Singapore to Bali-Voyage Across the Java Sea

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

Singapore

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. Its captivating blend of European and Asian influences reflects its history as a British colony. Stately facades, wrought-iron balconies and columns are a few of the features that distinguish the colonial buildings.

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, one of Singapore’s most prominent and historically significant mosques. The mosque’s architectural style is an exquisite blend of Islamic, Malay and Moorish design. The large, stunning golden dome, adorned with crescent moons, is visible from a distance and adds to the mosque’s grandeur. Two tall minarets provide aesthetic interest and serve as call-to-prayer towers. 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. Explore Tekka Centre, a bustling microcosm of Indian culture, with its market brimming with vendors selling fresh produce, authentic Indian cuisine, textiles and fabrics, jewelry, Indian music and art. Peruse the stalls and sample authentic foods. In Chinatown, see the vivid decor of vibrant reds and golds, intricate architectural details and lanterns hanging overhead, creating a captivating atmosphere. Wander among ornate temples, traditional teahouses and street markets selling oriental arts, crafts, antiques, foodstuffs and Chinese medicinal herbs.

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

 

Singapore/Embark Le Jacques Cartier

After breakfast this morning, check out of the hotel and transfer to the Singapore Pier. Embark the deluxe Ponant Le Jacques Cartier and settle in.

Once on board, attend a welcome briefing and lifeboat drill.

Join your fellow travelers for the Welcome Reception and Dinner on board this evening. Raise a glass to your amazing adventure!

Day at Sea

Wake this morning to breakfast and stunning views as you spend a day cruising. Relax and enjoy some of the ship’s many luxury amenities as we sail east to the Java Sea toward Borneo, Indonesia.

Day at Sea

Another day of pampered luxury and gorgeous views. 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.

Borneo, Indonesia

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

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.

Bawean

After breakfast on board, disembark for today’s excursion.

Pulau Bawean. Discover the tiny Indonesian island of Bawean, off the coast of Java. Venture to Lake Kastoba, a caldera lake featuring clear water and beautiful views. Look out for Bawean deer, a species only found on this island.

Return to the ship and enjoy a tasty lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on board.

Probolinggo, Java

After breakfast on board, disembark for an excursion in Probolinggo.

Mt. Bromo. Travel to one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Mt. Bromo and its volcanic complex was created some 820,000 years ago. Towering at more than 7,641 feet and surrounded by a sea of sand, the volcano is located within Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.  On-site, learn about the geological development of the area and its cultural and spiritual significance.

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

Day at Sea

Wake this morning to breakfast and stunning views as you spend a day cruising. Relax and enjoy some of the ship’s many luxury amenities as we sail toward Komodo Island.

 

 

Loh Liang & Pulau Padar, Komodo Island

This morning after an early breakfast, disembark for a walking safari.

Visit the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a protected area, for an illuminating 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 enjoy a tasty lunch as the ship sails to Pulau Padar.

Pulau Padar. This afternoon, discover the third-largest island within the Komodo National Park. Famous for its breathtaking vistas, Padar is the only island in the world with white, black and pink sand beaches. On a guided walk, take in the rugged hills and learn about the island’s unique flora and fauna.

 

 

 

Badas, Sumbawa

This morning after breakfast, disembark for an excursion in Sumbawa.

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 lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board.

Join your fellow travelers for a 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.

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

Bali

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.

Join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception at the hotel this evening. Bid Selamat Jalan (Have a nice journey!) to your newfound friends after your Southeast Asian adventure!

Bali/Return to Home City/Welcome Home

This morning, breakfast is provided at the hotel. You will check out and transfer to the Denpasar International Airport for your return flight home. Check-out time is noon, but if your flight departs later than that, you can arrange to use hotel services during the day. Make your own plans for lunch today. More details about airport transfers will be forthcoming.

This morning, breakfast is provided at the hotel. You will check out and transfer to the Denpasar International Airport for your return flight home. Check-out time is noon, but if your flight departs later than that, you can arrange to use hotel services during the day. Make your own plans for lunch today. More details about airport transfers will be forthcoming.