11 Day Classic Malaysia & Singapore

From

$2599

Land Only

$3899*

Air & Land

11 Day Classic Malaysia & Singapore

From

$2599

Land Only

$3899*

Air & Land


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Friends & family

Featured Hotels

(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)

Click a Date to Book Online

Click a Date to Book Online

To book this package, please contact one of our reservation agents at 1-215-572-7676.

Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.


Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Passengers should select flights that arrive no later than 3 AM on Day 3.

Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from two to three hours walking on some touring days as well as a few long drives that are necessary to cover the territory. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Some tours require walking in the open air with no shade. Expect traffic congestion and delays, particularly in Cameron Highlands. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.

Accommodation Details





Room 1


  • Requests are not guaranteed and are subject to each hotel's discretion and availability

Additional Nights

Flight Details



Escorted Package Includes

  • Flights Los Angeles-Singapore, Penang-Los Angeles
    Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • 9 nights accommodations
    • 3 nights Singapore
    • 1 night Melaka
    • 2 nights Kuala Lumpur
    • 1 night Cameron Highlands
    • 2 nights Penang
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges including Malaysia tourism taxes
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 17 meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Entrance fees per itinerary
  • Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring

Special Features

  • Discover Singapore's exotic Chinatown and colorful Little India jam-packed with quaint shops
  • Cruise along the Singapore River on a bumboat, admiring the splendid Singapore skyline
  • Visit the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, with its futuristic Supertrees and over 1 million plants
  • Tour historic Melaka on the Malay Peninsula's southwest coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • View Kuala Lumpur's stunning Petronas Twin Towers made out of glass and steel
  • In the dramatic rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands tour a working tea plantation
  • Stop at an Orang Asli village for insight into the unique traditions and lifestyle
  • Visit the Ubudiah Mosque with its sparkling golden domes in the royal capital of Kuala Kangsar
  • Explore colonial George Town, capital of the island of Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

♦ Flights from the USA may arrive on DAY 3.

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Is This Trip Right for You?

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from two to three hours walking on some touring days as well as a few long drives that are necessary to cover the territory. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Some tours require walking in the open air with no shade. Expect traffic congestion and delays, particularly in Cameron Highlands. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.
Friends & family
Book Now!
{{fromName}} wanted to share this vacation with you! Message: {{message}} Package Url : https://www.gate1travel.com/holidays/labor-day/2023/southeast-asia-11dclamysf23.aspx This message was sent by {{fromEmail}} at Apr 18, 2024 at 3:33 PM
Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. Click a day above to see what is included.

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Singapore
Depart for Singapore

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Singapore
Arrive in dynamic Singapore, a global city of extraordinary contrasts; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with the exciting lifestyle of this city at your own pace
Overnight: Singapore

DAY 3, Wednesday - Tour Singapore
The city's colonial heritage is evident as you drive around the Civic District past the Padang Cricket Club, Parliament House, the Supreme Court and City Hall. Stop at Merlion Park for great views of Marina Bay and a picture taking opportunity with the Merlion, a mythological creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. In the bustling and crowded Chinatown with its lively winding alleyways, visit Thian Hock Keng, the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore. Enjoy an exotic lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to colorful Little India, jam-packed with quaint shops selling spices, saris, trinkets, and jewelry. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by dinner
Overnight: Singapore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday - Bumboat River Cruise, Gardens by the Bay
Begin the day with a bumboat cruise along the Singapore River, that served as a lifeline of the city for almost 200 years. View beautifully restored shophouses, ultra modern skyscrapers of the financial district and colonial buildings. Next, visit the awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay. The 250-acre nature park features more than 1 million plants from more than 5,000 species. View the futuristic Supertrees and marvel at the 115 foot tall indoor waterfall on your walk above the jungle canopy via aerial walkways at Cloud Forest. Next, visit the nearby Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world. It showcases exotic plants from 5 continents in 9 different gardens. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure. Tonight, discover Singapore's rousing nightlife and fabulous cuisine, or choose to join the optional Mandai Night Safari tour
Mandai Night Safari optional will only be available through Dec 2023
Optional: Mandai Night Safari
Overnight: Singapore
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Friday - Johor-Singapore Causeway to Melaka
A morning drive across the Johor-Singapore Causeway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka, on the Malay Peninsula's southwest coast. Founded in the 1400s by a Sumatra prince, Melaka soon became one of the richest seaports in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, check into your hotel. Afternoon is at leisure, or take part in the optional Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise, where you will take a ride through the quaint streets of Melaka on a three-wheeled bike before embarking on a river cruise through the heart of the city
Optional: Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise
Overnight: Melaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Saturday - Walking Tour of Melaka, Arrive in Kuala Lumpur
On the historical walking tour of Melaka, visit St. Paul Hill, Porta de Santiago and Jonker Street, the artistic center of the city with its trendy art galleries, antique stores and crafts shops. Then, savor a lunch of local favorites before proceeding to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia with its striking skyline of soaring skyscrapers, contrasted by minarets and Mughal style domes. After time to settle in, the rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Sunday - Sights of Kuala Lumpur
In the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, visit the iconic Batu Caves, a series of cave temples and sacred site of a Hindu shrine. Afterward, on to the ornate National Palace with its mounted guards in British style uniforms, the National Museum and National Monument, a sculpture built in remembrance of the heroes who fought for the country's independence, and view the National Mosque. View the colonial-era Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a distinguished landmark with strong Moorish style influences and the Royal Selangor Club before continuing to view the dramatic glass and steel Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The afternoon is free, or join the optional Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour. Visit the Royal Selangor factory, the world's largest producer of quality pewter, before continuing to the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the tallest communication tower in Southeast Asia
Optional: Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour
Overnight: Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Monday - Cameron Highlands, Orang Asli Village
Heading north, ascend the beautiful rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands with its verdant forests, tea plantations, strawberry farms and rushing waterfalls. Because of its climate, this area attracts over 700 different species of birds and a wide variety of colorful flowers. You'll stop at an authentic Orang Asli village (Malaysia's original inhabitants) in the forest of the Highlands for insight into their traditions, lifestyle and unique culture historically linked with the indigenous people in Myanmar and Thailand. Late lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the resort. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Cameron Highlands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Tea Plantation, Kuala Kangsar, Penang
In the lush Cameron Highlands, take a morning tour to a working tea plantation, strawberry farm, and a popular Butterfly Park. Enjoy amazing panoramic views over endless valleys! Later, after lunch, travel north to the picturesque royal capital of Kuala Kangsar, the first foothold of the British in Malaysia. View the colonial construction dotted around the center of the city before arriving at the magnificent Ubudiah Mosque with its stunning marble exterior accented by glittering golden domes. After views of the luxurious Palace of the Sultan of Perak, head across the Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia, into the island of Penang
Overnight: Penang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Wednesday - Explore Penang
Today you explore Penang, the oldest British settlement in Malaysia, a colorful cross-section of Malay, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and European influences. Drive through colonial George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital of Penang. Stop at Fort Cornwallis, the largest standing fort in Malaysia before a walking tour to St. George's Church, the Kuan Yin Temple, Hindu Temple and Kapitan Keling Mosque. Arrive in lively Little India to see the ornate Khoo Kongsi Clan House designed to capture the splendor of a Chinese Imperial Palace. The afternoon is at leisure, or participate in the optional Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk*. Ascend Penang Hill for panoramic views of Georgetown, the capital of Penang from the summit. Take a walk along the nature trail through the park. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
*For May 6 departure Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk is unavailable
Optional: Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk
Overnight: Penang
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Depart Malaysia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Singapore
Depart for Singapore

DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Singapore
Arrive in dynamic Singapore, a global city of extraordinary contrasts; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with the exciting lifestyle of this city at your own pace
Overnight: Singapore

DAY 3, Friday - Tour Singapore
The city's colonial heritage is evident as you drive around the Civic District past the Padang Cricket Club, Parliament House, the Supreme Court and City Hall. Stop at Merlion Park for great views of Marina Bay and a picture taking opportunity with the Merlion, a mythological creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. In the bustling and crowded Chinatown with its lively winding alleyways, visit Thian Hock Keng, the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore. Enjoy an exotic lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to colorful Little India, jam-packed with quaint shops selling spices, saris, trinkets, and jewelry. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by dinner
Overnight: Singapore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Saturday - Bumboat River Cruise, Gardens by the Bay
Begin the day with a bumboat cruise along the Singapore River, that served as a lifeline of the city for almost 200 years. View beautifully restored shophouses, ultra modern skyscrapers of the financial district and colonial buildings. Next, visit the awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay. The 250-acre nature park features more than 1 million plants from more than 5,000 species. View the futuristic Supertrees and marvel at the 115 foot tall indoor waterfall on your walk above the jungle canopy via aerial walkways at Cloud Forest. Next, visit the nearby Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world. It showcases exotic plants from 5 continents in 9 different gardens. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure. Tonight, discover Singapore's rousing nightlife and fabulous cuisine, or choose to join the optional Mandai Night Safari tour
Mandai Night Safari optional will only be available through Dec 2023
Optional: Mandai Night Safari
Overnight: Singapore
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Sunday - Johor-Singapore Causeway to Melaka
A morning drive across the Johor-Singapore Causeway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka, on the Malay Peninsula's southwest coast. Founded in the 1400s by a Sumatra prince, Melaka soon became one of the richest seaports in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, check into your hotel. Afternoon is at leisure, or take part in the optional Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise, where you will take a ride through the quaint streets of Melaka on a three-wheeled bike before embarking on a river cruise through the heart of the city
Optional: Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise
Overnight: Melaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Monday - Walking Tour of Melaka, Arrive in Kuala Lumpur
On the historical walking tour of Melaka, visit St. Paul Hill, Porta de Santiago and Jonker Street, the artistic center of the city with its trendy art galleries, antique stores and crafts shops. Then, savor a lunch of local favorites before proceeding to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia with its striking skyline of soaring skyscrapers, contrasted by minarets and Mughal style domes. After time to settle in, the rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Tuesday - Sights of Kuala Lumpur
In the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, visit the iconic Batu Caves, a series of cave temples and sacred site of a Hindu shrine. Afterward, on to the ornate National Palace with its mounted guards in British style uniforms, the National Museum and National Monument, a sculpture built in remembrance of the heroes who fought for the country's independence, and view the National Mosque. View the colonial-era Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a distinguished landmark with strong Moorish style influences and the Royal Selangor Club before continuing to view the dramatic glass and steel Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The afternoon is free, or join the optional Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour. Visit the Royal Selangor factory, the world's largest producer of quality pewter, before continuing to the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the tallest communication tower in Southeast Asia
Optional: Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour
Overnight: Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Wednesday - Cameron Highlands, Orang Asli Village
Heading north, ascend the beautiful rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands with its verdant forests, tea plantations, strawberry farms and rushing waterfalls. Because of its climate, this area attracts over 700 different species of birds and a wide variety of colorful flowers. You'll stop at an authentic Orang Asli village (Malaysia's original inhabitants) in the forest of the Highlands for insight into their traditions, lifestyle and unique culture historically linked with the indigenous people in Myanmar and Thailand. Late lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the resort. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Cameron Highlands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Thursday - Tea Plantation, Kuala Kangsar, Penang
In the lush Cameron Highlands, take a morning tour to a working tea plantation, strawberry farm, and a popular Butterfly Park. Enjoy amazing panoramic views over endless valleys! Later, after lunch, travel north to the picturesque royal capital of Kuala Kangsar, the first foothold of the British in Malaysia. View the colonial construction dotted around the center of the city before arriving at the magnificent Ubudiah Mosque with its stunning marble exterior accented by glittering golden domes. After views of the luxurious Palace of the Sultan of Perak, head across the Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia, into the island of Penang
Overnight: Penang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Friday - Explore Penang
Today you explore Penang, the oldest British settlement in Malaysia, a colorful cross-section of Malay, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and European influences. Drive through colonial George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital of Penang. Stop at Fort Cornwallis, the largest standing fort in Malaysia before a walking tour to St. George's Church, the Kuan Yin Temple, Hindu Temple and Kapitan Keling Mosque. Arrive in lively Little India to see the ornate Khoo Kongsi Clan House designed to capture the splendor of a Chinese Imperial Palace. The afternoon is at leisure, or participate in the optional Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk. Ascend Penang Hill for panoramic views of Georgetown, the capital of Penang from the summit. Take a walk along the nature trail through the park. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk
Overnight: Penang
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Saturday - Depart Malaysia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Singapore
Depart for Singapore

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Singapore
Arrive in dynamic Singapore, a global city of extraordinary contrasts; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with the exciting lifestyle of this city at your own pace
Overnight: Singapore

