Asia
Journey to the Southeast
Singapore & Malaysia
The Experience
Embark on a journey you will never forget through two magnificent and unique Southeastern Asian countries: Singapore and Malaysia.
Trip Highlights
PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS PLANNED FOR SUMMER 2024. IT IS NOT RUNNING DURING SUMMER 2023.
- See majestic orangutans in their natural habitat
- Discover the rich history of Malaysia’s Chinese community
- Explore traditional villages and try your hand at calligraphy
- Board bamboo rafts and cruise down a rainforest-lined river
- Enjoy the urban majesty of Singapore’s skyline
- Get an adrenaline rush at Skytrex Adventure
Asia
Journey to the Southeast
Program Overview
Are you looking for an adventure that has you traveling to countries that are less commonplace for typical Western travelers?
If so, then Teen Travel Network has the perfect summer program for you!
Travel to Malaysia and Singapore, two countries in Southeast Asia that have incredibly unique histories, cultures and geographies for you to discover.
Singapore is a city-state, where the city is also the nation itself. Explore this vibrant, bustling and modern city that is a beacon of technological advancement.
In Malaysia, find a land of temples, islands, rivers, cities and more that are a true kaleidoscope of ancient heritage alongside modern ways of living.
You will return from this trip with authentic, indescribable travel memories that will last you a lifetime.
KEY DESTINATIONS
REGION: ASIA & THE PACIFIC
EXPERIENCE: MULTI-COUNTRY ASIA
COUNTRY: MALAYSIA
COUNTRY: SINGAPORE
CITY: KUALA LUMPUR
Asia
Journey to the Southeast
AT TEEN TRAVEL NETWORK, YOU'RE NOT ONLY TAKING A JOURNEY IN MILES, BUT A JOURNEY OF SHARED EXPERIENCES AND SELF-DISCOVERY.
PROGRAM ITINERARY
THIS ITINERARY IS AN APPROXIMATION OF THE OVERALL PROGRAM EXPERIENCE. THE ORDER OF ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP MAY CHANGE.
IF A PARTICULAR SCHEDULED EXPERIENCE IS CANCELED, WE MAY REPLACE IT WITH AN ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at the airport where our enthusiastic leaders will be waiting for you at the arrivals gate.
Meet your fellow students and get settled into your accommodations before we come together for a brief orientation–we’ll go over our schedule and expectations, and give tips on adapting to the local culture.
After dinner we’ll turn in early to rest up for the busy day ahead!
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Today we’ll explore the city’s famous Chinatown.
Follow your leaders for an in-depth guide to the area–learn about the business practices, cultural beliefs and spiritual life of the Chinese community here. Visit famous temples, the Assembly Hall, and the bustling Central Market, a bustling covered street market packed with vendors selling art, wares, and local food.
Later, join a sharing session with a professor from a local university on the topics of Chinese community history, culture, economy and adaptability and integration in Malaysia.
Day 3: Kuala Lumpur → Kuching
Hop on a domestic flight and touch down two hours east to Kuching, which is located on the island of Borneo.
This afternoon, explore Kuching, a beautiful city built along the Sarawak River.
Visit the Tua Pek Kong Temple, with its towering seven-story pagoda; the Chinese History Museum, converted from an old Chinese court in the 1920s; and Fort Margherita, which was built in the 1800s to guard Kuching from pirates.
Day 4: Kuching
Head to Bako National Park, perhaps the best place in Sarawak to see wildlife in a natural setting. One day is all it takes to discover the beauty of one of Southeast Asia’s oldest (and smallest) national parks.
Travel by bus and boat to reach this oasis of unique animals, verdant jungle and secluded beaches. With a little luck, spot proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards, or a Bornean bearded pig!
We’ll return to Kuching in the evening, where we’ll have the chance to discuss as a group what we’ve learned so far on our adventure.
Day 5: Kuching → Peraya Bidayuh
We’ll rise with the sun and depart for the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. This nature reserve is home to about 20 orangutans–upon arrival, take a short walk along a trail to the feeding area to watch the orangutans come down from the trees for a meal.
Continue on to the village of Peraya Budayuh, the second largest Dayak tribe in Sarawak where we’ll be spending the night in traditional dwellings. Meet your host family and settle in before strolling through the village, passing farmland and jungle before arriving at a picturesque waterfall.
Return to the village for a Bidayuh-style dinner with your new family. You’ll stay in an individual room in a traditional wooden longhouse.
Day 6: Peraya Bidayuh → Kuching
Board traditional bamboo rafts and float down the rainforest-lined river. Your guide will navigate a series of mini rapids and proceed downriver.
If you wish you can join in and help guide the raft before stopping at a beautiful pebble beach where you’ll enjoy a barbecue lunch cooked in the local fashion: in bamboo tubes!
After lunch we’ll head back to Kuching for the night. Take advantage of the downtime to bond with your new friends or quietly enjoy the scenery as we make our way back north.
Day 7: Kuching → Singapore
Goodbye, Malaysia!
This morning we transfer to the airport and fly to Singapore for the final leg of our journey. Once we arrive we’ll check in to the hotel and hit the ground running! Start your adventure in Singapore by hopping aboard a traditional bumboat, a humble mode of water transportation that ferries people and goods across Singapore River.
Set sail across the watery stretches bound for Merlion Park, home to a magnificent statue and water fountain shaped as the mythical creature. Take in beautiful views of Marina Bay waterfront and snap a few photos at the iconic statue, Merlion.
Day 8: Singapore (Calligraphy & Walking Tour)
Today we get artsy with a crash-course in the art of traditional Chinese calligraphy. Learn the precise brushstrokes of this ancient writing style — you may find it’s more difficult than it looks!
Later we’ll get to know the city on foot, starting with a stop at a shop specializing in bakkwa, jerky-like meat, slow grilled over charcoal.
Visit a Chinese temple, Indian Temple and a Muslim Mosque, all within a stone’s throw from each other — this is a great representation of the diversity found in this special city.
Step into an effigy shop and get a rare insight into the fascinating century-old practice where the living pay homage to the dead by burning money, paper houses, cars and believe it or not, iPads! We’ll hit up the hawker center food stalls for a tasty dinner.
Day 9: Singapore (Language Exchange & Peranakan Tour)
There is no better way to improve your language skills than by conversing with native speakers. This morning, meet with Mandarin speaking Singaporeans and enjoy a chat over coffee.
There’s no need to be an expert speaker–we’ll go over the basics before we meet!
This afternoon, join the Peranakan Chinese history tour. The Peranakans, sometimes referred to as Straits Chinese, are an ethnic group defined by their genealogical descent from the first waves of Southern Chinese settlers to the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia and Singapore.
Peranakan culture is characterized by its unique hybridization of ancient Chinese culture with the local cultures of the region.
Day 10: Singapore (Cooking Class & Gardens)
It’s not a visit to Singapore without exploring the amazing food that the city is famous for! Cook up a delicious meal of traditional Chinese cuisine in a formal cooking class and devour the fruits of your labor at lunchtime.
Next up is Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s most popular attractions. Wander the 20 acres of lush forest, sculptures, ponds and conservatories teeming with rare flora.
You may recognize the iconic “Supertrees,” surreal towering structures adorned with solar cells as part of the garden’s focus on sustainability.
Day 11: Singapore → Malacca
Singapore has been amazing, but more of Malaysia awaits! Board the bus to Malacca, a small city a few hours’ drive up the west coast of the peninsula.
Get to know the city via a walking tour of the historic district of Bandar Hilir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pop in to the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum and visit Southeast Asia’s oldest European-style church, which was built in the 1500s and also offers a stunning view of the Malacca skyline.
The region is famous for their night markets, and this evening we’ll see why. Malacca’s Jonker Street Market is a one-stop-shop for street food, souvenirs, handmade goods, and entertainment!
Day 12: Malacca → Kuala Lumpur
Experience the Skytrex Adventure, a forest adventure park with ziplines, bungee swings and a treetop obstacle course.
Once we are thoroughly worn out, we’ll board the coach and drive north again to Kuala Lumpur. Relax after a long day of travel.
After dinner, enjoy a stroll above the clouds at the Petronas Twin Towers, the highest point in Kuala Lumpur and perhaps the most recognizable landmark in the city.
Day 13: Kuala Lumpur
This morning, you will take part in a social impact visit.
We’ll meet in small groups with local students who are participating in a training program for a local social enterprise; together, we’ll prepare a skill-sharing session during which we will both teach and learn a skill from the local youth.
After lunch we’ll find a quiet spot for students and leaders to come together for a reflection session. Through discussion, listening and guided thought, participants can process their experiences, digest new ideas and consider what they have learned about the region, business, technology and themselves during the trip.
Day 14: Departure
Sadly, our time together has come to an end.
It’s time to head back to the airport for your flight home. Staff will check students in for their flights.
As you settle in to your seat for the journey, reflect on all you have experienced during your trip — we hope it has left you yearning for your next adventure!
Asia
Journey to the Southeast
Dates & Tuition
14-Day Travel Program
| 2024 Dates |
|---|
| Planned for 2024… |
Click here to enroll in this program using our online enrollment form
| Tuition |
|---|
| Full Tuition: $6,649 |
| Base Tuition: $6,499 |
| Internal Flight Fee: $150 |
Full Tuition is the combined amount of the Base Tuition + the Internal Flight Fee
Tuition Includes All Major Program Expenses, Such As:
- 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
- Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, tours and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Local transportation to each destination
- Secure overnight lodging at each location
- 3 meals per day
- Professional full-time staff and experts
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