Welcome to Enchanting Journeys
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Singapore
Hello SingaporeFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : SingaporeIncludes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• 3 nights Accommodation with Breakfast• English speaking Guide for all Tours• Entrance Fees• Private A/c Transport• All Government Taxes• 24 / 7 Contact Support -
Singapore
Asian CapitalsFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Singapore * Malaysia * ThailandIncludes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 9 nights with B/fast• Services of English speaking Tour-guides• Entrance fees, wherever applicable• Private A/c transport• 24 / 7 Contact Support• Farewell Gift -
Singapore
Singapore SlingFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : SingaporeIncludes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 4 nights with Breakfast• Services of an English speaking Guide• Entrance fees, wherever applicable• Private A/c Transport• 24 / 7 Contact Support• Farewell Gift -
Singapore
Malay EscapadeFrom : $ Please requestDiscover : Singapore * MalaysiaIncludes :• All Transfers with a Journeys Rep• Accommodation of 8 nights with B/fast• Services of English speaking Tour-guides• Entrance fees, wherever applicable• Private A/c transport• 24 / 7 Contact Support• Farewell Gift
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Enchanting Asia… yours to discover….
Malay Escapade
Asia sticks to you. From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace & spirituality that it has fixated and confounded travellers for centuries. Friendly & fun loving, exotic & tropical, cultured & historic,
Buzzing cities, culinary sensations, beautiful beaches, idyllic islands & national parks with wildlife-packed rainforests - all of this can be found in Malaysia. Come……experience Malaysia with us………
Ancient Civilisations |Vast Landscapes |Glimpse of the Future
Asia has contributed a cast of villains & heroes to global history. Most of the significant achievements of the modern world had their infancy in Asia. Historic trading routes sliced across epic terrain as expanding empires competed to trade goods & ideas throughout the continent & beyond. Asia’s ambitious civilisations ultimately gave rise to some of the world’s most revolutionary ideas & important technology.
This is a spiritual place infused with the gods of past & present: the ancient spirits of the land & the family, the deities of Buddhism & Hinduism and the rules of Islam. Ancient architectural wonders & sacred spaces abound across the continent, from the Great Wall of China & the temples of Angkor to lesser-known marvels in Myanmar, Nepal & Afghanistan
From sublime coastlines to snow-capped mountains, from the majestic Mekong River to wildlife infested jungle, from rolling landscapes fed by the monsoon rains & frenetic cities fizzling with energy, the diversity of Asia’s landscapes is mind-boggling with a vibrancy that captivates & enchants. Immense expanses of desert flow down from inhospitable mountains, which in turn give way to seemingly impenetrable forests.
In a land where tigers still roam free (though far from noisy tourists), nature continues to be the driving force in many peoples’ lives. Virtually every climate on the globe is represented here; take a trek over the Gobi’s arching dunes or sunning yourself on the sand-fringed tropical islands of the South China Sea.
As are their highlights from trekking Malaysia’s steamy jungles & wildlife spotting in southern India to riding horses through the Mongolian steppes, skiing Japan’s Alps & dodging falling coconuts on of the continents many remote islands.
Is there any greater place to eat than Asia? The continent has exported its cuisines the world over: India’s fiery red hot curries, China’s juicy dumplings, Vietnam’s steaming bowls of pho soup & Thailand’s heaping plates of pat tai (pad Thai) noodles are known & loved across the globe. Eating here can be both a joyous & chaotic affair: forks are forsaken in favour of fingers or chopsticks & food is enjoyed with unrivalled gusto. Whether settling down for a Michelin-starred meal in one of Singapore’s finest restaurants or pulling up a plastic stool on a Bangkok street, hungry travellers will never be bored by the diversity of Asia’s cuisines. Get adventurous with a local dish from a road side stall & gulp down a hearty bowl of Japanese ramen. With its colours, smells, flavours & personalities, you will find Asia is deliciously rewarding.
Gleaming skyscrapers, whooshing magnetic trains, shiny smartphones: in Asia, the future is now. China is charging its way into the 21st century with its economy developing at a head-spinning pace, while South Korea boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in the world & India is a hub of growing technology. A frenetic buzz surrounds urban Asia: the fashion, culture & business in the continent’s metropolises easily challenge the biggest European & American cities for their status as global hubs. This ever-evolving modernity can make for some incredibly special travel experiences: watch rice paddies flash by from a high-speed train, pick up a shiny new laptop in a Hong Kong electronics market or go to a robot cabaret show in Japan.
Singapore is the East's great melting pot, a cultural potpourri that leaves the unsuspecting visitor dazzled. Sir Stamford Raffles, a British civil servant, brought the ‘Lion City’ to world prominence after searching for a trading station to counter the Dutch influence in the Straits of Malacca, and trade has remained the island’s mainstay.
The best way to experience the remarkable diversity of the city is on foot: the traditional architecture, customs & cuisine of the various ethnic areas are in fascinating contrast to the lavish luxury shopping arcades of Orchard Road & Raffles City. Buddhist & Hindu temples, mosques and Anglican & Catholic cathedrals are all likely to be encountered during a comparatively brief walk around some of the central areas of Singapore. St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the Al-Abrar Mosque, the vast & florid Kong Meng Sang Phor Kark See Temple Complex, the Chettiar Hindu Temple & the Sri Mariamman Temple are only a few of these
And now, on to Malaysia……….
