Bangkok to Bali

Day by day

Aerial view of a Chinese town surrounded by lush landscapes and a river.

Your journey through

China

Showing Days 1-7

14-day itinerary

Day 1BangkokSa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Thailand's bustling capital – Bangkok, famous for its tuk-tuks, Khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early (and it’s recommended that you do), why not take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, see the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down Khao San Road or indulge in a Thai massage. After the meeting, maybe join your group and tuck into some into some street food.

A stunning night scene of traffic motion around the illuminated Sule Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar.

Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Thailand's bustling capital – Bangkok, famous for its tuk-tuks, Khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early (and it’s recommended that you do), why not take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, see the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down Khao San Road or indulge in a Thai massage. After the meeting, maybe join your group and tuck into some into some street food.

Day 2Bangkok - Overnight trainBegin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the khlongs (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Visit Wat Pho – one of the Bangkok temples with a 46-m-long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, at 3 m long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls and shrines. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train journey to Surat Thani.

Stunning view of Sule Pagoda in Yangon during sunset, capturing vibrant city life.

Bangkok

Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the khlongs (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Visit Wat Pho – one of the Bangkok temples with a 46-m-long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, at 3 m long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls and shrines. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train journey to Surat Thani.

Day 3Khao SokArrive at Surat Thani in the morning, then travel by minivan to Khao Sok. Set amid hectares of thick jungle, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and an island-studded lake, the national park of Khao Sok is a nature lover's paradise. Here, you’ll have free time to explore one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Walk along the dirt trails that snake through the quiet park, looking out for wildlife as you head for rivers and waterfalls. Look out for the rare Rafflesia Kerri – one of the world’s largest flowers, only found in Thailand. Spend the night in a rustic hut within the ancient trees of the rainforest.

Khao Sok

Arrive at Surat Thani in the morning, then travel by minivan to Khao Sok. Set amid hectares of thick jungle, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and an island-studded lake, the national park of Khao Sok is a nature lover's paradise. Here, you’ll have free time to explore one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Walk along the dirt trails that snake through the quiet park, looking out for wildlife as you head for rivers and waterfalls. Look out for the rare Rafflesia Kerri – one of the world’s largest flowers, only found in Thailand. Spend the night in a rustic hut within the ancient trees of the rainforest.

Day 4Khao SokTravel through jungle, rubber and oil plantations before boarding a long tail boat for a ride across Cheow Lan Lake. With limestone karsts rising almost 1000 m out of the green waters, this area is incredibly picturesque. You’ll trek to an island cave to see the eerie stalactites and bats hanging from the ceiling, with subterranean streams at your feet. Have lunch in a local raft-house before soaking up some free time to relax, swim or kayak around the lake to search for wildlife – the water is clear and teems with aquatic life, and you can also look out for hornbills, langurs, macaques and gibbons.

Khao Sok

Travel through jungle, rubber and oil plantations before boarding a long tail boat for a ride across Cheow Lan Lake. With limestone karsts rising almost 1000 m out of the green waters, this area is incredibly picturesque. You’ll trek to an island cave to see the eerie stalactites and bats hanging from the ceiling, with subterranean streams at your feet. Have lunch in a local raft-house before soaking up some free time to relax, swim or kayak around the lake to search for wildlife – the water is clear and teems with aquatic life, and you can also look out for hornbills, langurs, macaques and gibbons.

Day 5Ao NangHead to Ao Nang in a private minivan, stopping at Baan Bor Tor along the way. When you arrive, embark on a sea kayaking journey. About halfway along the coast between Than Bok Khoranee and Krabi town is a bay of mangroves that might just be the most beautiful bay in Thailand. Surrounded by towering karst formations and many small offshore islands, these waterways will be your pathway as you move slowly through the bays and canyons, through the inlets, caves and hidden lagoons. Look out for the birds overhead and the monkeys in the trees – if you do see a monkey, make sure you secure your belongings and any food! Arrive at Ao Nang late in the afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.

Ao Nang

Head to Ao Nang in a private minivan, stopping at Baan Bor Tor along the way. When you arrive, embark on a sea kayaking journey. About halfway along the coast between Than Bok Khoranee and Krabi town is a bay of mangroves that might just be the most beautiful bay in Thailand. Surrounded by towering karst formations and many small offshore islands, these waterways will be your pathway as you move slowly through the bays and canyons, through the inlets, caves and hidden lagoons. Look out for the birds overhead and the monkeys in the trees – if you do see a monkey, make sure you secure your belongings and any food! Arrive at Ao Nang late in the afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.

