Defence of Malaya & Fall of Singapore
The 8^th Australian Division Commemorative Tour

10 Day Fully Escorted Battlefield Tour
18 – 27 September 2025
Twin Share – $5,295 per person
Single Room Supplement – $1249

Fully escorted by Australian Military Historian and battlefield guide: Rod Margetts

What Do You Know About The 8th Australian Division in World War 2?

The 8th was the third division raised as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force. The division’s time on the Army Order of Battle was short and its operational experience was limited to 33 days during the short, brutal campaign to defend Malaya and Singapore Island against the Japanese. That campaign ended with the surrender of Singapore and the division, together with the rest of the Singapore garrison, going into captivity for the duration of the war.

Boronia Travel Centre is pleased to present an opportunity to experience an in-depth examination of this unique Australian military history event.

The 8th Australian Division Commemorative Tour for 2025 will be conducted from 18 to 27 September 2025 and will cover all the 8th Division actions against the Japanese advance in Malaya and in the final defence of Singapore Island. An extension tour immediately following the Malaya – Singapore experience, completes the story by following the route of the Japanese Thailand – Burma railway from Kanchanaburi to the border with Burma (Myanmar) and the experiences of the 8th Division men who suffered through that horrific time.

The Tours

This is a bigger story than is usually acknowledged and, like all Boronia Travel Centre battlefield tours, this one goes much deeper than other advertised tours, explaining what was planned; what happened; and why. Because the story doesn’t begin in Malaya, you will learn about the forming of the division; the incomplete and piecemeal movement to Malaya; the equipment shortages and resulting problems; and the senior leadership tensions and decisions for which the soldiers paid dearly.

On the drive north into Malaysia and the Australian area of operations, join in a discussion about the failure of the British forward defence in the north, leading to the 8th Division involvement. Your visits to the two separate sites of first contact with the advancing Japanese explains the difficulties imposed by the widely dispersed deployment of the division’s two brigades. The inability to halt the Japanese ‘Driving Charge’ and resulting deployments of elements of the Australian force to shore up crumbling defences, is explained by a visit to the Muar River sector of the 8th Division defensive area. As you follow the Australian withdrawal on the west coast, via the tragic scene of the Parit Sulong massacre and the various sites where attempts were made to delay the Japanese advance, you will appreciate the desperation of the closing stages of the campaign in Peninsula Malaya.

Examination of the plan for, and the conduct of, the defence of Singapore Island allows you to understand the faulty appreciation of Japanese intentions which imposed unrealistic demands on the understrength Australian division. The time in Singapore also provides an insight into even less-recognised events involving Australians, after the surrender. A visit to the old Kepple Harbour site of the two raids by Z Special Force members against shipping there in 1943 and 1944 sheds light on this chapter of the continuing fight against the Japanese.

Recognising that the story of the men of the 8th didn’t end with the surrender of Singapore, Boronia Travel Centre offers the opportunity to follow them through the subsequent horror of forced labour on the Thailand – Burma railway.

The tour is fully escorted throughout. The tour leader and battlefield guide will be Rod Margetts, one of Boronia Travel Centre’s most experienced guides. Rod’s 31-year military career saw him develop a particular interest in the Malayan campaign, with exposure to the terrain and history during exercises with the Malaysian Army and the Singapore Armed Forces. A year-long posting to Kuala Lumpur provided the opportunity for a detailed study the WW2 events, from the initial Japanese landings in the north, through the British defence, to the Australian sector on the southern peninsula and the final defence of Singapore Island.

That experience made Rod realise that the men of the 8th Division deserved much more recognition than to be remembered as ‘the prisoners who worked on the railway.’ Both this tour and Thailand-Burma are the result of that realisation.

About Your Battlefield Guide

 
This tour is fully escorted by Australian Military Historian and battlefield guide, Rod Margetts. Rod will present information about the background and specific events which occurred, in an interesting and entertaining way. He will personally introduce himself to all tour members via email or telephone prior to departure, and invite you to advise of any subject of particular interest, such as relatives who had fought (and sometimes died) during the conflict. Rod will then research the matter to ensure, where possible, that the tour visits the particular site and that detailed information on the actions are provided.

