South Malaysian Adventure: From Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
Itinerary
Starting in the capital Kuala Lumpur soak up the energetic atmosphere and sample some tasty local food, then travelling south via the Batu Caves hop on your bike and explore Malacca. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you trek though the jungle of Endau Rompin before some well deserved R&R on the quiet Island paradise of Pulau Rawa. Singapore is your final stop before heading home.
The best time to visit Pulau Rawa and the nearby east coast islands is between February and October. This will make for a sunny, monsoon-free stay. Many of the islands close down completely during the rains, so an off-season adventure isn’t recommended.
Days 1-4 – Twin Towers, chopsticks & Batu Caves
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll be collected at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Bukit Bintang, one of the trendiest districts of the city. Kuala Lumpur is a city of exciting extremes, where space-age skyscrapers nudge up against cluttered Chinese markets and timeless Indian restaurants. On your first full day we will arrange a walking tour in a small group with other travellers, to explore historic and culinary Kuala Lumpur with your English-speaking guide. Your guide knows the city well and this walking tour takes you to some lesser-known areas of KL along the way you will also stop at small street stalls where you can try some typical Malay food!
On your third morning, after breakfast your driver will collect you and drive the 30 minute journey to the Batu Caves. These limestone caves house Hindu temples and shrines, and are guarded by a large golden statue of Lord Murugan – a Hindu deity. With your guide you’ll climb the 272 steps to the main cave entrance and visit the shrine inside, whilst learning more about the caves and Hinduism. After exploring, return to your hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Please be careful of the cheeky monkeys that live around the caves and are curious about the visitors.
Days 4-6 – Malacca: Warm welcome on wheels
Time to depart the bright lights of KL and travel south to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Malacca. It’s a small, easy-going city with a real mix of cultural and historic influences. During this trip, you’ll spend three days exploring Malacca, wandering through the narrow streets of Chinatown, strolling through chaotic night markets and sampling the extraordinary cuisine. We’ll arrange a cycling tour to the nearby villages and countryside where you’ll find traditional lifestyles untouched by time.
Days 6-8 – In the jungles of Endau Rompin
Time for a remote rainforest adventure as you head to the little-known jungle of Endau Rompin National Park. Your base for the next two nights is a comfortable, brick-built lodge set amidst the forest. There will be time to settle in before setting out on a guided trek mid-afternoon to Seri Mahkota Waterfall – one of the most impressive waterfalls in the park. As you hike through the forest your guide will explain about the park’s rich biodiversity. There will be the opportunity to swim in the natural pool beneath the waterfall before returning to your accommodation along a different route. After dinner in the restaurant join the night walk, exploring the trails around the lodge and spotting the nocturnal wildlife.
The following day after breakfast, head out into the jungle on another guided trek. You’ll follow the Jeram Panjang Trail: an easy to intermediate 3.6 km trail that is well known by the locals to be the path trod by a herd of elephants as a part of their long journey cycle in search of food. Along the trail the guide will share his knowledge about the flora and fauna found within the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for Cream-Coloured Giant Squirrels, one of the largest squirrels in South-East Asia. At the end of the trail you’ll cross a rapid to the clear freshwater stream of Sungai Kernam. There is time for a refreshing swim before heading back to base camp for lunch. Your afternoon is free to relax. Additional activities are available for a supplement. On your final day you’ll depart after breakfast.
Days 8-11 – Unwind on the sandy shores of Pulau Rawa
This morning you will be picked up and taken to the small harbour town of Mersing, It’s a 30-minute boat ride from there to the island. Rawa Island is a hidden paradise with picture-postcard white sand beaches and crystal-clear sea. Peace and relaxation are the top priority here. There’s only one resort on the island and your boat docks at the resort’s jetty. The hotel is located directly on the beach and consists of comfortable chalets that have been designed to blend in with the natural landscape.
Spend your days swimming in the warm waters, snorkelling the coral reef that’s just metres from the shore, exploring the island’s green interior, or simply relaxing. All of your meals are included in the package.
Days 11-14 – Skyscrapers in Singapore
This morning it is time to say goodbye to the beaches of Rawa. Return to Mersing by boat and then travel south to Singapore, where you’ll be transferred to your central hotel. We’ve left your time in Singapore free for you to explore independently. We would definitely recommend a Singapore Sling at the classic Raffles Hotel or the swanky Marina Sands. On your final day we’ll arrange for a driver to pick you up at your hotel and take you to Singapore Airport for your homebound flight.
Accommodation
