Compare Papua New Guinea tribes & wildlife tour by Audley Travel vs Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia by Trafalgar
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4.5 | Great
|
Duration | 13 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 11,054 | $ 4,095 |
Price Per Day | $ 850 | $ 341 |
Highlights |
|
|
Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
Physical Level |
|
|
Travel Themes |
|
|
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
|
N/A |
Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
Activities |
|
|
Meals Included | N/A |
|
Description |
Explore Papua New Guinea with international flights from a choice of airports including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow and see the beautiful plumes of the Birds of Paradise around the Highlands. |
A melting pot of religion and cultures, from Buddhism to Catholicism, the Dutch to the Chinese and the British, delve into the vibrant heritage of the region. Explore the bustling streets of Chinatown and Little India in Singapore and Malacca’s Dutch Square in Malaysia. |
Day 1: International Outbound Flight
Today you will begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Singapore.
Day 2: Singapore
Accommodation: The Fullerton Hotel
Arriving in Singapore you will be met and transferred to your hotel with the rest of the day to relax.
Day 3: Singapore
You have most of the day at leisure before you are transferred back to the airport for your overnight flight to Port Moresby with Air Niugini.
Day 4: Port Moresby , Mount Hagen
Accommodation: Rondon Ridge
Arrive in to Port Moresby at 8am where you will be met by your guide and taken on a short city tour followed by an early lunch in town. (You may be joined by other travellers on the same flight schedule). You will be taken back to the airport in time for the Air Niugini flight to Mount Hagen. You will be met off your flight for the 45 minute shared transfer to your lodge in the hills above town where you have the remainder of the day free.
Day 5: Mount Hagen
Accommodation: Rondon Ridge
Spend the day exploring the area with your small group and guide. Visit local tribes and go in search of Birds of Paradise.
Day 6: Mount Hagen
Accommodation: Rondon Ridge
Spend another day around Mount Hagen where you will visit small tribal villages and stunning woodland areas famed for their birdlife.
Day 7: Mount Hagen , Karawari
Accommodation: Karawari Lodge
Transferring back to Mount Hagen you will board a light aircraft for a stunning flight over PNG's dense jungles to the Sepik area. Your transfer from the airstrip to Karawari Lodge is by boat - the only practical means of transport in this extremely isolated part of the world. Once you have settled in to your lodge you will head out to a nearby village to meet some of the indigenous tribes.
Day 8: Karawari
Accommodation: Karawari Lodge
You may like to get up before dawn today to see the resident Bird of Paradise as it makes it's daily appearance at around 6am on a tree stump some 20mins boat journey away. This is the best time to see plenty of other birdlife in the area as it swoops over the rivers. Today you will spend most of the day travelling by boat to remote villages only accessible in this way. Pass by many locals in dug out canoes and see how day to day life goes on in this tribal area.
Day 9: Karawari , Ambua
Accommodation: Ambua Lodge
Today you transfer from the Karawari to Ambua on your second spectacular light aircraft flight. The country between Ambua and the Sepik region is an amazing array of jagged limestone that seem to rise and drop at impossible angles. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley - home of the Huli, a colourful and proud people, still largely living the same way that their ancestors did. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon in search of the Birds of Paradise in the area with your guide.
Day 10: Ambua
Accommodation: Ambua Lodge
Spend the full day with your group and guide visiting the famous tribal regions of the Southern Highlands. Close up encounters with Huli Men or the Wigmen mean this will be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip.
Day 11: Ambua , Tari , Port Moresby
Accommodation: Airways Hotel
You will be taken to the airport for the flight back to Port Moresby by Air Niugini. You have an afternoon free to relax at the hotel.
Day 12: Port Moresby , International Return Flight
Enjoy a morning of bird watching before being taken to the airport for your flight to Singapore with Air Niugini.
Day 13: International Return Flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: Welcome to Singapore
A feast for the senses awaits in Singapore – a fantasyland of skyscrapers, lush gardens and an intoxicating mix of cultures and cuisines, from India to China. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Later, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception with local appetizers.
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Day 2: See the Sights of Singapore Dive Into Culture
Tread in the footsteps of Sir Stamford Raffles, launching your city tour on the spot where it all began for colonial Singapore – Raffles Landing Site. Stroll along the Singapore River through the Colonial District and see the landmarks that remain to this day, including the former Parliament House, the Victoria Theater and the Old Supreme Court Building. Dive Into Culture and explore the contrasts of Singapore, from the red and gold façades of Chinatown to the intoxicating spice and vibrant flower garland vendors in Little India. Later, visit the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens and enjoy a leisurely stroll through its exquisite National Orchid Garden before spending the afternoon at leisure. This evening, visit a Chinese calligrapher to witness a demonstration on the art of Chinese Calligraphy, before dinner at a local Chinese restaurant. After dinner wander along the narrow lanes of the Night Market and test your bargaining skills against street vendors selling anything from souvenirs to leather goods. Enjoy the perfect finale and board a bumboat, a traditional cargo-ferrying craft, to cruise along the Singapore River.
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: A Day to Explore Singapore Dive Into Culture
There are few things more important to the local Singaporeans than food and you’ll discover this as you Dive Into Culture and spend the morning sampling the city’s culinary delights that reflect its multi-cultural influences, including Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan. Rub shoulders with the locals at Geylang Serai market, which lies at the heart of the Malay community. Here you can indulge in all-time Singaporean favorites like Roti Prata and Thosai taken with a frothy glass of Teh Tarik. Continue to the Joo Chiat and Katong enclave where you will visit a Peranakan-style shophouse showcasing a display of local delicacies as well as artefacts, nyonya attire, bags and beaded slippers. The shop is run by family members who are committed to preserving the Peranakan heritage through their culinary and handicraft skills. This evening consider joining our ‘Night Out at Marina Bay’ Optional Experience to enjoy the Rhapsody of Lights Show and discover the unique Cloud Forest with the world's largest indoor waterfall.
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clark Quay
Breakfast
Day 4: Journey to Malacca Connect with Locals
Leave the cityscape of Singapore behind bound for Malaysia, where your journey begins with a visit to Kampung Cantik village. Here you’ll Connect With Locals and join a family for a Be My Guest lunch before a walk around the village with a Local Specialist. Admire the distinct Malacca kampong stilt houses and discover the scents and flavors of local fruits, herbs and spices that infuse the delicious regional cuisine. Immerse yourself in the local culture and participate in some of the villagers’ favorite pastimes such as top spinning and silat, a Malaysian art of self-defense. Then, continue to your hotel in Malacca and check-in for a relaxing evening.
Casa del Rio Melaka
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Uncover Historic Malacca
This morning, your Local Specialist reveals the seamless fusion of Portuguese, Dutch, British and Malay influences that have shaped the UNESCO-listed historic city of Malacca. Embark on an informative walking tour past Dutch Square with its Stadhuys and clock tower, reflecting the multi-cultural heritage of this once vibrant trading port. Ascend to the top of Malacca Hill, then stroll along the river to Kampung Kuli where you’ll discover colorful shopfronts displaying traditional crafts. This afternoon, board a leisurely cruise along the Malacca River, sailing past historic buildings, old godowns (warehouses), churches and villages. After a day of exploration enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Casa del Rio Melaka
Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Day 6: Venture to Kuala Lumpur
The commercial and culinary hub of Malaysia awaits – its skyscrapers and colorful street vendors yours to explore over the next two days. You’ll visit Independence Square and view the grand 19th century Sultan Abdul Samad Building, with a final stop to see the city’s landmarks from the Sky Bridge observation deck perched between the imposing 88-storey-high Petronas Twin Towers that tower over Kuala Lumpur. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore Kuala Lumpur on your terms.
Melia Kuala Lumpur
Breakfast
Day 7: Experience Vibrant Kuala Lumpur Make Travel Matter
We venture into the countryside this morning for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit to a village inhabited by the Orang Asli, an ethnic group widely regarded as being Malaysia's original inhabitants. We’ll delve into their history and traditions during a visit to the Orang Asli Museum, then stroll around the village with a Local Specialist, observing first-hand local traditions such as bamboo cooking and weaving. We return to Kuala Lumpur, where we’ll visit Chow Kit Market and watch how the locals haggle to get the best deals. Our next stop is the central Kuala Lumpur enclave of Kampung Baru, where the ethnic Malay lifestyle has been preserved. Sample traditional Malay sweets and cakes at the local food stalls before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Melia Kuala Lumpur
Breakfast
Day 8: Onwards to the Cameron Highlands
Journey deep into the Malaysian countryside, stopping briefly at the Selangor Pewter factory before continuing to Batu Caves, one of Malaysia's most iconic sights and a popular Hindu shrine. En route to the Cameron Highlands, enjoy a quick photo stop at the Lata Iskandar Waterfall, then continue to Tanah Rata for a Trafalgar highlight – afternoon tea and scones with cream and locally produced jam. Discover the region’s strawberry farming heritage during a visit to a strawberry farm, then continue to your hotel for dinner.
Strawberry Park Resort
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Off to Ipoh
Lush valleys and tea plantations provide a tranquil backdrop for today’s drive through the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia's most extensive hill station. Snap a photo of the area’s emerald landscape before driving to Perak Cave Temple, an extensive cave complex in Ipoh. Venture into the cave temple and see its beautifully painted murals and golden sitting Buddha statue, which dominates the temple. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the charasmatic town of Ipoh and admire the colonial-style buildings which were once home to wealthy tin miners and today house trendy cafés and shops. Walk through the old town’s narrow laneways and admire the street art that adorn its façades. Spend the rest of your evening relaxing or consider visiting the night bazaar for some retail therapy.
Weil
Breakfast
Day 10: Continue to Georgetown Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories
Our journey to Penang this morning takes us past the royal town of Kuala Kangsar where we’ll visit the majestic Ubudiah Mosque, ranked as one of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques with its white marble and massive golden dome. Afterwards we’ll visit the workshop of a traditional keris maker for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to learn about how these elaborately carved daggers are made and hear all about their spiritual meaning to the local people who believe that they possess magical powers. Later we'll drive over one of the longest bridges in Southeast Asia before arriving in Penang, which we’ll have an opportunity to explore at leisure after checking in to our hotel. This afternoon consider joining an Optional Experience to visit the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple and ascend Penang Hill by funicular railway. Our accommodation tonight is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a traditional heritage hotel that originally housed shop-houses.
Areca Hotel Penang
Breakfast
Day 11: Explore Historical Georgetown Dive Into Culture
Immerse yourself in the Asia of yesteryear as you embark on a historical tour of Georgetown. Begin your journey back in time with a quick photo stop at Fort Cornwallis, where Captain Francis Light, the founder of the British colony in Penang, first landed in 1786. Continue with a visit to the small home of the local joss stick maker, a Local Specialist who will demonstrate the almost-forgotten craft of making handmade joss sticks. Your next stop is to the intricately carved Chinese clan house of Khoo Kongsi, where Chinese families of the same surname gather together to worship their ancestors. Later, see the city’s splendid colonial architecture and famous street art from the comfort of a traditional trishaw, followed by an afternoon at leisure. Your epic journey across Singapore and Malaysia almost at its end, you’ll join your travel companions for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the highlights of your trip.
Areca Hotel Penang
Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 12: Farewell Penang
Say farewell to newfound friends before taking a transfer to Penang International Airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast