Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad

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Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad
Your First
Semester
Itinerary
South-East Asia, January 2019
Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad
Contents

– Your First Semester    – What To Do in Chiang Mai           – Road Trip: Da Nang to Singapore

– Why South-East Asia?   – Chiang Mai Fact File               – Singapore

– Visa Requirements      – Road Trip: Chiang Mai to Da Nang   – What To Do in Singapore

– Vaccinations           – Da Nang, Vietnam                   – Singapore Fact File

– Your Journey           – What To Do in Da Nang              – The Semester End

– Chiang Mai, Thailand   – Da Nang Fact File
Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad
Your First Semester

Wrapped in rainforests, edged by golden sands, crowned by
volcanoes, studded with ruins of lost civilisations; your Global
Grad experience will start in South-East Asia. The backpacking
trail through Southeast Asia is well worn and very backpacker
friendly making it the perfect place for first time travellers.
Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad
Why South-East Asia?

Budget friendly:                                   Easy to travel:                                      Deep history:

A very budget friendly place to live and travel.   One of the easiest places in the world to travel.    A place of deep history, this was the stomping
A budget that might only last one month back       Scores of budget airlines and well established       ground of some of the oldest civilizations
home in Europe could stretch several months        bus and train networks make it easy to get           of the world, from the Angkor to the Javans
here. When it’s cheaper to eat out than even       around. There is a strong infrastructure set         and the Champa. This region also has a lot
trying to cook, you can fully embrace and enjoy    up to help foreign travellers book tickets           of modern history worth exploring; a very
your stay without worrying about your wallet.      and get from one place to another.                   rich culture with so many different traditions,
                                                                                                        languages, lifestyles, fashions, beliefs and
The rich and diverse cultures:                     WiFi everywhere:
                                                                                                        customs to immerse yourself in and explore,
Asia has rich and diverse cultures and immersing   A very technology friendly place with fast and       all within a relatively small geographic area.
yourself in them is a life-changing experience.    reliable WiFi offered nearly everywhere enabling
                                                                                                        The people:
Whether it is architecture, art or food, Asian     you to easily connect with your university tutors
cultures are always awe-inspiring. You won’t       and access your online studies without hassle.       Beaming smiles, bountiful waves
run out of sights to see or an attraction to                                                            and the warmest of welcomes await
                                                   Language skills:
experience in Asia, because you never know                                                              you. You will be spoilt by the region’s
what you might find on the next street corner.     Having the basic conversational skills in a more     unrivalled service and hospitality.
                                                   exotic language makes a statement: you’re
                                                   willing and able to learn niche skills and develop
                                                   your portfolio creatively and ambitiously.
Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad
Visa           Your passport should be valid for a minimum
               period of 6 months from the date of entry
                                                                    • You will be in Vietnam for more than 30 days,
                                                                    therefore British passport holders require a visa.

Requirements   into all countries. You are responsible for
               ensuring that you have the correct visa
                                                                    https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-
                                                                    advice/vietnam/entry-requirements
               to enter each country you plan to visit.
                                                                    • British passport holders don’t normally
               • You will be in Thailand for more than 30 days,
                                                                    need a visa to enter Singapore for stays of
               therefore British passport holders require a visa.
                                                                    up to 90 days for tourism, therefore British
               https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-                   passport holders won't require a visa.
               advice/thailand/entry-requirements
                                                                    https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/
                                                                    singapore/entry-requirements

                                                                    STA Travel will be able to give you advise
                                                                    on visa requirements and insurance.

Vaccinations   You are responsible for arranging any
               vaccinations that you may require for your
                                                                    • For more information on Thailand
                                                                    health advice please visit:
               travels. Global Grad advises you to visit
                                                                    https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-
               your local GP at least 6 weeks prior to
                                                                    advice/thailand/health
               going away to check whether you need any
               vaccinations and/or preventative measures.           • For more information on Vietnam
                                                                    health advice please visit:

                                                                    https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-
                                                                    advice/vietnam/health

                                                                    • For more information on Singapore
                                                                    health advice please visit:

                                                                    https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-
                                                                    advice/singapore/health
Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad
C H I N A

Your Journey                                                  M Y A N M A R
                                                                                                                        Hanoi
                                                               ( B U R M A )

                                                                                                      L A O S

                                                                        Chiang Mai
                                                                                                  Vientiane

                                                               Rangoon

                                                                                                                                         Da Nang
                                                                                             T H A I L A N D

