Private Tour Highlights
- Take an exciting water taxi ride along the Singapore River
- See the colorful display of over 60,000 orchid plants at the National Orchid Garden
- Enjoy a tour through the open air bazaar of Chinatown
- Walk over 1,500 feet of walkway strung up nearly 100 feet above ground level
- Visit the Rose Garden, tea plantation and vegetable farms while touring the Cameron Highlands
- Travel to the oldest tea factory in Malaysia the Sungai Palas Tea Center
- Take the Butterfly Farm Tour, Georgetown Heritage Tour or the Georgetown Orientation Tour
- Visit the Semenggoh Orangutan Center to observe the feeding of these magnificent mammals
- Enjoy a guided nature trek along one of the many trails in the Kinabalu Park
- Experience a trek up Mount Kinabalu, and enjoy a stay at the Laban Rata Resthouse
Tour Overview
An area of the world that has evoked the interest of westerners since the days of Alexander the Great, Malaysia and Singapore have stood as a cultural crossroads, soaking up the passing cultures and cuisines of China, India, Dutch and indigenous populations. Wind your way through the glassine cities, dense jungles, fog-drenched highlands and otherworldly summits of Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.
Starting in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur you’ll spend the first leg of your trip exploring the distinctive cities that have become a template for modern city planning. Starting at the awe inspiring modern outlines of the cities, you’ll start peeling back layers; discovering neighborhoods and corresponding dishes that take you back through periods of Dutch colonialism, Chinese and Indian trade and finally to traditional Malay culture.
After completing your review of the cities, you’ll take a languorous river journey north to Taman Negara National Park. Here you’ll go out on guided nocturnal tours, tour the park from a 100 foot high “Canopy Walk” and cruise the river for signs of wildlife. A short drive north of the park are the Cameron Highlands. Another largely undeveloped swath of rainforest, most of the activity in the area centers around colonial-era tea plantations. The beautifully stepped irrigation systems create a cascading wave effect, undulating down the bright green hillsides.
Your next step will be a brief one on the busy port island of Penang before departing for the wilds of Malaysian Borneo. Acclimate yourself to the island with a luxury wildlife excursion in Batang Ai. Staying in a reproduction Iban style longhouse, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the traditional cultures and lively jungles of Borneo. Then, end your journey with a trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu. Survey the entirety of Malaysia and Singapore from its peak, a satisfying capstone to your travels.
Inclusions
One way river boat transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara, One way domestic flights from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Penang to Kuching, Kuching to Kota Kinabalu and Kota Kinabalu to Singapore
Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, All private transfers & tours with English speaking driver/guide, Meals where specified (food only), Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)
Penang Half-Day Tours;
Tropical Spice Garden and Butterfly Farm Tour
Uncover this treasure trove of more than 500 living specimens of lush and exotic flora from all over the tropical world, including the faintly aromatic torch ginger from Indonesia, useful indigenous spices from Malaysia, colourful Amazonian bromeliads, strange palms from the Seychelles, heliconias from Ecuador and exotic ferns from Tropical America. Stop over at the Batik Factory (a local cottage industry) for a brief introduction of batik printing. Proceed to the Penang Butterfly Farm which is home to 3000 living specimens from over 50 species of colourful butterflies, frogs, scorpions and other insects. Take a slow drive to the tranquil fishing villages of Teluk Bahang where you will have a brief stop at a local fruit stall to show you some of the spices as well as some of the local fruit available in season.
Georgetown Heritage Tour
Explore the streets of George Town and its rich heritage. Admire the intricate carving, woodwork and porcelain décor of Khoo Kongsi, established in 1835. After that, continue to visit Yap Kongsi and Ciji Templ and a Taoist Temple dedicated to the Nan’an patron deity. You will also be taken to Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, which was the Hokkien secret society headquarters in the mid-19th century. Last but not least, continue to visit the world renowned Pinang Peranakan Mansion, which houses over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectible items of the era on display.
Georgetown Orientation Tour
George Town, the capital city of Penang was named after King George III of England, is an interesting blend of the old and new. It is worth to note that Penang has one of the largest Colonial Buildings in Southeast Asia. Tours includes a stop at Fort Cornwallis, built in 1808. Fort Cornwallis also marks the spot where Sir Francis Light first landed on this island. You will be driven through Streets of Harmony, which houses the Anglican Church, Kuan Yin Chinese Temple, Mahamariaman Indian Temple and Kapital Keling Mosque. Followed by a visit to the State Museum, built in 1821, which houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, charts and pass by the colorful Little India and bustling Chinatown. Next, stop at the world’s fourth largest reclining Buddha statue at Wat Chayamangkalaram.
