Twelve days from Singapore's hawker centres to Penang's heritage streets, the Cameron Highlands and Kuala Lumpur
Singapore and Malaysia together make one of the most straightforward and richly rewarding itineraries in Asia. Singapore is the cleanest, safest and most food-obsessed city in the region, a genuine melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan cultures that plays out most clearly on the plates at its hawker centres. From Singapore the journey moves north by train into Malaysia, first to the UNESCO heritage city of Penang, where Chinese shophouse architecture, Indian temple incense and Malay coastal cooking sit on the same street. The Cameron Highlands follow, a cool British-era hill station above the clouds with strawberry farms, tea plantations and jungle trails. Kuala Lumpur closes the trip with three nights in the Malaysian capital under the shadow of the Petronas Towers. Twelve days that require no trekking, no high altitude and no complicated logistics — just two excellent countries doing what they do best.
Arrive in Singapore. Welcome meeting at 6pm. Evening orientation walk through the hotel neighbourhood. Supper at the nearest hawker centre. Overnight Singapore.
Morning guided hawker centre tour with a local food expert, eating through Singapore's four food cultures: Hainanese chicken rice, Indian roti prata, Malay satay and Chinese char siu bao. Afternoon walk through Chinatown, Little India and the Kampong Glam Malay Quarter. Overnight Singapore.
Australian passport holders can enter both Singapore and Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. No prior visa application required.
MandatoryComprehensive travel insurance covering medical, cancellation and emergency evacuation is mandatory.
MandatoryEasy. All activities at a comfortable walking pace. The Batu Caves steps (272 in total) are the most physically demanding element. Suitable for all fitness levels.
MandatoryStandard travel precautions for Southeast Asia. No altitude concerns. The Cameron Highlands sit at 1,500m and are noticeably cool compared to the lowlands — bring a light jacket.
MandatoryNine days through rice terraces, volcano sunrises, sacred temples and Balinese villages in Indonesia
Ten days through Bangkok, Koh Samui and the southern islands with snorkelling, kayaking and the Ang Thong Marine Park
Twelve days eating your way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City through one of the world's great food cultures