BEST OF SINGAPORE,
MALAYSIA AND
BORNEO
12G/11N TOUR
AVAILABLE:
EVERY SATURDAY ALL YEAR ROUND WITH A FREE ITALIAN GUIDE ON A CLOSED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS (MINIMUM 2 MAXIMUM 10)
DAILY ON A PRIVATE BASIS ENGLISH
INCLUDES Italian/English speaking guide, public transport, airport transfers with driver only, hotels and meals as per itinerary.
DOES NOT INCLUDE Flights, unspecified meals, early check-in / late check-out, tourism tax RM 10 per room / night, night supplement +50% for arrival / departure transfers between 10.30pm and 7.30am, drinks during meals
DAY 01
Arrival in Singapore and City Tour
At 3:30 PM, meet your guide in the lobby of the 3-star Mercure On Stevens to begin a walking tour of the city lasting approximately 5 hours. Merlion Park is reached via a short walk and public transportation (estimated time: 25-30 minutes). Merlion Park is one of Singapore's iconic landmarks, located opposite Marina Bay, offering an iconic view of the city skyline. Continue to the Civic District, the city's historic and administrative heart, home to some of the most significant colonial buildings, such as the Victoria Theatre and the National Gallery.
Stroll along the Singapore River to Clarke Quay, a neighborhood known for its colorful historic houses, now home to restaurants and bars overlooking the river. From Clarke Quay, transfer by subway or bus to Chinatown, where you'll discover the Sri Mariamman Temple, traditional shops, and local markets. During the visit, there will be a short break to enjoy coffee, local tea, or a traditional snack (optional, approximately 10 SGD per person). In the late afternoon, continue to Marina Bay Sands and, with a pleasant stroll, reach the Gardens by the Bay, an example of futuristic landscape architecture. At 7:45 PM, enjoy the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show within the Supertree Grove. After the show, stroll back to Marina Bay Sands, where the guide's service ends. Guests can choose to continue their evening freely or return to their hotel independently. The guide can assist with finding a taxi (costs to be paid by guests).
Overnight stay: Mercure On Stevens 3* – Superior Room.
Note: For those arriving on the direct Singapore Airlines flight SQ377/SQ378 at 07:00am, there is the option to include airport transfer and early check-in at the Mercure On Stevens 3* with a supplement as per the price list.
DAY 02
Singapore - Malacca - Kuala Lumpur
(Peranakan breakfast, lunch)
After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 8:30 a.m. with a driver from your hotel in Singapore, heading north to the historic city of Malacca (approximately 200 km). After completing customs formalities in Johor Bahru, you'll switch vehicles and continue along the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. Upon arrival in Malacca, begin your walking tour of the city. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Malacca's historic center preserves an important colonial and religious architectural heritage, testimony to the numerous European and Asian dominations that have occurred over the centuries. The tour begins at Santiago Gate, the only remnant of the Portuguese fortress "A Famosa," built in the 16th century and partially destroyed by the British. The tour continues by climbing St. Paul's Hill, where the ruins of the ancient church of the same name are located, offering beautiful views of the city and the Strait of Malacca.
The walk continues toward Red Square, the Dutch colonial heart of the city, home to the Stadthuys and Christ Church. Lunch at a typical local restaurant to savor the flavors of traditional Peranakan culture. In the afternoon, visit the Baba-Nyonya Museum, which tells the story of the Peranakans, the Chinese people of the Straits of Malacca, known for their syncretic culture of East and West. Then a stroll along Harmony Street, so named for its multi-religious sites: visiting the Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple, the oldest in Malaysia, the Kampung Kling Mosque, and finally the famous Jonker Street, the street of antiques and handicrafts, with free time for shopping for local products. At the end of the tour, depart for Kuala Lumpur (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. At the end, transfer to Kuala Lumpur (about 2 hours – 200 km).
Accommodation: The Stripes Kuala Lumpur 5* – Deluxe Room.
