Classic Singapore and Bali

You’ll be met in the arrivals hall of Singapore Changi Airport by a private driver, who will then lead you to a private vehicle and transfer you to your downtown hotel.

The Lion City’s cityscape is a mix of sci-fi skyscrapers and heritage shophouses, proudly showing the exotic mix of Chinese, British, Tamil, and Malay influences which made the city. Once arrived at the hotel you have the remainder of the day to recuperate after your flight. You might want to relax with a drink in one of the rooftop restaurants overlooking the Singapore River or walk in one of the city’s heritage neighborhoods; when it comes time to dine, the incredible cuisine reflects the melding of cultures, with a wide range of delicious options.

This morning you’ll meet a local guide for a half-day tour of downtown Singapore. Begin with a drive through the ‘Civic District’, which calls back to colonial Singapore, with its elegant Cricket Club, Supreme Court, old Parliament House, and City Hall. From here its a few steps down to the Singapore River and a photo stop at Merlion Park, which looks back to Clarke Quay on one side and across to futuristic Marina Bay on the other.

You’ll then sample the collision of old and new Singapore in Chinatown, where you’ll see atmospheric shophouses sitting in the shadow of soaring skyscrapers. Sample the city’s eclectic diversity as you browse carpets and batiks, exotic perfumes and rattan baskets, and sample Teh Halia, a ginger tea. Finish the tour with a visit to the National Orchid Garden, set within the excellent Singapore Botanic Gardens, where you’ll find our 60,000 orchid plants, including Singapore’s national flower the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

Your guide will leave you at this point, with the rest of the day yours to continue exploring independently.

Singapore is one of the world’s most modern and highly developed cities with a public transport system to rival anywhere in the world. The MRT (subway) and bus systems are cheap and quick, with various apps available to make getting around as easy as possible. Fleets of taxis swarm throughout the city center. English is the island’s first language, spoken fluently by all and seen on all signage.

Part of the fun of any stay here is spending a day or two exploring under your own steam. In Singapore’s downtown neighborhoods you’ll find bustling markets, art galleries, and independent designers. Beyond the city center, you’ll find protected reserves with canopy walkways, scenic nature trails, and abundant flora and fauna, as well as a wealth of public parks and reserves island-wide. The crown jewel of Singapore’s green scene is the Singapore Botanic Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with the iconic Gardens by the Bay, and smaller Chinese and Japanese Gardens also warranting a dedicated visit.

The food scene of course needs no introduction. Singapore’s infamous hawker centers can be found in every neighborhood, serving up the world’s best cheap eats 24/7. For a high contrast, enjoy one of the city’s many high-class dining destinations, with some 44 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from. First-hand food experiences include an array of cooking classes and passionately guided food walks.

This morning you’ll be transferred privately from your hotel back to Singapore Changi Airport, from where you’ll board a 3 our flight across to Bali. You’ll be met on arrival at Denpasar International Airport by a private guide and driver, who’ll then transfer you from the south coast city up into the hill town of Ubud. This will be a drive of around 1hr15m. Once arrived at your hotel you’ll check-in and have the rest of the day at leisure to recuperate after your long flight.

Once a small and very traditional village, then later considered the heart of Bali’s hippy scene, Ubud has now grown into one of Indonesia’s top destinations. The sprawling town has seen a surge in interest in recent years in part to the book and film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, but its appeal hasn’t yet been spoiled, with tranquil temples, impressive Hindu architecture, and green rice terraces found around every corner. These sit alongside trendy cafes and boutique shops selling the island’s famous craftsmanship and local artists’ works. There are plenty of museums and cultural performances to enjoy, particularly unique traditional Balinese dances.

Today is kept free of any arrangements, allowing you time to relax in comfort amongst your tropical surroundings. You’ll find your hotel centrally located ideal for taking a gentle introductory potter around the surrounding markets, dipping into Ubud’s famed galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

After breakfast, you will meet your private guide and driver and then set off for a full-day tour in and around Ubud. Begin with a drive north of Ubud and through the beautiful village of Tegalallang, known for its cascading rice terraces, where you will stop for a short walk. Continue to Tirta Empul Palace, known for its holy spring water temple, at which you can join the locals in a purifying dip.

You’ll then drive through more scenery of lush rice terraces in Tampak Siring village and to the Gunung Kawi temple which dates back to the 11th century Udayana dynasty, and comprises 10 rock-cut ‘candi’ (shrines), each of which stands seven meters tall and is carved into the sheer cliff face. Finish at the House of Masks and Puppets, a fascinating museum housing cultural items from all across the Indonesia archipelago. Arrive back at your hotel late afternoon.

Today is kept free of any arrangements, allowing you time to relax in comfort amongst your tropical surroundings. The famous Monkey Forest Sanctuary is also just around the corner, and perfect for a gentle introduction to Bali’s alluring temples and natural scenery. Staying onsite, relax around the pool, or indulge in a Balinese massage at the spa. If you’re feeling adventurous, organize a hike or mountain-biking trip locally, or more immersive activities such photography tours, art classes, or village walks.

Leave Ubud behind today, heading out of central Bali’s hills and down to the alluring southern coast beach of Seminyak. Along the way you’ll first stop at the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih, which spread over 600 hectares and seemingly pan all the way to the horizon, capped by views of Mount Batukau and Mount Batur in the distance.

You’ll then cross down to the coast, arriving at the iconic 15th-century temple of Tanah Lot, which sits on an offshore rock formation above the crashing ocean waves. After a short tour continue back down the southwestern coast, arriving in Seminyak to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

A 5km strip of white sand, Seminyak beach is similarly hedonistic but it’s a classier affair with more luxurious hotels and swanky see-and-be-seen bars. Seminyak is definitely our pick for those who want the best accommodation, and nightlife to match.

These days are at leisure to enjoy the many facilities of your luxury hotel. The immediate surroundings are packed with excellent bars, eateries, and boutiques; plus of course there is the magnificent beach just out front. Activities such as water sports, diving or snorkeling, dining tours, or hikes can be arranged locally.

Sadly your adventures in Bali have come to an end. At the appropriate time, you’ll be picked up from the hotel and transferred by road back to Bali Denpasar International Airport, a drive of around 20 minutes. Arrive in good time to check in for your onward flight.