                                                                                       Bangkok                                         V I E T N A M

                                                                                                                  Siem Reap
Chiang Mai, Thailand --- > Da Nang, Vietnam --- > Singapore
                                                                                                             C A M B O D I A
Your first semester is 18 weeks long, you will enjoy living   Andaman                                            Phnom Penh                        Nha Trang
                                                                Sea
and studying in our three Global Grad study hub locations,
Chiang Mai in Thailand, Da Nang in Vietnam and Singapore,                                         Koh Rong                      Ho Chi Minh City
as well as going on 2x 2 week Global Grad road trips.
                                                                                                                                Mekong Delta
                                                                                          Koh Samui
Global Grad shall be hosting online webinars to answer
                                                                        Khao Sok      Surat Thani
any questions you may have before your first semester.                                                 Gulf of
                                                                                                      Thailand

                                                                                                                                         South
Approximate start date of semester:
                                                                                                                                         China
Monday 14th January: Fly out of the UK and                                                                                               Sea
arrive in Chiang Mai, Thailand.                                               George Town
                                                                                               Chenderoh Lake
It will be your responsibility to ensure you catch your                                          Cameron Highlands
flight from the UK to Chiang Mai, there won’t be a Global
                                                                                            Kuala Lumpur
Grad member of staff flying with you. However, you
can arrange to meet up with the other Global Grads                                                       M A L A Y S I A
and we will be waiting for you upon your arrival.                                              Melaka

                                                                         I N D O N E S I A                        Singapore
Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Weeks 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand.
It is a blissfully calm and laid-back place to relax and
enjoy life. Get involved in a vast array of activities, or
                                                               What To Do in Chiang Mai
just stroll around the backstreets, and discover a city
that is still firmly Thai in its atmosphere and attitude.

On arrival you will be greeted at the airport
by your Location Managers; you will be driven
to your accomodation by shuttle bus.

You will be shown to your accommodation before having                                                        Cooking classes:
a group meeting with your Location Managers. The
                                                                                                             The best place in the whole country to
meeting will cover the semester itinerary in detail, answer
                                                                                                             do a cooking course. You’ll get to cook
any questions and allow us to get to know each other.          Wat Phra That Doi Suthep:
                                                                                                             traditional Thai dishes such as Tom Yam
You can settle into your accommodation, get to                 Overlooking the city from its mountain        soup with shrimps, the famous Pad Thai, a
know Chiang Mai and freshers week can begin.                   throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of    yummy Panang curry and some sticky rice.
                                                               northern Thailand’s most sacred temples.      You’ll also learn how to set a wok on fire.
The Location Managers will arrange various activities and
events for you and the other Global Grads to get involved      Elephant Nature sanctuary:                    Spend the night in a Karen Hill tribe:
in during your first week. Optional group activities will
                                                               A beautiful place where rescued elephants     Before reaching the unique village, you’ll
also be organised throughout your time in Chiang Mai.
                                                               are taken great care of. You have the         be at one with nature as you enjoy an
For the following five weeks you will enjoy living, studying   opportunity to feed the gentle giants, bath   adventurous trek for a good 5 hours
and travelling around Chiang Mai before departing to           them in the mud, before washing them in       through the jungle. You can swim in the
your next location on the first Global Grad road trip.         the river. An unforgettable experience!       river and see some incredible waterfalls!
Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad
Chiang Mai Fact File

The currency used in                  Other exciting cities that are
Thailand is Thai Baht.                easy to access from Chiang Mai:

£1 = 43 Thai Baht (August 2018)       • Pai, Thailand

                                      • Chiang Rai, Thailand

Average costs in Chiang Mai:          • Bangkok, Thailand

Accommodation - £7 to £10 per night   • Naypyidaw, Myanmar

Beer (0.5L) - £1.47                   • Yangon, Myanmar

Dinner - £1.55                        • Luang Prabang, Laos

Coffee - £1.70                        • Vientiane, Laos

Coca Cola (0.3L) - 0.31p              • Hanoi, Vietnam

                                      • Kunming, China
Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad
Chiang Mai to                                         Day 1                                              Day 2
Da Nang

Travelling through Cambodia - Weeks 6 / 7             Monday 18th February - Bangkok                     Tuesday 19th February - Bangkok / Siem Reap

