Day 1 Singapore
You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned. for those who arrive early, check the hotel reception for information and ideas on what to do for the day. Your CEO will have left a Welcome Note at reception detailing the time and place for a group meeting (normally around 6pm). After the meeting you can head out to experience Singaporean cuisine with your group. Although Singapore has a few areas untouched by modernisation, wandering the streets of Little India and Chinatown is a great way to see the old parts of the city.
Day 2 Melaka (B)
A reasonably short bus journey takes us to the old port town of Melaka where we can wander the streets and absorb the atmosphere and heritage of this historically important maritime town. With the beginning of trade with China in the early 15th century, Melaka rapidly became the most important trading port in South East Asia. Chinese traders were followed by those from India. With them came Islam and soon the Melaka sultans ruled the largest empire in Malaysia\'s history. Successively the Portugese, Dutch and British arrived in search of trading wealth. While the effects of recent economic growth is apparent, Melaka remains one of Malaysia\'s premier destinations. There are temples, churches and mosques, museums and forts to explore. We will also experience a taste of old Asia with a trishaw ride around the streets of old Melaka.
Approx travel time:
Singapore to Melaka by public bus: 4.5 hours
Days 3-4 Kuala Lumpur (B)
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur at lunchtime by public bus, we have ample time to see the city\'s impressive architecture and experience the fascinating cultural mix that gives this city such a uniquely cosmopolitan feel.
A guided tour of the city\'s sights will give you a great insight into the capital. The evening is best spent at the night market sampling different cuisine and bargain hunting among the stalls. Don\'t forget a visit to the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world.
Approx travel time:
Melaka to Kuala Lumpur by public bus: 2 hours
Days 5-6 Cameron Highlands (B)
On the morning of day 5 we head for the hills. The Cameron Highlands hill station is one of Malaysia\'s most famous. Established in 1885 by William Cameron, a British surveyor, the hill station is famous for its tea plantation and strawberry farms.
On Day 6 we take a full day excursion. The Rainforest Expedition includes seeing the Rafflesia, the world\'s largest flower (depending on season), a visit to an Aborigine Village, a blow pipe hunting demonstration, a 1-2 hour jungle trek, swimming at a waterfall, visiting a tea plantation and a reptile farm.
Approx travel time:
Private vans from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands: 6 hours.
Day 7 Penang
On the morning of day 7 we take minivans northwards to the island of Penang. The original Chinese atmosphere of the island still exists today, making it a fascinating place to explore. In your free time you may want to take a bicycle rickshaw tour to meander through the streets of Georgetown, take a funicular railway to the top of Penang Hill, see the colourful bazaars of the night markets or visit some of the many Chinese temples.
Food is also a treat in Penang with an impressive variety, from Chinese to Malay and Indian.
Estimated travel time:
Private vans from Cameron Highlands to Penang: 4 hours
For trips that run from May-Oct , East Coast
(While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below during the designated seasons, please note that trips that are in April/May and October/November may be changed to the opposite itinerary due to weather conditions. Our goal is to visit the area with the best optimal weather conditions.)
Day 8 Nakhon Si Thammarat
Today our journey is a long one, beginning with an early morning border crossing into Thailand. We travel by minivan to the town of Hat Yai and from here we travel by local bus to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
The city was the administrative center of Southern Thailand during most of its history. An intriguing blend of Cultures, where Muslim Mosques and Buddhist Temples blend with 17th Century European factories and houses, relics of a time when this city was a major trading hub.
Nakhon Si Thammarat is famous for its shadow puppets carved from buffalo hide and is also home to Wat Phra Mahathat, the biggest wat in southern Thailand.
Estimated Travel Time:
Penang to Nakhorn Si Thammarat: 7 hours
(Please allow for delays as we are crossing a border today).
Day 9 Ko Samui (B)
We travel by mini van and boat to Koh Samui, arriving by mid afternoon. Lying off of Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui offers everything you could possibly want in a beach retreat: white sandy beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood and warm, clear waters. With an area of 247 square kilometers, Koh Samui is the largest island in an archipelago of around 80 islands. Like Phuket, Koh Samui attracts many visitors but still has plenty of out-of-the-way spots for those wishing to get away from it all.
