This is a new trip designed by our Operations Manager, which features some of his (and our) favourite destinations in the Far East and Southeast Asia. Variety is the name of the game here -- four Asian countries are featured in a regional roundup that showcases the diversity of the region.
Download Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Denpasar
Welcome to Bali, Indonesia!
Today we fly to Denpasar on the island of Bali and transfer to our hotel in Ubud. Bali is home to the vast majority of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. 93.18% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, while most of the remainder follow Islam. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music.
Overnight in Ubud.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Ubud - Tenganan - Candidasa
For more than a century, Ubud has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs.
This morning we attend a traditional Barong dance performance. The Barong play represent an eternal fighting between good and evil spirit. A Barong (a mythological animal) represent good spirit and Rangda (a mythological monster) represent the evil one. Bali is known for its fine arts, and it is in this village that most of the best batik painters, mask carvers, dancers, weavers, and musicians live. This is an excellent place to buy authentic Balinese handicrafts.
After lunch, we travel by road through verdant Balinese countryside towards the east coast town of Candidasa, a tranquil coastal area nestled between the Lombok Strait to the east and mountains to the west. Candidasa is within close proximity to many historical landmarks of Bali.
On the way, we visit the ancient law courts at Klung Kung. Klung Kung was the oldest Kingdom on the island, and its "raja" was the most exalted. At the walled-in "Court of Justice", which dates from the 18th century, a mural portrays punishment in hell and the rewards of heaven.
We will also visit the native village of Tenganan, a symmetrically laid out Bali Aga village with walled homes and unique crafts. Bali Aga was the original inhabitant of Bali, before the arrival of Hindu Javanese. Tenganan retains its ancient pre-Hindu customs through a strong code of non-fraternization with outsiders, further enforced by the protection of its surrounding walls.
Overnight in Candidasa.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 Candidasa - Penglipuran - Lovina
Today we explore the highlands and the centre of Bali where elegant Balinese Hindu temples sprout amid lush green rice terraces.
En route we will stop at Penglipuran village, well known for its tidy row of traditional Balinese entrance gates and its unique architectural traditions. The village has also succeeded in preserving its 75-hectare bamboo forest located in the northern part of the village.
We also stop at Kintamani, famous for its view of Mt. Batur and Lake Batur. The whole area around Kintamani is known for its orange groves. After a lunch break here, we continue to Beji Temple (Pura Beji), an excellent example of the colourful architectural style of northern Bali. The temple is famous for its Barong architecture and virtuoso relief carvings.
Our destination is Lovina. a coastal area on the northeastern side of the island containing the small villages of Temukus, Kalibukbuk and Anturan. It is becoming more popular with tourists but remains far quieter than the tourist hotspots of the island's south side. At night the whole fishing fleet is working, their lanterns glowing yellow along the ocean front.
Overnight in Lovina.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Lovina - Tanah Lot - Kuta
We visit nearby Singaraja, the largest city in North Bali and the former Dutch colonial administrative capital of not only Bali, but the whole of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Singaraja still has some of the feel of an old colonial capital. The streets are wider and grander than elsewhere in Bali and some of the old houses set in large gardens recall days long gone. This is also a noticeably multi-ethnic city. The Muslim influence is apparent in the district near the old docks
called Kampung Arab while the largest Chinese temple in Bali is located nearby.
We then depart Lovina and travel through Bali's central highlands to the south coast. Along the way we visit the spectacular rice terraces at Pupuan. We proceed from there to Tanah Lot, an ocean temple built atop a huge rock surrounded by the sea at high tide by one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the 16th century. Its rituals include the paying of homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. Sea snakes sometimes found at the base are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders.
We continue to Kuta, the best known tourist area on the island of Bali. Mass tourism has not been kind to Kuta, but it serves as a convenient jump-off for our transfer to the airport tomorrow morning.
Overnight in Kuta.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Kuta, Indonesia (Bali) - Singapore
Today we fly to Singapore.
Established as a trading port by the British in the early 19th century, Singapore became a centre of British influence in Southeast Asia. Upon achieving independence from Malaysia in 1965, Singapore rapidly developed into a successful free-market economy with one of the highest per capita gross domestic products in the world, and is a major finance and transport hub in the region. Singapore has a low crime rate and has been consistently rated by Transparency
International as one of the least corrupt countries in the world.
Depending on flight schedules, we may embark upon our Singapore sightseeing upon arrival.
