From Bali to Singapore · Europe (River) · 13 nights
Aqua Blu is Aqua Expeditions’ first ocean ship, a former British Navy vessel that has been transformed into a luxurious superyacht designed to explore the Indonesian archipelago.
Combining luxury and exploration isn’t easy, yet Aqua
Expeditions have balanced locally inspired design with modern
sophistication and a focus on the destination to create once in a
lifetime experiences.
The beaches, spectacular volcanic scenery and lush green rice terraces lend Bali a natural beauty that seems to dovetail perfectly with the island’s distinct Hindu culture, which adorns the landscape with stunning temples.
Mostly uninhabited and rarely visited by tourists, Moyo lies off the north coast of Sumbawa, and the majority of the island is a protected nature reserve. Look out for long-tailed macaques, wild cattle, boars and 20 different species of bat, amongst a landscape of white sand beaches, savannah, forests, caves and idyllic waterfalls.
Saleh Bay is a vast expanse of sea on the northern side of Sumbawa island, semi-enclosed and scattered with uninhabited islands. The main attraction here is the marine life, and in particular the chance to see magnificent whale sharks in their natural habitat.
Komodo Island is situated within an area of spectacular natural beauty, home to the famous Komodo dragon. The stunning beaches are tinged with pink thanks to the high concentration of red coral just offshore, and the waters draw intrepid divers from all over the world.
The volcanic island of Gili Lawa Laut is situated amongst some of the best dive sites in Komodo National Park, and the shallow waters are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. A 30-minute trek to the island’s summit will reward you with great views, and the island also has some lovely secluded beaches.
Rinca is one of the largest islands in Komodo National Park, and it’s a great place to see the famous Komodo dragon in the wild, with fewer tourists than neighbouring Komodo Island. Other wildlife here includes wild pigs, buffalo and a variety of birds, and there are some excellent dive sites around Horseshoe Bay on the south coast.
Singapore’s heritage as an important trading post means that there is a real cultural mix, with four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Step away from the gleaming towers and you’ll find yourself transported into another world amongst the intoxicating streets of Chinatown and Little India.
