Wild Elegance: Exploring the Spirit of Singapore and Borneo

Fly into Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). If you're traveling overnight to Singapore, consider arriving a day early so you have time to rest, relax, and get acclimated to local time. There's an “Arrive 1 Day Early” option in the Add-ons section of this page.

Hail a taxi at the airport; they're safe and plentiful, and make your way to our beautiful hotel, Artyzen Singapore. Take a moment to rest and unpack. We'll meet at the hotel's Roof Garden bar for a welcome drink while we get to know one another and meet our trip leader. 

Dinner tonight will be a real treat, introducing us to one of the many dynamic cuisines of Southeast Asia. As the world's only Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut takes a modern yet genuine approach to traditional Straits-Chinese cuisine.  

We’ll start the morning with a guided architecture tour of Singapore, exploring the city’s dynamic blend of old and new. From the historic Padang and the iconic Merlion Park to the intricate Thian Hock Keng Temple, we’ll uncover the stories behind Singapore’s most distinctive landmarks. The tour concludes with a peaceful stroll through the National Orchid Garden, where vibrant blooms showcase the island’s natural beauty.

For lunch, we’ll stop at Din Tai Fung, a local favorite known worldwide for its delicate xiao long bao and flavorful Taiwanese dishes. 

Afterward, we’ll visit the National Gallery, home to an extraordinary collection of modern Southeast Asian art housed in two beautifully restored national monuments.

Later in the day, enjoy some free time to shop along Orchard Road, with stops at Baju by Oniatta for handcrafted batik fashion and Janice Wong for exquisite sweets and chocolates. 

As evening falls, we’ll set sail on a sunset dinner cruise with Tall Ship Adventures, dining aboard a majestic sailing vessel while taking in panoramic views of Singapore’s glittering skyline.

After indulging in breakfast at the hotel, we’ll set off to soar above the city on the Singapore Cable Car, taking in sweeping views of the harbor, skyline, and lush Sentosa Island. 

After our ride, we’ll have lunch at Red House Seafood, a cherished eatery famous for its signature spicy crab, Singapore’s most iconic dish.

In the afternoon, we’ll wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, exploring colorful shophouses, textile boutiques, and spice-scented streets that capture the city’s cultural heart. 

Then it’s time to unwind in style with a luxurious afternoon tea at ATLAS Bar, a grand Art Deco masterpiece known for its elegant setting and world-class tea selection.

In the evening, we’ll make our way to Gardens by the Bay for a guided visit and a dazzling light show, where the towering Supertrees come alive in a symphony of color. What an unforgettable finale to a day of sights, flavors, and beauty.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll fly to Kuching, Malaysia, on the lush island of Borneo. It's a quick 1.5-hour flight that brings us to the gateway of Sarawak’s culture and cuisine. Once we touch down, we’ll transfer to check in at the elegant Cove 55 Hotel, a serene retreat nestled between the rainforest and the South China Sea.

This afternoon, we’ll explore Kuching’s vibrant food scene on a guided tasting tour through the city’s charming streets. Along the way, we’ll stop at the beautiful Hong San Si Temple, then continue on to sample local specialties like fragrant Sarawak Laksa, smoky grilled skewers, rich local coffee, and colorful layered Kek Lapis. It's a delicious introduction to the region’s unique blend of Malay and Chinese influences.

As the day winds down, we’ll return to our hotel to toast the sunset with drinks by the pool, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the gentle sea breeze.

We’ll set out early for the Semenggoh Orangutan Center, where we’ll have the unforgettable chance to observe these incredible primates in their natural rainforest habitat during their morning feeding. 

Afterward, we’ll continue to the Sarawak Cultural Village, an open-air museum showcasing the region’s diverse indigenous traditions through live performances, music, and architecture. We’ll enjoy lunch on-site at Budaya, a unique experience featuring a variety of dishes, each an ode to Sarawak's rich cultural heritage.