Overnight in Singapore.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Singapore: City Tour
Our Singapore sightseeing kicks off with an orientation tour, beginning with a drive around the Civic District past the Padang, Cricket Club, Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. You'll have great views of Marina Bay where we stop for photos at Merlion Park and the Merlion itself, Singapore's mythological creature that is part lion, part fish.
The tour continues with a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples on Singapore island, then takes you into Chinatown. The next stop at Singapore's Little India with the heady scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices.
We will also do a riverboat cruise along the Singapore River from Clarke Quay. The Singapore River is like a witness of its history; on both sides of the river, you will see the colonial buildings, traditional Chinese shops, modern skyscrapers, each of them would tell you an exciting story of Singapore. The cruise ends in Clarke Quay where there are many fine restaurants lining the river front.
Overnight in Singapore.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Singpaore - Malacca, Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur
We depart after breakfast to cross the Johor Causeway, which links Singapore to Peninsular Malaysia. After brief formalities, you will enter Johor Bahru -- the southern most state of Malaysia and head for a visit to the historic town of Malacca, founded by a fleeing prince from Sumatra in 14th century. Later it developed into a major trading port for ships from India and China. From its early days as a traders meeting point to the successive colonial occupation by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and Japanese, each culture left behind its mark or monument creating a historical showcase. Today you will find many remnants of the mixed history of this city dating back more than 500 years.
The oldest established town in Malaysia, Malacca is particularly famous for its Town Square and surrounding monuments. Our tour visits the red coloured Stadhuys, Cheng Hoon Teng, the oldest Chinese temple on the Malay Peninsula, the Portuguese fortress Porta de Santiago built in 1511 and St Paul's Church where St Francis Xavier was buried.
Malacca is well-known for its eclectic food. Most notable of all is the Nyonya-Baba cuisine which is a mixture of Chinese (mostly southern Hokkien or Fujian influence), Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, British and Malay cooking with most dishes being spicy in nature. A drive late this afternoon to Kuala Lumpur where we end our day.
Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Kuala Lumpur: City Tour
Despite rapid development, Kuala Lumpur has managed to retain its charm, with a skyline that blends the Old World with the new. We start the day with a visit to the Menara Kuala Lumpur that offers a birds-eye view of the entire city and its surrounds. We will see the contrast of the distinctive Indo-Moorish architecture and the ultra modern edifices, the Petronas Twin Towers -- tallest in the world. Later we drive past the elegant Jamek Mosque, which occupies the
symbolic birthplace of Kuala Lumpur and possibly have time for a photo stop at the majestic Royal Palace.
Overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Kuala Lumpur - Sandakan & Sepilok
This morning we fly to Sandakan, the second-largest city in the state of Sabah on the north-eastern coast of Borneo, once the former capital of British North Borneo.
Upon arrival we proceed immediately to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world located to the south of Sandakan. After a brief video introduction in the main building, we walk along a boardwalk through towering trees to the feeding area where we hope to see adolescent, adult, and baby orangutans in their natural
habitat: the tropical rainforest.
Later we return to Sandakan for a tour of this seaside town including a visit to the Agnes Keith House once occupied by famous American writer, Agnes Newton Keith, who penned the book, Land Below The Wind in 1939. Two books followed her first success, namely Three Came Home (1946) and White Man Returns (1951). Today the house has been restored and turned into a heritage house providing interesting insights to life during British North Borneo days. It is furnished with reproductions of colonial furniture and antiques. A gallery on the first floor tells the story of this remarkable woman who spent her later years in British Columbia in Canada, her books and her family.
Overnight in Sandakan.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu
Today we fly to Kota Kinabalu.
On arrival we'll have a panoramic drive tour of Kota Kinabalu including a visit to the excellent State Museum and the attached Heritage Village. Kota Kinabalu is the main city in the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. This evening, your Tour Leader will arrange a possible walking tour to Kota Kinabalu's busy waterfront fruit and vegetable market located not far from our hotel.
Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Kota Kinabalu - Mt Kinabalu, Malaysia - Manila, Philippines
Today we drive through paddy-fields and Dusun villages, over the ridges of the Crocker Range to the foothills of 4,095 m (13,435 ft) high Mt. Kinabalu. We arrive at the park headquarters at the Kundasang Visitor Centre and Mountain Garden, home to some of the 24 species of flowering rhododendron, 10 species of carnivorous pitcher plants, an estimated 1,400 species of orchid, over 600 species of fern, and more than 40 species of oak and over 300 bird species.
