From Singapore to Benoa (Bali) · Asia · 12 nights
Sleek and stylish, Ponant’s wonderful Explorer yachts blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
Named after six of France’s most famous explorers, Le Champlain,
Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d’Urville, Le Bellot and
Le Jacques Cartier offer exciting and adventurous itineraries in
the utmost comfort. Technologically advanced, with the latest in
environmentally friendly hardware, the new ships embody Ponant’s
trademark élan and flair, with just 92 spacious rooms and suites, a
stylish pool deck and an intimate, refined onboard ambience.
Singapore is one of the world's richest cities, with a standard of living to match, and in recent years it has moved on from its image as a sterile, overly officious nanny state to become one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the region. 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.
The island of Belitung lies roughly halfway between Sumatra and Borneo, and is home to some of Indonesia’s most striking beaches, where the white sands are in stark contrast with the giant granite rocks. The crystal clear waters are also perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
On 27 August 1883 the island of Krakatau (Krakatoa) was torn asunder by the most famous volcanic eruption in history, a cataclysmic event that sent a devastating tsunami racing around the globe. Amongst the remains of the collapsed caldera sits the smouldering and still active Anak Krakatau, the ‘child of Krakatoa’.
The little known Karimunjawa Islands, off the north coast of central Java, are an unspoilt tropical paradise where white sand beaches are fringed by lush jungle, with barely another tourist in sight. There’s little to do except for relax or snorkel amongst colourful coral reefs.
The sweltering city of Semarang, on the north coast of Java, is an intriguing mish-mash of Chinese, Islamic and Dutch colonial influences. We recommend escaping the heat with a trip up into the mountains to visit a coffee plantation, or joining an excursion to the extraordinary temple complex at Borobudur.
The city of Probolinggo is located on the north coast of East Java, and is the jumping off point for excursions to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. The sight of smouldering Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru, looming over the fertile volcanic plains, is a highlight of any trip to Indonesia.
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.
