Mesmerizing Singapore and Malaysia

Singapore, a city state on the Malaysian peninsula, is a melting pot of cultures. Modern skyscrapers stand next to Indian temples, while shopping malls rub shoulders with Chinatown in Singapore. Main attractions of the city are the numerous shopping and entertainment centers as well as the island of Sentosa.

Explore the history and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of multicultural Singapore! Stroll through the city’s colonial district and see the Padang, the massive open playing field surrounded by several important monuments. Look out for the iconic Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, which is a performing arts centre near the mouth of Singapore River. Stop to admire the towering Merlion statue, a mythical half-lion, half-fish, the city’s most famous tourist symbol. Head to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore before proceeding to the Botanical Gardens, a 161-year-old tropical garden which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, drive to the vibrant Chinatown and Little India, originally a division of colonial Singapore where Tamil immigrants would reside under the British policy of ethnic segregation. End the tour with a cup of coffee at one of the lively street side cafes. (Duration: Half Day; Flexible Timings; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes; Don’t forget your camera; Please note that the best time to travel is February - October .)

Kuching is Sarawak’s beautiful capital city. Like most other Malaysian cities, it is a delightful mix of the traditional, the colonial and the modern. Visit the city’s Chinatown with its quaint shops, iconic temples and mosques. The golden-domed City Mosque is definitely worth a visit. Drink in the sights and smells of Old Kuching at its bustling bazaars with their exotic spices and colorful merchandise. The origins of this riverfront city may be better understood at the famous Sarawak Museum. The city is also home to the country’s colonial heritage buildings from the era of the ‘White Rajahs’. One can catch a glimpse of the Astana, the former residence of the colonial White Rajahs, from Kuching’s pretty waterfront. This city is also a convergence point from where you can take trips to a number of ecological destinations.

Kota Kinabalu, or KK as it is more popularly known, is the state capital of Sabah. Expect a heady cocktail of cultures, cuisines, and lifestyles. The old way of life still survives alongside the modern city eager to move ahead - which is an important secret that much of Southeast Asia has managed to master! With local residents, expatriates and enchanting guests, the city throbs with life. Whether you shop for handmade artifacts (look out for Sabah’s famous pearls) or seek an authentic taste of this old Malay survivor of World War Two, Kota Kinabalu will not disappoint. From Malay to Cantonese and Continental to Japanese cuisine, KK will offer you delicacies from its street-side food stalls as well as at its fine dining eateries. There is much to admire too, especially the City Mosque in the center of a manmade lagoon, the Sabah Foundation building, and the Sabah Museum. Signal Hill, the highest point of Kota Kinabalu, offers splendid panoramic views.

Mari Mari Cultural Village, situated 12 miles from the city of Kota Kinabalu, is a living museum that preserves Borneo’s ethnic culture, history and traditions. This half-day private tour recreates the living conditions of five ethnic tribes of Borneo as they were in the past. After a warm welcome, your guide leads you through five replicas of tribal huts of Kadzan-Dusan - rice farmers, Rungus - longhouse dwellers, Lundayeh - hunters and fishermen, Bajau - herdsmen and sea nomads and Murut - head-hunters. Inside each hut you learn about the tribe’s unique traditions, daily life and methods of conserving natural resources. Each tribe also demonstrates their unique skills, such as lighting a fire with flints and sticks, weaving clothes from bark, making rice wine, extracting honey and carving blowpipes. You can try various food items and even have a go at blowpipe shooting. Finally, enjoy an impressive traditional dance performance and a buffet lunch. (Duration: Half Day; Time: Departs at 0900 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Meal Included: Lunch)

Sukau is a tiny fishing village and a rare pearl situated off the usual tourist track. Tucked along the Kinabatangan River, Sukau offers glimpses of Borneo’s rainforests and swampy marshland. Wildlife enthusiasts and bird lovers alike will have much to admire in these jungles of Sabah. If you are lucky, you will see herds of Pygmy elephants as they bathe and play along with the river, catch orangutans in their natural habitat, and a host of other primates native to the jungles as they swing by the thick canopy of trees. Discover Borneo’s native proboscis monkeys, and flocks of exotic and colorful birds. Don’t forget to feast on the region’s fresh river catch and luscious jungle fruits!

Danum Valley is home to a host of exotic and endangered animal, bird and plant life, this is pristine jungle territory overshadowed by the towering Mount Danum. Shaded by a canopy of giant and ancient trees, Danum Valley is a beautiful rainforest that wildlife enthusiasts the world over love to explore. Catch the orangutan, proboscis monkey, tarsier, and pygmy elephant in action in their natural habitats, among a host of other animals. You may also spot a variety of flying squirrels who are native to the area! Lose yourself to the sights and smells of this complex eco-system, marveling at the sheer cornucopia of trees, shrubs, creepers, ferns and all things green!

