Ophthalmology Study Tour to the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Borneo
About the tour
From gleaming metropolises to colonial cities and the vast jungles of Borneo, this study tour cuts a broad swathe as it takes you through the culture, society and history of these destinations while examining ophthalmology and eye-care, both contemporary and historic.
From Kota Kinabalu travel to the riverine city of Kuching and the vast jungles of Borneo, via Singapore to the colonial charms of Malacca, finishing in the modern city of Kuala Lumpur. Along the way enjoy the blend of European heritage with Malay, Chinese and Indian culture and cuisine. Wander through rainforest trails and street-food markets and take in the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of these diverse destinations.
This exciting new tour combines a full ophthalmology professional programme with a richly rewarding cultural experience. The tour has been designed to finish in Kuala Lumpur to coincide with the start of the APAO 2021 Congress (2 – 5 August 2021).
There are two optional extensions at either end of this tour. Extend at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort and Spa in Kota Kinabalu before the tour or at beautiful Banjaran Hot Springs in Malaysia after the tour.
Download our brochure Ophthalmology Study Tour to the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Borneo Book now
Your tour leader
Christopher Liu
Professor Christopher Liu OBE is based in Brighton. Born in Hong Kong, Christopher came to England aged 15 to study before entering medical school in London. He is widely travelled and enjoys introducing western delegates to exotic cultures. He has led the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Study Tours to China in 2004 and 2014 , Egypt 2006, Syria in 2007, Cuba in 2012 and Japan in 2017. Christopher has been president of the Medical Contact Lens and Ocular Surface Association, British Society for Refractive Surgery and the Southern Ophthalmological Society. He has also been Honorary Secretary of the United Kingdom and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeon,and is Council Member and Trustee of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Christopher Liu was appointed OBE by the Queen in her 2018 New Year’s honours list.
Need more information?
- Tel: (Toll Free) 1-8777-398-764
- Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Itinerary at a glance
- Day 1: Kota Kinabalu (Thur, 22 July)
Arrive and transfer to the Kota Kinabalu Hilton Shona in the heart of the business district, with a rooftop swimming pool with a sweeping view of the city. - Day 2: Kota Kinabalu (Fri, 23 July)
Take a boat out to the beautiful coral islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Par, known for their pristine white beaches, clear water and coral reefs. Visit the islands and relax, swim or snorkel. Return to Kota Kinabalu mid-afternoon for an ophthalmology visit and lectures at Synergy SEC. - Day 3: Kota Kinabalu (Sat, 24 July)
Board the Vulcan North Borneo steam train. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and a tiffin lunch onboard. Return and at leisure - Day 4: Kota Kinabalu / Kuching (Sun, 25 July)
Transfer to airport to fly to Kuching. Check into the Ranee Boutique Hotel. Visit the eye specialist centre. Later take an orientation of Kuching, established by Sir James Brooke, the 'White Rajah' of Sarawak. Visit the ethnological museum and Fort Margherita. Dinner at the Junk Restaurant. - Day 5: Kuching (Mon, 26 July)
Drive and boat to Bako National Park. Explore the park with its many species of wildlife. Buffet lunch in the park before returning to Kuching. In the evening enjoy a sunset cruise with a drink followed by dinner. - Day 6: Kuching (Tues, 27 July)
Visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to view semi-wild orangutans in a natural setting. Visit Anah Rais longhouse in Bidayuh village and learn about the culture of the Land Dayaks. Lunch at the village. Visit the Specialist Eye Centre and the mobile cataract service and learn of their work. - Day 7: Kuching / Singapore (Wed, 28 July)
Transfer to airport to fly to Singapore. Check into the Swissotel Merchant Court, a comfortable and well equipped 4-star hotel located by Clarke Quay. Transfer to airport to fly to Singapore. Check into the Swissotel Merchant Court, a comfortable and well equipped 4-star hotel located by Clarke Quay. - Day 8: Singapore (Thur, 29 July)
Take a half day Singapore city tour, visiting an orchid garden and seeing the Raffles Hotel, Singapore Cricket Club, the Old Supreme Court Building, City Hall Building. Lunch at a Chinese dim sum restaurant. Ophthalmology professional visit to SNED and lectures, or at leisure. Option of seeing the son et lumiere at the Sky Trees. - Day 9: Singapore / Malacca (Fri, 30 July)
Drive to Malacca and check into the boutique Puri Melaka Hotel, a charming 3-star boutique hotel in the heart of the old town. The hotel is a carefully restored Peranakan house which retains its beautiful façade and décor. - Day 10: Malacca (Sat, 31 July)
Tour of historic Malacca. Walk into the old town to see local crafts, including Peranakan shoe making. Continue to St. Paul's Hill for a panoramic view of Malacca, the straits and the old town. See the Portuguese Fort de Santiago, the ruins of St. Paul's Church and Dutch Square. Traditional Peranakan lunch followed by a boat ride on the Malacca River. In the evening listen to lectures or at leisure. - Day 11: Malacca / Kuala Lumpur (Sun, 1 Aug)
Drive to Kuala Lumpur and transfer to the EQ Hotel, a stylish new centrally located 5-star hotel. It is Green Building Index (GBI) Gold-certified, making it among the most energy and resource- efficient buildings in the city. Sightseeing tour of Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening. - Day 12: Kuala Lumpur (Mon, 2 Aug)
Depart or join the APAO 2021 KL Congress (2 – 5 August 2021) or take an extension to Banjaran Hot Springs.
Tour cost
US $3,906 per person sharing (excluding international flights and transfers)