Floristry tours natural world garden tours
Singapore garden festival 2020 malaysia
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Direct Flights from Heathrow or Manchester
More details coming soon... To register your interest in this programme, please contact us at sales@ecttravel.com We are also offering two other Singapore Garden Festival tours for 2020, travelling on to either the Gaya Island Resort in Malaysian Borneo or Hanoi and Phu Quoc in Vietnam. Learn more here
This 13 day tour flies you to three exhilarating Asian destinations. We start in the multicultural metropolis of Singapore, home to the world's leading celebration of tropical gardening, the Singapore Garden Festival. We then transfer to Penang to experience one of Malaysia's most diverse, cosmopolitan and exciting cultures before moving on to the thrilling capital Kuala Lumpur.
Our tour includes return flights from London Heathrow, and Manchester, transfer flights and accommodation at three luxurious 5* hotels; InterContinental Singapore, Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa and the Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur.
A city nestled in lush greenery, Singapore is a place of contrasts; 21st century architecture sits alongside traditional village markets and history rubs up against a high tech future. Based for three nights at the centrally-located 5* Intercontinental Hotel, you will have ample time to soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable city.
Our tour is timed to coincide with the biennial Singapore Garden Festival, now one of the world's leading garden shows. This eight day extravaganza features some 400,000 plants designed to demonstrate the very best in tropical gardening and attracts award-winning landscape and garden designers, florists and horticulturalists from around the world. Highlights of the 2018 Festival included Dmitry Turcan's Asian-inspired installation 'Seize the Moment', which was named 'Best in Show', and Keith Lin's Bronze Award winning suspended, colour-graded design 'Possibilities'.
The Festival is held at the city's awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay. Head for the award-winning cooled conservatories of Bay South and step into the Flower Dome where you will find ever-changing floral displays such as Tulipmania, Orchid Extravaganza and Blossom Beats, then enter the mysterious mountain world of the Cloud Forest and discover plants living 2,000m above sea level. And of course, no one can miss the Supertrees, the city's iconic vertical gardens standing 25-50m tall. Those with a head for heights can stroll along the 22m high Skyway and enjoy panoramic views of the Gardens and Marina Bay skyline.
We have also arranged an expert guided tour of Singapore's 160 year-old Botanic Gardens. This tropical sanctuary in the heart of the city is the first - and only - UNESCO World Heritage listed tropical botanic garden and is a unique example of the informal English Landscape Movement style in an equatorial climate. There is so much to see here, but the National Orchid Garden is a particular gem. A part of the Botanic Garden since 1859, it is home to over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids.
Discover the highlights of Singapore on a guided tour. You will visit Little India, a vibrant district filled with traditional Indian restaurants, spice shops, flower garland sellers and Hindu temples, and the Chinatown Heritage Centre. Located within three beautifully-restored shophouses on Pagoda Street, this fascinating museum offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Chinatown's early residents. And of course, no trip to Singapore would be complete without a sightseeing cruise on a 'Bumboat'. These vessels have been a feature of the Singapore River for over a century and this 45 minute evening tour provides a unique view of the city past and present.
You will also be treated to a classic afternoon tea at the iconic Raffles Hotel, synonymous with grandeur and charm since it first opened in 1887.
The Singapore Garden Festival
Established in 2006 as a celebration of the city's gardens, the biannual Singapore Garden Festival is now one of the world's leading garden shows, attracting award winning landscape and garden designers, florists and horticulturalists from all over the world.
Held at Singapore's landmark attraction Gardens by the Bay, the 2018 Festival transported visitors to an exotic wonderland. Designers came from Austria, Azerbaijan, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Republic of Korea, Romania, Spain as well as Singapore and floral highlights included Dmitry Turcan's sculptural, Asian-inspired installation 'Seize the Moment' , which was named 'Best in Show', and Keith Lin's Bronze Award winning suspended, colour-graded design 'Possibilities'.
The themes and exhibitors for 2020 are yet to be announced, but inspiration and wonder in the shadow of the city's iconic Supertrees are guaranteed,
Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008 and nicknamed 'the Pearl of the Orient', Penang is a place of palm-fringed beaches, mountainous jungles, traditional fishing villages and rich cultural history. You will spend four nights here, based at the 5* Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, nestled beneath a verdant canopy of century-old rain trees.
