Arrive in Bali and embark on Le Laperouse between 4pm to 5pm.

If it's a taste of exotic authenticity you're after, prepare to be spell-bound by the island of Bali, tucked away in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. The beauty and diversity of its landscapes, the depth, and richness of its cultural heritage and the plethora of activities on offer here make Bali a little slice of heaven on Earth. The island's southern coast enthralls with its white sand beaches, its picturesque little fishing villages such as Benoa, and its hills patchworked with terraced rice paddies further inland. Nicknamed 'the Island of Gods' for its sumptuous temples, Bali is the beating heart of Indonesian Hinduism.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Semarang enjoys a strategic location on the northern coast of Java, making it a cosmopolitan port town and a melting pot of Chinese, Indo-Arabic and European cultures. Before setting off to explore the region's treasures, take a tour of the old town and its smattering of old colonial buildings. Here in Indonesia's most Chinese town, don't miss a trip to the Chinatown districtﾅ If it's culture you're after, journey deeper into the green, rolling inland region, passing by volcanoes and rice paddies until you reach the royal town of Yogyakarta and one of its ancient kingdoms, the Borobudur - this Buddhist temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest temples.

Optional Excursions

TLOGO AGRO HIGHLAND

From the pier, embark your coach for the one-and-a-half-hour scenic drive to the historical city of Ambarawa, where you will visit an antique train museum. After a brief tour, continue by coach towards the highlands of Tlogo Agro passing through some beautiful tropical scenery.

On arrival, enjoy the fresh air of the Tlogo Agro Highlands among the various tropical plants such as coffee, rubber, mango, banana, avocado, clove, cocoa and guava. Take the opportunity to observe the coffee making process, where the beans finally become consumer ready coffee powder, using old day machinery.  Welcome refreshments will be served whilst listening to traditional Gamelan music. Strolling around the Dutch Colonial buildings in the cool air -it will be difficult to tear yourself away from it.  

Continue to Joglo Hill enjoying a scenic drive through Ungaran highland, rice paddies and villages. Enjoy an Indonesian-style buffet lunch at Joglo Hill villa, a traditional style hill resort set in a tropical garden. The villas are from Joglo traditional Javanese building collected from all over of Java Island, you are also invited to visit the villa owner's antique collections.

Note: This tour requires little walking. Comfortable shoes and sun protected recommend.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

 

The Indonesian Bangka Belitung archipelago, off the eastern coast of Sumatra, is renowned for its beautiful unspoiled beaches and superb diving. Protected by immense granite rocks, Parai Beach, north-east of Bangka Island, is a tropical Eden. Once youﾒre comfortably installed in the shade of palm trees at the waterﾒs edge, youﾒll succumb to the ease and tranquillity of this picture-postcard setting.

Nicknamed the Garden City, Singapore stretches across Malaysia's southern-most region. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of this city-state for yourself at the Marina Bay. No too far away is the historic centre, offering up a unique smorgasbord of neoclassical buildings and contemporary towers. Decked out in topiary, the pavements of Orchard Road are also home to countless shopping centres. The colourful markets in Chinatown and Little India are the perfect opportunity to quell hunger pangs in a hawker centre, one of the city's traditional snack bars. Between the two districts, get a slice of history with a trip to the Raffles dock. It was here that Englishman Sir Raffles, the founder of the city, is said to have arrived one fateful.

