Day 1: Fly from UK
Depart from London Heathrow on an overnight flight on Economy Class with British Airways or Singapore Airlines direct to Singapre. We are able to arrange flight for your tour, subject to availability.
Overnight: On board the plane
Day 2: Arrive Singapore
You will be met on arrival by your private driver and guide where you will be transferred to your hotel to relax and refresh for the day. After your long flight we recommend a relaxed day. Dependent on the time you arrive, we have suggested a 30 minute walking tour and one hour boat ride to help you get your bearings.
A “tiger of the Orient”, modern Singapore was formed in 1819 by Sir Thomas Raffles. Back then, it was little more than a fishing village and trading outpost. Nowadays it is a microcosm of glittering skyscrapers and lush green spaces, which blend with its colonial- and Chinese-influenced past. Singapore is always rewarding; renowned for its food and shopping, it also offers a compact opportunity to explore the historical changes of one Asia’s smallest countries.
Your walking tour is best taken during the evening to escape the heat of the day and enjoy the colour of Singapore at night so you will have time to refresh at the hotel before being met by your local guide. Wander through one of Singapore’s first port areas. Whilst the geography has changed, buildings still date to the late 19th century and the area is awash with temples and towering trees, which make for an easy introduction to the formation of modern day Singapore. Chinatown is always a hurried hub of activity, and here is no different. Take a cold Chinese tea and watch the world go by or enjoy a plate of Singapore noodles before walking to Clarke Pier to catch a boat ride. This is a great way to see the variety of architectural styles that are at play in this city. Nighttime is the best time to experience them.
Take this opportunity to stroll through the spacious public areas of The Fullerton Hotel, grab a Singapore Sling at The Raffles or check out the amazing art installation at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.Return to the hotel by local transport.
Overnight: | Meals:
Day 3: Singapore to Malacca
Depart the hotel at around 08:00 for your journey across the causeway to Malaysia. You will pass through immigration before entering Malaysia, your guide will be on hand to assist you.
The journey to Malacca passes through Johor Bharu and along major highways flanked by palm trees. On arrival in Malacca, transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Malacca is steeped in trading history, not surprising given its unique location along the vital Malacca Strait. The melting pot of cultures is the result of a unique history from the rest of Malaysia. Most notably, there is a substantial Portuguese and Dutch influence in the area. Just like other cities in Malaysia, Malacca‘s history is best explored on foot (a trishaw can be used for this tour at an additional cost).
Meander through areas steeped in history, starting at the oldest remaining example of European architecture in Southeast Asia, A Famosa, before climbing St Paul’s Hill to visit St Paul’s Church and descending to one of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture, the Stadthuys – the former Dutch City Hall which is flanked by flamboyantly decorated trishaws.
Sample food at a ‘Teochew’ style restaurants in Malacca. This style of food is influenced by the Cantonese and often favoured for its light, healthy ingredients and modest spice. Follow this with a delicious warm Portuguese tart from one of the many nearby vendors. Next, head to Temple Street, so named because for the multicultural range of temples and mosques that have stood since the early 18th century. This is the perfect place to get a taste of the area’s uniquely diverse local culture.
Continue to see restored Peranakan buildings (a cultural mix of Han-Chinese and Malay that forged its own style, known as the Baba-Nyonya, from the 15th century). Visit one of the excellent Baba-Nyonya museums along the way to learn more about the culture (additional charges apply) before exploring some interesting antique stores and cafes along the famous Jonkers Street.
Evening at leisure. We recommend trying Restoran Peranakan for dinner. Housed within an original building and furnished with authentic décor, this is a great place to enjoy traditional dishes in a vibrant atmosphere
Overnight: | Meals: B, L
Day 4: Kaliadem Cycling and Prambanan Temple tour
You will be driven to Kaliadem today to embark on a two hour cycling trip to Prambanan. You will cycle through stunning villages with views of Mount Merapi before stopping for a well-earnt lunch at a local restaurant. You will then finish your journey at Prambanan where your guide will educate you on the temples fascinating history and symbolism. You will then head back to you hotel to enjoy the evening at leisure. We recommend an early night in preparation for your early train journey to Bromo the next morning.
Overnight: The Phoenix | Meals: B, L
Day 5: Yogyakarta to Bromo by train
Rise early today to board the train to Mojokerto. This scenic journey through Java’s diverse countryside will take around 4 hours. Travelling by train is the best way to immerse oneself in to local life and to see Java’s impressive volcanic landscapes. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local driver and driven to the villages Ngadisari or Tosari with a local lunch along the way before checking in to your hotel for the rest of the evening.
