Without doubt this wonderful tour enables you to take in a large part of South East Asia at a comfortable pace. Three countries in just over two weeks gives you the time to sample the spectacular cultures and the vivid contrasts between trekking and snorkelling one moment with the nightlife of the big cities the next. The tour starts on the island of Singapore at the top of the Malay Peninsular, where a walk through Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street is the best way to explore its delights. A night train takes us to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital which has a curious blend of the old and the new. Its impressive colonial architecture still stands proudly among the gleaming high-rise office blocks and the worlds’ tallest building - The Petronas Towers. It is then on through the Cameron Highlands with its tea plantations, to the scenic island state of Penang, the oldest British settlement but with its original Chinese atmosphere. Here we explore by rickshaws, travel on a funicular train, and shop in the night bazaars. Crossing into Thailand we switch from the rainforest and exotic beaches of the south to the bustle of Bangkok.

Singapore - Overnight Train to Kuala Lumpur.  This former British colony is yet another jewel in South East Asia’s historic crown. Its people and architecture reflect the marked cultural mix of influences that you will continue to see throughout your trip.

This morning we check out of our rooms, and meet for our City tour. Our tour takes in the diversity of the Singapore streets starting along Arab Street, the Muslim centre. Look out for the Sultan Mosque and note all the Arab ware on sale - hookah pipes, exotic perfumes, basketware and rattan items. We continue on into Little India. This area has a large produce market and you can also buy Indian brassware and textiles. Shops to look out for in the streets sell jewellery, saris, Indian music and lots of traditional items. Notice that the streets are named for the greats of India’s colonial past and look out for the Hindu shrines, Buddhist and Jain temples. 

After the city tour, the afternoon is free until we transfer to the station for the overnight train to Kuala Lumpur. The city offers lots of shopping opportunities for gifts – crafts and batik being some of them – in addition to the variety of street food stalls. A visit isn’t complete without a walk through Chinatown or afternoon tea at the colonial Raffles Hotel.

Tonight we will board the night train to Kuala Lumpur. The train is second-class with air conditioned carriages with sleeping berths, so you should arrive refreshed!

Breakfast.

Kuala Lumpur. This morning we take the monorail to KL Tower for great views of the city. Then the day is free for you to do your own thing. Shop in markets, visit the sights, visit the bird, snake and orchid parks or go to the Sunway Water Park. Freshen up before heading out into the tropical evening and its dazzling array of nightlife.

Breakfast

Georgetown, Pulau Penang.  Today our destination is Georgetown on Pulau Penang. On the way there is the option to visit a tea estate.

Penang, as with most of Malaysia, is one of those areas, which over history has become a unique multi-cultural region with Indian, Chinese, Malay, Baba and Nyonya, Armenian, Arab, and European peoples converging.  The local cuisine alone is testament to the wide variety of influences! The state consists of the island Pulau Penang and a strip of the Malaysian mainland. It was the first state of Malaysia to come under British rule, when Sir Francis Light arrived to set up a duty-free port to compete with the Dutch trade in 1786.

The next day we set off in search of Penang’s colourful past. We take a funicular ride to the top of Penang Hill. At 830m high Penang Hill is cooler than the humid streets below and offers panoramic views across Georgetown. Swiss engineers built the funicular railway in 1928, and during the 30-minute journey to the top of the hill you will see the bungalow homes built for British officials. We get an up-close-and-personal feel for the place by taking a trishaw ride through the streets. We visit Fort Cornwallis, Victoria Tower, a Chinese Fishing Village, Khoo Kongsi Clan House, and Sri Mariamman – exemplifying the various cultures still thriving in the city. There will be plenty of photo opportunities en route so have your camera ready.

NOTE: As of April 2011 the Funicular is closed to tourists. The Singapore tourism authority are unable to advise at this time when it will be open to tourists. Whilst tourists are not allowed to ride the funicular a sightseeing tour of the Botanical Gardens will be offered as an alternative.

After dinner you can spend the evening wandering around the busy night bazaars and do a bit of bargaining for those all-important souvenirs or have a drink on the waterfront as in colonial days at the famous Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

2 Breakfasts.

Khao Sok National Park.  Khao Sok National Park is our jungle destination where we shall stay for the next two nights located by a lovely stream in this rich rainforest environment and away from the hustle and bustle. Khao Sok was established in 1980 and is believed to be older rainforest than that found in the Amazon or Africa. It is a terrain thick with trees and features many clear waterfalls, lots of streams, limestone cliffs and a lake studded with little islands. This afternoon we travel like the locals, on elephants, to see still more of the rainforest. Our first dinner is with an orchestra of jungle life.

When you wake up you will probably need to pinch yourself for you are likely to hear the screech of baboons in the rainforest outside - a morning moment to remember. After breakfast, we set off on a trek through the rainforest to take a look at the abundant wildlife and plant life. There are more than 180 species of bird, as well as the occasional long-tailed macaque, that we can be on the look out for. Our trek finishes at one of the spectacular waterfalls in the park complete with a relaxing swimming hole. Because of the geography of this area, it is a watershed and the vegetation is lush. You will see flora such as lianas, bamboo, ferns and rattan. After refreshing and relaxing at the lodge for lunch, we set out in either canoes or inner tubes for the next adventure, a guided trip down the river. This is a unique way of seeing and experiencing this centuries old landscape and unique karst topography. Watch out for some colourful water birds, such as the kingfisher along the way!