Optional Excursions

CONTEMPORARY SINGAPORE

Embark on a journey to discover Singapore's incredible architectural marvels.
Head towards the Marina Bay Sands Promenade. Be amazed by the myriad of shops, theaters and restaurants which adorn the waterfront complex. From the promenade view the amazing architecture of Marina Bay Sands hotel, the Esplanade and the various buildings within the surrounding.
Your final stop is - Gardens by the Bay which captures the essence of Singapore as the premier tropical Garden City with the perfect environment in which to live and work - making Singapore a leading global city of the 21st century.
You may wish to visit the Cloud Forest. A mysterious world veiled in mist. A 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world's tallest indoor waterfall showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000-metres above sea level. Or you may step into the Flower Dome and you will marvel in awe of nature as well as the spectacular and innovative designs. You will enjoy the cool-dry climate which The Flower Dome replicates The Mediterranean regions. (Entrance fees to the both domes are NOT included)

HERITAGE TRAIL

Experience first-hand the culture, traditions and pastimes of the multi-racial communities of Singapore.  "Little India" is the focal point for the Indian community.  In exotic Little India, where you will be greeted by the strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by a treasure trove of silverware, brassware, woodcarving and colorful silk saris. Next, you will visit "Kampong Glam", the place to take in the history and culture of the Malay people.  Today, Arab Street is abundant with glittery and lavish fashion items that include the finest lace, sparkling semi-precious stones, gold thread and wholesale bales of silk.
Before you head to Chinatown, you will make a brief stop at Raffles Landing Site - where tradition has this is the site that Sir Stamford Raffles landed on 29 January 1819. Continue on your heritage trail to the Asian Civilization Museum (ACM) which presents the history and culture of Singapore's ancestral cultures, with artefacts that span the entire Asian continent and over five thousand years of recorded history.
Your final stop will be Chinatown.  Walk along Pagoda Street and get a glimpse of the Chinese influenced curios, accessories, apparel and much more.  It is a good place to hunt for local souvenirs and gifts to take home.
Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre(CHC) which is housed within a traditional shop house. The Centre takes you to a different period in the history of Chinatown, and allows you to trace the lives of its early occupants. The hard life of the migrants resulted in many of them seeking solace in the four evils: opium smoking, prostitution, gambling and secret societies. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is the only place in Singapore that has recreated the original interiors of its shophouse tenants in the 1950s, offering visitors an honest, revealing glimpse into the lives of Chinatown's early residents.

CONTEMPORARY SINGAPORE ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE TRAIL


Embark on a journey to discover Singapore's incredible architectural marvels as well as the cultural and traditions of this multi-racial island of Singapore.                                
Your first stop is the Gardens by the Bay which captures the essence of Singapore as the premier tropical Garden City with the perfect environment in which to live and work - making Singapore a leading global city of the 21st century.                           
You may wish to visit the Cloud Forest or the Flower Dome (Entrance fees to the domes are NOT Included)  
Next, head towards Raffles Landing site for a photo-stop. Tradition has it this is the site that Sir Stamford Raffles landed in 1819. You will then visit the Asian Civilization Museum which presents the history and culture of Singapore's ancestral cultures.
After a local lunch, visit "Kampong Glam", the place to take in the history and culture of Malay people. Today, Arab Street is abundant with glittery and lavish fashion items like the finest lace, sparkling semi-precious stones as well as rattan. Your next stop is "Little India" - the focal point for the Indian community. Your final stop is to Chinatown, walk along Pagoda Street and get a glimpse of the Chinese influenced curios, accessories, apparel and much more. Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre which is housed within a traditional shophouse.  The Centre takes you to a different period in the history of Chinatown, smoking, prostitution, gambling and secret societies. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is the only place in Singapore that has recreated the original interiors. Finally, before heading back to the ship, you will take a short walk to a viewing area from where you can view the architectural structure of The Pinnacle@Duxton - an award-winning 50-story residential building.  

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

On the island of Borneo, the state of Sarawak invites you to live out your dreams of adventure. The largest state in Malaysia is home to some of the oldest forest on the planet and we can easily understand why this little corner of paradise inspired Somerset Maugham, the British writer and traveler, to write one of his novels - The Casuarina Tree. We invite you to follow in the footsteps of the writer and set off to discover the colonial capital of the State: Kuching, which is known as ”Cat City” in Malay, where a feline languor does indeed permeate this tantalizingly elusive city. Lying nonchalantly on the banks of the Sungai Sarawak, this little city is proud of its romantic past and its quaint charm and beauty. 