DAY 03
Kuala Lumpur City Tour (Breakfast, Star-Lunch)
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide at 9:00 a.m. for a morning dedicated to discovering the main symbols of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's dynamic and multicultural capital. The first stop is the Thean Hou Temple, one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. Dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, venerated by the Hainanese community, the temple is a refined example of a syncretic architecture combining Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions. Situated on a hill, it offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Continue with a photo stop outside the Royal Palace (Istana Negara), the official residence of the King of Malaysia. The palace, visible only from the outside, is protected by royal guards in traditional uniforms. The itinerary continues with a panoramic drive in front of the National Mosque (Masjid Negara), a symbol of Malaysia's religious and cultural independence, built in 1965 in a modern architectural style with traditional Islamic influences.
Arrival at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), a symbol of liberation from British rule, where the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time on August 31, 1957. The square is surrounded by some of the city's most significant colonial buildings, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, characterized by its Moorish-style domes. In the late morning, stop at a local restaurant famous for its chicken rice, an iconic Malaysian dish. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star for the quality and authenticity of the dish, which pairs tender steamed or soy-cooked chicken with flavored rice and traditional sauces. Return to the hotel after lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure for individual activities. We suggest visiting the adjacent Central Market, a historic covered market where you can purchase local handicrafts, batik, and souvenirs, or strolling through nearby Chinatown, a vibrant neighborhood with stalls, street food, and ancient temples such as the Guan Di Temple and Sri Mahamariamman.
DAY 04
Kuala Lumpur – Batu Caves – Ipoh – Malay Village (traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Depart at 8:30 a.m. for the Batu Caves, a complex of limestone caves sacred to the Hindu community, known for the monumental golden statue of the god Murugan and the long, colorful staircase leading into the main cave. Continue to Ipoh (200 km – approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, lunch will be served at a local restaurant on Temersing Lake, where you can sample typical specialties such as nasi lemak, curry mee, and Ipoh's famous white coffee. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Ipoh, visiting Concubine Lane, a historic street lined with artisan shops and cafes, and Mural Art's Lane, a street decorated with murals that tell the stories of the city and its people.
Afterwards, transfer to a traditional Malay village (approximately 65 km – 1 hour) where you will have the opportunity to experience authentic Malay village life at a charming homestay on the shores of the lake. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a welcome drink, checked into the traditional wooden chalets, and given an introduction to the local culture. During your stay, you will enjoy cultural activities such as a sarong-making lesson and the traditional game of congkak. Dinner is shared, featuring a traditional Malay menu personally prepared by the hosts, with traditional attire provided. Overnight stay: Heritage wooden house without air conditioning, private bathroom. Alcohol is prohibited, and shoes are not permitted inside the homes.
Overnight stay: Heritage wooden house without air conditioning, private bathroom. Alcohol is prohibited, and shoes are not permitted inside the houses.
DAY 05
Malay Village - Bukit Merah - Penang (breakfast, lunch, street food in Penang)
After a traditional breakfast in the village, at 9:45 a.m., we leave the tranquil rural setting behind and continue toward the vibrant island of Penang, crossing the hinterland of West Malaysia. En route, we reach Bukit Merah (80 km - 60 min), home to Orang Utan Island, a conservation project dedicated to protecting Bornean orangutans. A short boat transfer (departure time 11:15 a.m.) takes us to the forest island where orangutans live in semi-freedom. During the tour, we walk through a protected tunnel where we can observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat and learn about the conservation projects for this endangered species. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. We continue northwest (75 km - 60 min.) and arrive in Penang via one of Asia's longest bridges, which connects the mainland to the island and offers panoramic views of the strait. Upon arrival in Georgetown, the historic heart of Penang and a UNESCO World Heritage site, we'll stop for lunch at a typical local food court. Here, you'll be able to sample some of the island's most famous specialties, such as Char Kway Teow, Assam Laksa, and Penang Rojak, an expression of the region's multicultural cuisine.
