TRAVEL ITINERARY

Day: 1
16/12/14
Air Astana Flight 935 ETA 08.45am
Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city center. (Hotel check-in: 3.00pm – early check in subject to availability). 14.00hrs pick up from your hotel and drive to Batu Caves, the famous site of the annual Thaipusam festival (in January/February) where almost a million devotees congregate. The 272-steps climb lead you to the top of a natural limestone cavern which houses a sacred Hindu shrine.
Overnight in Kuala Lumpur at the Le Apple Boutique Hotel

Day: 2
17/12/14
After breakfast (breakfast not included at Le Apple Boutique Hotel) you will be driven for about 2.5hrs to the historical town of Malacca. Founded in 1403, the Sultanate of Malacca was once the greatest and most powerful empire and seaport in South East Asia. The Portuguese, Dutch, British ruled over Malacca’s silk and spice trade. This rich heritage is evident in the unique mix of architectural styles. Visit the Cheong Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese Temple in Malaysia, the Dutch Stadhuys and walk through the ruins of St. Paul’s Church where St Francis Xavier was once buried. Malacca is also one of the birthplaces of the ‘Babas’ – a mix of Chinese and Malay cultures uniquely its own.

Day: 3
18/12/14
Pick up at 09.00hrs from your hotel and transfer from your hotel in Kuala Lumpur to My Gopeng Resort in Perak.
11.00hrs arrive at My Gopeng Resort and check in 12.00hrs lunch
13.30 hrs Waterfall Abseiling
16.00hrs Tea Break
19.00hrs Dinner
21.00hrs Night Jungle Walk

Day: 4
19/12/14
Activities at MY Gopeng Resort as follows:
08.00hrs Breakfast
09.00hrs Cave Exploration
12.00hrs Lunch
13.00hrs Rafting
16.00hrs Tea Break
19.00 Dinner

Day: 5
20/12/14
After breakfast transfer to your hotel in Penang. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Penang at the Armenian Street Heritage Hotel.

Day: 6
21/12/14
After breakfast proceed to Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist Temple in South East Asia. Nestled within the hills in Penang, it also known as the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddha’s. The 7-tier Pagoda of 10,000 Buddha’s, which dominates the temple, is influenced by the architecture style of the Thais, Burmese and Chinese. A beautiful bronze statue of the Goodness of Mercy overlooks the temple. 14.00hrs pick up from your hotel and proceed for half day sightseeing tour of Georgetown. Georgetown, named after King George III of England, has one of the largest colonial buildings in South East Asia. First stop, Fort Cornwallis built in 1808 by the British East India Company. It also marks the spot where Sir Francis Light landed on Penang. Next Chew Jetty or She Chew Kew the biggest waterfront settlement or ‘houses on stilts’ created by the Chinese immigrant in the mid-19th century. Drive through Street of Harmony, which houses the Anglican Church, Kuan Yin Chinese Temple, Mahamariaman Indian Temple and Kapitan Kling mosque. Next the state museum, built in 1821, houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, charts and other historical relics. Tour ends with a visit to Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Thai temple which houses a 10ft long reclining Buddha. Directly opposite is the Dhammikarama Burmese temple which houses a magnificent 8.2 meter high image of Lord Buddha. After the tour return to the hotel. Overnight in Penang at the Armenian Street Heritage Hotel

Day: 7
22/12/14
Transfer to Penang airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu Airasia AK5528 DEP 12.00 / ARR 14.25
On arrival in Miri transfer to the hotel

Day: 8
23/12/14
Early morning transfer to Miri airport for your flight to Bario Maswings MH3432 DEP 08.35 / ARR 09.25. Fly to Bario by light aircraft (twin otters) and land at the rural airport and in the late morning. On arrival transfer by 4WD to the homestay. After lunch, take a stroll through the valley towards to the longhouse. Meet and interact with the local Kelabits before proceeding to the Penan settlement. The nomadic hunter-gatherer Penan are one of the last such groups in South East Asia. Overnight at the Ngimat Ayu Homestay in Bario

Day: 9
24/12/14
This morning, trek for about 3-4 hours through the rainforest to Pa’Lungan. The isolated village of Pa’ Lungan is a perfect hideaway from the bustle of city life. Pa’ Lungan simply means Lungan River in the Kelabit language and there are less than 200 people living there. On arrival in Pa’Lungan, explore around the village and the surrounding. Pa Lungan is also home to a group of ancient megalith stones known as the Batu Ritung. Overnight at the homestay in Pa’Lungan

Day: 10
25/12/14
After breakfast board a longboat for a journey downstream to Pa’Umur. Visit the natural salt springs (subject to availability and harvesting) and return to your homestay in Bario. Overnight at the Ngimat Ayu Homestay in Bario

Day: 11
26/12/14
Morning is free at your own leisure. You can climb the prayer mountain to catch the sunrise over the rolling hills or you enjoy a relaxing river kayak. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight to Miri Maswings MH3581 DEP 10.30 / ARR 11.45. Take the connecting flight to Kota Kinabalu Maswings MH3218 DEP 14.20 / ARR 15.50. On arrival in Kota Kinabalu you will be transported to your hotel. Overnight in Kota Kinabalu at the Jesselton Boutique Resort

Day: 12
27/12/14
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transported to Kinabalu Park for an adventurous experience on Mt. Kinabalu. Upon reaching the park, check in and register at the Kinabalu Park’s office and begin your climb up to Pendant hut. Ascend for approximately 5-8 hours (depending on individual fitness level) through diverse forest which is home to many species of plants. No special mountaineering skills are required, but a certain level of fitness is essential. Climbers are required to attend a mandatory Via Ferrata briefing upon arrival at Pendant Hut. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this captivating setting and prepare for tomorrow's summit climb and via ferrata.

