Peninsular Malaysia Carbon Friendly Journey

📍 Singapore to Malacca Sentral (255km) 4 hours (included exit and entry border) Kuala Lumpur - Malacca (150 km): approx 2.15 hrs Malacca Walking Tour (3 km) 3-4 hours

Departure to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. On arrival in Malacca, transfer to the hotel for check-in. 

Meet the guide at the hotel at 18:30 to experience the delights of Malacca cuisine and get a closer look at the local culinary culture that makes Malacca such a hub of international cuisine. 

Spend the evening walking and taking colorful rickshaws through the smaller streets of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage town. Stop at a variety of local restaurants, some offer traditional Malay dishes while others offer culinary treats influenced by overseas traders who came to Malacca over the past 2,000 years. Run by the same family for generations, these restaurants specialize in one type of dish, from chicken rice balls to cendol (a refreshing dessert with coconut and caramelized palm sugar) or asam pedas (a spicy fish stew), making them true experts in their craft. 

Start with a satay celup, which is a type of hot peanut fondue to dip the chicken and vegetable skewers in. With the piping hot aromatic peanuts and wide assortment of skewered meat and vegetables, it is one of Malacca’s signature dishes. 

Loading a variety of spices, coconut-based sauces, meats and vegetables into clay pots at the traditional clay pot specialty restaurant. Roast them over a strong open fire, this brings out incredible flavors and aromas which one simply will not find at home.

Next, delight the palate in the sumptuous aromas of Indian tandoori spices. Arriving in Malacca 2,000 years ago as spice traders, the Indians brought with them a form of cuisine where marinated meat is put on long metal skewers and cooked over an intense fire in a clay oven. 

Continue onwards to try Chinese specialties like dim sum, as well street food from a hawker stall that boasts a variety of Malay and Chinese recipes. 

Head to the old town and stroll through the heritage houses along Jonker street, before ending up at a picturesque cafe along the canal. Lined with street art, colorful lights and music playing from nearby bars, this is a fantastic spot to relax with a drink and muse upon the multicultural cuisines that people brought to this quaint world heritage town. 

Overnight in Malacca.

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Malacca to Kuala Lumpur (150 km): approx 2.15 hrs

Be picked up from the hotel for a full-day city tour of quaint Malacca. Steeped in history as a trading post due to its vital location along the Malacca Strait, the town is a melting pot of cultures resulting from distinct history from the rest of Malaysia notable due to the substantial Portuguese and Dutch influences. 

Best explored on foot (a trishaw can be used for this tour at an additional cost), meander through areas steeped in history starting at the oldest remaining example of European architecture in Southeast Asia, A Famosa, before climbing St Paul’s Hill to visit St Paul’s Church and descending to one of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture, the Stadthuys - the former Dutch City Hall which is flanked by flamboyantly decorated trishaws.

Sample food at Peranakan style restaurants in Malacca. This style of food is influenced by the Cantonese, Portuguese and Malay ingredients and methods. Taste a delicious warm Portuguese tart from one of the many nearby vendors.

Next, head to Temple Street, named for the multicultural range of temples and mosques that have lined the street since the early 18th century. This is the perfect place to get a taste of the area’s uniquely diverse local culture. Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Kampong King Mosque and Sri Vinayagar Temple to better understand Indian, Chinese and Malay religious customs.

Continue to see restored Peranakan buildings (a cultural mix of Han-Chinese and Malay that forged its own style, known as the Baba-Nyonya, from the 15th century). 

Visit the excellent Baba-Nyonya Museum along the way to learn more about the unique Peranakan culture before exploring some interesting antique stores and cafes along the famous Jonker Street. 

Stop by a traditional Malay house to learn about distinctive Malay customs and take a river cruise along the newly developed key side for a unique view of the city.

Depart by vehicle to Kuala Lumpur. Check it at the hotel.

Evening free at leisure.

Overnight in Kuala Lumpur. 
Note: Baba Nyonya Museum closed on Mondays. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Today’s tour starts at 09:00.  

Meet your architectural tour guide at the hotel lobby (only for hotels located in KLCC area) for a 3-hour walking tour delving into the architectural evolution of Kuala Lumpur by visiting several architectural landmarks and points of interest along the walking trail. 

Note: for the join-in tour the meeting point will at Avenue K Shopping Mall

Visit the variety of architectural styles that exist in KL. Starting from the modern Petronas/KLCC, the latest W Hotel, which is located on a former site of a colonial bungalow, the colonial building of MATIC, explore the ruin of an old tunnel at the foothill of Bukit Nanas, colonial school buildings of St John, public art murals and sculptures, five-foot shophouses, stroll along Ampang/Melaka Road, until towards Jamek Mosque bridge.

