SHORE EXCURSIONS

An eye-opening study in contrasts, this tour presents the extravagant world of Brunei's sultan, followed by a look at life in a village built on stilts in the river.

Starting off from the pier, you will first travel inland toward the majestic Jame Mosque, Brunei's largest, where you will pause briefly for photos. Nearby, you will have a second photo stop that offers you a distant view of the Sultan's Palace (there is no stop at the Palace itself) which is situated on the leafy banks of the Brunei River.

Continuing on, you will arrive at the white-domed Royal Regalia where you can wander through exhibits of luxurious items from the Sultan's lavish coronation and other celebrations. Some of the items you may have the opportunity to see here are His Majesty's royal chariot, ceremonial swords, a model of the palace and various gifts from foreign dignitaries. But as you will soon see, there's more to Brunei than the extravagances afforded by its abundant oil and natural gas.

Making your way to a nearby jetty, you will board a boat and cruise to Water Village where you will witness firsthand a much different side of life. More than 30,000 people live here in thousands of structures built on stilts in the Brunei River. The village is an amazing assortment of homes, restaurants, mosques, shops and hospitals, all connected by wooden boardwalks. Surprisingly, some of the homes are quite elaborate, and you will have the unique opportunity of stopping by one for a cup of tea. Amazingly, people have lived in the Water Village for more than 1,300 years, making it one of the most historic areas in Brunei.

Following your time at the Water Village, you will retrace your route as you make your way back to the pier.

Renowned for its trendy cosmopolitan ambience and maritime activities, Busan is a great place to immerse yourself in the culture of South Korea. Enjoy a glimpse of this with visits to the local Culture Center for a beautiful performance. Drive to the Cultural Center to experience the art and beauty of the Korean traditional dance. This unique performance is one of the main attractions of Korea. Traditional Korean music and dance are sophisticated forms that embrace the interplay of hung and mot-form and spirit. The performance includes a selection of regional dances featuring dancers in traditional costume. Visit Yongdusan Park, a favorite relaxation place for the citizens of Busan and a wonderful back-drop for many photo opportunities. Here, you can find 70 different species of trees and view the Busan Tower. The tower was built in 1973 and stands close to 400 feet above the Busan landscape. Travel to the Jagalchi Fish Market which is famous throughout the country and is a great representation of Busan. The Jagalchi Fish Market is Korea's largest seafood market and is where you can see the lifestyle of the indigenous Busan natives. After the Korean War, the market solidified itself as a fish market. Most of the people who sell fish are Jagalchi Ajumma; 'ajumma' meaning middle-aged or married women. At the conclusion of your tour, if time permits you will have the option of exploring the downtown area on your own or returning straight to the pier.

Visit two of Beppu’s many hot springs known as jigokus and a forested park that countless wild monkeys inhabit. With more than 2,500 thermal springs in and around Beppu, thick clouds of steam can always be seen rising from the ground. At the Umi Jigoku, the so called Sea Hell, you will notice that the cobalt-blue water is near boiling and so hot that visitors only observe the thermal phenomenon. However, at the Chinoike Jigoku or Blood Pond Hell, you might take a foot bath in the iron oxide-rich water that gives the pool its reddish color. The hot springs throughout Beppu are said to have restorative powers, and visitors come from all over to soak in them. The Takasakiyama Monkey Park is also wildly popular, as it offers a rare close-up look at macaques freely roaming the forested mountain slopes. You too will be free to wander about while observing these Old World monkeys.

Explore the heritage aspect of Surabaya visiting the Dutch colonial style building compound and visit the iconic heroes’ monument of Surabaya City. Delve into the cultural heritage of Surabaya by visiting Kampong Lawas Maspati, commemorative war monument and a 5-star hotel that reflects more than a century of local history. A panoramic drive through the city takes you to the Majapahit Hotel, a more than 100-year-old lodging that the Japanese used as their headquarters in East Java during World War II. This classic landmark blends romance and elegance with its graceful colonial architecture. While touring, you will see how the hotel has evolved into a 5-star resort. During the visit have some local coffee and enjoy the local snacks. Continuing on, you will next visit the Heroes Monument, a towering obelisk that commemorates the Indonesian soldiers and civilians that died in the Battle of Surabaya in 1945. The conflict eventually led to Indonesian independence in 1949. Our last stop will be visiting Kampoeng Lawas Maspati, it is now a village being made as community base tourism where historical building is still maintained such as the Residence of Raden Sumomiharjo (the relatives of Sultanate Palace of Solo) and Sekolah Ongko Loro the historical people school since 1917. We will learn how in a crowded kampong with nearly no soil left, the villagers can create the green zone, also have some cultural activities specially presented by the local community and mostly elderlies.

