Guest Speaker 
Christmas Cruise 
Excursions included 
Deluxe Stateroom
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
- New
Multicultural Discoveries from Malaysia to Thailand
Singapore - Singapore
Dates:
20/12/2024
to
28/12/2024
days
nights on board
Set sail from Singapore with PONANT to discover the natural treasures and history-filled cities of South-East Asia. From Malaysia to Thailand, Le Lapérouse invites you on a brand-new 9-day cruise featuring heavenly islands, exceptional natural heritage and cultural discoveries where Asian, Indian and European influences mingle to make your Christmas unforgettable.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. On this cruise, discover the Habitat Penang Hill nature park and admire fascinating plant and wildlife; appreciate the richness of Laman Padi when you call at Langkawi Island to see rice plantations and visit a Buddhist temple; and explore the historic city of Malacca, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
You will cross the Strait of Malacca, once a strategic hub of the spice and silk trade, and discover the colourful and multicultural island of Penang, known for its British colonial buildings, its Chinese shops and its mosques.
Your cruise will continue along the coast of Thailand. In a sublime setting of emerald water, karstic cliffs, mangrove and white sand, Le Lapérouse will also drop anchor off the coast of the uninhabited island of Ko Rok Nok, a paradise for swimming and relaxation.
The ship will head southward to Langkawi Island, where you will discover scenery including picturesque rice fields and hills covered in rainforest.
On Christmas Day, spend some time relaxing on an idyllic beach, go snorkelling to admire the marine environment or take a swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Le Lapérouse will then make its way to Lumut, where a Kuala Sepetang river cruise will be an opportunity to contemplate the mangrove and perhaps spot some orang-utans among the trees. From this coastal town, known for its crafts using shells and coral, you will also be able to visit Ipoh, which for a long time attracted sultans, colonists, tea barons, merchants, street artists, entrepreneurs and miners, and which perfectly reflects Malaysia’s multiculturalism, history and traditions.
Finally, your cruise will end in Malacca City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where spices and silk were once traded.
Ref : ER201224
Your itinerary
A brand-new cruise to discover the gems of South-East Asia, including legendary cities and heavenly islands. Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A brand-new cruise to discover the gems of South-East Asia, including legendary cities and heavenly islands.
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the cities of Penang and Malacca and their rich Asian, Portuguese and Dutch heritage; Singapore Botanic Gardens.
- The exploration of three countries in South-East Asia: Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
- The multicultural and contrasted island city of Singapore, a mix of futuristic architecture, colonial districts and artistic vitality.
- Paradisiac landscapes of the Ko Rok Nok Island: karstic islets, white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, luxurious flora and extraordinary marine fauna.
- From Lumut, the possibility of visiting the Cameron Highlands hill station, the Ho Yan Hor Museum (herbal tea), and the mangrove forest reserve in Kuala Sepetang.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
20 December 2024 - Singapore
Embarkation 20/12/2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 20/12/2024 at 6:00 pm
Nicknamed the Garden City, Singapore stretches across Malaysia's southern-most region. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of this city-state for yourself at the Marina Bay. No too far away is the historic centre, offering up a unique smorgasbord of neoclassical buildings and contemporary towers. Decked out in topiary, the pavements of Orchard Road are also home to countless shopping centres. The colourful markets in Chinatown and Little India are the perfect opportunity to quell hunger pangs in a hawker centre, one of the city's traditional snack bars. Between the two districts, get a slice of history with a trip to the Raffles dock. It was here that Englishman Sir Raffles, the founder of the city, is said to have arrived one fateful day in January 1819.
21 December 2024 - At sea
Arrival 21/12/2024
Departure 21/12/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
22 December 2024 - Penang (Georgetown)
Arrival 22/12/2024 early morning
Departure 22/12/2024 early afternoon
The leading British trading post of the Far East in the 19th century, this tiny island has a unique atmosphere of both East and West. Known as the “Pearl of the East” in the past, for its many trades of spice, fabrics, and tin, Penang has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Malaysia. George Town, its capital, is home to an extremely rich historical heritage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to discover the Blue Mansion, a real architectural marvel that blends traditional Chinese style with eastern elements.