Immerse in the storytelling of our knowledgeable guide bringing in the different architectural and cultural perspectives of the typical city tour into the architectural wonders and heritage of the century-old city. 

The tour ends at Independence Square, where it all started. Continue exploring the city independently. 

This early evening at 15:45, be met at the hotel lobby with the expert local guide and be taken for a transfer then a walk through the hidden laneways, historic streets and speakeasies of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown by a local expert who has mastered the art of the palate. Join our specialist foodie for this evening walking tour and embrace the stories and history of the city while discovering its hidden secrets made by local artists and culinary talents. 

Walk down hidden laneways to discover six interactive murals that captivate the memories of Malaysia’s Chinese community back in the 1960s. Sip on a cocktail while watching sunset over Petaling Street - some say it is the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur. As the sun goes down, the local expert guide will get to know guests’ personal tastes and together customize part of the walking tour by selecting the next hidden bar that best suits guests. 

Explore a hidden bar - either a secretive taboo inspired or an alluring speakeasy with fresh authentic cocktails made by a famous mixologist or a super stylish oriental setting bar with eclectic oriental fusion based cocktails.   

Along the way, entice the five senses by smelling and tasting delicious local delights and national favorite Indian Rotis, the famous Claypots Chicken Rice and colorful pastries from a 4th Generation bakery. If daring enough, finish a Durian tart or puff.  There are plenty of choices including some incredibly tasty vegetarian dishes for those who don’t eat meat or fish.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Meet your driver in the lobby and transfer to the train station for your journey to Ipoh. The train departs from KL Sentral at 08:30 and arrives in Ipoh at 11:15. As you sit back and take a comfortable ride through the countryside, watch as the scenery changes from the bustling city of KL to the quaint town of Ipoh, set against the backdrop of magnificent limestone mountains.

Upon arrival at Ipoh Railway Station, a superb example of colonial architecture, you will be transferred to the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. Nestled in a 16.19-acre valley cradled by 260 million-year-old towering Paleozoic limestone hills, this unique hideaway offers a gateway to rediscovering your true self and adding balance to your life. The retreat is designed with both luxury and therapeutic value in mind.

With check-in at 15:00, you will have the afternoon to leisurely explore the retreat grounds and take a walk through nearby caves, such as the crystal cave, an exquisite experience adorned with amethyst and quartz crystals that facilitate metaphysical healing. It is perfect for private energy healing after a long flight or several days of travel. Browse the activities schedule and sign up for one of the complimentary activities for the following day.

Tonight, enjoy a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience inside a 260-million-year-old limestone cave, with stalactites and stalagmites forming the stunning backdrop. Soft lighting illuminates the stone walls interiors and cascading smooth pools combined with classical music create a most memorable romantic atmosphere.

Located at the Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat, Jeff’s Cellar is surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest valley, cascading waterfalls and thermal hot springs. Well-hidden and once initially reserved to resort guests, now Jeff Cellar culinary delights and exquisite wines’ canteen selection can be intimately enjoyed within its limestone walls by limited outside guests.

Uniquely combined, layered and partnered together, Jeff’s Cellar’s menu, a collaboration of three talented fine dining Chef’s, ensures that each dish tantalises the palate while showcasing modern Malaysian Cuisine. Supported by a 5-star service team that is familiar with the menu and the wine list, this gastronomic experience is a journey of textures, smells, sites and palate-cleansing surprises. 

Overnight Ipoh 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Ipoh to Georgetown by train: 2hours Butterworth to Penang hotel: (30km) 34min

Start your morning by relaxing and rejuvenating. Enjoy a swim in the warm waters of a geothermal swimming pool, focus your mind in a natural granite and limestone meditation cave, and relax in seclusion to focus your mind in silence.

Next, move on to the thermal steam cave before plunging into a freezing ice bath. After an early lunch, head to the train station to continue your journey by train to Penang. The train departs at 13:37 and arrives at Butterworth Station at 15:23. 

Upon arrival at Butterworth station, meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel.

Be met by the guide in the hotel lobby at 18:00 for an exploration of Penang by night. Be picked up at the hotel by trishaw. (Please note: The pick up by trishaw is for hotels located within the Georgetown area). 

Go on a ride on a beca (the local name for trishaw), that is today a dying breed with less than 150 trishaw riders left in Penang. Discover Georgetown’s Heritage by night on board this three-wheeled transportation before being dropped off at Red Garden Food Paradise night market. The hawker venue offers all of Penang’s favourite dishes. Taste the popular satay sticks of barbecued meat and char koay teow noodles fried with seafood while watching how they are prepared. 

From 21:00 each evening sit back and enjoy a local band or take a short walk to Georgetown’s 360-degree revolving bar for a drink (at your own expense) with a spectacular view of the town.

Overnight in Penang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Discover a more unusual side of Penang. 

