Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia

Visit Asia

Day 1

Welcome to Singapore

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 travellers for your first taste of Asia at Dinner.

Day 2

See the Sights of Singapore Dive Into Culture

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 Theatre 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

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 favourites 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

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 flavours 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’ favourite pastimes such as top spinning and silat, a Malaysian art of self-defence. Then, continue to your hotel in Malacca and check-in for a relaxing evening.

Day 5

Uncover Historic Malacca

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 colourful 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

The commercial and culinary hub of Malaysia awaits – its skyscrapers and colourful street vendors yours to explore over the next two days.

You’ll visit Independence Square and view the grand Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a stunning example of 19th-century Moorish architecture. End your day with breathtaking views from the Sky Bridge, nestled between the iconic 88-story Petronas Twin Towers, which dominate the Kuala Lumpur skyline. The rest of the evening is free to explore Kuala Lumpur on your terms.

Day 7

Experience Vibrant Kuala Lumpur Make Travel Matter

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

Journey deep into the Malaysian countryside 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 strawberry jam. Continue to your hotel for dinner.

Day 9

Off to Ipoh

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

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.

But first, immerse yourself in the timeless art of crafting Labu Sayong, a traditional earthenware jug renowned for its elegant design and unique ability to naturally cool water. 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

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. 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 Dinner to celebrate the highlights of your trip.

Day 12

Farewell Penang

Say farewell to newfound friends before taking a transfer to Penang International Airport for your onward flight.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)

11 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Malacca: Enjoy lunch with a local family in the village of Kampung Cantik, Malacca.

Dive Into Culture

Singapore: Visit Singapore's Chinatown to learn about Chinese immigrants history.

Singapore: Visit Singapore's Little India to have an insight of Indian culture and tradition.

Singapore: Witness the delicate craft of Chinese Calligraphy, demonstrated by a Local Specialist.

Singapore: Sample Singapore's culinary delights on a walking tour.

Iconic Experience

Singapore: During your city tour of Singapore, see the remaining landmarks of the Colonial District. Observe the dramatic architectural contrast between different areas of the city as you stroll along the Singapore River.

Singapore: Enjoy the perfect finale and board a bumboat, a traditional cargo-ferrying craft, to cruise along the Singapore River. Along the banks, admire historical bridges and buildings built more than a century ago.

Singapore: During your visit to Joo Chiat and Katong, admire a display of local delicacies and artefacts at a Peranakan-style shophouse. 

Malacca: Join a Local Specialist as you encounter the multi-cultural history of Malacca. 

Malacca River: Cruise along the Malacca River. See historic buildings and warehouses of this formerly prominent trading port. 

Kuala Lumpur: On your Kuala Lumpur tour, visit Independence Square and see the impressive façade of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Ascend to the Sky Bridge observation deck for unforgettable views of the city. 

Kuala Lumpur: Visit the Twin Towers Skybridge, soaring to a height of 451.9 meters. This iconic 88-story structure is the crown jewel of Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur: Take in the wide array of fresh produce and observe the local business customs during a visit to Chow Kit Market. 

Kampung Baru: Visit the ''New Village'' of Kuala Lumpur. Gain insight into this historic enclave of Kuala Lumpur and appreciate the distinct contrast between Kampung Baru's traditional buildings and the neighbouring skyscrapers. 

Batu Caves: Admire the limestone cave temples of the remarkable Batu Caves.

Tanah Rata: Enjoy afternoon tea and scones in Tanah Rata before visiting a local strawberry farm.

Ipoh: During your visit of the Perak Cave Temple, see the golden Buddha and intricate murals.

Ipoh: Experience the dynamic energy of Ipoh on a walking tour. See its old town and gain insight into the colonial buildings that have been converted to trendy cafés and shops. 

Kuala Kangsar: Marvel at the ornate golden details of the Ubudiah Mosque's exterior before venturing inside during your visit today.  

Kuala Kangsar: Immerse yourself in the timeless art of crafting Labu Sayong, a traditional earthenware jug renowned for its elegant design and unique ability to naturally cool water.

Penang: Visit Khoo Kongsi, an elaborately-decorated Chinese clanhouse at the heart of the city's oldest district.

Georgetown: Take in the cultural landmarks of Georgetown from the comfort of a traditional trishaw, also known as a 'cycle rickshaw'.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Kuala Lumpur: Visit a village inhabited by the Orang Asli ethnic group. 

Must-see Highlights

Explore Singapore, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur

Visit the Botanic Gardens in Singapore, Dutch Square in Malacca, the Petronas Twin Tower and the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands, the Perak Cave Temple in Ipoh, the Ubudiah Mosque in Kuala Kangsar

View the King's Palace and Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur

Scenic Cruise along the Malacca River

Trafalgar Difference

Georgetown: In Georgetown, stay in a stunning heritage hotel that was built in the 1920s and originally housed traditional shop-houses.

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