Bangkok to Kuta: Summits & Sunsets

The city has so many options for sightseeing, those who arrive early will have plenty to fill the day. The best way to get around Bangkok is by water taxi, as the streets are often crowded with traffic. From the Chao Phraya River, enjoy an excellent view of the vast metropolis.

Consider taking a longtail boat to explore the canals of Bangkok—the life that goes on along these canals seems like a different world. Visit Wat Pho, home of the reclining Buddha and consider getting a traditional Thai massage here at the school in the temple. If not at Wat Pho, be sure to get a massage at one of the many spas near the hotel.

Opt to visit Wat Po, home of the giant reclining Buddha, or arrange a longtail boat to explore the canals of Bangkok. Enjoy some free time ahead of boarding the sleeper train to Surat Thani, the gateway to the south.

Lying off of Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui offers everything you could possibly want in a tropical retreat: white-sand beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood and warm, clear waters.

Board a private bus and head for the hills! Enjoy the view from the lowlands through to mountainous terrain.

Enjoy ample time to see the city's impressive architecture and experience the fascinating cultural mix that gives this city such a uniquely cosmopolitan feel.

Enjoy a full day in Kuala Lumpur to explore. Just outside of town, to the north, are the famous Batu Caves and the Orang Asli Museum. The evening is best spent at the night market sampling the different cuisine, some of the best in South East Asia. Bargain hunt among the stalls of Chinatown's night market and don't forget to visit to the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world.

Visit the old port town of Melaka, wander the narrow streets and absorb the atmosphere of this historically important town. The streets of Chinatown are lined with Peranakan (Straits Chinese) shophouses offering their traditional cuisine, Nyonya. There are temples, churches and mosques, museums and forts to explore.

In the morning cross the Straits of Johore and onto the island of Singapore. Tonight opt to visit the world famous night safari, take in a harbour cruise around Boat Quay or sample some mouth watering local food at one of the many hawker street stands.

Wander the streets of Little India and Chinatown for a great way to see the old parts of the city.

There may be some travellers leaving the tour in Singapore and others joining in Jakarta.

Depart the homestay and travel to the sprawling city of Bandung, Indonesia's third largest city.

Begin the day with an easy 2.5 hr drive. On the way, we have the option of stopping at Prambanan to explore the largest Hindu temple complex in Java by foot. This visit allows for approximately 1.5 hrs of exploration, and anyone who chooses not to visit the temple can visit an art market located near the temple.

Also opt to visit the Sukuh Temple, known as a fertility temple with erotic carvings. From there, walk approximately 3 hrs through small villages and along agricultural land, finishing up at a waterfall. A walk up a staircase ends in the village of Tawangmanggu, where the evening is free to enjoy as you wish.

Travel to to the second largest city in East Java.

Spend the afternoon checking out the gorgeous parks, bird and flower market, Singosari temple, Jago temple, Kidal temple, or just relaxing with a cup of local tea.

Today's drive takes us through the tropical winding landscape of Eastern Java, climbing ever upwards and further out of the heat towards the grandeur of Mt Bromo. Part of the Tengger Calder, the largest volcanic range in the area, Mt Bromo is a distinct site -- it blew its top off completely and is constantly smouldering with white smoke.

A pre-dawn trek across the “sea of sand” to watch the sunrise over the crater’s rim is a must, popular with both tourists and the local Buddhist Tenggerese, who can be seen giving offerings of food to receive blessings from the Supreme God Hyang Widi Wasa.

Today's drive is a journey, highlighting the spectacular natural diversity and intense cultural wealth that makes Bali such a sought after destination.

Our journey takes us across the entire island of Bali, through the rich tropical jungle, passing by idyllic terraced rice fields, quaint scenes of local village life, and eventually passing through the thriving metropolis of Denpasar. We then arrive at our overnight destination on the magnificent beaches of Sanur.