Malaysia & Singapore: From Batu Caves to Perhentian Island

About the destination: Kuala Lumpur is located at the confluence of the Kelang and Gombak rivers and is the capital city of Malaysia and the commercial, economic, financial and cultural center of the country. Kuala Lumpur is one of the emerging city in Asia and it is experiencing a fast paced development and is now a bustling metropolis. Kuala Lumpur is a city of contrast, a combination of modern, cosmopolitan and old world charm. Old colonial buildings, temples, minarets and domes blends well against a backdrop of skyscrapers. The Petronas Twin Towers, one of the world’s tallest buildings, dominates its skyline yet the feeling of old world charm still lingers at the older part of the city. The lush greenery everywhere make it a garden city and at night, its buildings and streets are lit brightly and turn Kuala Lumpur into a city of lights. Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural city with a unique blend of customs, traditions, colorful festivals, cultures and a vast array of delicious food. This dynamic city has much to offer for every visitor.

About the destination: The Perhentian Islands (Malay: Kepulauan Perhentian) are islands in Besut District, Terengganu, Malaysia. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar ("Greater Perhentian") and Perhentian Kecil ("Lesser Perhentian"). The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara (Virgin Milk), Serengeh and Rawa lie off Kecil. Like Besut, people here generally speak Kelantanese Malay, however English is widely spoken and understood to accommodate the growing tourism market. The Perhentian Islands have become a popular travel destination for families and backpackers alike due to the many lodging options that accommodate almost any budget. Nature tourism provides the economic base for the islands. Both the islands have palm-fringed white coral sand beaches and turquoise blue sea. Popular tourist activities include scuba-diving, snorkeling, and swimming. On most beaches, the water is shallow with many rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish. For diving, there are dozens of dive sites around both main islands, as well as several off-shore sites. Apart from these, activities like camping, canoeing, fishing, jungle trekking, and banana boat riding are also available.

About the destination: Singapore is a city-state and the smallest country in Southeast Asia. Singapore has the highest standard of living in Asia and is a spotlessly clean, efficient, regulated, modern city. The city has an interesting mix of old and new cultures, combining the skyscrapers of the Business District with a very interesting blend of ancient cultures in some of its districts. Singapore is one of the greenest cities so much so that the city is dubbed the Garden City. One of the main attractions are the Botanic Gardens, which includes the superb Orchid garden that is beautifully landscaped and has a great variety of orchids. The Merlion is probably Singapore's most famous landmark. This Merlion structure is located at Merlion Park, which is located in the Central Business District. There are some fascinating ethnic areas such as Little India, Arab Street, Chinatown and Geylang. These areas are definitely worth visiting if you want to experience some real Singaporean culture. Other attractions include world class museums, stunning colourful shops, Marina bay and lush parks. Besides the shopping, Singapore has great food. Being home to various ethnic groups, Singapore has created a wonderful mix of flavors and textures in their cuisine. Singapore is one of the most vibrant and modern cites in Asia with a tropical climate, with delicious food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene it has become one top destination on its own right.