Before departing, a group meeting will be held        Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city       Enjoy another day exploring Bangkok.
with your Location Managers in preparation for        known for ornate shrines and vibrant street
                                                                                                         Activities could include:
the road trip. There will be the option for you to    life. Like many other capital cities Bangkok
send the belongings that you don’t want to take       never goes to sleep, there is always a hive of     The Grand Palace is the most famous
on the road trip, these will get safely transported   activity as people work around the clock in        attraction in Bangkok, it was the king’s home
to Da Nang by our Global Grad Team. Your              their various professions. With eight million      as well as the place where the government
belongings will be waiting for you upon arrival.      inhabitants living within the city you will find   of Thailand carried out their work.
                                                      yourself encountering every walk of life.
Sunday 17th February - Board an overnight sleeper                                                        Take a stroll through Lumpini park, at over
bus of 10 hours from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.           Spend your day exploring the city and its sites.   500,000 sq. meters the park providers the
                                                                                                         people of Bangkok with a much needed break
                                                      Activities could include:
                                                                                                         from the hustle and bustle of the city.
                                                      Visit Wat Pho to see the reclining buddha,
                                                                                                         Leave the bustling metropolis of Bangkok and
                                                      which stands at fifteen metres tall and
                                                                                                         board a late afternoon bus of 7 hours which will
                                                      forty six metres long, the feet alone
                                                                                                         cross the border into Cambodia, Siem Reap.
                                                      are measured at over five meters.

                                                      Watch a Muay Thai fight, the national sport of
                                                      Thailand that is talked about everywhere.

                                                      Feel free to visit other sites of your choice.
Your First Semester Itinerary - South-East Asia, January 2019 - Global Grad
Day 3                                              Day 4                                            Day 5

Wednesday 20th February - Siem Reap                Thursday 21st February - Siem Reap               Friday 22nd February - Koh Rong Island

Siem Reap is widely renowned as the gateway        Enjoy a guided tour of the Angkor                Get a ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Island.
to Angkor Wat millennium-old temple ruins          Wat temple complex.
                                                                                                    Koh Rong is an island known for its sandy coves
of the Khmer Empire. Set along the Siem
                                                   Angkor Wat is the main reason most visitors      and coral reefs. Inland, there is dense jungle
Reap River, this small provincial capital
                                                   come to Siem Reap, boasting five lotus-like      terrain dotted with coconut palms and waterfalls.
boasts hundreds of sightseeing opportunities
                                                   towers that stand 65 metres tall, 12th century   This island is often described as an ‘island
such as well-preserved colonial buildings,
                                                   Khmer architecture, and about 2,000 stone        paradise’ by visiting tourists. You can kick back
unique museums, traditional markets,
                                                   carvings of Apsaras. Listed as a UNESCO World    and relax or get involved in some fun activities.
cultural performances, and verdant parks.
                                                   Heritage site, Angkor Wat was constructed
                                                                                                    Activities could include:
Spend your day exploring the city and its sites.   to worship the Lord Vishnu (a Hindu deity)
                                                   and, according to scholars, served as a          Snorkelling, there are many beautiful snorkeling
Activities could include:
                                                   funerary temple for King Suryavarman II.         points around Koh Rong and lots of fish to discover.
Phnom Kulen National Park, located 45km
                                                   Board a sleeper bus of 12 hours from             Kayak to Koh Toch, the island consists
north of Siem Reap, is believed to be
                                                   Siem Reap to Sihanoukville.                      only of a pagoda, a couple of monks
the nation’s most sacred mountain.
                                                                                                    and a small walking track.
Angkor National Museum, houses 1,000
                                                                                                    Go for a night swim with the glowing
artefacts from the ancient Khmer empire.
                                                                                                    plankton, perhaps one of the coolest
Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake                                                         things to do on the Island.
in Southeast Asia and home to the Tonle
Sap floating village. While you visit floating
villages, observe traditional lifestyles as
you pass schools, markets, fishermen
and traders in their daily routines.
Day 6                                             Day 7                                                  Day 8

