The Classic Malaysia

Upon arrival, complete the immigration and custom formalities and meet your guide at the arrival gate and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival timing, you can either take rest at the hotel or go for a walking tour of one of Singapore’s well preserved historical areas. This tour is best taken during the afternoon to escape the heat of the day and enjoy colors in Singapore at night.

A tiger of the Orient, modern Singapore, formed in 1819, is a small world of shimmering skyscrapers and lush green spaces, blending with the colonial and Chinese influenced history. Singapore, a famous destination for the shoppers and foodies, also attracts the explorers with its historical changes that we can witness in its architecture, culture, and lifestyle!

We stroll through one of Singapore’s first port areas. We can see remarkable changes in geography, but the buildings still date to the late 19th Century, and the area is dotted with temples and towering trees. We visit the vibrant China town and sip cold Chinese tea while watching the crowd go. Or enjoy a plate of Singapore noodles before walking to Clarke Pier, where you will take a boat ride- a great way to watch the variety of architectural styles. Nighttime is the best time to experience the city.

Stroll through the open public areas of The Fullerton Hotel, grab a Singapore Sling at The Raffles or check out the incredible art installation at the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

Overnight in Singapore.

Depart the hotel at around 8 a.m. for transfer across the causeway to Malaysia. There is no guide on this transfer, and so you will need to exit Singapore immigration and enter Malaysian immigration by yourself. This is a hassle-free transition. Travel through Johor Bharu and along major highways flanked by palm trees and arrive in the beautiful town of Malacca in about four hours.

You will have time to settle into your accommodation before proceeding for a walking tour. Located along the vital Malacca Strait, Malacca has a deep history of trading commerce. Malacca has been the melting point of diverse cultures that culminates differently than other parts of Malaysia- that we can witness the Portuguese and Dutch influences in the area. You can explore Malacca best on foo, or you can take a trishaw ride around on a nominal fee.

The centuries of history start unfolding as we begin our tour from 'A Famosa'- the oldest remaining example of European architecture in South East Asia. And then climb a hill to visit St Paul’s Church and descend to Stadtthuys- the former Dutch City Hall which flanked by extravagantly decorated trishaws. It is one of the best testimony of Dutch colonial architecture.

If you are interested, you will have time to try one of the renowned ‘Teochew’ style restaurants. It is influenced by Cantonese and famous for its light, healthy ingredients, and little spice. It's also worth stopping by a vendor and trying the Portuguese tart, which is exceptional here.

Visit Temple Street, where various ethnics live in harmony, we can see here the multicultural temples and mosques that coexist since the early 18th century.

Renovated Peranakan buildings of the 15th century- a cultural blend of Han Chinese and Malay that developed a new style called Baba-Nyonya are also noteworthy attractions here. We may walk into the Baba-Nyonya museum along the way. This museum is an opportunity to learn more about the culture (the trip does not include admission tickets) before enjoying the antiques and cafes of the famous Jonkers Street.

Evening at leisure.Overnight in Malacca.

Have a leisurely day today to pursue your interests. You can spend the day further exploring the antique stores, craft shops, or museums at your own pace. Maybe you can join a cooking class and learn the intricacies of the Baba-Nyonya cuisine, or embark on a river cruise and explore the surrounds of Malacca.

Overnight in Malacca.

Today, after breakfast, we set off with our driver on a two-hour-long scenic drive to Kuala Lumpur- the capital city of Malaysia. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin the exploration of the city.  Begin from the Federal Territory Mosque– the 44th mosque of Kuala Lumpur built within the city limits- displays a unique design influenced by the Ottoman period. The mosque also serves as a community hall and contains a school within the complex. Visitors need to follow specific dress code, and so you will be provided with robes and headscarves for the admission. 

We will have a photo stop at the National Monument and the Cenotaph- built by the British to honor those heroes who fell in the Second World War. We will also stop by the gate of Royal Palace before transferring to the hotel to check-in. 

Afternoon time is free, or you can visit the peaceful Orchid Conservatory of the Majestic Hotel. Here you can see more than 300 species of orchid – the only venue of its kind in the country (there is no admission fee included). 

Evening time, jostle through the busiest street of Kuala Lumpur for the culinary experience. Try various freshly prepared cuisine prepared by local vendors. Your guide will help you understand the local food culture and introduce you to different varieties. (Pay on your own for the foods).

On the way back to the hotel, stop for a photo shoot, you can view the Petronas towers best at night. 

Overnight in Kuala Lampur.

Kuala Lumpur, shortly called KL, is a melting pot of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures-blended and culminated into a modern sophistication. We will tour through the architecture and cultural heritages and markets and witness the influences of the past in modern-day life.

We start early morning to capture the best of the activities that occur. We begin from a colorful morning market- full of aroma and sounds as locals bargain for their day’s food. Your guide will explain the various spices, fruit, vegetables, and snacks sold in the market. Take a chance to sample a Chow Kit favorite, curry laksa in a local cafe!