This is a small group tour with a guaranteed departure, and may be taken in conjunction with the Thai-Burma Railway Tour.

Your Battlefield Tour Includes:

• Fully escorted by Boronia Travel Centre battlefield specialist and Australian Military Historian: Rod Margetts.
• All battlefield excursions, scenic drives and sightseeing as described in the itinerary.
• Changi War Museum & the Ford Factory, Singapore
• Malaya Peninsula battlefields
• Historic trading port of Malacca
• The opportunity to visit other places of personal interest in the area.
• The best available accommodation in each town or city.
• Breakfast daily.
• Free time to explore Singapore at leisure.
• Services of both, a local english speaking guide throughout your tour and on location, a local battlefield expert.
• Ground transport in deluxe air-conditioned coaches with toilet.
• All entrance fees as per the itinerary.
• Boronia Travel Centre cap, ticket wallet and luggage tags.
• With the exclusive resources available, Rod Margetts may be able to assist with any family research you may be doing.

Extras:

• Single Supplements are available.
• Boronia Travel Centre uses Singapore Airlines for all their Singapore Tours and has access to the most competitive discounted airfares available from Australia.
• Upgrade airfares to business and first class available upon request.
• Spend more time in Singapore with one of our great accommodation packages available at discounted rates.

Meals Included: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1. Thursday 18 September – Those members travelling on our group flight will be met by your local guide and transferred to the hotel.  This evening join your battlefield guide for the opportunity to meet your fellow tour members.
Overnight: Oasia Hotel Novena – Singapore

Day 2.  Friday 19 September – This morning we travel by coach to Mersing on the east coast of peninsula Malaysia. There we discuss the initial 22nd Australian Infantry Brigade deployments, including the 2/20th Battalion defence of the town. After lunch we follow the 22nd Brigade south to Jemalaung, stopping to discuss the 2/18th Battalion ambush of the Japanese at the Nithsdale Estate. We then travel to Kluang and our overnight accommodation. B
Overnight: Prime City Hotel, Kluang

Day 3. Saturday 20 September – This morning we cross the peninsula to Malacca, on the west coast.  After checking in to our hotel, the afternoon and evening are free to explore this historic former trading port. Controlled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, the old city centre was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.  B
Overnight: The Pines Hotel, Malacca

Day 4. Sunday 21 September – Today we commence our consideration of the 27th Australian Infantry Brigade actions, as part of Westforce in the main battle area. First, we drive to the Gemencheh River where we discuss the 2/30th Battalion ambush, the first contact between the Australians and the Japanese in the campaign. We then move on to Gemas, site of the subsequent battle at the 2/30th Battalion main defensive position. Next, we drive to Batu Anam to discuss successive 27th Brigade delaying actions on the trunk road, before returning to Malacca for the night. B
Overnight: The Pines Hotel, Malacca

Day 5. Monday 22 September – This morning we continue our consideration of Westforce actions. First, we drive south to Muar and discuss Major General Gordon Bennett’s dispositions of the 45th Indian Brigade at the Muar River.  Australian units were drawn in to support the crumbling front in this area and we move on to Bakri to discuss the actions by the 2/29th Battalion, the 2/19th Battalion, and the gunners of the 2/4th Anti-tank Regiment.  Next, we drive to Parit Sulong to discuss the final stand of the Muar force and the escape of the survivors.  Our last stop is at Yong Peng where the 27th Brigade established a blocking position to cover the withdrawal of the remainder of Westforce and any of the force from Muar.  Finally, we drive to Batu Pahat where we spend the night. B
Overnight: Katerina Hotel – Batu Pahat