Discover how the natural resources on Amami are maximized to create products that are revered far beyond the island. The silk produced there is particularly valued and has been for more than 1,300 years. As you will see at Oshima Tsumugi Village, the silk manufacturing involves dozens of processes that take up to six months to complete, resulting in distinct textiles with remarkably detailed patterns. You will notice while driving around the island that Amami is almost completely covered with trees, including sago palms. These iron-rich plants are used for dying silk and often eaten despite being toxic if not properly prepared. You will learn about the multi-step process to remove the toxins at Ankiyaba. Bananas are also grown there for their natural fibers, which are used in textiles. The brown sugar from the island’s abundant sugar cane is a key ingredient in making shochu, a unique distilled liquor that you will sample after touring a brewery.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Watch a remarkably complex silk manufacturing process that produces distinct textiles.
• Discover how sago palms and bananas trees are harvested for various industries.
• Tour a brewery that makes the distilled liquor shochu and sample the product.

The city of Jakarta has gone through several different names through its history, which dates back to the 4th century CE. Today, you’ll discover the highlights of Old Batavia, as it was known between the years 1619-1949 while ruled by the Dutch, and some of its historical aspects.

A scenic drive takes you to the heart of Jakarta, stopping at Sunda Kelapa Old Harbor, better known as Pasar Ikan (meaning fish market) which is located at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. The streets leading to the port used to be lined with shops selling all sorts of seafood and everything a seafarer and their vessels might need. The catch of the day was auctioned in the early morning at the old fish market. During the 15th century, it was also a very important trading port between the kingdom of Pajajaran and Portugal. Although there is not much left of the old port, the port itself is still very active with sailing vessels from all over the country, bringing in timber, coal and spices. It is definitely a must see sight for visitors to Jakarta and a great photo opportunity.

Your tour continues to Fatahillah Square, the administrative center of old Batavia; close to, but far enough from the bustling atmosphere of the old port. See the splendid city hall, from where the immense Asian trading empire was controlled as well as other historic buildings. Most buildings around the square have been restored in an effort to preserve Jakarta’s historic sites, and many of the buildings have been converted into museums. Today you’ll visit either the Puppet Museum or the Bank of Indonesia Museum, depending on availability.

The Wayang, or Puppet Museum resides in a beautiful Neo-Renaissance style building. Puppetry is an integral part of Indonesian culture and the museum preserves the puppet culture from all over the world, not just Indonesia. It houses one of the best collections of wayang in all of Java, as well as all over Asia and Europe.

The elegant building of The Bank of Indonesia Museum dates back to 1828 and its neo-classical architecture mixed with Indonesian features gives it a distinct and elegant look. One of the most modern museums in Indonesia, it provides information on the role of the central bank in the nation’s long history; all presented with the latest technology and multi-media.

After exploring the square and one of its interesting museums, you’ll rejoin your coach for the return to the harbor, enjoying more of the highlights of the city.

Visit a vanilla plantation and explore a stunning cirque on this fascinating tour that includes lunch and free time for shopping. Take a picturesque drive to Saint-Denis, the economic and political center of Réunion Island, and notice eye-catching colonial mansions and buildings that date back to the time of the East India Trading Company during the 18th century.

Driving through the Sainte-Marie region, you’ll view sugar cane fields, lush greenery and, further east, vibrantly hued Indian temples. At a fragrant vanilla plantation, relish a guided tour and informative demonstration of how the plant’s aromatic oil is produced. Continuing to the Cirque of Salazie, thrill to a route through the natural amphitheater that passes countless cascading waterfalls, verdant gardens and colorful flowers while you ascend to approximately 3,300 feet. You’ll capture amazing photos during a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, then enter the town of Hell-Bourg, named for a respected former admiral and island governor.

Take a walking tour past the village’s enchanting Creole houses and enjoy time on your own to shop before savoring a traditional lunch, a wonderful conclusion to your delightful exploration.

