Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia
Experience Overview
A melting pot of religion and cultures, from Buddhism to Catholicism, the Dutch to the Chinese and the British, delve into the vibrant heritage of the region. Explore the bustling streets of Chinatown and Little India in Singapore and Malacca’s Dutch Square in Malaysia.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Malacca: Enjoy lunch with a local family in the village of Kampung Cantik, Malacca.
Dive Into Culture
- Singapore: Visit Singapore's Chinatown to learn about Chinese immigrants history.
- Singapore: Visit Singapore's Little India to have an insight of Indian culture and tradition.
- Singapore: Witness the delicate craft of Chinese Calligraphy, demonstrated by a Local Specialist.
- Singapore: Sample Singapore's culinary delights on a walking tour.
Iconic Experience
- Singapore: During your city tour of Singapore, see the remaining landmarks of the Colonial District. Observe the dramatic architectural contrast between different areas of the city as you stroll along the Singapore River.
- Singapore: Enjoy the perfect finale and board a bumboat, a traditional cargo-ferrying craft, to cruise along the Singapore River. Along the banks, admire historical bridges and buildings built more than a century ago.
- Singapore: During your visit to Joo Chiat and Katong, admire a display of local delicacies and artefacts at a Peranakan-style shophouse.
- Malacca: Join a Local Specialist as you encounter the multi-cultural history of Malacca.
- Malacca River: Cruise along the Malacca River. See historic buildings and warehouses of this formerly prominent trading port.
- Kuala Lumpur: On your Kuala Lumpur tour, visit Independence Square and see the impressive façade of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Ascend to the Sky Bridge observation deck for unforgettable views of the city.
- Kuala Lumpur: Visit the Twin Towers Skybridge, soaring to a height of 451.9 meters. This iconic 88-story structure is the crown jewel of Kuala Lumpur.
- Kuala Lumpur: Take in the wide array of fresh produce and observe the local business customs during a visit to Chow Kit Market.
- Kampung Baru: Visit the ''New Village'' of Kuala Lumpur. Gain insight into this historic enclave of Kuala Lumpur and appreciate the distinct contrast between Kampung Baru's traditional buildings and the neighbouring skyscrapers.
- Batu Caves: Admire the limestone cave temples of the remarkable Batu Caves.
- Tanah Rata: Enjoy afternoon tea and scones in Tanah Rata.
- Ipoh: During your visit of the Perak Cave Temple, see the golden Buddha and intricate murals.
- Ipoh: Experience the dynamic energy of Ipoh on a walking tour. See its old town and gain insight into the colonial buildings that have been converted to trendy cafés and shops.
- Kuala Kangsar: Marvel at the ornate golden details of the Ubudiah Mosque's exterior before venturing inside during your visit today.
- Kuala Kangsar: Immerse yourself in the timeless art of crafting Labu Sayong, a traditional earthenware jug renowned for its elegant design and unique ability to naturally cool water.
- Penang: Visit Khoo Kongsi, an elaborately-decorated Chinese clanhouse at the heart of the city's oldest district.
- Georgetown: Take in the cultural landmarks of Georgetown from the comfort of a traditional trishaw, also known as a 'cycle rickshaw'.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Kuala Lumpur: Visit a village inhabited by the Orang Asli ethnic group.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Singapore, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur
- Visit the Botanic Gardens in Singapore, Dutch Square in Malacca, the Petronas Twin Tower and the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands, the Perak Cave Temple in Ipoh, the Ubudiah Mosque in Kuala Kangsar
- View the King's Palace and Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur
- Scenic Cruise along the Malacca River
Trafalgar Difference
- Georgetown: In Georgetown, stay in a stunning heritage hotel that was built in the 1920s and originally housed traditional shop-houses.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19324
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 414
Starts: Singapore, Singapore
Finishes: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,410 ($451 /day)
Itinerary
A feast for the senses awaits in Singapore – a fantasyland of skyscrapers, lush gardens and an intoxicating mix of cultures and cuisines, from India to China. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Later, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your first taste of Asia at Dinner.
