Day 1. Thu. San Francisco / Singapore.

This evening please make your own way to the airport for your early morning flight tomorrow.

Overnight: En Route.

Day 2. Fri. Flying to Singapore.

Continuing your flight to Singapore.

Overnight: En Route.

Day 3. Sat.  Arrive Singapore / Penang

This morning arrive at Singapore. Proceed to the business class lounge and keep an eye on your time. Board your connecting flight to the island of Penang. On arrival, no visa required, transfer to the hotel. Relax this afternoon at this boutique small 5 star hotel.

Overnight: Seven Terraces. 

Day 4. Sun.  Penang.          (Private tour of Penang & Georgetown)

Meet your guide in the lobby and proceed on a full day tour. Today you explore Penang – the Pearl of the Orient and the oldest British settlement in Malaysia.

Visit the Khoo Kongsi (Dragon Mountain Hall) clan house with its ancient design constructed to capture the splendor of an Imperial palace. Khoo Kongsi is a grand temple that shines brightly along Lebuh Cannon. It was built to serve as a clan-house for ember of the Khoo family. The walls, pillars and roof are richly decorated with intricate carvings bearing the marks of master craftsmen from China and the beams are made from wood of the finest quality. The temple was rebuilt in 1920 after it was gutted by fire. Some believe the fire was brought about because of the resemblance to the Emperor’s Palace in China.

Fort Cornwallis, named after the Governor-General in Bengal, Charles Cornwallis – is one of the most interesting historical landmarks in George Town, located close to the Esplanade, next to the Victoria Memorial Clock. The fort’s walls, roughly 10 feet high, are laid out in star-like formation. A stroll along the perimeters takes roughly 10 minutes.  Inside the fort, one can still see some of the original structures built over a century ago, including a chapel, prison cells, which were once used as barracks, a munitions storage area, a harbour light once used to signal incoming ships, the original flagstaff and several old bronze canons, one of which is a Dutch canon called the Seri Rambai, dated 1603. An interesting note about the Seri Rambai – some locals believe that this particular canon can have a positive effect on a woman’s fertility.

The Thai temple of Wat Chayamangkalaram, which houses a 32 meters reclining Buddha. Wat Chayamangkalaram is a Siamese temple which was officially given its site by Queen Victoria in 1845. It was presented by Mr. W.L. Butterworth of the East India Company of Penang on July 22, 1845. This Thai architecture houses a 180-foot gold-plated statue of the reclining Buddha, said to be one of the longest in the world. The reclining Buddha represents Pra Buddhachaiya Mongkul, the historical Buddha, at his death. This symbolizes complete peace and detachment from the world.

The Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, was prominent communities of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world, especially in the Straits Settlements (Penang, Malacca and Singapore) hence its other name, the Straits Chinese.

Adopting selected ways of the local Malays and later, the colonial British, the Peranakans had created a unique lifestyle and customs which had not only left behind a rich legacy of antiques but its cultural influences like cuisine and language are still evident in Penang today.

The Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the typical home of a rich Baba of a century ago is recreated to offer a glimpse of their opulent lifestyle and of their many customs and traditions.

With over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles of the era on display, this Baba-Nyonya museum is also housed in one of Penang’s heritage mansion of eclectic design and architecture.

At the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the typical home of a rich Baba of a century ago is recreated to offer a glimpse of their opulent lifestyle and of their many customs and traditions.

With over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles of the era on display, this Baba-Nyonya museum is also housed in one of Penang’s heritage mansion of eclectic design and architecture. Built at the end of the 19th century by one of local history’s famous personalities, the ‘Hai Kee Chan’ or Sea Remembrance Store had once served as the residence and office of Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee.

You will be returned to your hotel in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight: Seven Terraces. (B)

Day 5. Mon. Penang (Private tour | Afternoon free)

Meet your guide in the lobby again for a morning tour.

Visit Kek Lok Si – the largest Buddhist monastery and temple complex in Malaysia with its imposing 10,000 Buddha’s Pagoda and the tortoise Pond of Longevity. Built since the year 1891, Kek Lok Si Temple situated in the island of Penang, Malaysia, is one of the largest and finest temples complexes in Southeast Asia. With millions of magnificent images of Buddha and hundreds of beautiful meaningful carvings, sculptures and murals in the interior and exterior of the temple halls, pagodas and archways, Kek Lok Si Temple is not just a center for Chinese culture and Buddha teaching, but also an unique heritage treasures that have Mahayana Buddhism and traditional Chinese rituals blend into a harmonious whole in architecture and activities of worshipers.

