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Singapore , Singapore | Malacca , Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) , Malaysia | Penang , Malaysia | Phuket , Thailand | Phuket , Thailand | Singapore , Singapore
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Singapore, Singapore
MORE SHORES IN SINGAPORE
The Singapore Cruise Centre sits near famous Sentosa Island, an entertainment complex that includes high-end restaurants and well-manicured beaches, so you might consider arriving an hour or two early to enjoy some time here before your cruise from Singapore. The cruise port is about 20 minutes from Changi Airport, and about 10 minutes from the city center.
The Singapore Cruise Centre sits near famous Sentosa Island, an entertainment complex that includes high-end restaurants and well-manicured beaches, so you might consider arriving an hour or two early to enjoy some time here before your cruise from Singapore. The cruise port is about 20 minutes from Changi Airport, and about 10 minutes from the city center.
in Singapore
Multicultural Medley
Singapore has four official languages and even more ethnicities that have influenced its culture. Discover the city's Muslim heritage at Sultan Mosque along Arab Street and its Chinese character (and food!) in Chinatown. Little India is the heart of the city's Tamil Indian community, while Kampong Glam is the epicenter of Malay-speaking Singapore.
Two Sides of Nature
Singapore's tropical landscape is as diverse as its culture. The Singapore Botanic Garden (and adjoining Orchid Garden) approach horticulture from a more traditional perspective, while the spacey Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay would seem more at home in "Avatar" than an issue of "Better Homes and Gardens."
Zoom In, Zoom Out
Head to the rooftop of the massive Marina Bay Sands to enjoy a panorama of the Singapore skyline, which is also beautiful as seen from the city's symbolic Merlion statue on the other side of the bay. Or visit a more inward-looking Singapore icon when you order an original Singapore Sling cocktail at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel.
Local Cuisine
The best way to get a cross-section of Singaporean cuisine is to visit its street vendors, or hawkers, in hubs like Tiong Bahru. Jump onboard a Singapore cruise to try Cantonese-derived wantan mee noodles, with dumplings and yellow egg noodles topped with slices of char siu pork. Snack on chai tow kway, also called carrot cake, even though it's made from rice flour and daikon radish fried with eggs in pork fat.
Shopping
Singapore is a shopper's paradise, whether you stick to the high-end boutiques of Orchard Road or the local shops throughout the city. One way to guarantee a special souvenir during your Singapore cruise vacation is to shop in the city's ethnic neighborhoods: Seek out chopsticks and lacquerware in Chinatown or incense and South India dolls in Little India.
Malacca, Malaysia
MALAYSIA'S MELTING POT
Malaysia's melting pot of Malacca will have both history buffs and foodies eager to explore. Learn about the past residents of the city at the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum before sinking your teeth into some delicious Nyonya, Malay or Indian cuisine. Your adventure in Malacca will leave you satisfied.
Malaysia's melting pot of Malacca will have both history buffs and foodies eager to explore. Learn about the past residents of the city at the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum before sinking your teeth into some delicious Nyonya, Malay or Indian cuisine. Your adventure in Malacca will leave you satisfied.
in Malacca
Museum Musings
The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum offers visitors a chance to see the first private museum in Malaysia. Rebuilt in 1896, the house is now intricately decorated with stunning items from around the world. From traditionally embroidered pillows from China to floor tiles from England and Italian furniture, the museum is a must-see. Make sure to join in one of the free guided tours to learn about the history of the residents of Malacca.
Paint the Town Red
Travel back in time and find your way to the Dutch Square, which is home to the oldest Dutch building in the East. Admire the classic red buildings which have inspired the second name of the area, Red Square. Grab your camera and snap some photos of the vibrant buildings and colorful trishaws that fill the popular tourist site.
Ride the River
Rest your feet and hop on a boat to explore Malacca from the river. It runs right through the center of the city and offers the perfect way to enjoy the picturesque views of traditional Malay villages and historical sites like churches and museums from the comfort of your riverboat.
Local Cuisine
Foodies will fall in love with Malacca, the food mecca of Malaysia, serving up some delicious Malaysian cuisine. Cruise to Malacca and cool off in the heat with cendol, a dessert served with condensed milk, gula meleka syrup and pandan rice-shaped jellies. Or head to a hawker stand to try a chicken rice ball, a signature dish that can be found all over the city.
Shopping
Stroll down Jonker Street to interact with the locals and pick up some souvenirs to bring back home after your vacation. For unique beauty products like lotions and creams, step into Natural Wellbeing. If you're looking for beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry made with coral, ceramics, beads and glass, head into Joe's Design for the best selection in Malacca.
Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia
SKY-HIGH CITY
Explore the multicultural roots of Kuala Lumpur through its architecture and museums: See Moorish-style Jamek Mosque and experience Hindu and Tamil tradition at Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Take an even deeper historical dive at the National Museum, where the oldest intact human skeleton in Southeast Asia resides. Don't miss the panoramic view of this modern city from the top of the iconic Petronas Towers.
Explore the multicultural roots of Kuala Lumpur through its architecture and museums: See Moorish-style Jamek Mosque and experience Hindu and Tamil tradition at Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Take an even deeper historical dive at the National Museum, where the oldest intact human skeleton in Southeast Asia resides. Don't miss the panoramic view of this modern city from the top of the iconic Petronas Towers.
in Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang)
Towering Views
Admire Kuala Lumpur's skyscrapers, including the symbol of the city: the Petronas Twin Towers. Tickets to the Skybridge sell out early; it might be easier to get a ticket up to the observation deck of Menara KL Tower, which stands 1,000 feet tall. The KL Tower is also the official observation point for sighting the moon to determine the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
Decorative Diversity
See some of Kuala Lumpur's older buildings too. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is covered with Hindu statues, and Jamek Mosque is in the Moorish style (you can tour parts of the inside enter if dressed conservatively). The National Museum is beautiful, too, and has replica Malay houses inside. The intricately decorated six tiers of Thean Hou Temple are a Kuala Lumpur landmark.
Holy Spelunking
The Batu Caves, in the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Selangor, have Hindu shrines within them. You'll need to climb 272 steps to see the largest Cathedral Cave; there are several smaller caves, too. The 140-foot-tall golden statue at the entrance is Murugan, a Hindu deity.
Local Cuisine
Kuala Lumpur is a street-food mecca. Pick up satay skewers of grilled meat in peanut sauce. Cruise to Kuala Lumpur and try Malaysia's national dish nasi lemak, coconut rice with pandan leaf, spicy sambal, cucumber slices and a choice of meat — fried chicken is a favorite option. Indulge in the flatbread dish roti canai: Enjoy it in savory form with chicken or mutton, or try the dessert version with bananas and ice cream.
Shopping
Kuala Lumpur is known for its excellent shopping and for having prices better than Hong Kong and Singapore. Try the downtown neighborhood of Bukit Bintang, Suria KLCC below the Petronas Towers, or Chinatown's Central Market, also called Pasar Seni. During your Kuala Lumpur cruise, look for traditional fabrics like batik and Malay brocade.
Penang, Malaysia
IN PENANG
Take the easy walk from the port in George Town to the city's UNESCO World Heritage zone — see 18th-century Fort Cornwallis, and check out the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple with its traditional Chinese architecture and ornamental dragons. Then, hail a cab to Penang Hill and take the tram to the cool, forested summit. Or head to Batu Ferringhi Beach, where you can relax in the smooth sands or jet-ski through clear blue waters.
Take the easy walk from the port in George Town to the city's UNESCO World Heritage zone — see 18th-century Fort Cornwallis, and check out the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple with its traditional Chinese architecture and ornamental dragons. Then, hail a cab to Penang Hill and take the tram to the cool, forested summit. Or head to Batu Ferringhi Beach, where you can relax in the smooth sands or jet-ski through clear blue waters.
in Penang
Malaysian Mansions
Make your way to the Blue Mansion, dating back to the 1880s, and snap a photo from outside or take a tour of its 38 rooms. Or check out the Pinang Peranakan Museum, housed in a 19th-century mansion, where you'll see intricate Peranakan clothing, jewelry and the history of the island and people.