Cultural Diversity | Ancient Rainforests | Urban Adventures | Wildlife
The catchy tourism slogan ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’ continues to ring true as this country really is a potpourri of Asian cultures. Muslim Malays, religiously diverse Chinese & Hindu & Muslim Indians all muddle along with aboriginal groups (the Orang Asli) on Peninsular Malaysia & Borneo’s indigenous people, scores of tribes known collectively as Dayaks. Each ethnic group has its own language & cultural practices which you can best appreciate through a packed calendar of festivals & a delicious variety of cuisines.
Adventure looms large in this vast & steamy archipelago, where the best of Southeast Asia’s spicy melange simmers tantalisingly. Heady scents, vivid colours, dramatic vistas & diverse cultures spin & multiply to the point of exhaustion, their potent brew leaving your senses reeling.
Malaysia is a tremendous holiday destination, as it has something for everyone … a gentle coastline with lovely beaches, dense jungles, high forested mountains, world-renowned resorts & gentle, hospitable people. It is really like two countries in one, cleaved in half by the South China Sea. The peninsula is a multicultural buffet of Malay, Chinese & Indian flavours while Borneo hosts a wild jungle smorgasbord of orang-utans, granite peaks & remote tribes. Within & throughout these two very different regions are an impressive variety of microcosms ranging from the space-age high-rises of Kuala Lampur to the smiling longhouse villages of Sarawak & the calm, powdery beaches of the Perhentian Islands.
And did we mention the food? Malaysia (particularly along the peninsular west coast) has one of the best assortments of delicious cuisines in the world. Start with Chinese - Malay 'Nonya' fare, move on to Indian banana leaf curries, Chinese buffets, spicy Malay food stalls & even some impressive Western food. Yet despite all the pockets of ethnicities, religions, landscapes & sometimes - great distances between them, the beauty of Malaysia lies in the fusion of it all, into a country that is one of the safest, most stable & easiest to manage in Southeast Asia.
It is one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations, possessing an endless range of attractions & activities that cater for the cosmopolitan shopper, cultural enthusiast, historical buff & nature-lover. Divided into Peninsular Malaysia in the West & East Malaysia, part of the Borneo archipelago, the country will allure you with the shopping experience of its modern cities, the splendour of its cultural arts & natural heritage of rich flora & fauna
A charming history dating back to the 15th century, when Malacca was a vital world trading port, has turned Malaysia into a multicultural land of extreme contrasts. Traveling in Malaysia is a heart-warming experience due to its friendly people, while its first-world infrastructure assures a memorable & comfortable stay.
For many visitors, Malaysia is defined by its equatorial rainforest. Significant chunks of primary jungle - among the most ancient ecosystems on earth - remain intact, protected by national parks & conservation projects. Seemingly impenetrable foliage & muddy, snaking rivers conjure up the ‘heart of darkness’ - but join a ranger-led nature walk, for example, & you will be alerted to the mind-boggling biodiversity all around, from the pitcher plants, lianas & orchids of the humid lowlands, to the conifers & rhododendrons of high-altitude forests
Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur (KL) is a place where Malay kampung (village) life stands cheek-by-jowl with the 21st century glitz of the Petronas Towers, & shoppers shuttle from traditional wet markets to air-conditioned mega malls. UNESO World Heritage listed, Melaka & George Town in Penang, have uniquely distinctive architectural & cultural townscapes, developed over a half a millennium of Southeast Asian cultural & trade exchange. Over in the Eastern Malaysian states, both Kuching & Kota Kinabalu offer fascinating introductions to contemporary & tribal life on Borneo.
You have a good chance to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. The most common sightings will be a host of insects or colourful birdlife, but you could get lucky & spot a foraging tapir, a slivered leaf monkey, or an orangutan swinging through the jungle canopy. The oceans are just as bountiful: snorkel or dive among shoals of tropical fish, paint-box dipped corals, turtles, sharks & dolphins. Even if you don’t venture outside the urban centres, there are excellent opportunities for wildlife watching at places such as the KL Bird Park or Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
This journey offers you the top sights in Singapore & Malaysia.
Begin in Singapore and discover this true garden city with its soaring skyline, deep harbour, famously clean streets, world class cuisine & dynamic street life.
Cross the Causeway into Malaysia on your way to the historical city of Malacca, enroute enjoying the sightseeing at Johor Bahru. . Your cultural tour of Malacca includes the Chinese streets, antique shops, temples & buildings that remind visitors of its past Portuguese, Dutch & English heritage.
Fly north to Penang where you will explore the fabulous hilltop temples & giant Buddha statues. Penang's historic architecture is centred mainly in George Town, whose rows of 100 year-old shop-houses & colonial villas give a distinctive atmosphere.
Last stop will be Kuala Lumpur with its famous Petronas towers. Major sights include the House of Parliament, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Putra World Trade Centre, Dataran Merdeka, Tugu Negara, Istana Negara, Istana Budaya, Masjid Negara mosque, and Muzium Negara mosque.
To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia; this gastronomical paradise is home to million-year-old forests, state-of-the-art skyscrapers and hundreds of colourful festivals. The time is now, the place is Malaysia.