Now, we take local transport to the old center of KL- rich in architecture and cultural interactions- that also provides a wide range of cuisines to try. We make our way through the garland makers surrounded by brightly colored marigolds, and en route, try a sweet tea–‘teh tarik'- named so for its elaborate way of making. You can also sample some local Indian snacks with tea.

Now, we advance to the colonial heart of Old KL, where we witness the iconic buildings dating back to the 19th century. Then we wind our way to the diverse Chinatown area and the home to the range of cuisines that have put KL on the food map. We stop in a local restaurant and enjoy authentic Hokkien ‘mee’ that uses a century-old recipe. Also, learn about the benefits of Chinese tea from engaging merchants who have operated since the early 1940s.

Please note that all the dishes mentioned are offered on a shared basis. The routing of this program may alter depending on the location of the hotel. The tour can be adjusted to suit your interests.

Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Kuala Lampur.

Enjoy leisurely morning breakfast and depart the hotel around 10:00 a.m. After a short drive out of the city (7 miles), we stop to visit the famous Batu Caves- a limestone hill comprising three significant caves and several other smaller ones. The limestone formation is believed to be 400 million years old and boasts a 100-year-old temple and statues inside and around. Climb the 272 stairs to view the icons and paintings dedicated to Lord Rama. There are two smaller caves at the base of the stairs.

You can take a lunch break here. Tali lunch- Indian style is unique here! After lunch, we proceed on a three-hour-long scenic drive through the largest tea plantation area in Malaysia, in the Cameron Highlands. Check-in, the hotel, and the balance of the day are at leisure, or you can take some optional tours. You may visit one of the much talked organic farms of Cameron Highlands.

Overnight in the Cameron Highlands.

We start early to feel the soothing morning air and light jetting through the Mossy Forest. We will access the area via boardwalks, which can be slippery in the wet weather condition. Set on the highest point in Cameron Highlands- creating an ecosystem of pitcher plants, lizards, creeping vines, and deep green mossy trees, this is a photographer's heaven. After an hour or so, we proceed to visit the BOH tea plantation- established in 1929 by a British merchant- where we will tour through the plantation and learn about the processes of tea production. We will also have the opportunity to sample the produce in an outdoor café while enjoying views across the vast plantation.

Now, we set off on a journey of nearly five hours to Penang, with a lunch stop at the historic mining town of Ipoh before traveling to the Perak Tong Cave Temple. Built-in 1926 by a local Chinese couple, this beautiful temple features brightly colored murals as well as a large standing Buddha. From here, the Georgetown in Penang is further two hours.

In ancient times, traders from India stopped here for rest and restocked on their long journey to China. Penang came under British rule in the 18th century, and today, Penang-a UNESCO heritage still attracts visitors from all over the world. Its natural shores, distinctive cuisine, and colonial charm are always alluring.

After wash up and change at your hotel, head out to Little India, where the smells of curries, burning incense, Bollywood beats, and an array of colors welcome you whole-heartedly. Take a short but vibrant walk along the “Street of Harmony.” We can experience diverse cultures like Hindu, Muslim, Chinese, and Christian cultures culminating in one that provides a great introduction to Penang.

There is a range of local choices for dinner tonight, and your guide will be able to offer many suggestions depending on your requirements and interests.

Overnight in Penang.

Produce along the route. Guests will need to depart early for this tour, but the interactions, sights, and sounds will give provide a view of Malaysia not yet encountered. Visit the local market, busting with fruit, herbs, and spices from the local area, before learning the process of one of Malaysia’s most essential ingredients – ‘belacan’ or shrimp. Early morning breakfast and we set off with the bicycles loaded in the car for a ride in the for countryside full of sights and sounds giving unique insight into local culture and life. We visit the artisans, stop by the local market selling fresh fruits, herbs, and spices and learn about the process making Belcan or shrimp paste- one of Malaysia’s most essential ingredients- used in the preparation of many Malaysian dishes.

Coconuts are an integral part of food in Malaysia. So, we visit a coconut farm and learn about the countless different ways of using coconuts in Malaysian culture. We cycle along the quiet country roads often overlooked. The pathways go through sustainable farms and mangroves and wooden villages. The “King of Fruit,” the much-maligned durian, is also grown here.

After the morning’s cycling adventure (5 miles, 45 minutes), we drive to visit Kek Lok Si Temple- a unique ‘Pagoda of the 10,000 Buddhas’. This is the largest temple of Malaysia and very popular among Buddhist followers in Southeast Asia. The temple faces the sea, and the view from here is commanding that you don't want to miss.

We will return to the hotel around 3 p.m., and the balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Penang.

This morning guests are at leisure until their transfer to the airport for their onward journey.

There is a range of direct flights to several gem-like islands; travel consultants can advise on further details.