Saturday 23rd February - Koh Rong Island          Sunday 24th February - Koh Rong                        Monday 25th February - Phnom Penh
                                                  Island / Phnom Penh
Enjoy another full day on the                                                                            Learn about the dark side of Cambodian history.
stunning Koh Rong Island.                         Enjoy your final day on Koh Rong island
                                                                                                         Activities could include:
                                                  before getting a ferry back to the
Activities could include:
                                                  mainland (Sihanoukville), followed by a                Visit Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison), the
Jungle trekking, from the main beach (Koh         four hour bus ride to Phnom Penh.                      notorious Khmer Rouge prison where thousands
Toch) trek for 50 minutes through the dense                                                              of Cambodians perished. Tuol Sleng Genocide
                                                  Phnom Penh, the biggest city in Cambodia and
jungle and emerge onto a pristine, endless                                                               Museum was formerly Tuol Svay Pray High School
                                                  also its wealthiest, is the cultural, commercial
beach. 7km of pure white sand and crystal clear                                                          before it was turned into an interrogation, torture
                                                  and political centre of the country. The city offers
waters, enjoy having almost the entire beach                                                             and execution centre by the Khmer Rouge regime.
                                                  extensive cultural and historical attractions,
to yourself to laze on for the rest of the day.
                                                  including temples, museums, the Royal Palace.          The Killing fields, a number of sites in
Ziplines and highropes, clamber among             Phnom Penh also features good dining facilities        Cambodia where collectively more than a
the treetops on ropewalks, ziplines, and          as well as a vibrant and varied nightlife.             million people were killed and buried by the
other height-related obstacles.                                                                          Khmer Rouge regime, it is a bone-chilling
                                                  Spend your day exploring the city and its sites.
                                                                                                         reminder of Cambodia’s tragic history.
                                                  Activities could include:

                                                  Enjoy a cycle tour to see the city from a
                                                  street-level perspective and soak up the
                                                  real city vibe. Pass the post office and Van's
                                                  restaurant, both stunning colonial buildings,
                                                  go along the riverside road and take in the
                                                  atmospheric cafes that line the street.

                                                  The Royal Palace, is a complex of
                                                  buildings which serves as the royal
                                                  residence of the King of Cambodia.
Day 9                                                    Day 10                                                Day 11

Tuesday 26th February - Phnom                            Wednesday 27th February - Ho Chi                      Thursday 28th February - Ho Chi Minh City
Penh / Ho Chi Minh City                                  Minh City / Mekong Delta
                                                                                                               Enjoy another day exploring Ho Chi Minh City.
Bus ride with border crossing from Vietnam               Day trip to Mekong Delta.
                                                                                                               Board the overnight sleeper bus
to Cambodia, 6 hours and 30 minutes.
                                                         The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is               of 9 hours to Nha Trang.
Many of the best attractions in Ho Chi Minh              a vast maze of rivers, swamps and islands,
(Saigon) centre around the events of 20th                home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas
century war and conquest. There are some truly           and villages surrounded by rice paddies.
fascinating historical activities, from classic French
                                                         Travel by private vehicle from Ho Chi Minh City
architecture to perfectly maintained American war
                                                         to Mekong Delta, 2 hours and 30 minutes.
planes. Walking around Ho Chi Minh is like seeing
the past come to life with so many famous places         Board a small boat and navigate through narrow
of interest scattered throughout the city. Of course,    canals witnessing local living, villages, islands,
as Vietnam’s biggest city and business capital,          and markets, and visit traditional candy factories.
times are changing and modern skyscrapers
are starting to punctuate the sky combining the          Stop to see cottage industries and their products
new and old in a uniquely Vietnamese way.                for which the area is famous for: delicious,
                                                         chewy coconut candy and rice cakes.
Activities could include:
                                                         After enjoying a day in the Mekong Delta,
The War Remnants Museum, a sobering                      travel back to Ho Chi Minh City in time to
and unforgettable museum which details                   spend your evening around the city.
the effects of the 30 year long war
between America and Vietnam.

The Cu Chi tunnels, this marvellous tourist
attraction lets visitors experience what it
must have been like for soldiers who used
an extensive network of tunnels to move
around undetected by their enemies.
Day 12                                              Day 13                                            Day 14

Friday 1st March - Nha Trang                        Saturday 2nd March - Nha Trang                    Sunday 3rd March - Da Nang

