Chinatown district and modern Parliament House. We’ll stop at the War Memorial, New King’s Palace - with 22 distinctive domes - and Federal Court. Then, we drive past the Masjid Negara, Malaysia’s national mosque set among 13 acres of landscaped gardens. This afternoon we return to our hotel with the rest of the day at leisure; you may want to explore the many nearby shopping centres. Day 8 Kuala Lumpur - Cameron Highlands We depart Kuala Lumpur for our journey to the lush green Cameron Highlands in Pahang, where 19th century English colonial officers found cool sanctuary away from the humidity and heat of the lowlands. Here you will find quaint villages, tea plantations and lovely colonial architecture and we visit the BOH Tea Plantation where slopes are filled with tea plants as far as the eye can see. We discover the plantation’s history, founded by British government surveyor William Cameron in 1855, as well as details of the harvesting and production process. Spend time relaxing in the café that offers breathtaking panoramic views and a delicious cup of BOH tea. Later, we check in to our hotel for the following two evenings, the Strawberry Park Resort (3T+). Day 9 Cameron Highlands We explore the Cameron Highlands further today, with a visit to Kea Farm Market Place; the Time Tunnel, where we get a fascinating glimpse into some of the colonial history of the region; and MARDI Agricultural Centre, established by the British in 1925. This agricultural centre provides an insight into an industry that is now so important to the prosperity of the Cameron Highlands. Day 10 Cameron Highlands - Taiping - Penang We journey from the scenic Cameron Highlands to Taiping, Perak’s state capital city, where many historical buildings and heritage landmarks hark back to the colonial era, when it held the title of administrative centre from 1875-1937. Visit the British Commonwealth War Memorial and the stunning Lake Gardens - a place of tranquil natural beauty with 64 hectares of enchanting lakes, pretty ponds, charming bridges and flourishing array of tropical plants. Continue to Bukit Merah, for a journey by boat to its Orang-Utan Island at Semanggol, an Orang-Utan rehabilitation and educational centre located on a jungle island of 4,000 hectares, allowing this endangered species to roam freely. A guide will explain the means of the facility and let us view the baby Orang-Utans in the quarantine area, before we walk through a 200-metre viewing tunnel to observe this beautiful species in their natural habitat. After this wonderful experience, we continue on to Penang and the Parkroyal Penang (4T). Day 11 Penang Explore the diverse cosmopolitan city of Penang today, claimed in the 18th century by Captain Francis Light who founded the settlement of ‘George Town’ in honour of George, Prince of Wales. We begin with a tour here to see the beautiful seafront and water villages of Chinese clan houses and then take a stroll along the ‘Street of Harmony’, which paves the way to the Goddess of Mercy Temple, a magnificent structure with dragon-entwined pillars intricately-carved from green stone. Visit the Penang State Museum and Gallery and then the incredible gold-plated Reclining Buddha Temple in Burma Lane, sitting blissfully within a beautiful Thai temple, surrounded by many smaller Buddha statues forming a majestic shrine. Day 12 Penang A day at leisure to explore more of Penang, or simply relax on the beach. Day 13 Penang - In flight We transfer to the airport for a scheduled Singapore Airlines flight to London via Singapore. Day 14 London Arrive at London Heathrow Airport.