The Eastern Seaboard from Singapore

Itinerary

Day 1

Singapore, Singapore | Thu, September 25 | 00:00 - 19:00

Advanced, airy, and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million calls it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses, and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens' skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education, and technology. Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean - and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city's neighborhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up - nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs - and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colorful orchids. Or breathe in more of the freshest air by heading up to wander the canopy-strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay - a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island-sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples - like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore's cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city's eponymous gin-soaked cocktail - a Singapore Sling.

Day 2 - 3

Day at sea | Fri, September 26 - Sat, September 27

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Day 4 - 5

Benoa, Bali, Indonesia | 18 Excursions | Sun, September 28- Mon, September 29

Bali. A.k.a. Island of the Gods, Land of a thousand temples, or the World's last paradise. As superlative as these monikers may sound, they do not do justice to the actual reality of the island. Bali is as good as everyone says - verdant mountains with terraced rice fields in one direction, black sand beaches in another, and captivating people that will leave even the most seasoned traveler humbled. If you're looking for a Garden of Eden that really does have everything, Bali ticks all the boxes. The rich and diverse culture of the island is what sets Bali apart from Indonesia's (many) other tropical paradises. The country's estimated 10,000 Buddhist-Hindu temples, with their daily offerings of lotus flowers and fruit, are a testament to the gentleness of the islander's belief. Then there is the vibrant arts and crafts scene, notably in Ubud in the center of the island, but prolific everywhere. Ideal souvenirs to bring back range from gorgeous silver jewelry to intricate wood carvings. Additionally, do try to see a traditional dance if possible, particularly if accompanied to local gamelan music. No one could mention Bali without mentioning the food. Dishes range from elaborate meals to street food bites, but all are without exception ambrosia. Do not miss out on tasting a succulent chicken satay, betutu (apparently the King's favorite meal), and sambal matah. But whatever you decide to discover, you can be assured of a taste sensation that will remain with you long after you have returned home.

Day 6 - 7

Day at sea | Tue, September 30 - Wed, October 1

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Day 8

Darwin, Australia | 12 Excursions | Thu, October 2 | 08:00 - 18:00

Australia's capital of the north is a uniquely tropical city, and a historically isolated outpost of this vast, diverse country. Reaching up towards the equator, a full 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne, the city was named in honor of Charles Darwin by the British settlers who established a frontier outpost here. With a unique history, beautiful islands nearby, and a palette of sizzling Pacific flavors, colorful Darwin is an enchanting and exotic Australian destination. Crocodiles patrol the jungled waterways and tropical rainforests around Australia's gateway to the Top End. Explore via airboat to look down on the veiny waterways of the mist-laced Kakadu National Park. The sounds of chattering birdlife and the gentle splash of fountains and waterfalls will fill your ears in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Soak it all in, before kicking back and relaxing with a picnic and a crackling barbecue. The sunshine and famous tropical pink sunsets mean many visitors naturally gravitate to the city's soft sands to relax at spots like pretty Mindil Beach, as evening approaches. The adjoining market is filled with souvenirs and crafts stands and is the perfect place to enjoy some fiery Asian flavors. Stroll the stalls, grab some food, and crack open an ice-frosted beer as the sunset show begins. It may be remote, but Darwin found itself on the front line during the Pacific War, as the Japanese air force unloaded their bombs onto the city in 1942. This relaxed unassuming city has a deeply resilient backbone, however, and you can explore the museums to learn more of the war's impact on Darwin, as well as the devastating effects of one of Australia's worst natural disasters, Cyclone Tracy in 1973.

Day 9 - 11

Day at sea | Fri, October 3 - Sun, October 5

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Day 12

Townsville, Australia | 5 Excursions | Mon, October 6 | 08:30 - 18:00

Basking in 320 sunny days a year, Townsville is a welcoming, sun-soaked slice of tropical Australia. Venture to this remote city on the cusp of the tropics, to meet adorable animals, explore gorgeous coastal islands, and soak up the reliable sun's bronzing glow. Rise to the rosy rock of Castle Hill - the views down over the sparkling coastal setting, and islands waiting beyond form an amazing welcome. Located on Queensland's north-east coast, the city's bay arcs around Magnetic Island - which lies just a scenic 20-minute ferry ride away. An island sanctuary of beautiful dive sites - set amid vibrant reefs and secluded beach coves - it is one of Townsville's most exquisite natural assets. The island's national park is adorned with wildlife, and you can meet more of Australia's famous residents at the family-owned Billabong Sanctuary - which cares for kangaroos, crocodiles, wallabies, and more. Townsville's vast aquarium brings the magic of the region's glittering reefs to land, and the largest reef aquarium in the world ensures that even non-divers can enjoy an authentic insight into the colorful life that blossoms offshore. Visit the beaches of lush tropical islands, or wander Townsville's pretty seaside streets and The Strand's waterfront - lined with charming 19th-century architecture and plenty of inviting cafes and alfresco eateries. Learn more of North Queensland's Indigenous Bindal and Wulgurukaba communities, as you witness cultural performances, or peruse Townsville's galleries, which showcase extraordinary Indigenous arts. Join the locals, to feel the region's sporting passion, as a wall of noise greets the North Queensland Cowboys rugby league team, as they take to the field here in Townsville.

