Explore the heritage aspect of Surabaya visiting the Dutch colonial style building compound and visit the iconic heroes’ monument of Surabaya City. Delve into the cultural heritage of Surabaya by visiting Kampong Lawas Maspati, commemorative war monument and a 5-star hotel that reflects more than a century of local history. A panoramic drive through the city takes you to the Majapahit Hotel, a more than 100-year-old lodging that the Japanese used as their headquarters in East Java during World War II. This classic landmark blends romance and elegance with its graceful colonial architecture. While touring, you will see how the hotel has evolved into a 5-star resort. During the visit have some local coffee and enjoy the local snacks. Continuing on, you will next visit the Heroes Monument, a towering obelisk that commemorates the Indonesian soldiers and civilians that died in the Battle of Surabaya in 1945. The conflict eventually led to Indonesian independence in 1949. Our last stop will be visiting Kampoeng Lawas Maspati, it is now a village being made as community base tourism where historical building is still maintained such as the Residence of Raden Sumomiharjo (the relatives of Sultanate Palace of Solo) and Sekolah Ongko Loro the historical people school since 1917. We will learn how in a crowded kampong with nearly no soil left, the villagers can create the green zone, also have some cultural activities specially presented by the local community and mostly elderlies.

Explore two revered attractions that lend insight into Hinduism, the dominant religion in Bali. Uluwatu Temple perches on the edge of a nearly vertical cliff that plunges hundreds of feet into the sea. The setting and sweeping views are spectacular, as is the sacred temple, which is said to safeguard the island from evil spirits. Hundreds of long-tailed macaques live on the grounds and are notorious for snatching valuables from visitors until a ransom of food is offered in exchange. It can be amusing to watch, unless it happens to you. The cultural park commonly known as GWK is a more accessible Hindu landmark. Its centerpiece is Indonesia’s tallest statue, which depicts the Hindu god Wisnu sitting atop the mythical eagle Garuda. Like the Uluwatu Temple, Wisnu is considered a protector, while Garuda symbolizes freedom from oppression. You will have time to reflect on this immersion into Hinduism over coffee at a restaurant within the park complex. Coffee break and local snack will be served at Jendela Bali restaurant.

Get a feel for life in Denpasar by visiting landmarks that best represent the history and culture of Bali’s capital city. The Bajra Sandi Monument will reveal much about Bali’s struggle for independence from Dutch colonialists. Detailed dioramas and historical photos within the monument’s museum depict key events that include the introduction of Hinduism and how Bali finally gained its freedom at the end of World War II. Meandering through the open-air Badung Market will offer a snapshot of daily life in Denpasar, as it is the city’s largest and busiest traditional market. The market is open around-the-clock so matter what time you visit, it will present an authentic glimpse of the Balinese lifestyle. Next, visit is the Bali Museum and then on the north side of the city, visit the glorious Temple of Jagatnatha, a Hindu Kahyangan Temple. Stop briefly at the Inna Bali Heritage Hotel for a refreshment break. This hotel was the first international class hotel in Bali and is steeped in history. World leaders such as Queen Elizabeth, Charlie Chaplin, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Ir Soekarno Untuk Megawati and other prominent figures have all stayed here in room 77. Following your brief refreshment stop, you will drive to port.

Spend hours doing whatever interests you most in the beachfront Kuta resort area. Your starting point will be the Discovery Shopping Mall, a collection of more than 150 stores and restaurants. You will find a remarkable array of merchandise with designer labels in the anchor stores and mostly Balinese goods in the one-of-a-kind boutiques. Free feel to stay there the entire time or branch out into the surrounding streets, where you will find a variety of shops offering different predominately local goods. Even if you don’t buy anything, Kuta is a wonderful place for people-watching as it is one of the most popular and vibrant areas. More shops and all sorts of ethnic restaurants can be found along the beach, including ones that serve traditional Balinese dishes. Explore wherever you wish; just remember to return to the Discovery Shopping Mall at the appointed time for pick-up.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Spend hours exploring the beachfront Kuta resort area at your leisure.
• Enjoy the convenience of being dropped off and picked up at the Discovery Shopping Mall.
• Shop at the mall and the surrounding area and dine on your own, if you wish.

Begin your day with a drive to the island's north end and then cross to the Thai mainland via the Thep Krasettree Causeway. Drive to Phang Nga National Park where you board a motorboat and begin your unforgettable cruise through the spectacular and seductive limestone scenery.

