From Singapore to Benoa (Bali) · Asia · 14 nights
Sleek and stylish, Le Boréal, Le Soléal, L’Austral and Le Lyrial are wonderful small ships that blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
These chic sisters are amongst the most stylish ships at sea,
with muted natural tones, minimalist interiors and playful splashes
of colour. The accommodation is flexible, with the option to
combine staterooms and create expansive suites, while the
restaurants deliver the sort of outstanding gastronomic experience
that you would expect from a French flag cruise line.
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 port of Malacca has a rich multicultural heritage, a product of its history as an important trading hub. Over the years the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and British all held sway here, which is reflected today in the city’s eclectic architecture and unique cuisine.
The city of Banda Aceh was devastated by the 2004 tsunami, but has since been rebuilt and is now a pleasant, laid back place to spend some time. Victims of the disaster are honoured at the Tsunami Museum and Blang Padang Park, while other notable landmarks include the ornate Grand Mosque.
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 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.