Day 13

Shute Harbor (Whitsunday Islands), Australia | 7 Excursions | Tue, October 7 | 08:00 - 18:00

The 74 Whitsunday Islands are something truly special. Natural artistry at its finest, a sprinkle of powdery white sand, a splash of turquoise seas, and a whole heap of glorious sunshine combine to create a revered masterpiece of scattered tropical islands. Shute Harbour is the perfect gateway to this alluring natural wonder, a relaxed town with dashing views of the island-pocked azure seas on its doorstep. Buffered from the bustling beach-front fun of Airlie Beach by the luscious greenery of Conway National Park, Shute Harbour is a quieter spot. It offers glorious, elevated views that will whet your appetite for the immersion in pristine island scenery that lies ahead. Venture off into rainforest-clad hills to find beautiful lookout points like Mount Rooper or head for Lion's Lookout, so you can absorb panoramic views of droplet-like islands rising from blotched turquoise water, and the spread of yachts cruising out to explore. Shute Harbour is the perfect jumping-off point for your own adventure amongst Australia's biggest and most beautiful island group - the Whitsundays. It's hard to conjure a better vision of tropical paradise, and these stunning, world-renowned islands are just a stone's throw away from the natural port at Shute Harbour. Kinetic sandscapes, heart-shaped coral reefs bursting with underwater life, and dazzlingly bright white beaches beckon you into a captivating, romantic, and blissful pocket of Australian perfection.

Day 14

Day at sea | Wed, October 8 

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Day 15 

Mooloolaba, Australia | 5 Excursions | Thu, October 9 | 08:30 - 18:00

Once a humble fishing village, tourism has boomed in recent years and transformed Mooloolaba into one of the most coveted of Queensland's popular holiday resorts. Located 97 km from Brisbane and set right in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba is much more than an oceanfront playground. Certainly, surfers will find their nirvana here, with ideal spots for both the initiated and the beginner dotted along the coast, along with the famous surfing festival in March. But it is not all about waxing your board and point breaks - Mooloolaba Beach has featured as one of the world's top ten beaches for two years running and it looks set to stay that way. An early morning stroll will see you mingling with the locals, and with no beachgoers around, be sure to take your cameras for some of the most Instagrammable views you're ever likely to see. Step away from the beach and guests will find some good shopping with everything from antiques and jewelry to beach towels and sarongs for sale. Local artists set up stalls on the pretty esplanade so art lovers will be sure to take home a souvenir that is really special. Epicureans meanwhile will already no doubt looking forward to tasting some of the famous Mooloolaba prawns, caught straight off a trawler. How's that for freshness! Try the delicious local specialty either in one of the buzzing restaurants in town or straight from the Seafood Precinct and grab a spot in the shade for a picnic! If fun in the sun isn't your cup of tea, then the Mooloolaba coastline is certainly worth seeing. Hire a motorboat, or relax on a mini-cruise and enjoy the opportunity of searching, and perhaps swimming, with whales, dolphins, and turtles. Seaplanes offer another interesting way of seeing the coast with the more adventurous opting for the "doors off" experience.

Day 16

Day at sea | Fri, October 10

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Day 17

Sydney, Australia | Sat, October 11 | 08:00 - 00:00

With its glorious harbor, lavish golden beaches, and iconic landmarks, Sydney is Australia's showpiece city. Creative and curious, discover the world-class cuisine, Indigenous culture, and irresistible beach life that make Sydney one of the world's most dynamic, exciting destinations. Sydney's sparkling harbor is the heart of a richly cultural city. Overlooked by the metallic curves of the masterpiece of an Opera House, and that grand arched harbor bridge. Take it all in from the water, and admire the iconic landmarks, which are set before the city's gleaming skyline backdrop. If you're feeling adventurous, take the legendary climb up the smooth curve of the bridge - nicknamed the Coathanger - to soak in the shining city's spread from a unique perspective. Spread out to tan on one of the world's most famous stretches of sand - Bondi Beach. Restaurants and bars burble away in the background, while the sun beams down, and surfers curl and leap over pure rollers. Swim in spectacular salty ocean pools, or wander the beautiful Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for more of this sun-gorged stretch of prime coastline. Leaving the thrills of Australia's largest city behind is surprisingly simple - take to the skies to be flown above skyscrapers and rippling ribbons of waves, out to majestic peaks, sheer cliffs, and iconic rock formations - like the Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains. Or, drop in on wildlife sanctuaries caring for the country's animals - from hopping kangaroos to adorably cute, cuddly koalas.