Arrive in Nha Trang in the morning.                 Enjoy a day to relax by the crystal-clear water   Arrive in Da Nang in the morning.
                                                    or continue exploring the city and its sites.
Nha Trang attractions are set against a                                                               You will be shown to your accommodation before
stunning backdrop of white sandy beaches,           Activities could include:                         having a group meeting with your Location
verdant mountains, and untouched islands.                                                             Managers. The meeting will cover the semester
                                                    Vinpearl amusement park, situated on
Nha Trang is home to remnants of the Champa                                                           itinerary in detail and answer any questions.
                                                    an island across the bay from Nha Trang
Kingdom, Buddhist temples, and gothic-style
                                                    beach is the large scale theme park.              You can then settle into your accommodation
Catholic churches while natural hot springs,
                                                                                                      and get to know Da Nang. The Location
salt fields, and unique waterfalls offer a myriad   Thap Ba hot springs, a great place to relax and
                                                                                                      Managers will organise various optional group
of sightseeing and recreational activities.         rejuvenate after a day of exploring Da Nang.
                                                                                                      activities for you and other Global Grads to
Spend your day exploring the city and its sites.    Board an overnight sleeper bus of 10              get involved in during your time in Da Nang.
                                                    hours from Nha Trang to Da Nang.
Activities could include:

Cycle the coastal route of Nha Trang, pass
beautiful beaches and friendly villages.

Po Nagar, a 3 story hilltop temple with 2 church
towers offering historical exhibits and photos.

Dam market, the cities main market, this
busy 3-story building is densely packed
with food & souvenir markets.

Long Son Pagoda, a modern Buddhist pagoda
featuring a large concrete Buddha statue
atop a hill, offering stunning city views.
Da Nang, Vietnam                                               What To Do in Vietnam

                                                                                                               Non Nuoc Beach:
                                                               The Marble Mountains:
                                                                                                               When people think of Vietnam, surfing is
                                                               A cluster of marble and limestone hills
                                                                                                               not something that immediately springs to
                                                               just 7km from the city. The mountains
Week 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12                                                                                      mind. But still, it is possible to go surfing in
                                                               are full of caves, tunnels and Buddhist
                                                                                                               Vietnam! There is a growing surf community
Week 8 begins Monday 4th March.                                shrines waiting to be explored!
                                                                                                               here who take advantage of the consistent
For the following five weeks you will enjoy living, studying   Son Tra Peninsula:                              and fun beach breaks along My Khe Beach.
and travelling around Da Nang before departing to your
                                                               A beautiful rainforest at a size of over 4000   See the Dragon:
next location on the second Global Grad road trip.
                                                               hectares. Rent a scooter to ride along the
                                                                                                               Da Nang is the most impressive at night.
Da Nang is one of the fastest growing cities in Vietnam,       newly-built road and check out the nature
                                                                                                               One of the biggest attractions in the city
conveniently located and rich with history and amazing         reserve, stop off to visit one of the most
                                                                                                               centre is the Dragon Bridge, which not only
sites. With close proximity to the mountains, and long         important religious sights in the area.
                                                                                                               is beautifully lit during the night, but also
stretches of beaches on either side of the city. The
                                                                                                               spits fire every Saturday and Sunday at 9pm.
city itself is a colorful burst of energy between its
fast modernisation and charms of the old town.
Da Nang Fact File

The currency used in Vietnam         Other exciting cities that are
is Vietnamese Dong.                  easy to access from Da Nang:

£1 = 29854.34 Vietnamese             • Hoi An, Vietnam
Dong (August 2018)
                                     • Nha Trang, Vietnam

                                     • Hanoi, Vietnam
Average costs in Da Nang:
                                     • Haikou, China
Accommodation - £5 to £7 per night
                                     • Zhanjiang, China
Beer (0.5L) - 0.82p
                                     • Vientiane, Laos
Dinner - £2.34
                                     • Siem Reap, Cambodia
Coffee - 0.75p
                                     • Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Coca Cola (0.3L) - 0.38p
Da Nang to                                            Day 1                                               Day 2
Singapore

Travelling through Malaysia - Week 13 / 14            Monday 8th April - Bangkok                          Tuesday 9th April - Bangkok / Surat Thani

Before departing, a group meeting will be held        Take a short haul morning flight of 1 hour          Enjoy another day exploring the city of
with your Location Managers in preparation for        and 45 minutes from Da Nang to Bangkok,             Bangkok before boarding an overnight
the road trip. There will be the option for you to    where your road trip will begin.                    sleeper train of 12 hours to Surat Thani.
send the belongings that you don’t want to take
                                                      Spend your day exploring the city and its sites.
on the road trip, these will get safely transported
to Singapore by our Global Grad Team. Your            Activities could include:
belongings will be waiting for you on your arrival.
                                                      Khao San Road, the popular book ‘The Beach’
                                                      famously described Khao San Road as “the centre
                                                      of the backpacking universe”. Judging by the
                                                      truth-seeking travellers who converge here it’s
                                                      a phrase that sums it up pretty much perfectly.