Accommodation: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Meals: Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of Sir Stamford Raffles, launching your city tour on the spot where it all began for colonial Singapore – Raffles Landing Site. Stroll along the Singapore River through the Colonial District and see the landmarks that remain to this day, including the former Parliament House, the Victoria Theater and the Old Supreme Court Building. Dive Into Culture and explore the contrasts of Singapore, from the red and gold façades of Chinatown to the intoxicating spice and vibrant flower garland vendors in Little India. Later, visit the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens and enjoy a leisurely stroll through its exquisite National Orchid Garden before spending the afternoon at leisure. This evening, visit a Chinese calligrapher to witness a demonstration on the art of Chinese Calligraphy, before dinner at a local Chinese restaurant. After dinner wander along the narrow lanes of the Night Market and test your bargaining skills against street vendors selling anything from souvenirs to leather goods. Enjoy the perfect finale and board a bumboat, a traditional cargo-ferrying craft, to cruise along the Singapore River.
Accommodation: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
There are few things more important to the local Singaporeans than food and you’ll discover this as you Dive Into Culture and spend the morning sampling the city’s culinary delights that reflect its multi-cultural influences, including Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan. Rub shoulders with the locals at Geylang Serai market, which lies at the heart of the Malay community. Here you can indulge in all-time Singaporean favorites like Roti Prata and Thosai taken with a frothy glass of Teh Tarik. Continue to the Joo Chiat and Katong enclave where you will visit a Peranakan-style shophouse showcasing a display of local delicacies as well as artefacts, nyonya attire, bags and beaded slippers. The shop is run by family members who are committed to preserving the Peranakan heritage through their culinary and handicraft skills. This evening consider joining our ‘Night Out at Marina Bay’ Optional Experience to enjoy the Rhapsody of Lights Show and discover the unique Cloud Forest with the world's largest indoor waterfall.
Accommodation: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Meals: Breakfast
Leave the cityscape of Singapore behind bound for Malaysia, where your journey begins with a visit to Kampung Cantik village. Here you’ll Connect With Locals and join a family for a Be My Guest lunch before a walk around the village with a Local Specialist. Admire the distinct Malacca kampong stilt houses and discover the scents and flavors of local fruits, herbs and spices that infuse the delicious regional cuisine. Immerse yourself in the local culture and participate in some of the villagers’ favorite pastimes such as top spinning and silat, a Malaysian art of self-defense. Then, continue to your hotel in Malacca and check-in for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: The Pines
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, your Local Specialist reveals the seamless fusion of Portuguese, Dutch, British and Malay influences that have shaped the UNESCO-listed historic city of Malacca. Embark on an informative walking tour past Dutch Square with its Stadhuys and clock tower, reflecting the multi-cultural heritage of this once vibrant trading port. Ascend to the top of Malacca Hill, then stroll along the river to Kampung Kuli where you’ll discover colorful shopfronts displaying traditional crafts. This afternoon, board a leisurely cruise along the Malacca River, sailing past historic buildings, old godowns (warehouses), churches and villages. After a day of exploration enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Accommodation: The Pines
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The commercial and culinary hub of Malaysia awaits – its skyscrapers and colorful street vendors yours to explore over the next two days. You’ll visit Independence Square and view the grand Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a stunning example of 19th-century Moorish architecture. End your day with breathtaking views from the Sky Bridge, nestled between the iconic 88-story Petronas Twin Towers, which dominate the Kuala Lumpur skyline. The rest of the evening is free to explore Kuala Lumpur on your terms.
Accommodation: Melia Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast
We venture into the countryside this morning for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit to a village inhabited by the Orang Asli, an ethnic group widely regarded as being Malaysia's original inhabitants. We’ll delve into their history and traditions during a visit to the Orang Asli Museum, then stroll around the village with a Local Specialist, observing first-hand local traditions such as bamboo cooking and weaving. We return to Kuala Lumpur, where we’ll visit Chow Kit Market and watch how the locals haggle to get the best deals. Our next stop is the central Kuala Lumpur enclave of Kampung Baru, where the ethnic Malay lifestyle has been preserved. Sample traditional Malay sweets and cakes at the local food stalls before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Melia Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast
Journey deep into the Malaysian countryside to Batu Caves, one of Malaysia's most iconic sights and a popular Hindu shrine. En route to the Cameron Highlands, enjoy a quick photo stop at the Lata Iskandar Waterfall, then continue to Tanah Rata for a Trafalgar highlight – afternoon tea and scones with cream and locally produced strawberry jam. Continue to your hotel for dinner.
