Grand Tour of Malaysia, Borneo & Singapore

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Departure

  Begin your adventure with an overnight flight to Penang via Kuala Lumpur.

• Day 2 • Arrival in Penang

  Arrive in Penang and transfer to our hotel on Batu Ferringhi beach.

• Day 3 • George Town

  See the beautifully preserved George Town on a walking tour, visit the Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion House and experience a thrilling trishaw ride.

• Day 4 • Penang Hill

  Boarding the Penang Hill Funicular Railway, we'll climb to the top of Penang Hill - some 833 metres above sea level - travelling on the steepest tunnel track in the world. Once a cool retreat during the British colonial period, many prominent bungalows built here still stand today as well as the post office and police station, built in 1894 and 1929 respectively. Here you can enjoy the heritage ambience of the picturesque, antiquated century-old colonial-style buildings, discover the unique plants (like tropical pitcher plants, tree ferns, and tropical oak trees) and look out at unobstructed views of George Town and both Penang Bridges.

• Day 5 • Penang to Kuala Lumpur

  After breakfast, we’ll take a short flight to Kuala Lumpur and transfer to the hotel on arrival. You will then have free time this afternoon to explore or settle into the hotel. Later, we’ll escape the soaring skyscrapers and state-of-the-art shopping malls this evening and experience a quieter side of the city in the historic district of Kampung Baru. First opened in the 1880s, this is the last Malay enclave in the city centre and families have lived on these bougainvillea lined streets for four generations. Get a glimpse into the Malay lifestyle as we browse Chow Kit Market where the stalls are piled high with fresh local produce. Then we’ll experience typical Kampung Baru hospitality and Hi-Tea in the welcoming surroundings of a local home. Later, we'll step into the peaceful surroundings of the Kampung Baru mosque and Tatt Khalsa Diwan Gurdwara Sikh Temple, the biggest temple in Southeast Asia – truly a multicultural melting pot.

• Day 6 • Kuala Lumpur

  This morning we'll explore the contrasting city of Kuala Lumpur, with a fascinating mix of skyscrapers, upscale shopping malls, colonial buildings and atmospheric street markets. Continuing on our tour next up will be Istana Negara - the King's Palace - the official residence of the supreme King of Malaysia to get a glimpse into the intricate royal residence. We'll stop to visit the manicured grounds of the National Mosque and its dome of blue and green tiles standing in contrast with the modern city centre of glass and steel that surrounds it. Then on to pay our respects to those soldiers and civilians who died defending Malaysia against the Japanese occupation during WWII and during the Malayan Emergency. And we'll pass the old Railway Station, the Tudor-styled Cricket Club, and the Moorish-style Federal Court.

• Day 7 • Batu Caves

  Discover the Batu Caves - a sacred Hindu shrine of caves and various temples.

• Day 8 • Sandakan

  Fly to Sandakan in Borneo and tour this thriving port and animal-lover's paradise.

• Day 9 • Orangutans, Sun Bears and a House Museum

  Meet the residents of the Bornean Sun Bear Centre and Sepilok Orangutan Centre, with a visit to Agnes Keith House.

• Day 10 • Fly to Kota Kinabalu

  This morning, we’ll catch the short flight to Kota Kinabalu on the western side of Borneo and transfer to our luxurious home for the next three nights, where all our rooms overlook the beautiful pool and gardens. On the way, we’ll stop at the living museum that is the Mari Mari Cultural Village. You’ll be able to experience the intriguing traditions, history and culture of five of the local indigenous tribes, including the feared Murut head-hunters, right in the middle of the rainforest.

• Day 11 • Free Day

  To make the most of a free day in Kota Kinabalu, start with a leisurely stroll along the lively waterfront promenade, where you can soak up views of the South China Sea and perhaps catch a dazzling sunset. For a taste of local culture, visit the city’s vibrant street food and handicraft stalls. Or if you’re after relaxation, indulge in the hotels impressive facilities and have some time to yourself.

• Day 12 • Free Day

  Today is at leisure. You could enjoy the large sandy beach and extensive swimming pools at your hotel. There is also a 400-acre nature reserve with its own walking paths adjacent to the resort, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course and a superb spa. And for dinner, choose from five restaurants and two bars – these are the best spots to watch the spectacular sunset over the South China Sea.

• Day 13 • Fly to Singapore

  Fly to Singapore, the Garden City and enjoy free time to explore.

• Day 14 • Singapore

  Take a half-day tour of the city, Chinatown and Little India and visit the Botanical Gardens.

• Day 15-16 • Travel Home

  Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Arrive back in the UK with unforgettable memories of your incredible tour.