A unique experience is just the beginning. Spectacular & surreal. Locals have an infectious love of life & generosity of spirit in these vibrant inclusive countries which have no problem melding tradition & modernity. Take the plunge now & yep….the enchanting Singapore & Malaysia are waiting. A warm welcome awaits you & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.
Come……be inspired & discover the World with us
Malay Escapade |
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Transfers | Sightseeing |
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Singapore |
✈ Arrival 🚗 Transfer | PM Night Safari |
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Singapore |
AM vPM Singapore + Dinner |
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Malacca |
AM vTransfer + Johor Bahru | Free (balance of the day) |
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Penang |
AM vMalacca | PM 🚗 ✈🚗 Transfer | Free (evening) |
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Penang |
AM vPM Penang + Dinner on a Steamboat |
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Kuala Lumpur |
AM 🚗 ✈🚗 Transfer | Free (balance of the day) |
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Kuala Lumpur |
AM v Kuala Lumpur | PM v Night Market + Temple + Dances |
08 | 00 | 0 |
Kuala Lumpur |
Full day at leisure |
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Kuala Lumpur |
Departure 🚗 Transfer ✈ |
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Enchanting Asia… prepare to be charmed…
Malay Escapade
Singapore * Johor Bahru * Malacca * Penang * Kuala Lumpur
Day 1 - | Arrive ✈ Singapore at ????
Asia sticks to you. From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a spiritual place infused with the gods of past & present: the ancient spirits of the land & the family, the deities of Buddhism & Hinduism & the rules of Islam. Skyscrapers rise above streets like crystal gardens, while at street level, traders hustle, food-hawkers hawk & temples bustle with devotees toting their offerings.
Welcome to the Lion City - capitalising on its melting pot of cultures, finally getting some spark, fast becoming one of Asia’s must go’ destinations.
Arrive in Singapore.
After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Singapore Changi International Airport International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs &, you will be welcomed by the Journeys Representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.
Reach the hotel & Check-in & relax for balance of the afternoon.
*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.
Ditch the image of Singapore as a dull, sterile Utopia - scratch the surface & you will discover a strange brew of Chinese, Malay, Indian & Western cultures, a rich social stew that is anything but boring. Sure, the graffiti-free trains run on time, traffic jams are nonexistent & everyone looks clean-cut & wholesome, but who needs pollution, poverty & chaos?
Here,There,Everywhere| Island of Feasting| Green City| Shopping Frenzy
To arrive in Singapore is to step into a world where the call to prayer competes with the bustle of capitalism; where old men play mah-jongg in the streets & white-clad bowlers send the ball flying down well-tended cricket pitches; where Chinese fortune-tellers & high-priced management consultants advise the same entrepreneur. This great diversity of lifestyles, cultures & religions thrives within the framework of a well-ordered society. Singapore is a spotlessly clean - some say sterile - modern metropolis surrounded by green, groomed parks and populated by 5 million orderly & well-regulated people, including many foreigners.
The city state founded as a British trading colony in 1819, since independence it has become one of the world's most prosperous countries & hosts the world's busiest port. Combining the skyscrapers & subways of a modern, affluent city with a medley of Chinese, Malay & Indian influences and a tropical climate, with tasty food, good shopping & a vibrant nightlife scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover or springboard into the region
Singapore is a small country on a small island, but with just over five million people it is a fairly crowded city & in fact second only to Monaco as the world's most densely populated country. However, unlike many other densely populated countries, Singapore has over 50% of its area covered by greenery & with over 50 major parks & 4 nature reserves, it is an enchanting garden city. Large self-contained residential towns mushroomed all over the island, around the clean & modern city center.
Whizzing around Singapore can take a matter of minutes, thanks to one of the world’s most efficient & widespread public transport systems. Hankering for breakfast in Little India, but want to visit the temples in Chinatown before lunch? No problem, you will be there in a jiffy using the sparkling MRT system - & why not stop at Marina Bay for a spot of shopping on your way? Plus, with new metro lines opening practically every two years, this tiny island just keeps on becoming easier to explore.
The concrete jungles that once dominated Singapore’s skyline are slowly giving way to green skyscrapers, which look more like living ecosystems than business hubs. Fervently working towards its ‘City in a Garden’ dream, the nation is ploughing money into becoming more sustainable & well, green. Head out of town a little and you will find plenty of walking trails, treetop jungle bridges, wildlife galore & the city's green jewel, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Singapore Botanic Gardens - these are the lungs of Singapore.
Singapore’s mouth- watering food is the number one drawcard, taken very seriously. From cheap hawker fare to Michelin-starred fine dining, food-enamoured Singaporeans will line up for it, Instagram the hell out of it & passionately debate whether it is ‘die, die, must try’ - Singlish slang for ‘to die for’.
Don’t fret about finding a place to chow down, as each neighbourhood is home to local hawker centres & coffee shops dishing up some of the island’s best meals for just a couple of bucks. Pull up a pew at a hawker centre, crack open a Tiger beer & immerse yourself in a munificent range of Asian delights; heavy on the flavour, light on the wallet. Simply follow your nose or join the longest queue - whatever morsels lie at the end, they are almost guaranteed to be scrumptious.
