City hopping in Southeast Asia

Futuristic cities that push boundaries. A cultural mix that’s always evolving. Tropical forests that gently sway in the breeze. Southeast Asia is constantly on the move. Let yourself get swept up in the energy on this city-hopping itinerary that will take you from boutique hotels in Singapore to luxury resorts in Malaysia. All ready to book with just one call to our experienced Travel Advisors.

• A 2-week independent itinerary starting in Singapore, with flights to Malaysia
• Hop between vibrant cities and stunning landscapes, with nights spent at specially selected SLH boutique hotels
• Highlights include exploring cosmopolitan Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, visiting historic Malacca and beach bliss on Malaysia’s eastern coast

The ‘little red dot’ makes a big impression as your first destination. Base yourself in Singapore’s Central Business District to make it easy to strike out and explore the diverse city neighbourhoods.

Globetrot from Little India and the Arab Quarter to Chinatown, and even back to the 19th century in the colonial district. Or glimpse the future on an architecture tour, taking in skyscrapers coated in vertical gardens and innovate designs by famous names such as Zaha Hadid. Devote an afternoon to the boutiques of Orchard Road. Or escape the city on a boat tour of the surrounding islands – giving you picture-perfect views of that sleek, ever-changing skyline.

Stay at Naumi for eclectic designer interiors and a dazzling rooftop infinity pool. Suggested stay 3 nights.

Kuala Lumpur is your gateway to Malaysia, in all its multicultural glory and irrepressible energy. You’ll be based in the city’s Golden Triangle, known for its gleaming skyscrapers, designer malls and luxury hotels. Shopping is a serious pastime here, with Bukit Bintang road lined with boutiques including Dolce & Gabbana, MaxMara and Saint Laurent. In among the designer glitz, down-to-earth hawker stalls serve up authentic Malaysian flavours late into the night. Ideal for picking up a delicious plate of char kuey teow noodles after cocktails at a rooftop bar.

There’s plenty of more traditional experiences on offer, too. Visit the National Mosque of Malaysia to view its intricate minarets and 16-pointed star roof. If you’re not Muslim, you can still visit outside of prayer hours. Delve more into the national religion at the Islamic Arts Museum. Or take a trip out to the Batu Caves to discover the city’s Hindu heritage.

While Kuala Lumpur is today’s shining capital, World Heritage-listed Malacca transports you back in time. In the fourteenth century, Malacca rose to become a centre of culture, sophistication and international trade. Taken by the Portuguese in the late 1500s and then the Dutch, it was also a colonial hub.

A walk around 17th century Dutch Square conjures up this historic era. But it’s in Chinatown where Malacca’s strong Peranakan culture flourishes. Look out for Nyonya restaurants to sample dishes based on this fusion of Chinese and Malay traditions, with key elements including fish, coconut milk and sour sauces.

The Majestic Malacca is a riverside mansion dating from 1920, built in colonial style. Close to the city’s main sites, it also has a spa offering traditional Peranakan therapies. Suggested stay 2-3 nights.

Contrast the urban buzz of cosmopolitan cities with a few well-earned days at the beach. Tanjong Jara Resort is somewhere to discover the more relaxed side of Malaysia. Designed to resemble a 17th century Malay palace, this luxury hotel is surrounded by golden sands fringed by tropical forest.

Take things at a more leisurely pace and get to know Malay life on a smaller scale. Cycle through the forest to local villages, and watch batik makers and bamboo weavers at work. Or immerse yourself in nature, on jungle treks and diving excursions to the reefs of the Terengganu Marine Park. Suggested stay 4-5 nights.

Fly direct from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, then transfer by road to Malacca (about two hours away). For the east coast, fly from KLIA Airport to Kuala Terengganu, which is roughly an hour from Tanjong Jara Resort. International flights from Kuala Terengganu connect via Kuala Lumpur International Airport. To explore Borneo, fly from KLIA Airport to Kota Kinabalu, which is just a speedboat away to Gaya Island Resort. Direct international flights from major destinations around the world to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) are available. As always, ask our Voice Reservation Team for details about transfers or transport provided by individual hotels.

To book the hotels on this independent itinerary, get in touch with our Voice Reservation Team on 0800 0482 314 (UK) & 1-877-234-7033 (US). You can find a full list of our dedicated toll-free numbers here. We’re ready and waiting to plan luxury adventures 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So whenever inspiration strikes, just get in touch.