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Asia & India
ClassicClassic

Wonders of Malaysia, Borneo & Singapore

 
Duration
15 days
From per person
£5,299
Tour code
MBG28
Mobility Rating 4
View Dates & Pricing
View Dates & Pricing
Gallery

An extraordinary journey through Malaysia, Borneo & Singapore, combining breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural encounters and unforgettable wildlife experiences across some of Southeast Asia's most remarkable destinations

Stay in hand-picked 4 and 5-Star hotels throughout your holiday, including the stunning Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Kota Kinabalu and the luxurious Cameron Highland Retreat, as you explore the diverse destinations of Malaysia, Borneo and Singapore on this memorable trip.

Arriving in Penang, journey to Penang Hill for panoramic rainforest views before exploring the rolling tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands and uncovering the vibrant heritage of Kuala Lumpur.

In Borneo, encounter orangutans and sun bears at renowned conservation centres, cruise through mangrove forests at dusk and experience the traditions of Sabah's indigenous communities. Journey aboard the nostalgic North Borneo Heritage train for a breathtaking sunset before ending your unforgettable exploration in Singapore, where futuristic landmarks sit alongside historic neighbourhoods and rich cultural traditions.

Unforgettable Experiences

Discovering Borneo’s extraordinary wildlife
Discovering Borneo’s extraordinary wildlife
Visit renowned conservation centres dedicated to protecting endangered orangutans and sun bears, learning about the vital work being done to safeguard Borneo’s beloved wildlife.
Journeying on the North Borneo Heritage train
Journeying on the North Borneo Heritage train
Experience the unique sights and sounds of the Sabah landscape on a wonderful sunset journey aboard the nostalgic North Borneo Heritage train, enjoying dinner and a Batik painting session onboard.
Drifting through mangroves on a magical firefly cruise
Drifting through mangroves on a magical firefly cruise
Cruise through tranquil mangrove forests at sunset, looking out for local wildlife before experiencing the natural wonder of fireflies illuminating the trees along the riverbanks.
Marvelling at Singapore’s spectacular Gardens by the Bay
Marvelling at Singapore’s spectacular Gardens by the Bay
During a tour of this stunning nature park, discover the iconic Supertree Grove and beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens, before enjoying an unforgettable evening light and sound show beneath the illuminated Supertrees.
Walking among the treetops at The Habitat on Penang Hill
Walking among the treetops at The Habitat on Penang Hill
Experience one of Malaysia's most remarkable attractions at The Habitat, Penang Hill. Walk among the rainforest treetops on elevated canopy walkways, enjoying panoramic views across Penang's lush landscapes and discovering fascinating native flora and fauna.
Experiencing traditional life at Mari Mari Cultural Village
Experiencing traditional life at Mari Mari Cultural Village
Explore the authentic traditions of North Borneo's indigenous communities on a guided journey through Sabah's diverse heritage, where age-old customs are still practiced and shared today.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Overnight flight from London to Penang

Your discovery of Malaysia, Borneo and Singapore begins as you meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers at London Heathrow, ahead of an overnight flight to Penang via Singapore.

A gateway to Malaysia's west coast, Penang boasts a rich heritage and offers a fascinating introduction to Malaysia and the cultural diversity that awaits.

DAY2Time to unwind on arrival in Penang

Touching down in Penang this morning, we are transferred to our five-star hotel located in the heart of George Town, where there is time to unwind and acclimatise to our new surroundings. With on-site facilities including a salt-water swimming pool, there are many ways to relax for the rest of the day.

For those who wish, you might like to start exploring this UNESCO-listed city. Often regarded as Malaysia's cultural heart, George Town is famed for its blend of colourful street art, colonial architecture and vibrant local markets.

Regrouping this evening, we enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant. Penang is renowned for its food scene, and this is the perfect introduction to the island's unique blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY3Penang Hill and historic George Town

After breakfast this morning, we transfer by coach to Penang Hill Lower Station and board the funicular railway for a scenic ascent to Penang Hill. On arrival, we enjoy a guided walk exploring colonial-era landmarks, including Bel Retiro, the former Governor's Residence, and the historic 32-pounder cannon, learning about the area's fascinating past.

We then continue to The Habitat, one of Malaysia's most remarkable highland ecosystems and the gateway to the UNESCO Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve. We wander along the tranquil nature trails and experience the Langur Canopy Walk and Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, the island's highest accessible point, with breathtaking views across Penang. Before descending, we sample a refreshing Ice Kacang, one of Penang's best-loved local desserts.

After free time for lunch, we discover George Town aboard a local trishaw, the city's oldest mode of transportation. Once the primary way to get around Penang, these three-wheeled vehicles take us through the historic streets, passing sights including the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, the waterfront jetties and colourful Little India. After, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to continue exploring and dine independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY4Journeying to the Cameron Highlands

A scenic drive into the Cameron Highlands awaits after breakfast this morning. Departing Penang, we travel through lush countryside and traditional towns before stopping in charming Ipoh. Renowned for its colonial heritage and thriving food scene, there is time to explore the Old Town, browse its bustling streets and perhaps sample the city's signature white coffee, made from beans roasted in margarine and served with sweetened condensed milk.

Continuing our journey, the road gradually climbs through rolling hills and dense rainforest before we arrive in the Cameron Highlands. Here, the cooler mountain air provides a refreshing contrast to the coastal climate, and we check in to our elegant 5-Star hotel, a historic retreat set amongst tea plantations and tranquil woodland.

After checking in, you are at leisure to enjoy your surroundings and make use of the hotel's facilities. Perhaps indulge in a treatment at the spa village (payable locally), relax with a drink in the bar or savour a selection of colonial favourites, Western classics and local specialties in the restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY5A taste of the Cameron Highlands

Today, we set out to explore the Cameron Highlands, a region renowned for its spectacular scenery. As we travel through the rolling hills, it is easy to see why this beautiful landscape has earned the nickname of Malaysia's 'cool green carpet.'

Our first stop is the Sungai Palas BOH Tea Factory, one of the country's most famous tea estates. During our visit, we learn about the journey from leaf to cup and the traditions behind one of Malaysia's best-loved teas, before heading to the tea shop to sample and browse a variety of BOH teas.

After, we visit Kea Farm Market, a bustling local market offering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to flowers and locally produced delicacies. Enjoy time to wander amongst the colourful stalls and soak up the atmosphere before a free afternoon and evening to continue exploring at leisure.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY6Arriving in Malaysia’s bustling capital

Leaving the Cameron Highlands this morning, we transfer by coach to Ipoh Railway Station, where we board the train to Malaysia's bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur. Sit back and relax onboard as you are carried from the cool highlands to one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic cities.

On arrival, we embark on a guided sightseeing tour showcasing Kuala Lumpur's rich blend of cultures, religions and architectural styles. Our tour begins at the Masjid Negara, one of Malaysia's largest and most distinguished mosques, before continuing to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, the city's world-famous landmark. Along the way, we also pass the Moorish-style Federal Court, the historic Railway Station and the Kings Palace. Our tour concludes at the impressive Thean Hou Temple, regarded as one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia.

Afterwards, we transfer to our hotel and check in, with the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure for you to relax and dine independently. The city's food scene offers everything from street-food stalls to elegant restaurants, with local favourites including nasi lemak, flavourful satay and char kway teow, a popular stir-fried noodle dish.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY7Discovering Kuala Lumpur

This morning after breakfast, we discover a different side of Kuala Lumpur on a guided walking tour of Chow Kit, one of the city's most authentic neighbourhoods that offers a fascinating glimpse into local life. As we explore, we encounter the capital's largest wet market, where traders sell everything from fresh produce and spices to household goods and clothes.

