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Thailand/Malaysia/Singapore

Bangkok to Singapore: An Exploration of the Malay Peninsula

Program No. 25641RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
19 days
18 nights
What's Included
37 meals ( 16B, 13L, 8D )
3 expert-led lectures
30 expert-led field trips
3 flights during the program
3 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
16 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening. Please note that if you arrive late and miss the Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview the next day.
Afternoon:
Check in to the hotel and relax after your journey to Thailand. Orientation at 5:00 pm: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and go through any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At your own arrangements. Due to participants arriving throughout the day and evening, dinner is not provided today. The hotel has a selection of restaurants and bars to choose from.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in and out of river boats and tuk tuks. Walking approximately 1.5 miles throughout the day at the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha temple, then to Wat Pho. Wat Pho and Emerald Buddha are sacred sites. Conservative dress (no shorts); shoes must be removed to enter the temple, socks permitted; photography not allowed.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We take public transportation to the Grand Palace area. The Grand Palace with its surrounding complex is Bangkok’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782, the extraordinary architecture, artistic detail, and amazing history have made it a cultural icon. The Palace is no longer the royal residence but is used for important ceremonial occasions. In addition to the Palace itself, there are more than 100 structures, many beautifully designed and decorated, including Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's most important and sacred temple. The Wat Phra Kaew temple houses the so-called Emerald Buddha, painstakingly carved from a single block of green jade. The Emerald Buddha was discovered in a stupa in Chiang Rai in 1434, covered in plaster. Legend says its history goes back to India in the year 43 BCE. It now sits in splendor on a golden throne and watches over the Thai nation. We continue by public transit to Wat Po, close to the Palace. The oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, it has more than 1,000 images of the Buddha including one of the most famous, the Reclining Buddha, which is nearly 150 feet (46 meters) long and 50 feet (15 meters) high. Wat Pho was also the country’s earliest center of public education. It is the national headquarters for preserving and teaching traditional Thai medicine, including Thai massage, which is still practiced. We then continue to Wat Benchamabophit, known as the Marble Temple, is one of Bangkok’s most elegant and picturesque temples. Built in the late 19th century during the reign of King Rama V. The temple blends traditional Thai architecture with European influences, featuring beautiful cloisters housing 52 Buddha images from different periods. Here you will get a blessing from one of the monks wishing you good health and happiness.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant enjoy a family-style meal.
Afternoon:
After lunch we take private vans back to the hotel for some time to rest.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1-2 miles today. Getting in and out of boats.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we are joined by a local expert for a presentation on Thailand’s political economy - the interdisciplinary study of economics, political science, sociology, and other disciplines - to understand the impact and influence of political factors in economic outcomes. Following the lecture, we travel by boat to explore the Chao Phraya River and its intricate network of canals. The Chao Phraya River, a central artery of Bangkok, is a vibrant thoroughfare bustling with water taxis and barges. You will board a longtail boat and journey beyond the main river into Thonburi's tranquil canals (klongs), situated across from the city center. Here, you will observe stilted houses, local temples, restaurants, and shops, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle that characterized historical Bangkok. The canals once earned the city the moniker "Venice of the East," and provide a picturesque view of the city’s heritage waterways. We travel further to Poomjai Garden, a century-old lychee orchard turned eco-cultural retreat tucked along the Bang Khun Thian canal in Thonburi. Surrounded by lush fruit trees, winding garden paths, and serene waterways, this hidden gem offers a homage to local traditions, sustainable farming, and slow-living in the midst of Bangkok’s bustle. Stroll among historic lychee trees (many over 100 years old), led by the owner.
Lunch:
At Poomjai Garden.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we return to the hotel by motorcoach. Remainder of the is free for you to explore Bangkok on your own.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the local fare. The group leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1 to 2 miles on uneven terrain at the Elephant Camp
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we transfer by motorcoach to the Bangkok airport for our flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, we board a motorcoach to a local elephant sanctuary to learn about the Asian Elephant.
Lunch:
At a the elephant sanctuary.
Afternoon:
Here we learn from local experts about the plight of the Asian elephant and what this organization is doing to help save these majestic animals. We have the opportunity to meet and interact with a few elephants. We then transfer to our hotel for check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Drive time 13miles/50 minutes one way to Phuket town. Walking in town for approximately 2-3 hours (2 miles) along small and sometimes busy roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning's discovery of Phuket is a journey through faith, culture, and memories, where every street, shrine, and dish tells the story of Indochina’s heritage and the emotional bond of separation and reunion. We will explore temples and shrines, walk along the Sino-Portuguese streets of Phuket Old Town, and then step into a heritage house for a hands-on cooking class. The experience ends with a family-style lunch, where food becomes a language of connection. During the walking discovery of old town phuket, hear the stories of Chinese migrants who left their homeland and found a spiritual anchor in Phuket. Stroll along vibrant Sino-Portuguese shophouses, murals, and heritage streets. Stop at a local roti shop, taste Phuket’s famous crispy roti with curry sauce, a beloved snack with roots in Indochinese trade routes. Explore hidden alleys and small shops that reflect the cultural blending of Chinese–Thai–Malay influences. We end the morning at a cooking class. Inside a 100-year-old heritage Sino-Portuguese house, you’ll cook three symbolic dishes: Hokkien Mee (Phuket style stir-fried noodles), A dish of adaptation, brought by Hokkien migrants. Golden Shrimp Wrapped Noodles (Kung Sarong), Longevity Noodles (Mee Sua), both symbol of intertwined bonds and celebration. As you cook, your instructor shares the cultural stories behind each dish, making the kitchen a bridge between food and history.