DAY 3, Saturday - Tour Singapore
The city's colonial heritage is evident as you drive around the Civic District past the Padang Cricket Club, Parliament House, the Supreme Court and City Hall. Stop at Merlion Park for great views of Marina Bay and a picture taking opportunity with the Merlion, a mythological creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. In the bustling and crowded Chinatown with its lively winding alleyways, visit Thian Hock Keng, the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore. Enjoy an exotic lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to colorful Little India, jam-packed with quaint shops selling spices, saris, trinkets, and jewelry. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by dinner
Overnight: Singapore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Sunday - Bumboat River Cruise, Gardens by the Bay
Begin the day with a bumboat cruise along the Singapore River, that served as a lifeline of the city for almost 200 years. View beautifully restored shophouses, ultra modern skyscrapers of the financial district and colonial buildings. Next, visit the awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay. The 250-acre nature park features more than 1 million plants from more than 5,000 species. View the futuristic Supertrees and marvel at the 115 foot tall indoor waterfall on your walk above the jungle canopy via aerial walkways at Cloud Forest. Next, visit the nearby Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world. It showcases exotic plants from 5 continents in 9 different gardens. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure. Tonight, discover Singapore's rousing nightlife and fabulous cuisine, or choose to join the optional Mandai Night Safari tour
Mandai Night Safari optional will only be available through Dec 2023
Optional: Mandai Night Safari
Overnight: Singapore
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Monday - Johor-Singapore Causeway to Melaka
A morning drive across the Johor-Singapore Causeway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka, on the Malay Peninsula's southwest coast. Founded in the 1400s by a Sumatra prince, Melaka soon became one of the richest seaports in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, check into your hotel. Afternoon is at leisure, or take part in the optional Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise, where you will take a ride through the quaint streets of Melaka on a three-wheeled bike before embarking on a river cruise through the heart of the city
Optional: Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise
Overnight: Melaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Tuesday - Walking Tour of Melaka, Arrive in Kuala Lumpur
On the historical walking tour of Melaka, visit St. Paul Hill, Porta de Santiago and Jonker Street, the artistic center of the city with its trendy art galleries, antique stores and crafts shops. Then, savor a lunch of local favorites before proceeding to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia with its striking skyline of soaring skyscrapers, contrasted by minarets and Mughal style domes. After time to settle in, the rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Wednesday - Sights of Kuala Lumpur
In the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, visit the iconic Batu Caves, a series of cave temples and sacred site of a Hindu shrine. Afterward, on to the ornate National Palace with its mounted guards in British style uniforms, the National Museum and National Monument, a sculpture built in remembrance of the heroes who fought for the country's independence, and view the National Mosque. View the colonial-era Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a distinguished landmark with strong Moorish style influences and the Royal Selangor Club before continuing to view the dramatic glass and steel Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The afternoon is free, or join the optional Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour. Visit the Royal Selangor factory, the world's largest producer of quality pewter, before continuing to the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the tallest communication tower in Southeast Asia
Optional: Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour
Overnight: Kuala Lumpur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Thursday - Cameron Highlands, Orang Asli Village
Heading north, ascend the beautiful rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands with its verdant forests, tea plantations, strawberry farms and rushing waterfalls. Because of its climate, this area attracts over 700 different species of birds and a wide variety of colorful flowers. You'll stop at an authentic Orang Asli village (Malaysia's original inhabitants) in the forest of the Highlands for insight into their traditions, lifestyle and unique culture historically linked with the indigenous people in Myanmar and Thailand. Late lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the resort. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Cameron Highlands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Tea Plantation, Kuala Kangsar, Penang
In the lush Cameron Highlands, take a morning tour to a working tea plantation, strawberry farm, and a popular Butterfly Park. Enjoy amazing panoramic views over endless valleys! Later, after lunch, travel north to the picturesque royal capital of Kuala Kangsar, the first foothold of the British in Malaysia. View the colonial construction dotted around the center of the city before arriving at the magnificent Ubudiah Mosque with its stunning marble exterior accented by glittering golden domes. After views of the luxurious Palace of the Sultan of Perak, head across the Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia, into the island of Penang
Overnight: Penang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Saturday - Explore Penang
Today you explore Penang, the oldest British settlement in Malaysia, a colorful cross-section of Malay, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and European influences. Drive through colonial George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital of Penang. Stop at Fort Cornwallis, the largest standing fort in Malaysia before a walking tour to St. George's Church, the Kuan Yin Temple, Hindu Temple and Kapitan Keling Mosque. Arrive in lively Little India to see the ornate Khoo Kongsi Clan House designed to capture the splendor of a Chinese Imperial Palace. The afternoon is at leisure, or participate in the optional Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk. Ascend Penang Hill for panoramic views of Georgetown, the capital of Penang from the summit. Take a walk along the nature trail through the park. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk
Overnight: Penang
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Depart Malaysia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Book Now!
Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money.
  • Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
  • Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
  • Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
  • Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
  • Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
  • The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise

Take a ride through the quaint streets of Melaka on an ornately decorated trishaw (three-wheeled pedaled vehicle). Journey down to the river where you will board a cruise, to get a glimpse of the city from a unique viewpoint. Discover Melaka's vibrant heritage, a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. After the cruise, enjoy time at leisure to explore the local restaurants and later make your own way back to hotel.

Approximate tour duration is 1.5 hours.

Day #5 01 Aug 2023 - 31 May 2024 $75.00
Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise Thumbnail
Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour

Visit the Royal Selangor factory, the world's largest producer of quality pewter, and the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. Stroll through the informative exhibits and learn about the rich history of Malaysian pewter crafting. Later, continue to the Kuala Lumpur Tower, standing at 1,381 feet it is the tallest communication tower in Southeast Asia. Marvel at the spectacular 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck.

Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.

Day #7 01 Aug 2023 - 31 May 2024 $84.00
Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour Thumbnail
Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk

Climb aboard a funicular train* and ascend Penang Hill for panoramic views of Georgetown, the capital of Penang from the summit. Take a walk along the nature trail through the park and learn about the diverse flora and fauna that grows within the surrounding habitat. Admire the beauty of Penang's 130-million-year-old rainforest during the self-guided walks.

*Please note, the tour will not operate if the funicular train is not able to operate.

Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.

Day #10 01 Aug 2023 - 14 May 2024 $89.00
Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk Thumbnail
Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise

Take a ride through the quaint streets of Melaka on an ornately decorated trishaw (three-wheeled pedaled vehicle). Journey down to the river where you will board a cruise, to get a glimpse of the city from a unique viewpoint. Discover Melaka's vibrant heritage, a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. After the cruise, enjoy time at leisure to explore the local restaurants and later make your own way back to hotel.

Approximate tour duration is 1.5 hours.

Day #5 01 Aug 2023 - 31 May 2024 $75.00
Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise Thumbnail
Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour

Visit the Royal Selangor factory, the world's largest producer of quality pewter, and the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. Stroll through the informative exhibits and learn about the rich history of Malaysian pewter crafting. Later, continue to the Kuala Lumpur Tower, standing at 1,381 feet it is the tallest communication tower in Southeast Asia. Marvel at the spectacular 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck.

Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.

Day #7 01 Aug 2023 - 31 May 2024 $84.00
Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour Thumbnail
Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk

Climb aboard a funicular train* and ascend Penang Hill for panoramic views of Georgetown, the capital of Penang from the summit. Take a walk along the nature trail through the park and learn about the diverse flora and fauna that grows within the surrounding habitat. Admire the beauty of Penang's 130-million-year-old rainforest during the self-guided walks.

*Please note, the tour will not operate if the funicular train is not able to operate.

Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.

Day #10 01 Aug 2023 - 14 May 2024 $89.00
Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk Thumbnail
Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise

Take a ride through the quaint streets of Melaka on an ornately decorated trishaw (three-wheeled pedaled vehicle). Journey down to the river where you will board a cruise, to get a glimpse of the city from a unique viewpoint. Discover Melaka's vibrant heritage, a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. After the cruise, enjoy time at leisure to explore the local restaurants and later make your own way back to hotel.

Approximate tour duration is 1.5 hours.

Day #5 01 Aug 2023 - 31 May 2024 $75.00
Melaka Trishaw Ride & River Cruise Thumbnail
Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour

Visit the Royal Selangor factory, the world's largest producer of quality pewter, and the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. Stroll through the informative exhibits and learn about the rich history of Malaysian pewter crafting. Later, continue to the Kuala Lumpur Tower, standing at 1,381 feet it is the tallest communication tower in Southeast Asia. Marvel at the spectacular 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck.

Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.

Day #7 01 Aug 2023 - 31 May 2024 $84.00
Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Kuala Lumpur Tower Tour Thumbnail
Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk

Climb aboard a funicular train* and ascend Penang Hill for panoramic views of Georgetown, the capital of Penang from the summit. Take a walk along the nature trail through the park and learn about the diverse flora and fauna that grows within the surrounding habitat. Admire the beauty of Penang's 130-million-year-old rainforest during the self-guided walks.

*Please note, the tour will not operate if the funicular train is not able to operate.

Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.

Day #10 01 Aug 2023 - 14 May 2024 $89.00
Penang Hill with Habitat Nature Walk Thumbnail

Know Before You Go
Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
Getting Ready to Go
Passports and Visas
It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.

Traveling with Friends or Family?
If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display.

Trip Preparation
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.

Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html.

Travel Protection
Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/.

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/.

This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel.

Mobile Phones
Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype.

Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another
When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally).

Example:
To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555
From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555
From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555
From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555


WiFi Access
WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries.

Staying Healthy While Traveling
All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations.

There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.

  • Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
  • If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
  • Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
  • Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for both active and warm destinations).
  • You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.


Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at: http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements.

Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours)
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
  • Refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes and/or personal products containing excessive fragrance in respect for other guests who may be allergic
  • Avoid smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cigars in the vicinity of other tour members, including in outdoor areas where smoking may be permitted but may still affect other tour participants
  • No Smoking of any kind (medical or recreational) is allowed on any transportation that is exclusively provided by Gate 1. This includes e-cigarettes, e-cigars or any other smoking device. Furthermore, some countries heavily regulate the public use and possession of cigarettes (including e-cigarettes and vape pens) which could include their complete ban. Please check the regulation for the destinations you plan on traveling to prior to departure.
  • Avoid attire with political or religious messages that may offend other travelers
  • Respect your fellow passengers. Guests come from all walks of life and varied lifestyles. Please refrain from topics of conversation which might cause offense, such as religion and politics
  • Refrain from conversation or talking on mobile phones while commentary is in progress
  • Respect the mandatory seat rotation policy on the coach
  • Make use of the available hand sanitizer on the coach to support a healthy environment
  • Seek approval before taking photographs of other tour participants
  • Respect tour departures times to avoid delay and loss of sightseeing opportunities

Climate & Clothing
Singapore - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

Singapore Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/#malaysia-weather

Malaysia - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover.

Malaysia Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/#malaysia-weather

About Drones
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones.

Book & Film Recommendations
Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations.

MALAYSIA: Books
The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng
The Long Day Wanes: A Malaysian Trilogy by Anthony Burgess
And The Rain My Drink by Han Suyin
A History of Malaysia by Barbara Watson Andaya
The Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw

MALAYSIA: Films
The Journey (2014)
The Big Durian (2003)
Sepet (2004)
Sandokan (1976)

SINGAPORE: Books
A Singapore Story: Memoir of Lee Kuan Yew by Le Kuan Yew
The Singapore Grip by J.G. Farrell
A Fistful of Colors by Suchen Chine Lim
Crossroads: A Popular Hisotry of Malaysia & Singapore by Jim Baker

SINGAPORE: Films
Saint Jack (1979)

Preparing for Your Trip
Reconfirming Flights
It is not necessary to call your airline to reconfirm your flights. However, we do recommend that you check your airline’s website 24 hours prior to your flight to ensure that your flights remain on schedule and that flight times are unchanged.

Seat Assignments
As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus.

Frequent Flier Programs
Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares as well as some code-share flights are not eligible for mileage accrual. Some private airfares, such as a “Gate 1 Travel Airfare”, are not eligible for mileage or may qualify for reduced mileage, even if the same airline class of service is eligible for full mileage when sold as an “Instant Purchase” published airfare. Not all published airfares are eligible for mileage. Gate 1 Travel will record frequent flier numbers when provided by the passenger prior to travel documents being issued. However, the addition of frequent flier numbers to airline records does not guarantee mileage eligibility which is at the sole discretion of each airline. Airline schedule changes may result in flights which were originally eligible for mileage accrual no longer being eligible. We highly recommend passengers to provide their frequent flier account information whenever checking in online and/or at the airport check-in desk. After travel has commenced, it is often not possible to apply for frequent mileage credit. Passengers are also responsible to determine whether previously earned mileage may be applied to flights to secure upgrades.

Known Traveler Number (KTN)
If you have a KTN number, you are normally able to join the TSA security line for expedited processing at the airport. Prior to check in, you should go online or call your airline and add your KTN number to your reservation record. In most cases, you will then see the letters "TSA PRE" printed on your boarding pass. If these letters are not printed, you will not be permitted on the TSA line. Please be aware that some airlines do not participate in the program and therefore even if there is a TSA line at the airport, you will not be given TSA PRE status. Sometimes you may not be selected by TSA (even if you entered a KTN number) and even a minor name discrepancy can result in TSA PRE being denied. It is your responsibility to register your KTN number with your airline and Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for denial of expedited security. Note: KTNs are issued by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) after completing a background check through TSA's PreCheck® program. Global Entry members may also enjoy expedited customs processing.

Luggage & Packing
Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost.

Carry on Luggage
Missed connections and lost luggage are more common than ever. We strongly suggest you use your carry on bag for those necessities you would miss if your checked bags went astray. Items to consider, but not limited to, are prescription medicines, eyeglasses, a change of clothes, mobile phone and charger, valuables (including jewelry and cash), passport, keys, insurance cards, local contact information. Refer to the TSA website for a complete list of items and their sizes which may be carried on board. We also recommend you bring a change of clothes in your carry on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost.

E-Tickets & Advance Check-In
Review the flight itinerary included in your documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the 6-digit airline "Record Locator" and e-ticket numbers. Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your name and 6-digit Record Locator or Flight Ticket Number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. You may check-in online, even if you plan to check luggage at the airport. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter. Paper tickets will be provided in the rare instance when e-tickets cannot be issued.