After lunch, we continue with a visit to Penang's most famous water village, Chew Jetty, part of the Clan Jetties, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consisting of historic Chinese settlements built on stilts over the water, they showcase a unique way of life and offer a glimpse into Penang's past. The tour continues with a discovery of the island's historical and religious heritage. A visit to the exterior of Fort Cornwallis, the oldest British fortification in Malaysia, built by Sir Francis Light in the 18th century. From the fort's ramparts, you can observe the harbor and the numerous colonial buildings surrounding the square, a testament to the British imperial era. We then enter the heart of the city with a visit to Khoo Kongsi, one of the most impressive Chinese clan houses in the country, adorned with elaborate wood carvings and architectural details typical of southern Chinese communities. The tour continues on foot through the narrow streets of the historic center, passing art galleries, artisan cafes, and historic shops, where Chinese temples, mosques, and Christian churches coexist. The spice-scented streets lead to Little India, a neighborhood bustling with shops selling colorful fabrics, spices, and Indian street food. At the end of the tour, check-in to your hotel and enjoy free time to rest or explore the city on your own.
Overnight: The George Boutique Hotel 5* – Deluxe Room.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that the visit to Orang Utan Island is not possible due to the lowering of the water level of Bukit Merah Lake, the guide will arrange additional visits on the same day to Georgetown on Penang Island with visits to the interesting Thai and Burmese temples.
DAY 06
Penang - Kota Kinabalu (breakfast)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free to explore Georgetown on your own until transfer to Penang Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, meet local staff and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a modern city overlooking the South China Sea, yet retains an authentic soul that reveals itself as you stroll through the local markets, downtown streets, and the waterfront. Free time for your first exploration: we recommend a stroll along the Waterfront Esplanade, a lively area of restaurants and cafes overlooking the sea, or Tanjung Aru Beach for a breathtaking sunset. For dinner, we recommend one of the many stalls at the Filipino Market, where you can enjoy grilled seafood and local specialties, or one of the various restaurants along the Waterfront.
Accommodation: Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre 4* – Superior Room.
DAY 07
Kinabalu Park (breakfast, lunch)
After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary biodiversity. Located about 90 km from Kota Kinabalu (about a 2-hour drive), the park is home to Mount Kinabalu (4,095 meters), the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. First stop is the Nabalu Market, a local market selling fresh produce and handcrafted souvenirs, before continuing to the park entrance. During the day, hike along easy nature trails within the park, visiting the Botanical Garden, where you can admire rare orchids, giant ferns, carnivorous plants, and many other endemic species. Lunch at a local restaurant near the park. Return to the city in the late afternoon. Dinner is free.
DAY 08
Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan - Kinabatangan
(breakfast, lunch, dinner)
7:00 a.m. transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Sandakan (AK6488 BKI SDK 08:50 09:40 not included). Upon arrival, transfer to the nearby Sandakan Jetty and board at 12:00 for the river cruise to the Abai Forest, along the lower Kinabatangan River. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, passing through mangroves and floodplain forest. Upon arrival at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, lunch and accommodation in a lodge surrounded by nature.
In the afternoon, depart for a picturesque sunset river cruise, the perfect time to observe wildlife along the riverbanks. Proboscis monkeys, the symbol of Borneo, are often spotted among the treetops, along with colorful birds and, occasionally, rare pygmy elephants. Dinner at the lodge and a free evening to relax while listening to the sounds of the nocturnal jungle.
Overnight: Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort – Deluxe Chalet.
DAY 09
Kinabatangan - Sandakan - Sepilok - Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu (breakfast)
Early in the morning, another boat excursion to explore the river and observe wildlife during the most active hours of the day. After breakfast, at 9:00 a.m., a boat departs for the Sandakan jetty and transfers to Sepilok, where you'll have time for lunch. At 2:00 p.m., a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, one of Borneo's most important conservation projects, rehabilitating orangutans rescued from the illegal trade. Here, you can witness the orangutan feeding session and visit the nursery housing the infants being reintroduced.
