Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia with Komodo Dragons

Tour Overview:

Your fabulous Asia Adventure takes you to exciting Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It starts in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur including a visit to the world’s tallest twin towers, the Petronis Towers. Tour the UNESCO World Heritage city of Malacca. Cross the border to amazing Singapore. Take in the beautiful sights and visit the famous Long Bar at the iconic Raffles Hotel for a ‘Singapore Sling’. We then fly to Yogyakarta on Java, the 13th largest island in the world. Explore Prambanan Temple, an ancient complex built in the style of Javanese-Hindu art and the biggest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur. Travel to Komodo Island to see the largest reptile, the Komodo Dragon. In Bali, learn about the culture, dance, and handiworks.

 

Day 1 Mon Feb 27 – Arrive Kuala Lumpur
You will be met after clearing government formalities and transferred to your hotel. Rooms will be available from 1400hrs.

Overnight at: PARK ROYAL HOTEL (Deluxe room) – Dinner not included tonight – the formal welcome dinner is on Day 2.

Day 2 Tue Feb 28 – Kuala Lumpur
8.00 AM – Meet our tour director for a briefing, followed by breakfast.

This morning we are introduced to Kuala Lumpur. The city developed from a small tin-mining settlement to a modern skyscraper city. Enhanced by its wonderful architecture, prominent landmarks and unique buildings, we will be amazed to see the blend of the Oriental and colonial part of the city. Intertwined are interesting Moorish, Mughal-Tudor and Islamic building.

Our first visit is to Istana Negara, the official residence of the Agong. The sprawling palace was built in 1928. Ten minutes away is the National Monument that was erected in honor of the fallen heroes during World War II. The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia houses thousands of artifacts and we will get to know more about the Islamic civilization in this region. On the way to the Independence Square, we will pass by the National Mosque and Kuala Lumpur’s Old

Railway Station. Set in front of the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building, here the Union Jack flag was lowered on August 31, 1957. Included in our tour is a visit to Orang Asli Crafts Museum.

We return to the hotel to freshen up for our evening adventure.

Sunset @ Twin Towers with dinner (4 hours)
6.00 PM – As the sun starts to go down, we will be visiting the most iconic landmark in Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers is the most photographed landmark in Malaysia. Soaring to a height of 451.9 meters, the 88 storey twin towers structure is KL’s crown jewel. It is the world’s tallest twin towers. The 45-minutes guided tour allows you to enjoy the panoramic and aerial views of magnificent pink-tinged sunset and slowly transitioning to the night scene of Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy an authentic Malay dining experience in a local restaurant. The Malay cuisine known for its spicy and aromatic, combining the rich tastes of the many herbs and spices commonly found in Southeast Asia. Wine served with Welcome dinner (1 glass per person) Tea, coffee and bottled water.

Note: Petronas Twin Tower Skybridge is closed on every Monday and the visiting time is subject to availability.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Wed Mar 01 – Kuala Lumpur / Malacca (2 hours)
We depart the city around 10.00 AM for our drive to Malacca. We’ll stop for lunch (on your own) before continuing to the hotel for check-in.

This afternoon a UNESCO World Heritage experience, the Malacca Heritage Walking Tour. Malacca is a charming blend of Nonya and Peranakan, Malaysian and Chinese. We will come across shop-houses and antiques as well as many local artisans. After dinner visit the Jonkar Street night market.

Overnight at: MAJESTIC HOTEL (Deluxe rooms)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Thu Mar 02 – Malacca /Singapore (3 hours)
After breakfast we’ll continue and cross the 2nd Link and travel into Singapore. Tea is served from 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea at Colony – 3.5 hours

Freshen up at the hotel before we depart for the Colony at the Ritz Carlton Milenia at approximately 3:00. Relax and unwind in Colony.

Important Note: The Ritz Carlton Millenia does not have an in-house guide for its art collection. It will only be a self-guided tour.

Currently Hi-Tea at Colony (Ritz-Carlton Hotel) is not available. If it is still not available closer to the tour date, we will offer Hi-Tea at other similar hotel.

Overnight at: ORCHARD HOTEL (Deluxe Room)

Meals Included: Breakfast, High Tea

Day 5 Fri Mar 03 – Singapore City Tour
9:00 AM Morning Tai Chi Session followed by a Singapore City Tour with Dim Sum Lunch.

We stop at the Merlion Park, Thian Hock Keng Temple, Chinatown and make a visit to Little India. Visit the Botanic Garden with its world-famous Orchid Garden. Lunch today on a wonderful variety of Dim Sum in a local Chinese Restaurant.

While we await the Grand Opening of Raffles Hotel Singapore after a careful and sensitive restoration, our last stop this afternoon will be at the historic Long Bar which has been fully restored for a taste of Singapore’s very own concoction, ‘the Singapore Sling’, . As the saying goes, ‘If you have not been to Raffles, you have not been to Singapore’. You are welcome to continue the tradition of throw ing peanut shells on the floor as you sip on a chilled glass of the hand-shaken Singapore Sling.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 Sat Mar 04 – Singapore / Yogyakarta / Prambanan Temple
We transfer to the airport for our Air Asia flight departing at 11:10 AM. Upon arrival at Adi Sucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta at 12:25 PM we are on an exotic Royal island. Formed mostly as the result of volcanic eruptions, Java is the 13th largest island in the world. A chain of volcanic mountains forms an east-west spine.