Ascend 830 meters up Penang Hill by the Swiss funicular railway passing through hill farms and lush tropical jungles for a panoramic view of the island and mainland.

Penang Hill is the oldest British hill station in Southeast Asia, dated from the late 1700’s. The highest peak of Penang Hill stand at 833 meters (2,732ft) above sea level. Penang Hill funicular train service started on October 1923. The current funicular trains is the 4th generation system which started its operation on 24th April 2011. The funicular track stretches a distance of 1,996 meters (1.99KM) from lower to Upper Station which is the longest in Asia. The funicular tunnel, at 79 meters (258ft) long and 10feet (3.0m) wide with a steepness of 27.9degree, is the steepest tunnel track in the world. There are a total of 52 hill bungalows located on Penang Hill (42 of them are private-owned and 10 bungalows are state-owned). Most of them are more than 100 years old and Bel Retiro (Governors Bungalows) built in1789 is the oldest.

Return to the hotel where your afternoon is free.

Overnight: Seven Terraces. (B)

Day 6. Tue Penang / Kuala Lumpur (Private afternoon tour | 2:00pm / 5:00pm)

This morning transfer to the airport for your short flight to Kuala Lumpur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel.  Free time for lunch and prepare for the afternoon.

In the afternoon, proceed with orientation tour of the city covering the major historical landmarks.

King`s Palace. The King’s Palace or Istana Negara was built in 1928 and was originally the residence of a Chinese millionaire. During the Japanese occupation from 1942-1945, it was used as the Japanese officers’ mess. After the surrender of the Japanese, the building was bought by the Selangor State Government. It was then renovated to become the palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor until 1957.

National Monument. The National Monument is located at a walking distance from the famous Lake Gardens Kuala Lumpur. The National Monument is a sculpture which was built in remembrance of the brave soldiers who died fighting for the independence of our country. This historic sculpture has also marked its place in the book of records for being the tallest freestanding group of bronze sculptures.

National Mosque. The best features of the mosque are the 73 meters high minarets and its 16 pointed star concrete which is its main roof. There are many meanings to the design of the mosque. The main roof’s design was inspired from the idea of an open umbrella while the minarets were like a folded umbrella. The concrete main roof utilizes the concept of folding plates in order to obtain larger space at the main gathering hall.

Merdeka (Independence) Square. Much of the history of the city is depicted here as well as the tradition and cultural heritage of the major communities. Merdeka Square is undoubtedly KL’s best known landmark. Also called Dataran Merdeka, it is set in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (the former State Secretariat). Directly in front is the Royal Selangor Club and to the north is St. Mary’s Church, one of Malaysia’s oldest Anglican churches.

Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the observation deck of the KL Tower. The KL-Tower’s architecture reflects the country’s Islamic heritage with the construction detailing Arabic Scripts, Islamic tiles, classic Islamic floral and abstract motifs and soothing color combinations.

Return to the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur and overnight.

Overnight: Mandarin Oriental. (B)

Day 7. Fri. Kuala Lumpur (9:30am  Morning cooking class – Half day off to self-explore museums)

This morning you will be met and transferred to an authentic cooking class and then enjoy lunch together. This includes a visit to the market with the cooking instructor to make: Roti Jala (lacy pancake), Curry Chicken, Sago Gula Melaka with coconut milk.

Kuala Lumpur is a city of immigrants, with a large variety of cultures that have all left their mark in one way or another. When still a pioneer town in the 19th century, it was mainly inhabited by Malay settlers, Chinese traders and mine coolies, and Indian rail workers. In later years, foreign workers from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Middle East also settled in the now booming capital of Malaysia.

What better way to experience such a cultural mosaic than eating one’s way through the abundance of culinary delights in Kuala Lumpur?

Your driver will bring you back around 1:00pm to the hotel to freshen up and then you are on your own to explore the Museums of the city on your own.

Overnight: Mandarin Oriental. (BL)

Day 8.  Sat Dec 22: Kuala Lumpur / Kepong./Kepong / Batu Caves.                     