                                                      Wat Arun, easily one of the most stunning temples
                                                      in Bangkok, not only because of its riverside
                                                      location, but also because the design is very
                                                      different to the other temples in Thailand.

                                                      Check out the cities Klongs by boat, this is a
                                                      fantastic way to get a glimpse into the timeless
                                                      charm of the city, as well as witnessing the
                                                      role Bangkok’s many waterways have played
                                                      in its past right up to the present day.
Day 3                                           Day 4                                                  Day 5

Wednesday 10th April - Surat Thani / Khao Sok   Day 4 - Thursday 11th April - Khao Sok / Koh Samui     Day 5 - Friday 12th April - Koh Samui

Once arriving in Surat Thani, you will          You will get a morning bus back to                     Enjoy another day to relax on the
travel to lush Khao Sok National Park.          Surat Thani before taking a ferry to                   beach and soak up the sun or explore
                                                the beautiful Koh Samui Island.                        more of Koh Samui adventures.
Khao Sok is a nature reserve in southern
Thailand containing dense virgin jungle,        Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island          Activities could include:
towerlike limestone karst formations and the    and one of the first Thai islands to be ‘discovered’
                                                                                                       Wat Plai Laem, located near the Big Buddha
man-made Cheow Lan Lake. It’s home to rare      by international travellers. Koh Samui is known
                                                                                                       in the north of the island, Wat Plai Laem is a
species such as the giant parasitic Rafflesia   for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves
                                                                                                       colourful and interesting Buddhist Temple.
flower, hornbill birds, gibbons and tigers.     and dense, mountainous rainforest. From the
                                                crowded bars and restaurants of Chaweng to             Na Muang waterfalls, the two Na Muang waterfalls
Spend your day exploring the national park.
                                                beautiful, undeveloped beaches on the island’s         are probably the most picturesque in Koh Samui.
Activities could include:                       southern coastline, Koh Samui offers a range           The name Na Muang refers to the massive purple
                                                of experiences. Spend your day exploring               rocks at the waterfalls, rocks and tree roots form
River activities, jump in a canoe or a tube     Koh Samui beaches and vibrant nightlife.               a natural staircase that leads to the base and
and experience the jungle from this unique
                                                                                                       a large natural pool sits under the waterfall.
perspective. You can see monkeys playing        Activities could include:
in bamboos, brightly coloured kingfishers                                                              Fisherman’s Village Samui, a historical part
                                                The famous Big Buddha shrine, Samui’s most
and snakes snoozing in the trees above.                                                                of Bophut, with rustic-style buildings housing
                                                well known landmark, the 12-metre high golden
                                                                                                       boutique stores, trendy restaurants and a small
Hiking or swimming in Khao Sok National Park.   Buddha can be seen from several kilometres away.
                                                                                                       selection of hotels lining the narrow Beach Road.
                                                Ang Thong National Marine Park, a pristine
                                                archipelago of 42 islands with towering
                                                limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-
                                                sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls
                                                and hidden coves and lakes to explore.

                                                Snorkelling and scuba diving, Koh Tao – meaning
                                                ‘Turtle Island’ – lives up to its name, being the
                                                scuba diving destination of choice in Thailand.
Day 6                                               Day 7                                               Day 8