Neighborhood Flavor
Walk through George Town to experience Penang's historic architecture — be sure to make frequent stops to sample the famous street food, with dishes like char koay teow, fried strips of rice cake with soy sauce, sausage and shrimp. Stroll around the UNESCO zone and check out the unique street art, often with historical or political undertones.
Rich in Religions
Penang is rich in distinctive architecture from many of the world's religions. See the fresco-covered Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, the only Burmese temple outside of Myanmar with your cruise to Penang. Check out Taoist Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple — built in 1728, it's Penang's oldest religious site. Or head to Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple, covered with colorful soldiers and goddesses.
Local Cuisine
Penang is world-renowned for its street food. Snack on an oyster omelette, in which oysters are fried with eggs and scallions and made crispy with rice flour. Experience the region's Indian influence with tandoori chicken and naan bread. Try Penang's signature dessert, cendol — shaved ice with coconut milk topped with palm sugar, sweet beans and green gummies made from pandan leaf jelly.
Shopping
The Penang Perankan Mansion houses historic beaded shoes of Nonya design — look for replicas in the shops and street vendors throughout George Town. Check out the Chowrasta Bazaar for handmade clothing, antique watches, traditional fans and other unique finds.
Phuket, Thailand
FUN IN PHUKET
Get the best of Phuket's famous beach scene at Kata Noi, where lush green mountains hang over turquoise waves. Then, meet the local wildlife: Pet elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or hang out with macaques on Monkey Hill — great mountain views await here, too. Or enjoy the islands just off the coast: Head to James Bond Island and see the distinctive pointy rock you may remember from 1974's "The Man With the Golden Gun."
Get the best of Phuket's famous beach scene at Kata Noi, where lush green mountains hang over turquoise waves. Then, meet the local wildlife: Pet elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or hang out with macaques on Monkey Hill — great mountain views await here, too. Or enjoy the islands just off the coast: Head to James Bond Island and see the distinctive pointy rock you may remember from 1974's "The Man With the Golden Gun."
in Phuket
Big-Screen Islands
Pha Nga Bay has several karst islands that can be explored by longtail boat, including the sheer cliffs of James Bond Island, featured in "The Man With the Golden Gun." Some islands are shaped like doughnuts with shallow calm water inside, only reachable at low tide. Popular Phi Phi (pronounced "pee-pee") Island was featured in the movie "The Beach."
Get Underwater
The waters surrounding Phuket have great snorkeling and scuba diving, thanks to the bay's warm, clean waters and lively marine ecosystems. Snorkel off the beach at Ao Sane, next to Nai Harn Beach, at Kata Noi or near Patong at Paradise Beach. Drift past anemones, parrot fish and various types of coral.
Big Buddha
Above Nakkerd Hills is a 147-foot-tall white Buddha statue, which you can see from many parts of the island — hike up to the statue itself, which is surprisingly uncrowded. It's covered in Burmese white jade marble, and next to it is a smaller Buddha made from brass. The trek also comes with the bonus of breathtaking views down to the sea.
Local Cuisine
Sample Thailand's famous cuisine at street stalls or sit-down restaurants. If you're not sure what to order, ask for pad kra prao — stir-fried meat (usually chicken or pork) prepared with chili peppers and Thai holy basil. The level of spiciness can be tailored to your taste, and adding in a fried egg is optional — though highly recommended.
Shopping
Silks are always a good buy in Thailand; choose from scarves in every color, pillowcases or clothing. Cruise to Phuket and pick up a carved elephant in wood, metal or stone. At home, place it facing a doorway for good feng shui.
Phuket, Thailand
FUN IN PHUKET
Get the best of Phuket's famous beach scene at Kata Noi, where lush green mountains hang over turquoise waves. Then, meet the local wildlife: Pet elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or hang out with macaques on Monkey Hill — great mountain views await here, too. Or enjoy the islands just off the coast: Head to James Bond Island and see the distinctive pointy rock you may remember from 1974's "The Man With the Golden Gun."
Get the best of Phuket's famous beach scene at Kata Noi, where lush green mountains hang over turquoise waves. Then, meet the local wildlife: Pet elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or hang out with macaques on Monkey Hill — great mountain views await here, too. Or enjoy the islands just off the coast: Head to James Bond Island and see the distinctive pointy rock you may remember from 1974's "The Man With the Golden Gun."
in Phuket
Big-Screen Islands
Pha Nga Bay has several karst islands that can be explored by longtail boat, including the sheer cliffs of James Bond Island, featured in "The Man With the Golden Gun." Some islands are shaped like doughnuts with shallow calm water inside, only reachable at low tide. Popular Phi Phi (pronounced "pee-pee") Island was featured in the movie "The Beach."
Get Underwater
The waters surrounding Phuket have great snorkeling and scuba diving, thanks to the bay's warm, clean waters and lively marine ecosystems. Snorkel off the beach at Ao Sane, next to Nai Harn Beach, at Kata Noi or near Patong at Paradise Beach. Drift past anemones, parrot fish and various types of coral.
Big Buddha
Above Nakkerd Hills is a 147-foot-tall white Buddha statue, which you can see from many parts of the island — hike up to the statue itself, which is surprisingly uncrowded. It's covered in Burmese white jade marble, and next to it is a smaller Buddha made from brass. The trek also comes with the bonus of breathtaking views down to the sea.
Local Cuisine
Sample Thailand's famous cuisine at street stalls or sit-down restaurants. If you're not sure what to order, ask for pad kra prao — stir-fried meat (usually chicken or pork) prepared with chili peppers and Thai holy basil. The level of spiciness can be tailored to your taste, and adding in a fried egg is optional — though highly recommended.
Shopping
Silks are always a good buy in Thailand; choose from scarves in every color, pillowcases or clothing. Cruise to Phuket and pick up a carved elephant in wood, metal or stone. At home, place it facing a doorway for good feng shui.
CRUISING
CAN'T MISS FAVORITES
Things to Do
Singapore, Singapore
SING IT OUT
After arriving at the Singapore Cruise Centre, hit the ground running and begin your activity of choice — hike Mount Faber Park, and take in the panoramic views of the city from the Terrace Garden. Stroll among 250 different types of ginger at the Botanic Gardens, then taste the flavor of the spicy plant in the form of fragrant chicken rice from one of the city's many street hawkers.
After arriving at the Singapore Cruise Centre, hit the ground running and begin your activity of choice — hike Mount Faber Park, and take in the panoramic views of the city from the Terrace Garden. Stroll among 250 different types of ginger at the Botanic Gardens, then taste the flavor of the spicy plant in the form of fragrant chicken rice from one of the city's many street hawkers.
in Singapore
Multicultural Medley
Singapore has four official languages and even more ethnicities that have influenced its culture. Discover the city's Muslim heritage at Sultan Mosque along Arab Street and its Chinese character (and food!) in Chinatown. Little India is the heart of the city's Tamil Indian community, while Kampong Glam is the epicenter of Malay-speaking Singapore.
Two Sides of Nature
Singapore's tropical landscape is as diverse as its culture. The Singapore Botanic Garden (and adjoining Orchid Garden) approach horticulture from a more traditional perspective, while the spacey Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay would seem more at home in "Avatar" than an issue of "Better Homes and Gardens."
Zoom In, Zoom Out
Head to the rooftop of the massive Marina Bay Sands to enjoy a panorama of the Singapore skyline, which is also beautiful as seen from the city's symbolic Merlion statue on the other side of the bay. Or visit a more inward-looking Singapore icon when you order an original Singapore Sling cocktail at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel.
Local Cuisine
The best way to get a cross-section of Singaporean cuisine is to visit its street vendors, or hawkers, in hubs like Tiong Bahru. Jump onboard a Singapore cruise to try Cantonese-derived wantan mee noodles, with dumplings and yellow egg noodles topped with slices of char siu pork. Snack on chai tow kway, also called carrot cake, even though it's made from rice flour and daikon radish fried with eggs in pork fat.
Shopping
Singapore is a shopper's paradise, whether you stick to the high-end boutiques of Orchard Road or the local shops throughout the city. One way to guarantee a special souvenir during your Singapore cruise vacation is to shop in the city's ethnic neighborhoods: Seek out chopsticks and lacquerware in Chinatown or incense and South India dolls in Little India.
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