Day 6. Tuesday 23 September – Today we follow the final stage of the 27th Brigade withdrawal to Johore Bahru.  We begin by driving to Ayer Hitam to discuss the 2/30th Battalion delaying action there.  Then we follow the trunk road through Simpang Rengam, via the Namazie Estate, to Ayer Bemban, pausing to discuss the 27th Brigade attempts to impose delay on the advancing Japanese at those places. We finish the day by following the Malaya Command withdrawal route over the causeway onto Singapore Island.  After checking in to our hotel, the evening is free. B
Overnight: Orchid Hotel, Singapore   

Day 7. Wednesday 24 September – Today we take a detailed look at the situation on Singapore Island following the withdrawal from Malaya, to include the defensive plan and the Australian role. We travel through the 27th Brigade area and across the Kranji River to Eagle Point, in the Sungei Buloh Wetlands; the boundary with the 22nd Brigade area.  After gaining an understanding of the challenge presented by the terrain, we discuss the 8th Division deployment and the events of 8 and 9 February. We then follow the 27th Brigade withdrawal south, down Woodlands Road, ending at the Botanical Gardens, the final 8th Division position at the time of the surrender.  After lunch we visit the Ford Factory, where the allied surrender was signed, before returning to the hotel. B
Overnight: Orchid Hotel, Singapore

Day 8. Thursday 25 September – This morning we visit the Changi Chapel and Museum, and the large Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery at Kranji, to understand the aftermath of the campaign. The surrender of the island wasn’t the end of military operations in Singapore involving Australians. This afternoon we move to what was Keppel Harbour during the war to learn about Z Special Force and the two raids conducted on shipping there, in 1943 and 1944. After returning to the hotel the evening is free.  B
Overnight: Orchid Hotel, Singapore  

Day 9. Friday 26 September – Today is a free day to explore the sights of Singapore. You may wish to do some last-minute shopping along Orchard Road.  Perhaps a walk around the spectacular Gardens by the Bay followed by a visit to the famous Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling to cap off your trip. B
Overnight: Orchid Hotel, Singapore

Day 10. Saturday 27 September – This morning the tour comes to an end with a transfer to Singapore Airport for onward movements.  Those taking the Thai-Burma Railway extension will fly to Bangkok for commencement of that tour.  B

Please Note: Itinerary subject to change according to prevailing circumstances.

Oasia Hotel Novena – Singapore

A 2-minute walk from Novena metro station, this upscale hotel in a glass high-rise building is 3 km from Orchard Road shopping street and 5 km from the Central Business District. Featuring contemporary decor, the polished rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screens, desks, and high-end linens. Upgraded rooms have coffee making facilities and rainfall showers, while club rooms have sleek decor and access to a private lounge providing breakfast and drinks. Suites add separate living rooms. Room service is available. Amenities include a fitness centre and an outdoor pool with a hot tub, as well as a Japanese restaurant and a modern bistro.

Prime City Hotel – Kluang

Strategically situated in Kluang City Center, this hotel offers you access and proximity to local attractions and sights. Prime City Hotel provides guests with access to free Wi-Fi, massage, restaurant and even has a spa on-site.

The Pines Hotel – Malacca

This property in the heart of Malacca City Center offers easy access to historical landmarks, night markets, and local eateries. Nearby attractions include Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall (1.1km) and Jonker Street Night Market (770m). Enjoy air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, private balconies with stunning views, and refreshing showers with complimentary toiletries. The property also features a swimming pool, coffee shop, and exquisite restaurant serving delectable cuisine. [Some content may be Generative AI assisted. Inaccuracies may occur.]

Katerina Hotel – Batu Pahat   

Featuring a mix of classic and modern design touches, this elegant hotel is 2 km from the Sultan Ismail Jamek Mosque and 4 km from Batu Pahat Mall. Contemporary rooms and suites come with minibars, safes and flat-screen TVs, as well as tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites and upgraded rooms have separate living areas or rooms, while upgraded suites offer views of the Straits of Malacca. Room service is available. A free breakfast buffet is served in a low-key cafe. There’s a rooftop pool and a gym, as well as a grand columned lobby.