Saturday 13th April - Koh Samui / George Town       Sunday 14th April - George Town                     Monday 15th April - George
                                                                                                        Town / Chenderoh Lake
You will get a ferry back to the mainland (Surat    Enjoy another day exploring George Town, Penang.
Thani) and continue by bus to cross the border                                                          In the morning, you will take a 2 hour bus ride
                                                    Activities could include:
into Malaysia and on to George Town, Penang,                                                            from George Town to Chenderoh Lake.
the “Pearl of the Orient”. A 7 hour bus journey.    Penang National Park, the smallest national
                                                                                                        The Chenderoh Lake is a natural lake in Kuala
                                                    park in the world. That being said, its 2.5
Penang is a state in northwest Malaysia with                                                            Kangsar District, Perak, Malaysia. The lake
                                                    hectare area contains a rich diversity of
the freshest aspects of modern culture as well                                                          was built in the 1920s, during the colonial era
                                                    habitats. You can find beautiful lakes, wetlands,
as an exceptional art scene and home to many                                                            when intense development was happening
                                                    mangrove plantations, coral reefs and even
free-spirited carnivals, all fed by an infectious                                                       in Malaysia. The Chenderoh Dam generated
                                                    turtle nesting beaches at the stunning park.
local enthusiasm for Penang’s long history and                                                          much-needed hydro-electric power to feed the
kaleidoscope of cultures. Every year, thousands     In league with the likes of Miami and Berlin,       hungry town of Ipoh and its attendant tin mines.
of visitors come here to experience the unique      Penang is a recognized street art capital of the
                                                                                                        You have the opportunity to enjoy some real
cultural heritage and scenery. It is also a         world, making strolling through Georgetown’s
                                                                                                        local living for the night, travel to a local island
very cosmopolitan city, perhaps the second          streets just a little bit more exciting.
                                                                                                        homestay in the middle of the scenic lake. Spend
busiest in the country after Kuala Lumpur.
                                                    End your day by watching the sunset at the          the evening connecting with the locals and taking
Activities could include:                           beach, pristine sandy beaches and array of water    in the beautiful scenery. This is a great experience!
                                                    activities keep visitors coming back for more.
Embark on a culinary marathon, Penang
is consistently ranked as one of the best
food paradises in the world and it would
take a brave soul to argue against that.

Hop on a trishaw for a city tour, apart from
cars and buses, there are bicycles and…
trishaws. It’s a fun and traditional way to
get from point A to B in the city or simply
for a breezy tour around Georgetown.
Day 9                                                    Day 10                                                Day 11

Tuesday 16th April - Chenderoh                           Wednesday 17th April - Cameron                        Thursday 18th April - Kuala Lumpur
Lake / Cameron Highlands                                 Highlands / Kuala Lumpur
                                                                                                               Enjoy another day exploring Kuala Lumpur.
From Chenderoh Lake you will take a 3 hour               You will take a 3 hour bus ride to Kuala Lumpur.
                                                                                                               Activities could include:
bus ride to arrive in Cameron Highlands.
                                                         Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, its a very
                                                                                                               Sri Mahamariamman Temple, famous for
Cameron Highlands is the most popular of the             diverse area that includes Tamil, Chinese, Malay,
                                                                                                               being the oldest Hindu temple in all of Kuala
highland retreats in Malaysia. Located at almost         and indigenous inhabitants. A city packed with
                                                                                                               Lumpur. This temple is well worth a visit for
2,000 meters at its highest point. During the            historic monuments, steel-clad skyscrapers,
                                                                                                               those wanting to learn about the diverse
colonial era, the British grew tea on the rich fertile   lush parks, mega sized shopping malls, bustling
                                                                                                               cultures and religions that make up this city.
mountain slopes, a practice continued today by           street markets and lively nightspots.
locals. Since then, it has become the biggest tea                                                              Easily spotted down below from the Petronas
                                                         Activities could include:
exporter in Malaysia along with a constant supply                                                              Towers Sky Bridge, no trip to Kuala Lumpur is
of vegetables to the country and Singapore.              The Petronas twin towers, one of the most iconic      complete without a visit to KL Park, a specially
                                                         sights in the world. Visitors flock here to walk      designed area of Kuala Lumpur that provides
Activities could include:
                                                         over the sky bridge that joins the two towers         the city with some much needed green space.
Be dazzled by green at a tea plantation, as well         together, you can admire the breathtaking views
as being able to marvel at the views, most offer         that stretch across the city of Kuala Lumpur.
tea tasting opportunities and the chance to learn
                                                         The Central Market, includes different sections
more about the local tea-growing industry.
                                                         to reflect the various influences and ethnic
The higher elevations and cooler temperatures            backgrounds present in Malaysia such as
of Cameron Highlands make it relatively                  Malay, Indian, and Chinese areas selling local
easy for farmers to grow strawberries.                   products like souvenirs and arts and crafts.
Indeed, it’s the only place around Malaysia
where strawberries are grown.