Want to splurge? Singapore delivers Southeast Asia’s best shopping and innovative, stylish restaurants, plus a swathe of top-notch hotels. Top of the tree is Raffles, a timeless symbol of colonial opulence.
When the sweltering outdoor heat gets too much, Singaporeans love ducking inside for a spot of retail therapy & a good dose of air-conditioning. Orchard Rd is the queen of shopping malls: with all the high-street brands, plenty of high-fashion houses & a few discount outlets thrown into the mix, everyone’s needs (& more often wants) are catered for here. If you prefer your shopping a little less mass-market, head out to local neighbourhoods for independent designers, quirky art galleries, bustling markets, Chinese medicines, Persian carpets & a sari or two.
Of course, it is not all about shopping, eating and G&Ts on the veranda.
Work up a sweat with outdoor activities - walking, cycling & water sports - or check out the contemporary arts scene, thriving under the government’s promotion of Singapore as an arts hub. If you want a break from the urban confines, the centre of the island has sparkling reservoirs & leafy tracts of forest where all you will hear is, monkeys clattering through the boughs.
Evening, meet the Journeys Rep / Driver at 05.00 pm & proceed to enjoy an iconic event, available in very few countries, if any. The Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo & is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore.
In the area adjoining the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari explores the adventure of the tropical jungle after dusk with stunning audio-visual effect.
What better way to enjoy a night out in the wild than to embark on a Safari Adventure Tour? Inside, you can have an absolute tour of the jungle with safety & comfort, sitting in a tram. Your 40 minute tram ride will take you through the East & West Loop passing by a large reservoir & weaving through selected habitats designed exclusively for imitating the natural environment from the Himalayan Foothills to the Southeast Asian Rainforest & the Indian Subcontinent. The Trams ere very comfortable, seating 4 people in a row allowing you to see the enclosures on both the left & right side throughout the excursion so it doesn’t really matter where you sit. See numerous nocturnal animals, starting from ferocious predators to timid forest dwellers, in their natural habitat under the subtle moon glow lighting.
Opened in 1994, Night Safari is the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals. Home to over 2,500 animals of over 130 species, it spans across 35 hectares of forests. With 38% of its species under threat of extinction, one of the Night Safari’s focus area is captive breeding. They also have a strong mission to promote biodiversity.
With over 1.1 million visitors to the attraction on an annual basis, Night Safari is bursting at the seams & they have been receiving mixed reviews. The common complains across the board are overcrowding, long wait times, over-priced food & sometimes not being able to see the animals. Yes, the Night Safari is seriously crowded. But it is worth it if go in well prepared. Just take it with a grain of salt & have yourself a good time!
The heat in Singapore is stifling. You can prepare for this by obviously dressing in something cool, have cold beverages readily available (especially if you’re not willing to pay the exorbitant prices at the Night Safari itself) & most importantly, invest in a hand held fan. But on the open Tram however, it is nice & cool with a constant breeze. Be prepared for the rain as the guided Trams continue to operate. Pack a poncho, which is so much easier to carry around than an umbrella and an Insect Repellent, especially essential in such a tropical climate, in a rainforest surrounded by animals.
The entire excursion is in perpetual darkness until you reach the enclosures which have lights so you can see the animals. And as flash photography is not permitted, you can take a few happy snaps with your phone only.
On the completion of the tram ride, your Tour-guide will accompany you on a walking trail where you will be able to encounter animals at closer quarters. There are 4 well lit & easy to navigate trails you can go on, namely the Fishing Cat Trail, the East Coast Lodge Trail, Leopard Trail & the new Wallaby Trail and you can enjoy seeing the animals at your leisure. Hear insider stories about the animals or ask any burning questions you might have.
This nocturnal Wildlife Park also offers 4 very unique experiences (not included - extra payment) which you might like to check out.
You can spend an evening in the wild with dinner, tours & a cosy night in a tent, more like a rainforest glamping experience! You can watch the Lion & Malayan tiger at feeding times. And if you want to really splurge (money no object) then there is also 5 course dinner option on a moving Tram. You can also get a private Guide to take you around the Park without the hassle of queuing for public Trams.
Night Safari excursion would not be complete without the 20 minute Creatures of the Night Show (included) performed in the big outdoor amphitheatre (weather permitting) amidst the rainforest. There is also the Thumbuakar Fire Performance (not included - extra payment).
And now, it time to go home, oops… hotel.
Overnight.
Day 2 - | Singapore
Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09:00 am & embark on an exciting 4 hour orientation tour that showcases the history, multi-racial culture prevalent in the city state that is Singapore.
Discover the exciting landmarks of the city. See the city’s colonial heritage as you drive around the Civic District past the Padang, the Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court & City Hall.
The tour showcases the contrast between old & new and the blend of the East & West in modern Singapore as you travel through the different districts. Experience the history, culture & lifestyle of multi-racial Singapore.
You will visit the Colonial district for a view of Padang, the Esplanade & Theatres on the Bay.
Stop at the Merlion Park for great views of Marina Bay & a picture-taking opportunity with the Merlion, Singapore’s mythological creature that is part lion and part mermaid.
Continue on to Thian Hock Keng, one of the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples on the island, built with donation from the early immigrant workers from China.
