Malay Gourmet Traveller - 9 days

Drifters Price: £375.25

RRP: £395.00

Trip Code: INTMGT

Local Payment: USD$100.00

Day 1 Singapore

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned, apart from our group meeting, (please see the welcome note at reception for the time of the meeting), followed by dinner.

For those who arrive early, check with the hotel reception for information and ideas on things to do.

Although Singapore has 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. Our hotel is located close to the city centre and the grandeur of Raffles Hotel - a great spot for sipping a Singapore Sling! It is only a short MRT (underground train) ride to the major shopping complexes, many of which have excellent food courts - maybe the place to try your first laksa!

Please note that your leader will collect your local payment (USD100) today.

Day 2 Melaka

On the morning of day 2 we catch a bus across the border to Melaka (approximately 5 hours). With the beginning of trade with China in the early 15th Century, Melaka rapidly became the most important trading port in South East Asia. Those from India followed the Chinese traders and with them came Islam; soon the Melaka sultans ruled the largest empire in Malaysia's history. Successively the Portuguese, Dutch and British arrived in search of trading wealth.

In the afternoon we will take a river tour to fully appreciate the history of the old port orf Melaka. In the evening of day 2 we take bicycle rickshaws to meander through the streets and lanes of Melaka, before heading out to dinner.

While the effects of recent economic growth are apparent, Melaka remains one of Malaysia's premier destinations. The streets of Chinatown are lined with Peranakan shop houses offering the traditional regional Chinese Nyonya cuisine. There are temples, churches and mosques, museums and forts.

Days 3-4 Kuala Lumpur

An interactive cooking lesson this morning will introduce the wonderful tastes of Baba Nyonya, or Straits Chinese cuisine before boarding a bus for Kuala Lumpur (approx 2.5 hours). Here communities of Indian, Chinese and ethnic Malay people mingle peacefully, allowing the traveller to get the best of all 3 worlds. Combine the markets of Chinatown and the Indian food with traditional Malay arts and you have the heart of Kuala Lumpur, where our accommodation is based. A fully guided tour is included in Kuala Lumpur to show you the best this great city has to offer. The evening is best spent at the night market sampling the different cuisines and bargain hunting among the stalls.

Day 5 Cameron highlands

Leaving Kuala Lumpur by bus, a long, gradual winding and scenic drive takes us into the highlands (approximately 5 hours).

The cooler climate of the Cameron Highlands hill station makes jungle trekking an appealing option and walks come in a variety of lengths and grades. We will take a tour to discover the workings of a tea plantation and, naturally, sample its produce. We also indulge in a delicious Chinese steamboat meal.

Days 6-7 Malay hideaway

By private minibus and boat we travel to our home away from home - a small set of rustic bungalows run by our long-term friends Aziz and Asiah; located on an island in a picturesque lake just out of Kuala Kangsar. Waking to the morning call of gibbons, we can take a walk through a traditional kampong and rubber plantations before returning to the lake for a kayak or just to relax. The walk takes a few hours, includes morning tea and is not difficult.

The regional cuisine is delicious and there might even be a chance to learn traditional cake making and sample your efforts for an afternoon tea. We can spend some time observing as our hosts prepare a traditional Malay dinner. Wearing a sarong and eating with our right hand are all part of blending into our environment.

Please note that out of respect for our hosts alcohol is not to be consumed during our stay.

Days 8-9 Penang

A range of transport takes us via Kuala Kangsar and northwards to the island of Penang (approximately 5.5 hours). In Kuala Kangsar we will take the time to tour this royal town, home to the Sultan of Perak since the 18th Century.

We then continue to Penang where the original Chinese atmosphere of the island still exists today, making it a fascinating place to explore. You can visit colourful bazaars, bargain at the night markets or visit numerous Chinese temples. If time allows, a visit to the butterfly farm on the north of the island offers a great insight into Malaysia's fascinating insects. Penang has something to offer everyone.

Our hotel, with its traditional but simple Chinese charm, is centrally located in Chinatown, on the outskirts of Georgetown. Food is also a treat in Penang with an impressive variety, from Chinese to Malay and Indian. Don't miss the waterfront night market which serves up excellent local food.

You may depart at any time on Day 9.

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