OVERVIEW

Experience the Old World beauty and charm of the Seychelles during an orientation tour of picturesque La Digue. Enjoy a scenic drive to L’Union Estate, where you’ll gain insight into La Digue’s history at the estate’s old Creole house and coconut factory, and delight in daily life characterized by a decidedly relaxed pace punctuated by bicycles. Continue to La Digue’s beaches, considered to be among the world’s finest, including nearby Anse Source D’Argent, which has been called a bather’s and photographer’s dream. You’ll thrill to the soft white sands and dramatic granite boulders that have long enchanted visitors to the island. Keep a sharp lookout for the resident avian wonders, as you might catch sight of a Seychelles paradise flycatcher, a rare bird endemic to these islands that sports glossy black plumage with elongated tail feathers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit intriguing L’Union Estate and see a coconut factory, a traditional Creole house and oxcarts that evoke the island’s colonial past.
• Appreciate La Digue’s white-sand beaches, recognized as some of the world’s most stunning.
• Search for one of the island’s splendid endemic birds, the exotic Seychelles paradise flycatcher.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

Discover the magic of the Seychelles during this captivating visit to its mesmerizing underwater realm. After embarking on your catamaran, depart the pier for a delightful cruise over coral reefs to lush Moyenne Island. Upon arrival, you’ll receive safety instructions and snorkeling equipment, then begin exploring the island’s fascinating aquatic ecosystem, glimpsing tropical species that include scorpion, parrot and butterfly fish, as well as red gorgonian coral fans. After your snorkeling adventure, transfer from your catamaran to a semi-submarine viewer featuring a window through which you can behold the abundant marine life and, with the assistance of a helpful guide, thrill to hand-feeding the fish who call these warm waters home. You’ll surely cherish your immersion into the undersea world of the idyllic Seychelles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Board a catamaran for a relaxing cruise to verdant Moyenne Island.
• Receive snorkeling gear and safety information from a knowledgeable guide.
• Swim past living corals and myriad species of colorful fish such as parrot and butterfly fish.
• Observe the glorious underwater panorama from the comfort of a semi-submersible viewer.
• Hand-feed the fish with assistance from a helpful expert.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Settle in for a remarkably panoramic drive around Miyakojima and two neighboring islands with frequent stops at the most naturally beautiful attractions. Water views are plentiful as you will discover while pausing at bridges leading to the islands off Miyakojima and at Higashi Hennazaki, a low rocky cape that juts into the typically crashing sea. Similarly, water is the prominent feature at scenic Maehama Beach, the pair of brilliant blue Tooriike Ponds on Shimojijima Island and at the Miyakojima Marine Park, where you will observe a spectacular array of marine life through large underwater windows. Perched atop a hill, Makiyama Observatory offers an all-encompassing view of the area and some of the attractions that you will have already seen up-close. A leisurely tour of Yuki Shio will reveal how the saltworks factory removes mineral-rich sea salt from the ocean. The company’s name means “snow salt,” a reflection of the salt’s brilliant white color.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Admire the natural beauty of Miyakojima and other islands from the best vantage points.
• Behold the unexpected dips in Irabu Ohashi Bridge, the longest toll-free bridge in Japan.
• Observe unusual sea creatures through the viewing windows at Miyakojima Marine Park.
• See how salt is extracted from the sea and gaze out of the ocean at lovely Maehama Beach.

OVERVIEW

Gain an understanding of Brunei’s cultural heritage by visiting an array of remarkably diverse marquee attractions. For a glimpse into Brunei’s flourishing sea trade centuries ago, you will browse the Maritime Museum. Similarly, a stop at the waterfront market Tamu Kianggeh will present a look at how the Brunei River facilitates trade today as much of the traditional merchandise arrives by boat. For an even deeper dive into the importance of the river, you will stroll parts of the 23-mile-long boardwalk that runs through Kampong Ayer, the world’s largest settlement on stilts. Every single building – mosques, houses and stores – hangs over the river. In contrast, you will peruse the luxurious artifacts displayed in the Royal Regalia, a museum full of items from the sultan and Brunei’s royalty. Photos stops at the Prime Minister’s office and at the iconic Jame Mosque, which is featured on Brunei’s currency, will round out your exploration.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse a maritime museum and a museum with extravagant artifacts from the monarch.
• Enjoy a boat ride along the Brunei River to the Tamu Kianggeh waterfront market.
• Wander through a waterfront market and through the world’s largest village on stilts.
• Pause for photos at the Prime Minister’s office and at the Jame Mosque.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• No low-cut tops, shorts, short skirts or short dresses.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.