After our visit we return to Kota Kinabalu. This evening, we visit the Tanjung Aru beach located near the airport. Taking its name from the casuarina or aru trees that fringe the sand beach, this is the place from where one might get a grand view of the sunset when the crimson sun dips slowly into the horizon. Restaurants serving local food and drinks and stalls selling coconut and sugarcane juice, chicken or beef satays and steamed peanuts and corn are open here until late at night.
Late evening flight to Manila. The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world and has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain's colonization brought about the construction of Manila's Intramuros in 1571, a "Walled City" comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago.
Overnight near Manila.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Manila: City Tour
The Spanish knew the city of Manila as the jewel of their Pacific Empire, and today Manila is a city that has to be experienced to be understood. Located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay, Manila lay at the heart of Spanish activity in the Far East during the 16th century. Once known as the 'Pearl of the Orient', the city went on to witness several Chinese insurrections, a British occupation and a Sepoy mutiny, a war against the colonial Spanish and some of the bitterest fighting of World War II.
As we explore the "Charms of Old Manila", we will drive through Roxas Boulevard to Rizal Park, named in honor of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. For people-watching there’s no better place than Rizal Park where, every day, locals can be seen jogging, picnicking, or simply hanging out with friends.
At the Walled City of Intramuros we visit the remnants of Spain's conquistadors. We will explore this 'living museum' - the oldest part of the city known as 'between the walls' – the Spanish era walled city. It was here that Miguel Lopez de Legazpi built a fort on the site of a ruined Islamic settlement, with walls 13 meters thick and 3km long. Within this protective enclave, the exclusive preserve of the Spanish ruling elite, were 15 churches and 6 monasteries. The imposing Roman Catholic Cathedral is here, and has been rebuilt countless times. A walk through this area gives us a sense of the true history of this area.
We will travel through the cobbled streets to the UNESCO protected San Agustin Church, the country's oldest stone church. Here we will view its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments and other religious articles. Across from here is Casa Manila, a reproduction of a 19th century house equipped with oriental and European décor, as well as Philippine antique furniture. Built by Imelda Marcos, this is a chance to see some stunning antique furniture and artwork. We continue to Fort Santiago, Manila's main line of defense against invaders from the sea. It is a stone fort guarding the entrance to the city from Manila Bay. It has been the site of many tragic moments in Philippine history. From Fort Santiago, we drive on to Manila's central district, Quiapo, often referred to as the heart of Manila with its market, pilgrimage church of the Black Nazarene, jeepney terminals and bazaars. We will also explore the city's bustling Chinatown, with its network of alleys and side streets. The Chinese cemetery is the only one of its kind in the world, where the mausoleums are as big and as elaborate as houses and where the fusion of eastern and Christian religions are very much in evidence.
Overnight in Manila, Philippines.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Manila: City Sightseeing
Our touring today will take us through Makati, the financial Center of the Philippines. At the Museo ng Makati we will see the city's glorious past in full display through paintings, murals, and exhibits. The museum itself is housed in an old structure built in 1918 that served as the first town hall of the then municipality of Makati.
We will stop at the Saints Peter and Paul Parish, the first and oldest church in Makati. Built in 1620 its intricate design and Spanish type architecture make it a notable structure. We will then proceed to the American Cemetery and Memorial, the largest and most beautiful of American memorials outside the Continental U.S.
Powerful clans whose histories are inextricable from that of the city own Manila's conglomerates. The Ayala Museum, established by the Zóbel de Ayala family that owns most of Makati, includes a showcase of works by family member Fernando Zobel, a prominent artist in his own right. You're never far from the Holy Spirit in this predominantly Roman Catholic city, and the spirit is palpable in Greenbelt 3, a shopping complex where the prominent domed church, the Greenbelt Chapel, sits like a jewel in the middle of carefully manicured grounds.
Overnight in Manila.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14 Manila - Corregidor Island - Puerto Princesa
This morning we have an excursion to Corregidor Island, a one-hour ferry ride from Manila.
Corregidor, the island fortress -- "The Rock," as it became known during World War II -- was the last Filipino-American bastion to fall to the Japanese. Our tour includes a guided visit to the island's many "silent guns" and historical landmarks. We take in the stirring Light and Sound show inside the cavernous Malinta Tunnel, which served as General Douglas McArthur's headquarters during the seige.
Later we fly to Puerto Princesa.