Lunch:
Enjoy the dishes you cooked, served with local dim sum and Phuket desserts.
Afternoon:
We return to your hotel and have the remaining afternoon and evening free. Take this opportunity to explore further on your own, or simply relax. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Motorcoach transfer time from hotel to pier is approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We enjoy some time at leisure before our late-morning departure for Phang Nga Bay. At Ao Po Grand Marina Pier, we board a vessel from which we will explore the sea caves and hidden lagoons. We will discover the pristine beauty of Phuket as we take in the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay.
Lunch:
We enjoy lunch on board the boat as we cruise around Phang Nga Bay.
Afternoon:
We hop aboard smaller boats to explore the Phang Nga Bay Caves. Local guides will do the paddling as we take in the stunning surroundings. Look out for macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, mudskippers, egrets, sea eagles and Brahminy kites as you explore the hidden caverns and picturesque lagoons surrounded by giant cliffs.
Dinner:
We enjoy a Thai seafood buffet dinner (with vegetarian options) underneath the stars of Phang Nga Bay.
Evening:
We finish the day by floating our self-made flower “Krathong” and return to the pier after sunset. From the pier we head back to the hotel, arriving at around 10:00pm.
Activity Note
Hotel to airport in Phuket is 12 miles/30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Penang airport to hotel is approximately 10 miles/15 minutes drive.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Free morning for you to enjoy the hotel amenities or Thailand one last time before your flight to Malaysia.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After we check out of our hotel, we take a motorcoach to the airport for our flight to Penang. Penang has a vibrant culture and rich history once associated with the Strait Settlements and attracted population from the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and Siam community who settled here during the British rule and spice trade, making the capital Georgetown a UNESCO world Heritage site. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel, check in and get a quick orientation of the neighborhood with our group leader.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1-2 miles through the streets of Georgetown.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board our motorcoach to Chowrasta market. Here we begin our day with a walk through one of Penang’s most vibrant local markets. Soak in the morning atmosphere and get a taste of everyday local life. We continue by motorcoach to the explore the UNESCO world heritage Georgetown Penang. This place is full of history, culture and, food. For centuries, merchants have been using Penang as a refuge between two monsoon weather systems, and consequently this lively city is full of regional influences. We explore Georgetown by coach and foot. As we walk along the streets, we will make stops at Khoo Khongsi, the most magnificent among the clan houses in Penang. Admire its exquisite carvings and intricate woodwork, a testament to the skills of master craftsmen from China. We continue to the street of Harmony. On Harmony street walk from Hindu Temples to Muslim mosque to Chinese temples and Christian churches.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we return to our hotel for some free time.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader is happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving approximately 4 miles/20 minutes from hotel to Penang Hill.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we delve more into the rich history of Penang. We board our motorcoach to Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera and take the funicular train up to 800 meters above sea level to escape the heat and enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of Georgetown and part of the mainland. Along the way, take in and appreciate the varied flora. Penang Hill is Malaysia’s oldest hill station and a place where residents and non-residents escape to seek respite from the lowland heat and humidity. We continue by motorocoach to Proceed to Kek Lok Si Temple, which translates from Hokkien as the the Temple of Serene Bliss, stands majestically on the slopes of Air Itam, a hill on Penang Island. The largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si attracts thousands of visitors with its 7-7-story white-and-gold pagoda, golden statues, and an elevated setting that provides panoramic views.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free afternoon for you to explore Penang on your own.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Reminder to pack for our flight to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we check out of our hotel and drive to the Penang Airport for our short flight to Kuala Lumpur.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board our motorcoach for a city orientation of modern Kuala Lumpur. Our discovery takes us to Independence Square, where we will do a short walk that takes us pass the confluence of the two rivers, Klang and Gombak, which gives the name Kuala Lumpur. We head into Chinatown and see one of the oldest Chinese temples in Chinatown. We then continue to our hotel for check in.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles. Primarily travel by motorcoach today; driving time is approximately 90 miles/ 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Early morning breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
Kuala Lumpur is a harmonious blend of cultures and history, brimming with a modern sophistication, influenced by the Malay, Indian and Chinese people. Our exploration of the city will weave through these influences in the city’s food, architecture and people. We will begin with a visit to National Mosque, the most distinguished mosques in Kuala Lumpur and an architectural masterpiece. This is one of the few mosques where on believers can visit. From here, explore the Islamic Arts Museum, the largest museum of Islamic arts in South East Asia and displaying more than seven thousands artifacts from the Islamic world. Then continue by to the city center to Merdeka (Independence) Square.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will visit the Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia most recognizable landmark. We will have the opportunity to zoom up to the 41st and 42nd floors to witness the Skybridge, the world’s highest two-story bridge connecting the twin towers.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
This evening, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing Malaysia's diverse traditions, colorful costumes and lively dances.