Much of Indonesian history took place here: the center of powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires, Islamic sultanates, and core of the colonial Dutch East Indies. Upon arrival, we are met by our English-speaking guide; lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we’ll explore Prambanan, an ancient complex built in the style of Javanese – Hindu art that stands on the ethereal heights of the Dieng Plateau. Prambanan is dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Sustainer (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, and is one of the largest and the most beautiful Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the towering 154 foot high central building inside a large complex of individual temples. In the evening we will transfer to a local restaurant to enjoy dinner. Transfer back to our hotel and rest. The remainder of the day is free to try the gorgeous Asian spa, lagoon pools or other amenities.

Overnight at: MELIA PUROSANI (Deluxe Room)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Sun Mar 05 – Borobudur Sunrise – Yogyakarta City Tour – Shadow Puppet Show
Wake up before the break of dawn and you will be transferred to the biggest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur. Situated in Magelang regency and nestled between the Progo and Elo Rivers, this sacred 8th-century monument is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. A short, leisurely walk from the entrance and the steep narrow stone stairway will get us to the top deck of the monument. Surrounding the mother stupa, the top deck is the best spot to catch the sunrise, promising a breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings, serene ambience, and near-mythical experience on a clear day. Drive back to Yogyakarta and visit the elegant Kraton Royal Center, its myriad museums, temples, crafts workshops and markets display the finest court architecture in Java. Dioramas with life-size puppets show the grandeur of earlier times, including a royal wedding. We see fabulous batiks, for which the area is famous, being produced. The Kraton encompasses a main palace, Sultan’s residence and a large residential area where the Sultan’s servants used to reside. The Kraton Yogyakarta is a calm yet elegant Javanese heritage that consists of two separate entrances: the Main Court (Pagilaran & Siti Hinggil), and the Residence. The Main Court showcases the grandeur of the Sultan’s monarchy, while the Residence is homier while still exhibiting the royal family’s luxurious lifestyle. There are music and dance shows within the palace regularly. The Sultan maintains three gamelans (traditional music ensemble) in the palace, and the pavilion nearest the entrance houses one of them. If they’re playing, do sit down and be patient, this music takes its time. Enjoy a traditional Javanese cuisine at Kraton. Then proceed to visit an exotic Bird Market. Back to hotel for freshen up until the designated time for transfer to a local restaurant for our dinner. Followed by a Shadow Puppet Show at Sonobudoyo Museum (shows every Tuesday – Sunday). Transfer back to your hotel and rest.

Overnight at: MELIA PUROSANI (Deluxe Room)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 Mon Mar 06 – Yogyakarta – Bali by Flight – Sanur Morning Flight
Breakfast box will be provided from the hotel for early morning check-out for your flight to the island paradise of Bali. Upon arrival in Bali, we meet with our English-speaking guide and relax over lunch. Afterwards, drive to the hotel in Sanur for check-in and the rest of day is at leisure.

Overnight at FAIRMONT SANUR BEACH (Fairmont Garden View Suite) Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9 Tue Mar 07 – Denpasar – Labuan Bajo by Flight – Morning flight
Breakfast box will be provided from the hotel for early morning check-out for your flight to Labuan Bajo. Begin your trip with the first flight of the day to Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara Province. Once a small fishing village, Labuan Bajo is now a busy bustling center of tourism since it is the entry point trips to see the biggest reptile on earth, the Komodo Dragon. Meet your assigned guide upon arrival, then directly proceed for a private trip using fast boat. The trip will start at 10.30 from the harbor, a 1 hour and 15 minutes boat ride gets you to Komodo Island, which is home to the famous reptiles. Follow the dragon trails guided by a local ranger. Observe the Komodo dragon from a safe distance. A picnic lunch is served on board as you continue your journey to Pink Beach for swimming. Return to the main island in the afternoon with stop at Kalong Island were you can observed bats flying the sky as they come home at sunset. Then return to the hotel for dinner and Overnight.

Overnight at: BINTANG FLORES (Deluxe Suite Hill View)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 Wed Mar 08 – Labuan Bajo – Denpasar by Flight – Sanur
Afternoon flight Check-out from the hotel and transfer directly to Komodo Airport for your morning flight to Bali. Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport, meet with your guide and drive to your hotel in Sanur. Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at FAIRMONT SANUR BEACH (Fairmont Garden View Suite) Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 Thu Mar 09 – Barong Dance – Celuk & Mas Village – Pasraman Vidya
After breakfast we drive to Batu Bulan Village to enjoy the famous Balinese performance Barong Dance. The Barong figure itself is performed at five different stages, illustrating the balance of goodness and badness side in everyday bustle and hustle of life. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. We continue to explore quaint villages, such as Mas for wood carving weaving (Gianyar area), stone carving (Batubulan), basket making (Bona), bamboo and rattan work (Sakah and Bona), jewellery (Celuk). At around 4 PM, join the Pasraman Vidya Giri Foundation activity by joining the children who are taught about Balinese culture. Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight at FAIRMONT SANUR BEACH (Fairmont Garden View Suite)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12 Fri Mar 10 – Tirta Empul – Nyoman Jendra Art Gallery – Farewell Dinner – Departure
Enjoy a yoga session in the morning at hotel. Breakfast is served at the hotel. Morning drive to visit Tirta Empul Holy Spring Water Temple built in the 10th century. The Balinese believe in the healing powers of the waters. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. Then visit Nyoman Jendra Art Gallery for shopping. Back to the hotel for freshen up. Farewell Set Menu Dinner (include a glass red/white house wine) will be served at the hotel with Balinese Dance performance. Depart for the airport at approximately 10:00 PM (late check-out) for a 01:10 AM flight departing Bali, our airport representative will help to assist you until the check-in counter. Take with you an appreciation of a new way of life and a fascinating culture.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner