Malaysia & Singapore Highlights

1. Budget-friendly Travel Plan: Singapore is very compact and expensive, allowing you to pack a lot into a short stay. Our well-curated tour typically allocates 1 or 2 days in Singapore (enough to see the highlights), leaving more days for Malaysia and maximizing your experience.
2. Money Matters: Exchange a proper amount of Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) and Singapore Dollars (SGD) before you travel, although some say that US dollars might be accepted at airports and a few hotels. If you have not exchanged currency in advance, airports are not recommended for the less favorable exchange rates; it’s better to withdraw cash from ATMs or exchange currency at exchange shops in the downtown. Singapore is much more expensive compared to Malaysia. For example, a bottle of water can cost as much as SGD 2.5 (USD 2) in a Singaporean convenience store. (Tip: you can buy bottled water for SGD 1 at fair-price supermarkets.)
3. Lunch and Dinner on Your Own: We understand that personal preferences matter when it comes to food. This trip offers flexibility for you to eat according to your taste and budget. Whether you’re craving Western comfort food or going to try some Asian delicacies, our guide would be always on hand to make recommendations.

Kick off your Southeast Asian adventure with us! When your plane lands in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, our driver-guide will be waiting to greet you at the airport. Sit back on our air-conditioned private car for a comfortable 1-hour journey to your hotel.

Accommodation: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur (5 stars) or similar

★ Hotel Upgrade: We’ve upgraded your accommodation to a 5-star hotel. Enjoy the impeccable facilities, exceptional service, and especially its fantastic location near the Jalan Alor Food Street in the city center.

Free Time Suggestions:
Just a 10-minute walk northwest of your hotel lies Jalan Alor, a paradise for foodies. You can also take a taxi there, but not recommended, as it’s very congested around and a taxi won’t save much time. It is home to delicacies from all over the world and a bustling nightlife hub. You can wander through the lively atmosphere, with endless options at your fingertips. If you’re looking for a specific recommendation, the Restoran Sai Woo comes highly rated, serving a variety of seafood dishes at wallet-friendly prices – MRY 40 to 60 (USD 8 to 12) per person. Their signature Chili Crab, BBQ King Prawn, Grilled Stingray, Beef and Chicken Satay, and Fried Rice are worth trying.

After breakfast, our driver-guide will first escort you from the hotel to the Batu Caves, a mogote and a famous Hindu shrine nestled in the northern suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, featuring a series of karst caves with exquisite Hindu temples built inside. Ascend the 275 rainbow-colored steps up the mountain, accompanied by playful monkeys and pigeons, and enter the main cave with an open-up vision. Get stunned by the soaring 100-meter-high ceiling and ornate Hindu-style decorations.
► Insider Tips:
1. The Batu Caves are known for the mischievous monkeys. To avoid being ‘robbed’, try not to wear jewelry and carry food when visiting, and pay attention to valuables like cameras and phones.
2. Visitors are required to wear trousers or long dresses that fall below the knee. If you’re wearing shorts or a short skirt, you can rent appropriate clothing at the entrance.

Afterwards, we will return to the downtown for a photo stop at the Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka), where the British flag was lowered and the Malaysian flag first raised in 1957 to mark the independence of the Malays. Take a walk on the expansive lawns and admire the historic buildings around. Capture photos with the grand Sultan Abdul Samad Building as your backdrop. Next, head to the Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. Witness the majestic Chinese archway and countless red lanterns. Get lost in a maze of stalls brimming with inexpensive gadgets, enjoy haggling in the market, and try delicious Chinese cuisine if you like.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the National Mosque. Get amazed by its roof and minaret boasting a modern design aesthetic. Step inside to discover a spacious and well-maintained Islamic prayer hall, with a capacity for a staggering 8,000 worshippers.
► Insider Tips:
1. Dress respectfully and remove shoes to enter. Your shoulders and knees should be covered, and women need to wear a headscarf to cover their hair. The mosque provides robes for visitors to use free of charge.
2. If you happen to visit on a Saturday or Sunday when the mosque is closed, we’ll visit the nearby Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia as an alternative.

Next, prepare to be awestruck by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest twin towers and a symbol of Malaysia. You’ll have a chance to aboard the SkyBridge on the 41st floor, to see how the two giant towers seamlessly connect, before continuing your ascent to the 86th floor Observation Deck, 370 meters (1,214 feet) above the ground, for breathtaking panoramic cityscape of Kuala Lumpur. Finally, our driver-guide can either take you back to your hotel or drop you off near the McDonald’s Fries Crosswalk for some independent discovery.

► Dinner Suggestion:
Fuel up with dinner nearby, and then walk a few minutes to Jalan Alor for drinks as the city twinkles to life at night. Damascus Bukit Bintang, a Syrian-inspired kebab restaurant just a 2-minute walk north of the Crosswalk, is highly recommended. Taste the city’s most scrumptious shawarma (chicken, beef, or mix), drizzled with their signature garlic sauce. It costs just MYR 30 to 40 (USD 6 to 9) per person. The only drawback is that there can be a wait up to an hour, especially during peak hours.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur (5 stars) or similar

In the morning, pack your bags and our driver-guide will escort you on a 2-hour road trip to Malacca, a seaside trading hub that flourished since ancient times. Upon arrival, leave your luggage at the hotel and start exploring sights steeped in history and cultural charm. The city’s story began as the Malacca Sultanate from 1400 to 1511 AD, and its strategic location on the Strait of Malacca gave it control over the international trade of the Malay Archipelago, which also led to its later colonization by Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain. Let’s take an in-depth look into Malacca’s rich colonial architecture and cultural landscape shaped by nearly 700 years of multicultural history. Our first stop is the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Admire the building entirely made of precious nanmu wood. Look above the eaves, and be mesmerized by the lifelike mythological and animal figures made of broken glass and porcelain that glisten in the sun. Then, we’ll delve into Jonker Walk, the most prestigious food street in Malacca, overflowing with a variety of mouthwatering authentic Malay food.

► Lunch Recommendation:
As you enter Jonker Walk, the iconic Hoe Kee Chicken Rice beckons with its time-honored reputation. Beloved by both tourists and locals, this restaurant might require a wait during lunch hours, but the signature dish, Chicken Rice Balls, is absolutely worth it. The rice is cooked in chicken broth, then kneaded into ping-pong sized balls, and served with tender and flavorful boiled chicken, with a unique sauce and sambal. What a satisfying meal! The standard serving size for 2 people is 10 rice balls (with proper portion of chicken), and you can reduce or add more rice as you like. If you want something new, their sour and spicy Asam Fish Head is recommended.

Next, walk across the Tan Kim Seng Bridge to the east bank of the Malacca River. Check out the famous Dutch Red Square and take in the eye-catching red clock tower standing on the river. The Victorian-era fountain in the center of the square carries visitors’ wishes, while the thick red brick walls and sturdy wooden doors of the imposing Dutch Stadthuys whisper tales of its colonial past. Later, we’ll pass the mottled ruins of the St. Paul’s Church on the top of Bukit Melaka, and then marvel at the A Famosa (Porta de Santiago) at the foot of the hill, revered by locals as a symbol of Malacca’s enduring spirit.

In the late afternoon, head to the Taman Rempah Jetty for an around 40-minute Melaka River Cruise. Feel the breeze as you unwind in the captivating riverside scene bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Finally, our driver-guide will whisk you back to the hotel, or if you’re yearning for further exploration, just let the driver-guide take you back to the Jonker Walk. Continue to explore its night market on your own, pamper yourself with local snacks, make the most of your last night in Malaysia, and finally hail a Grab taxi for a short 10-minute ride back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka (4 stars) or similar

Today, you will leave Malaysia for Singapore by bus. The bus journey takes 4 to 5 hours, including necessary stops and border formalities, so we’ll secure you an early bus ticket to allow more time to visit Singapore. Feel free to contact our travel consultant to discuss the departure time according to your individual needs.

► Get from the Hotel to Melaka Sentral by Yourself:
Please check out and leave the hotel at least 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your bus, and book a Grab taxi to Melaka Sentral Station, which takes 15 to 20 minutes and costs about MYR 20 (USD 4-5). A budget option is the bus Panorama 17, but not recommended as it takes more time – a 6-minute walk north to the bus stop Rumah Pangsa Hilir Kota is needed, the bus departs every 30 to 40 minutes, and a trip to Melaka Sentral Station takes half an hour.

► Bus Journey from Malacca to Singapore (tickets reserved and included):
1. Exchange for a Paper Ticket: Head to the ticket counter at Melaka Sentral Station, and present your e-ticket to redeem your paper ticket for a small fee of MYR 0.7 (USD 0.15).
2. Boarding & Riding: Get on the bus through the designated boarding gate indicated by the paper ticket. Most buses offer a 3-seats-in-a-row configuration. Settle into your spacious and comfortable seat, and catch up on your sleep during the 3.5-hour journey to the Johor Bahru Checkpoint of Malaysia. There will be a stop at a service area with restrooms and a convenience store, the last place to spend any remaining Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) you might have.
3. Cross the Border: Upon arrival at the exit checkpoint of Malaysia, please disembark the bus without luggage. Go up to the second floor for an exit stamp, and then walk forward and go downstairs to board your bus. (It is recommended that you take a photo or record your bus license plate in advance). Please ensure that you complete your Singapore Arrival Card on the ‘MyICA’ app within three days prior to entering Singapore. When the bus arrives at the Singapore entry checkpoint after crossing the Johor Strait, you need to disembark with your luggage. Proceed to the second floor for immigration formalities – go through a self-clearance immigration kiosk with your passport and fingerprint, and have your luggage checked.
4. Continue the Journey: Once you’ve cleared immigration, go downstairs to reboard your original bus, for another 40-minute ride to the terminal in downtown Singapore. (We’ll try our best to book a bus with the terminal near your hotel in Singapore.)