Day of Departure
Arrive On Time
Due to increased security measures, you should plan to check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time for international flights and two hours prior for domestic flights. Many airlines do not permit check-in less than one hour prior to the scheduled departure time. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled flights. Enhanced security procedures, including passenger screening, canine inspection, and inspection of personal electronic devices, have been implemented for all flights into the United States, and therefore security procedures may take longer than normal.

Check-In
If your flight itinerary displays a flight as “Operated By” another carrier, you should check-in at the desk of the “Operated By” airline. When you arrive at the airport, check the airport monitors for updated check-in desk listings. At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport required when traveling internationally) and your e-ticket itinerary/ticket numbers to the agent. Once you've checked in and received your boarding passes and luggage claim tickets, proceed directly to the security check. Security lines are often backed up and can take time to get through. Once you've completed security check, proceed directly to your gate and check the large electronic flight screens for your flight time and departure gate for schedule and gate changes. Airport desk clerks will assist with unexpected changes. Once you are in the gate area you can relax, shop or buy a snack before your flight.

Connecting Passengers
Passengers connecting from another point within the USA should check their luggage through to their final destination. Although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. When you check your luggage, please verify where your luggage is being sent. When connecting between flights in major airports, you may need to pass through multiple security checkpoints. Therefore, we recommend that you proceed immediately to the gate area for your connecting flight to avoid any unexpected delays which may cause you to be late. Passengers returning to the USA may need to collect their luggage at the first airport of entry and recheck their luggage for their connecting flight.

Flight Services
Avoiding Jet Lag
In order to minimize fatigue and general restlessness caused by jet lag, there are a few steps you may take including switching to your destination time zone when you board the plane, by sleeping and eating according to the new schedule, avoiding heavy eating, caffeine or alcoholic beverages before or during your flight, and by drinking plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying. Try to sleep on overnight flights and then, upon arrival, avoid the temptation to nap until nighttime.

Airline Food
Unless you are a first or business class passenger, you will likely receive a mediocre culinary experience. Reasons for this range from airline budget constraints to the logistics of high altitudes, low humidity and air pressure, small galleys, tiny ovens and precooked food. We suggest simple options, carry a few granola bars, and don't expect this to be your best dining experience.

Premium Economy or Business Class
Service may not be available on all flights or aircraft types, and therefore some flights within an itinerary may not include Premium Economy or Business Class seating. This includes, for example, some US domestic connections and/or short haul flights abroad. When service is not available, you will be accommodated in the best alternative class of service and seating. Please check your operating airline to determine the extra services you may receive.

US Customs & Immigration for Return Flights
In most cases, passengers with return flights that include a connection in the US will need to complete customs and immigration formalities in their first port of entry, requiring them to collect their luggage and check-in for their onward flight. However, there are some exceptions: certain airports in Canada and Ireland (Dublin), allow US Immigration formalities to be completed in the overseas airport at the gate area.

Foreign Domestic Flights
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in your travel documents, you will receive those tickets at your destination from our local representative.

What to do if You Need Assistance

Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline.

Emergency Assistance
The Gate 1 emergency line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call: 800 682-3333 or 215 572-7676. From overseas, call: 001 215 572-7676. Outside office hours, listen to the prompts, then press 3. You will speak immediately with a representative, or you may be asked to leave a detailed message including your name, your booking number, and most importantly the telephone number where you can be reached. Your message will be forwarded immediately to a representative who will contact you at the telephone number provided.

Last Minute Schedule Changes & Flight Delays
On the day of travel, check the flight schedule and advise Gate 1 by phone, 800 682-3333 or 215 572-7676, of any significant changes that might affect your arrival transfer or hotel reservation. Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for affected land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers should flights be changed without our knowledge. Gate 1 will make every effort to inform passengers of schedule changes and cannot be held responsible for changes in routing and/or the number of stops in the itinerary. Nor will Gate 1 provide compensation for changes or cancellations implemented by an airline.

Missed Flights
In the event that you miss your flight which departs as scheduled, for any reason, your airline will consider you a "no-show” and may resell your seat(s) to other customers. This will also result in the cancellation of any later flights in your itinerary. Similarly, if you voluntarily decide not to use any of the flights on your itinerary, the airline will consider you a “no show” and cancel remaining flights on your itinerary. In this case, please contact your airline immediately for assistance in getting you to your destination. Missed flights are typically fully non-refundable and you may be required to purchase new flights from the airline at your own expense. Once your alternative arrangements have been confirmed, please contact Gate 1 with your new flight details.

Missed Connection
If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, it's the airline's responsibility to make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed.

Lost Luggage
If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. Any cost to retrieve luggage will be your responsibility and you should retain receipts to submit to your insurance provider. You may be required to return to an airport to retrieve your luggage personally.

Arrival & Departure
Arrival Procedures
Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative.

Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip.

What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed
Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.

Departure Procedures
If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.

Transfers
Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.

The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money.

About Your Accommodations
Hotels
Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center.

Hotel Check-in/ Check-out
Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.

At Your Destination
Eco & Sustainable Tourism
We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.

Gratuities
Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience.

Suggested Tipping: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Malaysia

Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $7 per person per day
Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day
Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day
Southeast Asia River Cruise: Crew $8 per person per day; Cruise Director $8 per person per day; Local Guides & Drivers $6 per person per day
Hotel porters and wait staff: Included

Singapore - Gratuities are not standard practice.

About Your Sightseeing
To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list.

Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours)
Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.

Purchasing Tours Locally
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional

Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses

Currency
We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you depart (except India). It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash, please note that exchange at banks is typically more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. However, bank hours are limited to Mondays through Fridays and sometimes only morning hours on those days. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller. In many destinations (except Western Europe), we suggest to bring between $50 to $100 in $1 bills which may be used to pay gratuities.

Singapore - The Singapore Dollar is the currency of Singapore.

Malaysia - The Malaysian Ringgit is the currency of Malaysia.

Credit Cards
While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.

While most US-issued credit cards have the embedded microprocessor chip, there are still some that have the magnetic-strip technology. The "chip-and-PIN" cards require users to punch in a personal identification number (PIN) instead of signing for a purchase. For example, many automated ticket kiosks, such as those commonly found at train stations, gas pumps and parking garages, don't accept cards without a chip and PIN. Most cash registers are equipped to handle American cards but if you encounter difficulties, offer an alternative credit card or politely insist that the cashier keep trying to swipe the credit card. ATMs typically recognize and accept US issued debit cards. For travel to Europe, should you anticipate using ticket kiosks or purchasing train tickets locally, you may consider buying tickets and other basic purchases prior to departure.

Shopping
Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities.

We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies.

While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!

About Tax-Free Shopping
Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application.

U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges
You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

Singapore - Consumer electronics, luxury goods, cosmetics, and chic clothing can all be found readily. Each shopping area in Singapore offers a unique atmosphere with different specialties, from the upscale Orchard Road district to the shopping paradise of Suntec City. Little India and Arab Street are the best places to find textiles, especially embroidered lace, silk, cotton, and linen garments.

Malaysia - Malaysia offers a variety of shopping experiences from high-end designer brands and cosmetics to traditional handicrafts. In the cities of Penang and Kuala Lumpur, you can find all the modern shopping in large shopping malls. While in Malacca and smaller cities along the eastern coast you can find meticulously crafted hand made specialty items like pottery, wood carvings, hand woven fans and baskets, shadow puppets, sarongs, and silverware.

Your Safety is Very Important
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit.

It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:

  • Always use seat belts (if provided)
  • Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention and to blend in with the crowd
  • Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
  • Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room or on the bus as Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any loss. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe
  • When possible we suggest traveling in pairs or groups when moving about independently
  • Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard to replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag
  • Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing
  • Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body
  • Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash
  • While in destination, you may encounter local wildlife. Please refrain from touching any animal as they may carry diseases or harm you.

If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.

Tourist Street Scams
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:

  • Remain alert and cautious. Be wary of any unusual contact or commotion in crowded public places, including train stations, markets, subways and tourist sites;
  • Be especially careful when traveling independently, or leaving your tour group to explore on your own. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. Avoid narrow alleys and poorly lit streets;
  • Use only official taxis and check the change you receive from all taxi drivers and vendors;
  • Beware of pickpockets often working with an accomplice who will distract you by spilling something on you, dropping a wallet or other seemingly valuable object, or tripping and falling down in front of you;
  • Beware of aggressive street vendors who may approach you offering a demonstration which may end with you being pressured to purchase an item or act as a distraction for another pickpocket;
  • Don’t tip beggars;
  • Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest;
  • Carry modest amounts of cash (US dollars) in small denominations so that you can avoid flashing large bills when paying for small items;
  • ATM machines can be a convenient way to carry less currency. However those machines too can be used for robbery. Be wary of anyone who can look over your shoulder when inputting PINs. Another scam involves rigging the machine with a plastic insert which makes your card retrieval difficult; the thief then removes your card after you walk away;
  • If you are confronted, do not fight back - give up your valuables. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police and keep a copy of the official report for insurance claims.


Local Emergency Phone Numbers
Singapore
  • Ambulance/Fire: 995
  • Police: 999

Malaysia
  • Ambulance/Police: 999
  • Fire: 994

Languages
Singapore - Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English are the official languages.

Malaysia - Malay is the national language of Malaysia. Mandarin and Tamil are also widely spoken among various dialects from various ethnic groups.

Electricity
Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.

Singapore - The voltage used is 220 volts.

Malaysia - The voltage used is 240 volts.

Code of Conduct
Singapore - Cleanliness is not only highly valued but also enshrined in law. Even the slightest breach of this law, such as dropping a cigarette butt, can result in heavy fines. Take care to avoid even accidental littering. Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Singapore is a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, and many Western customs are observed.

Malaysia - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Simple, modest clothing is appropriate. Footwear should be removed upon entering places of worship. Common courtesies should be observed.

Meals & Dietary Requests
Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.

Holidays
On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants.

Holidays - Singapore

Holidays 2024

Jan 1: New Years Day
Feb 5: Thaipusam
Feb 10: Chinese / Lunar New Year
Feb 11: Chinese / Lunar New Year Holiday
Feb 12: Chinese / Lunar New Year Holiday
Mar 29: Good Friday
Apr 10: Hari Raya Puasa
May 1: Labour Day
May 22-23: Vesak Day
Jun 17: Hari Raya Haji
Aug 9: National Day
Nov 1: Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Holidays 2025

Jan 1: New Years Day
Jan 29: Chinese New Year
Feb 11: Thaipusam
Mar 31: Hari Raya Puasa
Apr 18: Good Friday
May 1: Labour Day
May 12: Vesak Day
Jun 6: Hari Raya Haji
Aug 9: National Day
Oct 21: Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Holidays - Malaysia

Holidays 2024

Jan 1: New Years Day
Jan 25: Thaipusam
Feb 10: Chinese / Lunar New Year
Feb 11: Second Day of Lunar New Year
Feb 12: Lunar New Year Holiday
Mar 29: Good Friday
Apr 10: Hari Raya Puasa (end of Ramadan)
Apr 11: Hari Raya Puasa Day 2
May 1: Labour Day
May 22: Vesak Day
Jun 3: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday
Jun 17: Hari Raya Haji
Jun 18: Hari Raya Haji Day 2
Jul 7-8: Muharram
Aug 31: Malaysia's National Day
Sep 16: Malaysia Day
Sep 16: The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
Oct 31: Diwali/Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Holidays 2025

Jan 1: New Years Day
Jan 29: Chinese New Year
Apr 18: Good Friday
Mar 31-Apr 1: Hari Raya Puasa
May 1: Labour Day
Jun 2: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday
Jun 7-8: Hari Raya Haji
Jun 27: Muharram
Aug 31: Malaysia's National Day
Sep 1: Malaysia's National Day (observed)
Sep 16: Malaysia Day
Oct 20: Diwali/Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Know Before You Go
Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
Getting Ready to Go
Passports and Visas
It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.

Traveling with Friends or Family?
If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display.

Trip Preparation
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.

Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html.

Travel Protection
Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/.

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/.

This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel.

Mobile Phones
Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype.

Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another
When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally).

Example:
To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555
From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555
From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555
From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555


WiFi Access
WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries.

Staying Healthy While Traveling
All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations.

There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.

  • Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
  • If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
  • Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
  • Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for both active and warm destinations).
  • You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.


Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at: http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements.

Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours)
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
  • Refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes and/or personal products containing excessive fragrance in respect for other guests who may be allergic
  • Avoid smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cigars in the vicinity of other tour members, including in outdoor areas where smoking may be permitted but may still affect other tour participants
  • No Smoking of any kind (medical or recreational) is allowed on any transportation that is exclusively provided by Gate 1. This includes e-cigarettes, e-cigars or any other smoking device. Furthermore, some countries heavily regulate the public use and possession of cigarettes (including e-cigarettes and vape pens) which could include their complete ban. Please check the regulation for the destinations you plan on traveling to prior to departure.
  • Avoid attire with political or religious messages that may offend other travelers
  • Respect your fellow passengers. Guests come from all walks of life and varied lifestyles. Please refrain from topics of conversation which might cause offense, such as religion and politics
  • Refrain from conversation or talking on mobile phones while commentary is in progress
  • Respect the mandatory seat rotation policy on the coach
  • Make use of the available hand sanitizer on the coach to support a healthy environment
  • Seek approval before taking photographs of other tour participants
  • Respect tour departures times to avoid delay and loss of sightseeing opportunities

Climate & Clothing
Singapore - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

Singapore Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/#malaysia-weather

Malaysia - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover.

Malaysia Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/#malaysia-weather

About Drones
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones.

Book & Film Recommendations
Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations.

