Itinerary:
| Day 1: Arrive in Singapore March 5, 2010
After arriving in Singapore and checking into the Intercontinental Hotel, you’ll be at your leisure until evening, when a waiting motorcoach will transport you to the legendary Raffles Hotel.The celebration will take place in the East India Room, an elegant setting. Located beside thehotel’s historic bar & billiard room, the adjacent patio provides the perfect setting to enjoy a complimentary Singapore Sling, the hotel’s signature drink which was invented here. This evening’s exquisite dinner will feature savory Singaporean and Malaysian dishes served with Raffles’ customary elegance and flair. As you dine, you’ll be serenadedby musicians, and after dinner, you can have your future predicted by a local fortune-teller.
Later, the glamor of the evening continues as you are taken by rickshaw through the glittering streets of Colonial Singapore to the Intercontinental Hotel.
|
|
Day 2: Singapore March 6, 2010
Morning at leisure. Enjoy a highlight tour of Singapore before you board the Spirit of Oceanus for Chapter 1, Voyage 1.
|
|
Day 3: Malacca, Malaysia March 7, 2010
Explore historic Malacca on a half-day tour of its stately colonial buildings and bustling ethnic districts. Begin your adventure with a Zodiac boat or local tender boat ride to Parameswara Jetty. Upon arrival, board a motorcoach and travel back in time through Malacca’s past.
Visit Standhuys, built in 1650 as the official residence of the Dutch Governor. Today it houses the Ethnography Museum whose extensive collection includes traditional bridal attire and historical artifacts that testify to Malacca’s colonial past under Portuguese, Dutch, British and Japanese rule. Christ Church, a treasure of Dutch colonial architecture, is your next stop. Completed in 1753, the church is beautifully built, with pews and ceiling beams that are constructed without joints. Then on to Porta de Santiago. Also known as A’ Famosa, the fortress was built by the Portuguese to defend their position from invaders. When the Dutch invaded Malacca, the fortress suffered severe damage to its walls, but the entrance of this once-imposing structure remains.
Your exploration of Malacca will conclude with a visit to the Baba Nyonya Museum in Chinatown. Babas and Nyonyas are Chinese descendants who have adopted Malay culture. They are also known as Straits-born Chinese or Pernakans, and embrace both Chinese and Malay culture, with unique furniture, dress style and cuisine. At this fascinating museum you’ll gain an insider’s perspective on the life of a rich Pernakan family in the early 20th century.
|
|
Day 4: Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia March 8, 2010
Experience the best of Penang on a comprehensive tour that takes in the island’s highlights. Start with a trishaw ride through the narrow streets of Penang’s capital Georgetown, arriving at the majestic Khoo Clan Ancestral House. There you can admire the intricate carvings and woodwork that embellish this palatial home, built more than one hundred years ago.
After your tour, board a coach and travel to the scenic north coast, past Batu Ferringhi, the island’s most popular beach. In the seaside district of Telok Bahang (the Bay of Reflected Heat), you’ll visit the Penang Butterfly Farm, home to more than 120 species of butterflies. Then explore Kek Lok Si Temple, perched in the foothills of Air Itam village, in the central part of the island. As you stroll the temple grounds, you’ll see the Hall of Wisdom, the seven-tiered pagoda, and the Goddess of Mercy image.
Your final stop takes you to the Chew Jetty, for a fascinating look at an early Chinese settlement where houses are built on stilts along the waterfront. At the end of your eventful day you’ll return to your ship via motorcoach.
After dinner onboard the ship, you’ll enjoy an evening cultural presentation. |
|
Day 5: Langkawi, Malaysia March 9, 2010
Today’s excursion is an authentic lesson in natural history and anthropology. Learn about Malaysian coastal eco-systems, plus visit a variety of small villages and farms on this beautiful coastal island, and explore the natural habitat and wildlife of the mangrove swamps, which offer truly unforgettable sights and experiences.
Travel by motorcoach to several Malay “kampong” villages, as well as rice paddies, rubber plantations, and fruit orchards, before transferring to a motorized boat for a cruise along the serene Kelim River. As you make your way through the Kelim Nature Park you’ll see exotic flora and fauna along the banks of the river, as well as unique limestone rock formations that emerge from the floor of the swamps and the sea.
Over the course of your day, you’ll visit a fish farm established by the locals. Observe wild eagles feeding, and take a walk through a limestone cave to see stalactites, stalagmites and bats, before returning to your ship. |
|
Day 6: Phuket, Thailand March 10, 2010
Explore this beautiful coastal town via a combination motorcoach and walking tour. Travel by motorcoach from the port to the Jui Tui Shrine, dedicated to the vegetarian god Kiew Ong. After visiting the shrine you’ll watch a performance of the traditional lion dance. We continue via local transport and a walking tour of Phuket’s exotic old town. Your tour will take you to Rommanee Alley opposite Wat Klang, across the alley to Talang Road and then on to Thai Hua Museum, once the oldest Chinese school in Phuket. Visit the local open-air market then stop in at the Shrine of Serene Light, known for its murals depicting the story of Chinese folk hero Si-in-Gui.