Day 6Ao NangIf you’re a nature lover, Krabi might just be your favourite spot. Today is a free day to soak up everything this island has to offer. Maybe head to the water for a diving adventure or take a daytrip to explore Phi Phi and Khai Nok – these islands are surrounded by white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The area around Krabi is also home to some of the best climbing routes. Whether you're a novice or a pro, being securely tied high up a limestone cliff-face looking down on jungle and is an unforgettable experience! Tonight, maybe watch the sunset light up the sky and indulge in some local seafood at a beachside restaurant.

Ao Nang

If you’re a nature lover, Krabi might just be your favourite spot. Today is a free day to soak up everything this island has to offer. Maybe head to the water for a diving adventure or take a daytrip to explore Phi Phi and Khai Nok – these islands are surrounded by white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The area around Krabi is also home to some of the best climbing routes. Whether you're a novice or a pro, being securely tied high up a limestone cliff-face looking down on jungle and is an unforgettable experience! Tonight, maybe watch the sunset light up the sky and indulge in some local seafood at a beachside restaurant.

Day 7TrangThis morning, you’ll head on to the small village of Baan Mod Tanoy. When you arrive, you’ll go on a walk around the village and gain some insight into the locals’ day to day life. Then, time to enjoy the great food and hospitality of the village. Get your hands dirty with some Batik handkerchief dyeing and learn a few tricks from the local craftsman at a workshop showcasing this traditional art. Your accommodation tonight is in a local resort in the village.

Trang

This morning, you’ll head on to the small village of Baan Mod Tanoy. When you arrive, you’ll go on a walk around the village and gain some insight into the locals’ day to day life. Then, time to enjoy the great food and hospitality of the village. Get your hands dirty with some Batik handkerchief dyeing and learn a few tricks from the local craftsman at a workshop showcasing this traditional art. Your accommodation tonight is in a local resort in the village.

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Stunning aerial view of Ijen Crater's turquoise lake surrounded by lush volcanic scenery.

Your journey through

Indonesia

Showing Days 15-21

11-day itinerary

Day 15Jakarta (Border crossing)Take a short flight from Singapore to Jakarta to start the next part of your adventure. Your flight will be unaccompanied, but you’ll be transferred to the airport in Singapore and will be picked up by a local representative when you arrive in Jakarta. Arrive in time for a welcome meeting with your new leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm. If you get in a little early, why not check out some of Jakarta's interesting museums, such as the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and maritime museums. The National Museum is also great for first-time visitors. For a city monument, check out the Monas (National Monument), dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people.

Take a short flight from Singapore to Jakarta to start the next part of your adventure. Your flight will be unaccompanied, but you’ll be transferred to the airport in Singapore and will be picked up by a local representative when you arrive in Jakarta. Arrive in time for a welcome meeting with your new leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm. If you get in a little early, why not check out some of Jakarta's interesting museums, such as the Wayang (puppetry), Balai Seni Rupa (fine arts) and maritime museums. The National Museum is also great for first-time visitors. For a city monument, check out the Monas (National Monument), dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people.

Day 16JakartaFamiliarise yourself with the city on a full-day tour of Jakarta with your local leader. Take in Sunda Kelapa port – where the Dutch first landed, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. See Si Jagur – an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with a disguised meaning. Wander Fatahillah Square, then explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque – the largest mosque in South East Asia. Tonight, you’re free to find some delicious local eats – just ask your leader!

Jakarta

Familiarise yourself with the city on a full-day tour of Jakarta with your local leader. Take in Sunda Kelapa port – where the Dutch first landed, temple-filled Chinatown and the old town of Batavia. See Si Jagur – an old Portuguese cannon ornately decorated with a disguised meaning. Wander Fatahillah Square, then explore the religious side of the city at Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque – the largest mosque in South East Asia. Tonight, you’re free to find some delicious local eats – just ask your leader!

Day 17YogyakartaThis morning, catch a train to Yogyakarta – this town is one of South East Asia's real gems! Known as Java's cultural heart, Yogyakarta has a great atmosphere and is perfect to explore on foot, offering a great array of cultural avenues to explore including batik workshops as well as Hindu and Buddhist temples. When you arrive, take some time to relax and freshen up before heading out with your leader this evening for a street food tour. You might try local delicacies like gudeg (jackfruit stew) and kopi joss (charcoal coffee).

An elderly man crafts intricate wayang puppets in a traditional Indonesian setting.

Yogyakarta

This morning, catch a train to Yogyakarta – this town is one of South East Asia's real gems! Known as Java's cultural heart, Yogyakarta has a great atmosphere and is perfect to explore on foot, offering a great array of cultural avenues to explore including batik workshops as well as Hindu and Buddhist temples. When you arrive, take some time to relax and freshen up before heading out with your leader this evening for a street food tour. You might try local delicacies like gudeg (jackfruit stew) and kopi joss (charcoal coffee).