Next head to Chinatown, the foreground of our fore-fathers humble foot-steps as immigrants and a place rich with traditions & great cultures of Chinese. Stop at the magnificent Sri Mariamman Temple - oldest Hindu Temple here,
Then, visit the local handicraft centre to watch Asian craftsmanship. Gem Factory gives an overview of the tedious process works involved producing such valuable jewellery.
Later, enjoy a casual walk, breathing cool fresh air, within the grounds of National Orchid Garden - located within the 52-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens which boasts sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants comprising 400 species & more than 2,000 hybrids.
Stop at Little India will enthral you with the scent of joss sticks, jasmine & spices.
Finally, enjoy an ultimate shopping experience in Orchard Road, the epicenter of shopping in Singapore.
The tour will end at the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest observation wheel where you will have a bird's eye view of the island city.
Return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.
Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps try one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Day 3 - | Singapore v Johor Bahru v Malacca Drive: 239 km
Early morning, depart for Malacca, via Johor Bahru.
Immediately across, stop at Johor Bahru, an initial gateway for exploration of Malaysia.
One of the largest cities in the country, Johor Bahru (commonly referred to as JB) is the southernmost city in Malaysia. With a causeway across the Straits of Johor connecting it to Singapore, it is a gateway for exploration of that island nation. Over 300.000 inhabitants of Johor Bahru work in Singapore & vice versa, many inhabitants of Singapore go to Johor Bahru for affordable shopping at one of the many shopping malls.
The city is an important industrial, tourism & commercial hub for southern Malaysia and one of the biggest industrial centers of the country. On the Johor Bahru's waterfront is Istana Besar, a royal palace built by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866 that now houses the Royal Abu Bakar Museum.
Subsequent to Immigration formalities in Johor Bahru, you would meet the Malaysian Tour-guide, transfer to another vehicle & enjoy a brief orientation tour before continuing on to Malacca.
First stop is Sultan Abu Bakar, the finest mosque in Malaysia. Drive past the Royal Mausoleum. Next, visit Malay Cultural Museum, pewter factory, a Hindu temple & a batik center.
On the Johor Bahru's waterfront is Istana Besar, a royal palace built by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866 that now houses the Royal Abu Bakar Museum.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your drive to the historical city of Malacca (or Melaka in local parlance).
On arrival in Melaka by afternoon, Check-in at the hotel.
This compact Malaysian state's catchphrase - 'Don't mess with Melaka' - sums up its confident attitude. Recent years have seen Melaka capitalise on its illustrious history & assert itself as one of Malaysia’s most irresistible tourist draws.
The peacock of Malaysian cities, Melaka City preens with its wealth of colourful trishaws, home-grown galleries & crimson colonial buildings. Old shop-houses & mansions have enjoyed makeovers as galleries & hotels.
Founded by Parameswara, a prince from Palembang, Malacca (or Melaka) is a living museum, with both ruins & intact buildings from bygone eras right in the heart of the city. Melaka City’s kaleidoscope of architectural styles - spanning Peranakan, Portuguese, Dutch & British elements - is well preserved.
Melaka sums up its confident attitude. Dubbed Malaysia's unofficial historic capital, Malacca - declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 - is one of the country's most unassuming states & in time, due to its strategic location between China & India, Malacca came to monopolize the trading routes in this quadrant of the globe.
In the 15th century, Melaka was one of Southeast Asia's greatest trading ports. Over time it lost favour to Singapore, but this slowdown in trade protected much of the ancient architecture of the state capital, Melaka City, from falling foul of development.
Recent years have seen Melaka capitalise on its illustrious history & assert itself as one of Malaysia’s most irresistible tourist draws with a rich cultural heritage, subsequent to the colonial rule of Portuguese, Dutch & British. Traditional culture is carried on by the Baba & Nyonya who are descendants of the Chinese delegates of Ming Dynasty when they emigrated from China & settled here
Modern Melaka swaggers once more, with visitors pouring in to experience the bustling weekend night market, heritage architecture & famously glitzy trishaws.
The rest of the state is a patchwork of forests, farmland & often deserted beaches.
Weekends are particularly busy when the vibrant Jonker Walk Night Market provides music, shopping & street-food galore and you can share the experience elbow-to-elbow with other travellers. Inevitably, a strong whiff of commercialism has accompanied this success. However, it is easy to feel the town's old magic (& get a seat at popular restaurants) on quiet weekdays. Melaka City, as it has for centuries, continues to exude tolerance & welcomes cultural exchange.
Other goods traded in Malacca included porcelain, silk & iron from China and natural products of the Malay archipelago, such as camphor, sandalwood, spices, fish, fish roe and seaweed. From the coastal regions on both sides of Malacca Straits came forest products; rattan, resin, roots & wax, and some gold & tin.
Balance of the day is at leisure. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Overnight. B L
Day 4 - | Malacca ✈ Penang at ????
Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08:00 am & embark on an exciting 4 hour tour to discover the amazing city rich in history & culture.
Most places of interest are located ‘almost’ in one small area; on the right and left side of the Melaka river. The cultural tour of Malacca includes the charming China town with its unique architecture mix of 400 year old European & Chinese buildings & some lovely temples, antique shops, temples & buildings that remind visitors of its past Portuguese, Dutch & English heritage. On the other side of river is the colonial era churches & building dating from 1500 to 1900.