Accommodation: Strawberry Park Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lush valleys and tea plantations provide a tranquil backdrop for today’s drive through the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's most extensive hill station. Snap a photo of the area’s emerald landscape before driving to Perak Cave Temple, an extensive cave complex in Ipoh. Venture into the cave temple and see its beautifully painted murals and golden sitting Buddha statue, which dominates the temple. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the charasmatic town of Ipoh and admire the colonial-style buildings which were once home to wealthy tin miners and today house trendy cafés and shops. Walk through the old town’s narrow laneways and admire the street art that adorn its façades. Spend the rest of your evening relaxing or consider visiting the night bazaar for some retail therapy.
Accommodation: M Roof Hotel & Residences
Meals: Breakfast
Our journey to Penang this morning takes us past the royal town of Kuala Kangsar where we’ll visit the majestic Ubudiah Mosque, ranked as one of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques with its white marble and massive golden dome. But first, immerse yourself in the timeless art of crafting Labu Sayong, a traditional earthenware jug renowned for its elegant design and unique ability to naturally cool water. Later we'll drive over one of the longest bridges in Southeast Asia before arriving in Penang, which we’ll have an opportunity to explore at leisure after checking in to our hotel. This afternoon consider joining an Optional Experience to visit the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple and ascend Penang Hill by funicular railway. Our accommodation tonight is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a traditional heritage hotel that originally housed shop-houses.
Accommodation: Areca Hotel Penang
Meals: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the Asia of yesteryear as you embark on a historical tour of Georgetown. Begin your journey back in time with a quick photo stop at Fort Cornwallis, where Captain Francis Light, the founder of the British colony in Penang, first landed in 1786. Your next stop is to the intricately carved Chinese clan house of Khoo Kongsi, where Chinese families of the same surname gather together to worship their ancestors. Later, see the city’s splendid colonial architecture and famous street art from the comfort of a traditional trishaw, followed by an afternoon at leisure. Your epic journey across Singapore and Malaysia almost at its end, you’ll join your travel companions for a Dinner to celebrate the highlights of your trip.
Accommodation: Areca Hotel Penang
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Say farewell to newfound friends before taking a transfer to Penang International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2023
The communication about my dietary requirements did not seem to have happened for the arranged lunches and dinners, and there was nothing gluten free available for the afternoon tea at Cameron Highlands. I missed having a Malay local guide to give us their impressions of their country. I felt more could have been offered. We were advised not to sign up for many optional events, and they did seem disproportionately expensive compared to local prices and not offering a great deal. Too many local markets.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Philip Routley - Traveled, November 2023
This was our 13th trip with Trafalgar and once again the quality of the Travel Directors was evident. We had 2 Travel Directors on this trip Wendy for 3 days in Singapore and Jeffrey for 9 days in Malaysia. Both were great ambassadors for their respective countries, very knowledgeable, passionate and great sense of humour particularly Jeffrey. Special mention needs to be made of Jeffrey's caring nature. When in Kuala Lumpur I had the misfortune to slip on a wet pavement and dislocate my little finger on my right hand. I put the finger back in place myself but next day it was quite painful and when I mentioned this to Jeffrey he insisted on taking me to a medical clinic to get it checked out. He stayed with me at the clinic until I had seen the doctor and received treatment then accompanied us part of the way back to the hotel. This took well over 2 hours. As Jeffrey lives in Kuala Lumpur he could have spent that time with his family as we had concluded the days activities. All the drivers we had were excellent as were the local specialists. Hotel reception staff were all very friendly and helpful. Good balance of included activities and free time. All hotels were of a very high standard. Rooms and beds were a good size with the exception of the hotel in Georgetown but this made up for it in character being converted shop houses. All hotels provided tea and coffee making facilities and plenty of bottled water. All hotels except for one had irons and ironing boards. All had hair-dryers and were centrally located. The itinerary was largely focused on local culture and the colonial history of both countries. Very informative and educational. Certainly a lot of walking and plenty of steps. Pavements in Malaysia were in places non-existent or in very poor condition. The coach in Malaysia was very comfortable and clean. As there were only 18 of us there was plenty of room. Free bottled water was supplied every day. Not much need for a large coach in Singapore as there was not a lot of long distance driving. Transportation provided was fit for purpose. As always could have done with a few more days particularly in Malacca and the Cameron Highlands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2018
