Singapore to Bali

Depart the U.S./Cross the International Date Line

Singapore

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel this morning, depart for your excursion.

Singapore Tour. This morning, take a guided walking tour to discover Singapore’s old and new world, where diverse cultures meld together and come alive. The city’s skyline is a mesmerizing sight, a symphony of glass and steel towers that shimmer in the sunlight. Juxtaposed with modern Singapore, the city-state’s colonial architecture, prevalent from the early 19th century through the mid-20th century, pays homage to the country’s rich heritage.
Ethnic neighborhoods, including Kampong Glam (the Muslim quarter), Little India and Chinatown, attest to Singapore’s multicultural heritage. Stroll to Kampong Glam and stop to admire the quiet majesty of Sultan Mosque, also known as Masjid Sultan. Explore the quarter’s colorful food eateries and shops selling batiks, carpets, baskets and perfumes. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of Little India, where sari shops overflow with textiles and the air is filled with the scent of aromatic spices and fresh flowers. In Chinatown, see the vivid decor of vibrant reds and golds, intricate architectural details and lanterns hanging overhead, creating a captivating atmosphere.

Free Time: Enjoy lunch on your own and free time to continue exploring this afternoon. Please consult the Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk for inspiration and ideas. Make your own plans for dinner tonight.

Singapore/Embark Heritage Adventurer

at Sea

Tanjung Putting National Park, Borneo

Today you will have a five-hour excursion in Tanjung Puting National Park, either during the morning or afternoon.

Tanjung Puting National Park. Prepare to see orangutans, and possibly long-nosed proboscis monkeys, as you explore the Tanjung Puting National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Board a Zodiac boat that will carry you through the river jungle. This renowned and biodiverse national park is celebrated for its stunning rainforests, unique wildlife and conservation efforts, particularly for the critically endangered Bornean orangutans. Float through the tropical rainforest to see these fascinating primates for a truly thrilling and memorable experience.

You will have both lunch and dinner on board today.

At Sea

Wake this morning to breakfast and stunning views as you spend a day cruising. Maybe you ‘d like to work out in the gym or take a dip in the pool? Enjoy a lecture and three delicious meals today as we sail south to Semarang in Java.

Semarang Java, Indonesia

After savoring a delicious breakfast, disembark for your chosen excursion today.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose one of the following included excursions.

• Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple Compounds.
  Borobudur Temple Compounds. Today’s full-day tour begins at the UNESCO-inscribed Borobudur Temple Compounds, one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, built in the eighth and ninth centuries during the reign of the Shailendra dynasty. A masterpiece of design and construction, Borobudur comprises nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, with a central dome at the top. The entire structure is adorned with intricately carved reliefs and statues. Borobudur is a place of pilgrimage and worship for Buddhists from around the world. The nine levels represent the stages of enlightenment in Buddhist cosmology, and the pilgrim’s journey to Nirvana is depicted through the carvings and statues. The temple is covered with more than 2,600 finely detailed relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The carvings depict stories from Buddhist scriptures, illustrating life in ancient Java and conveying moral and spiritual lessons.
  Lunch. Indulge in an authentic Indonesian buffet at a local restaurant with the group.
  Prambanan temple. After lunch, visit Prambanan Temple Compounds, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 10th century, it is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, with 240 temples in the complex. The masterpiece of Hindu temple architecture showcases the influence of Indian culture on the region. The temple complex consists of three main temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). The central temple, dedicated to Shiva, stands at 154 feet and features a colossal statue of Shiva. Surrounded by smaller shrines and carved depictions of various Hindu deities, the towering spires and intricate carvings make it an impressive architectural destination. Prambanan is adorned with numerous bas-reliefs that narrate stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Krishnayana. These intricate carvings provide historical and mythological insight into ancient Javanese culture. Prambanan remains an active place of worship, with many local Hindus visiting for ceremonies and religious festivals.
• Semarang Exploration.
  As an alternative to the full-day tour, opt for the guided tour of Semarang to observe the fascinating process of batik making, experience a traditional Indonesian lunch, and explore Kota Lama’s Dutch Old Town.
  Batik Village. Embark on a coach drive to Kampoeng Batik, also known as Batik Village – a living testament to the artistic richness and cultural significance of batik in Indonesia. Here, villagers are dedicated to preserving and showcasing this intricate craft. Observe artisans at work, applying wax and dye to create intricate batik designs, a meticulous and labor-intensive process. Batik holds a special place in Indonesian culture, and it is used in various traditional ceremonies and rituals. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, batik often carries cultural and spiritual significance.
  Lawang Sewu. Next, visit Lawang Sewu, a neoclassical architectural gem with Colonial-era details, such as elaborate balustrades, decorative moldings and columns. Lawang translates to “a thousand doors,” and while the building doesn’t have a thousand doors, it does feature numerous arched windows and doors with ornate frames. As you explore the interior, you’ll find plaques, photographs and exhibits that provide insights into the building’s role during the colonial era and its significance in Indonesian history. Stories of hauntings add an extra layer of intrigue to the building’s atmosphere.