Established in 1981, the park lies in the sheltered pale milky-green waters northeast of Phuket Island and is the location of more than 80 awe-inspiring islands. These unique karst formations were created when a collision of great magnitude occurred over 300 million years ago between the Indian subcontinent and mainland Asia. The force of the tectonic plates pushed and rotated what is now Thailand and Malaysia, forcing the limestone above the surface. The resulting karst formations appear like fairy castles out of the sea and they come in all different shapes and sizes. Vegetation on the karsts has evolved to withstand long periods of dryness and an almost complete lack of soil. See spectacular flora hanging off the vertical rock faces and cascading down the cliffs including palm trees, bamboo, ferns and wild orchids.

During your cruise enjoy a photo opportunity at the small island of Kao Ping-Gan, where part of the James Bond adventure “The Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed. Visit Koh Panyee, a small island with a picturesque village extending out across the water, resting precariously on small pilings. It is inhabited chiefly by Muslim fishermen who originally migrated from Indonesia. Cut off from the mainland and most modern amenities, their unique culture has existed for more than a hundred years. Enjoy with buffet lunch at local restaurant at the village. After cruising through magnificent mangrove forests and small grottoes, your will back to the pier you will drive back to the ship. A short stop at a recommended shopping venue will be made en route.

Georgetown’s rich heritage comes to life as you explore its landmark temples and historical residences, which include an ornate mansion, clan house and Chinese immigrant community.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through Georgetown, a former trading post that was under British colonial rule until 1957. So many reminders of its illustrious past have been restored that Georgetown has become a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

For an enlightening look into its religious heritage, you will visit the Reclining Buddha Temple, known locally as the Sleeping Buddha Temple. Built in 1845, the temple houses an enormous, gold-plated statue of Buddha in a reclining position that symbolizes complete peace. A short walk across the street brings you to an even older Burmese Buddhist temple, the only one outside of Myanmar. Small statues of serene-faced Buddha left by devotees and beautiful murals depicting Buddha’s journey adorn the inside.

Then, it’s on to Chung Keng Kooi Mansion, also known as Baba Nyonya Mansion. Beautifully ornate and full of antiques, it was once the home of a Chinese Kapitan that was the head of the Hai San secret society. For a different perspective of Chinese family life, you will see Khoo Kongsi, a 650-year-old clan house built to celebrate the success of the Khoo family.

Finally, on the way back to the pier, you will stop at Chew Jetty, a settlement of wooden houses on stilts that Chinese immigrants built in the 19th century.

OVERVIEW

See the island’s immense natural beauty on a panoramic drive through the countryside with occasional stops at attractions that reflect the culture. Few settings are quite so inspiring as Promthep Cape, the southernmost point on Phuket, from which you will gaze out over the island-dotted Andaman Sea. You will enjoy a different perspective of Phuket’s gorgeous landscape from the alabaster Big Buddha statue atop Mount Nagakerd. It faces Chalong Bay, where you will find the Buddhist temple Wat Chalong. A gilt statue of a heroic monk that helped quell the Chinese Coolie Rebellion in 1876 is on display inside. To further enhance your understanding of the local religious beliefs, you will browse JuiTui Chinese shrine, a shrine decorated with statutes of Chinese gods. Its red and gold colors are meant to bring good luck and joy. Free time will also be allotted for shopping at a high-end store that carries exquisite jewelry, Thai silk clothing and fine porcelain.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold the island’s natural beauty, especially from atop Promthep Cape at the southern tip.
• Visit two Buddhist temples and a Chinese shrine where Taoism is practiced.
• Shop for luxury goods such as Thai silk, cultured pearls and porcelain.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Journey to the seaside district of Teluck Bahang to visit to a Butterfly Farm and a Tropical Spice Garden; a nature tour that features the flora and fauna of Penang. Depart the pier for a leisurely drive towards the northern tip of the island, enjoying the coastal views as you pass beautiful coves and bays of Batu Ferringhi, where you’ll visit the Entopia Butterfly Farm, where butterflies and insects are free to come out to play. The new and restructured facilities offer world-class and meaningful experiences, with over 150 species of flora and fauna for you to discover. The unique design of the tropical setting on this fascinating tour will enable you to observe a live exhibition of insects and other rare insect species from the tropical jungle thriving in their natural environment. Next, you will visit the Tropical Spice Garden, an eight-acre paradise showcasing a living collection of more than 500 species of local and introduced flora, with an emphasis on the conservation of tropical herbs and spices from Malaysia and around the world. It is also home to wild animals, birds and insects. Step into it and let nature’s sights, smells, sounds, of this lush tropical eco-system, take over offering a tranquil retreat.