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 artifacts 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 neighboring 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: 35292
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 414.1109A
Starts: Singapore, Singapore
Finishes: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Not 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
- 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 artifacts, 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
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Fun and Memorable Travel through Singapore and Malaysia. Trafalgar provided great service before the trip and a wonderful travel experience. My family (husband and daughter) and I had a wonderful time on this adventure to Singapore and Malaysia. The hotels in the large cities were nicely appointed and located conveniently close to eateries and shopping malls. The breakfast in the hotels had a wide selection of delicious food to choose from, especially at the Paradox Hotel. The guides were friendly and informative. The drivers were skilled, especially the one in Malaysia who had to navigate a large bus through narrow winding roads on a stretch of mountain with motorcyclists weaving between cars. My only complain would the the meal on our 1st night in Singapore which consisted of American bar food (fries, fish sticks, fried cauliflower, quesadilla, chicken skewers). I did try a Singapore Sling. I was hoping for a Singaporean cuisine to start our trip. I also think that visiting 1 wet market and 2 villages was enough. My family skipped the 3rd village tour and 2nd wet market. Instead, we preferred spending time perusing local shops, trying local cuisine and snacks, and experiencing a foot reflexology which was popular. Luckily, we packed appropriately for the sudden daily downpour with thunder (raincoat) and hot temperature (UV umbrella, hat portable electric fan). In Malaysia, always carry toilet paper since not all restrooms have them. As a bonus, our group of 22 became close friends and watched out for each other. I would highly recommend this trip to others.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/09/2025
Marilyn Hosang - Traveled, April 2025
Very good local guides. Excellent sights, culture, food and people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2025
Ronald Marat - Traveled, March 2025
Best of Singapore and Malaysia 2025. More communication ahead of tour (Meeting time and place, etc.) would have been nice. Temples got a bit repetitious. Information regarding restaurant hours during Ramadan would have been helpful. Information about the hotel tourist tax (about 4 MR per room per night) would have been useful. You need local cash for optional tours, and the optional tours were a bit pricey. Be prepared for 33 C temperatures. During Ramadan many restaurants (in Malaysia) may be fully booked for Iftar after about 7:30 PM (sunset).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2025
Shirley Charchun - Traveled, March 2025
There were a few things that I was not happy with. Every hotel in Malaysia had a tax that we had to pay in cash. We were not advised of this prior to our trip. As well we could only pay for our extra excursions in cash not with our credit card which we were also not aware of. Consequently we did not book any because we were not travelling with that much cash and finding an ATM was not always easy. Our tour director would take us on long walks in the heat of the day and then return us to our hotel by 3:30. By which time we were played out from the heat and did not want to do anything for the rest of the day. When we went to see Little India she walked us around the outside of the buildings and then back on the bus. The same was true for China town. When we were walking she would walk very fast never looking back to see if we were all following. She would go directly to where she wanted to go not stopping to point out anything on the way. In Malaysia all the breakfast were Malaysian food only they was no American except perhaps toast. When she bought any food for us to sample she never bought enough and so most people did not have a sample. I found Singapore to be a very nice country and was very happy with this part of the tour. I found Malaysia to be a very interesting country but because of the tour guide I was much less impressed with it. The best part of Malaysia was the rikshaw ride.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2025
Singapore and Malaysia. Airport transfers were well coordinated and much appreciated. Group dinners, except for the farewell dinner, were not that good. They seemed to be consistent with standard American-style Chinese food. The farewell dinner, which was Nyonya style cuisine, was much better and more fitting for the trip's destination.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2025
It gave a good selection of experiences in Malaysia but a few too many temples. Choose a tour outside Ramadan. Malaysia has great food but the meals on this tour were very safe, until the very last meal in Penang, which was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 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: 04/22/2024
Trusted Customer - 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: 04/06/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, February 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: 03/16/2024
Lorraine Hart - Traveled, March 2024
Singapore & Malaysia - it's hotter than you think. 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: 03/23/2024
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