23 December 2024 - Ko Rok Nok Island
Arrival 23/12/2024 early morning
Departure 23/12/2024 late afternoon
In the district of Ko Lanta in southern Thailand, Koh Rok island is actually two uninhabited twin islands, Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai. In the heart of a protected national park, Koh Rok Nok presents authentic scenery with lush vegetation, unusual coral reefs and surprising cliffs. At the island’s magnificent, crystal-clear beaches in the east, you will be able to have a wonderful time swimming or discovering the underwater world, brimming with myriad, rather friendly colourful fish.
24 December 2024 - Langkawi Island
Arrival 24/12/2024 early morning
Departure 24/12/2024 early afternoon
Langkawi Island or Pulau Langkawi, also known as the “Malaysian paradise”, is the largest island in the eponymous archipelago. Composed of a group of 104 mostly uninhabited islands sitting atop the Andaman Sea, the archipelago, listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark, is brimming with natural wonders. Vast beaches of white sand line the contours of this island. Inland, it features jungle-covered hills, picturesque rice fields, ancient rock formations, and spectacular mountain peaks. The island is also home to several factories processing gamat, a sea cucumber used to produce a cream sought after for its medicinal and cosmetic virtues.
25 December 2024 - Beach time
Arrival 25/12/2024 mid morning
Departure 25/12/2024 late afternoon
Off the beaten path, spend an unforgettable moment on a little-known beach. With your feet in the water, let the murmur of the waves gently soothe you and the tropical heat envelop you as time stands still for you in this heavenly setting. Enjoy water-based activities or relax on the fine sand during this day entirely devoted to delighting the senses.
26 December 2024 - Lumut
Arrival 26/12/2024
Departure 26/12/2024 late afternoon
From Lumut, you’ll be able to access the natural and cultural treasures of the State of Perak. As you travel through its luxurious landscapes of mangroves, hills, rice fields, and rivers edged with villages and waterfalls, you’ll be able to discover the local agricultural, culinary and artisanal traditions. This region has managed to conserve a rich architectural heritage with multiple influences that blend Asian, Oriental and European traditions. Also be sure to visit an orang-utan rehabilitation and conservation centre.
27 December 2024 - Malacca
Arrival 27/12/2024 early morning
Departure 27/12/2024 late afternoon
Lying along the shores of the eponymous Strait, Malacca City has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A witness of the maritime traffic between Asia and the West, the city is inextricably linked to the trade of spices and silk. This cultural oasis will show you the history of a fascinating ancient civilisation, the Baba Nyonya, the descendants of Chinese immigrants who married Malay women. In a Peranakan house in Chinatown, you will discover the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, which reproduces the interior of a traditional elegant home from the 19th century. The Baba Nyonya were wealthy traders who liked to indulge their taste for sumptuous furniture made from teak and mother-of-pearl, rare jewels and silk brocade.
28 December 2024 - Singapore
Arrival 28/12/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 28/12/2024 at 8:00 am
Nicknamed the Garden City, Singapore stretches across Malaysia's southern-most region. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of this city-state for yourself at the Marina Bay. No too far away is the historic centre, offering up a unique smorgasbord of neoclassical buildings and contemporary towers. Decked out in topiary, the pavements of Orchard Road are also home to countless shopping centres. The colourful markets in Chinatown and Little India are the perfect opportunity to quell hunger pangs in a hawker centre, one of the city's traditional snack bars. Between the two districts, get a slice of history with a trip to the Raffles dock. It was here that Englishman Sir Raffles, the founder of the city, is said to have arrived one fateful day in January 1819.
Jewels of Georgetown by Trishaw
From the pier, board your trishaw and start your exploration of the highlights of the historical city of George Town.
Your first stop will be made at a Chinese clan jetty, where the locals live in wooden houses perched on stilts over the water. Walk over the narrow wooden platform and immerse yourself in the trading history of Penang and the lifestyles of the families residing on the Chew Jetty.