Day 18YogyakartaRise early to avoid the crowds at Candi Borobudur – the largest Buddhist structure on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site is set in a tranquil park and as you approach, you'll see the temple rise before you, looming above tropical foliage. With your local guide, follow the route of ancient pilgrims, circling the mandala-shaped structure from the early realms towards Nirvana. In the afternoon, venture out of the city on a cycling tour through the rice fields and countryside surrounding Yogyakarta. You’ll pass palm trees, vast grasslands and maybe some locals making various goods like tofu and tempeh along the way, stopping for some great photo ops as you explore.

Outdoor market scene with vendors selling fresh produce, under colorful umbrellas in a busy street setting.

Yogyakarta

Rise early to avoid the crowds at Candi Borobudur – the largest Buddhist structure on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site is set in a tranquil park and as you approach, you'll see the temple rise before you, looming above tropical foliage. With your local guide, follow the route of ancient pilgrims, circling the mandala-shaped structure from the early realms towards Nirvana. In the afternoon, venture out of the city on a cycling tour through the rice fields and countryside surrounding Yogyakarta. You’ll pass palm trees, vast grasslands and maybe some locals making various goods like tofu and tempeh along the way, stopping for some great photo ops as you explore.

Day 19SelolimanTravel by train, then minivan to Seloliman Nature Reserve today. Have the lunch box on the train, which is a typical Javanese bento, using bamboo and banana leaves. When you arrive, you’ll meet some of the volunteers working at the Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and learn about what they do here. This peaceful reserve sits on the slopes of the sacred volcano, Mt Penanggungan. The centre's accommodation is atmospheric, even with open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest, so take this opportunity to relax this afternoon. This is a beautiful spot to appreciate nature, sit under the stars as the sun goes down and spend an evening technology-free! For dinner, sit down for some delicious, locally grown organic produce cooked by their staff.

Travel by train, then minivan to Seloliman Nature Reserve today. Have the lunch box on the train, which is a typical Javanese bento, using bamboo and banana leaves. When you arrive, you’ll meet some of the volunteers working at the Seloliman Environmental Education Centre and learn about what they do here. This peaceful reserve sits on the slopes of the sacred volcano, Mt Penanggungan. The centre's accommodation is atmospheric, even with open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest, so take this opportunity to relax this afternoon. This is a beautiful spot to appreciate nature, sit under the stars as the sun goes down and spend an evening technology-free! For dinner, sit down for some delicious, locally grown organic produce cooked by their staff.

Day 20BromoJoin the reserve staff on a walk around the property this morning, learning about the local environment and the Javanese tradition of herbal medicine. You'll gain an insight into the region’s flora and fauna, traditional farming methods, rice production and the mini hydroelectricity plant. Finish up with a traditional jamu demonstration and a tasting of this Javanese herbal medicine. Enjoy lunch at the center before traveling onto Mt Bromo – the homeland of the Tenggerese. The still-active volcano – standing at 2329 m – is the most well-known of the Tengger massif. Retire early tonight in preparation for tomorrow's early start.

Join the reserve staff on a walk around the property this morning, learning about the local environment and the Javanese tradition of herbal medicine. You'll gain an insight into the region’s flora and fauna, traditional farming methods, rice production and the mini hydroelectricity plant. Finish up with a traditional jamu demonstration and a tasting of this Javanese herbal medicine. Enjoy lunch at the center before traveling onto Mt Bromo – the homeland of the Tenggerese. The still-active volcano – standing at 2329 m – is the most well-known of the Tengger massif. Retire early tonight in preparation for tomorrow's early start.

Day 21Mt Bromo/ KalibaruYour early start today (around 3 am) will be well worth it! First, drive to a lookout point in jeeps to catch the sunrise over the sea of sand. After, you’ll climb up to the volcano crater to take a peek inside – the ascent is not too difficult (approximately 45 minutes), but it can be very cold, so don't forget to bring extra layers of clothing. It's also worth bringing a scarf to cover your nose and mouth, as it can get dusty. Return to the hotel to freshen up and then depart midmorning to Kalibaru by taking a local train. Tonight, you’re free to relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a local massage.

Your early start today (around 3 am) will be well worth it! First, drive to a lookout point in jeeps to catch the sunrise over the sea of sand. After, you’ll climb up to the volcano crater to take a peek inside – the ascent is not too difficult (approximately 45 minutes), but it can be very cold, so don't forget to bring extra layers of clothing. It's also worth bringing a scarf to cover your nose and mouth, as it can get dusty. Return to the hotel to freshen up and then depart midmorning to Kalibaru by taking a local train. Tonight, you’re free to relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a local massage.

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