Notes:
* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th
* Suggested Packing List: comfortable trekking shoes, light weight clothes, sun hat, raincoat, water bottle, insect repellant
* Activities in Taman Negara and Batang Ai are offered by the lodge and may include other guests.
Package Price: From £$ 7995
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International Flight to Singapore
Overnight international flight to Singapore.
Overnight international flight to Singapore.
Arrival in Singapore
Upon arrival in Singapore and airport reception, transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Upon arrival in Singapore and airport reception, transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Complete Singapore Highlights
Morning read more...
Morning bumboat or 'water taxi' ride along the Singapore River. The Singapore River is a small river with great historical importance, as it is the place where the British established the first trading port in the area. The ride will end at Merlion Park at the Esplanade Bridge. At Merlion Park, come face to face with Singapore’s iconic Merlion statue, which is set in the foreground of the elegant Marina Bay Sands building.
The tour continues with a drive around the Civic District past the Padang Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. The next stop will be at one of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore, the Thain Hock Keng Temple. The temple was built in traditional southern Chinese style with tiles, dragons, phoenixes, amazing curves, intricate sculptures and imposing columns. The next and final stop of the day is at the National Orchid Garden, which boasts a colorful display of 60,000 orchid plants, with 400 species and more than 2,000 hybrids represented. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
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Singapore – Kuala Lumpur
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to a hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to a hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
City Tour of Kuala Lumpur
This read more...
This morning, enjoy a privately guided tour of Kuala Lumpur’s highlights consisting of both historic and modern architecture. The private walking tour will include the Jamek Mosque, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Central Market, the Sze Ya Temple and the Chan See Shu Yuen Clan House. In the afternoon transfer to a local Indian restaurant to enjoy lunch.
As the day winds down enjoy a tour through the open air bazaar of Chinatown, including the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. The oldest and richest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple was founded in 1873 and sits at the edge of Chinatown. Leaving the Temple continue on to a local Malay restaurant to enjoy a cultural show and a buffet dinner of local dishes. Following dinner and the show, return to the hotel in the late evening.
Note: The Jamek Mosque is closed on Fridays. The tour today is done primarily on foot; comfortable shoes are recommended. Lunch and dinner is included today. ...read less
Journey up the Tembeling River
Morning read more...
Morning transfer to the lower lobby of the Hotel Istana to register for the day’s river cruise up the Tembeling River Passing. Once registered, depart via shuttle transfer to the Kuala Tembeling Jetty (about 3.5 hrs). There will be some time at leisure before beginning the journey in the early afternoon. Depart on an outboard powered, canopied long boat for the 40 mile (2.5 hrs) river cruise up the Tembeling River passing through the rubber plantations and Malay villages before arriving at Taman Negara’s Headquarters at Kuala Tahan. Check into the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Later in the evening, proceed for dinner at the Seri Mutiara Restaurant and after dinner assemble for an audio-visual presentation at the Interpretive Center for a half hour to 45 minute introduction of the park put on by the Park Rangers. This will be followed by a guided night jungle walk which is an experience that will never be forgotten. Return hotel to hotel for the night.
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Canopy Walk on Teresek Hill
In read more...
In the morning, commence the exciting journey with a visit to the "Canopy Walk". Walk over 1,500 feet of walkway strung up nearly 100 feet above ground level. The view from here is a sight for weary eyes. Continue the trip with a scenic trek to Teresek Hill. Enjoy lunch at the local Seri Mutiara Restaurant before boarding the longboat for the trip to the beautiful cascading waterfalls of Lata Berkoh. Swim in the clear waters of the fall and enjoy the best nature has to offer. The journey back is a wonderful experience while drifting downstream without the usage of the boat’s motors. Return to the hotel for the night. ...read less
Visit to Orang Asli Village
Morning visit to the Orang Asli Village followed by an afternoon of shooting the rapids at Kuala Trenggan. Afterwards, return to the hotel for the evening.
Morning visit to the Orang Asli Village followed by an afternoon of shooting the rapids at Kuala Trenggan. Afterwards, return to the hotel for the evening.
Arrival in the Cameron Highlands
After breakfast, board the return boat to Kuala Tahan and take an overland transfer to the Cameron Highlands. Wind way up to an altitude of 5,000 feet. Along the way, stop at the Iskandar Waterfalls and pass several babbling jungle streams. Break for lunch before touring the Cameron Highlands with a private guide covering the Rose Garden, tea plantation and vegetable farms. Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the evening enjoying the cool fresh air. A light sweater is recommended on cool evenings.
After breakfast, board the return boat to Kuala Tahan and take an overland transfer to the Cameron Highlands. Wind way up to an altitude of 5,000 feet. Along the way, stop at the Iskandar Waterfalls and pass several babbling jungle streams. Break for lunch before touring the Cameron Highlands with a private guide covering the Rose Garden, tea plantation and vegetable farms. Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the evening enjoying the cool fresh air. A light sweater is recommended on cool evenings.