Next, the grand Khoo Kongsi awaits you. This clan house, a symbol of filial piety is a must-see for any visitor to Penang and it features many ornate wood and granite carvings.
Next, visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, once home and ancestral hall of Chung Keng Quee, Captain China of Perak and a Hakka mine-owner. Displayed in this 19th century townhouse of eclectic design and architecture, are an extensive collection of Straits-born Chinese or Baba Nyonya antiques.
Finally, relive the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese while visiting The Blue Mansion - the mystic- shrouded Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, a home restored to its former splendour and now a boutique and bed and breakfast. This architectural masterpiece is a statement of the eclecticism of the times. Carefully restored after a century of neglect, "The Blue Mansion" has been the location for several films including "Indochine" with Catherine Deneuve. Enjoy a snack and refreshment in the courtyard before continuing onto your next stop.
- This tour involves little walking with approximately 50 steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Only local currency is accepted (Ringgit). The order of the visits will vary in order to avoid congestion at the sites. Guides will be positioned at the landmarks, there will be no commentary given during the cycle rickshaw rides. This tour is limited to 50 participants. The price is based on 2 persons by cycle rickshaw.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Nature Habitat park discovery
From the pier, you will board your coach for a 45-minute drive to the bottom of Penang Hill. Then, you will take the funicular train, which will bring you up to 800 metres above sea level. Constructed in 1923, this popular resort rail line leads you past flower farms and colonial bungalows. With your guide, head out on foot along a one-mile (1.8 km) nature trail through The Habitat.
The area’s rich biodiversity encompasses more than 100 species of birds, endangered endemic plants and a multitude of fauna. As you approach the mid-point of the trail, get on The Langur Way Canopy Walk, a bridge which brings you up close to the canopy layer of the rainforest 30 metres-high from the forest floor. Spanning 230m/750ft in length, the canopy walk provides spectacular valley views of this ancient rainforest and a glimpse of the Andaman seas beyond.
From the Canopy Walk, make your way to the Curtis Crest Treetop Walk and stand atop the highest viewing platform in Penang. From this vantage point, take in 360-degree panoramic views of Penang Island and across the Straits of Malacca to mainland Penang and the neighbouring state of Kedah. The ground below the Curtis Crest Treetop Walk was once used as military parade grounds by the East India Company and was explored by famed botanist Charles Curtis, first superintendent of Penang Botanic Gardens for experimental planting.
- This tour involves 1 mile (1.8 km) of walking on forest trails and 150 steps up to the Treetop walk. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Refreshments and snacks will be served at the Habitat.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Thai, Burmese & Peranakan heritage
From the pier, board your coach for the short drive to the majestic Thai Buddhist Temple, Wat Chayamangkalaram, which houses one of the world's largest reclining Buddhas at 33 meters. Walk across the street and visit the great Dhammikarama Burmese Temple built in the 19th century, one of the oldest Malaysian Burmese temple in the state.
Then, visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, once home and ancestral hall of Chung Keng Kwee, Kapitan China of Perak and a Hakka mine-owner. Displayed in this 19th century-old townhouse of eclectic design and architecture, are an extensive collection of Straits Chinese or Baba Nyonya antiques.
Finally, the grand Khoo Kongsi awaits. This clan house, a symbol of filial piety is a must-see for any visitor to Penang and it features many ornate wood and granite carvings.
-
This tour involves little walking with approximately 50 steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Only local currency is accepted (Ringgit). The order of the visits will vary in order to avoid congestion at the sites.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Colours of Georgetown
From the pier, meet your local guide and start your urban exploration of Georgetown.
Walk towards the State Assembly building into the streets of harmony, one of the most interesting area of Penang. Continue, and explore Georgetown on foot viewing different roofs of Chinese society and religious buildings such as St George’s Church, Kuan Yin Temple, Sri Mariaman Hindu’s Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque and visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Along the walk, stop at one of the Hindu flower stalls and witness the art of flower garland making. Continue with photo stops at the collection of street art and wall paintings.