Today you will enjoy two special excursions outside of Kuala Lumpur with your private driver and guide.

Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), is located in Kepong about 30 minutes’ drive from Kuala Lumpur.

This is an opportunity for visitors to experience nature and a tropical jungle near the city. The canopy walkway is one of the main attractions here. The canopy is suspended 30m from the ground and spans over 200m. Be bold and walk through the hanging canopy and you will be able to see the breath-taking view of the city and the greeneries of the forest. There are a few trails leading to the canopy walkway through secondary jungles. The other highlight is the crown shyness. The trees, called Dryobalanops aromatica or kapur trees, appear to be shy towards their own kind and so they form the gaps that let you see the sky.

Return to Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon and visit Batu Caves. The main cave, Temple cave is a large cavern with a vaulted ceiling about 100 m above the floor. Many Hindus pay their devotions to the Lord Murga by climbing the 272 steps to reach the entrance. Batu Caves is an iconic and popular tourist attraction in Selangor. Site of a Hindu temple and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines. Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city Centre. Monkeys frolic around the caves, and it is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave.

Return to the hotel in the evening.

Overnight: Mandarin Oriental. (B)

Day 9. Fri. Kuala Lumpur / Singapore.  

Early this morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Singapore. Later, take a taxi to the cruise pier and enjoy lunch on board after check in procedures.

Overnight: Azamara Cruise vessel. (B)

Day 10. Sat.  At Sea Cruising 

Overnight: Azamara Cruise vessel.                    

Day 11. Sun. Krakatoa, Indonesia.            (Arrive 8:00am | Depart 1:00pm)

Touring arrangements through the cruise.

Overnight: Azamara Cruise vessel.

Day 12. Mon. Semarang, Indonesia. (Arrive 3:00pm)        

Touring arrangements through the cruise.

Overnight: Azamara Cruise vessel.

Day 13. Tue.  Semarang, Indonesia.  (Full Day Borobudur Temple |Cruise departure 11:00pm)

7:00am / 8:00am – Breakfast on the cruise ship

8:00am / 10:30am – Meet your guide at 8:00am and Private drive to Borobudur Temple

10:30am / 12:00pm – Private tour of the temple. This famous Buddhist temple, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, is located in central Java. It was built in three tiers: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,500 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The monument was restored with UNESCO’s help in the 1970s.

12:00pm / 1:30pm – A La Carte Lunch at the Amanjiwo Resort. Please pay direct for this meal.

1:30pm / 3:30pm – Continue private tour of the temple. The Borobudur Temple Compound consists of three monuments: namely the Borobudur Temple and two smaller temples situatued to the east on a straight axis to Borobudur. The two temples are Mendut Temple, whose depiction of Buddha is represented by a formidable monolith accompanied by two Bodhisattvas, and Pawon Temple, a smaller temple whose inner space does not reveal which deity might have been the object of worship. Those three monuments represent phases in the attainment of Nirvana. The temple was used as a Buddhist temple from its construction until sometime between the 10th and 15th centuries when it was abandoned. Since its re-discovery in the 19th century and restoration in the 20th century, it has been brought back into a Buddhist archaeological site.

3:30pm / 6:00pm – Private drive back to Semarang.

11:00pm – Ship departs Semarang.

Overnight: Azamara Cruise vessel.

Day 14. Wed. At Sea Cruising   (At Sea)

Overnight: Azamara Journey.

Day 15. Thu. Lombok, Indonesia.  (Arrive 7:30am | Depart 3:00pm)

Touring arrangements through the cruise.

Overnight: Azamara Journey.

Day 16. Fri. Komodo, Indonesia. (Arrive 8:00am | Depart 5:00pm)

Touring arrangements through the cruise.

Overnight: Azamara Journey.

Day 17. Sat. Benoa, Bali. (Arrive 1:00pm)

Touring arrangements through the cruise.

Overnight: Azamara Journey.

Day 18. Sun. Benoa, Bali.  (Private Cooking Class Ubud | Car and guide at disposal | Depart 9:00pm)

7:00am / 8:00am – Pick-up time at 7:00am and drive to Ubud.