Overnight: Bromo Cottages | Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Bromo Sunrise Tour
Starting early this morning, you will make your way to the viewing spot of Bromo for the spectacular sunrise. Your guide will help you to choose the perfect spot to witness this impressive and memorable occasion. You will then carry on travelling through Bromo’s mountainous terrain to the volcano caldera before making your way to East Java to explore Ijen the following morning. We would recommend another early night here.
Overnight: Bromo Cottages | Meals: B, L, D
Days 7: Mount Ijen and Kaliklatak Coffee Plantation
You will awake early this morning to begin your ascent to Mount Ijen. After a 90 minute drive to the Paltuding Base Camp (1850m), you will begin your trek to the top. The trek is 3km long and has a mix of steep and flat terrain. On arrival, enjoy striking views of the bright blue crater lakes and witness sulphur minors carrying bright yellow sulphur up and down the volcano. After descent, you will be driven to the Kali Klatak plantation where you will enjoy lunch and learn about the production and harvesting of cacao, coffee, pepper and rubber.
Overnight: Ijen Cliff Resort | Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Banyuwangi to Lovina
After breakfast, you will be driven to the harbour to catch a local ferry from Java over to Bali. Enjoy this short scenic journey and experience how the locals travel from island to island. As you reach Bali, you will continue your journey by road to Lovina, an area of Bali known for its peaceful and picturesque environment and beautiful volcanic black sand beaches. Enjoy the evening taking in your beautiful surroundings or take a leisurely walk along the beach.
Overnight: Puri Bagus Lovina | Meals: B
Day 9: Pura Beji Temple and Kintamani Crater
You will be met by your guide and driver this morning after a leisurely breakfast to begin your tour to the Pura Beji Temple and the crater village of Kintamani. Pura Beji is known for its beautiful stone carvings. You will continue your journey travelling through windy mountainous roads before stopping at Puncak Penulisan, a temple that provides panoramic views across the valley. You can also see some impressive 14
th century statues here. Continue to the crater village of Kintamani, which offer spectacular views over Lakes Batur and its volcano. Enjoy a late lunch here before making your way to Ubud, where you will spend the evening.
Overnight: Puri Sunia | Meals: B
Day 10: Full Day Tour of Ubud
Today, you will embark on a full day tour of Ubud with your guide and driver. You will begin your morning with a leisurely two hour trek through lush green rice paddy fields whilst your guide educates you on Bali’s signature method for their rice irrigation known as Subak. Afterwards, you will visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum owned by Antonio Blanco, one of Ubud’s most famous and renowned artists. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the sacred Monkey Forest, where you will learn about the Hindu spiritual significance of Pura Dalem Agung. You will have the rest of the afternoon to roam freely before being picked up early evening to enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance at a nearby local village.
Overnight: Puri Sunia | Meals: B
Day 11: Ubud to Candidasa
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and meet with your guide and driver to begin your tour on route to Candidasa, a seaside town on the east of Bali. You will begin your morning with a tour around a traditional market In Ubud where you can mingle with the locals as they go about their morning activities. Continue to the smallest regency of Bali, Klungkung where you will visit the former Royal Court of Justice known as Kertagosa. The highlight here is an elaborately decorated ceiling featuring a wayang-style painting depicting the battle of good versus evil. You will then visit the largest and most important temple on the island, Besakih before having lunch at a local restaurant overlooking stunning rice terraces. Finish your day with a visit to the Taman Ujung Water Palace before residing in Candidasa where you can relax for the evening.
Overnight: Nirwana Resort and Spa | Meals: B
Day 12: Candidasa to Gili Trawangan
You will be picked up from your hotel this morning and taken to the nearby harbour in Padang Bai to board your boat over to Gili Trawangan. The journey will take around 2 hours is a fun scenic journey! On arrival, you will be welcome by cidomo (horse-drawn cart) as there are no cars on the island and taken to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to roam and relax at your own leisure.
Overnight: Desa Dunia Beda | Meals: B
Day 13: Gili Trawangan
Today there are no planned activities, so relax and enjoy or take an excursion. Options include snorkeling trips, touring of the other islands, scuba diving or glass-bottom boat excursions. In addition to being some of the clearest and bluest waters in Indonesia, the waters around the Gilis are also teeming with coral, a multitude of tropical fish, sea turtles and other marine life.
Overnight: Desa Dunia Beda | Meals: B
Day 14: Gili Trawangan to Lombok
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and spend some time on the beach before a mid-day departure. You will take a local boat in the afternoon to Lombok where you will then continue by car to Lombok Airport for a late afternoon flight to Singapore. We wish you a safe journey home!
Overnight: On board the plane
Day 15: Arrive back in the UK
You will arrive back in the UK today.