Luxury redefined at Malaysia and Singapore

While Malaysia is all about white sand beaches, tropical islands with coconut groves and turquoise waters, its close neighbour, Singapore, delights with its urban wonders, nightlife and cosmopolitan vibe. However, the one thing both destinations have in common is their penchant for luxury and leisure. And of course, this doubles up when you decide you visit both at one go! Since there’s so much to do at these magnificent destinations, allow us to help you pick out the best experiences for your luxury holiday to Singapore and Malaysia!

Rent a Private Island in Malaysia

Whether you’re a honeymooning couple or a family, you could do with some private space while on a luxury vacation. Well, guess what? In Malaysia, you have an island all to yourself with staff quarters on a separate island just a km away! Snorkel among colourful coral reefs off the shores of Redang or Perhentian Island on the east coast of Malaysia, or take a tour of The Pulau Tinggi Marine Park off Johor. It has several stretches of excellent camping sites and shallow water that’s safe for swimming. Adrenaline junkies can go hiking, rock climbing, surfing and diving.

Traveller Tip: Make it happen at Taaras Beach & Spa Resort on Redang Island (USD 600 onwards), Batu Batu Boutique Resort off Mersing (USD 530 onwards) or Gladden Private Island (USD 2,950)

Read more: Luxury Hotels in Singapore

Splurge on Labels at Orchard Road

Singapore’s high-end shopping district, Orchard Road, is flanked by iconic shopping malls, art galleries, dining and entertainment choices for every taste and budget. The stretch starts with Tanglin Mall and ends with Plaza Singapura. One can shop for anything from apparel and electronics to house ware. The most famous mall here is Paragon, with over 200 luxury stores, including Gucci, Burberry and Prada. High-end couture brands like Marc Jacobs and Just Cavalli can be found at Mandarin Gallery, amongst other glamorous accessory boutique stores like Vertu mobile phones, Mauboussin jewellers from France and Montblanc pens. Ion Orchard is another hotspot that houses brands like Miu Miu, Cartier, Prada and YSL. The Far East Plaza is popular with tourists for collecting porcelain ornaments and jade sculptures from the Kwok Gallery. It doesn’t have well-known fashion labels but houses some creative fashion stores and tattoo parlours catering to the younger lot. Rummage through vintage bags, apparel from young Asian designers and interesting trinkets at Blackmarket, which is like an upmarket thrift store.

Traveller Tip: Don’t miss the Orchard Central Roof Garden, the hidden gem that can offer some great photo ops in the evening. On Saturdays, the malls are open till 11 at night.

Gaze at the Petronas Towers While Sipping on Cocktails at the SkyBar

On the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel, is the Skybar, overlooking lovely gardens and a view of downtown Kuala Lumpur. By evening, the place buzzes with chic crowds who come to sip on the bar’s popular cocktails while gazing at the glitzy Petronas Twin Towers, which stand tall less than a kilometre away. Soak in the refined but sultry vibe, with DJs playing techno, jazz, soft rock and modern pop on different nights. You must make prior reservations, as the place is almost always overbooked.

Traveller Tip: Order signature cocktails like tangy Selangor Sling or the fruity passion fruit-based Mata D’Or. Finger foods like spice-crusted calamari and crispy barbeque ribs come in generous portions.

Read more: Where to Eat in Malaysia

Gamble Away the Night at the Marina Bay Sands Casino

This popular luxury hotel boasts of a casino that is home to over 600 table games, more than 1,500 slots and a wide array of dining options. Try your hand at poker tables, baccarat, roulette and the many slot machines. The minimum bets for Blackjack start at $25. The floors above have higher stake tables and restricted entry. Entry is free for foreign nationals as long as you have your passport on you. The place is big and fancy, so be sure to dress up well for the evening! If you’re into gambling, this can very well be the highlight of your trip.

Traveller Tip: Marina Bay Sands has the highest rooftop infinity pool in the world, and the theme parties here are magnetic for the glitterati. Try modern Asian dishes by award-winning chefs paired with premium grade wines at Ce La Vi.

Dine Atop the Singapore Flyer

At 141 feet, the Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest observation wheel, from where one can get a bird’s eye view of the entire city, including Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay Sands, the skyline and the port. Located at the terminal are a variety of shops and fine-dining restaurants. Savour the best of Chinese cuisine at Sky View Pavilion or local favourites like Bak Kut Teh and Laksa at Singapore Food Treats. Try the authentic Singapore Sling and other award-winning cocktails at the Flyer Lounge, which is managed by the Association of Bartenders and Sommeliers Singapore. One can also reserve capsules for a private party (at S$299 + taxes per couple) or a private capsule for two that makes for a cosy setting for a romantic evening complete with champagne, roses and your very own private butler (at S$1800 + taxes). Dig into scrumptious dishes like scallops with truffles, miso salmon or duck confit.

Traveller Tip: Did you know? Based on the Chinese lucky number, each of the 28 capsules of the wheel can host 28 people and do a complete rotation in 28 minutes.

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