8:00am / 9:00am – Visit traditional market of Ubud to buy ingredients for cooking. You will be taken by our staff to buy the cooking ingredients at Ubud’s traditional market. It is also an opportunity to see the Balinese way of life in getting their daily need at the market and to watch how they do bargaining.

9:00am / 10:00am – Morning tea with Balinese cakes

10:00am / 1:00pm – Cooking lesson at the Balinese kitchen at the resort followed by lunch

On your holiday in Bali, you can have a unique experience with us where we will be proud to share our secret recipes of traditional Balinese cooking with a cooking experience. Our Balinese chef will guide you to prepare for the cooking.

The cooking is held in a traditional Balinese kitchen compound amid the organic gardens and rice fields. If you love to cook specific food of a vegetarian diet, there is an organic garden cultivated to support the cooking class where you can get any kind of spices or vegetables such as, salad, vegetables and tomatoes, Lettuces, potatoes, etc. The best part is the time when you taste your cooking as lunch on the wooden deck near the cooking venue by a beautiful rice field view. It will enhance your pride to be able to cook Balinese traditional food when you go back home.

1:00pm / 2:00pm – Suggested Visit to the Monkey Forest. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Monkey Forest Ubud) is not just a tourist attractions or important component in the spiritual and economic life of the local community, but also an important spot for research and conservation programs. The special management and arrangement that have been done in this area encouraged researchers from various research institutions around the world to conduct a research, particularly on the monkey’s social interaction and behavior with their surrounding environment.

2:00pm / 4:00pm – Free time at Ubud art galleries in the town with car at disposal

4:00pm / 5:00pm – Drive back to the cruise at Benoa Harbor

9:00pm – Cruise departure.

Overnight: Azamara Journey. (Cooking Class Lunch)

Day 19. Mon.  Celukan Bawang. (Cruise Arrival | 7:00am | Full day tour 7:30am / 5:00pm | Cruise Departure  7:00pm)

6:00am / 7:00am – Breakfast on the cruise ship

7:00am – Cruise arrives Celukan. And meet the guide at 7:30am this morning.

7:30am / 6:00pm – Private excursion by car.

First visit will be Buddhist Monastery (Ashrama Brahma Vihara). Brahma Vihara Ashmara is a Buddhist temple and monastery in northern Bali, near Lovina. It’s more than just a “tourist attraction”. It is still in use, and you can meditate here and stay in the Ashram (community and meeting place). The Brahma Vihara Ashmara is the largest Buddhist temple in Bali. It is located in a hilly area near the village Tegehe, about 22 km west of Singaraja and at 11 km from touristy Lovina.

The Buddhist temple is not touristy, and donations are welcome. Sarongs which you need to enter the temple, are free. The Buddhist temple is located in the hills and offers a nice view. It is believed that Buddhist monks in the 6th century settled in the north of Bali. So the Buddhist influence on the Hindu religion of Bali is noticeable.

Next to the hot spring at Banjar Village. Banjar Hot Springs, locally referred to as ‘Air Panas Banjar’, are located approximately 5km southwest from the famous Lovina coast in North Bali.

The hot water springs share the same district as the Brahmavihara Arama Buddhist monastery which is located only 1.5km to the east. The centuries-old hot springs have been upgraded with modern facilities over time, and have become a favourite retreat and recreational site among locals and international visitors.

Continue drive to the highest waterfall in Bali, Git Git (enough time given to stroll around the environment).

Enjoy some free time here to swim the water.

Gitgit Waterfall is a beautiful tourist destination in north part of Bali. Gitgit waterfall is located in the plateau area with the height about 35 meters and it is surrounded by tropical trees.

Last visit will be Klenteng Ling Gwan Kiong. It is a place for Tri Darma believers (Tao, Budha, dan Kong Hu Cu).  In the old quarter of Singaraja, close to the Buleleng gate, you’ll see a beautiful Chinese temple “Ling Gwan Kiong” (Temple of the Three Dharma’s). The temple is very colorful and is close to the old port. Among the locals, this temple is known as Klenteng. This name is often used in Chinese Buddhist temples. It is one of the few Chinese temples on Bali.

Ling Gwan Kiong is a colorful and beautifully landscaped Klenteng. To enter the temple, you have to cross a bridge over the water of a pond filled with pink and white lotus flowers. If you look in the water, you’ll see a large number of koi fish in the water of this picturesque pond, which leads to the interior of the temple. As usual, the Klenteng is dominated by the lucky colors red and gold. Golden Buddha statues and decorated with textiles, which you will find everywhere in the building.

