-Accommodation as per the itinerary
-Meals as per itinerary
-Professional guides throughout
-Fees for all entrances as sited on itinerary
-Group airport transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary by private air conditioned motor coach
Nov 4, 2016 Arrival, Singapore (D)
Welcome to Singapore! Upon arrival we will be met by our guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Later in the afternoon we will enjoy a wander through one of Singapore’s first port areas awash with temples and towering trees. We will also visit Chinatown.
For dinner we will enjoy classic Singaporean dishes before reaping the benefits of the centuries old technique of Foot Reflexology. Afterward we explore the Clarke Pier, where we will enjoy a boat ride to see the array of architectural styles that are at play in this spectacular city.
Nov 5, 2016: Cultural Cooking in Singapore – Gardens by the Bay B/L/D)
This morning we enjoy an interactive cooking class where we will explore the diversity of Singapore’s heritage through its food and spices.
This afternoon we explore the spectacular Gardens by the Bay featuring two climate conservatories. First is the Flower Dome with thousand-year old olive trees and unusual Baobabs. Next we step into the world of the Cloud Forest and explore the highlands amidst orchids, pitcher plants and ferns complete with a 35-metre man-made mountain and waterfall.
Tonight we enjoy one of Singapore’s favorite restaurants, the Blue Ginger! A feast of Peranakan food and culture this is a great introduction to one of the most interesting cuisine evolutions.
Nov 6, 2016: Women’s Hall of Fame tour, transfer to Malacca (B)
Today we immerse ourselves in Singapore’s heritage and the impact that women have had on the nation’s development. We will learn about the rich history of the women highlighted and how they have been instrumental in shaping Singapore’s history, from social workers, to diplomats, to doctors, to performers to law makers. From changing laws to protect women, to educating children, to breaking down barriers in a male dominated society these women have made their mark on the island of Singapore.
We next cross the border into Malaysia as we head for Malacca which is steeped in trading history. A melting pot of a variety of cultures culminates in a history different to other parts of Malaysia, the most noteworthy being the Portuguese and Dutch influences in this area.
This evening we wander the vibrant Jonkers Street, awash with antique and craft shops as well as cafes and clothing stores. Dinner is free this evening, however our Guide is on hand to help us explore the range of local snacks and dishes on offer.
Nov 7, 2016: Malacca, Morning heritage and Artisan tour (B/L/D)
Today we meander through centuries of history starting at the oldest remaining example of European architecture in South East Asia, A Famosa. We also visit St Paul’s Church and one of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture, the Stadthuys. We visit Temple Street, with its multicultural range of temples and mosques that have stood since the early 18th Century and wander the picturesque streets filled with local artisans.
After lunch we are free to visit one of the restored Peranakan buildings now housing a Museum (a cultural mix of Han Chinese and Malay that forged its own style, known as the Baba-Nyonya, from the 15th Century), or visit the quirky Museum of Enduring Beauty for a glimpse into the traditions of perceived beauty through a range of cultures.
This evening we venture to an out of the way Baba Nonya Restaurant. The quality of the food belies the décor and showcases the differences in cuisine to its Singaporean sisters.
Nov 8, 2016: Malacca to Kuala Lumpur (B/L/D)
We depart this morning for the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival we visit the Federal Territory Mosque which has a unique design influenced by the Ottoman period. Next we depart for Tamarind Hill – a restaurant set in an old colonial house to enjoy a range of Thai inspired dishes.
This evening, we may venture over to one of the busiest areas of Kuala Lumpur and enjoy a range of freshly prepared dishes from the street vendors (optional). Our guide will be on hand to talk us through the range and diversity of options available.
Nov 9, 2016: Kuala Lumpur Walking Tour – Heritage & Food (B/L/D)
Today we start with a visit to a local morning market, which is a riot of color, sounds and smells as locals bargain for their day’s food. We continue on to the old center of town where iconic buildings date back to the late 1800s. We then head to the eclectic Chinatown area and the birthplace of a range of dishes that have put KL on the map. We will enjoy authentic Hokkien ‘mee’ at a local restaurant which has used the same recipe for more than 100 years.
