BRUNEI & BORNEO ITINERARY:
DAYS 1 - 3, Wednesday Friday - Depart for SINGAPORE
Depart on Wednesday and arrive in Singapore on Friday morning. You will lose one
day in transit crossing the International Date Line. After arrival, the rest of your
day is at leisure. Ritz Carlton
DAY 4, Saturday - Depart for SINGAPORE
Explore Singapore’s sights in the morning, including the Colonial District. The area
north of the Singapore River is filled with colonial buildings built during the British rule.
Pass by the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Parliament House, the Supreme Court,
City Hall, Singapore Cricket Club and St. Andrew Cathedral. Most of the buildings
have been restored to their former glory.
The ethnic districts of Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India are testimonies
to the island-nation's rich cultural and historical heritage. The districts are
home to religious monuments as well as quaint shops from traditional herbs to
textiles to decorative items and antiques.
Continue to Chinatown, just behind the soaring skyscrapers of Singapore's financial
district. Chinatown’s crowded and colorful network of streets and alleyways has
changed little over the decades. Visit Thian Hock Keng temple, one of the oldest
temples in Singapore, and the Chinatown Heritage Center.
Little India is awash with the scents and sights of the subcontinent. Stroll along this
road and the neighboring alleyways to take in the quaint old-fashioned shops selling
spices, saris, trinkets, Indian jewelries and daily products used by Indian households.
In Little India you’ll be enchanted by the scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices.
Situated near Orchard Road, the 52-hectare Botanic Garden combines both primary
jungle and manicured gardens and holds thousands of plants, including many rare
specimens. The 139
year old garden is a star visitor attraction for the sophisticated
traveler as well as the local resident. Inside the Botanic Garden is the National Orchid
Garden featuring more than 3,000 orchids.
Drive up Mount Faber for a panoramic view of the harbor. Return to the hotel for an
afternoon at leisure to discover more about the colonial heritage and colorful cultures
of Singapor. Ritz Carlton
DAY 5, Sunday - Bandar Sri Begawan, BRUNEI
This morning, we fly to Bandar Sri Begawan, where you will be taken to your luxury
hotel, the magnificent beach resort Empire Hotel and Country Club. Relax, swim,
shop and bask in the beauty of the sparkling waters of the South China Sea. The
day is yours to enjoy.
Brunei is divided into four districts: Brunei/Muara, Tutong, Belait and
Temburong.
A small Islamic Sultanate on the northwest coast of Borneo, Brunei is an
independent and sovereign state. Its culture is mainly derived from the Old Malay
World, which encompassed the Malay Archipelago, but the heavy influence of various
cultural elements and foreign civilizations are also at work. Islam spread to the Malay
Archipelago in the 6th century and became official religion in the 14th century when
the Brunei King Sang Aji Awang Alak Betatar became the first Sultan, known
as
Sultan Muhammad Shah. Empire Hotel and Country Club
DAY 6, Monday - Bandar Sri Begawan
We set out to thoroughly explore and discover the cultural and historical heritage of
Brunei, beginning in its capital city of Bandar Sri Begawan. The open markets, busy
places where locals buy their daily products, some ‘ready to eat’ food, handicrafts,
local herbs and medicinal plants, offer insight into the daily lives of the locals.
In the Malay Technology Museum, which has galleries on the Malays, ethnic tribes and
their lifestyles, we experience the variety of culture and people
in Brunei. The Brunei
Museum, comprising of five galleries, shares with us a unique and priceless collection
of Islamic arts, and many local artifacts and discoveries. Then we venture to Omar
Ali Saifuddin Mosque and lunch at a local restaurant. Our heritage tour brings us to
the Jame Asr’ Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, one of the most magnificent mosques in Asia
with 29 golden domes. The Royal Regalia Building celebrates the Silver Jubilee of
His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and is filled with pictures ofthe Crown Prince, the
full Royal regalia used during the Coronation, the Crown, the replica of the throne
room, and numerous gifts from the state dignitaries. Our boat ride takes
us to visit
a house to see up close and personal the lifestyle of the locals. A further contrast
of royalty with the local way of life is evident at Istana Nurul Iman, the
largest
residential palace in the world.
Empire Hotel and Country Club
DAY 7, Tuesday - Kota Kinabalu, MALAYSIA
Upon arrival after our flight to Malaysia, we acquaint ourselves with Malaysia’s
capital, Kota Kinabalu City. The city, formerly known as Singgahmata or the
Place where the Eye Lingers, has risen from the destruction of war to become a
vibrant and modern city that still retains its traditional charms.
