After a long flight, we arrived in Singapore in the evening, grabbed a quick supper at a nearby hawker centre and headed straight to bed at our YMCA hostel.
The next morning, we set out to experience as much of Singapore as possible. After a traditional breakfast, we began in Little India, wandering through the busy arcade, wet market and colourful clothing bazaar. We also visited the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, where we were fortunate enough to witness a traditional ceremony.
From there we travelled by metro to Chinatown to see the impressive Buddhist Tooth Relic Temple before heading to the famous Maxwell Food Centre for a classic hawker-style lunch. The afternoon took us to the iconic Merlion statue and along the waterfront to Marina Bay Sands, where we rode up to the SkyPark for spectacular views across the city skyline.
After a short break in the vast Marina Bay Sands Mall, we crossed to Gardens by the Bay. Here we explored the remarkable Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, complete with lush rainforest scenery and even roaring Jurassic creatures. We ended a packed day with another hawker supper and the dazzling Garden Rhapsody light show before returning to the hotel around 9pm, ready for a well-earned rest.
The following morning began with breakfast and some practical preparations, including packing and completing Malaysian landing cards. Before leaving Singapore, we visited the beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens, where it was easy to imagine the dense jungle that once covered the island before figures such as Raffles and Fullerton developed the modern city. A final stop for lunch at Ion Mall offered a taste of present-day Singapore before we collected our bags and travelled to the Malaysian border.
At Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) we received a warm welcome, enjoyed supper in Norwood Hall MCM (!) and met staff and pupils before settling into the boarding houses. Some pupils took the chance to swim in the impressive outdoor pool, while others simply relaxed before bed.
It didn’t take long for everyone to settle into life at MCM. Pupils joined lessons – including lively Malay language classes – and took part in a range of sports such as basketball, netball, rugby, swimming and Hyrox. Boarding house life also included plenty of food-focused activities, and one evening we visited Mid Valley Mall in Johor.
Our second weekend brought a highlight of the trip: a visit to Sibu Island. After an early lunch we travelled by boat, arriving at the island in the late afternoon. Noodles and traditional Malaysian desserts, freshly prepared by the local village, provided a delicious welcome. After an orientation session, pupils spent the evening searching the beach for hermit crabs before turning in for the night.
Saturday began with workshops in traditional Malaysian dancing, martial arts and drumming. These sessions prepared us for a performance later that evening when local villagers joined us for iftar, the meal that breaks the Ramadan fast. In the afternoon we explored the surrounding waters by boat, spotting turtles and even dugongs (sea cows) before snorkelling above colourful coral reefs. The many sea urchins caused plenty of excitement, but thankfully all spines were avoided.
Sunday morning began with a beach clean-up, where we learned about the significant impact of ocean waste drifting across the South China Sea – some of the rubbish we collected had originated as far away as China and Vietnam. Pupils then split into groups to hike through mangroves and jungle to a stunning viewpoint, and to visit the village recycling centre, where materials such as glass are ground into powder for use in construction. Later we learned how to make traditional Malay kites before returning by boat and heading back to MCM. A dinner stop at McDonald’s in Kotta Tinggi was a bit of a cultural sell-out, but caused a predictable amount of excitement! We were back in MCM just after 9pm, and some tired children were happy to see a normal bed in an air-conditioned dorm!
Back at school, the adventures continued. A visit to a lively night market saw pupils given MYR 40 (£8) to choose their own dinner—more than enough for a wide range of local treats. MCM also celebrated World Book Day with imaginative costumes across the entire school.
Our final weekend took us to Desaru, where many pupils tried surfing for the first time on gentle beginner waves, alongside plenty of beach volleyball. The day ended with a relaxed barbecue and a “Lodge Unplugged” evening, and I am delighted that two of our pupils elected to perform.
All that was left was to pack, say goodbye and thank you to our new international friends, and head to the airport, while reflecting on a highly successful trip packed with genuine cultural experiences and exchange.
Julia Hodgson
Head of Boarding and Trip Lead