Our tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. Thought there was too much free time, afternoons particularly. Free time dinners OK as you could choose your own desired style of eating. Singapore very interesting, much to see. Malaysia not as much although Melacca, Cameron Highlands and Georgetown were different.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2018
David Tobias - Traveled, September 2018
Thanks people we dealt with on the tour we're excellent, the accommodations we're great and the sites we visited were good. I was told that transporta... Would have enjoyed more time in the Cameron Highlands. The time at basket factory was wasted. The rest was good to excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2018
Wayne Martin - Traveled, September 2018
No email with a photo or contact details from the travel director before the trip, even after ringing trafalgar the day before they were not really interested, perhaps because i had already paid for the trip by then. As well normally we have a group photo whilst on tour, this did not occur, it seems the photographer on the group photo day talked the travel director into individual photos perhaps he was being paid on the number of photos taken, not really sure, but a waste of time really. The tour to the village was not communicated very well. perhaps next time it needs to be included in the brochures that malaria preventions is required. Overall a poor trip compared to all the other trafalgar trips we have undertaken. My feedback form from the travel director was not passed to me until the last 2 hours of the trip. perhaps give us the feedback form on day 1 to completed it in a more relaxed atmoshpere and you may even get usefull feedback that can be constructive.Pretty good, perhaps the village tour could be explained better before the trip takes place due to the high probability of malaria being contracted.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2018
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2024
Pradox hotel in Singapore, Casa Del Rio in Malaca and Weil hotel in Ipoh were excellent. Areca hotel in Penang was sub-standard; it took a long time to cool the room; there was no A/C in the bathroom - the temperature in the room was about 95 degree Fahrenheit. Strawberry Park Resort in Tanah Rata was very very dirty; they did not have standard white towels. Melia hotel in KL was not that great room needs remodeling.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2024
Singapore national orchid garden has the most beautiful flowers I have seen in a long time. The twin towers in Malaysia is a awesome place. Buddhist temple set inside a cave was full of brilliant colors and icons.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2024
We had a great travel director in Malaysia and had such a fun travel experience. I just want to know when we could see all the photos and videos that he took throughout the travel. We were able to see most of the places that high light of two country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
Lorraine Hart - Traveled, March 2024
Remind your Malaysia TD if you don't stop for lunch (ice cream), cos it's so humid it's all you'll want to eat. Ask the TD to organise collection of room keys via telephone before we arrive & arrange for room tax to be paid any time before we leave, not spend an hour each getting individually served by the hotel reception issuing keys & you paying your room tax. Singapore TD was great. Coach driver was good. Tour content could be better. Historic hotels incur an additional room tax to be paid, careful at night time with the uneven floors & steps within the rooms. Trip hazards for some. Hotels in good locations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2024
Poor organization and logistics of the trip The guides/directors are poor to below average Accommodations are about average. The guides/directors were not culturally competent or informative which made the trip not really interesting. There is a lot of ignorance or bias about the main culture of the countries visited.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Hugh Mosher - Traveled, February 2024
This is the first time I can recall that the tour directors were not equipped to accept a credit card payment for optional experiences. I did have local currency but I know for several on the trip it was a challenge and upsetting. Singapore was great but I found the Malaysia was a bit weak on content compared to other Trafalgar tours I have been on (this was my 8th)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2023