At Sea

Wake this morning to breakfast and stunning views as you spend a day cruising. Maybe you ‘d like to work out in the gym or take a dip in the pool? Enjoy a lecture and three delicious meals today as we sail east to Badas in Sumbawa.

Sumbawa Besar

This morning after breakfast, there will be time to relax on board as we sail to Badas, Sumbawa. Take in the views on deck or relax with a book. Enjoy a delicious lunch before disembarking for today’s excursion.

Pamulung Village. Travel to Pamulang Village by motorcoach for an exclusive cultural experience. After the head of the local village welcomes you, you will observe local traditions in action. Watch villagers in the act of rice pounding, often done using large wooden or stone mortars and pestles. The rice is placed in the mortar, and a heavy wooden or stone pestle is used to crush the grains. This pounding action helps remove the remaining husks and bran layers from the rice. Also observe the traditional textile art of weaving that has been practiced for centuries. Each region in Indonesia has its unique weaving techniques, patterns and motifs. Then, experience the thrill of an exciting Sumbawa buffalo race, also known as Pacu Jawi, a centuries-old tradition that is deeply ingrained in the culture of the Sumbawanese people. In the unique and exhilarating cultural spectacle, pairs of water buffalo are harnessed together and guided by jockeys who ride on small wooden sleds. The jockeys use their bare hands and feet to balance on the wooden sleds as the charging buffaloes pull them. Buffalo racing is not just a sporting event but a cultural celebration.

Return to the ship for a relaxing dinner.

Komodo Island

This morning the ship arrives on Komodo Island. After an early breakfast, disembark for a walking safari.

Komodo National Park. Visit the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a protected area, for an illuminating one-hour walking safari with a park ranger and naturalist guide. The park encompasses several islands and is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, diverse marine life, terrestrial biodiversity, and its most famous residents, the Komodo dragons. These formidable reptiles, known as ora in the local language, are Earth’s largest lizard – growing up to 10 feet in length and weighing up to 300 pounds – and they are the top predators in their ecosystem. Komodo National Park is home to various other wildlife, including deer, wild boars, water buffaloes, macaques and a rich bird population. Marine life is equally diverse, with numerous fish, turtles and dolphins in the waters. Walk the beach, looking for sightings of the stealthy Komodo dragon in its only natural habitat in the world.

Return to the ship and tuck in to a delicious lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on board.

Farewell Reception: Join your fellow travelers for a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening.

Benoa, Bali/ Disembark ship/Bali

Following breakfast, disembark in Bali. Head off on this morning’s excursion as your luggage is transported to the hotel.

Denpasar Tour. Tour the bustling capital and gateway city to the Indonesian province of Bali. Stop to visit the Bali Museum, also known as the Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali, one of the island’s primary repositories of Balinese art, culture and history. Built in the style of temples and pagodas, it houses thousands of artifacts, masks and weaponry dating from the Mesolithic Age. Next, visit Jagatnatha Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the city and a spiritually significant symbol of Bali’s deep-rooted Hindu traditions. Take note of the grand entrance gate, adorned with intricate stone carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics; the tiered pagodas, or merus, that showcase Balinese temple architecture and craftsmanship; the pristine, white sand courtyard evoking purity and serenity; and the many sacred statues of Hindu deities.
Stop at Tohpati village, where you can observe traditional Balinese hand weaving and batik making, tour galleries and purchase some textile crafts. Continue to Batubulan Village, a cultural and artistic hub renowned for its traditional performing arts and stone carving. Delight to a performance of a traditional Balinese Barong dance, depicting the eternal battle between good and evil. The dance is a mesmerizing and culturally significant performance that provides a glimpse into the unique beliefs and artistic expressions of the Balinese people.

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

Return to the Ritz-Carlton Bali and check in. Make your own plans for dinner tonight.

Bali

Free Time: After breakfast at the hotel this morning, spend your last day in Bali exploring independently. Make your own plans for lunch and dinner, and visit sights that appeal to you. The Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk stands ready with dining and sightseeing recommendations.

Farewell Reception: Join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception at the hotel this evening. Bid adieu to your newfound friends after two weeks of adventure!

Bali/Return to Home City

This morning, breakfast is provided at the hotel. You will check out and transfer to the Denpasar International Airport for your return flight home.

Arrive in Home City

Arrive in your home city and go through immigration and customs. Welcome home!