We will wander the bustling streets around Jalan Petaling visiting Sze Ya Chinese Temple and visit the oldest temple on KL, the Sri Mahamariamman temple. We stop in Central Market housing a range of Penangartisans and local handicrafts where we will have free time to wander.
Tonight we dine at the Tamarind Spring restaurant. Specializing in flavours of the Indochine, this restaurant is set within the jungle!
Nov 10, 2016: Kuala Lumpur – Batu Caves – Cameron Highlands (B/D)
We spend the morning at leisure before heading to the amazing Batu Caves. Hindu worshippers from across the world come to pay their respects at this unique site.
Lunch is enroute to the Cameron Highlands, the largest tea plantation area in Malaysia. On arrival, we stop off at a charming Tudor style Lodge where we will enjoy an afternoon high tea honouring the traditions of the regions colonial past.
This evening, we sample produce from Mr Lee’s organic farm with a “steamboat” – This simple setting belies the freshness and flavor of the food and Steamboat style of eating is always great fun and a must-have meal when in the highlands.
Nov 11, 2016: Cameron Highlands – Tea Plantation – Penang (B/L/D)
Today we start early to enjoy the crisp morning air and light streaming across the Mossy Forest. This is a stunning location for photography and is set at the highest point in Cameron Highlands, creating an ecosystem of pitcher plants, lizards, creeping vines and deep green mossy trees. We next visit the BOH tea plantation, established in 1929 by a British merchant, where we will learn the about tea production.
We then travel to the capital city of Perak state, Ipoh. Surrounded by limestone caves and set on the banks of the Kinta River, Ipoh is a charming location to wander. The people of Ipoh are some of the friendliest in Malaysia. We will visit Concubines Alley where shop houses were fronts for illegal gambling, opium dens and prostitutes. Basket weavers, sign engravers and tin makers can still be found as we stroll throughout the city.
After lunch we head to Penang stopping enroute at the Royal town of Kaula Kangsar, making photo stops at the heralded Ubudiah Mosque, Kings Palace and old wooden Palace. We will arrive to Penang late afternoon and check in to the hotel. After freshening up at the hotel, we will walk through the bustling streets to Jawi House for a taste of authentic Malaysian cuisine.
Nov 12, 2016: Penang, Cooking Class & Heritage Walk (B/L/D)
Today we travel to the botanical gardens to explore the diversity of Malaysian cuisine with a hands on cooking class before enjoying a tour of the Spice Gardens.
Next we head to Georgetown for an afternoon of exploring this UNESCO heritage listing. We will wander Little India and enjoy a sensory explosion of flavorsome curries, burning incense, Bollywood beats and a kaleidoscope of colour. The aptly named “Street of Harmony” meanders from Hindu and Muslim to Chinese and Christian influences in a short but vibrant walk.
This evening, we will dine as the locals do, shoulder to shoulder in a night market where our guide will explain the variety of local dishes.
Nov 13, 2016: Penang National Park (B/L/D)
Today we will be picked up from our hotel and transferred to the north west of the island to the Park at Telok Bahang. We will enjoy a walk to to Pantai Kerachut, a beautiful white sand beach with a seasonal meromictic lake and also a turtle sanctuary. This undulating trail is around 2 hours long, crossing streams amid lowland rainforest where we will see a variety of migratory birds that call the Park home as well as Macaque monkey and a host of medicinal flora & pitcher plants.
This evening, enjoy an icon of Georgetown, Sri Ananda Bahwan. Renowned for its cuisine variety, taste and eclectic setting the atmosphere of Little India seeps into this seemingly unremarkable restaurant.
Nov 14, 2016: Penang, Free day (B/-/D)
There are many museums and laneways surrounding our hotel. Today we are free at leisure to explore the streets– or maybe enjoy a reflexology massage at one of the many centers.
Tonight, dinner is a 4 course dinner at the Award winning Kebaya Restaurant, housed within the ornate Seven Terraces.
Nov 15, 2016: Penang, departure (B)
This morning is at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