Overnight near Puerto Princesa.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15 Palawan: the Underground River
Morning departure for The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the most important biodiversity conservation areas of the Philippines. The Park features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape that contains an 8.2 km long underground river.
A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, with the lower half of the river subject to tidal influence. The area also contains a full mountain to sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia.
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is reputed to be the longest navigable underground river in the world and is one of the few such rivers which the public can easily experience. The watershed area of the river within the park is covered by primary forest and is home to many endemic species of animals and plants.
We drive to Sabang, about two hours from the Puerto Princesa city and on the way we will some of the natural attractions of Palawan. Upon arrival in Sabang, we will board the 'banca' boat and enter the underground river for a unique experience floating past stalactites and stalagmites.
We return to Puerto Princesa in the evening.
Overnight in Puerto Princesa.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 16 Palawan: Honda Bay
About an hour's drive north of Puerto Princesa, is Honda Bay with a number of islands each with its own white sand beach and a variety of features. We aim to visit some of the islands during the day. The best known islands of Honda Bay are Cowrie and Bat named because of the large fruit bats that fly out of their nesting sites at sundown for their evening feed. Snake Island, a curvaceous tongue shaped island shaped like a snake and with a white sand beach is known for its beautiful shells. Other interesting islands are Canon, Pandan, Starfish, Lu-Ii Island (meaning floating and sinking island which is visible only during low tide), Señorita Island (the breeding site of lapu-lapu fish) and Starfish Island, with clear water that teem with starfish.
We return to Puerto Princesa in the evening.
Overnight in Puerto Princesa.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17 Departure from Puerto Princesa
Departure from Puerto Princesa (PPS) with onward connections (likely) through Manila.
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (at local restaurants and some hotels) are included daily. All transport (including internal air), accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for drivers, restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, most lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international (if applicable) air taxes, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals, and locally paid departure taxes.
Seasonality and Weather
Due to the number of different climate zones visited on this tour, the range of conditions encountered will vary widely. We have attempted to time this trip for either ideal or acceptable conditions throughout, but barring this, we have made some compromises here and there, and have also considered that this seasonality also means that we are able to take advantage of off-season rates in some locales.
February is a relatively rainy time in Bali, but showers are short-lived and temperatures balmy. Feb is dry season in the Philippines - ideal. Feb should be just after monsoon season in both Singapore and Malaysia.
October is the dry season for Bali, and the end of the rainy season in the Philippines. Most rain falls in Singapore, November to January; otherwise it is hot and humid year round. Malaysian Borneo - Oct is the transition period from wet to dry and is usually pleasant.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Transport will vary, but will always be air-conditioned / heated and private. Internal flights via scheduled regional carriers. The tour is not strenuous though it is busy; you must be steady on your feet and be able to endure some heat and long days. We have numerous walking tours and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces. Porters are available at hotels but you must be able to manage with your baggage at airports.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
Hotels used on tour are modern, comfortable, well-located, air-conditioned, 3-4 star properties with en suite bath / toilet. Single rooms are limited and possibly smaller than twins. Laundry facilities are available at most hotels for a reasonable price. Safe deposit boxes are available in most hotels either free or for a nominal fee. All are air-conditioned / heated.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, local guides, local driver/s.
Group Size
10-18 (plus Tour Leader)
Regions visited: Southeast Asia
Countries visited: Indonesia; Singapore; Malaysia and Philippines
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Ramayana Candidasa ... a perfect place for spending a peaceful and relaxing holiday in Bali as well as exploring the magnificent underwater paradise of Bali, such as Tulamben, Amed, Padang Bai, Blue Lagoon and many more.
Set sail at the break of dawn and you might encounter dolphins leaping gracefully in the open seas—one of the many wonderful spectacles to see in Lovina. Uncover the incredible treats that Lovina has to offer and we will ensure that you have a pleasant time throughout your stay.
Finish your day at our famous Sunset Bar with a signature cocktail, followed by our authentic local and international cuisine, before retiring to your private suite or villa.
With 523 well-appointed guestrooms, Concorde Hotel KL offers a collection of Superior, Deluxe, Premier and Premier Classic Suites. Each of our elegant guestrooms comes with unlimited free Wi-Fi as standard.
The Klagan Hotel is complemented by its 296 guest rooms, restaurant and lounge. A banquet hall on the top floor with a seating capacity of 280 persons for sit-down dinner functions and four other function rooms.