Optional Excursions

SEMENGGOH NATURE RESERVE

From the pier, embark your coach for the 45-minute drive to Semenggoh Nature Reserve, the best place in Sarawak to view semi-wild orangutans. Enjoy a walk through the rainforest to the feeding area with a possibility of viewing the Orang Utans. Those animals have been rescued from captivity and trained to survive in the surrounding forest reserve. The rehabilitated animals roam freely in the rainforest and often return to the center at feeding time.  Thanks to the successful breeding programme at Semonggoh there is a good possibility of experiencing one of the most heart-warming sights in Borneo - an orangutan mother with a young baby.   

SARAWAK CULTURAL VILLAGE

Sarawak Cultural Village is one of the must-see attractions here in Kuching Sarawak, simply because it is one of a kind Living Museum in the world. It is located at the base of the legendary Mount Santubong. Set amidst a scenic 17 acres site, the Cultural village showcases authentic traditional buildings of the major ethnic groups found in Sarawak namely the Bidayuh, the Ibans, Orang Ulu, Melanau and Penans. As you walk through the village, learn more about the different ethnic groups as you watch them display their skills in pua weaving, bamboo carving and cooking local snacks. Learn how the Penan tribe make the blowpipe, a traditional hunting weapon or just seat back to enjoy the sounds of Sape played by the Orang Ulu.  The tour concludes with a colorful multi-ethnic cultural performance in the village's air-conditioned mini-theatre.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Located on the north-east coast of the Malaysian State of Sabah on the island of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the natural attractions of the region. It is close to Mt Kinabalu, but before you head off to climb the holy mountain check out the heart of the old city, nicknamed KK by locals. Although there isnﾒt much left of its colonial heritage, ﾠits multi-cultural restaurants, shops and friendly atmosphere is immensely appealing. Don't miss a stroll along the KK's busiest promenade, the colorful Waterfront.

Optional Excursions

KINABALU PARK

The jagged granite peaks of Mt. Kinabalu (4095m) towers above one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Nominated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park is a natural wonder that offers day visitors a glimpse into the fascinating and often unique world of plants within the park.    The Park covers an area of 753 square km, bigger than the size of Singapore, and is also known as the Center of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia due to its wide range of habitats from the lowland tropical rainforest to the subalpine shrubs in the higher elevations. From the pier, embark your coach for the 2-hour drive to Kinabalu Park. A comfort stop will be made en route. Upon arrival visit the Mountain Garden which is a treasure trove of endemic plants found in the park. Learn about the unique characteristics of some of the 1200 species of Orchids, 9 species of carnivorous Nepenthes plants and plants with local medicinal value.  Then enjoy the cool fresh mountain air as you proceed for a nature trail walk through the montane forest.  End your excursion with a Malaysian lunch to savor the local flavors of the region. After lunch, it will be time to re-embark your coach for the 2-hour drive back to Kota Kinabalu and your ship.

BORNEO CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

A 45-minute drive from the pier will bring you to the cultural village.  The journey will take you past the City Mosque and long roads surrounded by a rich spectrum of greenery. In the village, the colors of cultural diversity are not an issue but rather our pride, where you can savor the soul of Sabah. Upon arrival at the entrance of the village, you will be ushered to the warmth of different homes of the ethnicities of Sabah. Each home was built by descendants of the tribes they represent and offer you a truly genuine experience seeing everything in and around the village lends to its magical prowess of taking you back in time. Not only does this village portray these tribes through the architectural genius of their traditional houses, but also through a range of simulated lives of the olden epoch by the residents of the village. Acquaint yourself with each tribe as they let you come into their house and their simple yet intricate lives.  As you traverse the village, you will find demonstration huts along the main houses in which daily activities of old times come into life. For example, the making of a blowpipe, starting a fire (from a bamboo tree - you will learn the steps of making fire without the help of a lighter), tattoo-making (and its symbolism) and etc. 