Activity Note
The drive to Malacca is about 90 miles, approximately 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We check out of our hotel and transfer by motorcoach to Malacca. Along the way, we will stop at Putrajaya, a planned city and the administrative center of Malaysia. We drive through the Putrajaya Government Center, where many of the country’s key ministries and administrative buildings are located. Notable highlights include Putra Mosque, a stunning, pink-domed mosque overlooking the Putrajaya Lake, located beside Dataran Putra, Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister’s Office complex with its iconic green dome, Putrajaya Lake, a man-made lake that enhances the scenic charm of the city and Seri Wawasan Bridge, a futuristic, cable-stayed bridge that has become a symbol of Putrajaya.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we continue on our journey to Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage City know for its rich history, colonial architecture and multicultural heritage. We will check into our hotel with time to relax for the remainder of the day. For those interested, take a walk with your group leader around the hotel's neighborhood and the waterfront.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking is approximately 3 miles to explore Melaka below.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will take in the UNESCO sites of Malacca. Historical Malacca is a walkable city with centuries of history on display, beginning with a walk through A Famosa, the oldest remaining example of European architecture in South East Asia. Here we will learn about the Portuguese influence. Next we will climb St Paul’s Hill to visit St Paul’s Church then descend to one of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture, the Stadthuys - the former Dutch City Hall which is flanked by flamboyantly decorated trishaws. We will continue on to Harmony Street, where a Hindu temple, a Buddhist temple, and a Muslim mosque stand on the same street where we touch upon the Indian and Chinese influences.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we take a motorcoach to a traditional Malay village where we learn about traditional culture and daily life, as well as the different fruit and vegetables that grow here and their uses. At a traditional Malay house, we will learn about age-old traditions and how it has been passed down from parents to children. After our visit, we return to our hotel and the remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure. Reminder to pack for tomorrows flight o Singapore.
Activity Note
Driving distance is 158 miles, approximately 4 hours including time for immigration (half hour to an hour both sides) and bathroom stops
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board our motorcoach for our drive to Singapore. The drive will go through Johor State before we get to Singapore where we will need to go through immigration both in Malaysia and Singapore. Along the way our group leader will talk about Malaysia and Singapore relationships.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We check into our hotel with some time to relax. In the late afternoon, we join our group leader for a walking discovery of the colonial civic district. The walk takes us to the Peranakan Museum for a visit to learn about this cultural influence in Singapore. We then continue to Free Masons Society clubhouse and the oldest church in Singapore, built in 1835. The walk would continue to pass by the old and traditional colonial English Fire station, still painted in “Blood & Badge” color, The Parliament House and the new Supreme Court of Singapore. Entering the heart of the Colonial district, we will be able to enjoy 3 Colonial buildings – the Art House ( the Old Parliament Building, Victoria Concert Hall and Asian Civilization Museum and onto Raffles Landing site by the Singapore River. Then walk pass 3 beautiful old Colonial buildings of Old Supreme Court and the Old City Hall which is now the National Art Gallery and the St. Andrews Cathedral. During this walk we learn about the colonial era that help shape Singapore.
Dinner:
At own arrangements at a hawker center which is very much a part of Singapore's dining experience.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking approximately 3 miles for the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart on a field trip to discover the different enclaves of cultures in Singapore. We will begin with a walking discovery of Little India, before continuing to Kampong Glam and explore the Malay Heritage Center. Afterwards we will explore the many shops of Arab Street.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will transfer by motorcoach to Gardens by the Bay, one of Asia’s foremost garden developments and Singapore’s national garden, a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry that has enhanced the quality of local life. Spanning 250 acres of reclaimed land, it comprises three waterfront areas. The iconic “supertrees” have been featured on the BBC documentary series “Planet Earth II” showing how cities can be conducive to nature. While here, we’ll learn about the garden’s the reclaimed land, the cloud forest, and the supertrees that use solar photovoltaic systems to convert sunlight into energy.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, you would travel to the very eastern tip of the island of Singapore, where you would hop onto a local ferry boat, which would take you to Ubin Island. This island has been designated by as a sustainability destination; it is off the National Grid. The heritage of the island is protected, and all houses are wooden, and the villagers who live here use well water and water collected from the rain. There is minimal vehicles on the island. We will visit the protected mangrove park and learn about the ecosystem. Hidden in the park is a traditional English cottage with an actual working fireplace. We will travel through the island, seeing some of the old village homes along the way. We will discover the mystery of the German Girl Chinese temple on this island as well. On our return to the main village we would be visiting the Butterfly and fruit garden before returning to Ubin Village to board the boat back to Singapore.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free afternoon.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Pack for your return flight home.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Prepare for check-out, latest 12:00 noon. Program concludes. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and Instagram Feed to share photos of our program. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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