2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 2 Dinners.

Bangkok.  Today, after arriving into Bangkok on the overnight train, we start our City Tour with a long-tail boat ride on the Chao Phraya river, which has been the lifeline of Thailand’s ancient kingdoms and agricultural sustainability. We see traditional houses still perched at the edge of the river and its’ canals and pass the Royal Barge Museum. We then visit one of Thailand’s greatest visual wonders, the Wat Phra Kaeo, the Grand Palace. This is Thailand’s holiest Buddhist Temple and because of that you must make sure you wear ankle length trousers or a long skirt, a top fully covering the shoulders and proper sandals or shoes (no flip-flops/thongs). The Wat Phra Kaeo Royal Chapel houses the Emerald Buddha, actually made of jade. The Thais believe that as long as they remain keepers of the Emerald Buddha, their country will be safe. A local guide will be with us to show us this and many other stunning buildings in the 61-acre site. Afterwards we visit Wat Pho - the oldest temple in Bangkok, older than the city itself where Buddhist monks live. Wat Pho houses the incredible reclining gilt Buddha, which is nearly 50 feet high and 151 feet long with ornately inlayed mother-of-pearl feet. And here’s a bonus: the compound houses the Traditional Massage School offering Thai Massage and Foot Reflexology –a good way to end the day. For lunch we head to the Khao San Road, also known as backpacker central in Bangkok and afterwards you are free to shop and explore the area. Amongst all the chaos you have the chance to discover markets, like Chatuchak Weekend Market or Pratunam Market, or the 40 plus Wats hiding throughout the city.

Please note that the tour ends after the City Tour. Accommodation is not included in Bangkok on Day 14.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com providesvisa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Vaccinations:

No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for *diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

NB* A Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. Please consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Asia.

We also recommend:

- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Medical Supplies:

We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:

Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.

A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

• Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Asia, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care.
• Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.

Tipping is not expected in South East Asia, but salaries are very low and any gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted. Bargaining is the rule in markets and when hiring vehicles, but in most countries you won't need to be as forceful as you would in Thailand or Vietnam.

NOTE: In order to ensure that you receive the best service from our local guides and operators we use throughout the tour, we operate a Tip Kitty. For this we request an amount of Thai Baht 910 (approximately US$30) per person.

The tip kitty is monitored during the tour and detailed in a tip kitty report form for the tour leader to record all tipping expenses for the tour - and they will ask a passenger to sign as reference.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Dress discretely, especially if you are visiting religious sites. For women this means skirts or long pants with T-shirt. For men, this means long shorts or trousers with a T-shirt. Always take your shoes off when entering temples or any religious site.

Care should be taken to respect the conventions of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where laundry facilities are available.

Personal Effects:
Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.

NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

The national language in Thailand is Thai. It has five different tones, which determine the meanings of words, which would otherwise be identical. It is a difficult language for most foreigners to grasp.  The National language in Laos is Lao and Vietnam is Vietnamese. Cambodia is Khmer and unlike most other languages in South East Asia is not tonal. However, there are a number of sounds in Khmer, which are difficult for English speakers to pronounce. Nonetheless we encourage you try to speak a few words of Khmer as the locals will certainly appreciate your efforts!

Malaysia is a multicultural society, with Malays, Chinese and Indians living side by side. The Malays are the largest community. They are Muslims, speak Bahasa and are largely responsible for the political fortunes of the country. The Chinese comprise about a third of the population. They are Buddhists and Taoists, speak Hokkein, Hakka and Cantonese, and are dominant in the business community. The Indians account for about 10% of the population and they are mainly Hindu Tamils from southern India, they speak Tamil, Malayalam, and some Hindi, and live mainly in the larger towns on the west coast of the peninsula. There is also a sizeable Sikh community. Eurasians and indigenous tribes make up the remaining population. Despite Bahasa Malaysia being the official language, when members of these different communities talk to each other, they generally speak English, which was recently reinstated as the language of instruction in higher education.

This language can be difficult for foreigners to grasp.  The same word can have 6 different meanings depending on the tone used to pronounce it.  However, we do try and encourage people to speak a few words of the local language, as the Malaysians will really appreciate the effort!  English is spoken in some of the places that we visit as is French, Russian and Chinese.

English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.

It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installation

Pre-booked transfers - If you have booked an arrival transfer, please look for our representative who will be holding a sign with your name or Kumuka once you have cleared Customs and Immigration.

Making Your Own Way - The Meeting Point for your tour is advised at the beginning of this dossier. If you have not arranged for us to meet and transfer you on arrival and are therefore making your own way to the Meeting Point it is best upon arrival at to take a metered taxi. Drivers may want to negotiate a price before leaving the airport. Do not agree to this, insist that they switch on the meters and pay the amount that it displays when you arrive at your destination.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com