Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to the Lion City - the melting pot of cultures, with a spark & a ‘must go’ Asia destination.

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.

Check-in at the hotel & relax.

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Here,There,Everywhere| Island of Feasting| Green City| Shopping Frenzy. 

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?

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.

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). 

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). 

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.

After Immigration formalities in Johor Bahru, you would transfer to another vehicle & enjoy a brief orientation tour before continuing on to Malacca.

Meet the Tour-guide at the border & immediately commence the sightseeing tour.

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, 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.

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 15^th 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 where 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.

The peacock of Malaysian cities, Melaka City preens with its wealth of colourful trishaws, home-grown galleries and crimson colonial buildings. Old shop-houses & mansions have enjoyed makeovers as galleries & hotels.

Weekends are particularly busy when the vibrant Jonker Walk Night Market provides music, shopping and street-food galore & 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).

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-15^th century is displayed.

Drive past the 17^th 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 17^th 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 18^th 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.

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 3^rd 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.

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.

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.

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.

Finally, the experience comes to an end and it is time to say good-bye.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, you are allowed to use the hotel facilities and 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, handi 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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