Day: 13
28/12/14
Set off for the challenging summit trek in the dark hours of the morning in time to catch a mesmerising sunrise (approx. 2.5-3.5 hours). The views from the summit really are spectacular and it makes the whole adventure worth it. After enjoying the summit views, descent back to ‘7.5 mark’, the starting point of the Via Ferrata. Low’s Peak Circuit is an exciting route which encompasses a Nepalese bridge at 3,580m and suspension bridge at 3,600m a.s.l. Low’s Peak circuit is the World's Highest Via Ferrata. This route takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The ropes and ladders of Mt Kinabalu 's via ferratas allow anyone to experience the most spectacular scenery. After the via ferrata experience, descent back to Penand Hut for breakfast and trek down to the Timpohon Gate where a mini bus will be waiting to return you to Kota Kinabalu. Overnight in Kota Kinabalu

Day: 14
29/12/14
Pick up from hotel and transfer by coach to Beaufort Railway Station to board the train to Pangi Station (starting point of rafting). The thrilling yet scenic ride will take around 1 hours – 2 hours to get there. Train will depart at 0750 hrs. There will be interchange of train at Saliwangan Station and passengers have to walk around 200 meters to the waiting train. When arrived at Pangi, light refreshment will be served, Safety briefing will be conducted by the rafting crew. Rafting commences from starting point to RAYOH (ending point) which will take about 1 hours-2 hours includes of 8 points of rapids namely HEAD HUNTER, LAMBADA, COBRA, SCOOBY DOO, WASHING MACHINE, MARY GO ROUND, SNAKE HOUSE AND BBQ RAPIDS. Arrive at the ending point Rayoh where the lunch will be served. After lunch depart back by train to Beaufort and continue by coach or van back to Kota Kinabalu. Arrive in Kota Kinabalu late afternoon (around 6.pm). Overnight in Kota Kinabalu

Day: 15
30/12/14
Transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport for your flight to Singapore Airasia AK789 DEP 14.35 / ARR 17.00. On arrival in Singapore transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Singapore

Day: 16
31/12/14
After breakfast proceed for half day tour Singapore sightseeing. First Little India - a haven of Indian culture and ethnicity that embodies the vibrant and colourful pulse of the Indian community in Singapore. Next, drive to the mouth of the Singapore River. The Merlion, a national icon representing Singapore’s humble beginning as a fishing village is located here. The Merlion Park set against the City as backdrop is a sight not to be missed. Drive past the Financial District to Chinatown and discover the rich heritage of Chinatown through insightful stories. Singapore’s largest ethnic group, the Chinese, first settled here and yet right in its midst you’ll find one of our oldest and picturesque Hindu Temple. Last stop is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the 'green lung' of our city. Experience the calm and serenity of this 52 hectares garden. Located within the grounds is the National Orchid Garden where you can marvel at the wide and colourful variety of Orchids on display. After the tour return to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Singapore

 

Day: 17
01/01/15
Explore Singapore’s latest National Garden - Gardens by the Bay. Visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest cooled conservatories; the vertical gardens of our Supertrees; take a walk amidst our aerial walk at OCBC Skyway ; and relax and wonder around the outdoor themed gardens. Flower Dome - a cooled conservatory replicating the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean regions in South Africa, California, Spain and Italy; with unique plants like the Baobab
trees, the Madagascar Ghost Tree, and the 1000-year-old Olive tree. The Flower Field caters for a changing display of vibrant plants and blooms. Cloud Forest - Be awed by the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 35-metre amidst the lush lush vegetation and tropical epiphytes. Take a walk on our Cloud Walk and Tree Top Walk for an aerial view of the canopy. 14.00hrs pick up from your hotel and drive up to Mount Faber and board Singapore Cable Car to Sentosa Island and enjoy a panoramic view of the Port of Singapore as the sunsets. Visit the Images of Singapore, an award winning historical museum that exhibits the culture and
history of Singapore. Begin your journey with the ocean at The Maritime Experiential Museum by taking a trip back in time to discover Asia’s rich maritime heritage. An awe-inspiring experience awaits you next at the world’s largest aquarium, S.E.A. Aquarium where you can immerse yourself in a magical marine world seen through our planet’s largest window to the ocean. Featuring more than 100,000 marine animals from over 800 species across 49 habitats, the aquarium is home to majestic manta rays, goliath groupers, hammerhead sharks and other gentle giants of the sea. There’s no better way to complete a fabulous day at Sentosa than to take in a spectacular night show set outdoors against the backdrop of an open sea. Come, discover an awe-inspiring display of water, laser and fire effects, set to majestic music and a panorama of breathtaking vistas. Weaved together by a tale of friendship and courage that will linger with you long after you leave our magical isle.

 

Day: 18
02/01/15
Transfer to Singapore airport for your departure flight to Kuala Lumpur SilkAir Singapore airlines MI320 DEP 06.00am / ARR 06.55am Air Astana Flight 936 ETD 10.10am