Your time here begins with a guided Heritage Tour of George Town. This is Penang Island's main urban centre and, with its rickshaws, watermarked Chinese shophouses and joss smoke scented air, it offers a real flavour of old world Asia. You will visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion for an authentic taste of the opulent lifestyle of a rich Baba (a community of acculturated Chinese a century ago); Little India, home to the country's oldest Hindu temple; the UNESCO-listed Teochew Temple; Sin Yat-Sen Museum and some traditional 19th and early 20th century Chinese clan houses.
You will also have time to explore the island with a local guide, visiting the Tropical Spice Garden, home to 500 plant species, clusters of Malay villages with their paddy fields and rubber plantations, the famous Snake Temple and the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. For well over a century `The E&O', as it's known, has stood as a testament to the grand elegance of the British colonial era and we have arranged for you to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in this historic hotel.
Malaysia is famous for its Batik textiles and you will have the chance to see artisans practicing this traditional art of fabric-making.
Your final day here begins with a visit to the Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia whose highlights include the striking seven-storey Pagoda of Rama VI with its 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha, and the 120 foot tall bronze statue of KuanYin, the Goddess of Mercy. The day ends at Penang Hill, the oldest British Hill Station in the region. Set 821m above Georgetown, it is generally about five degrees cooler than the capital and is the last patch of tropical rainforest in Penang. You will travel to the top on the Penang Hill Funicular Railway. Built in 1923, it is one of the world's oldest funicular systems and has a 2,007m-long track that climbs the hill at a leisurely 30-minute pace. The journey takes you past luxuriant greenery and the occasional macaque, as well as the bungalows originally built for British officials and other wealthy citizens.
The tour culminates with three nights in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's vibrant, multicultural capital. Staying at the 5* Ritz Carlton, you will be perfectly placed to explore the city's historic monuments, lush parks, bustling street markets and lively nightspots.
Our itinerary begins with a private dinner at the members-only Royal Selangor Club. Founded in 1884, this is one of Asia's oldest sporting institutions. (Please note, this dinner carries an additional cost, but it will be a wonderful experience, offering an authentic taste of past colonial lifestyles.)
Your second day in Kuala Lumpur will be a guided tour of the city's cultural and historic highlights. You will visit Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest twin skyscrapers; the magnificent King's Palace, official residence of the supreme King of Malaysia; The National Museum, National Mosque, National Monument, Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, Sultan Abdul Building and the famous Merdeka Square. This immaculate 200m long stretch of green is possibly the city's most famous landmark and boasts the world's tallest flagpole.
The penultimate day of the tour includes a special guided visit to 'Secret Garden Utama', one of the largest rooftop gardens in the world. This 'Garden in the Sky', which was developed in secret before being opened for public viewing in 2009, is planted with 600 species of carefully nurtured, rare and tropical plants.
Liz Bishop was born in Malaysia and she has arranged for you to have lunch at her family home. This is a unique opportunity to experience local life and dishes.
Liz's family home is conveniently located close to the Batu Caves so, after lunch, you will go to on to explore this extraordinary holy monument , which incorporates both the stunning features of Malaysia's limestone mountains and religious sculptures of the Hindu faith.
Stay in three 5* hotels
5* InterContinental Singapore
Boasting large, elegant bedrooms, 5* services such as an Insider Concierge, in-room Smartphones, yoga quiet room and array of both European and Asian bars and restaurants, the InterContinental Singapore is a luxurious base from which to explore all that this city has to offer.
Located in the historic district of Bugis and Bras Basah, this multi award-winning hotel is a short stroll from many cultural institutions such as the National Museum and the Singapore Art Museum and just minutes from Marina Bay and the Central Business District. Direct access to Bugis train station connects you to the city's many shopping and entertainment precincts - including Bugis Junction Shopping Mall with its 200 retail and dining outlets.
You will be staying for three nights and your stay includes breakfast as well as a welcome get-together with delicious canapes and refreshing special hotel mocktail.
5* Rasa Sayan Resort & Spa
Set on Batu Feringgi Beach in almost thirty acres of tropical gardens, this exceptional beach resort is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Pamper body and soul in CHI, The Spa, play miniature golf next to the sea and eat exotic spices in the Spice Market Cafe.
You will stay here for four nights, giving you ample time both to enjoy the resort and take advantage of the daily shuttle bus to George Town.
5* Ritz Carlton
Located in the prestigious Golden Triangle shopping and nightlife district, Kuala Lumpur's luxurious Ritz Carlton Hotel ensures its guest feel truly pampered. There is a lavish spa, for example, while the bedrooms not only boast marble bathrooms with rainfall showers but also a full butler service. The hotel has five restaurants including the award-winning Li Yen Cantonese dining room renowned for its Dim Sum lunch.