Then, take a leisure ride on the enchanting trishaw, also called the Beca or Jinrickisha. It will take you through narrow lanes, offering closer view of the sites at a more leisurely pace and stopping virtually anywhere to allow you to take pictures of interesting sights.
-
This tour involves walking approximately 5 km on mostly flat ground with some uneven parts. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Only local currency is accepted (Ringgit). The order of the visits may vary in order to avoid congestion at the sites.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Malacca, historical town
It is traditionally believed that the history of Malaysia began with founding Malacca in 1400. The state flourished and became a huge emporium attracting traders from all over Asia and even as far as Europe. Then a succession of colonial eras turned Malacca into the fascinating melting pot of cultures, which still exist today.
From the pier, embark your coach for the short drive to the Dutch Square and its majestic Stadhuys, built by the Dutch for the official residence of their Governors and administrative building.
Visit the Historical and Ethnography Museum, the first floor of the Museum is devoted to the history of Melaka which is also the early history of Malaysia. It covers the period from the founding of Malacca as the Malay Sultanate as early as 1400, to its existence as a colony under the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Japanese ruling, to the establishment of the independent Federation of Malaya in 1957. Among the other popular exhibits on display are the items used in traditional wedding ceremonies, kitchen utensils, farming utensils and musical instruments. Continue, ascending up St Paul Hill to visit St Paul Church where, St Francis Xavier was temporary buried before his body was transferred to Goa, India. A stop will be made at Porta de Santiago, part of the Portugese fort built after 1512.
From Porta de Santiago, depart by coach to the old part of Malacca and visit the oldest Chinese Temples in South East Asia also known as The Cheng Hoong Teng Temple.
Before your return to the pier, stroll towards Jonker Street, which is renowned for its antique shops. However, over the years, it has also turned to many clothing and craft outlets as well as restaurants.
- This tour involves approximately 0.6 mile (1 km) of walking over flat but uneven terrain, and 120 steps to reach St. Paul’s Hill. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Local & Peranakan culture
From the pier, board your coach and drive to the Malacca River cruise jetty for a 40-minute river cruise.
The Malacca River crosses Malacca City to the Strait of Malacca. It separates the civic district, clustered at the foot of St Paul's Hill, from the residential and commercial districts of Heeren Street and Jonker Street. Many small boats sail past historic buildings, old warehouses, mangrove stands, churches and villages.
After your river cruise, re-board your coach and drive to a Malay village.
During your exploration of this village, visit Villa Sentosa, a traditional kampong house, to learn more about the Malay traditional life. Then, you will enjoy a local coffee/tea with traditional snacks.
Continue your journey to the Chitty village in Jalan Gajah Berang. It is home to a small community of Hindu Peranakans - descendants from Tamil traders who settled in Melaka over 500 years ago. Chitty (or Chetti) means 'trader' in Tamil. Since the 15th century, Southern India traders visit the shores of the Malay Peninsula to trade spices and other merchandise. They came for extended trips as bachelors or without their wives and they married local women in Melaka - Malays, Chinese, Javanese and Batak.
-
This tour involves approximately 0.5 mile (700metres) of walking some over sandy paths. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Only local currency is accepted (Ringgit). Appropriate clothing is recommended to enter Malay house: shoulders and knees must be covered. You should remove your shoes when entering a kampung kouse.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Le Lapérouse
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.
Onboard this ship sailing under the French flag, you'll experience the incomparable pleasure of a cosily intimate cruise offering the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic chic ambiance.
The Blue Eye, an underwater lounge offering a unique experience unlike anything else in the world.
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Christmas Cruise
Christmas celebrations in an exceptional environment: change of scenery guaranteed.
Excursions included
During your journey, enjoy an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. Whether this is the visit of an emblematic museum or a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an activity in the heart of nature or a tasting of local products, or one of many other highlights, you will benefit from a careful selection of activities throughout your itinerary.