Overnight: Azamara Journey.

Day 20. Tue Jan 3:      At Sea Cruising  

Overnight: Azamara Journey.

Day 21. Wed.  At Sea Cruising  

Overnight: Azamara Journey.

Day 22. Thu.  Singapore (Full day tour of Singapore 8:30am / 5:30pm – Return to cruise by 5:30pm)

7:00am / 8:00am – Breakfast on the cruise ship

8:30am / 9:00am – Private drive to Botanical Gardens

9:00am / 10:00am – Guided visit to Botanical Gardens and Orchid Exhibit. The Singapore Botanic Gardens (the Gardens) has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Germany, Bonn. The Gardens is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It is the first in Asia and the third botanic gardens inscribed in the world following Orto botanico di Padova and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The National Orchids are next door and accessible during this walk through.

10:00am / 10:30am – Free time at the Botanical Gardens

10:30am / 11:00am – Private drive to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

11:00am / 11:30am – Guided visit to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a remarkable four-story temple. When entering the gate, you’ll immediately notice the stunning main hall with its high ceiling. The bell tower and drum tower are on the same floor. However, the main focus for most visitors is the solid gold two-metre stupa on the fourth floor which is the place where the sacred relic is kept. Continuing up to the roof, there is a pagoda that has a large prayer wheel. The temple is built in a style based on the Buddhist mandala and integrated with the Buddhism of the Tang dynasty.

11:30am / 12:00pm – Private drive through China Town with photo-stops. Chinatown in Singapore is a sharp contrast to the rest of the city, with low rise buildings and culture bursting out onto the streets, from the fragrant smells of traditional cuisine to the bold red and gold tones that run through the neighborhood. This is an area that’s proud of its heritage, and has it very much on display. There are ornate Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu temples, museums galore and plenty of opportunities to soak up the bustling streets lined with old shop houses.

12:00pm / 1:00pm – Lunch break at Fatty’s restaurant (If available). Please pay direct.

1:00pm / 2:00pm – Private drive to and free time in the Arab Quarter for shopping. Your guide will bring you to the Arab Quarter. While Little India is memorable for its fragrances, it’s the vibrant colours of the shops of the Arab Quarter that stick in the memory. Textile stores and outlets selling Persian carpets are the most prominent, but you’ll also see leather, perfumes, jewellery and baskets for sale. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours weaving in and out of the stores, but don’t expect a quiet window-shopping session – some traders are old hands at drawing you into conversation and before you know it, you’ll be loaded up with sarongs, baskets and leather bags.

2:00pm / 3:00pm – Guided visit of Kampong Glam. Drive through the Kampark Glam area for 30 minutes while the guide gives you an insight into this old Malay area. Then enjoy a 30 minute stroll through colorful walkways and see the Sultan Mosque. Discover Singapore’s Kampong Glam district on a brief walking tour with your guide, who provides a more in-depth experience of this neighborhood than you might otherwise have on your own. Visit an ancient burial ground, learn about traditional Indonesian medicine and Malay folk customs, and check out Sultan Mosque, aka Masjid Sultan, one of Singapore’s most prominent places of worship for the Muslim community.

3:00pm / 3:30pm – Private drive to Gardens by the bay

3:30pm / 4:30pm – Guided visit to Gardens by the bay. Gardens by the Bay brings to life the National Parks Board Singapore’s vision of creating a City in a Garden. The Gardens 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.

Underlying the concept of Gardens by the Bay are the principles of environmental sustainability. Much effort was made to plan and design for sustainable cycles in energy and water throughout Bay South Garden.

4:30pm / 5:00pm – Walk along the OCBC Skyway at the Supertree Grove. Measuring between 25 and 50 metres tall, these iconic tree-like vertical gardens are designed with large canopies that provide shade in the day and come alive with an exhilarating display of light and sound at night.

5:00pm / 5:30pm – Private drive back to the ship

 Overnight: Azamara Journey.

Day 23. Fri. Singapore / Airport / San Francisco.   (same day arrival)

Disembark the cruise and make your own way to the airport for your flight to San Francisco.