Upon returning to the hotel, enjoy a leisurely afternoon with plenty of time to relax and unwind. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at Lagenda Hill, savoring authentic local flavors amid lush, scenic surroundings.

This morning, we’ll transfer about 45 minutes from the hotel to Bako National Park, one of Borneo’s most remarkable natural sanctuaries. The park’s dramatic coastline, mangrove forests, and rich biodiversity make it a haven for wildlife lovers. 

As we explore its winding trails, keep an eye out for the rare proboscis monkey, with its distinctive long nose and playful demeanor, as well as bearded pigs, macaques, and colorful tropical birds. Our six-hour guided adventure offers the perfect blend of discovery and tranquility, immersing us in the sights and sounds of the rainforest. 

Midday, we’ll pause for lunch at the park, surrounded by lush greenery and the calls of the jungle, a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in the heart of Borneo’s wilderness. 

Afterward, we’ll return to our hotel for a leisurely afternoon to rest, swim, or take in the beauty of our surroundings.

As evening arrives, we’ll come together for a hands-on Malay cooking class led by a local chef. Learn the secrets behind fragrant spices and bold flavors that define Malaysian cuisine, from aromatic curries to savory rice dishes. Once the cooking is done, we’ll sit down to share the fruits of our labor and enjoy a warm, communal meal that celebrates both culture and connection.

Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before we check out and depart for the airport. This trip has been nothing short of spectacular, and we hope the memories and friendships you've made along the way stay with you for a long time. 

We'll take a private taxi to the airport, and those not joining us for the extension will board a plane back to Singapore for onward flights home. 

If you're continuing to Gaya Island with us, we'll have an earlier flight than the rest of the ladies, so breakfast will be on your own at the airport.

After our flight to Kota Kinabalu, we’ll set off on a scenic speedboat ride across shimmering waters to reach the serene Gaya Island Resort, nestled within a lush marine park. 

Upon arrival, we’ll be welcomed with an indigenous massage, designed to soothe tired muscles and restore balance after our week of adventures. 

As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll gather for a memorable dinner at Fisherman’s Cove, the resort’s elegant rooftop restaurant, where exquisite seafood and breathtaking views create the perfect finale to our first day in paradise.

We'll begin the day surrounded by Gaya Island’s lush landscapes on a guided nature walk led by an expert naturalist. Wander through dense jungle trails alive with the sounds of tropical birds, and keep an eye out for elusive island wildlife such as the proboscis monkey and red giant flying squirrel while learning about the island’s diverse ecosystem.

Following our exploration, we'll unwind at Tavajun Bay, the resort’s tranquil private beach, where a casual seaside picnic lunch awaits. 

Later, we'll channel our creativity with Borneo Craftworks, taking part in a traditional craft-making session that connects us to the artistry and culture of local communities.

As the sun sets, we’ll come together for a refined Omakase dinner, an intimate culinary experience highlighting the region’s finest ingredients and elegant island flavors.

Today offers a pick-your-own-adventure experience to enjoy Gaya Island’s stunning marine and coastal environment. Choose to kayak through the winding mangroves, spotting vibrant wildlife along the sheltered waterways, or head to the Marine Centre for a snorkeling excursion, exploring colorful coral reefs and tropical fish just off the island’s shores.

The afternoon is free to relax at your leisure. Lounge by the pool, stroll along the beach, or soak in the island’s serene beauty.

As the day draws to a close, we’ll gather for a farewell private barbecue on the beach, enjoying freshly grilled local specialties under the stars while celebrating a week of unforgettable adventures and new friendships.

We’ll savor a final breakfast at the hotel, enjoying the ocean views one last time before bidding farewell to Gaya Island. We'll have one group transfer to the airport for our return flight to Singapore, arriving around 2:30. 

If you are departing from Singapore for your onward travel today, plan your flight times accordingly, ideally departing Singapore after 5:30 pm.