Marvellous Malaysia (16 days)
This tour is a journey through the heart of culturally rich and diverse Malaysia. Start in the sophisticated city state of Singapore before travelling by train to the cultural hot pot of Malacca, once Asia's busiest trading hub, and on to Malaysia's vibrant capital, Kuala Lumpur. From Kuala Lumpur you pick up a hired car and self-drive to Penang, with a 2 night stop in the colonial retreat of the Cameron Highlands. Finish with 4 well deserved nights relaxing on one of the world's premier beach destinations, Langkawi.
Guide Price
From £4,040 per person based on a shared room for departures in April.
Day by Day Itinerary
Click on each day to expand the itinerary detail. Or click on the print itinerary button above to preview the tour in full.
Flight: SQ317 London Heathrow - Singapore 11.25 - 07.30 (overnight)
Meet & greet: Upon arrival at Singapore airport, you will be welcomed to Singapore by your private English-speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Park Hotel Clarke Quay (Superior Room)
Morning tour of Singapore: This morning's orientation tour of the city begins with a stop at the "Colonial Heart" for a view of Padang Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. Continue on to Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore's oldest temples before joining in the bustling activity of Chinatown, a place where many of the original immigrants set up home. With your guide, you will have the chance to wander around the unique shops and visit the magnificent Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. The next stop is made at Mount Faber for a panoramic view of the harbour and finally you will swing by the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the ‘green lung' of the city to experience the calm and serenity of this 52 hectare garden. Located within the grounds of the park is the National Orchid Garden, where you can marvel at the wide variety and colours of orchids on display before being taken back to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Park Hotel Clarke Quay (Superior Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Road journey from Singapore to Malacca: This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and set off on the 3 hour drive to Malacca. Cross the Johor Causeway, which links Singapore to Peninsula Malaysia, and after brief formalities you will enter Johor Bahru, the southernmost state of Malaysia, and continue your journey to Malacca.
Afternoon guided tour of Malacca: After checking in to your hotel you will set out on a tour of the sights and sounds of Malacca. Visit St. Paul's Hill, where St. Francis Xavier was interned; Porta de Santiago, left behind by the Portuguese and Dutch during their colonial rule; Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and Jonker Street, known as 'Antique Row' and famous for its antiques and local arts & crafts. In the evening, you will be taken to the jetty and embark on a scenic Malacca River Cruise. This cruise takes you past traditional Malaccan houses and the Kampung Morten. On weekends there will be a night market along Jonker's Street where you can see a variety of stalls offering local delicacies.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Puri (Superior Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Morning at leisure: This morning is at leisure to explore more of Malacca independently.
Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the railway station in Tampin for your train journey to Kuala Lumpur.
Train journey: Tampin - Kuala Lumpur 15.25 - 17.17
Private transfer: On arrival at the station in Kuala Lumpur, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel to check in.
Accomodation: Stay tonight at the Anggun Hotel (Classic Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Morning orientation tour of Kuala Lumpur: This morning you will be taken for an orientation tour of the city covering the major historical landmarks - King`s Palace, National Monument, National Mosque and Merdeka (Independence) Square. Much of the history of the city is depicted here as well as the tradition and cultural heritage of the major communities. Included in this tour is an opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the observation deck of the KL Tower. After the excursion you will be taken back to your hotel to enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Anggun Hotel (Classic Room)
Meals: Breakfast
If you do not wish to self-drive then the following can be arranged with a private vehicle and driver-guide instead.
Self-drive journey from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands: This morning your hired car will be delivered to your hotel, you will be supplied with clear directions and a road map to make your own way on good quality Malaysian roads to the Cameron Highlands. It is suggested that you take a rest stop at the town of Tapah, where you will be able to taste local fruits, including the ‘king of fruits', Durian, if in season. On the way up to your mountain resort there are also some interesting aboriginal villages and teahouses where you might like to stop before continuing your drive past Brinchang and to the town of Tanah Rata. On arrival, settle in to your hotel and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Cameron Highlands. Depending on stops and how fast you drive, this is a journey of approximately 4 hours.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the The Lakehouse (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Suggested self-guided excursion in the Cameron Highlands: Today you are at leisure to explore the Cameron Highlands independently. The Highlands are sprinkled with Tea Plantations and it is recommended that you visit some of these today, where you can learn how the tea leaves are processed. You will also have plenty of opportunity to view the wonderful undulating hills. Another great place to visit is the nearby Rose Garden & Butterfly Farm. Your hotel will be able to assist you with directions and information about all of the activities on offer including golf and visiting the local market.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Lakehouse (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Self-drive journey from the Cameron Highlands to Penang: After breakfast, depart in your hired car along the Simpang Pulai Highway towards Penang. Before reaching Penang, it is suggested that you stop at the famous Cave temple, the Ubudiah Mosque, a magnificent building with a golden dome, and the former palace of the Sultan of Perak with its intricate woodcarvings. On arrival in Penang, settle in to your hotel and enjoy the vibrant cultural mix that is Penang. Depending on stops and how fast you drive, this is a journey of approximately 5-6 hours.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Penaga (Hutton Deluxe Room with Balcony)
Meals: Breakfast
Drop off your hired car: At 9am this morning, drop off your hire car at your hotel before being met by your guide.
Morning pedicab tour of Georgetown: After breakfast start your guided half-day tour of Georgetown. Highlights include a walk around one of the oldest Malay markets in Georgetown and a pedicab ride through Little India and historic Georgetown.
Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon you have some time at leisure to relax at your hotel, or to explore Penang further. Stroll around the capital, Georgetown, and soak in the multicultural atmosphere and historical charm, or venture out to some of the beaches, fishing villages and forest-covered hills that cover the island. Penang has long been considered as one of Asia's food capitals, so don't miss the opportunity to sample what's on offer!
Accomodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Penaga (Hutton Deluxe Room with Balcony)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer: After an early breakfast, you will be met at your hotel by a driver and transferred to the jetty to catch the ferry to Langkawi.
Ferry journey: Penang - Langkawi 08.15 - 11.00 (Please note that ferry timings are subject to change)
Private transfer: On arrival in Langkawi you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check-in and have time at leisure.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at Casa Del Mar (Pool View Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Days at leisure: You have some time at leisure in the idyllic Langkawi archipelago. Relax on one of the white sandy beaches, arrange a snorkelling or diving trip, try out some trekking in the lush tropical rainforest, or take the cable car up to the top of Gunung Machinchang and enjoy a breathtaking 360° view of the surrounding area.
Accommodation: Stay these nights at Casa Del Mar (Pool View Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer: After a final day at leisure by the beach, you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to London Heathrow via Singapore.
Flight: SQ5085 Langkawi - Singapore 20.45 - 22.20
Flight: SQ322 Singapore - London Heathrow 23.30 - 05.55 (overnight)
Meals: Breakfast