Visit the unique Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, where the lifestyle of the early rich Chinese who arrived from the mid-15th century is displayed.
Drive past the 17th century Chinese cemetery - the largest outside China, located at Bukit China or Chinese Hill.
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Stop at the oldest Christian Church still in use in Malaysia. The red thick-walled Stadhuys, believed to be the oldest Dutch administrative building in the East (which today house the Malacca Museum and government offices) & the salmon red Christ Church, - oldest still in use in Malaysia, stem from the Dutch period which began in 1641. And In the old mosques dotted around, can be seen Sumatran & Javanese influence.
Stop at the foothill to view the Sultan’s well before driving through to the Portuguese Settlement.
Proceed to view the gateway. The famous ruins of A Famosa (Porta De Santiago), St. Paul’s Church lined by 17th century Dutch tombstones, the Portuguese Square & the Portuguese Eurasians have their origin in 1511, when the Portuguese defeated the Malacca Sultanate.
Stop for lunch at local restaurant (not included - direct payment) & enjoy the local recipes.
After lunch, visit the ‘Abode Merciful Clouds’ or the 1646 Cheng Hoon Teng Temple - the only temple where you can find 3 major doctrines of local Chinese beliefs of Taoism, Buddhism & Confucianism.
Lastly, take a stroll along the famous Jonker Street which also houses rows of antique shops Malaccan’s style.
Malacca, also offers other attractions such as the History Musuem, Kampung Hulu Mosque (1728), & the Malacca River Cruise. At Air Keroh are the Mini Malaysia Park & Butterfly Farm. For beach lovers, Pantai Kundor is a white sandy beach, and the islands of Besar & Upeh offer clean waters for swimming.
Come back to the hotel & Check-out.
In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep & transfer you to Malacca International Airport for the flight to Penang.
On arrival at Terminal? - Penang George Town International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in and also discuss the program for the next few days.
Arrive in the evening & Check-in at the hotel.
If there is a more thrilling cocktail of eastern cultures than Penang, we have yet to find it. The island of Penang lies just off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has long served as the link between Asia’s great kingdoms & an important outlet to the markets of Europe & the Middle East.
At its heart is diverse, cosmopolitan George Town, named after the British King George III, Penang Island's main city & an urban centre that delivers old-world Asia in spades, from trishaws pedalling past watermarked Chinese shop-houses to blue joss smoke perfuming the air.
After Penang was handed over by the sultan of Kedah to the English, Sir Francis Light founded the city of Georgetown & he immediately started the construction of Fort Cornwallis.
Charming Georgetown is a great example of the multicultural society in Malaysia - thriving hub where Malay, Chinese, Thai, Indian & European cultures merge. The Chinese form the majority, something you can see clearly in daily life. When you are in a taxi with a Malaysian driver, he will probably be talking about Chinese & Indian people. Vice versa a Chinese taxi driver will be talking about the Malaysian or Indian people
The city is not a modern metropolis like Kuala Lumpur; some quarters are fairly modern, others are old fashioned. But, it is characterized by the colonial architectures which, in the space of a few miles, takes in a British colonial-style cricket pitch & a rumble of Chinese stilt houses.
Georgetown - together with Melaka - has developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. The influences of Asia & Europe have endowed this city with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible & intangible. The UNESCO Heritage listed historic city of Georgetown features over 12,000 old buildings comprising of shop-houses, churches, mosques, government offices & monuments, representing the British era from the end of the 18th century.
Outside Georgetown, one of the most unusual attractions is the Snake Temple, which swarms with poisonous snakes, but their venomous threat is countered by heavily drugging them with incense. Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple contains an enormous gold-plated reclining Buddha which, at 33 meters long, is believed to be the third largest in the world. Worth visiting too are Fort Cornwallis, a British 18th century fortress, Penang Museum & Art Gallery.
The freshest aspects of modern culture are present, too, in the exceptional art scene & free-spirited carnivals, all fed by an infectious local enthusiasm for Penang's long history & kaleidoscope of cultures.
And if you can tear yourself away (& have the time), the rest of the island is rich in palm-fringed beaches & fishing villages, mountainous jungle and farms growing nutmeg & durian.
Overnight. B
Day 5 - | Penang
Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08:00 am & embark on an exciting full day 8 hour tour to discover the amazing Penang city & the attractions in the vicinity just outside, to learn about the rich history & culture.
You will see the bustling Clan Jetties on George Town's waterfront & the Khoo Kongsi Clan House - one of the grandest old Chinese traditional clan house built on stilts over the water by the Chew Clan with fascinating history & rituals. Admire the intricate carvings & woodwork of this heritage building.
Visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the former house of a Chinese Captain & see a remarkable collection of memorabilia & artifacts.
Next, head to Pulau Tikus to visit 3rd largest reclining Reclining Buddha at Wat Chaiyamangkalaram, then learn the differences between Chinese & Siamese dragons. There is also a grand standing Buddha here, and the "Guardian of the World" - count how many animal parts make up this guardian.