MALAYSIA: Books
The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng
The Long Day Wanes: A Malaysian Trilogy by Anthony Burgess
And The Rain My Drink by Han Suyin
A History of Malaysia by Barbara Watson Andaya
The Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw

MALAYSIA: Films
The Journey (2014)
The Big Durian (2003)
Sepet (2004)
Sandokan (1976)

SINGAPORE: Books
A Singapore Story: Memoir of Lee Kuan Yew by Le Kuan Yew
The Singapore Grip by J.G. Farrell
A Fistful of Colors by Suchen Chine Lim
Crossroads: A Popular Hisotry of Malaysia & Singapore by Jim Baker

SINGAPORE: Films
Saint Jack (1979)

Preparing for Your Trip
Reconfirming Flights
It is not necessary to call your airline to reconfirm your flights. However, we do recommend that you check your airline’s website 24 hours prior to your flight to ensure that your flights remain on schedule and that flight times are unchanged.

Seat Assignments
As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus.

Frequent Flier Programs
Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares as well as some code-share flights are not eligible for mileage accrual. Some private airfares, such as a “Gate 1 Travel Airfare”, are not eligible for mileage or may qualify for reduced mileage, even if the same airline class of service is eligible for full mileage when sold as an “Instant Purchase” published airfare. Not all published airfares are eligible for mileage. Gate 1 Travel will record frequent flier numbers when provided by the passenger prior to travel documents being issued. However, the addition of frequent flier numbers to airline records does not guarantee mileage eligibility which is at the sole discretion of each airline. Airline schedule changes may result in flights which were originally eligible for mileage accrual no longer being eligible. We highly recommend passengers to provide their frequent flier account information whenever checking in online and/or at the airport check-in desk. After travel has commenced, it is often not possible to apply for frequent mileage credit. Passengers are also responsible to determine whether previously earned mileage may be applied to flights to secure upgrades.

Known Traveler Number (KTN)
If you have a KTN number, you are normally able to join the TSA security line for expedited processing at the airport. Prior to check in, you should go online or call your airline and add your KTN number to your reservation record. In most cases, you will then see the letters "TSA PRE" printed on your boarding pass. If these letters are not printed, you will not be permitted on the TSA line. Please be aware that some airlines do not participate in the program and therefore even if there is a TSA line at the airport, you will not be given TSA PRE status. Sometimes you may not be selected by TSA (even if you entered a KTN number) and even a minor name discrepancy can result in TSA PRE being denied. It is your responsibility to register your KTN number with your airline and Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for denial of expedited security. Note: KTNs are issued by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) after completing a background check through TSA's PreCheck® program. Global Entry members may also enjoy expedited customs processing.

Luggage & Packing
Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost.

Carry on Luggage
Missed connections and lost luggage are more common than ever. We strongly suggest you use your carry on bag for those necessities you would miss if your checked bags went astray. Items to consider, but not limited to, are prescription medicines, eyeglasses, a change of clothes, mobile phone and charger, valuables (including jewelry and cash), passport, keys, insurance cards, local contact information. Refer to the TSA website for a complete list of items and their sizes which may be carried on board. We also recommend you bring a change of clothes in your carry on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost.

E-Tickets & Advance Check-In
Review the flight itinerary included in your documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the 6-digit airline "Record Locator" and e-ticket numbers. Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your name and 6-digit Record Locator or Flight Ticket Number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. You may check-in online, even if you plan to check luggage at the airport. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter. Paper tickets will be provided in the rare instance when e-tickets cannot be issued.

Day of Departure
Arrive On Time
Due to increased security measures, you should plan to check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time for international flights and two hours prior for domestic flights. Many airlines do not permit check-in less than one hour prior to the scheduled departure time. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled flights. Enhanced security procedures, including passenger screening, canine inspection, and inspection of personal electronic devices, have been implemented for all flights into the United States, and therefore security procedures may take longer than normal.

Check-In
If your flight itinerary displays a flight as “Operated By” another carrier, you should check-in at the desk of the “Operated By” airline. When you arrive at the airport, check the airport monitors for updated check-in desk listings. At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport required when traveling internationally) and your e-ticket itinerary/ticket numbers to the agent. Once you've checked in and received your boarding passes and luggage claim tickets, proceed directly to the security check. Security lines are often backed up and can take time to get through. Once you've completed security check, proceed directly to your gate and check the large electronic flight screens for your flight time and departure gate for schedule and gate changes. Airport desk clerks will assist with unexpected changes. Once you are in the gate area you can relax, shop or buy a snack before your flight.

Connecting Passengers
Passengers connecting from another point within the USA should check their luggage through to their final destination. Although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. When you check your luggage, please verify where your luggage is being sent. When connecting between flights in major airports, you may need to pass through multiple security checkpoints. Therefore, we recommend that you proceed immediately to the gate area for your connecting flight to avoid any unexpected delays which may cause you to be late. Passengers returning to the USA may need to collect their luggage at the first airport of entry and recheck their luggage for their connecting flight.

Flight Services
Avoiding Jet Lag
In order to minimize fatigue and general restlessness caused by jet lag, there are a few steps you may take including switching to your destination time zone when you board the plane, by sleeping and eating according to the new schedule, avoiding heavy eating, caffeine or alcoholic beverages before or during your flight, and by drinking plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying. Try to sleep on overnight flights and then, upon arrival, avoid the temptation to nap until nighttime.

Airline Food
Unless you are a first or business class passenger, you will likely receive a mediocre culinary experience. Reasons for this range from airline budget constraints to the logistics of high altitudes, low humidity and air pressure, small galleys, tiny ovens and precooked food. We suggest simple options, carry a few granola bars, and don't expect this to be your best dining experience.

Premium Economy or Business Class
Service may not be available on all flights or aircraft types, and therefore some flights within an itinerary may not include Premium Economy or Business Class seating. This includes, for example, some US domestic connections and/or short haul flights abroad. When service is not available, you will be accommodated in the best alternative class of service and seating. Please check your operating airline to determine the extra services you may receive.

US Customs & Immigration for Return Flights
In most cases, passengers with return flights that include a connection in the US will need to complete customs and immigration formalities in their first port of entry, requiring them to collect their luggage and check-in for their onward flight. However, there are some exceptions: certain airports in Canada and Ireland (Dublin), allow US Immigration formalities to be completed in the overseas airport at the gate area.

Foreign Domestic Flights
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in your travel documents, you will receive those tickets at your destination from our local representative.

What to do if You Need Assistance

Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline.

Emergency Assistance
The Gate 1 emergency line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call: 800 682-3333 or 215 572-7676. From overseas, call: 001 215 572-7676. Outside office hours, listen to the prompts, then press 3. You will speak immediately with a representative, or you may be asked to leave a detailed message including your name, your booking number, and most importantly the telephone number where you can be reached. Your message will be forwarded immediately to a representative who will contact you at the telephone number provided.

Last Minute Schedule Changes & Flight Delays
On the day of travel, check the flight schedule and advise Gate 1 by phone, 800 682-3333 or 215 572-7676, of any significant changes that might affect your arrival transfer or hotel reservation. Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for affected land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers should flights be changed without our knowledge. Gate 1 will make every effort to inform passengers of schedule changes and cannot be held responsible for changes in routing and/or the number of stops in the itinerary. Nor will Gate 1 provide compensation for changes or cancellations implemented by an airline.

Missed Flights
In the event that you miss your flight which departs as scheduled, for any reason, your airline will consider you a "no-show” and may resell your seat(s) to other customers. This will also result in the cancellation of any later flights in your itinerary. Similarly, if you voluntarily decide not to use any of the flights on your itinerary, the airline will consider you a “no show” and cancel remaining flights on your itinerary. In this case, please contact your airline immediately for assistance in getting you to your destination. Missed flights are typically fully non-refundable and you may be required to purchase new flights from the airline at your own expense. Once your alternative arrangements have been confirmed, please contact Gate 1 with your new flight details.

Missed Connection
If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, it's the airline's responsibility to make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed.

Lost Luggage
If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. Any cost to retrieve luggage will be your responsibility and you should retain receipts to submit to your insurance provider. You may be required to return to an airport to retrieve your luggage personally.

Arrival & Departure
Arrival Procedures
Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative.

Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip.

What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed
Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.

Departure Procedures
If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.

Transfers
Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.

The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money.

About Your Accommodations
Hotels
Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center.

Hotel Check-in/ Check-out
Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.

At Your Destination
Eco & Sustainable Tourism
We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.

Gratuities
Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience.

Suggested Tipping: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Malaysia

Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $7 per person per day
Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day
Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day
Southeast Asia River Cruise: Crew $8 per person per day; Cruise Director $8 per person per day; Local Guides & Drivers $6 per person per day
Hotel porters and wait staff: Included

Singapore - Gratuities are not standard practice.

About Your Sightseeing
To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list.

Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours)
Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.

Purchasing Tours Locally
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional

Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses

Currency
We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you depart (except India). It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash, please note that exchange at banks is typically more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. However, bank hours are limited to Mondays through Fridays and sometimes only morning hours on those days. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller. In many destinations (except Western Europe), we suggest to bring between $50 to $100 in $1 bills which may be used to pay gratuities.

Singapore - The Singapore Dollar is the currency of Singapore.

Malaysia - The Malaysian Ringgit is the currency of Malaysia.

Credit Cards
While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.

While most US-issued credit cards have the embedded microprocessor chip, there are still some that have the magnetic-strip technology. The "chip-and-PIN" cards require users to punch in a personal identification number (PIN) instead of signing for a purchase. For example, many automated ticket kiosks, such as those commonly found at train stations, gas pumps and parking garages, don't accept cards without a chip and PIN. Most cash registers are equipped to handle American cards but if you encounter difficulties, offer an alternative credit card or politely insist that the cashier keep trying to swipe the credit card. ATMs typically recognize and accept US issued debit cards. For travel to Europe, should you anticipate using ticket kiosks or purchasing train tickets locally, you may consider buying tickets and other basic purchases prior to departure.

Shopping
Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities.

We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies.

While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!

About Tax-Free Shopping
Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application.

U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges
You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

Singapore - Consumer electronics, luxury goods, cosmetics, and chic clothing can all be found readily. Each shopping area in Singapore offers a unique atmosphere with different specialties, from the upscale Orchard Road district to the shopping paradise of Suntec City. Little India and Arab Street are the best places to find textiles, especially embroidered lace, silk, cotton, and linen garments.

Malaysia - Malaysia offers a variety of shopping experiences from high-end designer brands and cosmetics to traditional handicrafts. In the cities of Penang and Kuala Lumpur, you can find all the modern shopping in large shopping malls. While in Malacca and smaller cities along the eastern coast you can find meticulously crafted hand made specialty items like pottery, wood carvings, hand woven fans and baskets, shadow puppets, sarongs, and silverware.

Your Safety is Very Important
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit.

It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:

  • Always use seat belts (if provided)
  • Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention and to blend in with the crowd
  • Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
  • Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room or on the bus as Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any loss. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe
  • When possible we suggest traveling in pairs or groups when moving about independently
  • Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard to replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag
  • Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing
  • Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body
  • Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash
  • While in destination, you may encounter local wildlife. Please refrain from touching any animal as they may carry diseases or harm you.

If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.

Tourist Street Scams
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:

  • Remain alert and cautious. Be wary of any unusual contact or commotion in crowded public places, including train stations, markets, subways and tourist sites;
  • Be especially careful when traveling independently, or leaving your tour group to explore on your own. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. Avoid narrow alleys and poorly lit streets;
  • Use only official taxis and check the change you receive from all taxi drivers and vendors;
  • Beware of pickpockets often working with an accomplice who will distract you by spilling something on you, dropping a wallet or other seemingly valuable object, or tripping and falling down in front of you;
  • Beware of aggressive street vendors who may approach you offering a demonstration which may end with you being pressured to purchase an item or act as a distraction for another pickpocket;
  • Don’t tip beggars;
  • Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest;
  • Carry modest amounts of cash (US dollars) in small denominations so that you can avoid flashing large bills when paying for small items;
  • ATM machines can be a convenient way to carry less currency. However those machines too can be used for robbery. Be wary of anyone who can look over your shoulder when inputting PINs. Another scam involves rigging the machine with a plastic insert which makes your card retrieval difficult; the thief then removes your card after you walk away;
  • If you are confronted, do not fight back - give up your valuables. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police and keep a copy of the official report for insurance claims.


Local Emergency Phone Numbers
Singapore
  • Ambulance/Fire: 995
  • Police: 999

Malaysia
  • Ambulance/Police: 999
  • Fire: 994

Languages
Singapore - Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English are the official languages.

Malaysia - Malay is the national language of Malaysia. Mandarin and Tamil are also widely spoken among various dialects from various ethnic groups.

Electricity
Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.

Singapore - The voltage used is 220 volts.

Malaysia - The voltage used is 240 volts.

Code of Conduct
Singapore - Cleanliness is not only highly valued but also enshrined in law. Even the slightest breach of this law, such as dropping a cigarette butt, can result in heavy fines. Take care to avoid even accidental littering. Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Singapore is a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, and many Western customs are observed.

Malaysia - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Simple, modest clothing is appropriate. Footwear should be removed upon entering places of worship. Common courtesies should be observed.

Meals & Dietary Requests
Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.

Holidays
On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants.