Our afternoon sightseeing commences with a scenic drive through Kota Kinabalu
City. The historical and cultural aspects of the indigenous people come to life for
us as we visit many places of interest in the ciy center such as the
Wisma Tun
Mustapha, Sabah State Mosque and the Sabah Museum. A brief stop along Signal
Hill offers a spectacular bird's eye view of the city and nearby islands. Shop at a
handicraft market for local specialties. This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner
and dance performance.
Malaysia, with its rich intermingling of cultures, has a particularly rich and varied
dance heritage. Whether the dance is performed by different races
such as the
Malays, Chinese, Indians, or by the people of Sabah and Sarawak, each
performance is comprised of equally delicate
and expressive movements, and dancers
are known for wearing exquisitely crafted costumes. Some of the most well known
traditional dances include tarian inang, tarian canggung and tarian zapin. A unique
characteristic of the Malay traditional dances is that, while both partners dance
gracefully according to the rhythms of the traditional Malay musical score, the
male and female dancers do not embrace. Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort
DAY 8, Wednesday - Kota Kinabalu
Traveling north, passing vast oil palm and coconut plantations, we visit the
longhouse at Bavanggazo village, where the Rungus people reside. One of
Sabah's many indigenous tribes, the Rungus are mostly farmers and gifted
artisans. Marvel at the beautiful woven basketry and intricate beadwork.
At Taujung Simpang Mengayau, the “Tip of Borneo,” the land meets the Sulu and
South China Seas and breathtaking views surround us. According to local folklore,
it’s also the site of a fiery battle between the Rungus forefathers
and an invading
armada. In the Gombizou village, we observe skilled artisans working on their gong
making and the Sumangkap villages give us the opportunity
to experience honebee
farming. Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort
DAY 9, Thursday - Sandakan
Our early morning flight takes us to the historic town of Sandakan. The thrill of the
famed Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is upon us. Our adventure sets us
face to face with the orangutans at the feeding platform. The main goal of this
center is to gradually rehabilitate young, orphaned or captured orangutans back
into the wild, and we also witness the rehabilitation and rainforest conservation
efforts by the State Wildlife Department.
Our riverboat carries us up the Sukau River to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Discover
the mischievous Proboscis monkeys, Orangutans, hornbills, the rare Asian Pygmy
Elephant and other wildlife as we journey on a second upriver boat ride.
Sukau
Rainforest Lodge
DAY 10, Friday - Kota Kinabalu
We return to Sandakan town via riverboat to learn from one of Sabah’s famous
historians during a visit to the Agnes Keith Museu. Lunch at a proper English
Teahouse showcases the historical influences on the local people. On a city tour,
we discover unusual temples, the war memorial and varied points of interest.
The Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens was established as tribute to the memory
of Australian and British prisoners of war who ied on the infamous Sandakan-Ranau
Death March during World War II and to the people of North Borneo (as Sabah
was then known) who risked their lives to help them. The World War II Borneo Death
March claimed over 2,400 lives, all but six men escaped and survived. Shangri-La
Tanjung
DAY 11, Saturday - Kuching
The nostalgic romance of an old steam train lingers as we travel on the North Borneo
Train adventure. Passing through villages and coastal towns, paddy fields,
rainforests and plantations of rubber and coffee… our ride on the North Borneo
Railway
is truly a journey of rediscovery into the heart of Borneo. We are temporarily
transported back in time to the days of the Chartered Company and British Colonial
Office.
In Putatan, famous for its pre-war shop-houses, we de-board to visit the Tsim Shen
Tsui Temple, which features 18 statues of Buddhist monks, a 20-foot giant smiling
Buddha, and a lotus-pond in honor of Kwan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
Back onboard, pass through a deep mountain tunnel. As it emerges on the
other side, the landscape changes dramatically from swampland to a paddy field.
In Papar, we cross a bright yellow trestle bridge over the Papar River.
Steaming into town, we are met by waving locals. Perfectly preserved colonial
buildings blend elegantly with the gracious modern architecture.
Kuching Hilton
DAY 12, Sunday - Kuching
In Kuching, the unique design of Kuching South City Hall and the amazing Cat
Monument are worth extra attention. In the Malay language “kuching” means “cat.”