Orchid Hotel – Singapore   

Our tour members depend on us to provide a once in a lifetime battlefield experience combined with exceptional customer service. We do our best to meet and exceed their high standards, which is what you’d expect from Australia’s leading battlefield tour company. Here’s what our past passengers say about Rod Margetts – our very popular and knowledgeable battlefield guide:

The 75th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore Tour was a wonderful experience. Thank you for the great information you provided. It is also fascinating to get some personal insights. We had a great group on the trip and Rod’s knowledge made it even more special. Best wishes.
Alan

Rod did an amazing job, and even though he wasn’t well for a few days, didn’t miss a beat. The Vietnamese guides were great, especially Chi who took us to a rooftop bar on the last day to try the most amazing Vietnamese coffee. Once again thanks to the team.”
Kay and John Woolnough

“I want to thank you for the exceptional tour I did with Rod Margetts and the other three tourists. We had the most wonderful tour because the guides, Rod and Sinan were so patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and we four felt that the tour was personal and tailored just for us.

Thank you John and your team for putting together such an outstanding tour. It will remain a highlight of my life and I’ll always be glad I went to the hallowed soil of Gallipoli to honour my two great uncles and all the soldiers, both Allies and Turks. With my very best wishes to you and again, my sincere thanks.”
Roslyn Burge

We cannot speak too highly of our guides. Rod and Sinan made sure that the tour was loaded with interest and information, and very enjoyable. Although we were such a small group yet we got the best presentation possible. The way Rod and Sinan worked together was amazing – you would swear it was fully scripted!!  There was no doubt that they enjoy working together, and mutually provided flexibility with the programme showing they had the specific interests of the 4 of us in the group. Didn’t matter whether it was Istanbul or the battlefields, they both covered the interesting and relevant parts so well. This included our visit to Shrapnel Valley Cemetery a second time to place flowers at my Uncle’s grave. Rod made sure the two “girls” in the group found the headstones etc which were of specific interest to them. We obviously could not take all the information in but what we did assimilate is food for further reading and understanding. By covering the main aspects fully they gave us a sound overview and the basis to look at other material, which we will do.
David Williamson and Andrew Williamson

I need to thank the 3 Tour guides Rod, Mark and Mark who gave everybody a great insight to the campaign, as soldiers we think we know our history but talking to many of the members and they all commented on how much they did not know, again well done. I also need to congratulate you on the 3 local guides who not only assisted in giving us an insight from the Turkish side but on their country, they were outstanding. Once again thank you very much.”
Graham Toll

Gallipoli 2015 – Anzac Day Centenary Tour
Rod, I knew you were a good instructor 35 years ago, but you have taken it to a new level. I had done a lot of reading leading up to the tour, but information overload, inability to relate it to ground and my faulty memory meant that I was having trouble putting it in context (to the extent that I recognised the relevance behind all your daily questions, but couldn’t remember any of the answers). Over a week you put all of that information and feeling for the ground into context in a measured, logical, informed and interesting way. I had wondered how those in the group who might not have been so committed to military history would remain engaged, so for me the proof of your approach was their enthusiasm throughout. The detail of your descriptions and ability to answer questions from left field with your broader understanding was simply outstanding. I re-read Sniffy’s book on the plane on the way home as a good summary of the first couple of days and it all makes sense now. (Actually, better to say I understand it now, as the whole affair certainly didn’t make sense). Thank you.
Garry Kelly

We had the trip of a lifetime, with the help of Rod Margetts, and Sinan (Our Turkish Guide) the Gallipoli trip was absolutely amazing, Rod explained everything in a way everyone in the group understood, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity of laying a wreath for our Anzac at the Lone Pine Centenary Commemoration, which was televised and recorded by our family at home, a once in a lifetime opportunity. We also attended the Centenary “Smoking Ceremony” for our Indigenous Soldiers, also another once in a lifetime experience.  Rod’s guidance throughout out Gallipoli experience was absolutely fantastic, and Sinan gave us the cultural and the Turkish version of events. I don’t believe there was anything left out.
Margaret & Barry Weston

Our customers depend on us to provide a once in a lifetime battlefield experience combined with exceptional customer service. Visit our page full of client testimonials.