The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring Kuala Lumpur at your own pace. You might choose to stroll through the peaceful Perdana Botanical Gardens, home to beautifully landscaped gardens and scenic walking trails, or visit the nearby Butterfly Park, one of the largest covered butterfly parks in the world. Alternatively, head to the top of KL Tower for spectacular panoramic views across the city or take the commuter train to the iconic Batu Caves. One of the most important Hindu shrines outside India, the caves are instantly recognisable for their colourful staircase and towering golden statue of Lord Murugan.

This evening, you may wish to return to one of the city's main restaurants or street-food markets to sample more of Malaysia's diverse cuisine.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY8Arriving in Borneo & firefly cruise

The next part of your unforgettable holiday awaits this morning as we are transferred to Kuala Lumpur airport for a flight to Sandakan in Malaysian Borneo, renowned for its ancient rainforests, extraordinary wildlife and pristine natural landscapes.

On arrival, we transfer to our hotel, where we are welcomed with a cup of local Sabah tea and some traditional delicacies before some time to relax. Later, we head to the jetty to board a firefly mangrove cruise along the tranquil waterways of the Pangkalan River. Drifting through the mangroves, our local guide shares insights and demonstrates traditional crab traps, while we keep watch for the region's remarkable wildlife, with the chance to spot proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, river otters and a variety of birdlife along the riverbanks. We continue to Pamaguan Island to take in the stunning sunset over the water and as night falls, the mangroves come alive with fireflies, creating a magical natural display.

After the cruise, we disembark and enjoy a traditional Malay dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel for the night.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY9Borneo’s extraordinary wildlife

A holiday highlight awaits today as we discover some of Borneo's most iconic wildlife. Beginning at the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, we learn about the conservation of Borneo's national animal and the vital work being done to rehabilitate orphaned, injured and displaced orangutans. We admire these remarkable creatures in a natural tropical setting, surrounded by the lush lowland dipterocarp forest.

Next, we continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of the world's smallest bear species, with the long-term aim of returning rescued sun bears to protected forest environments.

We return to our hotel for some free time this afternoon, and you might choose to relax by the serene pool overlooking the Sandakan coastline or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Later, we reconvene and head to the Rainforest Discovery Centre for a guided night walk through the forest canopy. With a little luck, we may spot nocturnal species such as moonrats, Malay badgers, flying lemurs, glowing fireflies and the elusive Bornean tarsier - known locally as the "ghost monkey". After our walk, we enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY10Batik painting in Kota Kinabalu

An early start this morning sees us transfer to Sandakan airport for a short internal flight to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah.

On arrival, we are immersed in local culture at the Sabah Art Gallery with an introduction to the traditional art of batik painting. Guided by a local artist, we learn about the history and cultural significance of this intricate craft before creating our own unique design. As we paint, we gain a fascinating insight into the role batik continues to play in Malaysian life and traditions.

Later, we transfer to our stunning 5-Star hotel, the Shangri-La Rasa Ria. Set within a 400-acre nature reserve and overlooking a beautiful three-kilometre stretch of sandy beach, this luxurious resort provides an idyllic setting in which to unwind. You might choose to take a stroll along the shoreline or relax beside one of the resort's pools before we regroup for dinner this evening in one of the hotel's restaurants.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY11A journey on the nostalgic North Borneo Heritage Train

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel, with time to make the most of its excellent facilities. Whether you choose to unwind by one of the swimming pools, indulge in a treatment at the spa, enjoy a round of golf or simply relax at the beach, there's plenty to enjoy in this tropical setting.

This afternoon, we transfer to Tanjung Aru Station to board the beautifully restored North Borneo Heritage Train for a memorable sunset journey through the landscapes of Sabah. Travelling along the coast, we take in ever-changing views as the late afternoon light casts a golden glow across the scenery.

Our journey includes a stop at Benoni Beach, where there is time to admire the sunset and capture photographs of the spectacular coastal views. As we travel back towards Kota Kinabalu, we enjoy a packed dinner onboard and take part in a traditional batik painting activity.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY12Authentic traditions at the Mari Mari Cultural Village

After breakfast, we journey into the rainforest for an opportunity to experience the authentic traditions of North Borneo's indigenous communities.