Hiking to the Summit of Mount Batu Brinchang
Morning read more...
Morning departure for a half day group tour of the countryside and the Mossy Forest. Cruise along the rolling tea hills to Mount Batu Brinchang, the highest mountain in the Cameron Highlands at 7,552 feet, while enjoying the cool crisp air. A commentary on tea will be given at one of the viewpoints. An interpretive walk into the Mossy Forest will reveal some of the most unique forest flora of this area like the carnivorous Pitcher Plant, primitive Ferns, wild Orchids, Ti trees and Rhododendrons. Other native plants like wild spices, medicinal plants and poisonous plants will also be highlighted by a guide.
A short drive down from the mountain will bring guests to the oldest tea factory in Malaysia the Sungai Palas Tea Center; here a factory tour will be conducted before visiting the Tea Shop. The varieties of tea offered at the Ummph Tea Shop are simply amazing! Have a cup before the return journey back to the hotel.
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Arrival on Penang Island
Morning at leisure before a noon check-out and transfer to Penang with a private guide (4 hrs). Descend the winding road to Simpang Pulai, continuing the journey up north to the state of Perak. Cross the Penang bridge, which measures just over eight miles, before arriving on Penang Island. Arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon and day free at leisure.
Morning at leisure before a noon check-out and transfer to Penang with a private guide (4 hrs). Descend the winding road to Simpang Pulai, continuing the journey up north to the state of Perak. Cross the Penang bridge, which measures just over eight miles, before arriving on Penang Island. Arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon and day free at leisure.
Exploring Penang
Today, choose one of the following privately guided half-day excursions:
Tropical Spice Garden and Butterfly Farm Tour
Georgetown Heritage Tour
Georgetown Orientation Tour
Today, choose one of the following privately guided half-day excursions:
Tropical Spice Garden and Butterfly Farm Tour
Georgetown Heritage Tour
Georgetown Orientation Tour
Penang – Kuching
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Kuching. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Kuching. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Kuching – Batang Ai
Depart for Batang Ai, approximately four hours by car. En route stop to visit the Semenggoh Orangutan Center to observe the feeding of these magnificent mammals. The journey takes approximately 4 hours by car, and lunch will be served en-route. Upon arrival in Batang Ai, take a brief ferry ride to the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort where guests will enjoy dinner and an evening at leisure.
Lunch is included today, en route from Kuching to Batang Ai.
Depart for Batang Ai, approximately four hours by car. En route stop to visit the Semenggoh Orangutan Center to observe the feeding of these magnificent mammals. The journey takes approximately 4 hours by car, and lunch will be served en-route. Upon arrival in Batang Ai, take a brief ferry ride to the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort where guests will enjoy dinner and an evening at leisure.
Lunch is included today, en route from Kuching to Batang Ai.
Observation along the Ulu Ai River
After breakfast, embark on a native longboat for a day of exploration and sightseeing along the Ulu Ai River. Enjoy an eco-picnic while exploring the jungle.
Dinner and overnight at the Longhouse resort.
After breakfast, embark on a native longboat for a day of exploration and sightseeing along the Ulu Ai River. Enjoy an eco-picnic while exploring the jungle.
Dinner and overnight at the Longhouse resort.
Return Trip to Kuching
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and a morning of relaxation before returning to Kuching, enjoying lunch en route.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and a morning of relaxation before returning to Kuching, enjoying lunch en route.
Kuching – Kota Kinabalu
Transfer to airport for flight to Kota Kinabalu, reception and transfer to hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.
Transfer to airport for flight to Kota Kinabalu, reception and transfer to hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.
Exploring Kunabalu Park
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After breakfast, journey across the mountainous Crocker Range to Kinabalu Park. While en route, Mount Kinabalu will be in clear view, South East Asia’s highest peak. Kinabalu Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, a heaven for nature enthusiasts. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided nature trek along one of the many trails in the park before proceeding to Poring Hot Springs which offers visitors the opportunity for an invigorating dip. For a closer look at nature, take the canopy walk, which offers a spectacular view of the Borneo rainforest.
During this day lunch and dinner will be provided. Overnight at Park Headquarters
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Ascent up Kota Kinabalu
After read more...
After breakfast, proceed to Park Registration office to meet the mountain guide. Then transfer to Timpohon Gate where guests trek to the guesthouse, to begin the journey up the mountain. Overnight at Laban Rata Resthouse, or similar. Lunch and dinner will be provided on the journey or at the accommodation.