Before heading back to the port, proceed to a brief city highlight and scenic view at the waterfront.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Puerto Princesa, in the center of Palawan island, is a great place for exploring many of the region's natural attractions. You won't have to go too far before donning your snorkeling kit and swimming with the abundant and richly diverse sealife: off Puerto Princesa, youﾒll enjoy the breathtaking coral islands of Honda Bay. If you'd like to experience nature in her most spectacular finery, make sure you see the karstic topography of the underground river in Puerto Princesa's national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.


Optional Excursions

PUERTO PRINCESA IN WORLD WAR II

Embark on this tour that will highlight the role that Puerto Princesa and the Philippines played during World War II.  
Begin with a panoramic drive to Plaza Cuartel, the former site of a Japanese garrison.  It now serves as a Memorial Park in honor of local heroes and American soldiers who were burned inside a tunnel there during World War II.  The main gate is the only remnant of what was once a large Prisoner of War camp.
Adjacent to the plaza is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.  It was the Spanish expedition in 1872 that proclaimed the Immaculate Conception of Mary as the Patroness of Puerto Princesa.  That same year, the first mass was celebrated on the site where the Cathedral presently stands.
Next, you will visit the private Palawan Special Battalion World War II Memorial Museum.  This museum was opened in 2011 by the son of Higinio Mendoza, a local doctor and former governor of Palawan who organized a local resistance unit and was executed by Japanese forces.  It features a collection of weapons, vehicles, uniforms, photos and other significant relics of the war. 
Your last stop will be at the Iwahig Penal Colony.  Eleven men who survived the massacre at the POW camp managed to swim across the bay and were rescued by the inmates of the Iwahig Penal Colony, where several of the officials were involved with the local resistance unit.  It was during the Spanish regime that Puerto Princesa was designated as a place where offenders were banished, but the penal colony was only established in 1904 during the American occupation.  It continues to operate to this day.

To the far north of Palawan island, El Nido is famous for its black rock cliffs where the nests of salanganes, a kind of sea lark, are harvested and eaten as a delicacy. This village opens its doors onto the magnificent Bacuit archipelago, a drawcard for marine adventurers. Among the most beautiful spots for snorkeling in the Philippines are the deep blue lagoons from which vast, steep rocks rise. Postcard-perfect beaches and deserted bays ring the island.

Optional Excursions

BEACHES & LAGOONS

A tour of El Nido wouldn't be complete without visiting some of its numerous lagoons and beaches. It is a place where you can just relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of exploring the hidden wonders of Bacuit Bay, famous for its awe-inspiring rock formations and lagoons.
You will disembark your cruise ship by zodiac and land on the Pasandigan Beach. Here you will board local outrigger boats for the 20-minute transfer to Helicopter Island. Dilumacad Island also known as Helicopter Island, because of its limestone cliffs resembles the shape of a helicopter when viewed from afar. The island has a white long sandy beach. Enjoy one hour for swimming and snorkeling.Stop at Big Lagoon for possible swimming (depends on time) or just admiring the gorgeous views. Continue to Seven Commandos Beach which is named after the 7 remaining Japanese commandos who lived on the island as stragglers after World War II. The island has a long white sandy beach lined with palms trees. Enjoy more free time for swimming and snorkeling before reboarding your boat for the final transfer back to Pasandigan Beach and your ship.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Disembark this morning after breakfast. Hong Kong, known as the “Fragrant Harbor”, bordered by the South China Sea, is a heady place attracting tourists from the world over. This former British colony today combines ultramodern shopping malls and authentic markets like the Ladies Market or the night market on Temple Street. At first sight, you’ll be overwhelmed by the city’s architecture which, because of lack of ground space, reaches skywards, with its 1,250 skyscrapers and other towers. Believing is seeing, so if you go up to Victoria Peak, the highest point on the island, you’ll see a dizzying and unforgettable view of the bay.