Holidays - Singapore

Holidays 2024

Jan 1: New Years Day
Feb 5: Thaipusam
Feb 10: Chinese / Lunar New Year
Feb 11: Chinese / Lunar New Year Holiday
Feb 12: Chinese / Lunar New Year Holiday
Mar 29: Good Friday
Apr 10: Hari Raya Puasa
May 1: Labour Day
May 22-23: Vesak Day
Jun 17: Hari Raya Haji
Aug 9: National Day
Nov 1: Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Holidays 2025

Jan 1: New Years Day
Jan 29: Chinese New Year
Feb 11: Thaipusam
Mar 31: Hari Raya Puasa
Apr 18: Good Friday
May 1: Labour Day
May 12: Vesak Day
Jun 6: Hari Raya Haji
Aug 9: National Day
Oct 21: Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Holidays - Malaysia

Holidays 2024

Jan 1: New Years Day
Jan 25: Thaipusam
Feb 10: Chinese / Lunar New Year
Feb 11: Second Day of Lunar New Year
Feb 12: Lunar New Year Holiday
Mar 29: Good Friday
Apr 10: Hari Raya Puasa (end of Ramadan)
Apr 11: Hari Raya Puasa Day 2
May 1: Labour Day
May 22: Vesak Day
Jun 3: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday
Jun 17: Hari Raya Haji
Jun 18: Hari Raya Haji Day 2
Jul 7-8: Muharram
Aug 31: Malaysia's National Day
Sep 16: Malaysia Day
Sep 16: The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
Oct 31: Diwali/Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Holidays 2025

Jan 1: New Years Day
Jan 29: Chinese New Year
Apr 18: Good Friday
Mar 31-Apr 1: Hari Raya Puasa
May 1: Labour Day
Jun 2: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday
Jun 7-8: Hari Raya Haji
Jun 27: Muharram
Aug 31: Malaysia's National Day
Sep 1: Malaysia's National Day (observed)
Sep 16: Malaysia Day
Oct 20: Diwali/Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Know Before You Go
Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
Getting Ready to Go
Passports and Visas
It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.

Traveling with Friends or Family?
If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display.

Trip Preparation
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.

Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html.

Travel Protection
Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/.

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/.

This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel.

Mobile Phones
Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype.

Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another
When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally).

Example:
To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555
From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555
From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555
From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555


WiFi Access
WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries.

Staying Healthy While Traveling
All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations.

There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.

  • Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
  • If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
  • Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
  • Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for both active and warm destinations).
  • You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.


Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at: http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements.

Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours)
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
  • Refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes and/or personal products containing excessive fragrance in respect for other guests who may be allergic
  • Avoid smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cigars in the vicinity of other tour members, including in outdoor areas where smoking may be permitted but may still affect other tour participants
  • No Smoking of any kind (medical or recreational) is allowed on any transportation that is exclusively provided by Gate 1. This includes e-cigarettes, e-cigars or any other smoking device. Furthermore, some countries heavily regulate the public use and possession of cigarettes (including e-cigarettes and vape pens) which could include their complete ban. Please check the regulation for the destinations you plan on traveling to prior to departure.
  • Avoid attire with political or religious messages that may offend other travelers
  • Respect your fellow passengers. Guests come from all walks of life and varied lifestyles. Please refrain from topics of conversation which might cause offense, such as religion and politics
  • Refrain from conversation or talking on mobile phones while commentary is in progress
  • Respect the mandatory seat rotation policy on the coach
  • Make use of the available hand sanitizer on the coach to support a healthy environment
  • Seek approval before taking photographs of other tour participants
  • Respect tour departures times to avoid delay and loss of sightseeing opportunities

Climate & Clothing
Singapore - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

Singapore Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/#malaysia-weather

Malaysia - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover.

Malaysia Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/#malaysia-weather

About Drones
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones.

Book & Film Recommendations
Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations.

MALAYSIA: Books
The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng
The Long Day Wanes: A Malaysian Trilogy by Anthony Burgess
And The Rain My Drink by Han Suyin
A History of Malaysia by Barbara Watson Andaya
The Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw

MALAYSIA: Films
The Journey (2014)
The Big Durian (2003)
Sepet (2004)
Sandokan (1976)

SINGAPORE: Books
A Singapore Story: Memoir of Lee Kuan Yew by Le Kuan Yew
The Singapore Grip by J.G. Farrell
A Fistful of Colors by Suchen Chine Lim
Crossroads: A Popular Hisotry of Malaysia & Singapore by Jim Baker

SINGAPORE: Films
Saint Jack (1979)

Preparing for Your Trip
Reconfirming Flights
It is not necessary to call your airline to reconfirm your flights. However, we do recommend that you check your airline’s website 24 hours prior to your flight to ensure that your flights remain on schedule and that flight times are unchanged.

Seat Assignments
As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus.

Frequent Flier Programs
Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares as well as some code-share flights are not eligible for mileage accrual. Some private airfares, such as a “Gate 1 Travel Airfare”, are not eligible for mileage or may qualify for reduced mileage, even if the same airline class of service is eligible for full mileage when sold as an “Instant Purchase” published airfare. Not all published airfares are eligible for mileage. Gate 1 Travel will record frequent flier numbers when provided by the passenger prior to travel documents being issued. However, the addition of frequent flier numbers to airline records does not guarantee mileage eligibility which is at the sole discretion of each airline. Airline schedule changes may result in flights which were originally eligible for mileage accrual no longer being eligible. We highly recommend passengers to provide their frequent flier account information whenever checking in online and/or at the airport check-in desk. After travel has commenced, it is often not possible to apply for frequent mileage credit. Passengers are also responsible to determine whether previously earned mileage may be applied to flights to secure upgrades.

Known Traveler Number (KTN)
If you have a KTN number, you are normally able to join the TSA security line for expedited processing at the airport. Prior to check in, you should go online or call your airline and add your KTN number to your reservation record. In most cases, you will then see the letters "TSA PRE" printed on your boarding pass. If these letters are not printed, you will not be permitted on the TSA line. Please be aware that some airlines do not participate in the program and therefore even if there is a TSA line at the airport, you will not be given TSA PRE status. Sometimes you may not be selected by TSA (even if you entered a KTN number) and even a minor name discrepancy can result in TSA PRE being denied. It is your responsibility to register your KTN number with your airline and Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for denial of expedited security. Note: KTNs are issued by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) after completing a background check through TSA's PreCheck® program. Global Entry members may also enjoy expedited customs processing.

Luggage & Packing
Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost.

Carry on Luggage
Missed connections and lost luggage are more common than ever. We strongly suggest you use your carry on bag for those necessities you would miss if your checked bags went astray. Items to consider, but not limited to, are prescription medicines, eyeglasses, a change of clothes, mobile phone and charger, valuables (including jewelry and cash), passport, keys, insurance cards, local contact information. Refer to the TSA website for a complete list of items and their sizes which may be carried on board. We also recommend you bring a change of clothes in your carry on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost.

E-Tickets & Advance Check-In
Review the flight itinerary included in your documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the 6-digit airline "Record Locator" and e-ticket numbers. Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your name and 6-digit Record Locator or Flight Ticket Number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. You may check-in online, even if you plan to check luggage at the airport. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter. Paper tickets will be provided in the rare instance when e-tickets cannot be issued.

Day of Departure
Arrive On Time
Due to increased security measures, you should plan to check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time for international flights and two hours prior for domestic flights. Many airlines do not permit check-in less than one hour prior to the scheduled departure time. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled flights. Enhanced security procedures, including passenger screening, canine inspection, and inspection of personal electronic devices, have been implemented for all flights into the United States, and therefore security procedures may take longer than normal.

Check-In
If your flight itinerary displays a flight as “Operated By” another carrier, you should check-in at the desk of the “Operated By” airline. When you arrive at the airport, check the airport monitors for updated check-in desk listings. At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport required when traveling internationally) and your e-ticket itinerary/ticket numbers to the agent. Once you've checked in and received your boarding passes and luggage claim tickets, proceed directly to the security check. Security lines are often backed up and can take time to get through. Once you've completed security check, proceed directly to your gate and check the large electronic flight screens for your flight time and departure gate for schedule and gate changes. Airport desk clerks will assist with unexpected changes. Once you are in the gate area you can relax, shop or buy a snack before your flight.

Connecting Passengers
Passengers connecting from another point within the USA should check their luggage through to their final destination. Although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. When you check your luggage, please verify where your luggage is being sent. When connecting between flights in major airports, you may need to pass through multiple security checkpoints. Therefore, we recommend that you proceed immediately to the gate area for your connecting flight to avoid any unexpected delays which may cause you to be late. Passengers returning to the USA may need to collect their luggage at the first airport of entry and recheck their luggage for their connecting flight.

Flight Services
Avoiding Jet Lag
In order to minimize fatigue and general restlessness caused by jet lag, there are a few steps you may take including switching to your destination time zone when you board the plane, by sleeping and eating according to the new schedule, avoiding heavy eating, caffeine or alcoholic beverages before or during your flight, and by drinking plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying. Try to sleep on overnight flights and then, upon arrival, avoid the temptation to nap until nighttime.

Airline Food
Unless you are a first or business class passenger, you will likely receive a mediocre culinary experience. Reasons for this range from airline budget constraints to the logistics of high altitudes, low humidity and air pressure, small galleys, tiny ovens and precooked food. We suggest simple options, carry a few granola bars, and don't expect this to be your best dining experience.

Premium Economy or Business Class
Service may not be available on all flights or aircraft types, and therefore some flights within an itinerary may not include Premium Economy or Business Class seating. This includes, for example, some US domestic connections and/or short haul flights abroad. When service is not available, you will be accommodated in the best alternative class of service and seating. Please check your operating airline to determine the extra services you may receive.

US Customs & Immigration for Return Flights
In most cases, passengers with return flights that include a connection in the US will need to complete customs and immigration formalities in their first port of entry, requiring them to collect their luggage and check-in for their onward flight. However, there are some exceptions: certain airports in Canada and Ireland (Dublin), allow US Immigration formalities to be completed in the overseas airport at the gate area.

Foreign Domestic Flights
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in your travel documents, you will receive those tickets at your destination from our local representative.

What to do if You Need Assistance

Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline.

Emergency Assistance
The Gate 1 emergency line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call: 800 682-3333 or 215 572-7676. From overseas, call: 001 215 572-7676. Outside office hours, listen to the prompts, then press 3. You will speak immediately with a representative, or you may be asked to leave a detailed message including your name, your booking number, and most importantly the telephone number where you can be reached. Your message will be forwarded immediately to a representative who will contact you at the telephone number provided.

Last Minute Schedule Changes & Flight Delays
On the day of travel, check the flight schedule and advise Gate 1 by phone, 800 682-3333 or 215 572-7676, of any significant changes that might affect your arrival transfer or hotel reservation. Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for affected land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers should flights be changed without our knowledge. Gate 1 will make every effort to inform passengers of schedule changes and cannot be held responsible for changes in routing and/or the number of stops in the itinerary. Nor will Gate 1 provide compensation for changes or cancellations implemented by an airline.

Missed Flights
In the event that you miss your flight which departs as scheduled, for any reason, your airline will consider you a "no-show” and may resell your seat(s) to other customers. This will also result in the cancellation of any later flights in your itinerary. Similarly, if you voluntarily decide not to use any of the flights on your itinerary, the airline will consider you a “no show” and cancel remaining flights on your itinerary. In this case, please contact your airline immediately for assistance in getting you to your destination. Missed flights are typically fully non-refundable and you may be required to purchase new flights from the airline at your own expense. Once your alternative arrangements have been confirmed, please contact Gate 1 with your new flight details.

Missed Connection
If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, it's the airline's responsibility to make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed.

Lost Luggage
If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. Any cost to retrieve luggage will be your responsibility and you should retain receipts to submit to your insurance provider. You may be required to return to an airport to retrieve your luggage personally.

Arrival & Departure
Arrival Procedures
Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative.

Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip.

What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed
Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.

Departure Procedures
If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.

Transfers
Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.

The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money.

About Your Accommodations
Hotels
Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center.

Hotel Check-in/ Check-out
Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.

At Your Destination
Eco & Sustainable Tourism
We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.

Gratuities
Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience.

Suggested Tipping: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Malaysia

Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $7 per person per day
Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day
Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day
Southeast Asia River Cruise: Crew $8 per person per day; Cruise Director $8 per person per day; Local Guides & Drivers $6 per person per day
Hotel porters and wait staff: Included

Singapore - Gratuities are not standard practice.

About Your Sightseeing
To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list.

Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours)
Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.

Purchasing Tours Locally
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional

Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses

Currency
We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you depart (except India). It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash, please note that exchange at banks is typically more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. However, bank hours are limited to Mondays through Fridays and sometimes only morning hours on those days. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller. In many destinations (except Western Europe), we suggest to bring between $50 to $100 in $1 bills which may be used to pay gratuities.

Singapore - The Singapore Dollar is the currency of Singapore.

Malaysia - The Malaysian Ringgit is the currency of Malaysia.

Credit Cards
While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.

While most US-issued credit cards have the embedded microprocessor chip, there are still some that have the magnetic-strip technology. The "chip-and-PIN" cards require users to punch in a personal identification number (PIN) instead of signing for a purchase. For example, many automated ticket kiosks, such as those commonly found at train stations, gas pumps and parking garages, don't accept cards without a chip and PIN. Most cash registers are equipped to handle American cards but if you encounter difficulties, offer an alternative credit card or politely insist that the cashier keep trying to swipe the credit card. ATMs typically recognize and accept US issued debit cards. For travel to Europe, should you anticipate using ticket kiosks or purchasing train tickets locally, you may consider buying tickets and other basic purchases prior to departure.

Shopping
Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities.

We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies.

While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!

About Tax-Free Shopping
Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application.