Arriving at the Mari Mari Cultural village, a living museum dedicated to preserving Sabah's rich cultural heritage, we are welcomed into the traditional homes of the ethnic tribes. As we explore, we gain a fascinating insight into centuries-old customs and ways of life, watching demonstrations of traditional skills such as blowpipe making and fire-starting techniques, while learning about the unique cultures that have shaped Borneo. We also enjoy a buffet-style lunch featuring local cuisine, offering a delicious taste of the region's culinary traditions.

Later, we return to Kota Kinabalu to discover the highlights of Sabah's capital city. Taking in key landmarks including the Wisma Tun Mustapha, the striking City Mosque and the Sabah Museum, we delve deeper into the region's history, heritage and indigenous cultures. If time allows, you can browse the stalls of the bustling Anjung Kinabalu local market before returning to our hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY13Singapore’s renowned Gardens by the Bay

This morning, we leave our hotel on the shores of Pantai Dalit beach and are transferred to the airport for our flight to the final destination of our remarkable journey - Singapore. Leaving behind the rainforest landscapes of Borneo, we arrive in the dynamic city-state this afternoon and transfer to our hotel.

After checking in, we head to the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore's most iconic attractions set against the backdrop of the city's futuristic skyline. During our visit, we explore the vast Flower Dome, home to ever-changing displays and exotic species from the Mediterranean and arid desert regions, before stepping into the mist-shrouded Cloud Forest. Here, the world's tallest indoor waterfall is surrounded by a lush mountain clad with plants from around the world.

This evening, we witness the breathtaking Garden Rhapsody light show, as the iconic Supertrees come alive with lights and music in a captivating display, before dining together at a local restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY14Sightseeing in Singapore

Today, we discover the rich cultures and neighbourhoods of Singapore. Our morning begins at Geylang Serai Market, where we browse the bustling stalls before sampling local cuisine at a traditional hawker centre, a popular gathering place offering a variety of local dishes. We then continue to Tekka Market in the heart of Little India, Singapore's largest wet market, for a glimpse into everyday local life.

Returning to our hotel, there's time to relax and enjoy the facilities at leisure before we reconvene this afternoon for a tour of the city's highlights. Beginning in the historic district of Kampong Glam, we learn about its connections to Singapore's Malay, Arab and Bugis communities before continuing to Merlion Park and the vibrant streets of Chinatown, where we visit the impressive Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

Our final stop is at the beautiful Singapore Botanic Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site and tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Here, we stroll through the renowned National Orchid Garden, home to more than 60,000 orchids displayed in an extraordinary array of colour and variety. After our day of sightseeing, we enjoy a final dinner together in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY15Homeward bound

From the heritage streets of Penang to the dazzling skyline of Singapore, this remarkable journey has revealed the very best of Malaysia, Borneo and Singapore. We have admired panoramic views from Penang Hill, explored the misty tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, experienced the energy of Kuala Lumpur and discovered the rich natural beauty of Sabah. Encounters with Borneo's unique wildlife, a tranquil mangrove cruise and a nostalgic journey aboard the North Borneo Heritage Train have all created lasting memories of its wilderness and heritage, before concluding in the cosmopolitan city of Singapore.

Checking out of our hotel this morning after breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our flight home to London Heathrow, landing at local time this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Hotels

The George Penang by The Crest Collection, Penang
The George Penang by The Crest Collection, Penang
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Cameron Highlands Resort, Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands Resort, Cameron Highlands
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Four Points by Sheraton, Kuala Lumpur
Four Points by Sheraton, Kuala Lumpur
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Ormond Hotel, Sandakan
Ormond Hotel, Sandakan
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Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
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Paradox, Singapore
Paradox, Singapore
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Enhance your holiday

Flight upgrades

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Flight upgrades
London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

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We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels
UK rail connections

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

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We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

UK train tickets