Pre-bookings will open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests will be processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Jewels of Georgetown by Trishaw
Included
Find out moreNature Habitat park discovery
Included
Find out moreThai, Burmese & Peranakan heritage
Included
Find out moreColours of Georgetown
Included
Find out moreMalacca, historical town
Included
Find out moreLocal & Peranakan culture
Included
Find out moreJewels of Georgetown by Trishaw
From the pier, board your trishaw and start your exploration of the highlights of the historical city of George Town.
Your first stop will be made at a Chinese clan jetty, where the locals live in wooden houses perched on stilts over the water. Walk over the narrow wooden platform and immerse yourself in the trading history of Penang and the lifestyles of the families residing on the Chew Jetty.
Next, the grand Khoo Kongsi awaits you. This clan house, a symbol of filial piety is a must-see for any visitor to Penang and it features many ornate wood and granite carvings.
Next, visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, once home and ancestral hall of Chung Keng Quee, Captain China of Perak and a Hakka mine-owner. Displayed in this 19th century townhouse of eclectic design and architecture, are an extensive collection of Straits-born Chinese or Baba Nyonya antiques.
Finally, relive the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese while visiting The Blue Mansion - the mystic- shrouded Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, a home restored to its former splendour and now a boutique and bed and breakfast. This architectural masterpiece is a statement of the eclecticism of the times. Carefully restored after a century of neglect, "The Blue Mansion" has been the location for several films including "Indochine" with Catherine Deneuve. Enjoy a snack and refreshment in the courtyard before continuing onto your next stop.
- This tour involves little walking with approximately 50 steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Only local currency is accepted (Ringgit). The order of the visits will vary in order to avoid congestion at the sites. Guides will be positioned at the landmarks, there will be no commentary given during the cycle rickshaw rides. This tour is limited to 50 participants. The price is based on 2 persons by cycle rickshaw.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Nature Habitat park discovery
From the pier, you will board your coach for a 45-minute drive to the bottom of Penang Hill. Then, you will take the funicular train, which will bring you up to 800 metres above sea level. Constructed in 1923, this popular resort rail line leads you past flower farms and colonial bungalows. With your guide, head out on foot along a one-mile (1.8 km) nature trail through The Habitat.
The area’s rich biodiversity encompasses more than 100 species of birds, endangered endemic plants and a multitude of fauna. As you approach the mid-point of the trail, get on The Langur Way Canopy Walk, a bridge which brings you up close to the canopy layer of the rainforest 30 metres-high from the forest floor. Spanning 230m/750ft in length, the canopy walk provides spectacular valley views of this ancient rainforest and a glimpse of the Andaman seas beyond.
From the Canopy Walk, make your way to the Curtis Crest Treetop Walk and stand atop the highest viewing platform in Penang. From this vantage point, take in 360-degree panoramic views of Penang Island and across the Straits of Malacca to mainland Penang and the neighbouring state of Kedah. The ground below the Curtis Crest Treetop Walk was once used as military parade grounds by the East India Company and was explored by famed botanist Charles Curtis, first superintendent of Penang Botanic Gardens for experimental planting.
- This tour involves 1 mile (1.8 km) of walking on forest trails and 150 steps up to the Treetop walk. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Refreshments and snacks will be served at the Habitat.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Thai, Burmese & Peranakan heritage
From the pier, board your coach for the short drive to the majestic Thai Buddhist Temple, Wat Chayamangkalaram, which houses one of the world's largest reclining Buddhas at 33 meters. Walk across the street and visit the great Dhammikarama Burmese Temple built in the 19th century, one of the oldest Malaysian Burmese temple in the state.
Then, visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, once home and ancestral hall of Chung Keng Kwee, Kapitan China of Perak and a Hakka mine-owner. Displayed in this 19th century-old townhouse of eclectic design and architecture, are an extensive collection of Straits Chinese or Baba Nyonya antiques.
Finally, the grand Khoo Kongsi awaits. This clan house, a symbol of filial piety is a must-see for any visitor to Penang and it features many ornate wood and granite carvings.
