‘The Missing Years’: The POW Experience 1942 – 1945
The Imaginative Traveller often goes to the end of the world to find unique tour ideas, and they don't come any fresher than this ...
One summer, Sydney was being ravaged by bushfires and Paul Pilkington had to evacuate his house. In packing up his attic, he came across a box of his dad's stuff, including a manuscript of his wartime exploits entitled The Missing Years.
It detailed ex-planter Captain Pilkington's disastrous Malayan campaign in which he was shot by a sniper, survived the Alexandra Hospital Massacre, became a POW, spent time in Changi then - with only one good arm - was packed off to work on the Thai-Burma Railway at the dreaded Hellfire Pass.
Captivated by this human spirit, travel writer Stu Lloyd set off with Pilkington's son to retrace the Captain's steps (living on rice and water, even spending a night in a jail) through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, a story told in his new book The Missing Years.
Now Stu wants to share that POW experience and the amazing stories with you (albeit with much better meals and more comfortable accomodation) on 'THE MISSING YEARS: THE POW EXPERIENCE 1942-45' tour ...
Duration: 16 days (flight inclusive); 15 days (land only)
Tour code: STMY
Price: A$6,829 pp twin share, flight inclusive
14 Nov 2009, flight supplement A$130 per person
Single Supplement A$1,495 (optional)
Land Only A$5,495
Departure dates:
September 12, 2009
October 10, 2009
November 14, 2009
To book this special tour call our sales team on 1300 135 088
Alternatively, you can email us at res@imaginative-traveller.com.au for more details
Highlights
- Bridge on the River Kwai
- Hellfire Pass
- Changi Chapel & Museum
- Singapore’s exotic Chinatown
- Battlefields of Ayer Hitam, Yong Peng, Parit Sulong and Batu Pahat
- Death Railway Jungle Camps
- Floating jungle raft hotel
Itinerary - 16 days/15 nights
Day 1, AUSTRALIA/ SINGAPORE
Depart Australia and arrive in Singapore. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in at the Bayview Hotel for 6 nights.
Tour Briefing
Once you have settled in, your tour leader and Stu will organize an introductory briefing. This meeting will give you an overview of all the interesting things you will be seeing during your tour, including some practical information on the tour. You will need to bring with you your passport, all tour vouchers and a copy of your insurance policy to this briefing so that your tour leader
can obtain important details that are essential to the running of the tour.
Important Note: it is a condition of joining our tours that you are in possession of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. If you do not have a policy you will be required to purchase one from your tour leader in order to join the tour.
Singapore
Singapore presents as a clean and modern financial centre but you will be amazed at how much military history is hidden right beneath your nose in this bustling tropical city-state. You’ll also come to appreciate its significant colonial history since the 1800s, and pre-war atmosphere of its Chinese trader shophouses.
Day 2, SINGAPORE
Today enjoy a guided tour of Changi Chapel & Museum, and visits to Selarang and Roberts Barracks (drive past), 15” guns of Johore Battery and former Sime Road Camp site. In the evening enjoy a 2 hour walking tour; Secrets of the Red Lantern around Singapore’s Chinatown. The meeting point for this tour is at the MRT (behind the Inn) and the group will conclude back at Chinatown. (B)
Changi Museum
Changi Museum gives you a brilliant overview of the battle for Singapore, and life of the POWs in Changi, the camp that became a byword for atrocity. Visits to famous barracks will enable you to picture where significant events took place, brought to life by Stu’s colourful and graphic primary history anecdotes. The Red Lantern tour takes you through the seedy underbelly of Chinatown’s recent past as an opium den and red-light district.
Day 3, SINGAPORE
Today we have a full day tour to visit Sentosa and Fort Siloso. Visit Alexandra Hospital, the largest military hospital for the British in the Far East in the 1940s. Afternoon guided tour of Labrador Park with a focus on the recently discovered tunnels. (BL)
Fort Siloso
Fort Siloso was home to Singapore’s biggest defence guns, now a museum with waxworks and exhibitions on life in Singapore during wartime. At ‘The Alex’ you’ll hear about the appalling massacre of 250 patients that Stu quotes from survivors. The Labrador Secret Tunnels are a recently excavated maze of Allied tunnels and casemate bunkers dating back to 1886.
