The city as a starting point: Gardens by the Bay, hawker centres, Chinatown and Little India. Your first time in Asia without the stress and without getting lost.
Format For two, 4 days, first time in Asia.
What self-guided means
A plan from people who live here
You get ready-made research and local recommendations. You lead the route yourself, at your own pace.
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An original plan, not a list of attractions
We put your trip together day by day, based on places we know from living here. This is not a mash-up of attractions from the first page of search results.
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Knowledge from the place, not from the internet
The usual guidebook and ebook give you what everyone else gets. We give you addresses and specifics verified on the ground, with local context.
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Freedom without a group tour
No rigid schedule and no following a flag. You decide what stays and what goes - and we stay in touch.
What you get
Everything in one plan
Enough to get going without hours of research - and flexible enough to stay yours.
- A day-by-day plan
- Local recommendations verified on the ground
- Restaurants and street food
- Spots off the tourist trail
- Maps and routes, including offline
- Transport tips
- Practical everyday tips
- Neighbourhoods and hotels to match your style
- Support throughout the trip
Sample routes
Six ideas to start from
These aren't off-the-shelf packages, just scenarios to start the conversation from. We'll tailor each one to you.
Georgetown plate by plate - Peranakan cuisine, kopitiams and night markets. With addresses you won't find in any ranking.
Format For two or a small group, 5 days.
Two days in Kuala Lumpur, then the oldest jungle in the world - a night safari, canopy walk and river cruise in Taman Negara.
Format City and nature, 7 days.
Orangutans in Sepilok, jungle and a reef just a few steps from the shore. A route for those who want a bit of adventure without a group.
Format For the active, 10 days.
The quieter side of the island, days with no plan and evenings by the water. A slow pace instead of ticking off a list of attractions.
Format Slow pace, 8 days.
A short stop on the way somewhere further. The most of the city in two days - no rushing and no random decisions.
Format Layover, 2 days.
How it works
Four steps to your trip
From choosing a route to a trip you lead yourself.
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You choose a route
You tell us where and how long you're going, and in what style. We suggest which scenario suits you.
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You get the plan
We prepare a day-by-day plan - with recommendations, maps and practical tips all in one place.
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You travel your way
You set off at your own pace. The plan guides you, but you decide what stays and what goes.
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You have support on the ground
We're on hand throughout the trip - whenever something needs rearranging or you have a question.
Why this way
Better than an evening with ten open tabs
The research was done for you by people who live here. You're left with ready-made, verified decisions.
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Knowledge from the place, not from forums
We base our recommendations on our own travels and contacts on the ground, not on rewritten descriptions from the internet.
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Fewer tourist traps
You skip the spots swarmed by coaches and the overpriced addresses. What's left is what you'd only stumble on yourself after a few days.
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The hours of research are already behind you
You don't spend your evenings comparing neighbourhoods and restaurants. The plan is ready before you pack your suitcase.
What travellers say
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does the guide look like?
You get a day-by-day plan in digital form - with the route, maps, recommended places and practical tips. You open it on your phone, including offline.
Do I get support during the trip?
Yes. We're on hand throughout the trip - if something needs rearranging or you have a question on the spot, you just message us.
Can I change the route?
The plan is a starting point, not a rigid schedule. You keep what suits you and arrange the rest your own way - which is why we give alternatives.
Does it make sense if I'm travelling solo?
Absolutely. A self-guided tour works solo, as a couple and in a small group of friends. We tailor the plan to how and with whom you're travelling.
Are the recommendations up to date?
Yes. We base them on current travels and contacts on the ground, so the places in the plan are checked live, not written down once from the internet.
Have another question? Write to us
We've lived in Asia for years Meet us
This is us behind Pod Zwrotnikami
We came to Asia over a decade ago and stayed. Today we live between Singapore and Malaysia, and we create Pod Zwrotnikami together with trusted local guides and partners. Some trips we lead in person, others we entrust to people we've worked with for years.
From the blog
Read the blog From our blog
Longer reads about the region - history, cultural context and practical information.
Penang Round Island – the full loop around the island in a single day
Distance: 60–100 km | Level: moderate | 1 day
Penang weekender
Distance: 140 km | Level: moderate | 2 days
Balik Pulau Explore – a day in the green heart of Penang
Distance: 30–50 km | Level: easy / moderate | 1 day or half a day
Penang to Langkawi – 6 days: island to island
6 days | approx. 470 km | hard
Shall we start?
Choose a self-guided tour
Tell us where and when you're heading - we'll match a route and prepare a plan for your travel style.
Book a consultation