-
This tour involves little walking with approximately 50 steps to negotiate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Only local currency is accepted (Ringgit). The order of the visits will vary in order to avoid congestion at the sites.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Colours of Georgetown
From the pier, meet your local guide and start your urban exploration of Georgetown.
Walk towards the State Assembly building into the streets of harmony, one of the most interesting area of Penang. Continue, and explore Georgetown on foot viewing different roofs of Chinese society and religious buildings such as St George’s Church, Kuan Yin Temple, Sri Mariaman Hindu’s Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque and visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Along the walk, stop at one of the Hindu flower stalls and witness the art of flower garland making. Continue with photo stops at the collection of street art and wall paintings.
Then, take a leisure ride on the enchanting trishaw, also called the Beca or Jinrickisha. It will take you through narrow lanes, offering closer view of the sites at a more leisurely pace and stopping virtually anywhere to allow you to take pictures of interesting sights.
-
This tour involves walking approximately 5 km on mostly flat ground with some uneven parts. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Only local currency is accepted (Ringgit). The order of the visits may vary in order to avoid congestion at the sites.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Malacca, historical town
It is traditionally believed that the history of Malaysia began with founding Malacca in 1400. The state flourished and became a huge emporium attracting traders from all over Asia and even as far as Europe. Then a succession of colonial eras turned Malacca into the fascinating melting pot of cultures, which still exist today.
From the pier, embark your coach for the short drive to the Dutch Square and its majestic Stadhuys, built by the Dutch for the official residence of their Governors and administrative building.
Visit the Historical and Ethnography Museum, the first floor of the Museum is devoted to the history of Melaka which is also the early history of Malaysia. It covers the period from the founding of Malacca as the Malay Sultanate as early as 1400, to its existence as a colony under the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Japanese ruling, to the establishment of the independent Federation of Malaya in 1957. Among the other popular exhibits on display are the items used in traditional wedding ceremonies, kitchen utensils, farming utensils and musical instruments. Continue, ascending up St Paul Hill to visit St Paul Church where, St Francis Xavier was temporary buried before his body was transferred to Goa, India. A stop will be made at Porta de Santiago, part of the Portugese fort built after 1512.
From Porta de Santiago, depart by coach to the old part of Malacca and visit the oldest Chinese Temples in South East Asia also known as The Cheng Hoong Teng Temple.
Before your return to the pier, stroll towards Jonker Street, which is renowned for its antique shops. However, over the years, it has also turned to many clothing and craft outlets as well as restaurants.
- This tour involves approximately 0.6 mile (1 km) of walking over flat but uneven terrain, and 120 steps to reach St. Paul’s Hill. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Local & Peranakan culture
From the pier, board your coach and drive to the Malacca River cruise jetty for a 40-minute river cruise.
The Malacca River crosses Malacca City to the Strait of Malacca. It separates the civic district, clustered at the foot of St Paul's Hill, from the residential and commercial districts of Heeren Street and Jonker Street. Many small boats sail past historic buildings, old warehouses, mangrove stands, churches and villages.
After your river cruise, re-board your coach and drive to a Malay village.
During your exploration of this village, visit Villa Sentosa, a traditional kampong house, to learn more about the Malay traditional life. Then, you will enjoy a local coffee/tea with traditional snacks.
Continue your journey to the Chitty village in Jalan Gajah Berang. It is home to a small community of Hindu Peranakans - descendants from Tamil traders who settled in Melaka over 500 years ago. Chitty (or Chetti) means 'trader' in Tamil. Since the 15th century, Southern India traders visit the shores of the Malay Peninsula to trade spices and other merchandise. They came for extended trips as bachelors or without their wives and they married local women in Melaka - Malays, Chinese, Javanese and Batak.
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This tour involves approximately 0.5 mile (700metres) of walking some over sandy paths. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Only local currency is accepted (Ringgit). Appropriate clothing is recommended to enter Malay house: shoulders and knees must be covered. You should remove your shoes when entering a kampung kouse.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.