U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges
You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

Singapore - Consumer electronics, luxury goods, cosmetics, and chic clothing can all be found readily. Each shopping area in Singapore offers a unique atmosphere with different specialties, from the upscale Orchard Road district to the shopping paradise of Suntec City. Little India and Arab Street are the best places to find textiles, especially embroidered lace, silk, cotton, and linen garments.

Malaysia - Malaysia offers a variety of shopping experiences from high-end designer brands and cosmetics to traditional handicrafts. In the cities of Penang and Kuala Lumpur, you can find all the modern shopping in large shopping malls. While in Malacca and smaller cities along the eastern coast you can find meticulously crafted hand made specialty items like pottery, wood carvings, hand woven fans and baskets, shadow puppets, sarongs, and silverware.

Your Safety is Very Important
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit.

It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:

  • Always use seat belts (if provided)
  • Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention and to blend in with the crowd
  • Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
  • Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room or on the bus as Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any loss. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe
  • When possible we suggest traveling in pairs or groups when moving about independently
  • Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard to replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag
  • Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing
  • Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body
  • Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash
  • While in destination, you may encounter local wildlife. Please refrain from touching any animal as they may carry diseases or harm you.

If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.

Tourist Street Scams
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:

  • Remain alert and cautious. Be wary of any unusual contact or commotion in crowded public places, including train stations, markets, subways and tourist sites;
  • Be especially careful when traveling independently, or leaving your tour group to explore on your own. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. Avoid narrow alleys and poorly lit streets;
  • Use only official taxis and check the change you receive from all taxi drivers and vendors;
  • Beware of pickpockets often working with an accomplice who will distract you by spilling something on you, dropping a wallet or other seemingly valuable object, or tripping and falling down in front of you;
  • Beware of aggressive street vendors who may approach you offering a demonstration which may end with you being pressured to purchase an item or act as a distraction for another pickpocket;
  • Don’t tip beggars;
  • Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest;
  • Carry modest amounts of cash (US dollars) in small denominations so that you can avoid flashing large bills when paying for small items;
  • ATM machines can be a convenient way to carry less currency. However those machines too can be used for robbery. Be wary of anyone who can look over your shoulder when inputting PINs. Another scam involves rigging the machine with a plastic insert which makes your card retrieval difficult; the thief then removes your card after you walk away;
  • If you are confronted, do not fight back - give up your valuables. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police and keep a copy of the official report for insurance claims.


Local Emergency Phone Numbers
Singapore
  • Ambulance/Fire: 995
  • Police: 999

Malaysia
  • Ambulance/Police: 999
  • Fire: 994

Languages
Singapore - Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English are the official languages.

Malaysia - Malay is the national language of Malaysia. Mandarin and Tamil are also widely spoken among various dialects from various ethnic groups.

Electricity
Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.

Singapore - The voltage used is 220 volts.

Malaysia - The voltage used is 240 volts.

Code of Conduct
Singapore - Cleanliness is not only highly valued but also enshrined in law. Even the slightest breach of this law, such as dropping a cigarette butt, can result in heavy fines. Take care to avoid even accidental littering. Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Singapore is a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, and many Western customs are observed.

Malaysia - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Simple, modest clothing is appropriate. Footwear should be removed upon entering places of worship. Common courtesies should be observed.

Meals & Dietary Requests
Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.

Holidays
On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants.

Holidays - Singapore

Holidays 2024

Jan 1: New Years Day
Feb 5: Thaipusam
Feb 10: Chinese / Lunar New Year
Feb 11: Chinese / Lunar New Year Holiday
Feb 12: Chinese / Lunar New Year Holiday
Mar 29: Good Friday
Apr 10: Hari Raya Puasa
May 1: Labour Day
May 22-23: Vesak Day
Jun 17: Hari Raya Haji
Aug 9: National Day
Nov 1: Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Holidays 2025

Jan 1: New Years Day
Jan 29: Chinese New Year
Feb 11: Thaipusam
Mar 31: Hari Raya Puasa
Apr 18: Good Friday
May 1: Labour Day
May 12: Vesak Day
Jun 6: Hari Raya Haji
Aug 9: National Day
Oct 21: Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Holidays - Malaysia

Holidays 2024

Jan 1: New Years Day
Jan 25: Thaipusam
Feb 10: Chinese / Lunar New Year
Feb 11: Second Day of Lunar New Year
Feb 12: Lunar New Year Holiday
Mar 29: Good Friday
Apr 10: Hari Raya Puasa (end of Ramadan)
Apr 11: Hari Raya Puasa Day 2
May 1: Labour Day
May 22: Vesak Day
Jun 3: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday
Jun 17: Hari Raya Haji
Jun 18: Hari Raya Haji Day 2
Jul 7-8: Muharram
Aug 31: Malaysia's National Day
Sep 16: Malaysia Day
Sep 16: The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
Oct 31: Diwali/Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

Holidays 2025

Jan 1: New Years Day
Jan 29: Chinese New Year
Apr 18: Good Friday
Mar 31-Apr 1: Hari Raya Puasa
May 1: Labour Day
Jun 2: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday
Jun 7-8: Hari Raya Haji
Jun 27: Muharram
Aug 31: Malaysia's National Day
Sep 1: Malaysia's National Day (observed)
Sep 16: Malaysia Day
Oct 20: Diwali/Deepavali
Dec 25: Christmas

11 Day Classic Malaysia & Singapore, March 2024
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We are pleased with our trip, wonderful visit as it's our second visit to Singapore (1st visit in 2018 on our own, we venture to more places in Singapore) very beautiful city. Malaysia was a great country and learned a lot about their customs, great food and other natural resources, like oil, tea and tasty fruits (most fruits I've tasted in the Philippines-maybe some was imported to the Philippines like durian, mangosteen). Caring and wonderful people too. Our Tour Manager- Shaun, a very friendly. Knowledgeable about both countries we visited. He cared about everyone in each of the members of the group and ensuring that we had everything we need in each of the hotels we stayed. We experienced lots of tasty food during this travel. My husband was pleased about the tour/ his first Gate 2 experienced (my 6 Gate 1 travel & going on my 7 Gate 1 this coming July to Spain). So please extend our big thank you to our tour manager Shaun, as his performances were outstanding. Thank you Gate 1.

Flordeliz M.
12 Day Classic Vietnam, March 2024
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The trip was exceptional! This was my 10th Gate 1 experience, and I have to say that the tour manager Buffalo was absolutely amazing. He put his all into the trip and made each one of us feel special. His ability to explain the complicated history and political and economic system of Vietnam gave us new insights. He shared his own family's history and practices, and made it very personal. Best of all he has an amazing sense of humor, and is one of the best storytellers I've heard. Buffalo's organizational and management skills were truly extraordinary. Because of that, we never felt the pressure of the large group of 37. He always found ways to make registration at hotels, entry into sites, and boarding the bus efficient and smooth. He effectively managed the various personalities on the trip to create a cohesive and fun travel group. In so many ways, he went above, and beyond the requirements of a tour manager. For example, on the last day, he gave us a surprise treat -essentially a five-course meal, which he called a snack, complete with the local beer. On the last evening, we found out that he had spent his "free" time composing and editing a wonderful video of our experiences that he shared with us at the closing dinner. He said he wouldn't post it anywhere or give it to Gate 1 out of respect for our privacy, but you have to know that this video was a very special and meaningful souvenir from our trip. Viet Nam is a complex and beautiful country. The planned itinerary was great, and Buffalo definitely added to every part of the experience. Until now the tour manager, Yo, who led the Thailand Cambodia Laos trip that I took in 2019 was far away the best tour manager I ever had. Buffalo tied and actually exceeded her in some ways.

Sonia M.
16 Day Gems of Southeast Asia, March 2024
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Our Gems of Southeast Asia trip was terrific. Yo, our Tour Manager, was outstanding. She was so prepared, made sure all of our needs were met and was there to help with whatever we needed. Our local guides (Smiley, Sam, Vong and Tom) were superb. They shared so much about the country, the culture, people and food. We were so pleased with our travels. The flights in between countries went smoothly, the hotels were great, the optional activities wonderful, the home village so rewarding, etc. I could go on and on. This was a 10 out of 10 for sure! We felt safe and prepared every step of the way. Thank you for all Gate1 does to prepare guides for offering an outstanding experience. Top notch!

Mary B.
8 Day Essential Vietnam, March 2024
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It was wonderful! Yang was a top rate tour guide!! Hotels were great, the tours I did with the group were interesting and well planned and executed. I love the freedom to do some other tours on our own. I've told others about Gate 1 and will use them again!! Thanks for great memories!

Nancy F.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, February 2024
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I just completed the 17-day Bangkok, Siem Reap, Vietnam trip, February 29 - March 17, 2024. I had a wonderful experience. The places and optional trips that Gate1 had put together were just amazing. We have an exceptional tour manager/guide, THANG-VICTOR, who made this trip possible and memorable... He is very enthusiastic of his job, very organized, very engaging, funny/ has a good sense of humor. He is so calm, kind, and soft spoken. He made sure that everyone is well taken care of; he went above and beyond his job. He is the best of all the tour managers I ever had, Gate1 and other tour companies out there. Thank you, Thang ! Like you said, hope our paths will cross again in the near future!

Alicia E.
12 Day Classic Vietnam, February 2024
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I usually don't write anything, but after our trip to Vietnam, I felt the need. We've taken many trips, but this was by far the best. And I realized it was all because of our travel agent Bee. He was so kind and so thorough. He brought the entire group together, so we all became good friends by the end. He was truly concerned that each person. He was the best at keeping us on time and making sure we got the most. His love for the country made us all feel so welcome. He even made his own pamphlet about our trip that we used daily. It was one of the best resources we've ever gotten on our Gate 1 Travel.

Tracy S.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, February 2024
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Our trip was wonderful. Kit was a great tour director in Thailand but Kan was superb in Cambodia and Vietnam. We can't say enough good things about him. He went above and beyond to make the trip a success and share his knowledge of his country. You are very lucky to have him.

Cynthia A.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, February 2024
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We loved our trip/tour to Thailand, Cambodia, and Viet Nam. We would like to express our sincere privilege to have Duc as our Cambodia/Viet Nam tour director - he is just EXCELLENT! Every detail was flawless, his care for our group exceptional, his knowledge of Viet Nam well communicated, his gracious & energetic hosting was just amazing. Gate 1 is privileged to have him on your team.

David B.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, February 2024
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Thank you! It was wonderful!!!! We are sooooo impressed with Gate 1 from the beginning to the end and even afterwards with this personal email! Nok in Thailand, Jaeson in Cambodia & especially Duc in Vietnam were so knowledgeable, personable & kind. The amount of communication, information & logistics exceeded all my expectations! This company & it's people are truely one of a kind & amazing!

Jennifer F.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, February 2024
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Our trip was excellent in all respects. Tour Program, hotel choices, and tour guides were great and met all our expectations, but what was definitely beyond our expectation was our tour manager in Vietnam, Thang. He is definitely the best of the best. He managed to be an excellent tour guide and excellent tour manager. He was with us 24/7, resolved any situation, took care of every person like we were his own children. He is unbelievable and deserves a rating of 5+. We always had great tour managers but Thang is definitely a treasure to Gate one. Vietnam is an amazing country and he made us want to come back. Ray in Thailand was great as well. As always Gate 1 did not disappoint:) We definitely will be traveling more and more with Gate 1. Such a great company and such great employees.

Natalie K.
18 Day Classic Thailand with Laos & Cambodia, January 2024
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I just wanted to take a moment to firstly, praise our tour manager, Paulie. She was organized, knowledgeable, funny, approachable, very personable, and very kind. The amount of information and detail she knows is remarkable! She was helpful to me on so many occasions. She is a huge asset to Gate 1. This was my fourth Gate 1 tour, and it was so enjoyable. We had a wonderful tour experience. I would also like to commend Vong of Laos and Nivath of Cambodia, for their kindnesses and vast knowledge of their tour areas. Their pride of their homes was evident, and made their tours so interesting. I felt very comfortable in their care. I never felt any impatience from any of our leaders or our drivers; we were given the appropriate amount of time for everything we did, yet we moved along at a good pace to see so many things. Our drivers and support staff were phenomenal. Shout outs to Yut and Nun in Thailand, and Pilot in Cambodia. We had several van drivers in Laos; all were terrific! Kudos to Gate 1 once again. I'll be back in June for the next trip!

Jane A.
15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam, January 2024
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Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts about my recent 15-day trip to Cambodia and Vietnam. This was my first adventure with Gate 1 and it will not be my last. My good friend, has traveled with you at least a dozen times and encouraged me to try Gate 1. The days were organized without confusion and the available excursions added flavor to the trip. Most of all, however, I want Gate 1 to know the treasure it has with "Tony" ), our tour director. I have never traveled with a tour director who was so knowledgeable, organized, attentive, and handled challenging guests with grace. At each group meal, he never sat down but glided among tables explaining the dishes. We wondered if he ever ate or slept! He exuded a love of Vietnam that was contagious and treated each guest with respect. He had an innate ability to intuit any possible situation. Many of us will hold future tour directors to Tony's high standards. He made the experience incredibly positive. Thank you Gate 1 for working to provide your guests with great travel experiences!