You will stay here for three nights so you can explore the city and relax ahead of your journey back to the UK.
Tour Outline
Departure from Heathrow / Manchester
(please note Liz Bishop will be flying from Manchester)
Arrival at Singapore Changi International Airport
Coach transfer to 5* Intercontinental Hotel
Put luggage in store and enjoy tea, coffee and pastries
11am—Highlights of Singapore coach tour with local guide, includes Little India, Chinatown and Chinatown Heritage Centre
1500h—return to hotel and check in
1900h—Welcome reception
2030h—Singapore by Night tour with guide and Bumboat ride
Full day at Singapore Garden festival at Gardens by the Bay.
Evening at leisure
Guided visit to Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden
Afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel
Check out and fly to Penang with Silk Air
Check in at 5* Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Dinner at the hotel
Guided Heritage Tour of Georgetown with rickshaw ride
Visit Pinang Peranakan Museum, Little India, Teochew Temple, Sin Yat-Sen Museum, Traditional Clan Houses
Lunch at Hotel Jen, Georgetown
PM—return to hotel for afternoon at leisure
Guided Round Penang Island Tour, visiting the Tropical Spice Garden, Malay villages, Snake Temple, fabric making artisans, traditional fruit and spice stall, coffee house for local produce shopping
Afternoon tea at Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Guided Penang Hill Spectacular, visiting Kek Lok Si Temple, Furnicular train ride to Penang Hill with lunch at a local restaurant
Check out and fly to Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Airlines
Check in at Ritz Carlton Hotel
Private dinner at The Royal Selangor Club (please note, this carries an additional charge)
Guided coach tour of Kuala Lumpur visiting Petronas Twin Towers, King's Palace, The National Museum, National Mosque, National Monument, Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Building
Buffet lunch at KL Tower Atmosphere 360
Evening at leisure to shop at Pavilion
Guided visit to Secret Garden Utama
Lunch with a local family
Visit to Batu and Temple Caves
Farewell dinner at the Ritz Carlton
Free time for shopping
Check out of hotel
Transfer to airport for return flights to UK via Singapore
Full tour brochure available on request: please request by emailing or calling our office.
We strongly recommend that you book as soon as possible as doing so will enable us to guarantee the tour price quoted. (Outside of any further supplements you may wish to include.)
For more information about booking, or to make your payment, please call a member of our friendly sales team on 01225 333 747 or 0800 298 0588, or email sales@ecttravel.com
. We require a deposit payment of £500 on booking
. You may make payment over the phone with a credit* or debit card, or by BACS transfer (please call or email to request bank details)
. You will need travel insurance for this tour. We offer travel insurance if you don't already have it
. Please ensure that you have a valid passport - your full name and title will be required by the airline at the time of booking
. On booking, we will send out a booking form which must be filled out and returned to us by email or post.
* There is a 1.5% charge for using credit cards
All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or, for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate, go to www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.
Our ATOL number is ATOL 6545. ATOL Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.
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Tour Includes
Flights with Singapore Airlines
3 Nights B&B at the Intercontinental Singapore
Wecome get together with canapes and drinks
Evening tour of Singapore by 'Bumboat'
Visit to Gardens by the Bay Garden Festival
Highlights of Singapore tour including visit to Chinatown Heritage Centre
Visit to Singapore Botanic Gardens, inclduing NAtional Orchid Garden
Silk Air flight to Penang
Georgetown Heritage Tour, including rickshaw tour
4 nights B&B at the Rasa Sayan Resort & Spa
Visit to Tropical Spice Garden
Visit to Snake Temple, Penang
2 x Dinners Rasa Sayang Resort Hotel
Visit to Kek Lok Si Temple
Fenicular Train journey on Penang HIll
Malaysia Airlines flights to Kula Lumpar
3 nights B&B 5* Ritz Carlton Hotel
Lunch at Kuala Lumpur Tower Atmosphere 360
Historical tour of Kula Lumpar
Visit to Secret Garden Utama
Lunch with local family
Visit to Batu & Temple Caves
Farewell dinner at Ritz Carlton
Travel disruption insurance
Those arriving from Manchester: the flight arrives ahead of check-in. If you wish to check into your room at the time of arrival there is a supplement of £100pp in twin/double and £180 in a single room.
Alternatively, you may wish to leave luggage securely at the hotel and explore nearby sites