Day 4, SINGAPORE
Today enjoy a full day tour to Serimbun, Kranji Cemetery and Bukit Chandu. Late afternoon guided excursion to The Battle Box, the largest underground military operations complex in Singapore during World War II, followed by dinner at Chimes Restaurant. (BD)
Serimbun
Serimbun is a side of Singapore that few locals even get to see. A tranquil mangrove area, it was the landing site of the first wave of Japanese assault forces in February 1942. Kranji offers the opportunity to reflect on the thousands who fell defending Malaya and Singapore, and visit headstones of key players in the battle as Stu relays their tragic stories. Bukit Chandu offers multimedia presentations from the local perspective, especially the gallant Malay Regiment who defended Opium Hill. The Battle Box is at Fort Canning, Lt Gen Percival’s command bunker, where realistic animatronics re-enact the pressure of the final few hours in the battle of Singapore.
Day 5, SINGAPORE
Today we have a full day tour to Bukit Timah Hill, Old Ford Factory and Botanic Gardens. (B)
Bukit Timah
Strategic Bukit Timah, the highest point in Singapore, was fiercely contested and epic tank battles raged here. Enjoy a walk to the top, surrounded by rainforest and thousands of species of flora and fauna. The Old Ford Factory was where the Allied surrender was signed on February 15 1942, and now houses a recently opened commemorative museum. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are where Ridley developed the rubber seedlings which became the cash crop for Malaya, and are the home of the exotic Vanda Joaquim orchids. Enjoy the space and tranquillity of what is a remarkably serene spot today, despite its history.
Day 6, JOHOR
After breakfast we travel by bus from Singapore, over Causeway up to the battlefields of Ayer Hitam, Yong Peng, Parit Sulong, Batu Pahat ‘Bakri’ in Malaysia. Return to Singapore to overnight. (B)
Johore Battlefields
These names are well known as settings for some of the most vicious battles in the Malayan campaign. Stu brings the battles and atrocities (such as the Parit Sulong Massacre) to life in situ.
Day 7, SINGAPORE TO KANCHANABURI
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Kanchanaburi on the banks of the River Kwai, stopping en route at Ban Pong station, the railhead in Thailand during WW2, and Nakhom Pathom, home of the oldest temple in Thailand. Overnight – Felix River Kwai Hotel (B)
Kanchanaburi
The Thai-Burma Death Railway, built by Allied POWs and Asian labourers during WWII, passed through Kanchanaburi, providing a shorter route for transporting supplies essential to the Japanese war effort to Rangoon. The workforce consisted of 61,000 Allied POWs and 250,000 Asian labourers at its peak.
A favourite getaway for Bangkok residents, Kanchanaburi is most famous for the Bridge on the River Kwai (and Stu will do some dramatic myth-busting on this movie.)
Day 8, KANCHANABURI
Walking tour of Kwai Bridge, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and former Kanburi camp site. Visit Thai-Burma Railway Centre. There will be the option to visit Chungkai War Cemetery. (B)
The Bridge on the River Kwai
The original bridge, now repaired after Allied bombing raids, still stands heroically. Nearby is the immaculately maintained War Cemetery, resting place for 7000 Allied troops who perished on the southern sector of the line. Opposite it is the former site of the Kanburi camp which was a major POW hospital camp. The TBRC (Thai-Burma Railway Centre) gives a historically rich and detailed account of POW life on the railway, with hundreds of relics and artifacts on display. Your hotel offers sweeping views across the River Kwai.
Day 9, NAM TOK / TARSAO
Morning train to Nam Tok arriving at approximately 12:20. In the afternoon relax or enjoy an optional walk around Sai Yok Noi waterfall and former Tonchan South camp site. Overnight - Pung Waan Noi Hotel for 2 nights (B)
The Death Railway
Take a ride on the Death Railway as it clatters its way along the tracks cleared and laid by the POWs. Most stunning is the Wang Po viaduct, hugging the blasted cliff-face high above the river. You’ll get a remarkable insight into the lives of these men as Stu quotes from diaries and first-hand interviews about this area, Nam Tok (formerly Tarsao) is the end of the line, and original Japanese rolling stock can be viewed at Sai Yok Noi a little further north.