Janet H.
18 Day Classic Thailand with Laos & Cambodia, January 2024
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A giant SHOUT OUT to our awesome tour manager, Paulie! Thank you to Paulie for her expertise in shepherding the "flock," keeping our group on schedule throughout our travels in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Paulie possesses terrific organizational skills, and in sharing her vast knowledge of the history of the areas we visited, the archaeological sites, the culture, religion, everyday life, wonderful and funny personal stories, and last but not least, introducing us to the culinary dishes (and lots of sweet treats!) of the regions of Thailand, she made our visit an amazing and memorable experience. We so appreciated Paulie for answering all our questions, suggesting and arranging extra activities such as the cultural dance program in Chiang Mai, and making us feel so comfortable and welcomed in Thailand. We learned and saw so much -- I want to go back and experience more! Our local guides were wonderful as well. Vong, our guide in Laos, did a marvelous job in taking us through a VERY FULL day of activities, way before sunrise and after sunset. Von's detailed explanations - the welcoming ceremony, the alms-giving ceremony for the monks, and more - fantastic. Nivath, our guide in Cambodia, presented the past and recent history of his country with depth and passion, sharing family narratives and thoughts for the future, that enhanced not only our understanding of the history and culture, but also of his country's economy, healthcare and more. Guiding us through Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and providing such detailed descriptions of what we were viewing -- tremendous.

Susan Y.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, January 2024
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Our tour director for Cambodia and Vietnam was Victor. He was the best tour director we have ever experienced! He was always available and went beyond the Call of Duty to make everybody feel safe, special, and cared for. His knowledge of world history and the history of this part of Asia was incredible. He was so interesting and he shared some personal stories and experiences from his own country that made the trip even better. His overall knowledge was exceptional. He was like a walking encyclopedia and knew answers to everything anyone might ask him. He was always cordial and friendly to everybody in the group. He went out of his way to make the trip fun, interesting, and engaging. He had a great sense of humor and spoke English very well. He kept the group together and everyone got along well. We were like one big happy family. He was extremely organized and provided us with information and schedules needed for each new place we visited. He also included restaurants in the area with detailed information about them and a map showing their location, along with some other activities that one could visit. Victor is an asset to your company and anyone who is lucky enough to have him as their tour guide will not be disappointed. I look forward to going on another tour with Victor! Thank you for and AMAZING trip and experience.

Lois T.
8 Day Essential Vietnam, January 2024
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Thank you so much for a fantastic and enlightening trip to Vietnam! This was my first time in Asia at all and I didn't know what to expect; but even if I had had the highest expectations, this trip would not have disappointed. Our tour director, Nghia really outdid himself, and made this introduction to Vietnamese history, culture and people incredibly meaningful to me and my fellow travelers. He made this trip more than a vacation- an opportunity for an authentic glimpse into the Vietnamese heart. And all the while working hard to make sure all the invisible-to-us details were in place and everything went smoothly. I'm so glad I booked this trip! Thank you Gate 1, and thank you to all of the Vietnamese people who went out if their way to make my group feel welcome.

Natasha V.
12 Day Classic Vietnam, January 2024
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It was amazing, start to finish. The most different country we've visited. Ecuador and Galapagos being tied for our favorite out of our 10 Gate 1 trips. Our guide, Rex, was a wonderful guide. He took care of everyone and his pride in his country is very evident. He's very knowledgeable and a great representative for your company. And the bus drivers do an amazing job. If you've been to Vietnam, you know what I mean! The hotels and restaurants were very nice. I honestly can't think of anything I would want to change about this trip. Maybe have Vietnam moved closer to the US?

Janice K.
16 Day Gems of Southeast Asia, December 2023
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How can one do justice to what comprises our experience in a few words? This tour was amazing!! I am a 14 year Gate 1 Travel alum having taken 9 Gate 1 Travel tours since 2009. Without a doubt, our Tour Director for this Southeast Asia trip, Yo, made this a holiday of a lifetime. Yo LOVES what she does. She is very knowledgeable, professional, and treated everyone on the the tour like a dear friend. Yo gave us lots of historical and cultural information providing both context, imagination, and interpretation for what we were seeing, and was more than happy to answer questions. She also offered recommendations of other things to do/ see and places to eat during the tour. Yo made our trip unforgettable and a reminder of why we are Gate 1 devotees. Thank you again Yo - we wouldn't have wanted anybody else to show us Southeast Asia!!!

Charles T.
15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam, December 2023
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It was unbelievable!! Above all our Tour director Rex was Amazing. He made our trip to Cambodia and Vietnam a wonderful experience. At every step he did things above and beyond his role to make our experience unforgettable. We have taken numerous trips but no one has ever taken time to creat a booklet to enhance our understanding and experience of the places we visited. He loves his country and wanted to show us all what it offers. Rex is empathic, compassionate kind hearted and always available kind of Tour Director. We did so many extra things to have local experiences. All our local guides and Drivers were very good. I wish it was possible to have Rex for all our tours. I know it is not possible but he has set a very high standard for us. I want to Thank Gate 1 for having Tour Director who has lived and experienced the culture. Look forward to our next trip.

Shashi B.
15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam, November 2023
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My trip was wonderful. It had everything I expected and then some. This was a major bucket list trip for me. For over 50 years I've wanted to visit Angkor Wat. Two previous trips had been reserved and cancelled. The 3rd time was the charm. When we approached Angkor Wat and that magnificent temple came into view, I almost cried. Then Tom, our tour manager, made the experience even more special by helping me negotiate the huge steps and also told me stories about the carvings. I would have missed a lot on my own. While the trip was very fast paced, we never could have experienced so much of Vietnam. And yet somehow it didn't seem rushed. I learned a lot about each of the places we visited with information-filled guided tours of the special landmarks at each location. For example: I had no idea of the size of the Mekong Delta not to mention the diversity of life styles from city life in My Tho to a rural home on an island where you walked everywhere or took a oared boat. The Citadel in Hue was amazing and overwhelming. It's hard to believe that so much was destroyed during the war but now has been beautifully restored. The temples, residences, gardens appear to have never been ruined. Must mention Halong Bay. One of the most gorgeous natural area I've ever visited. Sailing on a calm sea on a perfect day with each vista more wonderful than the last, a great way to end a trip. I fell in love with Vietnam. Tom is a very caring person. Since I was the oldest one in the group, he did give me some extra assistance from time to time but not at the expense of the other tour members, as far as I know. He was the best tour manager I've ever had. He's knowledgeable and fun to be with. He is skilled at keeping us organized and on schedule without it seeming like we were being directed. His leadership was a big part of my enjoyment of the trip. This was an extremely memorable experience. Thank you for completing my bucket list in such a delightful way.

Rita R.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, November 2023
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Our Tour Manager Steve was excellent throughout our two week tour. He was always accessible during the multiple changes of our venue from arrival/departures at airports, hotels, local transportation, etc. Upon our arrival at Siemreap he provided his 19 page pamphlet that emphasized our attention for protection of our carry ons, document security, safety awareness when on the streets and in crowds. It included a day to day itinerary of each location, schedules, times and expectations of the venue. It was very helpful and unique to any other Gate1 excursion we have been on.

Susan K.
18 Day Classic Thailand with Laos & Cambodia, November 2023
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It was absolutely fabulous!! Née was outstanding as a tour guide and made sure we got to see as much as possible of the country she was proud to show us. The accommodations, the food, the drivers were all wonderful. This was our 5th trip with Gate 1 and we recommend you to all fellow travelers. We have never been dissatisfied. Again, Née, is truly a treasure to your company and we can't say enough good things about her!!

Susan J.
18 Day Classic Thailand with Laos & Cambodia, November 2023
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I feel like the online review I just completed did not allow me/us to adequately express how amazing our tour manager, Suphannee (Nee), was in her management of our tour group to Bangkok, Laos, and Cambodia. We have done a number of other tours, including several with Gate 1, and two things tend to make or break a trip, the tour manager and our fellow travelers. From minute one of the trip, Nee impressed us with her unique combination of warmth, humor, intelligence, and organization. Our opinion of her only grew throughout the tour as we saw her deal with unexpected events (like a traveler with a twisted ankle) or a festival that she turned into a wonderful cultural experience. She also managed a wide range of personalities with an expert grace that built group cohesion. For example, when some quietly grumbled about the length of a bus ride, she explained to the group about all we would be missing if we flew between cities. In fact, as we reflect, it is those well conceived stops on the longer bus rides that helped to create memories we will always value. For example, stopping to see how indigo fabric was made in a small town and then eating at a restaurant that employed the older members of the community created a memory that will make the indigo pieces we purchased far more valuable. Among our four Gate 1 trips, Nee was by easily our best tour manager. She made it look like everything was running smoothly at all times. She was professional while being friendly to everyone in our group. Her organization and personal skills made our trip a huge success

Debra H.
15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam, November 2023
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I returned over 2 weeks ago from my trip to Viet Nam and Cambodia and that was an amazing experience! Our Tour Manager, Tran, was absolutely awesome! Tran anticipated our needs at every turn and provided us with frequent hand outs so we could quickly refer to the sheet to know what was upcoming which included local restaurants. It was a fast-paced trip so having that information nearby really helped to navigate the ever changing city/country. I always felt safe while traveling with Tran as he took copious time to explain the culture, city, food and overall highlight for every place we traveled. This was my third trip with Gate 1 in 11 months and this was also my best trip yet! A big part of it was due to Tran being truly the best at what he does which is organize, inform and safely take care of travelers. I left Hanoi with a longing to return and I will. Another plus was on one of the last ride on the coach Tran did a recap of our journey by recalling the activities starting with Phnom Penh and even that was special all due in part because we were still traveling so our memory was fully intact. Gate 1 and Tour Managers like Tran is what keeps me coming back. Thank you to all the Gate 1 Family globally....you all rock!

Ixchel C.
8 Day Essential Vietnam, November 2023
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Had a Wonderful trip. Steve is the best. He is very knowledgeable of the history, culture etc of his country Vietnam. He is professional, kind, approachable and reliable. He really took care of our group. I will recommend Essential Vietnam, Gate 1 Travel and of course our tour Guide Steve. The tour really showed us the essential in 7 days, very organized tour.

Maria S.
15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam, November 2023
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We just completed a two week Vietnam and Cambodia with Gate 1. The purpose of this note is to tell you how outstanding our tour guide - Victor was. He went over and above what's called for and attended to the needs of everyone in our group. There were many in our group that had completed several tours with Gate 1 but Victor was head and shoulders above every other tour guide. His total commitment, excellent communication skills, keen eye for detail, and above all his personality- smiling no matter what he is faced with. He was reassuring, calm and an absolute gentleman. We hope guides like him are rewarded well and kept for long by Gate1. This is the unanimous opinion of our group of 35 people!!! He made the tour so much more informative and pleasant. We thank him from the bottom of our heart.

Jana I.
11 Day Classic Malaysia & Singapore, November 2023
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The tour director, Jeffrey, was excellent! He was the glue that made the trip a wonderful experience. He was well informed about each area, well organized and helpful. He answered questions with a smile and was helpful making recommendations for each area. Jeffrey went out of his way to personally give a short walking tour of each new area to help us get our bearings. Jeffrey is personable and a definite asset to Gate 1.

Gail L.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, November 2023
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My trip was extraordinary and is one for the books. This is my 2nd trip with Gate 1, and based upon my experience. I would be hard pressed to travel with anyone else. The itinerary was fantastic, each experience was fun, educational and memorable. I cannot say enough good things about our guides. Nee in Bangkok, Sronoh in Cambodia and lastly Duc in Cambodia and Vietnam were exceptional. Lastly, we were lucky enough to have a great group of fun, flexible and Travel loving people and that always is a relief. I am already missing them.. thanks for checking in, after I recover from this adventure, I will be watching the sales to book my next Gate 1 holiday!

Sabina S.
15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam, October 2023
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My overall feedback is that this was an excellent trip/tour. It featured a full itinerary that included the "must see" places. And coupled with the optional tours, it allowed exploration of not just the cities but we were able to see how the people really live and work. Moreover, the schedule was packed with little to no down time. All of the accommodations were centrally located and very clean. Several were rather elegant. Each breakfast was exceptional with both "western" choices and local food. I also liked the meals that were provided as part of the basic tour and as part of the add on optional tours. Some restaurants were off the beaten path so to speak, which is what I like. Local guides were competent; although, perhaps they tended to provide more information that we could assimilate. Sometimes less is more. The tour manager, Hai T was very good. He is friendly and personable and was always willing to help with routine day-to-day matters and any special requests. He was very organized and detail oriented. And he has a wealth of knowledge about the country and the places we visited. Although, I am not a shopper, based on what I observed from other tour members he provided good tips and where to shop and what percentage to bargain. He also prepared a very good guide-book that outlined the general schedule and provided a lot of other useful information on shops, restaurants and things to do along with some useful language tips. Finally, all of the transportation (bus and plane) was excellent.

David C.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, October 2023
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This was our 4th trip with Gate 1. All of our tour managers have been wonderful, organized and caring. Tom, our tour guide for Cambodia and Vietnam was beyond exceptional. He created a booklet with each day's schedule as well recommendations for restaurants and things to do in your free time. He constantly delighted us with treats and surprises as well as humorous stories and information about Vietnam. He is the BEST!!

Joy K.
15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam, October 2023
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Tom is enthusiastic about the culture of Vietnam, which made my curiosity to know more about the country more exciting. Tom is extremely organized and constantly communicates with us about what will take place at every step of the trip. At our dinner optionals and dinners that were included in the package he would check in with every table to make sure that everyone was enjoying their meal, and he even made a few special portions of his hot sauce mixture for us. A few of us had late flights on the last day of our trip, and Tom stayed with us in the lobby of the hotel until everyone of us was picked up to be transported to the airport. He made our waiting time enjoyable by giving us suggestions on things to do while we waited for our airport transportation and even took us to the infamous café where Anthony Bourdain had his egg coffee. The Cambodian and Vietnamese people are truly triumphant, surviving the turbulence of their history, and rising to where they are today, and continuing to persevere as a people and culture. I am definitely going back to Vietnam to explore the Northern side of the country. Vietnam is beautiful, lush, green and a sight to behold. Gate 1 Travel never disappoints, and I am looking forward to my next trip.