We stay for 2 nights in a resort in Koh Samui. Our resort is located a stone\'s throw away from the beach and has all the amenities that you may require, including a bar and swimming pool. All of our rooms are twin share and come with an en suite bathroom.
Estimated Travel Time:
Minivan from Nakhorn Si Thammarat to Don Sak Pier: 4 hours.
Public Ferry from Don Sak Pier to Koh Samui: 2 hours
Transfer from the pier to the hotel: 20 minutes.
Days 10-11 Koh Phangan (2B,L)
For trips departing May to October - East Coast
Options for snorkelling, hiking, visit waterfalls or simply chill out. With everything from yoga and meditation courses, natural beauty, waterfalls and its famous Full Moon Parties, Koh Pha Ngan has something for everyone.
On day 11 we take a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago of approx. 40 islands. We have the opportunity to explore some of the islands and do some snorkeling. (Please note that if weather conditions are not suitable an alternative activity will be substituted).
Approx travel time:
Transport to ferry: 20 minutes.
Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan: 40 minutes.
Trasnport to hotel from ferry terminal: 10 minutes.
For trips that run Nov to Apr, West Coast
(While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below during the designated seasons, please note that trips that are in April/May and October/November may be changed to the opposite itinerary due to weather conditions. Our goal is to visit the area with the best optimal weather conditions.)
Days 8-9 Langkawi (B)
Langkawi Island \'The Jewel of Kedah\' is the largest and one of only 2 inhabited islands of the 99 that make up the Langkawi Archipelago. Fringed by magnificent white-sand beaches, shrouded in lush tropical jungle and designated a UNESCO \'World Geopark\' for it\'s ancient topography, Langkawi supports a rich blend of both Thai and Malaysian culture and food.
Take the Langkawi Cable Car to the top of Gunung Mat Chinchang for astounding views and the Langkawi Skybridge. Visit Museums, swim in the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls or just relax on the magical beaches.
Our accommodation in Langkawi is very well located close to the beach and other amenities, but the hotel is of a basic standard. Each room is double or twin share and comes with an attached ensuite bathroom.
Approx Travel Time:
Ferry from Penang to Langkawi: 3 hours.
Days 10-11 Krabi / Ao Nang (2B)
Our Ferry winds its way through the magnificent islands of the Archipelago arriving at the Thai port of Satun. From there we travel by bus and songthaew to Krabi Province on the beautiful west coast (approx. 3 hours). You will soon discover why Thailand is so famous for its unspoiled beaches.
Our guesthouse is in Ao Nang, close to the beach and provides a perfect spot to mellow out and relax. Weather permitting, you can take a longtail boat out to some of the beautiful islands and snorkel the reefs that have made southern Thailand so famous.
Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will fill you in on all the other interesting options - such as sea kayaking and rock climbing - that are available in the area. This is the perfect place to get active or simply chill out and relax!
Approx travel time:
Ferry Langkawi to Satun: 1.5 hours.
Bus from Satun to Krabi: 3.5 hours.
Day 12 Overnight train, East and West Coast (B)
This morning we have a few hours to do some further exploring before we board our comfortable overnight train to Bangkok.
Tonight\'s accommodation is an overnight sleeper train. Beds are dormitory style, with bunks on two layers along the side of the train carriage. There are curtains along each bunk for privacy. Your luggage will be accessible during the journey. The train has air-conditioning and clean bedding is provided for each bunk. There are both western style and asian style toilets at the end of each carriage. Food and drinks are served on the train but you can always bring your own food from the shops and restaurants in the train station.
Approx travel time:
Surat Thani to Bangkok: 13 hours.
Days 13 Bangkok
Arriving early this morning, we make our way to our hotel which is a brief 5 minute walk away.
Today we enjoy a one-hour long tail boat tour of Bangkok\'s famous klongs, or canals. Our boat trip finishes at the Royal Temple of Wat Po. Our included guide will introduce you to Thai Buddhist culture and show you the famous reclining Buddha. When your guided tour ends there will still be time for some afternoon shopping, a visit to Grand Palace or a stroll through the backpacker area.
Day 14 Bangkok (B)
You are free to depart at any time today.
We look forward to receiving your evaluation regarding this tour itinerary and your CEO\'s performance. We value your input into what we could improve to make this trip even better and of course love hearing about what we are already doing well! You will be sent a post tour email on your return with details on how to go on line and fill in this simple form. Thank you so much in advance.