Easy Quote The tour directors and sights were excellent, but hours of walking in 100 F degree temperatures were too much for me. Very good but too much walking in 100 F degree temperatures.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Christine Routley - Traveled, November 2023
This was a trip of 2 parts. Singapore and then Malaysia so 2 Travel Directors. Wendy in Singapore and Jeffrey in Malaysia were excellent. Hotels and meals were amazing. Both drivers and local specialists provided exceptional service. Of the 3 optionals listed, the only one to proceed was Penang Hill. The main reason in Singapore was the cost for what was going to be provided. 18 guests on tour all agreed. Each days itinerary was posted in the bus. We took a picture of times etc. Travelling days were full but on others after orientation/excursion, we had enough time to explore on our own particularly when you had to find your meals. Plenty of options for food in Malaysia close to hotels. Pavements were a bit hit and miss so exploring at night was a bit dangerous. Hotels were excellent with tea, coffee, bathroom amenities all provided. Plenty of options at breakfast including a soup making station which we enjoyed. Found a laundry in Melacca and Kuala Lumper close to hotels. Water provided on the bus each day in Malaysia and hotels also provided water. Highlights: Wet market and Orchid house at Botanic Gardens, Singapore, Melacca Independance day parade,, Batu Caves, Petronas Towers and Penang Hill.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2019
I have traveled with Trafalgar multiple times and I am never disappointed. This trip was unbelievable, we visited many gorgeous places and we learned a lot from our excellent, professional and lots of fun guides. I will recommend Trafalgar to anyone who wants to travel and like to be informed of the places visited by professionals in an easy and informal way. The itinerary was well designed and the hotels were nice, comfortable and the majority in the center of the cities. Well designed itinerary, we saw a lot, learned a lot and enjoyed a lot during those 12 days in an easy, comfortable and relaxed way
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2019
Jesse Dodd - Traveled, November 2019
This is a fantastic travel agency. My agent Wanda B...was the best and I will definitely be using them again next year !!!!!! There is ALOT !!!! of walking. But worth the steps.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2019
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2019
Douglas was an excellent travel toor director and very helpful to everyone on the trip in Malaysia - in Singapore Judy was also good for the 2 days, It would have been nice to have spent another day in the Cameron Heighlands to see all the things we missed out on AWAY FROM THE HEAT! The majority of the others on the trip agreed. It was priced ok and fitted our time slot - the itinerary was good but as I said previously an extra day in the Cameron Highlands would have been excellent. The hotel in K L could have been much better fitted with Double Glazing to stop the City Traffic Noise ALL NIGHT!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2019
Michael Murphy - Traveled, October 2019
Organisation of visits to varoius sights want well as well as the accommodation and optional excursions. The amount of free time available to travellers sufficent overall. Tour directors excellant in the way they conducted themselves. Tour provided a variety of locations, however the number of religous sites visited may not be everyone's cup of tea. Choice of non-religous sites excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2019
Robyn Turner - Traveled, October 2019
The whole trip was very informative our guides and bus drivers were excellent, especially Douglas and Ardy. The be my guest segments were fantastic. The were a highlight. We liked the cultural and historic segments. Great variety. No just the tourist things, even those were good but the cultural bits were the highlights. Lovely places, guides, extra eating experiences, especially in Malaysia. Douglas was very obliging when it came to looking after Neville and myself. While we could walk to places, my husbands Parkinson disease made him slower. It was a good tour with many two night stays. Whilst only 19 people on trip, it was great to have the bigger coach.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2019
Antonio Samaniego - Traveled, October 2019
The best thing about our tour was our small intimate group (7 people) and we had fun during our free time. Not that the tour was bad but we had our memorable moments for example on the Trader's Hotel Sky Bar (Kuala Lumpur) which was not part of the tour. The tour director was enthusiastic for Malaysia tour and he went out of his way yo give us an experience. The accommodations were excellent in the Malaysia tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2019
Barry Mullen - Traveled, October 2019
Generally well organised. Hotels good and Tour Guides very friendly and helpful. Varied with a lot walks and visits to give us a flavour of the country and some of the interesting buildings and aspects of the culture
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2019
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