Camping, a popular Cameron Highlands
activity so you’ll find plenty of travellers
pitching tents along the main range after a
strenuous hike to enjoy the cool mountain air.
Day 12                                             Day 13                                           Day 14

Friday 19th April - Kuala Lumpur / Melaka          Saturday 20th April - Melaka                     Sunday 21st April - Melaka / Singapore

From Kuala Lumpur you will take                    Enjoy another day exploring Melaka.              Board a morning bus of 3 hours that will take
a 2 hour bus to Melaka.                                                                             you across the border into Singapore.
                                                   Activities could include:
Melaka, a quaint coastal city with an abundance                                                     Arrive in Singapore early afternoon.
                                                   Chinatown, one of those places where
of breathtaking sights and rich heritage. Rich
                                                   every day you find something new and             You will be shown to your accommodation before
with heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and
                                                   interesting. It can be a unique cafe or          having a group meeting with your Location
colonial structures. It was here that colonial
                                                   restaurant, a temple or quaint boutique.         Managers. The meeting will cover the semester
forces first made contact with Malaysia,
                                                                                                    itinerary in detail and answer any questions.
which eventually shaped the country into its       Visit Melaka’s floating gold domed mosque, it
current economic and political system.             is especially beautiful when the sun is rising   You can then settle into your accommodation
                                                   or setting. The mosque’s grand archways          and get to know Singapore. The Location
Activities could include:
                                                   are panelled with stained glass. When            Managers will organise various optional group
Jonker Walk is best visited during the             water levels are high, it appears to float.      activities for you and the other Global Grads to
weekends as it is a commonly known fact                                                             get involved in during your time in Singapore.
that visitors worldwide flock to this particular
street in Melaka for its vibrant night market.

Christ Church was built by the Dutch when
they took possession of Melaka from the
Portuguese and today, it stands as one
of Melaka’s most defining structures.
Singapore                                                    What To Do in Singapore

                                                             Marina Bay:                                     Gardens by the Bay:

                                                             Singapore’s famed Marina Bay is the place       Gardens by the Bay is a huge, colourful,
Weeks 15 / 16 / 17 / 18
                                                             to go to see the city’s most spectacular        futuristic park in the bay area of Singapore;
Week 15 begins Monday 22nd April.                            things to do. With the fast development         and has been crowned World Building of the
                                                             of this cosmopolitan city-state, the            year at the world Architecture Festival 2012.
For the following four weeks you will enjoy living,
                                                             whole Marina Bay area has undergone
studying and travelling around Singapore before                                                              Sentosa:
                                                             a transformation of epic proportions.
completing your first Global Grad semester.
                                                                                                             Sentosa is a purpose built island off the
                                                             Clarke Quay:
Singapore, an island city-state off Southern Malaysia.                                                       southern tip of Singapore which was
Capitalising on its melting pot of cultures, Singapore is    This delightful riverside development is        built with leisure and relaxation in mind.
fast becoming one of Asia’s hit-list destinations. There’s   packed full of bustling bars and restaurants,   A collection of beaches, theme parks,
a lot to do here from incredible tropical parks by the       boutique shops and pumping nightclubs,          golf, shopping, dining and more are all
Malaysian border, delicious and cheap Chinese and Indian     attracting a steady stream of tourists          available on this strip of reclaimed land
food, shopping, fun theme parks and beautiful beaches.       alongside Singapore’s party animals.            that can be reached by road or cable car.
Singapore Fact File

The currency used in Singapore             Other exciting cities that are
is Singapore Dollars.                      easy to access from Singapore:

£1 = 1.78 Singapore Dollar (August 2018)   • Johor Bahru, Malaysia

                                           • Malacca, Malaysia

Average costs in Singapore:                • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Accommodation - £12 to £18                 • Penang, Malaysia

Beer (0.5L) - £6.84                        • Pekanbaru Sumatra, Indonesia

Dinner - £4.56                             • Jakarta, Indonesia

Coffee - £3.09                             • Ko Lipe, Thailand

Coca Cola - 0.77p                          • Ko Lanta, Thailand
The Semester End

Monday 21st May.

Sadly the first Global Grad semester comes to an end after 18
amazing weeks of getting to know this fascinating part of the world.

Your Location Managers will ensure you get to the airport
safely before you board your flight back to the UK. It is your         We hope you enjoyed South-East Asia and hope to see you
responsibility to arrive safely back in the UK as there won’t          next time on the second Global Grad semester where you
be a Global Grad staff member on your returning flight.                can let Europe take you on your educational journey.
Contact
                                                     Global Grad Limited
Email      – enquiries@globalgrad.com                Millennium Green Business Centre
Website    – www.globalgrad.com                      Rio Drive, Collingham
Telephone – 01636 894210 / Whatsapp - 07843 475641   Newark, Notts NG23 7NB, UK
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