Note: This trek is recommended for those in good physical condition. Please check with a physician before booking. Conditions include: strenuous uphill and downhill hiking, humidity (which can lead to slippery footing) and high altitudes.
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Descent of Kota Kinabalu
Conquest of the summit resumes at dawn. Return to Laban Rata Resthouse, or similar for breakfast. Begin the descent to Timpohon Gate and transfer to Park Headquarters for lunch before returning to Kota Kinabalu. Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
Conquest of the summit resumes at dawn. Return to Laban Rata Resthouse, or similar for breakfast. Begin the descent to Timpohon Gate and transfer to Park Headquarters for lunch before returning to Kota Kinabalu. Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
International Flight Home via Singapore
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to airport for a flight to Singapore and connection home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to airport for a flight to Singapore and connection home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.
Singapore
Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Taman Negara National Park Jerantut, Pahang Malaysia
Cameron Highlands Malaysia
Penang Malaysia
Kuching Sarawak Malaysia
Batang Ai National Park Lubok Antu Sarawak Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia
Places You'll See
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Singapore
From nature and wildlife, to skyscrapers and shopping malls, Singapore has it all. Head to its east coast for beautiful beaches, enjoy the flavors of different Asian cuisine, and find peace in the National Orchid Garden. Do some winter sports at Snow City, a permanent indoor snow center, or water sports like waterskiing and canoeing.
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Kuala Lumpur
The cultural melting pot of Kuala Lumpur is overflowing with things to see and do. Look up in amazement at the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world. See a show at one of the wonderful theaters and performance halls, like the KL Philharmonic. Take a walking tour through the old colonial center, or shop at the many shopping malls.
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Cameron Highlands
Take a trek through the rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands. With a cooler climate it is home to several tea plantations, such as the Boh Tea Centre and Sg Palas Plantation where you tour the tea factory. Take guided rainforest tour, or hike up Gunung Brinchang, the highest point in Malaysia.
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Penang
The island of Penang offers many watersports and other aquatic activities to those visiting. Along with the beaches and watersports, one can take part in some jungle trekking and camping at the Penang National Park. In the city, one can visit the largest Buddhist temple in southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si-Temple of Supreme Bliss.
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Kuching
Situated on the Sarawak River, Kuching is an emerging city on the Island of Borneo. Kuching has many historical sites and landmarks that one can visit with an assortment of sightseeing activities. Visit an assortment of national parks or take in the city sites with some local shopping.
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Batang Ai
Located about 250 km southeast of Kuching, Batang Ai is well known for offering visitors the opportunity to view wild orangutans including their nests. In addition, this region provides visitors with the chance to see old time longhouses, which have been least impacted by modern life.
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Kota Kinabalu
Known for its proximity to lush rainforests, tropical islands, and Mount Kinabalu, Borneo’s tallest mountain, Kota Kinabalu is a growing city filled with history and colorful architecture. Take in the marvelous sea by diving or deep sea fishing along the coast. Venture into the city, visit the buildings of worship and relish in the beautiful architecture of places such as the Che Sui Khor Chinese Temple.
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Testimonials
Alicia and Pat
Traveled April, 2016
I can’t say enough about how wonderful our travel consultant was
I just wanted to thank your company for a great tour of Singapore. I made contact with your company at the LA travel show and from there was helped with finalizing the itinerary for our trip. I can’t say enough about how wonderful our travel consultant was with emailing me different options and helping us find the most suitable itinerary for our trip. Our guide in Singapore was exceptional. He is very knowledgeable about Singaporean history and history in general and made us feel quite at home in his country. He also catered to our needs- adjusting the tour to suit our needs. On behalf of my family, we thank your company for making our Singapore trip fun and memorable!
Traveled To
Fritz M
Traveled February, 2013
All in all, this was a great trip
All in all, this was a great trip. I am reminded of something I read in a travel book some years ago which said Here’s what I love about travel; strangers get a chance to amaze you. In Myanmar, I found myself constantly amazed. I would love to go back and pick up the areas of the country that I missed on this trip and spend more time in the sites that I found to be particularly interesting and which required more time than I had on this trip to do them justice. I think things will begin to change rapidly in Myanmar now that liberalization has begun. I appreciate all the work Yampu staff put into developing this custom itinerary for me, and I wish all of you great success in building your business in Myanmar.
Traveled To
Rachele
Traveled April, 2016
Thank you for making our stay fun and memorable!
We had a wonderful trip! Yampu was wonderful in giving us different options to make our trip more customized to suit our needs. Our guide was also very knowledgeable and helped make our stay in Singapore fun and effortless. We all enjoyed the itinerary- not too packed with activities and everyone enjoyed the gardens, the animal safari, and city tour. The bus and vans we rode in were comfortable and the air conditioner was much welcomed in the tropic heat!
Traveled To