On your arrival at the Lahad Datu Airport, embark on a 2.5 hours’ drive, including 2 hours on a gravel track, to reach Danum Valley Conservation Area - a paradise of regenerated pristine rainforests. Once you have checked in to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, set out on the Nature Trail and Canopy Walk to familiarize yourself with the area. The afternoon is spent at leisure with the promise of a sumptuous dinner followed by a thrilling guided night safari. On your second day, wake up to the call of the wild and watch hornbills fly as you trek to Kadazandusun/Coffin Cliff, an ancient burial site. Take a refreshing dip in a natural jacuzzi before returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you can laze around, explore the jungle, or experience a tubing session down the river. After dinner, set out in search of nocturnal wildlife on another guided safari before a restful sleep. Begin your third day with an early morning trek or enjoy the mesmeric natural beauty around you from the comfort of your chalet. After lunch, your chauffeur will be waiting to transport you to Lahad Datu Airport. (Duration: 2 nights / 3 days; Shared Activities and transfers , maximum 6 guests per group. All meals included; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring good trekking shoes and a rain jacket; Activities can be modified based on fitness levels/interests)

Kuala Lumpu, or KL, as it is better known among aficionados - is your gateway to Southeast Asia. The city made its debut on the world stage back in the late 19th century, when the British made it the capital of Peninsular Malaysia. Today its grand colonial buildings coexist perfectly with its dizzying skyscrapers. KL’s defining factors for locals and travelers alike, however, lie in its shopping and gastronomic delights! Rediscover the joys of retail therapy at its glitzy malls and its local markets near Chinatown. The best eating spots are also to be discovered with its many street food stalls and little neighborhood coffee shops. For a truly authentic feel of this complex city, the trick is to find your way to KL’s laidback alleyways and café corners. Despite modern advances, the pulsating heart of Malaysia still retains vestiges of its historical self, with a relaxed persona - and is awaiting you to explore it!

Discover Kuala Lumpur’s rich history on this guided tour. Start with a visit to the National Mosque (Masjid Negara), with its modern construction and umbrella-shaped roof. Pay your respects at the War Memorial, or Tugu Negara, dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in both World Wars. The memorial was designed by Felix D Warden, who also designed the Iwo Jima Memorial at Arlington, Washington DC. Then pause to take photos at the Tudor-style Cricket Club and the old Railway station, which is a striking piece of Mohammedan architecture. The tour concludes with a visit to the six-tiered Thean Hou Temple situated in Robson Heights. Dedicated to Thean Hou, the Chinese sea Goddess, it is one of the largest temples in South East Asia. The panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur from the top of the hill are a bonus. (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; National Mosque is closed on Fridays)

Penang is a coastal slice of Malaysia that lies right by the Strait of Malacca. It is perhaps one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse travel destinations on the face of this earth. The Strait of Malacca separates Penang Island from its other half on mainland Malaysia. The capital city of George Town lies on Penang Island. Discover old world Asian charm at this exotic destination, dotted with little Chinese shops, heritage buildings and quaint old rickshaws! Explore the rest of the tropical, palm-fringed island with its quaint fishing villages and endless beaches. Penang is also home to lush and hilly forests and farmlands that grow traditional spices such as nutmeg, and exotic local fruits like durian. Mainland Penang, known as Seberang Perai and sits on the Malay Peninsula opposite Penang Island, is also well worth discovering!

A vibrant culture, delicious food and an eclectic history make this UNESCO world heritage an explorer’s delight. You never know when you might stumble upon a Chinese temple in Little India or a mosque in Chinatown. On this five-hour tour, there’s ample time to browse the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, which contains over a thousand pieces of Peranakan antiques and collectable items. Little India provides a feast for the senses, with shops selling vibrant and delicate sarees and the unmistakable scent of spices in the air. Visit the Teochew Temple, known for its ornate rooftops and intricately carved dragon pillars, or hunt for Penang’s famous street art in its narrow lanes. Browse the Sun Yat-Sen Museum for a glimpse into the life of Sun Yat-Sen, considered the ‘Father of the Nation’ in modern China. (Duration: Half Day; Private activity; Private Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Langkawi, the Jewel of the Malay state of Kedah, is all that you have imagined a tropical paradise to be - and so much more! Clear blue waters that mirror the azure sky above, pristine beaches and virgin forests are what this archipelago is all about. What is most attractive about Langkawi is its relatively untouched quality, in comparison to other such island destinations around the world. You can lounge around the sunny beaches, or wander aimlessly along this white sand paradise. Indulge yourself with exotic spa treatments and relish the scrumptious offerings at the many seafood restaurants and beach bars dotting the islands. If you wish to venture further inland, you can visit the local people beyond the beaches. Drink in the lazy, laidback pace of life that the rural islanders lead in their traditional kampungs (villages). Langkawi might be just what you need to rejuvenate and refresh yourself!

Kuala Lumpu, or KL, as it is better known among aficionados - is your gateway to Southeast Asia. The city made its debut on the world stage back in the late 19th century, when the British made it the capital of Peninsular Malaysia. Today its grand colonial buildings coexist perfectly with its dizzying skyscrapers. KL’s defining factors for locals and travelers alike, however, lie in its shopping and gastronomic delights! Rediscover the joys of retail therapy at its glitzy malls and its local markets near Chinatown. The best eating spots are also to be discovered with its many street food stalls and little neighborhood coffee shops. For a truly authentic feel of this complex city, the trick is to find your way to KL’s laidback alleyways and café corners. Despite modern advances, the pulsating heart of Malaysia still retains vestiges of its historical self, with a relaxed persona - and is awaiting you to explore it!