The visit continues to the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the sun bear, the smallest of the bears and a species endemic to Southeast Asia. From elevated walkways, you can observe these fascinating animals, who, having been saved from poaching, now live here in a protected environment. After the visits, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Kota Kinabalu (AK6499 SDK BKI 6:40 PM - 7:30 PM not included). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free time in the afternoon to explore the city center or relax. We recommend visiting the Blue Mosque, Kota Kinabalu's iconic floating mosque over Likas Bay, or enjoying the picturesque sunset at one of the city's many rooftop bars. Dinner is free.
Accommodation: Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre 4* – Superior Room.
DAY 10
Kota Kinabalu - Mulu (breakfast)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport and direct flight to Mulu, in the heart of Malaysian Borneo in Sarawak. A propeller-driven ATR72 is the only aircraft capable of landing at the small airport. Upon arrival, transfer to the Mulu Marriott Resort, nestled in the rainforest, on the edge of Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary biodiversity and one of the largest and most spectacular karst systems in the world. The park extends between limestone and sandstone mountains that house some of the largest and deepest caves on the planet.
In the early afternoon, depart from the park headquarters on foot for a hike through over 3 kilometers of tropical jungle trails on a comfortable boardwalk, reaching Lang's Cave, renowned for its fascinating limestone formations, and the spectacular Deer Cave, considered one of the largest caves in the world in terms of both size and internal volume. Here, ancient stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by time create a surreal atmosphere. At sunset, weather permitting, witness the thrilling spectacle of the millions of bats that inhabit Deer Cave: their movements in flight form vortices and waves in the sky, one of Mulu's most iconic natural phenomena. Return to the resort at sunset, walking through the forest, in an atmosphere made magical by the sounds of nature at night. Dinner at the Mulu Marriott Resort restaurant or free time to relax.
Overnight: Mulu Marriott Resort – Deluxe Room.
DAY 11
Mulu (breakfast)
After breakfast, a new day of exploring the park awaits. In the morning, a boat transfer along the Melinau River to the Wind Caves, known for their spacious interior chambers and natural tunnels shaped by water and wind over millennia. The route continues to Clearwater Cave, one of the world's largest karst systems, characterized by an underground river that has carved an intricate labyrinth of tunnels and cavities over time. The trail winds along wooden walkways and steps that allow for close-up views of the limestone formations and the endemic vegetation growing at the caves' edges. Return by boat to the park headquarters and enjoy lunch at your own leisure. In the afternoon, free time to relax or pursue optional on-site activities. Dinner at the resort is available.
DAY 12
Mulu - prossima destinazione
(colazione)
Breakfast at the hotel and free time for a final stroll along the trails surrounding the resort or to relax in the pristine nature. Transfer to the airport in time for your flight to your next destination.
OPTIONAL EVENING EXCURSIONS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
1. CLIMB ON THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS :
RM 200 per person (includes entrance fee only, must be booked in advance and is subject to availability)
2. KUALA SELANGOR & FIREFLY CRUISE (prices on request) :
DURATION 6 hours.
DEPARTURE TIME 4:00 PM at Hotel lobby.
INCLUDES English-speaking guide, transportation, tour and dinner.
Proceed to the city of Kuala Selangor, visiting the quiet hamlet of Kampung Kuantan, home to one of the largest firefly colonies in the world. Upon arrival in Kuala Selangor, you will visit "Kota Melawati," formerly known as "Fort Altingsburg," the execution block, the royal mausoleum, and colonial buildings. A bird sanctuary park at the foot of Bukit Melawati is an ideal spot for birdwatchers to observe migratory birds. You may also spot silver-leaf monkeys and butterflies.
You will then proceed to Kampung Kuantan, the highlight of the tour.
Paddle upriver in a small, non-motorized boat (tongkang) in the quiet darkness to witness the trees surrounded by a dazzling display of fireflies, resembling a flashing Christmas tree. These thousands of fireflies synchronize and produce a rhythmic flash of light in the mangrove swamp of Kampung Kuantan. Expert local rowers make this a memorable and unforgettable experience. Enjoy a simple dinner at a local restaurant and return to the hotel.
DISCOVER THE DESTINATIONS OF OUR TRIP
