Fly overnight to Penang and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Spend the morning exploring George Town, enjoy a trishaw ride around its charming streets and marvel at the intricate Khoo Kongsi clan house. Head to the foot of Penang hill and board the historic funicular train to reach the top, enjoy lunch and take on a canopy walkway through the protected rainforest before strolling the trails of the forest floor.
Travel through the countryside towards Cameron Highlands, stopping in the historic town of Ipoh. See the iconic Railway Station, the Birch Clock Tower, and soak up the town's charming colonial atmosphere. Continue to Kellie's Castle, a mansion once owned by a Scottish typhoon, before heading to Cameron Highlands, famous for its cool climate and tea plantations.
Embark on a relaxed uphill hike to see the Mossy Forest, where you can find exotic plants like ferns and pitcher plants. At the top, you'll be rewarded with beautiful panoramas. Drive to a tea plantation to learn about local tea production. En-route to Kuala Lumpur, stop to visit the Lata Iskandar Waterfall and browse an indigenous Orang Asli roadside shop selling unique handicrafts, where the chief may extend an invitation to visit the village.
Journey out of the city to visit the Batu Caves, one of Malaysia's most important Hindu temples. Return to Kuala Lumpur and visit the city's highlights, including Masjid Jamek and the landmarks of the Old District. Ascend to the Petronas Twin Towers' Sky Bridge, the tallest twin-tower structure in the world. Continue your explorations with a food tour and indulge in the diverse flavours defining Malaysian cuisine.
Immerse yourself in Malacca's multi-faceted heritage with a tour of its fascinating Old Town, where a blend of empires have left their mark. Explore some of the city's
highlights including the Dutch Square and its striking 300-year-old Dutch Church. Take part in a traditional Chinese paper cutting experience before enjoying a relaxing river cruise. Return to Kuala Lumpur by train from nearby Tampin.
Transfer to the airport for your three-hour flight to Sandakan, Borneo. Upon arrival at your hotel, any time before dinner is at leisure.
Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for a chance to see orangutans in their natural habitat. Around 60 to 80 formerly captive and orphaned orangutans live free within the centre's 17-square-mile rainforest, and there may be young orangutans to visit in the nursey. Head across the road to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to visit the world's smallest bears and learn about the conservation efforts to protect them.
This afternoon, visit Agnes Keith House, a historic colonial house, before continuing to the historical Sandakan Memorial Park, which commemorates British and Australian POWs who suffered here during World War II.
Transfer to the airport for your 45-minute flight to Kota Kinabalu. This evening, explore the lively night market, perfect for picking up local souvenirs and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Signal Hill before enjoying a Malaysian dinner, accompanied by a colourful cultural performance featuring traditional Sabah dances.
Visit the Sabah Museum to gain insight into the region's rich history and cultural
heritage before taking part in a hands-on Batik painting workshop, where you'll learn about traditional designs and the art's significance in Malaysian culture. In the afternoon, enjoy a tranquil river cruise through the mangrove forest, keeping an eye out for native wildlife, including the rare and endearing Proboscis Monkey, found only in Borneo.
Discover the rich cultural diversity of Sabah at Mari Mari Cultural Village. Visit traditional homes of various ethnic groups and learn about their customs through hands-on activities such as blowpipe making and fire-starting demonstrations, for a fascinating insight into the indigenous tribes of the region.
Fly to Singapore, the 'Little Red Dot' which punches above its weight. Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure to relax or perhaps start exploring this vibrant city before dinner.
Explore Singapore's cultural tapestry and discover how the city became the intriguing melting pot it is today. Explore Chinatown and see Kampong Glam, where the vibrant Arab Street showcases Malay-Muslim heritage. Continue to Little India, a colourful area bursting with energy, where bustling markets and eateries reflect the city's multicultural roots. This evening, discover the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, home to the world-renowned Supertrees and the Cloud Forest Dome. End the day with a spectacular light show at the gardens.
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Singapore before your transfer to the airport for your flight back to New Zealand, arriving either the same day or the following day.