Day 10, NAM TOK
Today visit the former Tampii, Malai Hamlet and Kanyu 2 railway camp sites, and the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. Walk the tracks to see Compressor Cutting, Pack of Cards Bridge site, and Hintok Station. (B)
Hellfire Pass
Dozens of makeshift camps dotted the course of the line’s construction. We follow the original Japanese marching trail route by bus, and uncover the sites where these former camps were. Hellfire Pass is a humbling experience, to witness what was achieved by the bare hands and sweat of the men. The Museum offers great video and photographic accounts of life – and death – up and down the line. View the stunning Burma Ranges and walk through beautiful teak forests, exploring the remnants of the line, and sites of famous bridges, structures and stations.
Day 11, NAM TOK
Today you will visit the Sai Yok Yai National Park to view to view remains of Japanese camp sites, kitchens and railway bridges. In the afternoon take a longtail boat trip to see beautiful waterfalls and gorges. Overnight Hintok Camp (BD)
Sai Yok Yai
Sai Yok Yai National Park is one of Thailand’s largest, and home to exotic animals such as tigers. Unbelievably the railway line also traversed this rugged terrain, and bridge supports can still be found in the forest. Unwind with a thrilling longtail boat ride, whizzing beneath cliff walls hundreds of feet above you.
Day 12 JUNGLE RAFT
Transfer to River Kwai jungle rafthouses with a day at leisure to visit the adjacent Mon tribal village, take an elephant ride, drift down the river, or have a massage. In the evening enjoy dinner and Mon tribal folk show. Overnight - River Kwai Jungle rafthouse (BD)
Jungle Rafthouses
The jungle rafthouses are something truly unique: daisy-chained hotel rooms that float on the river. Evocatively furnished, this is tropical living at its most relaxing, and a good way to unwind and reflect on the tour. A special folk show, put on by local villagers, will be one of the highlights of this trip. Cameras ready!
Day 13, BANGKOK
After breakfast you will be transferred to the hotel in Bangkok. Overnight – Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (B)
Bangkok
A city of contrasts, Bangkok is a both a modern urban sprawl and a series of small side streets known as sois where the shopkeepers and restaurant owners know as much about the gossip of the street as rice farmers or elephant keepers in rural villages. It’s a hugely cosmopolitan city, with Arab, Indian and Chinese areas where you can be fitted for a linen suit by an Indian tailor, hear the call to prayer from a mosque or dine out in restaurants serving every conceivable kind of cuisine. The public ferryboats that cruise up and down the Chao Phraya River offer a good way to get around the city, and smaller longtail boats travel along the city’s many klongs, or canals.
Day 14, BANGKOK
A full day at leisure to explore the city. In the evening enjoy your farewell dinner at the Silom Village Thai restaurant. (BD)
Bangkok sites
For a view across the city, the Golden Mount is a temple on top of a hill which looks out across Bangkok. The spectacular Grand Palace is a must-see, as is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew) nearby. You could also head for Wat Po Temple or Jim Thomson’s House, with its adjacent Silk Museum. Head into the markets to pick up some bargains, dine out in the countless cafes and restaurants in every neighbourhood and just lose yourself in this remarkable city. Stu and the Imaginative Traveller guide will be more than happy to share their knowledge and point you in the right direction for whatever you would like to do.
This evening you will enjoy a special Thai farewell dinner at a fabulous local restaurant close to your hotel. Stu is also going to dish out some ‘medals’ for correct answers to military history trivia questions – and other ‘awards’ for certain deeds he noticed en route. You have been warned!
Day 15, BANGKOK
The morning is at leisure to further explore this great city. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Australia via Singapore. (Departure tax 500 Baht) (B)
Day 16, AUSTRALIA
Arrive into Australia where services end on arrival.
Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
Trip Dossier
Factfile
Tour code: STMY
Price: From $6,829 per person/twin share flight inclusive
November flight supplement AUS$130 per person
Price Land Only: AUS$5,495 per person/twin share
Single Supplement: AUS$1,495 (optional)
Deposit: $500 deposit is required per person to secure a place on this tour.
Maximum group size: 20
Staffing: Fully escorted by travel writer and military history author Stu Lloyd, an Imaginative Traveller tour leader and services of local representatives and guides.
Transport: Local private air-conditioned vehicles, and longtail boat.
Accommodation: 6 nights Bayview Hotel, 2 night’s Felix River Kwai Hotel, 2 night’s Pung Waan Noi Hotel, 1 night Hintok Camp, 1 night River Kwai
Jungle Raft House, 2 night’s Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel, 1 night overnight international flight with Singapore Airlines
Activities: Optional hike to view Sai Yok Noi falls, optional visit to Chungkai Cemetery.
Meals: Included as per itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Entrance Fees: Included for all sites listed as per the itinerary.
Tipping: To avoid embarrassment and to ensure the smooth running of all tours we operate a tipping kitty. Please allow US$18-25 per week of the tour for this. This does not include a tip for Stu or the tour leader which is entirely at your own discretion.
A note about Country Dossiers and Pre-departure information
This Trip Dossier is designed to be read in conjunction with our Thailand and Malaysia Country Dossiers and Pre-Departure Information. It is ESSENTIAL that you read this dossier and the Country Dossier and the Pre-Departure Information in full before you travel
Travel Writer and Military History Author Stu Lloyd:
Stu is one of Asia-Pacific’s most widely published travel writers, contributing to The Weekend Australian, Sun Herald, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic Traveler among others. He also has six published books to his credit, including ‘The Missing Years’, a gripping POW memoir to be launched in March 2009. He has lived in Southeast Asia for 13 years, so adds a local cultural perspective to his colourful and passionate commentary. He has been described as ‘the perfect storyteller’ (Weekend Telegraph, UK). For more visit: www.stulloyd.com
Visas
You will need to obtain the following visas for this tour. Contact your travel agent for current prices.
Available on arrival:
- Singapore single entry
(For most nationalities a 30 day entry permit is issued free on arrival.) - Malaysia single entry
(Most nationalities are usually issued a 30 or 60 day visa on arrival.) - Thailand single entry
(Most nationalities can obtain a free Thai visa valid for 30 days on arrival.)
If the visa application form requires a contact address in the destination, please give either your meeting point hotel or the address of our local contact (which you will find in the Country Dossier).
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. The Imaginative Traveller cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation.
Border Taxes
Singapore and Malaysia
There are no entry or exit taxes payable in Singapore and Malaysia
Thailand
There are no entry or exit taxes payable in Thailand.
Special Luggage Requirements
The Pre-Departure Information includes an extensive luggage checklist. There are no special requirements for this tour.
Entrance Fees
These are included for all sites listed as per the itinerary on this trip.
Fitness
None of the activities featured in this trip require special training or skills, just a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to participate. If you are in any doubt contact your doctor for advice.
Transport
We use a combination of air-conditioned private coaches and trains. The roads are of a good standard throughout Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand so distances can be covered quickly.
General Tour Information
Price includes
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Fully escorted by Stu Lloyd
- Services of Imaginative Traveller Tour Leader
- Services of local guides representatives & guides throughout
- 14 night’s accommodation as per the factfinder
- 1 night overnight flight
- Entrance fees for all sites listed as per the itinerary
- Meals: 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners
- All transportation as per the itinerary
- International flights and taxes with Singapore Airlines
Price does not include
- Visa costs
- Drinks, tips, laundry and other personal items
- Meals other than those listed
- Insurance
Are you ready to go?
Before you travel it is essential that you read ALL of the following documents which you can download from our website (www.imtravdossiers.com) or obtain from your booking agent:
- Trip Dossier (this document)
- Singapore Country Dossier
- Malaysia Country Dossier
- Thailand Country Dossier
- Pre-Departure Information
The itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with care and provided in good faith. However it may be subject to change, and does not form part of a contract between the client and The Imaginative Traveller.