Belinda L.
15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam, September 2023
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Amazing, one of the best trips. Our Trip Mgr Tran was informative, thoughtful, well organized and managed the personalities with grace. He went above and beyond, I would rate him exceptional.

Carol G.
15 Day Indonesia: Java & Bali, September 2023
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Eka was the most fabulous tour guide and host. Her level of knowledge about her country and her great sense of humor made the trip so memorable. I would highly recommend this trip on Gate 1 to all of my friends, I can't wait to go on the next 3 trips that I have scheduled with Gate 1.

Carol A.
15 Day Indonesia: Java & Bali, August 2023
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Thank you for checking back with me about the trip to Indonesia. It was wonderful! The small discovery size group was very harmonious. We were astounded to discover that everyone else on the tour had traveled with Gate 1 multiple times; we were the newbies. The tour guides were excellent, knowledgeable and personable. The itinerary was packed full, at times too full, would have liked some more down time - that being said, the experiences on the itinerary were quite expansive and culturally rich. The hotels and accommodations and dining were outstanding. What more can I say. Perhaps two more days on Bali and two days less on Java would be my only constructive feedback. Thank you for working with us in the planning as well as you did!!!

Roberta O.
11 Day Classic Malaysia & Singapore, August 2023
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Just want to say THANK YOU to our tour manager Shaukani for his outstanding job which is above and beyond tradigital tour manager's job. He was excellent in all aspects - helping people in the group with all thing they need. He was always friendly, helpful, with good sense of humor. His knowledge of Malaysia is exceptional. So, I got lucky to be part of the team he was a tour manager. I which him all the best! Thank you Shaukani (Shaun) for everything you've done for us and for me personally! You're the best!!! He was doing very hard job - dealing with the people different ages, personalities, etc. - trying to satisfy each individual requirements. And Shaun was good in this job!!! I will have a good memories of him for lifetime!

Simon S.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, July 2023
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Our trip was amazing! Got home a few days ago and we are already doing our research to book with gate1 again for next year. I just have to say our tour manager Thang in Vietnam was A++++++ he went above and beyond what was expected of his job. Such a lovely guy with great personality. I could write a thesis on him and his great qualities. HE is the GEM of Vietnam. I have attached a few pictures. Thank you for booking us to the greatest adventure.

Lee H.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, July 2023
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As with all our Gate 1 Tours we had a wonderful experience. The beauty, culture and history of the three countries we visited was amazing. More than anything our Tour Director for most of the tour Thang made it the the amazing experience it was. Like all Gate 1 Tour Directors, he was warm, knowledgeable and organized. But he went well above and beyond any Gate 1 guide we have had. He not only posted our schedule in the lobby of our hotel, he also handed out a personal copy of the schedule to each of us daily with suggestions that would help us in negotiating our way around on our own in each town. He also kept track of each and every one of us from the fastest to the slowest and made sure everyone's questions were answered. A truly amazing tour with an amazing tour director. Thank you.

Alice V.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, April 2023
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I recently had the privilege of embarking on a mesmerizing journey from Bangkok, through Cambodia, and finally Vietnam. While I have been on several Gate 1 trips in the past, and take nothing away from the guides we have had, Tran was exceptional. From the moment we met Tran, it was evident that we were in the presence of a true master of his craft. Tran's passion for his country and its rich cultural heritage shone through every aspect of our tour. His deep knowledge of Vietnam's history, traditions, and hidden gems added an invaluable layer of depth and authenticity to our experience. Whether we were exploring bustling cities, serene rural landscapes, or ancient temples, Tran's insightful commentary transported us back in time, allowing us to fully appreciate the significance of each place we visited. One of the most impressive qualities of Tran was his remarkable ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. His warm and friendly demeanor instantly put us at ease, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the members of our tour group. Tran's fluency in multiple languages ensured that every participant felt included and understood throughout the journey. Tran's meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect of our tour. From the carefully curated itinerary that seamlessly blended must-visit attractions with off-the-beaten-path treasures, to the perfectly timed rest stops and delectable local culinary experiences, every moment was thoughtfully planned and executed. Tran's exceptional organizational skills ensured that we made the most of our time, never feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Beyond being an exceptional guide, Tran also possessed an uncanny ability to anticipate our needs and cater to our individual preferences. Whether it was accommodating dietary restrictions, suggesting personalized excursions, or providing insightful recommendations for souvenirs, Tran's dedication to ensuring our comfort and satisfaction was truly outstanding. Moreover, Tran's genuine care for the environment and commitment to responsible tourism left a lasting impression on our group. He consistently encouraged us to minimize our ecological footprint and showcased eco-friendly initiatives in the areas we visited. Tran's dedication to sustainable tourism was truly commendable, and it inspired us to be more conscious travelers ourselves. In conclusion, Tran's remarkable expertise, genuine passion, and unwavering dedication to delivering an exceptional travel experience made him an outstanding tour guide. Anyone planning a trip to Vietnam and wanting to embark on an unforgettable journey, I wholeheartedly recommend Tran as their guide. His professionalism, knowledge, and infectious enthusiasm will undoubtedly leave you with cherished memories of this beautiful country. Thank you, Gate 1 and Tran, for an extraordinary adventure that exceeded all expectations!

Bryan C.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, April 2023
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We have been to many trips using Gate1 but Hai is the BEST TOUR GUIDE ever! My husband, friends, and I had a wonderful experience because of him. He is patient with all of us! He is very helpful! He is very well organized with all his notes and maps. He is very approachable and always willing to help and answer any questions! Hai is very friendly and always has a smile and love all his jokes! Love his singing voice too! He is very easy to understand enjoyed listening about his beloved country. Thank you Gate1 for hiring Hai. Will highly recommend this trip to friends! It was a very memorable experience that I will not forget ! Learned so much about Vietnam and it's culture! It's worth traveling 18 hours on the plane and changing hotels and flying from Thailand to Cambodia to Vietnam!

Edna H.
18 Day Classic Thailand with Laos & Cambodia, April 2023
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The 18-day trip to Thailand with Laos and Cambodia was wonderful. Your guide "Yo" is a treasure. She is the best guide of my long life, and I am well-traveled! She has deep knowledge of the places she showed us, and great organizational and people skills. I loved the stories of Thai gods and princesses she told us at Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. She kept us laughing with her great sense of humor. When faced with the daunting "meals on one's own", Yo provided us with directions to various restaurants, which we tried and found to be excellent. When my son suddenly decided to stay in Bangkok, Yo offered ideas as to how he might spend his extra time in Thailand, and arranged through Gate 1 to get a later flight for his return to the U.S.. The tour surpassed my expectations. The hotels were beautiful, their locations central, and their breakfasts delicious. We signed up for all the tours and some extra ones, all arranged by Gate 1, and they were all excellent, especially the river cruises which brought respite from the heat. Gate 1 attracts such nice people to its tours! We shared lots of laughs together, and shared our best photographs through Whatsapp. I am proud of many beautiful pictures (taken by others in my Thailand group 'Family') which I can show my friends. I have recommended Gate 1 to other prospective travelers for years, and will continue to do so! Thanks Gate 1 for your thoughtful and action-packed 18-day Thailand tour!

Judith D.
15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam, March 2023
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Dear Gate 1 our first experience with your group is when we recently traveled to Cambodia and Vietnam. It was an awesome experience filled history and events that we will long remember. Our tour guide, Steve was simply the best...outstanding in every way. I my humble opinion he is a 10+++. We traveled many times through out Europe with many different guides and NONE of them come close or measure up to Steve. This young man (Steve) has mastered the skill and ability to make things happen in a flawless way. Each day was a great experience as we enjoyed people and cultures of both Cambodia and Vietnam. Some the high lights were as follows: Angkor Wat; The Water Buffalo cart ride through the country to see the small farms; Boat ride on Tonle Dap Lake; Ho Chi Minh City (so, so big); The Mekong Delta; oh yes the Sampan ride, coconut candy; Thu Bon River; yes, cooking our lunch...what an experience; oh, oh yes the Cyclo ride through the streets...you got up close with all the motor bikes; Dragon boat ride on the perfume river; The crowing event...Halong Bay...so, so beautiful and awesome as well as a great lunch. The Hotels were 5 star...the food always mouth watering. Finally the tour of Hanoi...Thank you Gate 1 we will be going on more of your tours...overall rating 10++. We would like to go to Africa with you and have Steve Chang as our guide... lastly the trip was fantastic/fabulous but the "KEY" to this whole trip was Steve...we will remember his attention to every detail, his caring, kindness, love for his job and country and making feel special. Thank you again.

Alton J.
12 Day Classic Vietnam, March 2023
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My trip to Vietnam went really well. My family enjoyed it very much, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to our tour manager Mr. Bee- not only he is extremely knowledgeable, he obviously loves his country and is very proud of it. Mr. Bee has excellent organization skills and the patient of a saint. Gate1 is lucky to have him. I would definitely recommend Gate1 Vietnam trip to my friends and family.

Chyi C.
12 Day Classic Vietnam, March 2023
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We completed the 12-day Vietnam tour and I just wanted to send some praise for our tour guide. Bee was amazing. He was able to not only help us navigate the aspects of the tour but give us great advice as to where to visit in our spare time and where we should eat, and even a glimpse into how the locals truly live. He was also very patient throughout the whole tour with everyone involved. We were some of the younger people on the tour (under 30), and he managed to appeal to us as well as the older generations. The trip was truly memorable, and Bee was a big factor in that!

Trevor S.
15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam, March 2023
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I just got back from another wonderful, informative and extremely well planned vacation. This time was Vietnam. I wanted to specifically make a comment regarding your tour guides. All the vacation that I have taken with your company are incredible, the tour guides that you pick not only know their country and are passionate about their individual country, at the same time, they make you feel like family. Tom, our tour guide in Vietnam was not an exception but, he went way further than what he needed to do to make us feel comfortable and resolved any inconvenience.. At the end of the vacation we were all a family, Tom, solve all problems, made extremely good suggestions , and make us feel extremely comfortable in a country where we didn't not know the language, and it was a little bit difficult since most people don't speak English. He's directions to locations, suggestions to restaurants, the shopping was extremely helpful. His advice helped us get things of us good quality and at extremely good price. I had an incident and Tom with out hesitation solved it. Thanks again and really, you need to congratulate Tom for a job well done.

Linda W.
17 Day Bangkok, Cambodia & Vietnam, February 2023
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I wanted to add some comments regarding our local guide in Cambodia and Tour Manager in Vietnam - Mr. Nivath, our guide in Cambodia, was delightful! He was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, funny and went above and beyond. His personal stories added a depth and understanding of the history and life in Cambodia and was greatly appreciated. Siem Reap was definitely a highlight of the trip! Khanh Nguyen (Kan), our guide in Vietnam, was excellent. His logistical skills of navigating with all 36 of us was evident. We appreciated his Vietnam Destination Information Booklet as it helped keep us all on time and informed. Kan's currency conversion guide was also a great help. Kan was very knowledgeable, patient and generous and we appreciated his local unexpected snacks. We enjoyed his stories, patience and humour. I would definitely recommend this trip to others - 17 days worked well and the balance of Bangkok, Siem Reap Cambodia and the majority of days in Vietnam was a good experience and pace for us.

Shannon S.
11 Day Classic Malaysia & Singapore, February 2023
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The trip was outstanding. The tour Managers Jeffrey and Deno were both exceptional 100 percent knowledgeable of their duties, the Drivers were very hospitable and had great knowledgeable about their route. The food was enjoyable, all tours were on point, the hotels were beautiful. I have no complaints all accolades . Thank you for a wonderful trip

Pamela M.
12 Day Classic Vietnam, February 2023
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Our trip to Vietnam was perfect! It starts with our tour guide Tom who was just the best of the best! He kept our group in a family mood, and that helped us to have a wonderful vacation. He knew everyone's name, and gave attention to everyone of us. Our group was a mixture of different backgrounds and nations- Vietnamese living in California, Polish and Hindu living in NY, and others. Not an easy task for anyone to keep the group together, I think. But, for Tom it was not a challenge at all. He was able to manage this difficult task with ease! His sense of humor and great artistic spirit was a huge plus! He sung songs for us, made a beautiful collage of pictures and videos so that we will never forget Vietnam! Good job Gate1 for having such a perfect employee!

Krystyna N.
18 Day Classic Thailand with Laos & Cambodia, January 2023
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Wonderful trip! Your tour manager "Ray" in Thailand was amazing! He made the trip so meaningful sharing his vast knowledge of the countries we went to, as well as an understanding of its people and customs. Many members of our tour group commented that he was the best tour manager they have ever had. I guess we got really lucky as this was our first Gate One trip! The trip went flawlessly and surpassed our expectations. We are usually independent travelers, but this sure was the way to see Thailand, Laos and Cambodia and all its experiences! If you have the opportunity, please share this with Ray.

Nancy F.
11 Day Classic Malaysia & Singapore, January 2023
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As always, my husband and I enjoyed Singapore and Malaysia. This is our 31st trip with Gate1! Each country had their unique beauty, customs and traditions to experience. Ruslim, our tour manager was superb and very well organized. He made our tour very enjoyable and safe.

Maria P.

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