The afternoon is at your leisure, free to return to town or simply head for the beach.
|
|
Day 7: Kho Yao, Thailand March 11, 2010
For today’s adventure in Kho Yao, you’ll want to wear a bathing suit under your clothes and bring a towel and your snorkeling gear. You’ll travel by tender from your ship to a rustic resort on the island of Kho Yao Noi, then board a long-tailed boat and travel around the island to picturesque fishing villages. Then, it’s on to Kho Roey, where there are caves to explore. Next is Ao Kien, which boasts the largest tree in the area.
The waters around Kho Yao Noi are crystal clear and rich in marine life—perfect for underwater exploration. You’ll have ample opportunity to swim or snorkel off Kho Ku Du Yai beach, before we set out again, among beautiful coral reefs, for Paradise Ko Yao Resort. At the resort you’ll enjoy a fantastic seafood barbecue lunch featuring many exquisite Thai dishes.
After lunch, you’re welcome to swim in the resort’s pool or off the beach, or simply lie back in a lounge chair. At the end of your day on the water and in the sun, you’ll return to your ship. |
|
Day 8: Similan Islands, Thailand March 12, 2010
Today will feature a Zodiac tour to an idyllic beach and/or a hike through a tropical forest to a lookout with a spectacular view of the archipelago.
There are nine islands in the Similan group, which constitute the Similan Islands National Park. Your ship is anchored on the west side of Similan Island (also known as Koh 8). The powdery white-sand beaches for which this island group is known are located on the east side of Koh 8. We will set out in our Zodiac boats, along the northern side of the island, then down the eastern coastline to your own private stretch of paradise.
This afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk. Pass through a tropical scrub forest, then head deeper inland to a primary forest of high perennials. The last leg of the hike includes a visit to the Sailing Boat Rock, for a panoramic view of the islands.
At the end of the day, you’ll board a Zodiac boat and head back to your ship for dinner. |
Day 9: At Sea March 13, 2010
A great day to get acquainted with your fellow adventurers, enjoy the warm, tropical breezes or simply unwind as the pace slows down to a more human tempo. Enjoy it! |
Day 10: Rangoon, Myanmar March 14, 2010
After a scenic cruise up the Rangoon (Yangon) River, your ship will dock in central Rangoon at Nanthida port, where you’ll meet a local, English-speaking guide and embark on a motorcoach tour of the Rangoon, followed by a walking tour of downtown. The city has broad, tree-lined streets designed in a typical British grid pattern and plenty of colonial history and architecture to explore. Stop at City Hall, with its high arches and ornamented towers, and Sule Pagoda, a 2,500-year-old Buddhist stupa in the heart of the city. Take a cyclo ride around downtown, stopping at The Strand Hotel for an hour of relaxation and refreshment. Then walk a short distance back to the ship to get ready for dinner.
A spectacular dinner awaits at Le Planteur, Rangoon’s finest Indochine Restaurant. Located in the historic residence of former government ministers (circa 1932), the restaurant is surrounded by candle-lit tropical gardens. Its cuisine is a cross between French and Burmese/Southeast Asian. During the evening, you’ll be entertained with a performance of traditional Myanmar dances. |
|
Day 11: Rangoon, Myanmar March 15, 2010
Your day will begin with a visit to the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this famed Buddhist temple is believed to be 2500 years old. It’s covered in gold plate, and the top is encrusted with diamonds, the largest of which is 76 carats. You’ll be greeted with a flower lei at the temple’s entrance, then continue on to the monastery and nunnery for a tour and to observe the daily life of Buddhist monks and nuns. By special arrangement you’ll also be participating in the honored tradition of delivering the morning meal to the monks. Then pass by the stunning Karaweik Barge for splendid views.
In the afternoon travel to Kalaywa Monastery, where you’ll observe a noviciation ceremony procession. In Burma (Myanmar), every young man must become a monk for a limited period during his lifetime. The noviciation ceremony celebrates the ordination of a group of novice monks, who will be dressed in their finest robes. Join the boys’ families and relatives in this joyful procession, accompanied by an orchestra and dancers. You will offer them items they’ll need during their monastic service, such as begging bowls, robes, soap and other small items. After the initiation of the novices, you’ll enjoy a traditional performance.
|
| Day 12: At Sea March 16, 2010 |
|
Day 13: Port Blair, Andaman Islands, India March 17, 2010
After arriving in Port Blair embark on a motorcoach tour of the town, followed by a walking tour. Among the town’s many historic points of interest is the “Cellular Jail,” which you’ll have an opportunity to explore. Built by the forced labor of political prisoners, the infamous Cellular Jail housed many luminaries during the Indian struggle against British colonial rule.
In the afternoon travel by motorcoach to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and the peaceful town of Wandoor. Then board a local national park boat to Red Skin Island, for an afternoon of beach walking, swimming and snorkeling (be sure to bring your snorkeling gear and towels from the ship). Beach umbrellas, mats and a delicious lunch will be provided.
|
|
Day 14: Port Blair, Outer Andamans March 18, 2010
Board a local ferry heading north, then take a motorcoach ride to Mt. Harriet National Park. Bring your binoculars, camera and “life list” because the park is home to many endemic bird species. Take a leisurely hike through dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with breathtaking views. Dine al fresco with a picnic lunch provided by the ship. |
|
Day 15: At Sea March 19, 2010
|
| Day 16: At Sea March 20, 2010 |
|
Day 17: Chennai (Madras) March 21, 2010
Disembark in Chennai and fly home or continue your journey with the next voyage. |
| All meals are included aboard the ship |
|