Start the day the local way at 07:00, with a fabulous dim sum breakfast. Dining alongside crowds of Penangites, sample the city’s best dim sum. The guide will explain about the city’s culinary traditions and Malaysian dining etiquette while the din of conversation and clunking of chopsticks echo in the background. 

Once full, continue along Penang’s culinary trail with a visit to Chow Rasta. This wet market has been in operation since the early 1800’s and is the perfect place to observe scenes of daily life. Watch as housewives and chefs haggle with vendors for the freshest food and learn about the daily market culture of Penang. 

Switch gears, shifting from Penang’s culinary scene to its more artistic side. Head to Georgetown, Penang’s cultural centre and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the streets, looking beyond the heritage buildings and religious sites to discover remarkable street art. Discover whimsical paintings and sculptures as well as interactive murals inspired by daily life. Learn about the commissioning of one of Penang’s largest street art collections and the growing community of local artists who help add touches of personality to the city’s streets. 

Having enjoyed the best Penang street art and its vibrant culinary scenes, return to the hotel at about 11:00 for a chance to freshen up

1400 Meet with the guide and start exploring by walking to the fascinating world of the Straits Chinese. Pass by the incredible Cheong Fatt Tse Mansion, better known as the blue mansion, St. George Church and the High Court. Stop at Yuan Yin Temple, also known as smoking temple due to the hundreds of joss sticks that are offered daily. 
After a photo-stop in front of the Capitan Kling Mosque, originally founded for the Muslim Indian community of the island, visit Khoo Kongsi with intricate carving, woodwork and porcelain décor. Originally established in 1835, the current structure dates back to 1906 and it is considered the finest clan house of all of Malaysia. The site is also part of the set for the famous movie Anna and the King.
After that, visit the nearby Yap Kongsi, built in 1924 by a clan association whose origins date back to 439 BC. Then visit Cheah Kongsi Temple, which is an eclectic mix of a Chinese mansion, Chinese temple, and European bungalow. The present temple structure is from the 1870s. 
Then proceed to the Clan Jetties of Georgetown originating from settlements of Chinese immigrants who share a common historical, geographical and family lineage. Today there are still six clan jetties along the waterfront. Take a stroll in their narrow wooden paths surrounded by typical old Asia decadent charm. Continue the Penang walking tour through the old town, stopping to admire some of the architectural wonders that earned the town a UNESCO World Heritage status. Admire the streets’ mix of old and new. Hear fascinating tales behind some of the historic structures, see modern, whimsical street art and keep an eye out for small workshops where craftsmen may be making items such as joss sticks or weaving rattan items. 
Return to the hotel.

Overnight Penang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning, be picked up at 08:15 from the hotel for a transfer to Tropical Spice Garden. On arrival take a guided tour of the Spice Terraces, explore the lush landscaped award-winning gardens set out over 8 acres of secondary jungle. Then take a refreshment tea in the Bamboo Garden. Tucked away in a secluded corner of the gardens, the cooking school is surrounded by jungle trees and wildlife, a small herb garden and a glimpse of the Andaman Sea. 

At 10:15, the cooking class commences. Cook tasty Malay, Nyonya and/or Indian cuisine with the help of professional chefs. Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine is a unique combination of Chinese, Malay and other influences. Peranakans are descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in Penang, Malacca, Indonesia and Singapore, inter-marrying with local Malays. The old Malay word, nyonya is a term of respect and affection for women of prominent social standing (part madame and part auntie). The same word has come to refer to the cuisine of the Peranakans.

With a blend of Chinese ingredients with various distinct spices and cooking techniques from the Malay/Indonesian community, Nyonya cooking has a tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal combination. 
Mix this with the influence of Indian cuisine the experience is concluded with a delightful selection of dishes to enjoy for lunch on the patio. 

(Please note: Dishes will vary depending on the day and menu set. Some examples are: Penang Nyonya flavours/Best of Malay/Spices of India or Tropical Thai. Vegetarian options are available on request.)

Following the lunch, depart deep in the hills of the winding road of Teluk Bahang towards Balik Pulau to Art and Garden where nature meets with art. Within 1.5 acres of hilly land, in three-tier reaches, a green sanctuary showcases an amazing variety of bromeliads, air plants, aloes, agaves, gingers, trumpet pictures and orchids amidst glass, clay and metal sculptures as well as paintings and colourful mosaics. 

Take a pleasant walk along the terraced hill land with an explanation of each plant’s origin and use. Appreciate the seamlessly blended art glasswork with tropical planting and landscape along with many other mediums of work.

Transfer back to hotel by 16:30. 

Overnight in Penang.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Transfer from Penang Hotel to Penang Airport (20km): 45 minutes

Transfer to Penang Airport for onward journey. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast