Our recommended routes around Thailand’s beaches and islands and through the heart of Malaysia and Singapore will transport you to thriving Asian capitals, breathtaking beaches, fascinating national parks and much more on your travels.

Singapore and Malaysia explorer
Minimum duration: 3 weeks
Start: Singapore
End: Pulau Pipadan, Malaysia

1. Singapore
Start in Singapore, an easy introduction to Southeast Asia, with an array of tourist-friendly pleasures: shopping, markets, zoos, temples and delicious food.

2. Melaka, Malaysia
Continue across the border to Melaka, an old colonial town with a fascinating mix of cultures, and an ideal first stop in Malaysia.

3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Visit Kuala Lumpur, the thriving capital, packed with modern architecture, monuments, galleries and markets.

4. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Stop-off in the cooling heights of the Cameron Highlands  – crowds of Malays flock here at the weekend to enjoy the spectacular, lush scenery.

5. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Check-out the Perhentian Islands – this pair of stunning small islands, with white sand beaches and buckets of charm is the perfect place to kick back and relax.

6. Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia
Explore the spectacular and ancient rainforests of Malaysia’s interior in Taman Negara   National Park. The most  scenic route here is riding the Jungle Railway from Kota Bharu in the northeast.

7. Kuching, Malaysia
Next, soak up Sarawak’s capital, Kuching – an attractive, relaxed city that makes a good base for visits to Iban longhouses.

8. Gunung Mulu National Park, Malaysia
Head to Sarawak’s premier national park, Gunung Mulu; home to the largest limestone cave system in the world and impressive pinnacles.

9. Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia
Take an exhausting yet exhilarating trek up Mount Kinabalu in Kinabalu National Park – the highest peak in Southeast Asia – and reward yourself with breathtaking views from the summit at sunrise.

10. Sandakan, Malaysia
Make Sandakan your base and discover Sabah’s rich wildlife at Sepilok’s Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, Turtle Islands National Park and along the Kinabatangan River.

11. Pulau Pipadan, Malaysia
End your trip in Pulau Pipadan, one of the top dive sites in the world, where waters teem with spectacular marine life.

Thailand’s  beaches and islands
Minimum duration: 2 weeks
Start: Phetchburi, Thailand
End: Ko Lip, Thailand

1. Phetchburi, Thailand
Start in Phetchburi – explore the old-world charm of its historic shop-houses, fascinating wats and Rama IV’s fabulous hilltop palace.

2. Ko Tao, Thailand
Continue onto Ko Tao where rough, mountainous jungle interiors, secluded east and south coast beaches, tastefully developed west coast beach life and numerous dive schools mean there’s plenty to do.

3. Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand
Stop-off on Ko Pha Ngan, famous for its pre, post,  in-between and actual full moon parties, and as yet, untainted paradise beaches.

4. Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Check-out Khao Sok National Park for a change of scenery – tropical jungle dotted with dramatic limestone caves makes this one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet.

5. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
Next, head to Ko Phi Phi - the ugly tourist village that’s host to undeniably fun all-night parties is offset by beautiful Long beach and Viking Beach, great snorkelling and diving and the magnificent Maya Bay.

6. Ko Lanta, Thailand
Explore Ko Lanta which combines a relaxed island get-away experience with a dynamic and upbeat nightlife.

7. Ko Lip, Thailand
End your trip in Ko Lip – while rapidly becoming over developed you can still find pockets of paradise here.