Continue to Kek Lok Si Temple that was built in 1904. It is the most beautiful & largest Buddhist temple complex in South East Asia and is known as the Temple of the 1000 Buddhas.
Embark on a thrilling leisurely Trishaw ride along Penang's "King of the Road", a still popular mode of transport in Georgetown.
See the State Museum at Fort Cornwallis facing the Esplanade, the water village & Old Georgetown.
Drive through the residential areas passing by the State Mosque to the foot of Penang Hill. Ascend by funicular railway to the summit of Penang Hill, 830 meters above sea level for a panoramic view of Georgetown. Stroll to the quaint & cosy Bellevue Hotel to admire the exotic birds in its grounds.
In the seaside district of Teluk Bahang to visit the Butterfly Farm, a sanctuary for over 120 species of exotic tropical butterflies.
Next, stop at Batik Factory to observe the traditional technique of batik printing using wax & dyes.
The tour ends & you return to the hotel by late afternoon.
Evening, meet the Journeys Rep / Driver & proceed to the seafront again to stroll along the night market to experience why Penang is known as the Far East’ warehouse. You might also want to explore the nightlife along Batu Ferringhi, Penang style.
Enjoy the spectacular view of the city at dusk while you enjoy a sumptuous dinner at one of the shop-house restaurants there specialising in the traditional ‘steamboat’ cooking (Steamboat is another name for a hot pot). The dry spicy hotpot is a hit & comes in the meat of your choice.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight. B D
Day 6 - | Penang ✈ Kuala Lumpur at ???
In time, you will be transferred to Penang George Town International Airport for your flight to Kuala Lumpur.
Arrive in Kuala Lumpur.
After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you will be welcomed by the Journeys Representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.
Check-in at the hotel & relax.
Kuala Lumpur - KL, as it is locally known, is Malaysia’s hub; a huge, bustling, cosmopolitan city that is the business heart of the nation. A skyline punctuated by minarets, Mogul-style domes & skyscrapers; colourful, food-stall-lined streets shaded by a leafy canopy of banyan trees - this is Kuala Lumpur.
Multicultural Modernity |Historical Canvas |Shopping Frenzy | Street Feast
Malaysia’s sultry capital is a feast for all the senses. Here you will find historic monuments, steel-clad skyscrapers, lush parks, mega-sized shopping malls, bustling street markets & lively nightspots. Essential parts of the vibrant mix are the incense-wreathed, colourfully adorned mosques & temples of the country’s Malay, Chinese & Indian communities. A reverence for these ancient cultures is balanced with a drive to be plugged into the modern world, a desire that is reflected in a creative contemporary-art & design scene, an ambitious riverbank-regeneration project & dynamic architecture: the new Exchange 106 tower is taller than the iconic Petronas Towers.
Today's KL-ites are separated by barely a handful of generations from the tenacious Chinese & Malay tin prospectors who founded the city, carving it out of virgin jungle. By the time the British made it the capital of Peninsular Malaysia in the late 19th century, erecting grand colonial buildings, KL had only been in existence for a couple of decades. Since then, KL has been centre stage on Malaysian history. Stadium Merdeka was where, in 1957, the country’s first primeminister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, declared independence.
It’s very ethnic diversity is part of the attraction with Malays, Chinese, Indian & European cultures melting together on the tropical streets.
To fully connect with locals, join them in two of their favourite pastimes: shopping and eating. Malaysian consumer culture achieves its zenith in KL, where you could spend all day browsing glitzy air-conditioned malls such as Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC & Mid Valley Megamall in search of designer fashion & bargains. Bangsar and Publika are the places to go for local labels and the work of offbeat independent designers. Alternatively, explore Central Market for locally made souvenirs & handicrafts; and hunt out the few remaining artisans & antiques dealers still keeping shop in and around Chinatown.
Balance of the day is at leisure. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
There are simply too many choices when it comes to dining options.
Overnight. B
Day 7 - | Kuala Lumpur
Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the city.
Despite rapid development, Kuala Lumpur has managed to retain her charm, with a skyline that blends the Old World with the New. Often overlooked by many tourists, KL has a wealth of attractions,
See the contrast between the Indo-Moorish architecture and the ultra-modern edifices, with the voluminous Petronas Twin Towers, at a height of 436m (1453ft), amongst the tallest buildings in the world. From the viewing level of the Towers the city unfolds with its old mosques & ramshackle buildings, contrasting with the gleaming skyscrapers that have sprouted as Malaysia has become one of the regional economic powerhouses.
Drive pass the elegant Jamek Mosque, the bustling Chinatown & take a photo stop at the majestic Royal Palace.
Continue journey to the National Museum & view the beautiful Lake Gardens. Then see a demonstration of fine jewellery-making at OE Design.
Final stop will be the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre to get an insight of pewter smithing & innovative pewter ware design.
The tour ends.
Return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.
Evening, meet the Journeys Rep & go back to Chinatown for a more leisurely stroll & to experience the night market, with its bright lights & cheap imitation branded ware for sale.
Stop at an Indian hindu temple, before moving to a Malaysian restaurant to enjoy a cultural performance of Malaysian dances, accompanied by dinner.
After dinner, take a drive around the city of lights before returning to the hotel.
Overnight. B D
Day 8 - | Kuala Lumpur
Full day is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration. Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).
Despite the heat, this is a city best explored on foot. Walk & you can catch all the action and save yourself the frustration of becoming entangled in one of KL's all-too-frequent traffic jams. Walking, you will discover parts of KL retain the laid-back ambience & jungle lushness of the kampung (village) it once was.
What is more, you will be sure to come across some of the city's best dining spots: the hawker stalls & traditional neighbourhood kopitiam (coffee shops) that beckon you over with the aroma of freshly cooked food and the promise of refreshment with tropical juices and cooling drinks.
Day 9 - | Depart ✈ Kuala Lumpur at ????
Alas, the experience comes to an end & it is time to say good-bye to the "K L " & go home. We sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of Malaysia on your next visit.
Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk).
If you have time, you can catch up on your shopping. You can get a good deal on electronic goods - mobile phones, handy cams etc.
In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Kuala Lumpur International Airport for your onward flight. B
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*** End of Services ***
Enchanting Asia… prepare to be charmed…
What is included:
- Transfers to / from Hotel / Airport and City Tours / Excursions by private A/c vehicle *
- Services of an English speaking Journeys Rep for assistance on Arrival / Departure Transfers
- Porterage at Airport / Hotels
- Accommodation for a total of 8 nights in the selected Hotels (Double occupancy)
- Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner)
- Services of English speaking local Guide for all Sightseeing Tours / Excursions as per Itinerary*
- Entrance Fees at the Monuments, wherever applicable
- Pre-paid rechargeable SIM Card (Data & Voice) for a nominal amount to enable you to stay connected
- Internal flights, as indicated
- All Government Taxes & Service Fees, wherever applicable
- 24 / 7 Emergency Contact
- Bottled Water during Tours / Drives
- Farewell Gift
- International Airfare
- Visa or Visa Fee for Singapore & Malaysia (Canadian & US Citizens do not require a Visa)
- Airport Tax payable on final departure, if any
- Camera / Video Fees, wherever applicable, at the Monuments
- Items of personal nature i.e. Room Service, Laundry, Telephone Calls, Internet, Fax, Beverages, Medical or Evacuation Expenses, Insurance, Gratuities & Tips
- Any Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
- Any optional Programs / Services
- Any items not specified under Inclusions
* Guaranteed departures with minimum 2 guests. Seat in Coach. There may be other participants and group size may vary. Participants may come from all over the world & most of them will be English speaking. Private services with English speaking Tour-guide & vehicle can be arranged with a supplement cost.
**Please note that the Program highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. Some Monuments / places may require extra Entrance Fees to be paid for accessing some of the areas.
*** It is extremely rare that Programs need to be changed but it can occur. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the Itinerary if required, for example, occasionally the tour sequence & duration of time spent in each place / city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. The Price will not be affected.
Conditions related to specific Tours will be advised in due course, if required.
Enchanting Asia… prepare to be charmed…
Malay Escapade
Where you will stay:
Malay Escapade |
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City |
Nights |
Superior *** |
First Class **** |
Deluxe***** |
Singapore |
2 |
Santa Grand |
Holiday Inn Orchard City |
Mandarin Oriental |
Malacca |
1 |
Beuford |
Holiday Inn Melaka |
Equatorial Melaka |
Penang |
2 |
Holiday Inn |
Traders |
Shangri-la’s Rasa |
Kuala Lumpur |
3 |
Citrus |
Traders |
Mandarin Oriental |
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8 |
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The Journeys has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal or higher standard due to non-availability of the selected hotels.
Check-in time is usually 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time is 12:00 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. We will ask at the front desk on your behalf, if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
Enchanting Asia… prepare to be charmed…
Malay Escapade
And last but not least:
Departures:
Arrival in Singapore on Any Day (minimum 2 guests)
Validity:
→ December 2021
Prices:
We offer several accommodation choices for this Journey. The price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary remains unchanged.
Exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis. Please contact us for current pricing and we will respond within 24 hours.
Malay Escapade |
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Price Per Person - C$ |
Superior *** |
First Class **** |
Deluxe***** |
Occupancy - Double |
On request |
On request |
On request |
Single |
On request |
On request |
On request |
Triple |
On request |
On request |
On request |
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Airfare - International |
On request |
On request |
On request |
Internal |
Included |
Included |
Included |
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Miscellenous |
If required |
If required |
If required |
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Some important notes
- Flights are subject to constant modifications / delays and cancellations. In such cases, we will do all possible to find the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any liability, whatsoever.
- Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
- The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions and in case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price accordingly.
- Our quotations are calculated on base category of accommodation at each property and are subject to modification, if the same hotel / category of room not available at the time of reservation. In that case, we will confirm a superior category of room at a comparable or better hotel and supplement charges, if any, shall be advised accordingly. Final Itinerary will illustrate updated information and / or it would be furnished at the time of confirmation.
- All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking.
- Room availability is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry, international Fairs and Congresses. Due to these constant sold- out situations the hotels are applying the cancellation rules more stringently. Once the reservation is guaranteed, the booking will be subject to full cancellation charges as per our Terms & Conditions (details will be advised at the time of deposit). We strongly recommend obtaining Insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen scenarios.
- Additional services including Optionals, if any, can be paid directly by the clients to our local offices