b'THE FALL OF SINGAPOREScan here AND THE DEATH RAILWAYfor the full itineraryA WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN28 February12 March 2027 Historical Background13 days On 8th December 1941, the Japanese invaded the Malay Peninsula. Standing at Expert Historian: the southern tip sat the fortress island of Singapore, a major naval base from Dr Robert Lyman which Britain could project and defend its power in the Far East. In anticipation of an attack from Japans navy, extensive coastal batteries were built to Activity Level: 2 thwart an anticipated coup de main from the sea. That never came as General Yamashitas men marched southwards meeting little This tour to Malaysia, Singapore and Thailandopposition. An ill-thought-out defence plan examines the personal, national and imperialand poor command meant that Singapore humiliation that resulted from the Japanesewould only resist Japanese assaults for just conquest. Starting from Kuala Lumpur weover a week. Devoid of food and water, Lt Gen examine the limited resistance offered byPercival, the Allied Commander, believed he British Imperial Forces as they withdrewwas left with no choice but to agree to an southwards to Singapore and explore Malayunconditional surrender of some 85,000 Allied Jungle terrain that failed to impede an invadingsoldiers to Yamashitas 35,000, resulting in army. We spend five-nights in Singaporewhat Sir Winston Churchill said was worst where we: scrutinise the initial defence plan;disaster and largest capitulation in British inspect the coastal batteries; stand on thehistory. But the agony was not to end there: Japanese landing beaches; visit the Britishafter a relatively comfortable imprisonment, Command Centre; contemplate the POW campAllied soldiers conditions worsened when experience; and reveal the Japanese massacremany of them were shipped off to Thailand to sites. We fly to Thailand where we spend threeconstruct the infamous Death Railway under days at Kanchanaburi where we explore theinhumane conditions.Death Railway: riding and walking along the line; exploring caves in which POWs sheltered; paying our respects at cemeteries; and visiting the topical museums.Day 0 Flights to Kuala Lumpur from LHR or own arrangementsDay 1 Late afternoon arrival Overnight at airport hotel Introductory talk (D)Day 2The Battle of Gemas: Gemencheh Bridge ambush Bukit Kepong Malayan Emergency ambush Overnight Muar (B,L,D)Day 3The Battle of Muar: Muar town, destruction of Japanese tanks at Bakri, massacre at Parit Sulong Johore Straits Cross into Singapore - 5 nights (B,L,D)Day 4Assault on Singapore: Japanese landings, the Causeway, Kranji cemetery, Jurong-Kranji Defence Line, battles at Pasir Penjang and Adam Park (B,L,D)Day 5The Guns of Singapore: Labrador Battery, Sentosa Island, Siloso Battery (B,LD) Day 6 Downtown Singapore: Fort Canning command bunker, the Padang memorials, Singapore Cenotaph, City Hall, St Andrews Cathedral Free time (B,L) Day 7 Surrender and Occupation: Former Ford Factory, Bukit Bakot, Japanese Cemetery, Punggol and Changi beach massacres, Changi prison, chapel and museum Johore Battery, Johore Straits (B,L,D)Day 8 Travel to Thailand: Morning flight to Bangkok Nong Pladuk station Kanchanaburi for 3 nights (B,L,D)Day 9 Death Railway: Kanchanaburi CWGC cemetery, Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, train journey over the River Kwai bridge to Than Krasae, trestle viaduct and cave Elephant sanctuary Jungle walk to Tham Chaloei POW Cave (B,L,D)ESSENTIALS Day 10 Hellfire Pass: interpretation centre, walk short section of railway to Konyu Cutting Optional extended walk to Hintok Cutting Afternoon at leisure (B,L,D) 4-star hotels, meals as indicated,Day 11 River Kwai and home: Chong Kai CWGC cemetery, Curve Mountain view point, drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,boat ride, Kanchanaburis two WW2 museums To Bangkok airport, Late tour manager and expert historianevening return flights and farewells (B,L,D)throughout, all internal travel, Day 12 Arrive homeoptional travel from UK.66 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 5620 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 56205926 TCE BROCHURE 2025-26_Aug25.indd 66 22/08/2025 13:35'