Get Ready to Embrace Singapore!
Our Singapore guide will be waiting for you at the bus terminal and escort you to your hotel on foot or by taxi. Once checked in and refreshed, let’s embark on a public transport adventure to explore the highlight attractions. The local streets and food offer a vibrant introduction to the country’s diverse culture. We’ll first head to Kampong Glam, a famous Muslim quarter in Singapore. Admire the golden-domed Sultan Mosque, stroll through the bustling Arab Street, and take in the street art in Haji Lane.

► Lunch Recommendation:
The Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant opposite the Sultan Mosque is well worth trying. Established in 1908, this renowned Indian-Muslim restaurant keeps the taste of its dishes impeccable. Their chefs insist on hand-making Murtabak, Biryani, Goreng, and other light snacks on site. Different varieties, including chicken, beef, lamb, fish, vegetables and even deer (rusa), cater to diverse palates. Prices for Murtabak range from 7 to 24 SGD depending on size, making it a delicious and affordable option.

Next, follow our guide into the Little India. The rich aromas of curries and spices will greet you even before you set foot in the neighborhood. From gleaming silver and bronze ware to distinctive jewelry, jasmine garlands, silk saris, and traditional Indian handicrafts, these treasures offer a glimpse into this ancient and mysterious realm. Appreciate the ornate architecture and carvings of the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and, if you are lucky, witness the puja ceremony (around 17:00), when the Hindu devotees light lamps and offer flowers to their deities. Next, head to the seafront Merlion Park to see the iconic Merlion statue, a national symbol and must-see of Singapore. Take your time capturing photos from different angles with the statue and see if you can ‘catch’ the water spray from the Merlion’s mouth. When the golden hues of sunset paint the sea, our guide will accompany you on a walking tour along the Waterfront Promenade. Be dazzled by the architectural marvels around the bay, including the durian-like Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, the observation wheel Singapore Flyer, the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum, and the luxury hotel resort Marina Bay Sands. Our guide can finally escort you back to your hotel, or you can stay longer on your own to enjoy the illuminated cityscape.

► Recommended Night Activities:
You can watch the ‘Spectra - A Light and Water Show’ on the terrace at the entrance of the Marina Bay Sands, or head to the Clarke Quay, where there are plenty of dinner and nightlife options. The restaurants JUMBO Seafood - Riverside Point, Red House Seafood Nanyang, and Song Fa Bak Kut Teh are all local favorites.

► Insider Tip:
English is widely spoken, and more importantly, Singaporeans are friendly and helpful. Any problem you encounter on the road, you can expect prompt and effective assistance, which is much better than what you may experience in other Asian countries such as China and Japan.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Singapore Bugis (4 stars) or similar

Farewell, Southeast Asia! Today, make your own way to the airport depending on your flight schedule. We wish you a smooth journey home, with pleasant memories and a safe arrival.

Meals: Breakfast

► How to Get to Singapore Changi Airport (for your reference):
Book a Grab taxi to the airport, taking approximately 20 minutes and costing SGD 20 to 30 (USD 15 to 23). For a more budget-friendly option, consider taking the MRT or bus, which takes an hour for a cost of just SGD 2 (USD 1.5) – you’ll need to walk 6 minutes northeast from the hotel to Bugis MRT Station to take the East West Line for half an hour to the airport; or walk 6 minutes south from the hotel to Aft Bras Basah Stn Exit A and take bus Line 36 (PTB2 Basement) for 47 minutes to the airport. Feel free to contact us if you need us to arrange a private car service for an additional fee.

► Making the Most of Your Departure Day:
If you’re leaving on an evening flight, consider visiting Gardens by the Bay on your own in the morning to experience the natural wonderland created by a variety of exotic tropical flowers and trees. Head to Chinatown at noon to soak in the lively market atmosphere, browse century-old shops, and taste authentic Chinese snacks. If you would like to extend your stay in Singapore, or explore other destinations, just feel free to contact us for a tailored travel plan.