A panoramic drive takes us past the magnificent City Mosque and the delightful
market of exotic fruits and vegetables. We explore the renowned
Sarawak
Museum, regarded as one of the best museums in all of Asia.
As we stroll along the impressive Kuching Waterfront to view the Brooke’s Palace
and other vestiges of James Brooke’s rule, you see that, more than any
other
feature, the Waterfront epitomizes how Kuching has modernized
itself without
losing any of its charm. Its location on the Sarawak River was chosen not only
for its strategic and commercial importance, but also for its enchanting
natural
beauty. Strolling the Kuching waterfront is a walk through time. Several buildings,
from the 19th and early 20th centuries, have been restored, including the
impressive
Sarawak Steamship Building. Kuching Hilton
DAY 13, Monday - Batang Ai
This area of the country is home to a rainforest the size of Austria and has one
of the World's richest and most diverse eco-systems. We experience the wonder at
Semonggok Wildlife Center, one of the best places in Sarawak to view semi-wild
orangutans, which have been rescued from captivity and trained to survive in the
surrounding forest reserve. The rehabilitated animals roam freely in
the rainforest,
and often return to the center at feeding time.
The goal of the rehabilitation program is that the apes eventually lose their
dependence and familiarity with mankind in genera and become shy even with their
trainer. This ensures that rehabilitated apes will not seek out human beings once
they return to the forest. Semenggok also offers scenic short jungle trails and
forest walks throughout. Hilton Batang Longhouse
DAY 14, Tuesday - Kuching
Ride a longboat to visit the Sepaya Longhouse, where the residents treat us to a
cultural performance. Enjoy their local customs and festivities, and then indulge
in
a ceremonial glass of Tuak (rice wine) in thanksgiving.
The yellowish-white immature leaves of the coconut tree is called busung, which is
widely used to make offerings. People also use it to make tuak and palm sugar.
Tuak is palm beer or toddy produced by fermenting the sap of the young flower
stalk of a coconut; the sweet, mildly alcoholic drink is bubbly, and white to pale
pink in color.
The process of making tuak starts with nimpang (cleaning the sap of the young flower
stalk of the coconut) and ngupak (moving the young layer of the sap of the young
flower stalk.
The next processes are fastening the sap of the young flower
stalk by a cord and then slicing it with a knife and holding it aberuk (a kind of
earthenware flask made from coconut shell). From one beruk you can make three
glasses of tuak. Besides being consumed, tuak can be processed to make palm
sugar, vinegar, and arak (a clear, colorless brandy; distilled from tuak). The local
cultures generally feature tuak and arak
in every religious ceremony. Kuching Hilton
DAYS 15 - 17, Wednesday - Friday -Kuala Lumpur
Our journey takes us to Kuala Lumpur.
Discover the exciting landmarks of this bustling city. In almost 150 years, it has
grown from nothing to a modern city boasting the world’s tallest building. This
forward Asian metropolis gleams with skyscrapers but retains much of its local color.
It has numerous colonial buildings in its centre, a vibrant Chinatown with street
vendors and night markets, and a bustling Little India. View the splendor of the King’s
palace and the impressive Parliament house.
Visit the National Museum and National
Monument at Lake Garden.
On the rural side of Kuala Lumpur, experience a pewter ware demonstration at the
Selong Pewter Museum and Factory. In the Batu Caves, climb 272 steps to reach
the cool interior of the caves and experience these splendid works of nature.
These limestone caves are a sacred place for the Hindu's in Malaysia. They consist
of three main caves and a number of smaller ones. Most likely at your arrival you
will be greeted by local monkeys. If you would like to feed them, you can obtain
peanuts and bananas in several shops before you climb up to the caves.
Bid farewell to this amazing land as we depart for home.
Shangri- La Hotel
SPECIAL NOTE: Due to remote or undeveloped locations on some journeys,
accommodations may not always meet Western standards. Dine-Around opportunities
will be limited in remote or unsecured locations.
NOTE: The Daily Itinerary above is subject to change dependent upon local
conditions and/or operational changes or improvements. The specific times and order
of inclusions within each destination may also be altered to best accommodate
unscheduled closure, special events, weather, traffic, etc.
Please contact your
Vacation
Planner before scheduling any coinciding appointments. You will receive
an up-dated, itinerary approximately 30 days prior to your journey’s scheduled
departure date.
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